Dogwood Therapeutics, Inc S-1, filed Aug 28, 2020
Dogwood Therapeutics, Inc. (DWTX)
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
REGISTRATION STATEMENT
UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
| |
Alabama
|
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8731
|
| |
45-4618270
|
|
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(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization) |
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(Primary Standard Industrial
Classification Code Number) |
| |
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.) |
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Alpharetta, GA 30009
(866) 620-8655
(Address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code, of registrant’s principal executive offices)
Chief Executive Officer
Virios Therapeutics, LLC
44 Milton Avenue
Alpharetta, GA 30009
(866) 620-8655
(Name, address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code, of agent for service)
| |
Darrick M. Mix, Esq.
Justin A. Santarosa, Esq. Duane Morris LLP 30 South 17th Street Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19103 (215) 979-1227 |
| |
Mitchell S. Nussbaum, Esq.
Norwood P. Beveridge, Jr., Esq. Lili Taheri, Esq. Loeb & Loeb LLP 345 Park Avenue New York, NY 10154 (212) 407-4000 |
|
As soon as practicable after this Registration Statement is declared effective.
| | Large accelerated filer ☐ | | | Accelerated filer ☐ | | | Non-accelerated filer ☒ | | |
Smaller reporting company ☒
Emerging growth company ☒
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Title of Each Class of Securities to Be Registered
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| | |
Proposed
Maximum Offering Price Per Share(1)(2) |
| | |
Amount of
Registration Fee(3) |
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|
Common Stock, $0.0001 par value per share
|
| | | | $ | 34,500,000 | | | | | | $ | 4,478.10 | | |
Common Stock
| | | |
Per Share
|
| |
Total
|
|
|
Initial public offering price
|
| | | | | | |
|
Underwriting discounts and commissions(1)
|
| | | | | | |
|
Proceeds to us, before expenses
|
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | 1 | | | |
| | | | | | 10 | | | |
| | | | | | 11 | | | |
| | | | | | 13 | | | |
| | | | | | 51 | | | |
| | | | | | 52 | | | |
| | | | | | 53 | | | |
| | | | | | 54 | | | |
| | | | | | 56 | | | |
| | | | | | 57 | | | |
| | | | | | 58 | | | |
| | | | | | 59 | | | |
| | | | | | 61 | | | |
| | | | | | 63 | | | |
| | | | | | 71 | | | |
| | | | | | 72 | | | |
| | | | | | 102 | | | |
| | | | | | 109 | | | |
| | | | | | 116 | | | |
| | | | | | 117 | | | |
| | | | | | 119 | | | |
| | | | | | 122 | | | |
| | | | | | 124 | | | |
| | | | | | 133 | | | |
| | | | | | 133 | | | |
| | | | | | 133 | | | |
| | | | | | F-1 | | |
Its Own Replication via Cyclooxygenase (COX 1 and COX 2)
Demonstrates FM Treatment Effect
| | | |
Year Ended December 31,
|
| |
Six Months
Ended June 30, |
| ||||||||||||||||||
|
(in thousands, except per share data)
|
| |
2019
|
| |
2018
|
| |
2020
|
| |
2019
|
| ||||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
(Unaudited)
|
| |||||||||
| Statement of Operations Data: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Operating expenses: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
Research and development
|
| | | $ | 836 | | | | | $ | 854 | | | | | $ | 88 | | | | | $ | 164 | | |
|
General and administrative
|
| | | | 1,342 | | | | | | 1,107 | | | | | | 833 | | | | | | 712 | | |
|
Total operating expenses
|
| | | | 2,178 | | | | | | 1,961 | | | | | | 921 | | | | | | 876 | | |
|
Loss from operations
|
| | | | (2,178) | | | | | | (1,961) | | | | | | (921) | | | | | | (876) | | |
|
Other income (expense)
|
| | | | (295) | | | | | | (152) | | | | | | (200) | | | | | | (147) | | |
|
Net loss
|
| | | $ | (2,473) | | | | | $ | (2,113) | | | | | $ | (1,121) | | | | | $ | (1,023) | | |
|
Pro forma net loss per common share – basic and diluted
(unaudited)(1) |
| | | $ | | | | | | | | | | | | $ | | | | | | | | | |
|
Pro forma weighted average common shares outstanding – basic
and diluted (unaudited)(1) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | |
As of June 30, 2020
|
| |||||||||
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(in thousands)
|
| |
Actual
|
| |
Pro Forma(1)
|
| |
Pro Forma As
Adjusted(2) |
| |||
| | | |
(Unaudited)
|
| |
(Unaudited)
|
| |
(Unaudited)
|
| |||
| Balance Sheet Data: | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
Cash
|
| | | $ | 1,048 | | | | | | | | |
|
Working capital
|
| | | | (637) | | | | | | | | |
|
Total assets
|
| | | | 1,273 | | | | | | | | |
|
Convertible promissory notes, net of unamortized deferred
issuance costs |
| | | | 5,486 | | | | | | | | |
|
Preferred members’ interests, non-voting, net
|
| | | | 75 | | | | | | | | |
|
Equity (deficit)
|
| | | | (6,139) | | | | | | | | |
| | | |
As of June 30, 2020
|
| |||||||||||||||
| | | |
Actual
|
| |
Pro Forma
|
| |
Pro Forma
As Adjusted |
| |||||||||
| | | |
(in thousands, except share and per
share data) |
| |||||||||||||||
|
Cash
|
| | | $ | 1,048 | | | | | $ | | | | | $ | | | ||
|
Convertible promissory notes
|
| | | $ | 5,486 | | | | | $ | | | | | $ | | | ||
|
Preferred members’ interests, non-voting
|
| | | $ | 75 | | | | | $ | | | | | $ | | | ||
| Members’ Equity (deficit): | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
Membership interests, actual; none issued and outstanding, pro forma
and pro forma as adjusted |
| | | $ | 12,601 | | | | | $ | | | | | $ | | | ||
| Stockholders’ Equity (deficit): | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
Common stock, $0.0001 par value; no shares authorized, and no
shares issued and outstanding, actual; 43,000,000 shares authorized, pro forma and shares issued and outstanding, pro forma |
| | | $ | — | | | | | $ | | | | | $ | | | ||
|
Preferred stock, $0.0001 par value; no shares authorized, and no shares issued and outstanding, actual; 2,000,000 shares authorized and no shares issued and outstanding, pro forma and pro forma as adjusted
|
| | | $ | — | | | | | $ | — | | | | | $ | — | | |
|
Additional paid-in capital
|
| | | $ | — | | | | | $ | | | | | $ | | | ||
|
Accumulated deficit
|
| | | $ | (18,740) | | | | | $ | | | | | $ | | | ||
|
Total members’ / stockholders’ equity (deficit)
|
| | | $ | (6,139) | | | | | $ | | | | | $ | | | ||
|
Total capitalization
|
| | | $ | 1,273 | | | | | $ | | | | | $ | | | | |
| |
Initial public offering price per share
|
| |
|
| | | $ | | | |
| |
Historical net tangible book value deficit per share as of June 30, 2020
|
| | | | | | | | | |
| |
Pro forma net tangible book value deficit per share as of June 30, 2020
|
| | | | | | | | | |
| |
Increase in pro forma net tangible book value per share attributable to this offering
|
| | | | | | | | | |
| |
Pro forma as adjusted net tangible book value per share after this
offering |
| | | | | | | | | |
| |
Dilution per share to new investors purchasing common stock in this offering
|
| | | | | | $ | | | |
| | | |
Shares Purchased
|
| |
Total
Consideration |
| |
Average Price
Per Share |
| ||||||
| | | |
Number
|
| |
Percent
|
| |
Amount
|
| |
Percent
|
| |||
| | | |
(in thousands)
|
| ||||||||||||
| Existing stockholders | | |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| | | |
| New investors | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
Total
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | |
Year Ended December 31,
|
| |
Six Months
Ended June 30, |
| ||||||||||||||||||
|
(in thousands, except for per share data)
|
| |
2019
|
| |
2018
|
| |
2020
|
| |
2019
|
| ||||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
(Unaudited)
|
| |||||||||
| Statement of Operations Data: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Operating expenses: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
Research and development
|
| | | $ | 836 | | | | | $ | 854 | | | | | $ | 88 | | | | | $ | 164 | | |
|
General and administrative
|
| | | | 1,342 | | | | | | 1,107 | | | | | | 833 | | | | | | 712 | | |
|
Total operating expenses
|
| | | | 2,178 | | | | | | 1,961 | | | | | | 921 | | | | | | 876 | | |
|
Loss from operations
|
| | | | (2,178) | | | | | | (1,961) | | | | | | (921) | | | | | | (876) | | |
|
Other income (expense)
|
| | | | (295) | | | | | | (152) | | | | | | (200) | | | | | | (147) | | |
|
Net loss
|
| | | $ | (2,473) | | | | | $ | (2,113) | | | | | $ | (1,121) | | | | | $ | (1,023) | | |
|
Pro forma net loss per common share – basic and diluted
(unaudited)(1) |
| | | $ | | | | | | | | | | | | $ | | | | | | | | | |
|
Pro forma weighted average common shares outstanding – basic
and diluted (unaudited)(1) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | |
As of June 30, 2020
|
| |||||||||
|
(in thousands)
|
| |
Actual
|
| |
Pro Forma(1)
|
| |
Pro Forma
As Adjusted(2) |
| |||
| | | |
(Unaudited)
|
| |
(Unaudited)
|
| |
(Unaudited)
|
| |||
| Balance Sheet Data: | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
Cash
|
| | | $ | 1,048 | | | | | | | | |
|
Working capital
|
| | | | (637) | | | | | | | | |
|
Total assets
|
| | | | 1,273 | | | | | | | | |
|
Convertible promissory notes, net of unamortized deferred issuance
costs |
| | | | 5,486 | | | | | | | | |
|
Preferred members’ interests, non-voting, net
|
| | | | 75 | | | | | | | | |
|
Equity (deficit)
|
| | | | (6,139) | | | | | | | | |
FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
| | | |
Year Ended
December 31, |
| |
Six Months
Ended June 30, |
| ||||||||||||||||||
| | | |
2019
|
| |
2018
|
| |
2020
|
| |
2019
|
| ||||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
(Unaudited)
|
| |||||||||
|
Research and development
|
| | | $ | 836,175 | | | | | $ | 854,109 | | | | | $ | 87,564 | | | | | $ | 164,030 | | |
|
General and administrative
|
| | | | 1,342,324 | | | | | | 1,107,386 | | | | | | 833,368 | | | | | | 712,410 | | |
| | | | | $ | 2,178,499 | | | | | $ | 1,961,495 | | | | | $ | 920,932 | | | | | $ | 876,440 | | |
| | | |
Years Ended
December 31, |
| |
Six Months Ended
June 30, |
| ||||||||||||||||||
| | | |
2019
|
| |
2018
|
| |
2020
|
| |
2019
|
| ||||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
(Unaudited)
|
| |||||||||
| Statement of Cash Flows Data: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Total net cash (used in) provided by: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
Operating activities
|
| | | $ | (2,092,150) | | | | | $ | (1,195,955) | | | | | $ | (1,049,944) | | | | | $ | (1,111,728) | | |
|
Financing activities
|
| | | | 2,371,508 | | | | | | 1,150,468 | | | | | | 1,789,052 | | | | | | 1,807,903 | | |
|
Increase (decrease) in cash
|
| | | $ | 279,358 | | | | | $ | (45,487) | | | | | $ | 739,108 | | | | | $ | 696,175 | | |
Founder, Virios Therapeutics, LLC
Its Own Replication via Cyclooxygenase (COX 1 and COX 2)
Demonstrates FM Treatment Effect
|
Pain Analysis
|
| |
Placebo LS
Change @ Endpoint (SE) |
| |
IMC-1 LS
Change @ Endpoint (SE) |
| |
Contrast (SE)
|
| |
P- Value
|
| |||
|
NRS 24-hour recall, MMRM LOCF/BOCF Imputation @ 16 weeks
|
| |
-1.1 (0.28)
|
| |
-1.9 (0.28)
|
| |
-0.8 (0.37)
|
| | | | 0.031 | | |
|
FIQ-R 7-days recall, MMRM LOCF/BOCF Imputation @ 16 weeks
|
| |
-0.92 (0.30)
|
| |
-2.2 (0.30)
|
| |
-1.25 (0.38)
|
| | | | 0.001 | | |
|
50% Pain Responder Analysis
|
| |
Measure
|
| |
Placebo
Responders (%) |
| |
Placebo
Non-Responders (%) |
| |
IMC-1
Responders (%) |
| |
IMC-1
Non-Responders |
| |
P-Value
|
| |||
|
Week 16 Visit, 50% Reduction
|
| |
NRS
|
| |
11 (15.1)
|
| |
62 (84.9)
|
| |
20 (30.3)
|
| |
46 (69.7)
|
| | | | 0.009 | | |
|
Week 16 Visit, 50% Reduction
|
| |
FIQ-R Pain
|
| |
12 (16.9)
|
| |
59 (83.1)
|
| |
25 (37.9)
|
| |
41 (62.1)
|
| | | | 0.001 | | |
|
PGIC Analysis
|
| |
Placebo
Responders (%) |
| |
Placebo
Non-Responders (%) |
| |
IMC-1
Responders (%) |
| |
IMC-1
Non-Responders |
| |
P- Value
|
| |||
|
Week 6 Visit
|
| |
14 (19.2)
|
| |
59 (80.8)
|
| |
26 (37.7)
|
| |
43 (62.3)
|
| | | | 0.040 | | |
|
Week 12 Visit
|
| |
13 (17.8)
|
| |
60 (82.2)
|
| |
26 (37.7)
|
| |
43 (62.3)
|
| | | | 0.005 | | |
|
Week 16 Visit
|
| |
14 (19.2)
|
| |
59 (80.8)
|
| |
23 (33.3)
|
| |
46 (66.6)
|
| | | | 0.040 | | |
|
Outcomes Measure
|
| |
Method
|
| |
Placebo
Baseline |
| |
IMC-1
Baseline |
| |
Placebo LS
Change (SE) |
| |
IMC-1 LS
Change (SE) |
| |
Contrast (SE)
|
| |
P- Value
|
| |||
|
FIQ-R
|
| |
Week 16 MMRM LOCF/BOCF
|
| |
56.81 (73)
|
| |
54.28 (69)
|
| |
-7.87 (2.33)
|
| |
-17.54 (2.40)
|
| |
-9.67 (3.05)
|
| | | | 0.002 | | |
|
PROMIS Fatigue
|
| |
Week 16 MMRM LOCF/BOCF
|
| |
65.83 (73)
|
| |
65.55 (69)
|
| |
-2.68 (0.93)
|
| |
-6.65 (0.96)
|
| |
-3.96 (1.22)
|
| | | | 0.001 | | |
|
Week 16
FIQ-R Analysis LOCF/BOCF Imputation)* |
| |
LS Mean (SE) Change from Baseline
|
| | | | | | | | | | |||
| |
Placebo
|
| |
IMC-1
|
| | | | | | | | | | ||
| |
N = 71
|
| |
N = 66
|
| |
Contrast (SE)
|
| |
P- Value**
|
| |||||
|
Functional Domain
|
| |
-5.44 (2.32)
|
| |
-14.29 (2.40)
|
| |
-8.85 (3.03)
|
| | | | 0.004 | | |
|
Overall Impact Domain
|
| |
-1.89 (0.61)
|
| |
-4.29 (0.63)
|
| |
-2.40 (0.79)
|
| | | | 0.003 | | |
|
Symptoms Domain
|
| |
-7.90 (2.33)
|
| |
-16.77 (2.40)
|
| |
-8.88 (3.06)
|
| | | | 0.004 | | |
|
Adverse Events Reported for ≥5% of the Patients in Either Treatment Group
|
| ||||||
|
Adverse Event
|
| |
Placebo
N=73 |
| |
IMC-1
N=69 |
|
|
Any Event
|
| |
57 (78.1%)
|
| |
50 (72.5%)
|
|
|
Headache
|
| |
10 (13.7%)
|
| |
8 (11.6%)
|
|
|
Urinary Tract Infection
|
| |
4 (5.5%)
|
| |
6 (8.7%)
|
|
|
Blood Lactate Dehydrogenase Increased
|
| |
1 (1.4%)
|
| |
4 (5.8%)
|
|
|
Nasopharyngitis
|
| |
1 (1.4%)
|
| |
4 (5.8%)
|
|
|
Diarrhea
|
| |
9 (12.3%)
|
| |
3 (4.3%)
|
|
|
Nausea
|
| |
13 (17.8%)
|
| |
3 (4.3%)
|
|
|
Fibromyalgia
|
| |
4 (5.5%)
|
| |
2 (2.9%)
|
|
|
Vomiting
|
| |
5 (6.8%)
|
| |
2 (2.9%)
|
|
|
Constipation
|
| |
6 (8.2%)
|
| |
0
|
|
|
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease
|
| |
4 (5.5%)
|
| |
0
|
|
|
Alopecia
|
| |
4 (5.5%)
|
| |
0
|
|
|
Oropharyngeal Pain
|
| |
4 (5.5%)
|
| |
0
|
|
|
Name
|
| |
Age
|
| |
Position
|
|
| Executive Officers | | | | | | | |
| Greg Duncan | | |
55
|
| | Chief Executive Officer, and Chairman | |
| Richard Burch(2) | | |
64
|
| | President, Director | |
| R. Michael Gendreau, M.D., Ph.D. | | |
65
|
| | Chief Medical Officer | |
| Ralph Grosswald | | |
51
|
| | Vice President of Operations | |
| Angela Walsh | | |
54
|
| | Vice President of Finance, Treasurer | |
| Directors | | | | | | | |
| Robert Buchalter(1) | | |
64
|
| | Director | |
| Abel De La Rosa, Ph.D.(2) | | |
57
|
| | Director | |
| David Keefer | | |
67
|
| | Director | |
| William L. Pridgen, M.D. | | |
59
|
| | Founder, Director | |
| John C. Thomas, Jr.(2) | | |
66
|
| | Director | |
| Richard J. Whitley, M.D.(2) | | |
74
|
| | Director | |
| Robert Young(1) | | |
73
|
| | Director | |
|
Name and Principal Position
|
| |
Year
|
| |
Salary
($) |
| |
Option
Awards ($) |
| |
Total
($) |
| ||||||||||||
| William L. Pridgen, M.D.(1) | | | | | 2019 | | | | | | 350,000 | | | | | | — | | | | | | 350,000 | | |
|
Chief Executive Officer
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Richard Burch | | | | | 2019 | | | | | | 350,000 | | | | | | — | | | | | | 350,000 | | |
|
President
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | |
Number of
Shares Beneficially Owned Prior to Offering |
| |
Percentage of
Shares Beneficially Owned |
| |||
|
Name of Beneficial Owner
|
| |
Prior to
Offering |
| |
After
Offering |
| |||
| Robert Buchalter | | | | | | | | | | |
| Richard Burch(1) | | | | | | | | | | |
| Abel De La Rosa, Ph.D. | | | | | | | | | | |
| Greg Duncan(2) | | | | | | | | | | |
| David Keefer | | | | | | | | | | |
| William L. Pridgen, M.D. | | | | | | | | | | |
| John C. Thomas, Jr. | | | | | | | | | | |
| Angela Walsh(3) | | | | | | | | | | |
| Richard J. Whitley, M.D. | | | | | | | | | | |
| Robert Young | | | | | | | | | | |
| Directors and Officers as a Group ( ) individuals) | | | | | | | | | | |
| Beneficial owners of more than 5% of our common stock: | | | | | | | | | | |
| The University of Alabama(4) | | | | | | | | | | |
|
Underwriter
|
| |
Number of
Shares |
|
|
ThinkEquity, a division of Fordham Financial Management, Inc.
|
| | | |
| | | | | |
|
Total
|
| | | |
| | | | | | | | | |
Total
|
| |||||||||
| | | |
Per Share
|
| |
Without
Option |
| |
With
Option |
| |||||||||
|
Public offering price
|
| | | $ | | | | | $ | | | | | $ | | | |||
|
Underwriting discounts and commissions (7%)
|
| | | $ | | | | | $ | | | | | $ | | | |||
|
Non-accountable expense allowance (1%)
|
| | | $ | | | | | $ | | | | | $ | | | |||
|
Proceeds, before expenses, to us
|
| | | $ | | | | | $ | | | | | $ | | | | ||
| | | |
Page(s)
|
| |||
| | | | | F-2 | | | |
| | | | | F-3 | | | |
| | | | | F-4 | | | |
| | | | | F-5 | | | |
| | | | | F-6 | | | |
| | | | | F-7 | | | |
| | | | | F-17 | | | |
| | | | | F-18 | | | |
| | | | | F-19 | | | |
| | | | | F-20 | | | |
| | | | | F-21 | | | |
July 23, 2020
|
December 31
|
| |
2019
|
| |
2018
|
| ||||||
| Assets | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Current assets: | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
Cash
|
| | |
$
|
309,384
|
| | | | $ | 30,026 | | |
|
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
|
| | |
|
6,516
|
| | | | | 12,372 | | |
|
Total current assets
|
| | |
|
315,900
|
| | | | | 42,398 | | |
|
Deferred issuance costs
|
| | |
|
—
|
| | | | | 23,537 | | |
|
Total assets
|
| | |
$
|
315,900
|
| | | | $ | 65,935 | | |
| Liabilities and members’ deficit | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Current liabilities: | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
Accounts payable
|
| | |
$
|
35,421
|
| | | | $ | 145,656 | | |
|
Accrued expenses
|
| | |
|
525,445
|
| | | | | 174,427 | | |
|
Accrued salaries
|
| | |
|
1,060,000
|
| | | | | 1,006,250 | | |
|
Total current liabilities
|
| | |
|
1,620,866
|
| | | | | 1,326,333 | | |
|
Convertible promissory notes, net
|
| | |
|
3,637,543
|
| | | | | — | | |
|
Total liabilities
|
| | |
|
5,258,409
|
| | | | | 1,326,333 | | |
| Commitments and contingencies (Note 9) | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
Preferred members’ interests, non-voting, net
|
| | |
|
75,000
|
| | | | | 1,283,484 | | |
| Members’ deficit: | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
Member’s interests, voting
|
| | |
|
—
|
| | | | | — | | |
|
Members’ interests, non-voting
|
| | |
|
12,601,201
|
| | | | | 12,601,201 | | |
|
Accumulated deficit
|
| | |
|
(17,618,710)
|
| | | | | (15,145,083) | | |
|
Total members’ deficit
|
| | |
|
(5,017,509)
|
| | | | | (2,543,882) | | |
|
Total liabilities and members’ deficit
|
| | |
$
|
315,900
|
| | | | $ | 65,935 | | |
|
For the years ended December 31
|
| |
2019
|
| |
2018
|
| ||||||
|
Revenue
|
| | |
$
|
—
|
| | | | $ | — | | |
|
Research and development expenses
|
| | |
|
836,175
|
| | | | | 854,109 | | |
|
General and administrative expenses
|
| | |
|
1,342,324
|
| | | | | 1,107,386 | | |
|
Operating loss
|
| | |
|
(2,178,499)
|
| | | | | (1,961,495) | | |
|
Interest expense, net
|
| | |
|
(295,128)
|
| | | | | (152,103) | | |
|
Other income
|
| | |
|
—
|
| | | | | 6 | | |
|
Loss before provision for income taxes
|
| | |
|
(2,473,627)
|
| | | | | (2,113,592) | | |
|
Provision for income taxes
|
| | |
|
—
|
| | | | | — | | |
|
Net loss
|
| | |
$
|
(2,473,627)
|
| | | | $ | (2,113,592) | | |
| Pro forma information (unaudited): | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
Net loss
|
| | | $ | (2,473,627) | | | | | | | | |
|
Pro forma income tax (expense) benefit
|
| | | | — | | | | | | | | |
|
Pro forma net loss
|
| | | $ | (2,473,627) | | | | | | | | |
|
Pro forma net loss per share – basic and diluted
|
| | | $ | | | | | | | | | |
|
Weighted average pro forma number of shares outstanding – basic and diluted
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | |
Voting
Member’s Interests |
| |
Non-voting
Members Interests |
| |
Accumulated
Deficit |
| |
Total
Members’ Deficit |
| ||||||||||||
|
Balance, December 31, 2017
|
| | | $ | — | | | | | $ | 12,601,201 | | | | | $ | (13,031,491) | | | | | $ | (430,290) | | |
|
Net loss
|
| | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | (2,113,592) | | | | | | (2,113,592) | | |
|
Balance, December 31, 2018
|
| | | | — | | | | | | 12,601,201 | | | | | | (15,145,083) | | | | | | (2,543,882) | | |
|
Net loss
|
| | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | (2,473,627) | | | | | | (2,473,627) | | |
|
Balance, December 31, 2019
|
| | | $ | — | | | | | $ | 12,601,201 | | | | | $ | (17,618,710) | | | | | $ | (5,017,509) | | |
|
For the years ended December 31
|
| |
2019
|
| |
2018
|
| ||||||
| Cash flows from operating activities | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
Net loss
|
| | |
$
|
(2,473,627)
|
| | | | $ | (2,113,592) | | |
|
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities:
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
Amortization of issuance costs
|
| | |
|
62,841
|
| | | | | 33,016 | | |
|
Provision for uncollectable receivables
|
| | |
|
2,160
|
| | | | | 15,489 | | |
|
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
(Increase) decrease:
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
|
| | |
|
3,696
|
| | | | | (23,694) | | |
|
Increase (decrease):
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
Accounts payable
|
| | |
|
(89,824)
|
| | | | | 65,638 | | |
|
Accrued expenses
|
| | |
|
348,854
|
| | | | | 156,355 | | |
|
Accrued salaries
|
| | |
|
53,750
|
| | | | | 670,833 | | |
|
Net cash used in operating activities
|
| | |
|
(2,092,150)
|
| | | | | (1,195,955) | | |
| Cash flows from financing activities | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
Proceeds from issuance of convertible promissory notes
|
| | |
|
2,430,000
|
| | | | | — | | |
|
Proceeds from issuance of non-voting preferred members’ interests
|
| | |
|
—
|
| | | | | 1,220,000 | | |
|
Payment of deferred issuance costs
|
| | |
|
(58,492)
|
| | | | | (69,532) | | |
|
Net cash provided by financing activities
|
| | |
|
2,371,508
|
| | | | | 1,150,468 | | |
|
Net increase (decrease) in cash
|
| | |
|
279,358
|
| | | | | (45,487) | | |
|
Cash, beginning of period
|
| | |
|
30,026
|
| | | | | 75,513 | | |
|
Cash, end of period
|
| | |
$
|
309,384
|
| | | | $ | 30,026 | | |
| Supplemental disclosure of non-cash financing transactions: | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
Accrued deferred issuance costs
|
| | |
$
|
5,290
|
| | | | $ | 23,537 | | |
|
Conversion of non-voting preferred members’ interests to convertible promissory notes
|
| | |
$
|
1,245,000
|
| | | | $ | — | | |
|
Conversion of investor loan to non-voting preferred members’ interests
|
| | |
$
|
—
|
| | | | $ | 100,000 | | |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 2019 AND 2018
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
DECEMBER 31, 2019 AND 2018
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
DECEMBER 31, 2019 AND 2018
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
DECEMBER 31, 2019 AND 2018
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
DECEMBER 31, 2019 AND 2018
|
December 31
|
| |
2019
|
| |
2018
|
| ||||||
|
Prepaid insurance
|
| | |
$
|
—
|
| | | | $ | 7,871 | | |
|
Prepaid data room hosting services
|
| | |
|
5,731
|
| | | | | 4,167 | | |
|
Miscellaneous receivables
|
| | |
|
785
|
| | | | | 334 | | |
|
Total prepaid expenses and other assets
|
| | |
$
|
6,516
|
| | | | $ | 12,372 | | |
|
December 31
|
| |
2019
|
| |
2018
|
| ||||||
|
Accrued CRO and CMO costs
|
| | |
$
|
149,178
|
| | | | $ | 35,228 | | |
|
Accrued interest on preferred members’ interests
|
| | |
|
188,085
|
| | | | | 119,257 | | |
|
Accrued interest on promissory notes
|
| | |
|
163,123
|
| | | | | — | | |
|
Other
|
| | |
|
25,059
|
| | | | | 19,942 | | |
| | | | |
$
|
525,445
|
| | | | $ | 174,427 | | |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
DECEMBER 31, 2019 AND 2018
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
DECEMBER 31, 2019 AND 2018
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
DECEMBER 31, 2019 AND 2018
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
DECEMBER 31, 2019 AND 2018
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
DECEMBER 31, 2019 AND 2018
| | | |
June 30, 2020
As Restated |
| |
December 31, 2019
|
| ||||||
| | | |
(Unaudited)
|
| | | | | | | |||
| Assets | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Current assets: | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
Cash
|
| | |
$
|
1,048,492
|
| | | | $ | 309,384 | | |
|
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
|
| | |
|
164,030
|
| | | | | 6,516 | | |
|
Total current assets
|
| | |
|
1,212,522
|
| | | | | 315,900 | | |
|
Deferred issuance costs
|
| | |
|
60,000
|
| | | | | — | | |
|
Total assets
|
| | |
$
|
1,272,522
|
| | | | $ | 315,900 | | |
| Liabilities and members’ deficit | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Current liabilities: | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
Accounts payable
|
| | |
$
|
198,247
|
| | | | $ | 35,421 | | |
|
Accrued expenses
|
| | |
|
635,818
|
| | | | | 525,445 | | |
|
Accrued salaries
|
| | |
|
1,015,713
|
| | | | | 1,060,000 | | |
|
Total current liabilities
|
| | |
|
1,849,778
|
| | | | | 1,620,866 | | |
|
Convertible promissory notes, net
|
| | |
|
5,486,391
|
| | | | | 3,637,543 | | |
|
Total liabilities
|
| | |
|
7,336,169
|
| | | | | 5,258,409 | | |
| Commitments and contingencies (Note 9) | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
Preferred members’ interests, non-voting, net
|
| | |
|
75,000
|
| | | | | 75,000 | | |
| Members’ deficit: | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
Member’s interests, voting(1)
|
| | |
|
12,601,201
|
| | | | | — | | |
|
Members’ interests, non-voting(1)
|
| | |
|
—
|
| | | | | 12,601,201 | | |
|
Accumulated deficit
|
| | |
|
(18,739,848)
|
| | | | | (17,618,710) | | |
|
Total members’ deficit
|
| | |
|
(6,138,647)
|
| | | | | (5,017,509) | | |
|
Total liabilities and members’ deficit
|
| | |
$
|
1,272,522
|
| | | | $ | 315,900 | | |
(UNAUDITED)
| | | |
Three Months Ended
|
| |
Six Months Ended
|
| ||||||||||||||||||
| | | |
June 30,
2020 |
| |
June 30,
2019 |
| |
June 30,
2020 |
| |
June 30,
2019 |
| ||||||||||||
|
Revenue
|
| | |
$
|
—
|
| | | | $ | — | | | | |
$
|
—
|
| | | | $ | — | | |
|
Research and development expenses
|
| | |
|
24,153
|
| | | | | 108,634 | | | | |
|
87,564
|
| | | | | 164,030 | | |
|
General and administrative expenses
|
| | |
|
514,227
|
| | | | | 387,492 | | | | |
|
833,368
|
| | | | | 712,410 | | |
|
Operating loss
|
| | |
|
(538,380)
|
| | | | | (496,126) | | | | |
|
(920,932)
|
| | | | | (876,440) | | |
|
Interest expense, net
|
| | |
|
(116,205)
|
| | | | | (71,730) | | | | |
|
(200,206)
|
| | | | | (146,779) | | |
|
Loss before provision for income taxes
|
| | |
|
(654,585)
|
| | | | | (567,856) | | | | |
|
(1,121,138)
|
| | | | | (1,023,219) | | |
|
Provision for income taxes
|
| | |
|
—
|
| | | | | — | | | | |
|
—
|
| | | | | — | | |
|
Net loss
|
| | |
$
|
(654,585)
|
| | | | $ | (567,856) | | | | |
$
|
(1,121,138)
|
| | | | $ | (1,023,219) | | |
| Pro forma information (unaudited): | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
Loss before taxes
|
| | | $ | (654,585) | | | | | | | | | | | $ | (1,121,138) | | | | | | | | |
|
Pro forma tax expense
|
| | | | — | | | | | | | | | | | | — | | | | | | | | |
|
Pro forma net loss
|
| | | $ | (654,585) | | | | | | | | | | | $ | (1,121,138) | | | | | | | | |
|
Pro forma net loss per share – basic and diluted
|
| | | $ | | | | | | | | | | | | $ | | | | | | | | | |
|
Weighted average pro forma number of shares outstanding – basic and diluted
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
(UNAUDITED)
| | | |
Voting
Member’s Interests |
| |
Non-voting
Members’ Interests |
| |
Accumulated
Deficit |
| |
Total
Members’ Deficit |
| ||||||||||||
|
Balance, December 31, 2018
|
| | | $ | — | | | | | $ | 12,601,201 | | | | | $ | (15,145,083) | | | | | $ | (2,543,882) | | |
|
Net loss
|
| | | | — | | | | |
|
—
|
| | | | | (455,363) | | | | | | (455,363) | | |
|
Balance, March 31, 2019
|
| | | | — | | | | | | 12,601,201 | | | | | | (15,600,446) | | | | | | (2,999,245) | | |
|
Net loss
|
| | | | — | | | | |
|
—
|
| | | | | (567,856) | | | | | | (567,856) | | |
|
Balance, June 30, 2019
|
| | | $ | — | | | | | $ | 12,601,201 | | | | | $ | (16,168,302) | | | | | $ | (3,567,101) | | |
| | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| | | |
Voting
Members’ Interests |
| |
Non-voting
Members’ Interests |
| |
Accumulated
Deficit |
| |
Total
Members’ Deficit |
| ||||||||||||
|
Balance, December 31, 2019
|
| | | $ | — | | | | | $ | 12,601,201 | | | | | $ | (17,618,710) | | | | | $ | (5,017,509) | | |
|
Net loss
|
| | | | — | | | | |
|
—
|
| | | | | (466,553) | | | | | | (466,553) | | |
|
Balance, March 31, 2020
|
| | | | — | | | | | | 12,601,201 | | | | | | (18,085,263) | | | | | | (5,484,062) | | |
|
Membership conversion to voting interests
|
| | | $ | 12,601,201 | | | | | | (12,601,201) | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | |
|
Net loss
|
| | | | — | | | | |
|
—
|
| | | | | (654,585) | | | | | | (654,585) | | |
|
Balance, June 30, 2020 As Restated(1)
|
| | | $ | 12,601,201 | | | | | | — | | | | | $ | (18,739,848) | | | | | $ | (6,138,647) | | |
(UNAUDITED)
|
For the six months ended June 30
|
| |
2020
|
| |
2019
|
| ||||||
| Cash flows from operating activities | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
Net loss
|
| | |
$
|
(1,121,138)
|
| | | | $ | (1,023,219) | | |
|
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities:
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
Amortization of issuance costs
|
| | |
|
27,321
|
| | | | | 38,571 | | |
|
(Recovery) provision for uncollectable receivables
|
| | |
|
(15,020)
|
| | | | | 1,967 | | |
|
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
(Increase) decrease:
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
|
| | |
|
(142,494)
|
| | | | | (220,400) | | |
|
Increase (decrease):
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
Accounts payable
|
| | |
|
135,301
|
| | | | | (23,102) | | |
|
Accrued expenses
|
| | |
|
110,373
|
| | | | | 89,872 | | |
|
Accrued salaries
|
| | |
|
(44,287)
|
| | | | | 24,583 | | |
|
Net cash used in operating activities
|
| | |
|
(1,049,944)
|
| | | | | (1,111,728) | | |
| Cash flows from financing activities | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
Proceeds from issuance of convertible promissory notes
|
| | |
|
1,869,133
|
| | | | | 1,850,000 | | |
|
Payment of deferred issuance costs
|
| | |
|
(45,081)
|
| | | | | (42,097) | | |
|
Payment of proposed public offering costs
|
| | |
|
(35,000)
|
| | | | | — | | |
|
Net cash provided by financing activities
|
| | |
|
1,789,052
|
| | | | | 1,807,903 | | |
|
Net increase in cash
|
| | |
|
739,108
|
| | | | | 696,175 | | |
|
Cash, beginning of period
|
| | |
|
309,384
|
| | | | | 30,026 | | |
|
Cash, end of period
|
| | |
$
|
1,048,492
|
| | | | $ | 726,201 | | |
| Supplemental disclosure of non-cash financing transactions: | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
Accrued deferred issuance costs
|
| | |
$
|
27,525
|
| | | | $ | 2,264 | | |
|
Conversion of non-voting preferred members’ interests to convertible promissory notes
|
| | |
$
|
—
|
| | | | $ | 540,000 | | |
NOTES TO UNAUDITED INTERIM FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
JUNE 30, 2020 AND 2019
NOTES TO UNAUDITED INTERIM FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
JUNE 30, 2020 AND 2019
NOTES TO UNAUDITED INTERIM FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
JUNE 30, 2020 AND 2019
| | | |
Three Months Ended
|
| |
Six Months Ended
|
| ||||||||||||||||||
| | | |
June 30,
2020 |
| |
June 30,
2019 |
| |
June 30,
2020 |
| |
June 30,
2019 |
| ||||||||||||
|
Convertible promissory notes
|
| | |
$
|
16,699
|
| | | | $ | 5,974 | | | | |
$
|
27,321
|
| | | | $ | 10,092 | | |
|
Mezzanine preferred members’ interests
|
| | |
|
—
|
| | | | | 7,214 | | | | |
|
—
|
| | | | | 28,749 | | |
| | | | |
$
|
16,699
|
| | | | $ | 13,188 | | | | |
$
|
27,321
|
| | | | $ | 38,841 | | |
NOTES TO UNAUDITED INTERIM FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
JUNE 30, 2020 AND 2019
NOTES TO UNAUDITED INTERIM FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
JUNE 30, 2020 AND 2019
| | | |
June 30,
2020 |
| |
December 31,
2019 |
| ||||||
|
Prepaid insurance
|
| | |
$
|
8,408
|
| | | | $ | — | | |
|
Prepaid drug purchases
|
| | |
|
93,398
|
| | | | | — | | |
|
Prepaid legal and accounting fees
|
| | |
|
62,000
|
| | | | | — | | |
|
Prepaid services
|
| | |
|
224
|
| | | | | 5,731 | | |
|
Miscellaneous receivables
|
| | |
|
—
|
| | | | | 785 | | |
|
Total prepaid expenses and other assets
|
| | |
$
|
164,030
|
| | | | $ | 6,516 | | |
NOTES TO UNAUDITED INTERIM FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
JUNE 30, 2020 AND 2019
| | | |
June 30,
2020 |
| |
December 31,
2019 |
| ||||||
|
Accrued CRO and CMO costs
|
| | |
$
|
54,153
|
| | | | $ | 149,178 | | |
|
Accrued interest on preferred members’ interests
|
| | |
|
188,085
|
| | | | | 188,085 | | |
|
Accrued interest on promissory notes
|
| | |
|
335,766
|
| | | | | 163,123 | | |
|
Accrued vacation
|
| | |
|
19,519
|
| | | | | — | | |
|
Other
|
| | |
|
38,295
|
| | | | | 25,059 | | |
| | | | |
$
|
635,818
|
| | | | $ | 525,445 | | |
| | | |
Three Months Ended
|
| |
Six Months Ended
|
| ||||||||||||||||||
| | | |
June 30,
2020 |
| |
June 30,
2019 |
| |
June 30,
2020 |
| |
June 30,
2019 |
| ||||||||||||
|
Fourth offering
|
| | |
$
|
73,192
|
| | | | $ | 35,205 | | | | |
$
|
146,384
|
| | | | $ | 58,261 | | |
|
Fifth offering
|
| | |
|
26,260
|
| | | | | — | | | | |
|
26,260
|
| | | | | — | | |
| | | | |
$
|
99,452
|
| | | | $ | 35,205 | | | | |
$
|
172,644
|
| | | | $ | 58,261 | | |
NOTES TO UNAUDITED INTERIM FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
JUNE 30, 2020 AND 2019
NOTES TO UNAUDITED INTERIM FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
JUNE 30, 2020 AND 2019
NOTES TO UNAUDITED INTERIM FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
JUNE 30, 2020 AND 2019
NOTES TO UNAUDITED INTERIM FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
JUNE 30, 2020 AND 2019
NOTES TO UNAUDITED INTERIM FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
JUNE 30, 2020 AND 2019
a division of Fordham Financial Management, Inc.
INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS
| | | |
Amount
|
| |||
|
Securities and Exchange Commission registration fee
|
| | | $ | 4,478 | | |
|
FINRA filing fee
|
| | | $ | 5,675 | | |
|
Initial Nasdaq listing fee
|
| | | | | | |
|
Accountants’ fees and expenses
|
| | | | | | |
|
Legal fees and expenses
|
| | | | | | |
|
Transfer agent’s fees and expenses
|
| | | | | | |
|
Printing and engraving expenses
|
| | | | | | |
|
Non-accountable expenses to underwriters
|
| | | | | | |
|
Miscellaneous
|
| | | | | | |
|
Total expenses
|
| | | | | | |
| |
Exhibit
Number |
| |
Description of Exhibit
|
|
| | 10.6+ | | | Virios Therapeutics, Inc. 2020 Equity Incentive Plan. | |
| | 10.7 | | | University of Alabama Know-How License Agreement, dated June 1, 2012, by and between The Board of Trustees of The University of Alabama for and on behalf of its component institution The University of Alabama and Innovative Med Concepts, LLC. | |
| | 23.1 | | | Consent of Dixon Hughes Goodman LLP. | |
| | 23.2* | | | Consent of Duane Morris LLP (included in Exhibit 5.1.) | |
| | 24.1 | | | Power of Attorney. (included on signature page) | |
| | 99.1* | | | Consent of Abel De La Rosa | |
| | 99.2* | | | Consent of John C. Thomas, Jr. | |
| | 99.3* | | | Consent of Richard J. Whitley, M.D. | |
| | | | | VIRIOS THERAPEUTICS, LLC | | ||||||
| | | | | By: | | | /s/ Greg Duncan | | |||
| | | | | | | | Name: | | | Greg Duncan | |
| | | | | | | | Title: | | |
Chief Executive Officer and Chairman
|
|
| |
Signature
|
| |
Title
|
| |
Date
|
|
| |
/s/ Greg Duncan
Greg Duncan
|
| |
Chief Executive Officer and Chairman
(principal executive officer) |
| |
August 28, 2020
|
|
| |
/s/ Angela Walsh
Angela Walsh
|
| |
Vice President of Finance (principal
financial and accounting officer) |
| |
August 28, 2020
|
|
| |
/s/ Richard Burch
Richard Burch
|
| | President | | |
August 28, 2020
|
|
| |
/s/ Robert Buchalter
Robert Buchalter
|
| | Director | | |
August 28, 2020
|
|
| |
/s/ David Keefer
David Keefer
|
| | Director | | |
August 28, 2020
|
|
| |
Signature
|
| |
Title
|
| |
Date
|
|
| |
/s/ William L. Pridgen, M.D.
William L. Pridgen, M.D.
|
| | Director | | |
August 28, 2020
|
|
| |
/s/ Robert Young
Robert Young
|
| | Director | | |
August 28, 2020
|
|
Exhibit 2.1
PLAN OF CONVERSION
converting
VIRIOS THERAPEUTICS, LLC
(an Alabama limited liability company)
into
VIRIOS THERAPEUTICS, INC.
(a Delaware corporation)
This PLAN OF CONVERSION (this “Plan”) dated , 2020, is hereby adopted and approved by Virios Therapeutics, LLC, an Alabama limited liability company (the “LLC”), to set forth the terms, conditions and procedures governing the conversion of the LLC to a Delaware corporation pursuant to Section 10A-5A-10.01 of the Alabama Limited Liability Company Law of 2014 (the “ALLCL”) and Section 265 of the Delaware General Corporation Law (the “DGCL”). Capitalized terms used herein shall have the respective meanings ascribed to such terms in the Second Amended and Restated Operating Agreement of the LLC, dated as of May 1, 2020, as amended (the “LLC Agreement”), by and among the LLC and the Members.
WHEREAS, the LLC is a limited liability company formed and existing under the laws of the State of Alabama and is operating under the LLC Agreement;
WHEREAS, the Board, in connection with a proposed initial public offering (the “IPO”) of common stock by Virios Therapeutics, Inc., a Delaware corporation, has determined it is in the best interests of the LLC and its members for the LLC to convert to a Delaware corporation pursuant to Section 10A-5A-10.01 of the ALLCL and Section 265 of the DGCL upon the terms and conditions and in accordance with the procedures set forth herein, and the Board authorized and approved the IPO and the Conversion (as defined below) and the execution, delivery and filing of any and all instruments, certificates and documents necessary or desirable in connection therewith; and
WHEREAS, pursuant to Section 4.10(f), the Board has the authority to cause the conversion of the LLC to a corporation in accordance with the terms of the LLC Agreement and this Plan.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT HEREBY RESOLVED, the LLC does hereby adopt this Plan to effectuate the conversion of the LLC to a Delaware corporation as follows:
1. Conversion; Effect of Conversion. Upon and subject to the terms and conditions of this Plan and pursuant to the relevant provisions of the ALLCL and the DGCL, including without limitation Section 10A-5A-10.01 of the ALLCL and Section 265 of the DGCL, the LLC shall convert (the “Conversion”) to a Delaware corporation named “Virios Therapeutics, Inc.” (the “Corporation”) at the Effective Time. The Corporation shall thereafter be subject to all of the provisions of the DGCL. The Conversion shall not affect any obligations or liabilities of the LLC incurred prior to the Effective Time. The LLC shall not be required to wind up its affairs or pay its liabilities and distribute its assets, and the Conversion shall not constitute a dissolution of the LLC and shall constitute a continuation of the existence of the LLC in the form of a Delaware corporation. Upon the Effective Time, all of the rights, privileges and powers of the LLC, and all property and all debts due to the LLC, as well as all other things and causes of action belonging to the LLC, shall remain vested in the Corporation and shall be the property of the Corporation, and the title to any real property vested by deed or otherwise in the LLC shall not revert or be in any way impaired by reason of the Conversion, and all rights of creditors and all liens upon any property of the LLC shall be preserved unimpaired, and all debts, liabilities and duties of the LLC shall remain attached to the Corporation and may be enforced against it to the same extent as if such debts, liabilities and duties had been incurred or contracted by it in its capacity as a corporation.
2. Certificate of Conversion; Certificate of Incorporation; Effective Time. The Conversion shall be effected by the filling with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware of: (a) a duly executed Certificate of Conversion, substantially in the form of Exhibit A attached hereto (the “Certificate of Conversion”), and (b) a duly executed Certificate of Incorporation of the Corporation, in the form of Exhibit B attached hereto (the “Certificate of Incorporation”). The Conversion shall be effective immediately upon the filing of (i) the Certificate of Conversion and (ii) the Certificate of Incorporation with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware or at such later time as may be specified in both the Certificate of Conversion and the Certificate of Incorporation (such time of effectives, the “Effective Time”).
3. Bylaws of the Corporation. From and after the Effective Time, the LLC Agreement shall terminate and no longer govern the affairs of the Corporation, but instead the affairs of the Corporation shall be governed by the DGCL, the Bylaws of the Corporation, in the form of Exhibit C attached hereto (the “Bylaws”) and the Certificate of Incorporation.
4. Directors and Officers. At the Effective Time, (a) the members of the Board of the LLC as of the Effective Time shall be the members of the board of directors of the Corporation and shall hold office until their respective successors are duly elected and qualified or their earlier death, resignation or removal and (b) the officers of the LLC as of the Effective Time shall be the officers of the Corporation and shall hold office until their respective successors are duly elected and qualified or their earlier death, resignation or removal. The LLC, and after the Effective Time, the Corporation and its board of directors shall take all necessary actions to cause each of such individuals to be appointed as a director and/or officer, as the case may be, of the Corporation.
5. Effect of the Conversion on Equity Interests in the LLC.
(a) Conversion of Outstanding Membership Interests. Subject to the terms and conditions of this Plan, as of the Effective Time, automatically by virtue of the Conversion and without any further action on the part of the LLC, the Corporation and any holder of Membership Interests:
(i) first, each Membership Interest that constitutes a Profits Interest that is outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time shall be converted into an amount of Membership Interests that are not a Profits Interest by multiplying the Percentage Interest of Profits Interest by a fraction where the denominator is the value of the Company at the Effective Time and the numerator is the difference between (I) the value of the Company at the Effective Time and (II) the value of the Company at the time of the issuance of the Profits Interest; and
(ii) thereafter, each Membership Interest that is outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time (including the Profits Interest converted into Membership Interests pursuant to Section 5(a)(i)) shall by converted into common stock, par value $0.0001, of the Corporation (“Common Stock”), based on each Members pro rata ownership interest with each 1% of Membership Interests converting into [___] shares of Common Stock, and as of the Effective Time each such share of Common Stock shall be duly and validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable.
(b) Derivative Securities. All outstanding options, warrants, convertible notes and other convertible or exchangeable securities of the LLC (the “LLC Derivative Securities”) (i) shall be assumed by the Corporation, (ii) shall be adjusted and/or converted in accordance with the terms of such LLC Derivative Securities, and (iii) shall remain outstanding after the Effective Time as derivative securities of the Corporation (to the extent and as provided in the terms of such LLC Derivative Securities).
(c) No Fractional Shares. No fractional shares of Common Stock will be issued in connection with the Conversion. In lieu of issuing fractional shares, the Corporation will eliminate any fractional shares by rounding up or down (as appropriate) to the nearest whole share, with 0.5 and higher being rounded up.
2
(d) No Further Ownership Rights in Membership Interests. All shares of Common Stock into which the Membership Interests are converted pursuant to the Conversion in accordance with the terms of this Plan shall be deemed to be been issued in full satisfaction of all rights pertaining to such membership Interests. Immediately following the Effective Time, the Membership Interests shall cease to exist, and the holder of any Membership interests immediately prior to the Effective Time shall cease to have any rights with respect thereto.
(e) Transfer Books. At the Effective Time, there shall be no further registration of transfers on the transfer books of the LLC of any Membership Interests that were outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time, except that the provisions of Section 19.18 of the LLC Agreement (the “IPO Lock Up”) shall continue to apply to former members of the LLC (who will become stockholders in the Corporation) and the shares of Common Stock issued in accordance with the provisions there as if no termination had occurred.
(f) Registration in Book-Entry. Shares of Common Stock issued in connection with the Conversion shall be uncertificated, and the Corporation shall register, or cause to be registered, such shares into which the Membership Interests shall have been converted as a result of the Conversion in book-entry form, with a proper notation to reflect the IPO Lock Up (as defined above).
6. Licenses, Permits, Titled Property, Etc. As applicable, following the Effective Time, to the extent required, the Corporation shall apply for new state tax identification numbers, qualification to conduct business, licenses, permits and similar authorizations on its behalf and in its own name in connection with the Conversion and to reflect that it is a corporation. As required or appropriate, following the Effective Time, all real, personal or intangible property of the LLC which was title or registered in the name of the LLC shall be re-title or re-registered, as applicable, in the name of the Corporation by appropriate filings and/or notices to the appropriate parties.
7. Termination of the LLC Agreement. As of the Effective Time, the LLC Agreement shall be terminated and of no further force and effect, except that Section 10.18 of the LLC Agreement shall survive and continue to apply to former members of the LLC (who will become stockholders in the Corporation) and the shares of Common Stock issued in the Conversion in accordance with the provisions thereof. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the termination of the LLC Agreement shall not relieve any party thereto of any liability arising in connection with any breach by such party of the LLC Agreement arising prior to the Effective Time.
8. Further Assurances. If, at any time after the Effective Time, the Corporations shall determine or be advised that any deeds, bills of sale, assignment, agreement, documents or assurances or any other act or things are necessary, desirable or proper, consistent with the terms of the Plan to (a) vest, perfect or confirm or otherwise, in the Corporation its right, title or interest in, to or under any of the rights, privileges, immunities, powers, purposes, franchises, properties or assets of the LLC, or (b) to otherwise carry out the purposes of this Plan, the Corporation and its officers and directors are hereby authorized to solicit in the name of the LLC any third party consents or other documents required to be delivered by any third party, to executed and deliver, in the name and on behalf of the LLC, all such deeds, bills of sale, assignment, agreements, documents and assurance and do, in the name and on behalf of the LLC, all such other acts and things necessary, desirable or property to vest, perfect, or confirm its right, title or interest in, to or under any of the rights, privileges, immunities, powers, purposes, franchises, properties or assets of the LLC and otherwise to carry or the purposes of this Plan.
3
9. Implementation and Interpretation; Termination and Amendment. This Plan shall be implemented and interpreted, prior to the Effective Time, by the Board and, following the Effective Time, by the Board of Directors of the Corporation, (a) each of which shall have full power and authority to delegate and assign any matters covered hereunder to any other party(ies), including, without limitation, any officers of the LLC or any officers of the Corporation, as the case may be, and (b) the interpretations and decisions of which shall be final, binding, and conclusive on all parties. The Board at any time prior to the Effective Time, may terminate, amend or modify this Plan. Upon such termination of this Plan, if the Certificate of Conversion and the Certificate of Incorporation have been filed with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware, but have not become effective, any person that was authorized to execute, deliver and file such certificates may execute, deliver and file a Certificate of Termination of such certificates.
10. Third Party Beneficiaries. This Plan shall not confer any rights or remedies upon any person or entity other than as expressly provided herein.
11. Severability. Whenever possible, each provision of this Plan will be interpreted in such manner as to be effective and valid under applicable law, but if any provision of this Plan is held to be prohibited by or invalid under applicable law, such provision will be ineffective only to the extent of such prohibit or invalidity, without invalidating the remainder of this Plan.
12. Governing Law. This Plan shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Delaware (and, to the extent applicable, the State of Alabama), without regard to the conflicts of laws rules of such state.
[Signature Page Follows]
4
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the LLC has caused this Plan to be executed by its duly authorized representative as of the date first written above.
| VIRIOS THERAPEUTICS, LLC | ||
| By: | ||
| Name: | ||
| Title: | ||
5
Exhibit 2.2
STATE OF DELAWARE
CERTIFICATE OF CONVERSION
FROM AN ALABAMA LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY TO A
DELAWARE CORPORATION PURSUANT TO SECTION 265 OF
THE DELAWARE GENERAL CORPORATION LAW
| 1. | The limited liability company was first formed in the State of Alabama on February 28, 2012. |
| 2. | The name of the limited liability company immediately prior to filing this Certificate is Virios Therapeutics, LLC. |
| 3. | The name of the Corporation as set forth in the Certificate of Incorporation is Virios Therapeutics, Inc. |
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned being duly authorized to sign on behalf of the converting limited liability company has executed this Certificate as of the day of , 2020.
| By: | ||
| Name: | ||
| Title: |
Exhibit 3.1
CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION
OF
VIRIOS THERAPEUTICS, INC.
ARTICLE 1
The name of the Corporation is Virios Therapeutics, Inc.
ARTICLE 2
The address of the Corporation’s registered office in the State of Delaware is . The name of the Corporation’s registered agent at such address is .
ARTICLE 3
The purpose of the Corporation is to engage in any lawful act or activity for which corporations may be organized under the Delaware General Corporation Law (the “DGCL”).
ARTICLE 4
A. Classes of Stock. The aggregate number of shares of stock that the Corporation shall have the authority to issue is 45,000,000, of which 43,000,000 shares are Common Stock with a par value of $0.0001 per share (the “Common Stock”), and 2,000,000 shares are Preferred Stock with a par value of $0.0001 per share (the “Preferred Stock”).
B. Common Stock. The Common Stock shall have the following relative rights, preferences, qualifications, privileges, limitations and restrictions:
1. Dividend Rights. Subject to the rights of holders of all classes of capital stock of the Corporation at the time outstanding having rights that are prior to or pari passu with the holders of the Common Stock as to dividends, the holders of the Common Stock shall be entitled to receive, when and as declared by the Board of Directors of the Corporation (the “Board”), out of any assets of the Corporation legally available therefor, such dividends as may be declared from time to time by the Board.
2. Liquidation Rights. Subject to the rights of holders of all classes of capital stock of the Corporation at the time outstanding having rights that are prior to or pari passu with the holders of the Common Stock as to liquidation, upon the liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Corporation, the assets of the Corporation shall be distributed to the holders of Common Stock in proportion to the number of shares of Common Stock owned by them.
3. Voting Rights. The holders of Common Stock shall have the right to one vote for each share of Common Stock, shall be entitled to vote upon such matters and in such manner as may be provided by law and shall be entitled to notice of any meetings of stockholders in accordance with the By-laws of the Corporation. The number of authorized shares of Common Stock may be increased or decreased (but not below the number of shares thereof then outstanding) by the affirmative vote of the holders of shares of capital stock of the Corporation representing a majority of the votes represented by all outstanding shares of capital stock of the Corporation entitled to vote, irrespective of the provisions of Section 242(b)(2) of the DGCL.
C. Preferred Stock. The Preferred Stock may be issued from time to time by the Board in one or more series. The designations, relative rights (including voting rights), preferences, limitations and restrictions of the Preferred Stock, and particularly of the shares of each series thereof, may, to the extent permitted by law, be similar to or may differ from those of any other series. The Board is hereby expressly granted authority to issue from time to time Preferred Stock in one or more series and to fix from time to time before issuance thereof, by filing a certificate of designations pursuant to the DGCL, the number of shares in each such series and all designations, relative rights (including voting rights and the right, to the extent permitted by law, to convert into shares of any class or into shares of any series of any class), preferences, qualifications, limitations and restrictions of the shares in each such series.
ARTICLE 5
The business and affairs of the Corporation shall be managed by or under the direction of the Board. Directors shall be elected at each annual meeting of stockholders, and each director elected shall hold office until such director’s successor has been elected and qualified, subject, however, to earlier death, resignation or removal from office. Election of directors need not be by written ballot unless the By-laws of the Corporation shall so provide. The right to cumulate votes in the election of directors shall not exist with respect to shares of stock of the Corporation.
ARTICLE 6
The number of directors that shall constitute the whole Board shall be fixed from time to time by, or in the manner provided in, the By-laws of the Corporation.
ARTICLE 7
Subject to any limitations imposed by applicable law and subject to the rights of the holders of any series of Preferred Stock, any vacancies on the Board resulting from death, resignation, disqualification, removal or other causes and any newly created directorships resulting from any increase in the number of directors, shall, unless the Board determines by resolution that any such vacancies or newly created directorships shall be filled by the stockholders and except as otherwise provided by applicable law, be filled only by the affirmative vote of a majority of the directors then in office, even though less than a quorum of the Board, and not by the stockholders. Any director elected in accordance with the preceding sentence shall hold office for the remainder of the full term of the director for which the vacancy was created or occurred and until such director’s successor shall have been elected and qualified.
ARTICLE 8
A director of the Corporation shall not be personally liable to the Corporation or its stockholders (including without limitation their heirs, executors and administrators) for monetary damages for breach of fiduciary duty as a director in accordance with and to the fullest extent permitted by the DGCL as the same exists or may hereafter be amended.
2
The Corporation shall indemnify each of the Corporation’s directors and executive officers in each and every situation where, under Section 145 of the DGCL, as amended from time to time (“Section 145”), the Corporation is permitted or empowered to make such indemnification. The Corporation may, in the sole discretion of the Board, indemnify any other person who may be indemnified pursuant to Section 145 to the extent the Board deems advisable, as permitted by Section 145. The Corporation shall promptly make or cause to be made any determination required to be made pursuant to Section 145.
The rights to indemnification and to the advancement of expenses conferred in this Article 8 shall not be exclusive of any other right that any person may have or hereafter acquire under the Certificate, any statutes, by-law, agreement, vote of stockholders or disinterested directors, or otherwise.
Any repeal or modification of the foregoing provisions of this Article 8 by the stockholders of the Corporation shall not adversely affect any right or protection of a director of the Corporation existing at the time of such repeal or modification.
ARTICLE 9
The Corporation reserves the right to amend, alter, change or repeal any provision contained in this Certificate of Incorporation in the manner now or hereafter prescribed by statute, and all rights conferred on stockholders herein are granted subject to this reservation.
ARTICLE 10
Meetings of stockholders may be held within or without the State of Delaware, as the By-laws of the Corporation may provide. The books of the Corporation may be kept (subject to any provision contained in the statutes) outside the State of Delaware at such place or places as may be designated from time to time by the Board or in the By-laws of the Corporation. No action shall be taken by the stockholders of the Corporation except at an annual or special meeting of stockholders called in accordance with the By-laws, and no action shall be taken by the stockholders by written consent or electronic transmission. Advance notice of stockholder nominations for the election of directors and of business to be brought by stockholders before any meeting of the stockholders of the Corporation shall be given in the manner provided in the By-laws of the Corporation.
ARTICLE 11
Except as otherwise provided in this Certificate of Incorporation, in furtherance and not in limitation of the powers conferred by statute, the Board is expressly authorized to make, repeal, alter, amend and rescind any or all of the By-laws of the Corporation.
3
ARTICLE 12
Unless the Corporation consents in writing to the selection of an alternative forum, the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware shall be the sole and exclusive forum for (a) any derivative action or proceeding brought on behalf of the Corporation, (b) any action asserting a claim of breach of a fiduciary duty owed by any director, officer, employee or agent of the Corporation to the Corporation or the Corporation’s stockholders, (c) any action asserting a claim arising pursuant to any provision of the DGCL, or (d) any action asserting a claim governed by the internal affairs doctrine, in each such case subject to such Court of Chancery’s having personal jurisdiction over the indispensable parties named as defendants therein. This Article 12 shall not apply to suits brought to enforce a duty or liability created by the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), or the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or any other claim for which the federal courts have exclusive jurisdiction. Unless the Corporation consents in writing to the selection of an alternative forum, the federal district courts of the District of Delaware shall be the exclusive forum for the resolution of any complaint asserting a cause of action arising under the Securities Act. Any person or entity purchasing or otherwise acquiring or holding any interest in shares of capital stock of the Corporation shall be deemed to have notice of and consented to the provisions of this Article 12.
ARTICLE 13
The shares of capital stock of the Corporation shall be represented by certificates; provided, however, that the Board may provide by resolution or resolutions that some or all of any or all classes or series of its capital stock may be uncertificated shares. Any such resolution shall not apply to shares represented by a certificate until such certificate is surrendered to the Corporation. Every holder of capital stock of the Corporation represented by certificates shall be entitled to have a certificate signed by, or in the name of the Corporation by, the Chief Executive Officer, the President or a Vice President, and by the Treasurer or an Assistant Treasurer or the Secretary or an Assistant Secretary, of the Corporation, representing the number of shares registered in certificate form.
ARTICLE 14
The Corporation may maintain insurance, at its expense, to protect itself and any director, officer, employee or agent of the Corporation or another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise against any expense, liability or loss, whether or not the Corporation would have the power to indemnify such person against such expense, liability or loss under the DGCL.
4
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, this Certificate of Incorporation, which has been duly adopted in accordance with Section 102 of the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware, has been executed by its incorporator this day of , 2020.
| Name: | Greg Duncan | |
| Title: | Sole Incorporator | |
| Incorporator Address: | ||
| 44 Milton Avenue | ||
| Alpharetta, GA 30009 | ||
5
Exhibit 3.2
BY-LAWS
OF
VIRIOS THERAPEUTICS, INC.
(a Delaware corporation)
Effective as of [--], 2020
TABLE OF CONTENTS
| Page | ||
| Article 1 | ||
| OFFICES | ||
| Section 1.1 | Registered Office | 1 |
| Section 1.2 | Other Offices | 1 |
| Article 2 | ||
| CORPORATE SEAL | ||
| Section 2.1 | Corporate Seal | 1 |
| Article 3 | ||
| STOCKHOLDERS’ MEETINGS | ||
| Section 3.1 | Place of Meetings | 1 |
| Section 3.2 | Annual Meetings | 1 |
| Section 3.3 | Special Meetings | 5 |
| Section 3.4 | Notice of Meetings | 6 |
| Section 3.5 | Quorum | 7 |
| Section 3.6 | Adjournment and Notice of Adjourned Meetings | 7 |
| Section 3.7 | Voting Rights | 7 |
| Section 3.8 | Joint Owners of Stock | 8 |
| Section 3.9 | List of Stockholders | 8 |
| Section 3.10 | Inspectors of Election | 8 |
| Section 3.11 | Action Without Meeting | 8 |
| Section 3.12 | Organization | 8 |
| Article 4 | ||
| DIRECTORS | ||
| Section 4.1 | Number and Term of Office | 9 |
| Section 4.2 | Powers | 9 |
| Section 4.3 | Vacancies | 10 |
| Section 4.4 | Resignation | 10 |
| Section 4.5 | Removal | 10 |
| Section 4.6 | Meetings | 10 |
| Section 4.7 | Quorum and Voting | 11 |
| Section 4.8 | Action Without Meeting | 11 |
| Section 4.9 | Fees and Compensation | 12 |
| Section 4.10 | Committees | 12 |
| Section 4.11 | Duties of Chairperson | 13 |
| Section 4.12 | Organization | 13 |
| Article 5 | ||
| OFFICERS | ||
| Section 5.1 | Officers Designated | 13 |
| Section 5.2 | Tenure and Duties of Officers | 14 |
| Section 5.3 | Delegation of Authority | 15 |
| Section 5.4 | Resignations | 15 |
| Section 5.5 | Removal | 16 |
| Article 6 | ||
| EXECUTION OF CORPORATE INSTRUMENTS AND VOTING OF SECURITIES OWNED BY THE CORPORATION | ||
| Section 6.1 | Execution of Corporate Instruments | 16 |
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| Section 6.2 | Voting Securities Owned by the Corporation | 16 |
| Article 7 | ||
| SHARES OF STOCK | ||
| Section 7.1 | Form and Execution of Certificates | 16 |
| Section 7.2 | Lost Certificates | 17 |
| Section 7.3 | Transfers | 17 |
| Section 7.4 | Fixing Record Dates | 17 |
| Section 7.5 | Registered Stockholders | 18 |
| Article 8 | ||
| OTHER SECURITIES OF THE CORPORATION | ||
| Section 8.1 | Execution of Other Securities | 18 |
| Article 9 | ||
| DIVIDENDS | ||
| Section 9.1 | Declaration of Dividends | 18 |
| Section 9.2 | Dividend Reserve | 18 |
| Article 10 | ||
| FISCAL YEAR | ||
| Section 10.1 | Fiscal Year | 19 |
| Article 11 | ||
| INDEMNIFICATION | ||
| Section 11.1 | Indemnification of Directors, Executive Officers, Other Officers, Employees and Other Agents | 19 |
| Article 12 | ||
| NOTICES | ||
| Section 12.1 | Notices | 22 |
| Article 13 | ||
| AMENDMENTS | ||
| Section 13.1 | Amendments | 23 |
| Article 14 | ||
| FORUM SELECTION | ||
| Section 14.1 | Forum | 24 |
| Section 14.2 | Notice and Consent | 24 |
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BY-LAWS
OF
VIRIOS THERAPEUTICS, INC.
Article 1
OFFICES
Section 1.1 Registered Office. The registered office of Virios Therapeutics, Inc. (the “Corporation”) in the State of Delaware shall be in the City of Wilmington, County of New Castle, until otherwise established in the manner provided by the Delaware General Corporation Law (the “DGCL”).
Section 1.2 Other Offices. The Corporation shall also have and maintain an office or principal place of business at such place as may be fixed by the Board of Directors, and may also have offices at such other places, both within and without the State of Delaware as the Board of Directors may from time to time determine or the business of the Corporation may require.
Article 2
CORPORATE SEAL
Section 2.1 Corporate Seal. The corporate seal shall have inscribed the name of the Corporation thereon and shall be in such form as may be approved from time to time by the Board of Directors.
Article 3
STOCKHOLDERS’ MEETINGS
Section 3.1 Place of Meetings. Meetings of the stockholders of the Corporation may be held at such place, either within or without the State of Delaware, as may be determined from time to time by the Board of Directors. The Board of Directors may, in its sole discretion, determine that the meeting shall not be held at any place, but may instead be held solely by means of remote communication as provided under the DGCL.
Section 3.2 Annual Meetings.
(a) The annual meeting of the stockholders of the Corporation, for the purpose of election of directors and for such other business as may properly come before it, shall be held on such date and at such time as may be designated from time to time by the Board of Directors. Nominations of persons for election to the Board of Directors of the Corporation and the proposal of business to be considered by the stockholders may be made at an annual meeting of stockholders: (i) pursuant to the Corporation’s notice of meeting of stockholders (with respect to business other than nominations); (ii) brought specifically by or at the direction of the Board of Directors; or (iii) by any stockholder of the Corporation who was a stockholder of record at the time of giving the stockholder’s notice provided for in Section 3.2(b) below, who is entitled to vote at the meeting and who complied with the notice procedures set forth in this Article 3. For the avoidance of doubt, clause (iii) above shall be the exclusive means for a stockholder to make nominations and submit other business (other than matters properly included in the Corporation’s notice of meeting of stockholders and proxy statement under Rule 14a-8 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the rules and regulations thereunder (the “Exchange Act”)) before an annual meeting of stockholders.
(b) At an annual meeting of the stockholders, only such business shall be conducted as is a proper matter for stockholder action under Delaware law and as shall have been properly brought before the meeting.
(i) For nominations for the election to the Board of Directors to be properly brought before an annual meeting by a stockholder pursuant to clause (iii) of Section 3.2(a) of these By-laws, the stockholder must deliver written notice to the Secretary at the principal executive offices of the Corporation on a timely basis as set forth in Section 3.2(b)(iii) and must update and supplement such written notice on a timely basis as set forth in Section 3.2(c). Such stockholder’s notice shall set forth: (A) as to each nominee such stockholder proposes to nominate at the meeting: (1) the name, age, business address and residence address of such nominee, (2) the principal occupation or employment of such nominee, (3) the class and number of shares of each class of capital stock of the Corporation that are owned of record and beneficially by such nominee, (4) the date or dates on which such shares were acquired and the investment intent of such acquisition, (5) a statement whether such nominee, if elected, intends to tender, promptly following such person’s failure to receive the required vote for election or re-election at the next meeting at which such person would face election or re-election, an irrevocable resignation effective upon acceptance of such resignation by the Board of Directors, and (6) such other information concerning such nominee as would be required to be disclosed in a proxy statement soliciting proxies for the election of such nominee as a director in an election contest (even if an election contest is not involved), or that is otherwise required to be disclosed pursuant to Section 14 of the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder (including such person’s written consent to being named as a nominee and to serving as a director if elected); and (B) the information required by Section 3.2(b)(iv). The Corporation may require any proposed nominee to furnish such other information as it may reasonably require to determine the eligibility of such proposed nominee to serve as an independent director of the Corporation or that could be material to a reasonable stockholder’s understanding of the independence, or lack thereof, of such proposed nominee.
(ii) Other than proposals sought to be included in the Corporation’s proxy materials pursuant to Rule 14a-8 under the Exchange Act, for business other than nominations for the election to the Board of Directors to be properly brought before an annual meeting by a stockholder pursuant to clause (iii) of Section 3.2(a) of these By-laws, the stockholder must deliver written notice to the Secretary at the principal executive offices of the Corporation on a timely basis as set forth in Section 3.2(b)(iii), and must update and supplement such written notice on a timely basis as set forth in Section 3.2(c). Such stockholder’s notice shall set forth: (A) as to each matter such stockholder proposes to bring before the meeting, a brief description of the business desired to be brought before the meeting, the reasons for conducting such business at the meeting, and any material interest (including any anticipated benefit of such business to any Proponent (as defined below) other than solely as a result of its ownership of the Corporation’s capital stock, that is material to any Proponent individually, or to the Proponents in the aggregate) in such business of any Proponent; and (B) the information required by Section 3.2(b)(iv).
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(iii) To be timely, the written notice required by Section 3.2(b)(i) or 3.2(b)(ii) must be received by the Secretary at the principal executive offices of the Corporation not later than the close of business on the 90th day nor earlier than the close of business on the 120th day prior to the first anniversary of the date definitive proxy materials were first sent or given to stockholders with respect to the preceding year’s annual meeting; provided, however, that, subject to the last sentence of this Section 3.2(b)(iii), in the event that the date of the annual meeting is advanced more than 30 days prior to or delayed by more than 30 days after the anniversary of the preceding year’s annual meeting, notice by the stockholder to be timely must be so received not earlier than the close of business on the 120th day prior to such annual meeting and not later than the close of business on the later of the 90th day prior to such annual meeting or the tenth day following the day on which public announcement of the date of such meeting is first made. In no event shall an adjournment or a postponement of an annual meeting for which notice has been given, or the public announcement thereof has been made, commence a new time period for the giving of a stockholder’s notice as described above.
(iv) The written notice required by Section 3.2(b)(i) or 3.2(b)(ii) shall also set forth, as of the date of the notice and as to the stockholder giving the notice and the beneficial owner, if any, on whose behalf the nomination or proposal is made (each, a “Proponent” and collectively, the “Proponents”): (A) the name and address of each Proponent, as they appear on the Corporation’s books; (B) the class, series and number of shares of the Corporation that are owned beneficially and of record by each Proponent; (C) a description of any agreement, arrangement or understanding (whether oral or in writing) with respect to such nomination or proposal between or among any Proponent and any of its affiliates or associates, and any others (including their names) acting in concert, or otherwise under the agreement, arrangement or understanding, with any of the foregoing; (D) a representation that the Proponents are holders of record or beneficial owners, as the case may be, of shares of the Corporation entitled to vote at the meeting and intend to appear in person or by proxy at the meeting to nominate the person or persons specified in the notice (with respect to a notice under Section 3.2(b)(i)) or to propose the business that is specified in the notice (with respect to a notice under Section 3.2(b)(ii)); (E) a representation as to whether the Proponents intend to deliver a proxy statement and form of proxy to holders of a sufficient number of holders of the Corporation’s voting shares to elect such nominee or nominees (with respect to a notice under Section 3.2 (b)(i)) or to carry such proposal (with respect to a notice under Section 3.2(b)(ii)); (F) to the extent known by any Proponent, the name and address of any other stockholder supporting the proposal on the date of such stockholder’s notice; and (G) a description of all Derivative Transactions (as defined below) by each Proponent during the previous twelve-month period, including the date of the transactions and the class, series and number of securities involved in, and the material economic terms of, such Derivative Transactions. For purposes of Sections 3.2 and 3.3, a “Derivative Transaction” means any agreement, arrangement, interest or understanding entered into by, or on behalf or for the benefit of, any Proponent or any of its affiliates or associates, whether record or beneficial:
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(w) the value of which is derived in whole or in part from the value of any class or series of shares or other securities of the Corporation,
(x) which otherwise provides any direct or indirect opportunity to gain or share in any gain derived from a change in the value of securities of the Corporation,
(y) the effect or intent of which is to mitigate loss, manage risk or benefit of security value or price changes, or
(z) which provides the right to vote or increase or decrease the voting power of, such Proponent, or any of its affiliates or associates, with respect to any securities of the Corporation,
which agreement, arrangement, interest or understanding may include, without limitation, any option, warrant, debt position, note, bond, convertible security, swap, stock appreciation right, short position, profit interest, hedge, right to dividends, voting agreement, performance-related fee or arrangement to borrow or lend shares (whether or not subject to payment, settlement, exercise or conversion in any such class or series), and any proportionate interest of such Proponent in the securities of the Corporation held by any general or limited partnership, or any limited liability company, of which such Proponent is, directly or indirectly, a general partner or managing member.
(c) A stockholder providing written notice required by Section 3.2(b)(i) or (ii) shall update and supplement such notice in writing, if necessary, so that the information provided or required to be provided in such notice is true and correct in all material respects as of (i) the record date for the meeting and (ii) the date that is five business days prior to the meeting and, in the event of any adjournment or postponement thereof, five business days prior to such adjourned or postponed meeting. In the case of an update and supplement pursuant to clause (i) of this Section 3.2(c), such update and supplement shall be received by the Secretary at the principal executive offices of the Corporation not later than five business days after the record date for the meeting. In the case of an update and supplement pursuant to clause (ii) of this Section 3.2(c), such update and supplement shall be received by the Secretary at the principal executive offices of the Corporation not later than two business days prior to the date for the meeting, and, in the event of any adjournment or postponement thereof, two business days prior to such adjourned or postponed meeting.
(d) Notwithstanding anything in Section 3.2(b)(iii) to the contrary, in the event that the number of directors is increased and there is no public announcement of the appointment of a director, or, if no appointment was made, of the vacancy, made by the Corporation at least ten days before the last day a stockholder may deliver a notice of nomination in accordance with Section 3.2(b)(iii), a stockholder’s notice required by this Section 3.2 and that complies with the requirements in Section 3.2(b)(i), other than the timing requirements in Section 3.2(b)(iii), shall also be considered timely, but only with respect to nominees for any new positions created by such increase, if it shall be received by the Secretary at the principal executive offices of the Corporation not later than the close of business on the tenth day following the day on which such public announcement is first made by the Corporation. A person shall not be eligible for election or re-election as a director unless the person is nominated either in accordance with clause (ii) of Section 3.2(a), or in accordance with clause (iii) of Section 3.2(a). Except as otherwise required by law, the chairperson of the meeting shall have the power and duty to determine whether a nomination or any business proposed to be brought before the meeting was made, or proposed, as the case may be, in accordance with the procedures set forth in these By-laws and, if any proposed nomination or business is not in compliance with these By-laws, or the Proponent does not act in accordance with the representations in Sections 3.2(b)(iv)(D) and 3.2(b)(iv)(E), to declare that such proposal or nomination shall not be presented for stockholder action at the meeting and shall be disregarded, notwithstanding that proxies in respect of such nominations or such business may have been solicited or received.
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(e) Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this Section 3.2, in order to include information with respect to a stockholder proposal in the proxy statement and form of proxy for a stockholders’ meeting, a stockholder must also comply with all applicable requirements of the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations thereunder. Nothing in these By-laws shall be deemed to affect any rights of stockholders to request inclusion of proposals in the Corporation’s proxy statement pursuant to Rule 14a-8 under the Exchange Act; provided, however, that any references in these By-laws to the Exchange Act or the rules and regulations thereunder are not intended to and shall not limit the requirements applicable to proposals and/or nominations to be considered pursuant to Section 3.2(a)(iii) of these By-laws.
(f) For purposes of Sections 3.2 and 3.3,
(i) “public announcement” shall mean disclosure in a press release reported by the Dow Jones News Service, Associated Press or comparable national news service or in a document publicly filed by the Corporation with the Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to Section 13, 14 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act; and
(ii) “affiliates” and “associates” shall have the meanings set forth in Rule 405 under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”).
Section 3.3 Special Meetings.
(a) Special meetings of the stockholders of the Corporation may be called, for any purpose as is a proper matter for stockholder action under Delaware law, by (i) the Chairperson of the Board of Directors, (ii) the Chief Executive Officer, or (iii) the Board of Directors pursuant to a resolution adopted by a majority of the total number of authorized directors (whether or not there exist any vacancies in previously authorized directorships at the time any such resolution is presented to the Board of Directors for adoption).
(b) The Board of Directors shall determine the time and place, if any, of such special meeting. Upon determination of the time and place, if any, of the meeting, the Secretary shall cause a notice of meeting to be given to the stockholders entitled to vote, in accordance with the provisions of Section 3.4 of these By-laws. No business may be transacted at such special meeting otherwise than specified in the notice of meeting.
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(c) Nominations of persons for election to the Board of Directors may be made at a special meeting of stockholders at which directors are to be elected (i) by or at the direction of the Board of Directors or (ii) by any stockholder of the Corporation who is a stockholder of record at the time of giving notice provided for in this paragraph, who shall be entitled to vote at the meeting and who delivers written notice to the Secretary of the Corporation setting forth the information required by Section 3.2(b)(i). In the event the Corporation calls a special meeting of stockholders for the purpose of electing one or more directors to the Board of Directors, any such stockholder of record may nominate a person or persons (as the case may be), for election to such position(s) as specified in the Corporation’s notice of meeting, if written notice setting forth the information required by Section 3.2(b)(i) of these By-laws shall be received by the Secretary at the principal executive offices of the Corporation not later than the close of business on the later of the 90th day prior to such meeting or the tenth day following the day on which public announcement is first made of the date of the special meeting and of the nominees proposed by the Board of Directors to be elected at such meeting. The stockholder shall also update and supplement such information as required under Section 3.2(c). In no event shall an adjournment or a postponement of a special meeting for which notice has been given, or the public announcement thereof has been made, commence a new time period for the giving of a stockholder’s notice as described above.
(d) Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this Section 3.3, a stockholder must also comply with all applicable requirements of the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations thereunder with respect to matters set forth in this Section 3.3. Nothing in these By-laws shall be deemed to affect any rights of stockholders to request inclusion of proposals in the Corporation’s proxy statement pursuant to Rule 14a-8 under the Exchange Act; provided, however, that any references in these By-laws to the Exchange Act or the rules and regulations thereunder are not intended to and shall not limit the requirements applicable to nominations for the election to the Board of Directors to be considered pursuant to Section 3.3(c) of these By-laws.
Section 3.4 Notice of Meetings. Except as otherwise provided by law, notice, given in writing or by electronic transmission, of each meeting of stockholders shall be given not less than ten nor more than 60 days before the date of the meeting to each stockholder entitled to vote at such meeting, such notice to specify the place, if any, date and hour, in the case of special meetings, the purpose or purposes of the meeting, and the means of remote communications, if any, by which stockholders and proxy holders may be deemed to be present in person and vote at any such meeting. If mailed, notice is given when deposited in the United States mail, postage prepaid, directed to the stockholder at such stockholder’s address as it appears on the records of the Corporation. Notice of the time, place, if any, and purpose of any meeting of stockholders may be waived in writing, signed by the person entitled to notice thereof, or by electronic transmission by such person, either before or after such meeting, and will be waived by any stockholder by the stockholder’s attendance thereat in person, by remote communication, if applicable, or by proxy, except when the stockholder attends a meeting for the express purpose of objecting, at the beginning of the meeting, to the transaction of any business because the meeting is not lawfully called or convened. Any stockholder so waiving notice of such meeting shall be bound by the proceedings of any such meeting in all respects as if due notice thereof had been given.
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Section 3.5 Quorum. At all meetings of stockholders, except where otherwise provided by statute or by the Certificate of Incorporation, or by these By-laws, the presence, in person, by remote communication, if applicable, or by proxy duly authorized, of the holders of one-third of the outstanding shares of stock entitled to vote shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business. In the absence of a quorum, any meeting of stockholders may be adjourned, from time to time, either by the chairperson of the meeting or by vote of the holders of a majority of the shares represented thereat, but no other business shall be transacted at such meeting. The stockholders present at a duly called or convened meeting, at which a quorum is present, may continue to transact business until adjournment, notwithstanding the withdrawal of enough stockholders to leave less than a quorum. Except as otherwise provided by statute or by applicable stock exchange rules, or by the Certificate of Incorporation or these By-laws, in all matters other than the election of directors, the affirmative vote of the holders of the majority of shares present in person, by remote communication, if applicable, or represented by proxy at the meeting and entitled to vote generally on the subject matter shall be the act of the stockholders. Except as otherwise provided by statute, the Certificate of Incorporation or these By-laws, directors shall be elected by a plurality of the votes of the holders of the shares present in person, by remote communication, if applicable, or represented by proxy at the meeting and entitled to vote generally on the election of directors. Where a separate vote by a class or classes or series is required, except where otherwise provided by the statute or by the Certificate of Incorporation or these By-laws, the holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of such class or classes or series, present in person, by remote communication, if applicable, or represented by proxy duly authorized, shall constitute a quorum entitled to take action with respect to that vote on that matter. Except where otherwise provided by statute or by the Certificate of Incorporation or these By-laws, the affirmative vote of the holders of the majority (plurality, in the case of the election of directors) of shares of such class or classes or series present in person, by remote communication, if applicable, or represented by proxy at the meeting shall be the act of such class or classes or series.
Section 3.6 Adjournment and Notice of Adjourned Meetings. Any meeting of stockholders, whether annual or special, may be adjourned from time to time either by the chairperson of the meeting or by the vote of the holders of a majority of the shares present in person, by remote communication, if applicable, or represented by proxy at the meeting. When a meeting is adjourned to another time or place, if any, notice need not be given of the adjourned meeting if the time and place, if any, thereof are announced at the meeting at which the adjournment is taken. At the adjourned meeting, the Corporation may transact any business that might have been transacted at the original meeting. If the adjournment is for more than 30 days or if after the adjournment a new record date is fixed for the adjourned meeting, a notice of the adjourned meeting shall be given to each stockholder of record entitled to vote at the meeting.
Section 3.7 Voting Rights. For the purpose of determining those stockholders entitled to vote at any meeting of the stockholders, except as otherwise provided by law, only persons in whose names and shares stand on the stock records of the Corporation on the record date, as provided in Section 3.9 of these By-laws, shall be entitled to vote at any meeting of stockholders. Every person entitled to vote shall have the right to do so either in person, by remote communication, if applicable, or by an agent or agents authorized by a proxy granted in accordance with Delaware law. An agent so appointed need not be a stockholder. No proxy shall be voted after three years from its date of creation unless the proxy provides for a longer period.
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Section 3.8 Joint Owners of Stock. If shares or other securities having voting power stand of record in the names of two or more persons, whether fiduciaries, members of a partnership, joint tenants, tenants in common, tenants by the entirety, or otherwise, or if two or more persons have the same fiduciary relationship respecting the same shares, unless the Secretary is given written notice to the contrary and is furnished with a copy of the instrument or order appointing them or creating the relationship wherein it is so provided, their acts with respect to voting shall have the following effect: (a) if only one votes, his or her act binds all; (b) if more than one votes, the act of the majority so voting binds all; (c) if more than one votes, but the vote is evenly split on any particular matter, each faction may vote the securities in question proportionally, or may apply to the Delaware Court of Chancery for relief as provided in the DGCL, Section 217(b). If the instrument filed with the Secretary shows that any such tenancy is held in unequal interests, a majority or even-split for the purpose of subsection (c) shall be a majority or even-split in interest.
Section 3.9 List of Stockholders. The Secretary shall prepare and make, at least ten days before every meeting of stockholders, a complete list of the stockholders entitled to vote at said meeting, arranged in alphabetical order, showing the address of each stockholder and the number of shares registered in the name of each stockholder. Such list shall be open to the examination of any stockholder, for any purpose germane to the meeting, (a) on a reasonably accessible electronic network, provided that the information required to gain access to such list is provided with the notice of the meeting, or (b) during ordinary business hours, at the principal place of business of the Corporation. In the event that the Corporation determines to make the list available on an electronic network, the Corporation may take reasonable steps to ensure that such information is available only to stockholders of the Corporation. The list shall be open to examination of any stockholder during the time of the meeting as provided by law.
Section 3.10 Inspectors of Election. The Board of Directors may, and if required by the DGCL shall, appoint one or more inspectors, who may also serve the Corporation in other capacities, including, without limitation, as officers, employees, agents or representatives, but who need not be stockholders, to act at meetings of stockholders and make a written report thereof. If inspectors are not so appointed, the chairman of the meeting may, and if required by the DGCL shall, appoint one or more inspectors. No person who is a candidate for office shall act as an inspector. In case any person appointed as an inspector fails to appear or fails or refuses to act, the vacancy may be filled by appointment made by the Board of Directors in advance of the convening of the meeting, or at the meeting by the chairman of the meeting. Each inspector, before discharging his or her duties, shall take and sign an oath faithfully to execute the duties of inspector with strict impartiality and according to the best of such inspector’s ability. The inspectors shall have the duties prescribed in the DGCL.
Section 3.11 Action Without Meeting. No action shall be taken by the stockholders except at an annual or special meeting of stockholders called in accordance with these By-laws, and no action shall be taken by the stockholders by written consent or by electronic transmission.
Section 3.12 Organization.
(a) At every meeting of stockholders, the Chairperson of the Board of Directors, or, if a Chairperson has not been appointed or is absent, the Chief Executive Officer, or if no Chief Executive Officer is then serving or is absent, the President, or, if the President is absent, a chairperson of the meeting chosen by a majority in interest of the stockholders entitled to vote, present in person or by proxy, shall act as chairperson. The Chairperson of the Board may appoint the Chief Executive Officer as chairperson of the meeting. The Secretary, or, in his or her absence, an Assistant Secretary or other officer or other person directed to do so by the chairperson of the meeting, shall act as secretary of the meeting.
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(b) The Board of Directors of the Corporation shall be entitled to make such rules or regulations for the conduct of meetings of stockholders as it shall deem necessary, appropriate or convenient. Subject to such rules and regulations of the Board of Directors, if any, the chairperson of the meeting shall have the right and authority to prescribe such rules, regulations and procedures and to do all such acts as, in the judgment of such chairperson, are necessary, appropriate or convenient for the proper conduct of the meeting, including, without limitation, establishing an agenda or order of business for the meeting, rules and procedures for maintaining order at the meeting and the safety of those present, limitations on participation in such meeting to stockholders of record of the Corporation and their duly authorized and constituted proxies and such other persons as the chairperson shall permit, restrictions on entry to the meeting after the time fixed for the commencement thereof, limitations on the time allotted to questions or comments by participants and regulation of the opening and closing of the polls for balloting on matters that are to be voted on by ballot. The date and time of the opening and closing of the polls for each matter upon which the stockholders will vote at the meeting shall be announced at the meeting. Unless and to the extent determined by the Board of Directors or the chairperson of the meeting, meetings of stockholders shall not be required to be held in accordance with rules of parliamentary procedure.
Article 4
DIRECTORS
Section 4.1 Number and Term of Office. Except as otherwise restricted by the Certificate of Incorporation, the authorized number of directors of the Corporation shall be fixed from time to time by the Board of Directors pursuant to a resolution adopted by a majority of the total number of authorized directors (whether or not there exist any vacancies in previously authorized directorships at the time any such resolution is presented to the Board of Directors for adoption). Directors need not be stockholders unless so required by the Certificate of Incorporation. The directors shall hold office in the manner provided in the Certificate of Incorporation. If for any cause, the directors shall not have been elected at an annual meeting, they may be elected as soon thereafter as convenient at a special meeting of the stockholders called for that purpose in the manner provided in these By-laws.
Section 4.2 Powers. The powers of the Corporation shall be exercised, its business conducted and its property controlled by the Board of Directors, except as may be otherwise provided by statute or by the Certificate of Incorporation.
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Section 4.3 Vacancies. Unless otherwise provided in the Certificate of Incorporation, and subject to the rights of the holders of any series of Preferred Stock or as otherwise provided by applicable law, any vacancies on the Board of Directors resulting from death, resignation, disqualification, removal or other causes and any newly created directorships resulting from any increase in the number of directors shall, unless the Board of Directors determines by resolution that any such vacancies or newly created directorships shall be filled by stockholders, be filled only by the affirmative vote of a majority of the directors then in office, even though less than a quorum of the Board of Directors, or by a sole remaining director, and not by the stockholders, provided, however, that whenever the holders of any class or classes of stock or series thereof are entitled to elect one or more directors by the provisions of the Certificate of Incorporation, vacancies and newly created directorships of such class or classes or series shall, unless the Board of Directors determines by resolution that any such vacancies or newly created directorships shall be filled by stockholders, be filled by a majority of the directors elected by such class or classes or series thereof then in office, or by a sole remaining director so elected, and not by the stockholders. Any director elected in accordance with the preceding sentence shall hold office for the remainder of the full term of the director for which the vacancy was created or occurred and until such director’s successor shall have been elected and qualified. A vacancy in the Board of Directors shall be deemed to exist under this Bylaw in the case of the death, removal or resignation of any director.
Section 4.4 Resignation. Any director may resign at any time by delivering his or her notice in writing or by electronic transmission to the Secretary, such resignation to specify whether it will be effective at a particular time. If no such specification is made, the Secretary, in his or her discretion, may either (a) require confirmation from the director prior to deeming the resignation effective, in which case the resignation will be deemed effective upon receipt of such confirmation, or (b) deem the resignation effective at the time of delivery of the resignation to the Secretary. When one or more directors shall resign from the Board of Directors, effective at a future date, a majority of the directors then in office, including those who have so resigned, shall have power to fill such vacancy or vacancies, the vote thereon to take effect when such resignation or resignations shall become effective, and each Director so chosen shall hold office for the unexpired portion of the term of the Director whose place shall be vacated and until his or her successor shall have been duly elected and qualified.
Section 4.5 Removal. Except as otherwise provided by law or the Certificate of Incorporation, any director, directors or the entire Board of Directors may be removed, with or without cause, by the holders of a majority of the voting power of the shares then entitled to vote at an election of directors.
Section 4.6 Meetings.
(a) Unless otherwise restricted by the Certificate of Incorporation, regular meetings of the Board of Directors may be held at any time or date and at any place within or without the State of Delaware that has been designated by the Board of Directors and publicized among all directors, either orally or in writing, by telephone, including a voice-messaging system or other system designed to record and communicate messages, facsimile, or by electronic mail or other electronic means. No further notice shall be required for regular meetings of the Board of Directors.
(b) Unless otherwise restricted by the Certificate of Incorporation, special meetings of the Board of Directors may be held at any time and place within or without the State of Delaware whenever called by the Chairperson of the Board, the Chief Executive Officer or a majority of the total number of authorized directors.
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(c) Any member of the Board of Directors, or of any committee thereof, may participate in a meeting by means of conference telephone or other communications equipment by means of which all persons participating in the meeting can hear each other, and participation in a meeting by such means shall constitute presence in person at such meeting.
(d) Notice of the time and place of all special meetings of the Board of Directors shall be orally or in writing, by telephone, including a voice messaging system or other system or technology designed to record and communicate messages, facsimile, or by electronic mail or other electronic means, during normal business hours, at least 24 hours before the date and time of the meeting. If notice is sent by U.S. mail, it shall be sent by first class mail, charges prepaid, at least three days before the date of the meeting. Notice of any meeting may be waived in writing, or by electronic transmission, at any time before or after the meeting and will be waived by any director by attendance thereat, except when the director attends the meeting for the express purpose of objecting, at the beginning of the meeting, to the transaction of any business because the meeting is not lawfully called or convened.
(e) The transaction of all business at any meeting of the Board of Directors, or any committee thereof, however called or noticed, or wherever held, shall be as valid as though it had been transacted at a meeting duly held after regular call and notice, if a quorum be present and if, either before or after the meeting, each of the directors not present who did not receive notice shall sign a written waiver of notice or shall waive notice by electronic transmission. All such waivers shall be filed with the corporate records or made a part of the minutes of the meeting.
Section 4.7 Quorum and Voting.
(a) Unless the Certificate of Incorporation requires a greater number, and except with respect to questions related to indemnification arising under Section 11.1 for which a quorum shall be one-third of the exact number of directors fixed from time to time, a quorum of the Board of Directors shall consist of a majority of the exact number of directors fixed from time to time by the Board of Directors in accordance with the Certificate of Incorporation; provided, however, at any meeting whether a quorum be present or otherwise, a majority of the directors present may adjourn from time to time until the time fixed for the next regular meeting of the Board of Directors, without notice other than by announcement at the meeting.
(b) At each meeting of the Board of Directors at which a quorum is present, all questions and business shall be determined by the affirmative vote of a majority of the directors present, unless a different vote be required by law, the Certificate of Incorporation or these By-laws.
Section 4.8 Action Without Meeting. Unless otherwise restricted by the Certificate of Incorporation or these By-laws, any action required or permitted to be taken at any meeting of the Board of Directors or of any committee thereof may be taken without a meeting, if all members of the Board of Directors or committee, as the case may be, consent thereto in writing or by electronic transmission, and such writing or writings or transmission or transmissions are filed with the minutes of proceedings of the Board of Directors or committee. Such filing shall be in paper form if the minutes are maintained in paper form and shall be in electronic form if the minutes are maintained in electronic form.
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Section 4.9 Fees and Compensation. Directors shall be entitled to such compensation for their services as may be approved by the Board of Directors, including, if so approved, by resolution of the Board of Directors, a fixed sum and expenses of attendance, if any, for attendance at each regular or special meeting of the Board of Directors and at any meeting of a committee of the Board of Directors. Nothing herein contained shall be construed to preclude any director from serving the Corporation in any other capacity as an officer, agent, employee, or otherwise and receiving compensation therefor.
Section 4.10 Committees.
(a) The Board of Directors may appoint an Executive Committee to consist of one or more members of the Board of Directors. The Executive Committee, to the extent permitted by law and provided in the resolution of the Board of Directors shall have and may exercise all the powers and authority of the Board of Directors in the management of the business and affairs of the Corporation, and may authorize the seal of the Corporation to be affixed to all papers that may require it; but no such committee shall have the power or authority in reference to (i) approving or adopting, or recommending to the stockholders, any action or matter (other than the election or removal of directors) expressly required by the DGCL to be submitted to stockholders for approval, or (ii) adopting, amending or repealing any Bylaw of the Corporation.
(b) The Board of Directors may, from time to time, appoint such other committees as may be permitted by law. Such other committees appointed by the Board of Directors shall consist of one or more members of the Board of Directors and shall have such powers and perform such duties as may be prescribed by the resolution or resolutions creating such committees, but in no event shall any such committee have the powers denied to the Executive Committee in these By-laws.
(c) The Board of Directors, subject to any requirements of any outstanding series of Preferred Stock and the provisions of subsections (a) or (b) of this Section 4.11 may at any time increase or decrease the number of members of a committee or terminate the existence of a committee. The membership of a committee member shall terminate on the date of the member’s death or voluntary resignation from the committee or from the Board of Directors. The Board of Directors may at any time for any reason remove any individual committee member and the Board of Directors may fill any committee vacancy created by death, resignation, removal or increase in the number of members of the committee. The Board of Directors may designate one or more directors as alternate members of any committee, who may replace any absent or disqualified member at any meeting of the committee, and, in addition, in the absence or disqualification of any member of a committee, the member or members thereof present at any meeting and not disqualified from voting, whether or not he or they constitute a quorum, may unanimously appoint another member of the Board of Directors to act at the meeting in the place of any such absent or disqualified member.
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(d) Unless the Board of Directors shall otherwise provide, regular meetings of the Executive Committee or any other committee appointed pursuant to this Section 4.11 shall be held at such times and places as are determined by the Board of Directors, or by any such committee, and when notice thereof has been given to each member of such committee, no further notice of such regular meetings need be given thereafter. Special meetings of any such committee may be held at any place that has been determined from time to time by such committee, and may be called by any director who is a member of such committee, upon notice to the members of such committee of the time and place of such special meeting given in the manner provided for the giving of notice to members of the Board of Directors of the time and place of special meetings of the Board of Directors. Notice of any special meeting of any committee may be waived in writing or by electronic transmission at any time before or after the meeting and will be waived by any director by attendance thereat, except when the director attends such special meeting for the express purpose of objecting, at the beginning of the meeting, to the transaction of any business because the meeting is not lawfully called or convened. Unless otherwise provided by the Board of Directors in the resolutions authorizing the creation of the committee, a majority of the authorized number of members of any such committee shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business, and the act of a majority of those present at any meeting at which a quorum is present shall be the act of such committee.
Section 4.11 Duties of Chairperson. The Chairperson of the Board of Directors, if appointed and when present, shall preside at all meetings of the stockholders and the Board of Directors. The Chairperson of the Board of Directors shall perform other duties commonly incident to the office and shall also perform such other duties and have such other powers, as the Board of Directors shall designate from time to time.
Section 4.12 Organization. At every meeting of the directors, the Chairperson of the Board of Directors, or, if a Chairperson has not been appointed or is absent, the Chief Executive Officer (if a director), or, if a Chief Executive Officer is absent, the President (if a director), or if the President is absent, the most senior Vice President (if a director), or, in the absence of any such person, a chairperson of the meeting chosen by a majority of the directors present, shall preside over the meeting. The Secretary, or in his or her absence, any Assistant Secretary or other officer, director or other person directed to do so by the person presiding over the meeting, shall act as secretary of the meeting.
Article 5
OFFICERS
Section 5.1 Officers Designated. The officers of the Corporation shall include, if and when designated by the Board of Directors, the Chief Executive Officer, the President, one or more Vice Presidents, the Secretary, the Chief Financial Officer and the Treasurer. The Board of Directors may also appoint one or more Assistant Secretaries and Assistant Treasurers and such other officers and agents with such powers and duties as it shall deem necessary. The Board of Directors may assign such additional titles to one or more of the officers as it shall deem appropriate. Any one person may hold any number of offices of the Corporation at any one time unless specifically prohibited therefrom by law. The salaries and other compensation of the officers of the Corporation shall be fixed by or in the manner designated by the Board of Directors.
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Section 5.2 Tenure and Duties of Officers.
(a) All officers shall hold office at the pleasure of the Board of Directors and until their successors shall have been duly elected and qualified, unless sooner removed. Any officer elected or appointed by the Board of Directors may be removed at any time by the Board of Directors. If the office of any officer becomes vacant for any reason, the vacancy may be filled by the Board of Directors.
(b) The Chief Executive Officer shall preside at all meetings of the stockholders and at all meetings of the Board of Directors (if a director), unless the Chairperson of the Board of Directors has been appointed and is present. Unless an officer has been appointed Chief Executive Officer of the Corporation, the President shall be the Chief Executive Officer of the Corporation and shall, subject to the control of the Board of Directors, have general supervision, direction and control of the business and officers of the Corporation. To the extent that a Chief Executive Officer has been appointed and no President has been appointed, all references in these By-laws to the President shall be deemed references to the Chief Executive Officer. The Chief Executive Officer shall perform other duties commonly incident to the office and shall also perform such other duties and have such other powers, as the Board of Directors shall designate from time to time.
(c) The President shall preside at all meetings of the stockholders and at all meetings of the Board of Directors (if a director), unless the Chairperson of the Board of Directors or the Chief Executive Officer has been appointed and is present. Unless another officer has been appointed Chief Executive Officer of the Corporation, the President shall be the chief executive officer of the Corporation and shall, subject to the control of the Board of Directors, have general supervision, direction and control of the business and officers of the Corporation. The President shall perform other duties commonly incident to the office and shall also perform such other duties and have such other powers, as the Board of Directors shall designate from time to time.
(d) A Vice President may assume and perform the duties of the President in the absence or disability of the President or whenever the office of President is vacant. A Vice President shall perform other duties commonly incident to their office and shall also perform such other duties and have such other powers as the Board of Directors or the Chief Executive Officer, or, if the Chief Executive Officer has not been appointed or is absent, the President shall designate from time to time.
(e) The Secretary shall attend all meetings of the stockholders and of the Board of Directors and shall record all acts and proceedings thereof in the minute book of the Corporation. The Secretary shall give notice in conformity with these By-laws of all meetings of the stockholders and of all meetings of the Board of Directors and any committee thereof requiring notice. The Secretary shall perform all other duties provided for in these By-laws and other duties commonly incident to the office and shall also perform such other duties and have such other powers, as the Board of Directors shall designate from time to time. The Chief Executive Officer, or if no Chief Executive Officer is then serving, the President may direct any Assistant Secretary or other officer to assume and perform the duties of the Secretary in the absence or disability of the Secretary, and each Assistant Secretary shall perform other duties commonly incident to the office and shall also perform such other duties and have such other powers as the Board of Directors or the Chief Executive Officer, or if no Chief Executive Officer is then serving, the President shall designate from time to time.
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(f) The Chief Financial Officer shall keep or cause to be kept the books of account of the Corporation in a thorough and proper manner and shall render statements of the financial affairs of the Corporation in such form and as often as required by the Board of Directors or the Chief Executive Officer, or if no Chief Executive Officer is then serving, the President. The Chief Financial Officer, subject to the order of the Board of Directors, shall have the custody of all funds and securities of the Corporation. The Chief Financial Officer shall perform other duties commonly incident to the office and shall also perform such other duties and have such other powers as the Board of Directors or the Chief Executive Officer, or if no Chief Executive Officer is then serving, the President shall designate from time to time. To the extent that a Chief Financial Officer has been appointed and no Treasurer has been appointed, all references in these By-laws to the Treasurer shall be deemed references to the Chief Financial Officer. The President may direct the Treasurer, if any, or any Assistant Treasurer, or the controller or any assistant controller to assume and perform the duties of the Chief Financial Officer in the absence or disability of the Chief Financial Officer, and each Treasurer and Assistant Treasurer and each controller and assistant controller shall perform other duties commonly incident to the office and shall also perform such other duties and have such other powers as the Board of Directors or the Chief Executive Officer, or if no Chief Executive Officer is then serving, the President shall designate from time to time.
(g) Unless another officer has been appointed Chief Financial Officer of the Corporation, the Treasurer shall be the chief financial officer of the Corporation and shall keep or cause to be kept the books of account of the Corporation in a thorough and proper manner and shall render statements of the financial affairs of the Corporation in such form and as often as required by the Board of Directors or the Chief Executive Officer, or if no Chief Executive Officer is then serving, the President, and, subject to the order of the Board of Directors, shall have the custody of all funds and securities of the Corporation. The Treasurer shall perform other duties commonly incident to the office and shall also perform such other duties and have such other powers as the Board of Directors or the Chief Executive Officer, or if no Chief Executive Officer is then serving, the President and Chief Financial Officer (if not Treasurer) shall designate from time to time.
Section 5.3 Delegation of Authority. The Board of Directors may from time to time delegate the powers or duties of any officer to any other officer or agent, notwithstanding any provision hereof.
Section 5.4 Resignations. Any officer may resign at any time by giving notice in writing or by electronic transmission to the Board of Directors or to the Chief Executive Officer, or if no Chief Executive Officer is then serving, to the President or to the Secretary. Any such resignation shall be effective when received by the person or persons to whom such notice is given, unless a later time is specified therein, in which event the resignation shall become effective at such later time. Unless otherwise specified in such notice, the acceptance of any such resignation shall not be necessary to make it effective. Any resignation shall be without prejudice to the rights, if any, of the Corporation under any contract with the resigning officer.
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Section 5.5 Removal. Any officer may be removed from office at any time, either with or without cause, by the affirmative vote of a majority of the directors in office at the time, or by the unanimous written consent of the directors in office at the time, or by any committee or by the Chief Executive Officer or by other superior officers upon whom such power of removal may have been conferred by the Board of Directors.
Article 6
EXECUTION OF CORPORATE INSTRUMENTS AND VOTING OF SECURITIES OWNED BY THE CORPORATION
Section 6.1 Execution of Corporate Instruments. Each officer of the Corporation may execute, affix the corporate seal and/or deliver, in the name and on behalf of the Corporation, deeds, mortgages, notes, bonds, contracts, agreements, powers of attorney, guarantees, settlements, releases, evidences of indebtedness, conveyances, or any other document or instrument that is authorized by the Board of Directors or is required to be executed in the ordinary course of business, except in cases where the execution, affixation of the corporate seal and/or delivery thereof shall be expressly and exclusively delegated by the Board of Directors to some other officer or agent of the Corporation.
Section 6.2 Voting Securities Owned by the Corporation. All stock and other securities of other corporations owned or held by the Corporation for itself, or for other parties in any capacity, shall be voted, and all proxies with respect thereto shall be executed, by the person authorized so to do by resolution of the Board of Directors, or, in the absence of such authorization, by the Chairperson of the Board of Directors, the Chief Executive Officer, the President, or any Vice President.
Article 7
SHARES OF STOCK
Section 7.1 Form and Execution of Certificates. The shares of the Corporation shall be represented by certificates, or shall be uncertificated if so provided by resolution or resolutions of the Board of Directors. Certificates for the shares of stock, if any, shall be in such form as is consistent with the Certificate of Incorporation and applicable law. Every holder of stock in the Corporation represented by certificate shall be entitled to have a certificate signed by or in the name of the Corporation by the Chairperson of the Board of Directors, or the President or any Vice President and by the Treasurer or Assistant Treasurer or the Secretary or Assistant Secretary, certifying the number of shares owned by him in the Corporation. Any or all of the signatures on the certificate may be facsimiles. In case any officer, transfer agent, or registrar who has signed or whose facsimile signature has been placed upon a certificate shall have ceased to be such officer, transfer agent, or registrar before such certificate is issued, it may be issued with the same effect as if he were such officer, transfer agent, or registrar at the date of issue.
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Section 7.2 Lost Certificates. A new certificate or certificates shall be issued in place of any certificate or certificates theretofore issued by the Corporation alleged to have been lost, stolen, or destroyed, upon the making of an affidavit of that fact by the person claiming the certificate of stock to be lost, stolen, or destroyed. The Corporation may require, as a condition precedent to the issuance of a new certificate or certificates, the owner of such lost, stolen, or destroyed certificate or certificates, or the owner’s legal representative, to agree to indemnify the Corporation in such manner as it shall require or to give the Corporation a surety bond in such form and amount as it may direct as indemnity against any claim that may be made against the Corporation with respect to the certificate alleged to have been lost, stolen, or destroyed.
Section 7.3 Transfers.
(a) Transfers of record of shares of stock of the Corporation shall be made only upon its books by the holders thereof, in person or by attorney duly authorized, and, in the case of stock represented by certificate, upon the surrender of a properly endorsed certificate or certificates for a like number of shares.
(b) The Corporation shall have power to enter into and perform any agreement with any number of stockholders of any one or more classes of stock of the Corporation to restrict the transfer of shares of stock of the Corporation of any one or more classes owned by such stockholders in any manner not prohibited by the DGCL.
Section 7.4 Fixing Record Dates.
(a) In order that the Corporation may determine the stockholders entitled to notice of or to vote at any meeting of stockholders or any adjournment thereof, the Board of Directors may fix a record date, which record date shall not precede the date upon which the resolution fixing the record date is adopted by the Board of Directors, and which record date shall, subject to applicable law, not be more than 60 nor less than ten days before the date of such meeting. If no record date is fixed by the Board of Directors, the record date for determining stockholders entitled to notice of or to vote at a meeting of stockholders shall be at the close of business on the day next preceding the day on which notice is given, or if notice is waived, at the close of business on the day next preceding the day on which the meeting is held. A determination of stockholders of record entitled to notice of or to vote at a meeting of stockholders shall apply to any adjournment of the meeting; provided, however, that the Board of Directors may fix a new record date for the adjourned meeting.
(b) In order that the Corporation may determine the stockholders entitled to receive payment of any dividend or other distribution or allotment of any rights or the stockholders entitled to exercise any rights in respect of any change, conversion or exchange of stock, or for the purpose of any other lawful action, the Board of Directors may fix, in advance, a record date, which record date shall not precede the date upon which the resolution fixing the record date is adopted, and which record date shall be not more than 60 days prior to such action. If no record date is fixed, the record date for determining stockholders for any such purpose shall be at the close of business on the day on which the Board of Directors adopts the resolution relating thereto.
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Section 7.5 Registered Stockholders. The Corporation shall be entitled to recognize the exclusive right of a person registered on its books as the owner of shares to receive dividends, and to vote as such owner, and shall not be bound to recognize any equitable or other claim to or interest in such share or shares on the part of any other person whether or not it shall have express or other notice thereof, except as otherwise provided by the laws of Delaware.
Article 8
OTHER SECURITIES OF THE CORPORATION
Section 8.1 Execution of Other Securities. All bonds, debentures and other corporate securities of the Corporation, other than stock certificates (covered in Section 7.1), may be signed by the Chairperson of the Board of Directors, the Chief Executive Officer, the President or any Vice President, or such other person as may be authorized by the Board of Directors, and the corporate seal impressed thereon or a facsimile of such seal imprinted thereon and attested by the signature of the Secretary or an Assistant Secretary, or the Chief Financial Officer or Treasurer or an Assistant Treasurer; provided, however, that where any such bond, debenture or other corporate security shall be authenticated by the manual signature, or where permissible facsimile signature, of a trustee under an indenture pursuant to which such bond, debenture or other corporate security shall be issued, the signatures of the persons signing and attesting the corporate seal on such bond, debenture or other corporate security may be the imprinted facsimile of the signatures of such persons. Interest coupons appertaining to any such bond, debenture or other corporate security, authenticated by a trustee as aforesaid, shall be signed by the Treasurer or an Assistant Treasurer of the Corporation or such other person as may be authorized by the Board of Directors, or bear imprinted thereon the facsimile signature of such person. In case any officer who shall have signed or attested any bond, debenture or other corporate security, or whose facsimile signature shall appear thereon or on any such interest coupon, shall have ceased to be such officer before the bond, debenture or other corporate security so signed or attested shall have been delivered, such bond, debenture or other corporate security nevertheless may be adopted by the Corporation and issued and delivered as though the person who signed the same or whose facsimile signature shall have been used thereon had not ceased to be such officer of the Corporation.
Article 9
DIVIDENDS
Section 9.1 Declaration of Dividends. Dividends upon the capital stock of the Corporation, subject to the provisions of the Certificate of Incorporation and applicable law, if any, may be declared by the Board of Directors pursuant to law at any regular or special meeting. Dividends may be paid in cash, in property, or in shares of the capital stock, subject to the provisions of the Certificate of Incorporation and applicable law.
Section 9.2 Dividend Reserve. Before payment of any dividend, there may be set aside out of any funds of the Corporation available for dividends such sum or sums as the Board of Directors from time to time, in their absolute discretion, think proper as a reserve or reserves to meet contingencies, or for equalizing dividends, or for repairing or maintaining any property of the Corporation, or for such other purpose as the Board of Directors shall think conducive to the interests of the Corporation, and the Board of Directors may modify or abolish any such reserve in the manner in which it was created.
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Article 10
FISCAL YEAR
Section 10.1 Fiscal Year. The fiscal year of the Corporation shall be fixed by resolution of the Board of Directors.
Article 11
INDEMNIFICATION
Section 11.1 Indemnification of Directors, Executive Officers, Other Officers, Employees and Other Agents.
(a) The Corporation shall indemnify its directors and executive officers (for the purposes of this Article XI, “executive officers” shall have the meaning defined in Rule 3b-7 promulgated under the Exchange Act) to the extent not prohibited by the DGCL or any other applicable law; provided, however, that the Corporation may modify the extent of such indemnification by individual contracts with its directors and executive officers; and, provided, further, that the Corporation shall not be required to indemnify any director or executive officer in connection with any proceeding (or part thereof) initiated by such person unless (i) such indemnification is expressly required to be made by law, (ii) the proceeding was authorized by the Board of Directors of the Corporation, (iii) such indemnification is provided by the Corporation, in its sole discretion, pursuant to the powers vested in the Corporation under the DGCL or any other applicable law or (iv) such indemnification is required to be made under subsection (d).
(b) The Corporation shall have power to indemnify its other officers, employees and other agents as set forth in the DGCL or any other applicable law. The Board of Directors shall have the power to delegate the determination of whether indemnification shall be given to any such person except executive officers to such officers or other persons as the Board of Directors shall determine.
(c) The Corporation shall advance to any person who was or is a party or is threatened to be made a party to any threatened, pending or completed action, suit or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative, by reason of the fact that he is or was a director or executive officer, of the Corporation, or is or was serving at the request of the Corporation as a director or executive officer of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise, prior to the final disposition of the proceeding, promptly following request therefor, all expenses incurred by any director or executive officer in connection with such proceeding provided, however, that if the DGCL requires, an advancement of expenses incurred by a director or executive officer in his or her capacity as a director or executive officer (and not in any other capacity in which service was or is rendered by such indemnitee, including, without limitation, service to an employee benefit plan) shall be made only upon delivery to the Corporation of an undertaking (hereinafter an “undertaking”), by or on behalf of such indemnitee, to repay all amounts so advanced if it shall ultimately be determined by final judicial decision from which there is no further right to appeal (hereinafter a “final adjudication”) that such indemnitee is not entitled to be indemnified for such expenses under this Section 11.1 or otherwise. Notwithstanding the foregoing, unless otherwise determined pursuant to paragraph (e) of this Section 11.1, no advance shall be made by the Corporation to an executive officer of the Corporation (except by reason of the fact that such executive officer is or was a director of the Corporation in which event this paragraph shall not apply) in any action, suit or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative, if a determination is reasonably and promptly made (i) by a majority vote of directors who were not parties to the proceeding, even if not a quorum, or (ii) by a committee of such directors designated by a majority vote of such directors, even though less than a quorum, or (iii) if there are no such directors, or such directors so direct, by independent legal counsel in a written opinion, that the facts known to the decision-making party at the time such determination is made demonstrate clearly and convincingly that such person acted in bad faith or in a manner that such person did not believe to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the Corporation.
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(d) Without the necessity of entering into an express contract, all rights to indemnification and advances to directors and executive officers under this Bylaw shall be deemed to be contractual rights and be effective to the same extent and as if provided for in a contract between the Corporation and the director or executive officer. Any right to indemnification or advances granted by this Section 11.1 to a director or executive officer shall be enforceable by or on behalf of the person holding such right in any court of competent jurisdiction if (i) the claim for indemnification or advances is denied, in whole or in part, or (ii) no disposition of such claim is made within 90 days of request therefor. To the extent permitted by law, the claimant in such enforcement action, if successful in whole or in part, shall be entitled to be paid also the expense of prosecuting the claim. In connection with any claim for indemnification, the Corporation shall be entitled to raise as a defense to any such action that the claimant has not met the standards of conduct that make it permissible under the DGCL or any other applicable law for the Corporation to indemnify the claimant for the amount claimed. In connection with any claim by an executive officer of the Corporation (except in any action, suit or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative, by reason of the fact that such executive officer is or was a director of the Corporation) for advances, the Corporation shall be entitled to raise a defense as to any such action clear and convincing evidence that such person acted in bad faith or in a manner that such person did not believe to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the Corporation, or with respect to any criminal action or proceeding that such person acted without reasonable cause to believe that his or her conduct was lawful. Neither the failure of the Corporation (including its Board of Directors, independent legal counsel or its stockholders) to have made a determination prior to the commencement of such action that indemnification of the claimant is proper in the circumstances because he has met the applicable standard of conduct set forth in the DGCL or any other applicable law, nor an actual determination by the Corporation (including its Board of Directors, independent legal counsel or its stockholders) that the claimant has not met such applicable standard of conduct, shall be a defense to the action or create a presumption that claimant has not met the applicable standard of conduct. In any suit brought by a director or executive officer to enforce a right to indemnification or to an advancement of expenses hereunder, the burden of proving that the director or executive officer is not entitled to be indemnified, or to such advancement of expenses, under this Section 11.1 or otherwise shall be on the Corporation.
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(e) The rights conferred on any person by this Bylaw shall not be exclusive of any other right that such person may have or hereafter acquire under any applicable statute, provision of the Certificate of Incorporation, By-laws, agreement, vote of stockholders or disinterested directors or otherwise, both as to action in his or her official capacity and as to action in another capacity while holding office. The Corporation is specifically authorized to enter into individual contracts with any or all of its directors, officers, employees or agents respecting indemnification and advances, to the fullest extent not prohibited by the DGCL, or by any other applicable law.
(f) The rights conferred on any person by this Bylaw shall continue as to a person who has ceased to be a director or executive officer or officer, employee or other agent and shall inure to the benefit of the heirs, executors and administrators of such a person.
(g) To the fullest extent permitted by the DGCL or any other applicable law, the Corporation, upon approval by the Board of Directors, may purchase insurance on behalf of any person required or permitted to be indemnified pursuant to this Section 11.1.
(h) Any repeal or modification of this Section 11.1 shall only be prospective and shall not affect the rights under this Bylaw in effect at the time of the alleged occurrence of any action or omission to act that is the cause of any proceeding against any agent of the Corporation.
(i) If this Bylaw or any portion hereof shall be invalidated on any ground by any court of competent jurisdiction, then the Corporation shall nevertheless indemnify each director and executive officer to the full extent not prohibited by any applicable portion of this Section 11.1 that shall not have been invalidated, or by any other applicable law. If this Section 11.1 shall be invalid due to the application of the indemnification provisions of another jurisdiction, then the Corporation shall indemnify each director and executive officer to the full extent under any other applicable law.
(j) For the purposes of this Bylaw, the following definitions shall apply:
(i) The term “proceeding” shall be broadly construed and shall include, without limitation, the investigation, preparation, prosecution, defense, settlement, arbitration and appeal of, and the giving of testimony in, any threatened, pending or completed action, suit or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative.
(ii) The term “expenses” shall be broadly construed and shall include, without limitation, court costs, attorneys’ fees, witness fees, fines, amounts paid in settlement or judgment and any other costs and expenses of any nature or kind incurred in connection with any proceeding.
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(iii) The term the “corporation” shall include, in addition to the resulting corporation, any constituent corporation (including any constituent of a constituent) absorbed in a consolidation or merger that, if its separate existence had continued, would have had power and authority to indemnify its directors, officers, and employees or agents, so that any person who is or was a director, officer, employee or agent of such constituent corporation, or is or was serving at the request of such constituent corporation as a director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise, shall stand in the same position under the provisions of this Section 11.1 with respect to the resulting or surviving corporation as he would have with respect to such constituent corporation if its separate existence had continued.
(iv) References to a “director,” “executive officer,” “officer,” “employee,” or “agent” of the Corporation shall include, without limitation, situations where such person is serving at the request of the Corporation as, respectively, a director, executive officer, officer, employee, trustee or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise.
(v) References to “other enterprises” shall include employee benefit plans; references to “fines” shall include any excise taxes assessed on a person with respect to an employee benefit plan; and references to “serving at the request of the Corporation” shall include any service as a director, officer, employee or agent of the Corporation that imposes duties on, or involves services by, such director, officer, employee, or agent with respect to an employee benefit plan, its participants, or beneficiaries; and a person who acted in good faith and in a manner he reasonably believed to be in the interest of the participants and beneficiaries of an employee benefit plan shall be deemed to have acted in a manner “not opposed to the best interests of the Corporation” as referred to in this Section 11.1.
Article 12
NOTICES
Section 12.1 Notices.
(a) Written notice to stockholders of stockholder meetings shall be given as provided in Section 3.4 herein. Without limiting the manner by which notice may otherwise be given effectively to stockholders under any agreement or contract with such stockholder, and except as otherwise required by law, written notice to stockholders for purposes other than stockholder meetings may be sent by U.S. mail or nationally recognized overnight courier, or by facsimile, or by electronic mail or other electronic means.
(b) Any notice required to be given to any director may be given by the method stated in subsection (a), as otherwise provided in these By-laws with notice other than one that is delivered personally to be sent to such address as such director shall have filed in writing with the Secretary, or, in the absence of such filing, to the last known address of such director.
(c) An affidavit of mailing, executed by a duly authorized and competent employee of the Corporation or its transfer agent appointed with respect to the class of stock affected, or other agent, specifying the name and address or the names and addresses of the stockholder or stockholders, or director or directors, to whom any such notice or notices was or were given, and the time and method of giving the same, shall in the absence of fraud, be prima facie evidence of the facts therein contained.
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(d) It shall not be necessary that the same method of giving notice be employed in respect of all recipients of notice, but one permissible method may be employed in respect of any one or more, and any other permissible method or methods may be employed in respect of any other or others.
(e) Whenever notice is required to be given, under any provision of law or of the Certificate of Incorporation or By-laws of the Corporation, to any person with whom communication is unlawful, the giving of such notice to such person shall not be required and there shall be no duty to apply to any governmental authority or agency for a license or permit to give such notice to such person. Any action or meeting that shall be taken or held without notice to any such person with whom communication is unlawful shall have the same force and effect as if such notice had been duly given. In the event that the action taken by the Corporation is such as to require the filing of a certificate under any provision of the DGCL, the certificate shall state, if such is the fact and if notice is required, that notice was given to all persons entitled to receive notice except such persons with whom communication is unlawful.
(f) Except as otherwise prohibited under DGCL, any notice given under the provisions of DGCL, the Certificate of Incorporation or the By-laws shall be effective if given by a single written notice to stockholders who share an address if consented to by the stockholders at that address to whom such notice is given. Such consent shall have been deemed to have been given if such stockholder fails to object in writing to the Corporation within 60 days of having been given notice by the Corporation of its intention to send the single notice. Any consent shall be revocable by the stockholder by written notice to the Corporation.
Article 13
AMENDMENTS
Section 13.1 Amendments. Subject to the limitations set forth in Section 11.1(h) of these By-laws or the provisions of the Certificate of Incorporation, the Board of Directors is expressly empowered to adopt, amend or repeal the By-laws of the Corporation. Any adoption, amendment or repeal of the By-laws of the Corporation by the Board of Directors shall require the approval of a majority of the authorized number of directors. The stockholders also shall have power to adopt, amend or repeal the By-laws of the Corporation; provided, however, that, in addition to any vote of the holders of any class or series of stock of the Corporation required by law or by the Certificate of Incorporation, such action by stockholders shall require the affirmative vote of the holders of at least a majority of the voting power of all of the then-outstanding shares of the capital stock of the Corporation entitled to vote generally in the election of directors, voting together as a single class.
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Article 14
FORUM SELECTION
Section 14.1 Forum. Unless the Corporation consents in writing to the selection of an alternative forum, the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware (or, if and only if the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware lacks subject matter jurisdiction, any state court located within the State of Delaware or, if and only if all such state courts lack subject matter jurisdiction, the federal district court for the District of Delaware) shall be the sole and exclusive forum for the following types of actions or proceedings under Delaware statutory or common law (i) any derivative action or proceeding brought on behalf of the Corporation; (ii) any action or proceeding asserting a claim of breach of a fiduciary duty owed by any current or former director, officer or other employee of the Corporation, to the Corporation or the Corporation’s stockholders; (iii) any action or proceeding asserting a claim against the corporation or any current or former director, officer or other employee of the Corporation, arising out of or pursuant to any provision of the DGCL, the Certificate of Incorporation or the By-laws of the Corporation (as each may be amended from time to time); (iv) any action or proceeding to interpret, apply, enforce or determine the validity of the Certificate of Incorporation or the By-laws of the Corporation (including any right, obligation, or remedy thereunder); (v) any action or proceeding as to which the DGCL confers jurisdiction to the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware; and (vi) any action asserting a claim against the Corporation or any director, officer or other employee of the Corporation, governed by the internal affairs doctrine, in all cases to the fullest extent permitted by law and subject to the court’s having personal jurisdiction over the indispensable parties named as defendants. This Article 14 shall not apply to suits brought to enforce a duty or liability created by the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), or the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or any other claim for which the federal courts have exclusive jurisdiction. Unless the Corporation consents in writing to the selection of an alternative forum, the federal district courts of the District of Delaware shall be the exclusive forum for the resolution of any complaint asserting a cause of action arising under the Securities Act. Any person or entity purchasing or otherwise acquiring or holding any interest in shares of capital stock of the Corporation shall be deemed to have notice of and consented to the provisions of this Article 14.
Section 14.2 Notice and Consent. Any person or entity holding, owning or otherwise acquiring any interest in any security of the Corporation shall be deemed to have notice of and consented to the provisions of these By-laws.
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Exhibit 10.1
AGREEMENT ON MEMBERSHIP INTEREST ISSUANCE TO DR. PRIDGEN UNDER VIRIOS THERAPEUTICS, LLC'S OPERATING AGREEMENT
August 17, 2020
This Agreement on Membership Interest Issuance to Dr. Pridgen under Virios Therapeutics, LLC's Operating Agreement ("Agreement") is an agreement between Virios Therapeutics, LLC ("Virios" or the "Company"), and Dr. William L. Pridgen ("Pridgen") regarding the issuance of a 4.5% Membership Interest owed to Dr. Pridgen under the Company's Operating Agreement (Virios and Pridgen together as "Parties" and individually as a "Party").
WHEREAS, Section 5. l(a)(2) of the Company's Operating Agreement, as approved by the Members, provides that Dr. Pridgen is to be issued a 4.5% Membership Interest upon a successful sale or license of the Patent and upon the other terms as provided therein;
WHEREAS, pursuant to Company's Operating Agreement and the subscription agreements for the Second Offering, the Third Offering, the Fourth Offering, and the Fifth Offering, only those investors holding Membership Interests at the time of the grant of the 4.5% interest are subject to the dilution from the 4.5% issuance to Dr. Pridgen;
WHEREAS, the Company contemplates converting to a C corporation in connection with its upcoming initial public offering ("IPO"), such that the Company could not thereafter issue a Membership Interest to Dr. Pridgen, as the Company would only have on class of common stock with identical rights to all stockholders;
WHEREAS, the Parties wish to preserve the agreements among the Company and its Members with respect to the 4.5% Membership Interest to be issued to Dr. Pridgen, as described in the Operating Agreement and in the Subscription Agreements for the Second Offering, Third Offering, Fourth Offering, and Fifth Offering;
WHEREAS, subsequent to the C corporation conversion and IPO it would not be possible to effectuate the intent of the agreement and to prevent the unanticipated dilution of the investors investing in the Company's Second Offering, Third Offering, Fourth Offering, and Fifth Offering; and
WHEREAS, a current grant of the 4.5% Membership Interest to Dr. Pridgen will protect and preserve the IPO, will reduce the total dilution to the existing Company Members, and clarify the rights of the Members with respect to the issuance;
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing, and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the Parties hereto agree as follows:
| 1. | The recitals are incorporated into the Agreement as though setout herein. |
| 2. | In anticipation of the upcoming IPO and conversion of the Company into a C corporation, upon execution of this Agreement between the Parties, the Company shall issue to Dr. Pridgen a 4.5% Membership Interest as required and in satisfaction of the terms under the Operating Agreement. |
| 3. | Such issuance shall only dilute the Membership Interests outstanding at the time the Parties agreed to grant Dr. Pridgen the 4.5% Membership Interest upon a successful sale or license of the Patent (i.e., only those offerings occurring before the Second Offering in 2015). |
| 4. | The Parties agree that such issuance was originally agreed to because Dr. Pridgen "oversold" the Company's Membership Interests, effectively diluting Dr. Pridgen by more than originally anticipated. |
| 5. | This Agreement shall be governed by laws of the state of Alabama, without regard to conflicts of law principles requiring the application of the laws of any other state or jurisdiction. The Parties agree to submit to the jurisdiction and venue of courts located in Tuscaloosa County, Alabama for any lawsuit involving this Agreement. |
| 6. | This Agreement may be executed and accepted in one or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, but all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument. |
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned have hereunto set their hands or caused their duly authorized representative to execute this agreement on their behalf under seal effective as of the day and date first printed above.
| VIRIOS THERAPEUTICS, LLC | ||
| By: | /s/ Greg Duncan | |
| Greg Duncan | ||
| Title: Chief Executive Officer | ||
| /s/ Dr. William L. Pridgen | ||
| Dr. William L. Pridgen, individually | ||
Exhibit 10.2
EXECUTIVE EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT
This EXECUTIVE EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT (as amended, extended, or revised, this “Agreement”) is made and entered into as of the 3rd day of March, 2015 (but effective as of January 26, 2014, being the “Effective Date”), by and between Innovative Med Concepts, LLC, an Alabama limited liability company (together with its successors and assigns permitted hereunder, “Company”), Rick Burch (“Executive”), and Dr. William Pridgen, Manager and Chief Executive Officer of Company (“Pridgen”). This Agreement supercedes and replaces entirely that Executive Employment Agreement entered into between the Company, Executive, and Pridgen on January 26, 2014.
WHEREAS, Company and Executive desire to provide for Executive’s employment by Company on the terms and conditions set forth herein.
NOW, THEREFORE, the premises considered and in consideration of the mutual covenants and promises herein made, the receipt and sufficiency of which is hereby acknowledged, the parties, intending to be legally bound, agree as follows:
1. Employment Period. Subject to Section 5, Company hereby agrees to employ Executive, and Executive hereby agrees to be employed by Company, in accordance with the terms and provisions of this Agreement, for the period commencing as of the Effective Date and ending on the fourth (4th) anniversary date of the Effective Date (as from time to time herein extended, “Scheduled Expiration Date”), unless earlier terminated in accordance with this Agreement (the “Employment Period”); provided, however, that commencing on such fourth (4th) anniversary date of the Effective Date, and on each anniversary of such date occurring thereafter, the Employment Period shall automatically be extended for one additional year to the next anniversary of the Effective Date unless at least sixty (60) days before the Scheduled Expiration Date otherwise in effect (but no more than nine (9) months before such Scheduled Expiration Date), Company or Executive shall have given written notice to the other that it or he, as applicable, does not wish to extend this Agreement (a “Non-Renewal Notice”). The term “Employment Period,” as utilized in this Agreement, shall refer to the Employment Period as from time to time automatically extended.
2. Position and Duties.
(a) During the Employment Period, Executive shall serve as the President of the Company, and in so doing, shall report to Pridgen or other individual from time to time serving as Chief Executive Officer. Executive shall have supervision and control over, and responsibility for, such management and operational functions of Company currently assigned to such position, and shall have such other powers and duties (including holding officer positions with Company and its affiliates) as may from time to time be prescribed by the Chief Executive Officer or the Managers of Company as defined in Company’s operating agreement (collectively, the “Managers”) and agreed to by Executive, so long as such powers and duties are reasonable and customary for the President of an enterprise comparable to Company.
(b) During the Employment Period, and excluding any periods of vacation and sick leave to which Executive is entitled, Executive agrees to devote substantially all of his business time to the business and affairs of Company and, to the extent necessary to discharge the responsibilities assigned to Executive hereunder, to use Executive’s commercially reasonable efforts to perform faithfully, effectively and efficiently such responsibilities.
(c) The parties expressly acknowledge that any performance of Executive’s responsibilities hereunder shall necessitate, and Company promises to provide, access to and the disclosure of Confidential Information (as defined in Section 7(a) below) to Executive, and further promises to assist Executive in the development of Company’s goodwill and to facilitate Executive’s contacts with Company’s customers, and suppliers. Such access to and disclosure of Confidential Information by Company to Executive, and such development of goodwill, shall commence immediately upon execution of this Agreement.
3. Cash Compensation. During the term of Executive’s employment:
(a) Base Salary. Executive shall receive an annual salary of $350,000 for his services, beginning on March 1, 2015 and ending 18 months thereafter.. The salary shall be paid bi-monthly or as is otherwise customary for the Company to pay its employees and executives.
(b) Advances against Future Incentive Awards. From May 6, 2014 through February 6, 2015, Executive received total advances of $100,000 (“Advances”). All Advances shall be deducted from and reduce any cash or in-kind compensation he receives under the Incentive Plan or with respect to his Sign-On Interest (defined below) in the Company, before Executive receives any cash or in-kind compensation under the Incentive Plan or any distributions with respect to his Sign-On Interest. To the extent Executive receives less cash or in-kind compensation under the Incentive Plan or distributions with respect to his Sign-On Interest than the total Advances, Executive shall not be required to pay back the Advances to the Company. Out of an abundance of caution, the Advances shall be treated as taxable wages to Executive when paid. Therefore, when the Advances are repaid out of amounts payable under the Incentive Plan, only the net amount payable under the Incentive Plan shall be taxable to Executive. To the extent the Advances are paid out of distributions with respect to the Sign-On Interest, the repayment shall be reported either as deductible by Executive or as a reduction in taxable income as a result of the distributions.
(c) Sign-on Interest. Executive shall be granted Nonvoting Membership Interests, as defined in Company’s operating agreement, constituting 3.5% of Company’s total current outstanding Membership Interests upon the execution of this Agreement (“Sign-On Interest”) as a “profits interest” as further defined herein. To effectuate the Sign-On Interest, Pridgen will, simultaneously with the execution of this Agreement, contribute the same amount of his Nonvoting Membership Interests to the Company, which will then issue such Membership Interests to Executive in accordance with the Company’s operating agreement and in partial consideration for his services under this Agreement. Thus, no other members will be diluted as a result of the grant.
(d) Incentive Plan. Executive shall be entitled to participate in an incentive plan whereby he will be able to receive cash bonuses and equity compensation based on his performance upon the occurrence of an Incentive Event.
(i) An “Incentive Event” is the receipt by Company or all of its Members of cash, publicly tradable stock, other equity interests, or other property of any kind (the gross amount of all items collectively “Total Proceeds”) from the success of Company’s pharmaceutical development efforts, to-wit:
(A) a successful and closed sale or license of a pharmaceutical product, compound, molecule, composition, or other property developed by the Company,
(B) a sale of (1) all or substantially all the assets of the Company; (2) a majority of the Membership Interests of the Company (other than newly issued interests in the Company); or (3) a Majority of the Voting Membership Interests of the Company such that the Company is no longer controlled directly or indirectly by Dr. William Pridgen; or
(C) a merger or consolidation of the Company that results in Cash Proceeds paid to either the Company or all its Members, or results in a majority of the equity interests in the surviving entity being owned, whether directly or indirectly, by persons other than persons who are Members of the Company immediately prior to such merger or consolidation.
(ii) The “Fibromyalgia Incentive Event” is the first Incentive Event that includes receipt of Total Proceeds with respect to the sale or license of, or other disposition relating to the first indication of fibromyalgia, and then only to the extent that the Total Proceeds are allocable to the fibromyalgia indication.
(iii) Company shall pay two distinct cash bonuses to Executive as described below.
(A) Fibromyalgia Cash and In-Kind Bonus: As a result of the Fibromyalgia Incentive Event, Company shall pay to Executive a cash bonus equal to certain percentage of the gross amount of cash, cash-like items, and publicly tradable stock (“Cash Proceeds”) as well as pay in-kind the same percentage of the gross amount of any other consideration (“Noncash Proceeds”) received from the sale or license of, or other disposition relating to the first indication of fibromyalgia. The applicable percentage will be based upon the Total Proceeds that Company receives as a result of the Fibromyalgia Incentive Event, whether or not such Total Proceeds relate to the first indication of fibromyalgia. While the Fibromyalgia Incentive Event may be part of an event that includes indications other than fibromyalgia, the applicable percentage shall apply solely to Total Proceeds received by the Company relating to the sale or license of, or other disposition of the first indication of fibromyalgia (“Fibromyalgia Proceeds”) and shall not apply to Total Proceeds received from the sale, license, or disposition of other assets. The Fibromyalgia Cash and In-Kind Bonus shall be paid in the same taxable year that the applicable Total Proceeds are received by the Company or within 2 ½ months thereafter. The applicable percentage that Executive will receive for this success are as follows:
| Total Proceeds Received by Company | Percentage of Fibromyalgia Total Proceeds Paid to Executive | |||
| $0 - $50,000,000 | 2.5 | % | ||
| $50,000,001 - $100,000,000 | 3.0 | % | ||
| $100,000,001 - $150,000,000 | 3.25 | % | ||
| $150,000,001 - $200,000,000 | 3.5 | % | ||
| $200,000,001 - $250,000,000 | 4.0 | % | ||
| $250,000,001 and higher | 4.5 | % | ||
(B) Non-fibromyalgia Cash and In-Kind Bonus: In addition to the Fibromyalgia Cash and In-Kind Bonus, as a result of any Incentive Event occurring before or concurrently with the Fibromyalgia Incentive Event, Company shall pay to Executive a cash bonus equal to a certain percentage of all Cash Proceeds as well as pay in-kind the same percentage of the Noncash Proceeds received from such Incentive Event, excluding Fibromyalgia Total Proceeds. The applicable percentage will be based upon the Total Proceeds that Company receives as a result of the Incentive Event, including any Total Proceeds received related to Fibromyalgia Incentive Event. The Non-fibromyalgia Cash and In-Kind Bonus shall be paid in the same taxable year that the applicable Total Proceeds are received by the Company or within 2 ½ months thereafter. The applicable percentage that Executive will receive for this success are as follows:
| Total Proceeds Received by Company | Percentage of Non-Fibromyalgia Total Proceeds Paid to Executive | |||
| $0 - $50,000,000 | 4.0 | % | ||
| $50,000,001 - $100,000,000 | 4.5 | % | ||
| $100,000,001 - $150,000,000 | 4.75 | % | ||
| $150,000,001 - $200,000,000 | 5.0 | % | ||
| $200,000,001 - $250,000,000 | 5.5 | % | ||
| $250,000,001 and higher | 6.0 | % | ||
(iv) Membership Interests Issuance: In addition to the cash bonuses and upon the Fibromyalgia Incentive Event, Company shall issue to Executive Nonvoting Membership Interests equal to a certain percentage of Company’s Nonvoting Membership Interests, based solely on Membership Interests issued and outstanding immediately before this Incentive Event, after taking into account the dilutive effects of such issuance (such that, for example, if Executive is to receive a 4.0% Interest, he will have a 4% interest taking into account all outstanding interests, including the interest granted Executive). Such percentage will be based upon the Total Proceeds that Company receives as a result of the Fibromyalgia Incentive Event and any Incentive Events occurring simultaneously with the Fibromyalgia Incentive Event. However, to avoid double counting, Executive shall not receive, by virtue of his ownership of this Membership Interest, any Total Proceeds arising from the same Incentive Event, notwithstanding any terms of the Operating Agreement of the Company to the contrary, whether as cash or in-kind distributions, capital account additions, or otherwise. The exact percentage that Executive will receive for this success are as follows:
| Total Proceeds Received by Company | Percentage of Nonvoting Membership Interests Issued to Executive | |||
| $0 - $50,000,000 | 4.0 | % | ||
| $50,000,001 - $100,000,000 | 4.5 | % | ||
| $100,000,001 - $150,000,000 | 4.75 | % | ||
| $150,000,001 - $200,000,000 | 5.0 | % | ||
| $200,000,001 - $250,000,000 | 5.5 | % | ||
| $250,000,001 and higher | 6.0 | % | ||
(e) Administrative Provisions:
(i) For purposes of this Agreement, “Total Proceeds,” “Cash Proceeds,” and “Noncash Proceeds” include all upfront and contingent payments resulting from the Incentive Event, including all milestone payments, prepaid royalties, and other structured payments, but only as they are received by the Company. “Total Proceeds,” “Cash Proceeds,” and “Noncash Proceeds” shall not include any percentage royalty payments that are not prepaid royalties. Additionally, to the extent additional Total Proceeds are received by the Company that increase the applicable percentage after the payment of any Bonus, the Company shall make additional payments to Executive such that he receives a total amount of proceeds based on the higher applicable percentage on all Total Proceeds whenever received. For example, if the Fibromyalgia Incentive Event results in an upfront cash payment of $100,000,000 in year 1, with $100,000,000 additional non-tradable equity paid in year 2, and an additional $100,000,000 in year 3 from percentage royalty payments, all payments relating to a sale of the first indication of fibromyalgia, then Executive would in year 1 be issued 4.5% of the Company’s Membership Interests and receive a cash bonus equal to 3.0% of the year 1 Cash Proceeds ($3,000,000); in year 2 Executive would be issued an additional 0.5% of the Company’s Membership Interests; Company would pay to Executive in-kind $3,500,000 worth of the non-tradable equity; and he would receive an additional cash bonus equal to 0.5% of the year 1 Cash Proceeds ($500,000), and no additional payments would be made in year 3 (except for royalty payments due the Executive as a result of Membership Interests Owned).
(ii) The cash bonuses and in-kind bonuses shall be paid to Executive by Company as Cash Proceeds and Noncash Proceeds are respectively received by the Company from the Incentive Event. For example, if the Incentive Event results in an upfront cash payment of $100,000,000 in year 1, with $100,000,000 of non-tradable equity paid in year 2, Company shall pay $3,000,000 in cash to Executive in year 1 and an additional $500,000 of cash and $3,500,000 of the non-tradable equity in year 2. All cash payments shall be made on the earlier of 90 days following the receipt of Cash Proceeds by Company or two and one half months following the end of the Company’s fiscal year of receipt.
(iii) Executive shall only be entitled to the Cash and In-Kind Bonuses arising from the Fibromyalgia Incentive Event or any Incentive Events occurring before or simultaneously with the Fibromyalgia Incentive Event, as Executive will be fully compensated for subsequent Incentive Events through the Membership Interests issuances occurring from the Fibromyalgia Incentive Event.
(iv) Notwithstanding any provision in this Agreement, Executive will only be entitled to participate in the Incentive Plan and receive the Cash and In-Kind Bonuses and Nonvoting Membership Interests if he is employed by Company at the time of the Incentive Event, or if he is terminated without Cause, or by reason of Disability or death or terminates his employment for Good Reason, as such terms are defined below. If Executive is terminated without Cause, or by reason of Disability or death or terminates for Good Reason, any award of the Bonuses to Executive will be governed by Section 6.¶
(v) The portion of any gross Proceeds received by Company in an Incentive Event allocable both to the first indication of fibromyalgia and to any other indication will be calculated by Barfield, Murphy, Shank & Smith, LLC, an independent accounting firm. Such purchase price allocation shall be binding upon Company and Executive for purposes of this Agreement.
(vi) If the Cash Proceeds are in part publicly tradable stock, the stock shall be valued taking into account blockage, the cost of disposing of the stock, restrictions on sale, and any other appropriate discounts. Moreover, Company may, in its discretion, pay some or all of the bonus by delivering publicly tradable stock in kind, but up to the proportion in which the Company received the Cash Proceeds as stock and not as cash.
(vii) If any part of the Total Proceeds are Noncash Proceeds, the Noncash Proceeds will be valued at the fair market value for determining the applicable percentage. Unless Executive and Company shall otherwise agree, Barfield, Murphy, Shank & Smith, LLC shall determine the fair market value of the Noncash Proceeds. However, Barfield, Murphy, Shank & Smith, LLC may select an independent valuation firm to perform such valuation, but only if the amount of Noncash Proceeds would reasonably exceed $10,000,000.
(viii) The Company may in its discretion pay any amount of Noncash Proceeds in an equivalent amount of cash instead of in-kind.
(ix) Should a payment of Noncash Proceeds to Executive trigger a current tax liability for Executive without a corresponding payment of cash to satisfy such liability, the Company will reasonably attempt to accommodate Executive through payment of liquid assets, if reasonably available as determined in the discretion of the Chief Executive Officer or Managers. Nothing herein will obligate the Company to pay any In-Kind Bonus to Executive in cash instead of in-kind.
(x) The Membership Interests issued to the Executive pursuant to Section 3(d)(iv) shall be issued after the receipt of Total Proceeds by the Company from the Incentive Event. Additionally, Executive shall not be entitled to any distribution of Incentive Event Cash Proceeds or Noncash Proceeds received as a result of his receipt of additional Membership Interests without regard to record date, whether any Cash Proceeds or Noncash Proceeds received as a result of the Incentive Event are deferred into subsequent fiscal or tax years, or other provisions of the Operating Agreement that may otherwise provide (i.e., Executive will be fully compensated from all Cash Proceeds and Noncash Proceeds arising from this Incentive Event through the Cash and In-Kind Bonuses and any pre-existing ownership of Membership Interests).
(xi) The Membership Interests issued to the Executive pursuant to Section 3(c) and Section 3(d)(iv) are intended to each be a "profits interest," as that term is defined in Internal Revenue Service Revenue Procedure 93-27, as of the date of the grant of the interest, and to the extent that anything in this Agreement is inconsistent with such intent, the parties agree that this Agreement will be deemed to be amended such that such Membership Interests will qualify as a "profits interest." Executive and Company shall agree on a value of Company immediately preceding the issuance of the Membership Interest, and the operating agreement shall provide that upon liquidation or dissolution of Company, an amount equal to the agreed value for 100% of the Company shall be paid with respect to Membership Interests other than the Interest being granted Executive, as liquidation proceeds before any amounts are paid to Executive with respect to such profits interest. Thereafter, any remaining liquidation proceeds shall be paid to the Members in proportion to ownership of the Company, and Executive shall participate in such remaining proceeds based on his then percentage ownership of the Company. If the Company and Executive fail to agree on such value within 30 days after the Incentive Event, the value shall be determined by Barfield, Murphy, Shank & Smith, LLC, an independent accounting firm.
4. Welfare Benefit Plans. Executive and/or Executive’s family, as the case may be, shall be eligible for participation in and shall receive all benefits under welfare benefit plans, practices, policies, and programs (the “Welfare Plans”) provided by Company (including without limitation medical, prescription, dental, disability, salary continuance, employee life, group life, accidental death and travel accident insurance plans and programs) to the extent applicable generally to other similarly situated employees of Company, to the extent he is eligible to participate in such plans under the terms of such plans. Executive is aware and agrees that all such Welfare Plans continue to be subject to review, amendment, and/or termination by Company. Further, there is no guarantee or implied promise by Company to provide any such plans and/or benefits.
(i) Expenses. Executive shall be entitled to receive prompt reimbursement for all reasonable employment expenses incurred by Executive in accordance with the policies, practices, and procedures of Company and the provision by Executive of appropriate receipts or vouchers.
(ii) Perquisites. Executive shall be entitled to receive (in addition to the benefits described above) such perquisites and fringe benefits appertaining to his position in accordance with any practice established by the Managers with respect to other senior Company executives, but is not guaranteed that the Managers will establish any such benefits. Executive shall be furnished with all such facilities and services suitable to his position and adequate for the performance of his duties.
5. Termination of Employment.
(a) Death or Disability. Executive’s employment shall terminate automatically upon Executive’s death during the Employment Period. If a Disability occurs during the Employment Period, Company may give Executive written notice (“Notice of Termination-Disability”) in accordance with Section 11(b) of its intention to terminate Executive’s employment. In such event, Executive’s employment with Company shall terminate effective on the thirtieth (30th) day after receipt of such Notice of Termination–Disability by Executive (the “Disability Effective Date”), provided that, within the thirty (30) days after such receipt, Executive shall not have returned to full-time performance of all Executive’s material duties. For purposes of this Agreement, “Disability” means Executive’s inability to perform his material duties and obligations hereunder, with or without reasonable accommodation, for a period of one hundred eighty (180) consecutive days due to mental or physical incapacity as determined by a physician selected by Company or its insurers and acceptable to Executive or Executive’s legal representative (such agreement as to acceptability not to be withheld unreasonably, and the provisions of this Agreement shall be subject to the terms of any policy of disability insurance on the Executive owned by Company). Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, in the event of any Disability of Executive, Company may, for the period of such Disability, assign Executive’s duties to any other employee of Company or may engage or hire a third party to perform such duties and any such action shall not be deemed “Good Reason” for Executive to terminate this Agreement pursuant to Section 5(c) hereof.
(b) Cause. Company may terminate Executive’s employment during the Employment Period for Cause. For purposes of this Agreement, “Cause” means:
(i) a breach by Executive of his obligations under Section 2(a) (other than as a result of Disability) that constitutes a continued material nonperformance by Executive of his obligations and duties thereunder, and which is not remedied within ten (10) days after receipt of the Notice of Cause (defined below) from Pridgen (or in his absence, by the Managers) provided for in the next sentence specifying such breach;
(ii) failure to adhere to any written policy of Company and its affiliates to the extent such policy has been provided to the Executive before such failure that is not cured within ten days after receipt of the written notice from the Managers provided for in the next sentence specifying such breach;
(iii) Executive’s engagement in any activity that would constitute a material violation of the provisions of any insider trading policy or business ethics policy, of Company or any of its affiliates to the extent such policy has been provided to the Executive before such violation;
(iv) commission by Executive of an act, or attempted act, of fraud, embezzlement, or theft upon, Company;
(v) a material or intentional breach by Executive of Section 2 or Section 5 hereof;
(vi) the misappropriation (or attempted misappropriation) of any funds or property of Company or any of its affiliated companies;
(vii) the conviction of, indictment for or the entering of Executive of a guilty plea to any felony or civil offense involving fraud or moral turpitude (or a plea of nolo contendere thereto);
(viii) a material violation of this Agreement that is not cured within ten days after receipt of the written notice from the Managers provided for in the next sentence specifying such breach;
(ix) commission by Executive of an act, or attempted act, of willful and intentional misconduct which is detrimental to Company;
(x) the appropriation, or attempted appropriation, of a business opportunity of Company;
(xi) the breach of Executive’s fiduciary duties to Company;
(xii) damage or injury to the property or reputation of Company which is caused by Executive’s willful or intentional actions;
(xiii) securing a personal benefit, or attempting to secure a personal benefit, in any transaction entered into on behalf of or by Company; or
(xiv) sexual misconduct while conducting business on behalf of Company.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, no act or omission shall constitute “Cause” for purposes of this Agreement unless the Managers provide Executive (1) written notice (“Notice of Cause”) describing the particular acts or omissions which the Managers reasonably believe in good faith constitute “Cause,” and (2) an opportunity, during the ten (10) days following Executive’s receipt of such Notice of Cause, to meet in person with the Managers to explain or defend the alleged acts or omissions relied upon by the Managers.
(c) Good Reason. The Executive may terminate his employment during the Employment Period for Good Reason. For purposes of this Agreement, "Good Reason" means:¶
(i) a breach by the Company of its obligations under this Agreement;¶
(ii) failure of the Company to provide the Executive with the support, information, facilities and equipment customarily provided to an executive in a similar position and necessary for the Executive to provide the services contemplated hereby;¶
(iii) any change, without the consent of the Executive, to the Executive's title, position or responsibilities; or¶
(iv) any relocation, without the consent of the Executive, of the Executive's position outside of the Tuscaloosa, Alabama metropolitan statistical area.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, no act or omission shall constitute “Good Reason” for purposes of this Agreement unless the Executive provides Managers (1) written notice (“Notice of Good Reason”) describing the particular acts or omissions which the Executive reasonably believe in good faith constitute “Good Reason,” and (2) an opportunity, during the ten (10) days following Managers’ receipt of such Notice of Good Reason, to meet in person with the Executive to explain or defend the alleged acts or omissions relied upon by the Managers and to cure any such Good Reason. ¶
(d) Notice of Termination. Any termination by the Company for Cause or without Cause or by the Executive for Good Reason or without Good Reason shall be communicated by Notice of Termination-Other (defined herein) to the other party hereto given in accordance with Section 13(b). For purposes of this Agreement, a “Notice of Termination-Other” means a written notice which (i) indicates the specific termination provisions in this Agreement relied upon and (ii) to the extent applicable, sets forth in reasonable detail the facts and circumstances claimed to provide a basis for termination of Executive’s employment under the provision so indicated. The failure by Company to set forth in the Notice of Termination-Other any fact or circumstance which contributes to a showing of Cause, or by the Executive to set forth in the Notice of Termination-Other any fact or circumstance which contributes to a showing of Good Reason, shall not waive any right of Executive or Company hereunder or preclude Executive or Company from subsequently asserting such fact or circumstance in enforcing Executive’s or Company’s rights hereunder, provided that Cause or Good Reason shall not exist until such time as proper notice and opportunity to cure (if such opportunity is provided for herein and the event giving rise to Cause or Good Reason is curable) is provided as set forth herein.
(e) Date of Termination. “Date of Termination” means (i) if Executive’s employment is terminated by his death, the date of his death; (ii) if Executive’s employment is terminated by a Disability, thirty (30) days after Executive’s receipt of Notice of Termination-Disability as specified in Section 5(d); (iii) if Executive’s employment is terminated by Company for Cause, or by the Executive for Good Reason, then the date specified in the Notice of Termination-Other (which shall provide the minimum number of days’ notice required under this Agreement, if such notice is required); (iv) if Executive’s employment terminates due to the giving of a Non-Renewal Notice, the last day of the Employment Period; and (v) if Executive’s employment is terminated by the Executive or the Company for any other reason, the date on which the Notice of Termination-Other is given, or if a later effective date of termination is set forth therein, the earlier of such stated effective date or fourteen (14) days from the date of such Notice of Termination-Other.
6. Obligations of Company Upon Termination.
(a) By
Company without Cause or by Reason of Death, or Disability, or by Executive with Good Reason. If, during
the Employment Period, Company shall terminate Executive’s employment without Cause or Executive’s employment is terminated
by reason of death or Disability, or the Executive shall terminate for Good Reason:
(i) Company shall pay to Executive any salary earned but unpaid prior to his Termination.
(ii) Company shall pay to Executive any amount or issue any Membership Interests arising from Executive’s participation in, or benefits under, any Incentive Plan (“Accrued Incentives”), which amounts, if any, shall be payable in accordance with the terms and conditions of such Incentive Plan. Any award under the Incentive Plan shall be prorated for Executive’s term of employment, beginning on the Effective Date and ending on the Incentive Event. For example, if $100,000,000 of Total Proceeds is received from the Fibromyalgia Incentive Event occurring on the third anniversary of the Effective Date, but Executive was terminated without Cause on the second anniversary of the Effective Date, Executive would be entitled to a 66.67% share of any award under the Incentive Plan, including both Cash and In-Kind Bonuses and Membership Interests.
(iii) After termination without Cause, for Good Reason, death, or Disability, Company will continue to pay to Executive in cash the actual cost to replace Executive’s health insurance, if any, provided by the Company to Executive at the time of termination, calculated as the average cost of such insurance over the preceding 12 months, for a period of 12 months.
(b) Cause. If, during the Employment Period, Company terminates Executive’s employment for Cause or Executive terminates his employment without Good Reason, Company shall have no further payment obligations to Executive other than for payments for salary or for payments under the Incentive Plan accrued and fully earned before such termination but not yet paid and the continuance of benefits under the Welfare Plans as provided under their terms. Payments under the Incentive Plan shall only be considered as earned if an Incentive Event occurs before the Date of Termination, and such payments are not contingent on the continued success of the Company (i.e., only Total Proceeds already received or guaranteed to be received by Company without regard to any future contingency). Such termination will not, however, in any way impact Executive's ownership of Membership Interests issued to Executive before such Termination.
7. Confidential Information.
(a) Definition of Confidential Information; Exclusion. Executive acknowledges that Company and its Affiliates have trade, business and financial secrets and other confidential and proprietary information, observations and data, including information concerning customer lists, price structures, research data, and acquisition opportunities in or reasonably related to Company’s business or industry of which Executive will become aware during the Employment Period, including without limitation, information with respect to the following: bids; projects; pricing methods; rebates, contractors and subcontractors; ideas; patents; provisional patents; patentable ideas; discoveries; operations; processes; research data; protocols; products; inventory; ideas; designs, inventions; business practices; finances; existing and potential customers and suppliers; the identities of customers; marketing methods; costs; contractual relationships; regulatory status; compensation paid to employees or other terms of employment; dealers; distributors; sales; costs; pricing; strategies; forecasts and long range plans; financial and tax matters; manufacturing strategies and techniques; personnel; business, marketing and operational matters; projections; plans and opportunities; product formulas; and customer, vendor, and supplier data (collectively, the “Confidential Information”). As defined herein, Confidential Information shall not include information that (i) is already in Executive’s possession as of the date of this Agreement and which information is not known by Executive to be subject to another confidentiality agreement with Company or Affiliate of Company, or (ii) is on the date hereof or hereafter becomes available to Executive on a non-confidential basis from a source that is not prohibited from disclosing such information to Executive by a confidentiality agreement with Buyer or Company or Affiliate of Company, or any other Affiliates of any third party, or any other contractual, legal or fiduciary obligation.
(b) Certain Obligations of Company. Company promises that, during the time Executive is employed by Company, it will: (i) disclose or entrust to Executive, or provide Executive with access to, or place Executive in a position to create or develop trade secrets or confidential information belonging to Company or its customers or clients; (ii) place Executive in a position to develop business goodwill belonging to Company; and (iii) disclose or entrust to Executive business opportunities to be developed for Company or its customers or clients.
(c) Certain Duties of Executive Regarding Confidential Information. During the Employment Period and thereafter, Executive agrees (i) to hold such Confidential Information in confidence and (ii) not to release such information to any person (other than Company employees and other persons to whom Company has authorized Executive to disclose such information, and then only to the extent (A) that such Company employees and other persons authorized by Company have a need for such knowledge and (B) the disclosure is within the limits of any authorization for disclosure).
(d) No Use for Benefit of Others. Executive further agrees not to use any Confidential Information for the benefit of any person or entity other than Company.
(e) Definition of Company. As used in this Section 7, “Company” shall include Company and any of its Affiliates.
(f) Surrender of Materials Upon Termination. Upon any termination of Executive’s employment, Executive shall immediately return to Company all copies, in whatever form, of any and all Confidential Information and other properties of Company and its Affiliates which are in Executive’s possession, custody or control, except any documents that relate to any compensation and benefits to which Executive may be entitled.
8. Successors.
(a) Non-Assignment by Executive. This Agreement is personal to Executive and, without the prior written consent of Company, shall not be assignable by Executive otherwise than by will or the laws of descent and distribution. This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be enforceable by Executive’s legal representatives.
(b) Assignment by Company. This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be binding upon Company and its successors and assigns. Executive agrees that Company may assign this Agreement to any directly- or indirectly-owned subsidiary or parent of Company and to any purchasers of more than 50% of the assets of the Company, and to any entity resulting from a merger, conversion, or consolidation of the Company, in which event “Company” as used in this Agreement shall thereafter also mean such subsidiary or parent (except where reference is made to benefit plans that are not maintained by such subsidiary or parent), purchaser, or entity, and in connection with such assignment, such subsidiary or parent shall expressly assume this Agreement, but Company shall not be relieved of any obligation hereunder and shall continue to be liable with the subsidiary or parent for the performance of its obligations hereunder.
9. Non-Competition.
(a) Restrictions. In consideration for the promises and covenants made by Company to provide Executive (i) employment, (ii) access to trade secrets and Confidential Information of Company and its customers and clients that have been and will be entrusted to Executive immediately at the beginning of the Employment Period and thereafter, and (iii) the business goodwill of Company and its and Affiliates that will be developed in and through Executive and/or the business opportunities that will be disclosed or entrusted to Executive by Company and Affiliates at the beginning of the Employment Period and thereafter, and as an additional incentive for Company to enter into this Agreement, Executive promises and agrees that from the Effective Date through the end of one year following the Date of Termination (the “Restricted Period”), Executive will not (other than for the benefit of Company pursuant to this Agreement), permit any member of the Restricted Party Group (as defined below), to directly or indirectly, including without limitation assisting any other member of the Restricted Party Group to:
(i) conduct, engage in, or carry on or assist any other person in conducting, engaging in or carrying on – individually or as a principal, owner, officer, director, employee, shareholder, consultant, contractor, partner, member, joint venturer, agent, equity owner or owner of a holding company that is directly involved in, or in any other capacity whatsoever – any Prohibited Activity (as defined below) anywhere in North America. For purposes of this Agreement, a “Prohibited Activity” means, other than with the written approval of Company, providing any services – as an independent contractor, consultant, employee, owner or otherwise – to any business that competes with Company in the research & development, distribution, sale, licensing, or marketing of pharmaceuticals or related intellectual property, but only if such activity relates to fibromyalgia (a “Competing Business”), if the services provided by Executive to the Competing Business are the same or substantially similar to any of the services that Executive provided to Company;
(ii) induce or attempt to induce any customer, supplier, licensee or other business relation of Company or any of the Affiliates (as defined below), with whom Executive had a business relationship during the Employment Period, to cease doing business with Company or any of its Affiliates or take any action with the intent of interfering with the relationship between any such customer, supplier, licensee or business relation and Company or any of its Affiliates;
(iii) individually or as a principal, owner, officer, director, employee, shareholder, consultant, contractor, partner, member, joint venturer, agent, equity owner or in any other capacity whatsoever – or in conjunction with any business – own, acquire, attempt to acquire or solicit the acquisition of (or assist any person or business to own, acquire, attempt to acquire or solicit the acquisition of), any equity interest in any Competing Business;
(iv) hire, attempt to hire, contact or solicit for the purpose of hiring, any person who was an employee of Company or any of its Affiliates at any time during the Employment Period, and with whom Executive had a business relationship during the Employment Period.
(b) Exclusions for Limited Investment. Notwithstanding the foregoing restrictions of this Section 9, nothing in this Section 9 shall prohibit any investment by Executive or any other member of the Restricted Party Group in securities which are issued by a publicly-traded business involved in or conducting a Competing Business, provided that the Restricted Party Group directly or indirectly collectively owns no more than one percent (1%) of the outstanding equity or voting securities of such Competing Business.
(c) Reasonableness of Restrictions. Executive acknowledges that each of the covenants of Sections 9(a)(i) through 9(a)(iv) are in addition to, and shall not be construed as a limitation upon, any other covenant provided in Section 9(a). Executive agrees that the geographic boundaries, scope of prohibited activities, and time duration of each of the covenants set forth in Sections 9(a)(i) through 9(a)(iv) are reasonable in nature and are no broader than are necessary to maintain the confidentiality of Company’s proprietary and Confidential Information, plans and services and to protect the other legitimate business interests of Company, including without limitation the goodwill developed by Executive with Company’s customers, suppliers, licensees and business partners. Executive further acknowledges that Executive’s employment shall necessitate, and Company will provide, access to or the disclosure of Confidential Information to Executive and/or that Executive’s responsibilities shall include the development of Company’s goodwill through Executive’s contacts with Company’s customers, suppliers, licensees, and business relations.
(d) Additional Time Added to Restricted Period. If, during any portion of the Restricted Period, Executive is not in compliance with the terms of Section 9(a), Company shall be entitled to, among other remedies, compliance by Executive with the terms of Section 9(a) for an additional period of time (i.e., in addition to the Restricted Period) that shall equal the period(s) over which such non-compliance occurred.
(e) Separate Covenants. The parties hereto intend that the covenants contained in each of Sections 9(a)(i) through 9(a)(iv) be construed as a series of separate covenants. Each of the covenants in Sections 9(a)(i) through 9(a)(iv) hereof shall be deemed a separate and independent covenant, each being enforceable irrespective of the enforceability (with or without reformation) of the other covenants contained in Sections 9(a)(i) through 9(a)(iv) hereof.
(f) Payments Conditioned Upon Compliance. Executive hereby agrees that payment of any amounts specified in Section 3 is inseparably conditioned upon Executive’s compliance with this Section 9. In the event of Executive’s breach of this Section 8, Company’s obligation to pay all, or portions of, such amounts, depending on the materiality of the breach, shall end. The parties expressly agree that any determination to reduce or eliminate Company’s obligations to pay amounts set forth in Section 3 is not a penalty, but rather represents a calculation of some or all of Company’s damages, depending on the materiality of Executive’s breach of this Section 9.
(g) Definitions. For purposes of this Agreement:
(i) “Affiliates” means any present or future affiliates of Company as defined in its operating agreement or in any amendment to this Agreement; and
(ii) “Restricted Party Group” means Executive together with (A) his spouse and all children of Executive under the age of 21 and (B) any business in which Executive and/or any of his immediate family members collectively own or have the right to acquire an equity interest in excess of ten percent (10%) or otherwise have any right, through the ownership of a voting interest or otherwise, to direct the activities of or associated with the Competing Business.
10. Effect of Agreement on Other Benefits. The existence of this Agreement shall not prohibit or restrict Executive’s entitlement to full participation in any executive compensation, employee benefit and other plans or programs in which executives of Company are eligible to participate.
11. ERISA Provisions
In an abundance of caution and should some of this Agreement be subject to the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (“ERISA”), the following provisions of Section 11 and Section 12 will apply to those portions of the Agreement subject to ERISA:
(a) Company Discretion. All decisions and exercises of discretion by “Company” under this Agreement shall be exercised by Company in its sole and absolute discretion, in its non-fiduciary capacity as “settlor” and employer, and not as an ERISA fiduciary or plan administrator. All references herein to decisions and exercises of discretion by “Company” are in such capacity, and all references to Company’s “discretion” or the use of “may” grant Company sole and absolute discretion, not limited by ERISA and not in Company’s capacity as a fiduciary. Company’s determinations under this Agreement and other similar agreements need not be uniform and may be made selectively, irrespective of whether other persons are similarly situated.
(b) Plan Administrator/Named Fiduciary. Company shall also serve as the “plan administrator” and the “named fiduciary” of the Agreement in accordance with ERISA. When acting in such capacities, Company is referred to in this Agreement as the “Plan Administrator,” and when Company is referred to as “Plan Administrator,” Company shall be acting in its ERISA fiduciary capacity. Plan Administrator has the right and power to interpret and construe the terms of this Agreement, and any such interpretation or construction shall be deemed correct and proper unless manifestly arbitrary and capricious. Plan Administrator’s determinations under this Agreement and other similar agreements need not be uniform and may be made selectively, irrespective of whether other Persons are similarly situated.
(c) Company Liability and Indemnity. Neither Company nor any of its shareholders, partners, limited partners, members, directors, managers, officers, employees and other representatives and their attorneys shall be liable for any act, omission, interpretation, construction or determination made in connection with this Agreement. Company shall indemnify and reimburse each of its shareholders, partners, limited partners, members, directors, managers, officers, employees and other representatives and their attorneys with respect to any claim, demand, cause of action, lawsuit, liability, and expense (including attorney’s fees) arising therefrom to the full extent permitted by law.
(d) Financial Determinations. All accounting, financial, and GAAP determinations shall be made by the firm of certified public accountants regularly engaged by Company to prepare the financial statements of Company’s financial statements on behalf of Company, and such accountants have the right and power to make such determinations. Once approved by Plan Administrator, any such determination shall be deemed correct and proper unless manifestly arbitrary and capricious. However, such accountants shall be acting as agents of Plan Administrator and shall not be themselves, fiduciaries.
(e) Top Hat Plan. Executive represents, warrants, admits, and acknowledges that for purposes of ERISA Executive is a key management employee of Company and a member of a select group of management and highly compensated employees of Company. By virtue of Executive’s position as a key employee of Company, Executive is positioned to bargain for and negotiate the benefits of this Agreement, and this Agreement is not a contract of adhesion nor has it been unilaterally imposed on Executive by Company.
(f) Claims Procedures
(i) Notice of Denial. In the event a claim for benefits under this Agreement is denied by Plan Administrator, notice of such denial shall be given to the claimant within 90 days (unless extended in accordance with ERISA) after written receipt of a proper claim for benefits by Plan Administrator. Such claim for benefits and notice of denial shall both be given as provided in this Agreement. Such notice of denial shall be written in a manner calculated to be understood by the claimant and shall contain the following:
(A) The reason or reasons for the denial.
(B) Reference to pertinent provisions of this Agreement on which the denial is based.
(C) Where appropriate, a description of any additional material or information necessary to perfect the claim for benefits and an explanation of why such material or information is necessary.
(D) A copy of the claims review procedure as set forth in this Agreement.
(ii) Claim Review Procedure
(A) Claimant shall have a reasonable opportunity to appeal a denial of a claim for benefits to Plan Administrator and receive a full and fair review.
(B) In order to accomplish such purpose, the claimant or a duly authorized representative may request or submit any or all of the following:
(a) A review upon written application filed with Plan Administrator.
(b) Copies of documents pertaining to the claim for benefits and its disallowance.
(c) Issues and comments in writing.
(iii) Decision on Claim Review. A final decision as to the allowance of the claim for benefits shall be made by Plan Administrator within 60 days after receipt of written notice of an appeal by the claimant given to Plan Administrator in accordance with this Agreement. Such decision shall be in writing and shall include the reason or reasons for the decision along with references to the pertinent provisions of this Agreement upon which the decision is based and shall be written in a manner calculated to be understood by the claimant. Such decision on review shall be a final determination of the claimant’s rights under this Agreement.
12. Code Section 409A.
(a) The parties intend this Agreement to comply with the requirements of Section 409A as from time to time applicable. The terms of this Agreement shall be construed, and Plan Administrator and Company shall apply the terms of the Agreement, to be consistent with the requirements of Section 409A to avoid the tax consequences, interest, and additional tax described in Section 409A. Notwithstanding the foregoing, neither Company, Plan Administrator, nor any other Agreement fiduciary, attorneys to Company or Plan Administrator, Company’s or Plan Administrator’s accountants, nor any other person represents or guarantees to Executive the income tax consequences of participating in the Agreement. Company, Plan Administrator, and all other Agreement fiduciaries, attorneys to Company or Plan Administrator, Company’s or Plan Administrator’s accountants, and other Persons shall have no liability to Executive should Executive become subject to adverse tax consequences, interest, or additional tax. Executive is hereby advised to seek Executive’s own tax advice and counsel regarding the tax and other legal consequences of executing this Agreement and participating herein.
(b) This Agreement is intended to comply with the provisions of Code Section 409A and shall be construed consistently with such intent.
13. Miscellaneous.
(a) Governing Law. This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Alabama without reference to conflict of law principles.
(b) Notices. All notices and other communications hereunder shall be in writing and shall be given by hand delivery to the other party or by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid, addressed as follows:
| If to Executive: | Rick Burch | |
| 1425 Shea Harbor Drive | ||
| Tuscaloosa, AL 35406 | ||
| If to Company: | Innovative Med Concepts, LLC | |
| 1837 Commons North Drive | ||
| Tuscaloosa, AL 35406 | ||
| Attn: Dr. William Pridgen | ||
| With a copy to: | Campbell Guin Williams Guy & Gidiere, LLC | |
| 2711 University Boulevard | ||
| Tuscaloosa, AL 35403 | ||
| Attn: Bert M. Guy |
or to such other address as either party shall have furnished to the other in writing in accordance herewith. Notice and communications shall be effective when actually received by the addressee.
(c) Severability. In the event that any provision of this Agreement, or the application thereof to any person or circumstance, is held by a court of competent jurisdiction to be invalid, illegal, or unenforceable in any respect under present or future laws effective during the effective term of any such provision, such invalid, illegal or unenforceable provision shall be fully severable, and this Agreement shall then be construed and enforced as if such invalid, illegal, or unenforceable provision had not been contained in this Agreement, and the remaining provisions of this Agreement shall remain in full force and effect and shall not be affected by the illegal, invalid or unenforceable provision or by its severance from this Agreement. Furthermore, in lieu of each such illegal, invalid, or unenforceable provision, there shall be added automatically as part of this Agreement a provision as similar in terms to such illegal, invalid or unenforceable provision as may be possible and be legal, valid and enforceable. Notwithstanding the above, in the event any such invalidity, illegality or unenforceability of any portion of Section 8(a) hereof is caused by such provision being held to be excessively broad as to time, duration, geographical scope, activity or subject in any jurisdiction, then such provision shall, at the option of Company, remain a part of this Agreement and shall be reformed and construed within such jurisdiction by limiting and reducing it so as to be enforceable to the extent compatible with then applicable law.
(d) Withholding. Company may withhold from any amounts payable under this Agreement such federal, state or local taxes as shall be required to be withheld pursuant to any applicable law or regulation. To the extent withholding is required in excess of cash payable to Executive, Executive shall indemnify and reimburse the Company for such amounts immediately upon demand. Company shall have sole responsibility for calculating the correct amounts of and due dates for withholding, and Executive shall be fully reimbursed for any interest or penalties arising from the Company’s miscalculation of any withholdings; however, (a) the Company does not guaranty compliance with Section 409A and is not responsible for any penalties arising solely from any such noncompliance and (b) the Company is not responsible for any income taxes, other taxes, or penalties arising out of the Advances made to Executive.
(e) Amendment; Waiver. This Agreement may not be amended or modified otherwise than by a written agreement executed by the parties hereto or their respective successors and legal representatives. Executive’s or Company’s failure to insist upon strict compliance with any provision of this Agreement, or the failure to assert any right Executive or Company may have hereunder, shall not be deemed to be a waiver of such provision or right or any other provision or right of this Agreement.
(f) Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in two or more counterparts.
(g) Venue. Regardless of any place to which any of the parties may move and maintain residence, legal domicile, or situs at any time, each agrees, to the maximum extent permitted by Law, that any action against them based on this Agreement or any document or instrument delivered in accordance with this Agreement shall be instituted in the Circuit Court of Tuscaloosa County, Alabama or the federal district court for such county and, to the maximum extent permitted by Law, each hereby irrevocably consents to the exclusive jurisdiction of such court and waives any jurisdictional defenses that each may have to the institution of such an action in such court.
(h) Specific Enforcement. Notwithstanding Section 7(f), Executive acknowledges that the covenants of Executive contained in Sections 7 and 9(a) of this Agreement are special and unique, that a breach by Executive of any term or provision of either of Sections 7 and 9(a) hereof may cause irreparable injury to Company, and/or Affiliates of Company, and that remedies at law for the breach of any terms or provisions of Sections 7 and 9(a) hereof may be inadequate. Accordingly, in addition to any other remedies it may have in the event of breach, Company shall be entitled to specific performance of the terms and provisions of Sections 7 and 9(a) hereof, to obtain temporary and permanent injunctive relief to prevent the continued breach of such terms and provisions without the necessity of posting a bond or of proving actual damage, and to obtain attorneys’ fees in respect of the foregoing if Company prevails in such action or proceeding.
(i) Survival. Sections 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 9, and 13 of this Agreement shall survive the termination of Executive’s employment.
(j) Interpretation. The captions of this Agreement are not part of the provisions hereof and shall have no force or effect. Whenever the terms “hereof”, “hereby”, “herein”, or words of similar import are used in this Agreement they shall be construed as referring to this Agreement in its entirety rather than to a particular section or provision, unless the context specifically indicates to the contrary. Any reference to a particular “Section” or “paragraph” shall be construed as referring to the indicated section or paragraph of this Agreement unless the context indicates to the contrary. The use of the term “including” herein shall be construed as meaning “including without limitation.” The parties agree that the rule of construction to the effect that any ambiguities are to be construed against the drafting party shall not be employed in any interpretation of this Agreement.
(k) Attorney fees. In the event any suit or arbitration is brought by either party or the successors, heirs, assigns, or Beneficiary of any party, the prevailing party shall be entitled to recover its attorney fees and expenses from the non-prevailing party.
(l) Representation. Campbell Guin Williams Guy & Gidiere, LLC (formerly known as Tanner & Guin, LLC) represents the Company and does not represent Executive with respect to the negotiation of this Agreement. Burr Forman, LLP represents Executive and does not represent the Company with respect to the negotiation of this Agreement.
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Executive has hereunto set Executive’s hand and, pursuant to the authorization from the Managers, Company has caused this Agreement to be executed in its name on its behalf, all as of the day and year first above written.
| EXECUTIVE: | |
| /s/ Rick Burch |
| Rick Burch |
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Executive has hereunto set Executive’s hand and, pursuant to the authorization from the Managers, Company has caused this Agreement to be executed in its name on its behalf, all as of the day and year first above written.
| COMPANY: |
| Innovative Med Concepts, LLC |
| By: | /s/ Dr. William Pridgen |
| Name: Dr. William Pridgen |
| Title: Manager and Chief Executive Officer |
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Dr. William Pridgen has hereunto set his hand and seal and, pursuant to the authorization from the Managers, Company has caused this Agreement to be executed in its name on its behalf, all as of the day and year first above written.
| /s/ Dr. William Pridgen |
| Dr. William Pridgen, individually |
CONFIDENTIAL BINDING KEY TERMS SHEET FOR AMENDMENT TO
RICK BURCH'S EXECUTIVE EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT
August 22, 2020
The purpose of this Terms Sheet is to set forth certain terms and agreements between Innovative Med Concepts, LLC ("IMC" or the "Company"), and Rick Burch ("Burch") regarding an amendment ("Amendment") to Rick Burch's Executive Employment Agreement, executed effective March 3, 2015 ("Employment Agreement") between IMC and Burch (IMC and Burch together as "Parties" and individually as a "Party"). Capitalized terms used herein are used as defined in the Employment Agreement
This Terms Sheet is designed to give each Party the relevant provisions of the deal terms that will govern new provisions in the Employment Agreement.
All previous Terms Sheets and discussions between the Parties are revoked and null and void, including the Terms Sheets entered into effective July 21, 2020. This Terms Sheet contains the entire agreement between the parties and is intended to be binding on all Parties. It is intended by the Parties that the terms will be incorporated into a final Amendment to the Employment Agreement, executed in writing by all Parties, that will supersede this Terms Sheet. If such Amendment is not entered into, then this Terms Sheet shall nonetheless be enforceable on all Parties. Each Party acknowledges that the provisions of this Terms Sheet shall be enforceable to the full extent allowed by Alabama law and to the extent not contradicted by the final Amendment to the Employment Agreement. In addition, the Company and Employee agree that it is the parties' intention that all payments or benefits provided under this Agreement comply with Code Section 409 A and this Agreement shall be interpreted accordingly.
RECITALS:
WHEREAS, certain provisions in the Employment Agreement are potentially ambiguous as to how they would apply to the Company's current plan to complete an IPO as a fundraising mechanism; and
WHEREAS, the Parties wish to provide for an equity bonus and a separate cash bonus upon the completion of the IPO, in lieu of all other bonuses contained in the Employment Agreement.
NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing, and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the Parties agree to the following key terms to the Amendment to the Employment Agreement.
AMENDMENT KEY TERMS
1. An Amendment to the Employment Agreement is made between the Parties, which shall contain the following provisions.
2. A new Section 3(f) is added to the Employment Agreement as follows:
3(f)(i) In the event the Company completes an Initial Public Offering ("IPO") where the proceeds of the fund raising are used exclusively to frmd clinical trials or other operating and development expenses of the Company ("Financing IPO") on or before April 1, 2021, then Executive shall receive the bonuses under Section 3(f), and the bonuses under Section 3(d), along with the administrative provisions under Section 3( e ), shall be null and void. Executive shall not receive any other bonus, other those provided for in Section 3(f), because these bonuses fully satisfy the Company's obligation to pay Executive any success based or incentive bonuses under the Employment Agreement. If a Financing IPO is not completed on or before April 1, 2021, this Section 3(f) shall no longer apply and will be null and void.
3(f)(ii) Upon the completion of a Financing IPO, the Company shall grant to Executive Nonqualified Stock Options equal to 6.0% of the number of the Company's outstanding shares existing at the time immediately preceding the IPO. The Nonqualified Stock Options will grant Executive the option to purchase such number of shares at a strike price equal to the pre-money value of the Company divided by the number of shares outstanding before the IPO. For purposes of this Section 3(f), the pre-money value of the Company is the aggregate value of the public company stock issued to the Company's pre-existing investors at the time of the IPO (i.e., those investors who receive publicly traded stock in exchange for membership interests in the Company already owned before the IPO). The Nonqualified Stock Options may be exercised at any time within 10 years of the grant. This provision is intended to economically replicate the grant of a profits' interest in an LLC taxed as a partnership.
3(f)(iii) In addition to the bonus under Section 3(f)(ii), upon completion of the Company's IPO, Burch shall participate in the Company's executive bonus program alongside the other executives of the Company and to the same extent that the other executives are awarded and paid such bonuses. Specifically, Burch will receive a cash bonus for his services as President in 2020 upon the same terms as the other executives, with a target of 50% of his base salary of $350,000 (to be clear, the Burch target bonus is $175,00), as awarded for performance as determined by the board of directors in its discretion for all executives.
3. A new Section 14 shall be added to the Employment Agreement as follows:
In addition to the bonuses provided in Section 3(d) or 3(£), as applicable, the Company owes Burch accrued salary in the amount of $466,666.72. Promptly after the earlier of the closing of any Incentive Event or Financing IPO, the Company will pay Burch the accrued salary in cash and equity, in its discretion, except that the Company shall pay at least $266,666.72 in cash. Any equity paid to satisfy the amount of accrued salary shall be issued using the same Company valuation used in the Company's bridge financing, with a cap of $40,000,000, rather than the pre-money or post-money valuation for the Incentive Event or Financing IPO. Any equity issued to Burch shall be issued immediately before the Incentive Event or Financing IPO, such that Burch receives equity after any dilution occurring to the pre-existing investors in the Company, other than any dilution resulting from theissuance of equity to new investors in the Incentive Event or IPO, which dilution shall apply to Burch's stock. To be clear, any equity issued under this Section 14 shall not be a profits interest, but a capital interest. The cash portion of the accrued salary shall be paid to Burch within 30 days of the Incentive Event or IPO, as applicable. If neither an Incentive Event or Financing IPO has been completed by April 1, 2021, this Section 14 shall no longer apply, and the accrued salary will be payable in cash. As he has to date, Burch will cooperate in good faith as to the timing of payment of the accrued salary in an effort to avoid creating a liquidity crisis for the company.
4. If in dispute, the calculation of the amount of any bonus or equity payment, including the
value of stock issued to the pre-existing investors, shall be made by Barfield, Murphy, Shank & Smith, LLC. Such valuation shall be based on the market value of the public stock issued to the investors, without any discounts applied for blockage, restrictions on sale, etc., to simplify the calculation.
5. Section 6 of the Employment Agreement shall be amended such that the proration of Burch's bonus shall not apply to the new IPO bonus.
6. All other provisions of the Employment Agreement remain fully in effect and unchanged. For avoidance of doubt, the provisions of Section 3(b) shall continue to apply to the new equity bonus to be received by Burch in the event of a completed Financing IPO. Burch received an advance on bonus in the amount of $150,000. That amount will be offset against the equity bonus under Section 3(f)(ii) at the time the Nonqualified Stock Options are issued, where the value of the Nonqualified Stock Options for such offset purposes shall be deemed to be the percentage bonus of Nonqualified Stock Options times the pre-money value of the Company. For example, if the Company's pre-money value just before the Financing IPO was $50,000,000, then without the offset of $150,000, Burch would receive 6.0% of that amount, being Nonqualified Stock Options with a cumulative fair market value strike price of $3,000,000. With the offset, Burch would receive Nonqualified Stock Options with a cumulative fair market value strike price of $2,850,000, meaning Burch would receive Nonqualified Stock Options equal to 5.70% ($2,850,000 I $50,000,000) of the number of the Company's outstanding shares existing at the time immediately preceding the IPO.
7. This Terms Sheet shall be governed by laws of the state of Alabama, without regard to conflicts of law principles requiring the application of the laws of any other state or jurisdiction. The Parties agree to submit to the jurisdiction and venue of courts located in Tuscaloosa County, Alabama for any lawsuit involving this Terms Sheet.
8. This Terms Sheet may be executed and accepted in one or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, but all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument.
9. Burch has been advised to seek independent tax advice on the federal and state income tax effects of this Amendment and any bonuses and payments to be made to Burch hereunder, and Burch acknowledges he has consulted with his tax advisors and that the Company makes no representation as to the tax treatment of the bonuses and other cash payments to be received by Burch.
[REMAINDER OF PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK]
[SIGNATURE PAGE TO FOLLOW]
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned have hereunto set their hands or caused their duly authorized representative to execute this agreement on their behalf under seal effective as of the day and date first printed above.
| INNOVATIVE MED CONCEPTS, LLC |
| By: | /s/ Greg Duncan |
| Name: Greg Duncan |
| Title: Chief Executive Office |
| /s/ Rick Burch |
| Rick Burch, Invidually |
Exhibit 10.3
EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT
This EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT (this “Agreement”) effective as of April 5, 2020 (“Effective Date”) is by and between Innovative Med Concepts, LLC, an Alabama limited liability company (“Company”), and Gregory S. Duncan (“Employee”). The Company and Employee are collectively referred to herein as the “Parties” and each individually as a “Party”.
WITNESSETH
WHEREAS, the Company and Employee desire to formalize the employment relationship between the Parties by entering into this Agreement;
WHEREAS, the Company’s Board of Directors (the “Board”) has approved this Agreement; and
WHEREAS, Employee has determined that it is in the best interests of Employee to enter into this Agreement,
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises, the promises hereinafter set forth and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged by the Parties, it is hereby agreed as follows:
1. EMPLOYMENT.
(a) Position. The Company hereby employs Employee in the position of Chief Executive Officer effective April 5, 2020, and Employee hereby accepts such employment.
(b) Employment Period. Employee’s employment hereunder shall commence on April 5, 2020 and shall continue until terminated in accordance with Section 4 hereof (the “Employment Period”). The Company agrees to continue Employee in his employ as Chief Executive Officer during the Employment Period, subject to termination of such employment pursuant to the terms of this Agreement.
2. EMPLOYMENT DUTIES.
(a) Duties. Employee shall have such duties as are customarily performed and exercised by the Chief Executive Officer of a company with subsidiary operations, subject to the supervision by the Board, together with such additional duties as are reasonably assigned by the Board. During the Employment Period, Employee’s services shall be performed in Atlanta, Georgia, or the metropolitan area of the Employee’s future primary residence, subject to reasonable business travel based upon the needs of the Company, subject to the terms of any Company travel policies in place from time to time.
(b) Time and Attention. Beginning April 5, 2020, excluding any periods of vacation and sick leave to which Employee is entitled, Employee agrees to devote Employee’s entire working time, energy, and skill to the business and affairs of the Company and, to the extent necessary to discharge the responsibilities assigned to Employee hereunder, to use Employee’s reasonable best efforts to perform faithfully and efficiently such responsibilities; provided, however, that these obligations shall not prohibit Employee from (i) as approved by the Board, serving on civic or charitable boards or committees and two (2) corporate boards or committee or (ii) managing personal investments, so long as such activities do not materially interfere with the performance of Employee’s responsibilities to the Company, its subsidiaries and affiliates, or violate the Company’s conflict of interest policies. During the Employment Period, Employee shall (i) disclose to the Company any business opportunity that comes to Employee’s attention and that relates to the business of the Company or otherwise arises as a result of Employee’s employment with the Company and (ii) not take advantage of or otherwise divert such opportunity for Employee’s own benefit or that of any other person or entity without prior written consent of the Company.
(c) Avoidance of Conflicting Obligations. Employee hereby acknowledges, agrees and represents that Employee’s execution of this Agreement and performance of employment-related obligations and duties for the Company will not cause any breach, default, or violation of any other employment, non-disclosure, confidentiality, non-competition, or other agreement to which Employee may be a party or otherwise be bound. Moreover, Employee hereby agrees that Employee will not use in the performance of his employment-related obligations and duties for the Company or otherwise disclose to the Company any trade secrets or confidential information of any person or entity (including any former employer) if and to the extent such use or disclosure may cause a breach or violation of any obligation or duty owed by Employee to such employer, person, or entity under any agreement or applicable law.
(d) Other Activities. During the Employment Period, other than as set forth in paragraph (b) of this Section 2, Employee will not, without the prior written consent of the Company, directly or indirectly, other than in the performance of his duties hereunder, render services of a business, professional or commercial nature to any other person or firm, whether for compensation or otherwise.
3. COMPENSATION.
(a) Compensation. For all services which Employee renders to the Company or any of its subsidiaries or affiliates during the Employment Period, the Company agrees to pay Employee the salary, cash incentive, and equity compensation as set by the Board or the Compensation Committee (as defined herein), subject to the following:
(i) Primary Cash Compensation. Effective as of April 5, 2020, Employee’s monthly salary shall be $41,667 per month, representing an annual rate of $500,000 (the “Base Salary”). Employee’s Base Salary shall be reviewed annually by the Board or a Compensation Committee established by the Board in its discretion (the “Compensation Committee”) and the Base Salary for each fiscal year during the Employment Period shall be determined by the Board or the Compensation Committee, which may authorize an increase in Employee’s Base Salary for such year. In no event may Employee’s Base Salary be reduced below its then-current level at any time during the Employment Period other than with Employee’s written consent or pursuant to a general wage reduction in respect of substantially all of the Company’s executive officers, which reduction is based on the Company’s financial performance, in which event Employee’s Base Salary may only be reduced to the same extent and up to the same percentage amount as the base salaries of other executive officers are reduced. Employee’s Base Salary shall be paid in accordance with the Company’s normal periodic payroll practices.
(ii) Cash Bonus. Commencing upon the establishment of a bonus program approved by the Board or the Compensation Committee, Employee will be eligible for an annual cash bonus with a target bonus amount equal to no less than 50% of his then-current Base Salary (the “Cash Bonus”). The Cash Bonus shall be paid in a single lump sum with the first payroll following the approval of the Audited Financial statement by the Board or by an Audit Committee established by the Board in its discretion (the “Audit Committee”). The Cash Bonus is subject to achievement of annual bonus metrics set by the Board or the Audit Committee from year to year and represents a bonus target percentage which may be earned subject to Employee’s continued employment with the Company and achievement of corporate/Board objectives set by the Board or the Audit Committee. The Company maintains full and absolute discretion over the decision to award any bonus, and the determination of the amount of any bonus, based upon various factors that include, but are not limited to, Employee’s performance and the Company's performance. To be eligible to earn any bonus, Employee must be actively employed by the Company at the time of payment. Employee’s Cash Bonus percentage shall be reviewed annually by the Board or the Compensation Committee, beginning with the year after a bonus program is approved by the Board or the Compensation Committee, and the target Cash Bonus percentage for each such year shall be determined by the Board or the Compensation Committee, which may authorize an increase in Employee’s Cash Bonus percentage for such year. In no event may Employee’s Cash Bonus percentage be reduced below its then-current level at any time during the Employment Period other than with Employee’s written consent and may only be reduced to the same extent and up to the same percentage amount as the target bonus percentage of other executive officers are reduced.
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(iii) Equity. Immediately upon the closing of any offering of Company debt or equity securities that results in the Company having sufficient funds to complete the Company’s Phase 2B trial (e.g., a minimum total raise of $25,000,000) (the “Triggering Offering”), and whether such funds are raised through a private or public offering or any combination thereof, the Company shall issue to Employee a 5% Nonvoting Membership Interest in the Company as a “profits interest,”(the “Equity Bonus”) based solely on Membership Interests issued and outstanding immediately after the Triggering Offering, after taking into account the dilutive effects of such issuance (such that, for example, Employee will have a 5% Nonvoting Membership Interest taking into account all outstanding interests, including the interest granted Employee and to investors in the Triggering Offering).
(A) The Membership Interest issued to the Employee pursuant to Section 3(a)(iii) is intended to be a “profits interest,” as that term is defined in Internal Revenue Service Revenue Procedure 93-27, as of the date of the grant of the Membership Interest, and to the extent that anything in this Agreement is inconsistent with such intent, the Parties agree that this Agreement will be deemed to be amended such that such Membership Interest will qualify as a “profits interest.” Employee and Company shall agree on a value of the Company immediately preceding the issuance of the Membership Interest, which shall not be in excess of the Company value applicable to the Fifth Offering, such being $37,500,000 accounting for warrant coverage and dilution. Further, the Company’s operating agreement shall provide that upon liquidation or dissolution of the Company, an amount equal to the agreed value for 100% of the Company shall be paid with respect to Membership Interests other than the Membership Interest being granted to Employee, as liquidation proceeds before any amounts are paid to Employee with respect to such profits interest. Thereafter, any remaining liquidation proceeds shall be paid to the Members in proportion to ownership of the Company, and Employee shall participate in such remaining proceeds based on his then percentage ownership of the Company. If the Company and Employee fail to agree on such value within 30 days after the Incentive Event, the value shall be determined an independent accounting firm, selected by the Board in its discretion.
(iv) In the event the Company has been converted or will convert into a corporation before or simultaneously with the Triggering Offering, instead of issuing the profits interests as described above, the Company shall issue an option to Employee to purchase 5.00% of the number of shares of the Company’s common stock issued and outstanding as of the date of the grant to Employee, after accounting for dilution of the issuance to Employee (the “Option”). The Option shall be immediately vested and may be exercised for a period of ten years from the award date (“Expiration Date”). The Option shall be exercisable in whole or in part at Fair Market Value. For purposes of this Agreement, “Fair Market Value” means the lowest purchase price paid for one share of common stock (or an equivalent percentage of the Company’s Membership Interests), from any completed offering, including the Triggering Offering, that raises more than $1,000,000 within the calendar year before the Triggering Offering. Notwithstanding any provision in this Agreement to the contrary, Fair Market Value shall be interpreted or amended to comply with Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended and in effect from time to time and including the regulations and guidance thereunder (the “Code”), if applicable to the Agreement and award.
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(A) Exercise of Option. Employee may exercise this Option only in the following manner: Prior to the Expiration Date, Employee may deliver an Option exercise notice (an “Exercise Notice”) in the form of Appendix A attached hereto indicating his or her election to purchase some or all of the stock. Such notice shall specify the number of shares to be purchased. Payment of the purchase price may be made by one or more of the methods described in Appendix A. If Employee elects to make payment by offset, then it shall be deemed as though Employee paid cash to the Company for his Stock immediately before the sale event or dividend event giving rise to Employee’s right to receive cash, such that the cash paid by Employee shall be considered as part of the distributable proceeds to all shareholders.
(B) Termination of Option. Except as may otherwise be provided by the Company, if Employee’s employment is terminated as described in this Agreement, the period within which to exercise this Option will be subject to early termination as set forth below, and if the Option is not exercised within such period, it shall thereafter terminate as follows:
(1) Termination Due to Death or Disability. If Employee’s employment is terminated by reason of his death or Disability, this Option may continue to be exercised by Employee, Employee’s legal representative or legatee as applicable, for a period of 12 months from the date of death or Disability or until the Expiration Date, if earlier.
(2) Other Termination. If Employee’s employment is terminated for any reason other than death or Disability, and unless otherwise determined by the Company, this Option may continue to be exercised, for a period of 90 days from the date of termination or until the Expiration Date, if earlier; provided however, if Employee’s employment is terminated for Cause, this Option shall terminate immediately upon the date of such termination.
(3) For purposes hereof, the Company’s determination of the reason for termination shall be conclusive and binding on Employee and Employee’s representatives or legatees.
(C) Transferability of Option. This Option is personal to Employee and is not transferable by Employee in any manner other than by will or by the laws of descent and distribution. The Option may be exercised during Employee’s lifetime only by Employee (or by Employee’s guardian or personal representative in the event of Employee’s Disability or death). Employee may elect to designate a beneficiary by providing written notice of the name of such beneficiary to the Company, and may revoke or change such designation at any time by filing written notice of revocation or change with the Company; such beneficiary may exercise Employee’s Option in the event of Employee’s death to the extent provided herein. If Employee does not designate a beneficiary, or if the designated beneficiary predeceases Employee, the legal representative of Employee may exercise this Option to the extent provided herein in the event of Employee’s death.
(D) Restrictions on Transfer of Shares. The Shares acquired upon exercise of the Option shall be subject to certain transfer restrictions and other limitations, including, without limitation, the provisions contained in the operating agreement of the Company, or alternatively, the bylaws and/or buy-sell agreement and any applicable lock-up agreement between Employee and the Company, as applicable.
(v) Sale Event Bonuses. In lieu of the Equity Bonus or Option, in the event of a “Sale Event”, as defined below, Employee shall be paid a cash bonus and a noncash bonus as described herein (collectively, the “Sale Event Bonuses”). Upon a Sale Event, Employee shall be paid a bonus equal to 5% of the gross amount of cash, cash-like items, and publicly tradable stock (“Cash Proceeds”), received by the Company or its Members from such Sale Event. A Sale Event shall by any of the following:
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(A) a successful and closed sale or license of a pharmaceutical product, compound, molecule, composition, or other property developed by the Company,
(B) a sale of (1) all or substantially all the assets of the Company; or (2) a majority of the Membership Interests of the Company (other than newly issued interests in the Company); or
(C) a merger or consolidation of the Company that results in Cash Proceeds or Noncash Proceeds paid to all its members.
(D) “Cash Proceeds” includes all upfront and contingent payments resulting from the Sale Event, including all milestone payments, royalties, whether prepaid or paid over time, and other structured payments, but only as they are received by the Company, such that Company shall pay to Employee the requisite share of Cash Proceeds within 30 days of being received by the Company. If the Cash Proceeds are in part publicly tradable stock, the stock shall be valued taking into account blockage, the cost of disposing of the stock, restrictions on sale, and any other appropriate discounts. Moreover, Company may, in its discretion, pay some or all of the bonus by delivering publicly tradable stock in kind, but up to the proportion in which the Company received the Cash Proceeds as stock and not as cash.
(E) In the Event the Company or its Members receive any consideration other than Cash Proceeds (“Noncash Proceeds”, e.g. non-publicly traded stock) as a result of a Sale Event, Employee shall also be paid in addition to the cash bonus based on the Cash Proceeds, a bonus equal to 5% of the Noncash Proceeds received by the Company or its Members, as applicable. Such payment shall be made within 30 days of such Noncash Proceeds being received by the Company or its Members, whenever they are received. The Company may in its discretion pay any amount of Noncash Proceeds in an equivalent amount of cash instead of in-kind. Should a payment of Noncash Proceeds to Employee trigger a current tax liability for Employee without a corresponding payment of cash to satisfy such liability, the Company will reasonably attempt to accommodate Employee through payment of liquid assets, if reasonably available as determined in the discretion of the Board or Compensation Committee. Nothing herein will obligate the Company to pay any In-Kind Bonus to Employee in cash instead of in-kind. The Noncash Proceeds shall be valued by an independent accounting firm, selected by the Board in its discretion.
(F) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, Employee must be employed by the Company as of the date of the Sale Event to be eligible to receive the Sale Event Bonuses.
(G) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, (1) should Employee be paid Sale Event Bonuses as described in this Section 3(a)(v), Employee shall not be entitled to either the equity issued as a profits interest as described in Section 3(a)(iii) or the Option as described in 3(a)(iv); and (2) should Employee receive either the Equity Bonus described in Section 3(a)(iii) or the Option as described in Section 3(a)(iv), Employee’s right to receive Sale Event Bonuses shall be terminated, it being expressly intended that Employee shall only receive one of the Equity Bonus, the Sale Event Bonuses, or the Option.
(vi) Other Compensation. Commencing with the calendar year beginning April 5, 2020, Employee shall be entitled to participate in annual long-term incentive opportunities as determined by the Board consistent with those provided to other Company executive officers and in accordance with the Company’s plans and applicable award agreements.
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(b) Expenses. The Company shall pay all reasonable expenses incurred by Employee that are directly related to performance of his responsibilities and duties for the Company hereunder. Employee shall submit to the Company statements that justify in reasonable detail all reasonable expenses so incurred. Subject to such audits as the Company may deem necessary, the Company shall reimburse Employee the full amount of any such expenses advanced by Employee. Reimbursable expenses shall also include a reimbursement for health, dental and vision benefits plan in lieu of the Company offering such plans. All expenses eligible for reimbursements in connection with Employee’s employment must be incurred by Employee while employed by the Company and must be in accordance with the Company’s expense reimbursement policies. The amount of reimbursable expenses incurred in one taxable year shall not affect the expenses eligible for reimbursement in any other taxable year. Each category of reimbursement shall be paid according to the Company’s standard expense reimbursement policy, typically at the end of the month of submission, but in no event shall any such reimbursement be paid after the last day of the Company’s taxable year following the taxable year in which the expense was incurred. No right to reimbursement is subject to liquidation or exchange for other benefits.
(c) Benefits. Employee will be entitled to participate in each employee benefit plan and program of the Company, as in place from time to time, to the extent that Employee meets the eligibility requirements for such employee benefit plan or program. Employee shall pay any contributions which are generally required of employees to receive any such benefits. The Company will endeavor to institute industry standard health insurance programs and benefits as well as a 401(k) program.
To the extent the Company makes directors’ and officers’ liability insurance available to the directors, it will also make it available to Employee on the same terms as other directors. Employee shall receive paid time off (“PTO”) in accordance with the Company’s PTO policies and procedures in place from time to time, but in no event will Employee receive less than five weeks PTO annually; provided, however, that, in accordance with the Company’s PTO practices, PTO not taken during any calendar year shall not be carried over to a subsequent year. Following the Date of Termination (as defined below), Employee shall be paid at a rate per day equal to Employee’s Base Salary then in effect divided by 260 for all current and previously accumulated PTO days not taken during the calendar year in which the Date of Termination occurs, with such payment to be made within 30 days following the Date of Termination. Such amount shall be deemed a payment obligation accruing through the Date of Termination for purposes of Section 5.
4. TERMINATION.
(a) Cause. The Company may terminate Employee’s employment during the Employment Period for Cause. For purposes of this Agreement, “Cause” shall mean:
(i) An intentional act of fraud, embezzlement, theft or any material violation of law that occurs during or in the course of the Employment Period;
(ii) Intentional damage by Employee to the Company’s assets;
(iii) Intentional disclosure by Employee of the Company’s confidential information contrary to Company policies;
(iv) Material breach of Employee’s obligations under this Agreement;
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(v) Intentional engagement by Employee in any activity which would constitute a breach of Employee’s duty of loyalty or Employee’s assigned duties;
(vi) Intentional breach by Employee of any of the Company’s policies and procedures;
(vii) The willful and continued failure by Employee to perform Employee’s assigned duties (other than as a result of incapacity due to physical or mental illness);
(viii) Employee is or has been prevented from performing any duties contemplated by this Agreement by reason of any agreement with any third party to which Employee is a party or is bound; or
(ix) an appropriation, or attempted appropriation, of a business opportunity of Company or one of its affiliates;
(x) a conviction of, indictment for, or the entering of Employee of a guilty plea to any felony or civil offense involving fraud or moral turpitude (or a plea of nolo contendere thereto);
(xi) securing a personal benefit, or attempting to secure a personal benefit, in any transaction entered into on behalf of or by Company; or
(xii) sexual misconduct while conducting business on behalf of Company.
(xiii) Willful conduct by Employee that is demonstrably and materially injurious to the Company, monetarily or otherwise.
For purposes of this provision, no act, or failure to act, on the part of Employee shall be considered “willful” unless it is done, or omitted to be done, by Employee in bad faith or without reasonable belief that Employee’s action or omission was in the best interests of the Company. Any act, or failure to act, based upon authority given pursuant to a resolution duly adopted by the Board or based upon the advice of counsel for the Company shall be conclusively presumed to be done, or omitted to be done, by Employee in good faith and in the best interests of the Company.
(b) Good Reason. Employee may terminate Employee’s employment during the Employment Period for Good Reason.
(i) For purposes of this Agreement, “Good Reason” shall mean the assignment to Employee, without Employee’s consent, of any duties materially inconsistent with Employee’s position (including changes in status, offices, or titles and any change in Employee’s reporting requirements), authority, duties, or responsibilities as contemplated by Section 2(a), the Company requiring Employee to relocate Employee’s primary Atlanta work location by more than 50 miles, or any other action by the Company which results in a material diminution in such position, authority, duties, responsibilities or aggregate Base Salary and applicable percentage used in determining the Cash Bonus; except as otherwise specified in Section 2, or the Company’s material breach of its obligations to Employee under this Agreement (each an “Event” for purposes of this paragraph).
(ii) Employee must notify the Company in writing of any Event that constitutes Good Reason within 90 days following Employee’s initial knowledge of the existence of such Event (or, if earlier, within 90 days following the date upon which Employee should reasonably have been expected to have knowledge of such Event) or such Event shall not constitute Good Reason under this Agreement. Employee must provide at least 30 days prior written notification of his intention to terminate his employment for Good Reason and the Company shall have 30 days from the date of receipt of such notice to effect a cure of the condition constituting Good Reason, and, upon cure thereof by the Company, such Event shall no longer constitute Good Reason.
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(c) Notice of Termination. Any termination by either Party for any reason, including any termination by the Company for Cause, or by Employee for Good Reason, shall be communicated by Notice of Termination to the other Party hereto given in accordance with Section 13(c). For purposes of this Agreement, a “Notice of Termination” means a written notice which (i) indicates the specific termination provision in this Agreement relied upon, (ii) to the extent applicable, sets forth in reasonable detail the facts and circumstances claimed to provide a basis for termination of Employee’s employment under the provision so indicated and (iii) specifies the Date of Termination (which date shall not be more than 30 days after the giving of such notice; provided, however, that if Employee is terminating for Good Reason such date shall be not less than 30 days nor more than 45 days after giving such notice. The inadvertent failure by Employee or the Company to set forth in the Notice of Termination a particular fact or circumstance which contributes to a showing of Good Reason or Cause shall not waive any right of Employee or the Company, respectively, hereunder or preclude Employee or the Company, respectively, from asserting such fact or circumstance in enforcing Employee’s or the Company’s rights hereunder.
(d) Date of Termination. “Date of Termination” means the date of receipt of the Notice of Termination, or any later date specified therein, as the case may be. The Company and Employee shall take all steps necessary (including with regard to any post-termination services by Employee) to ensure that any termination of employment described in this Section 4 constitutes a “separation from service” within the meaning of Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended and in effect from time to time and including the regulations and guidance thereunder and notwithstanding anything contained herein to the contrary, the date on which the separation from service takes place shall be the “Date of Termination.” Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Date of Termination may be accelerated by the Party who receives Notice of Termination by providing to the other Party written notice of acceleration, including the accelerated Date of Termination, within 30 days of receipt of the Notice of Termination.
5. OBLIGATIONS OF COMPANY UPON TERMINATION.
(a) Cause; Without Good Reason. If Employee’s employment is terminated by the Company for Cause or by Employee without Good Reason, the Employment Period shall terminate without further obligation to Employee other than Base Salary and accrued unused PTO through the Date of Termination paid on the Company’s normal payroll payment date.
(b) Disability or Death. If the Employment Period is terminated due to the death or Disability of Employee, Employee (or his estate or legal representative) shall be entitled solely to the following: (i) Base Salary, accrued unused PTO, and any other accrued obligations through the Date of Termination (paid on the Company’s normal payroll payment date) (the “Accrued Compensation”), (ii) in the event the Employment Period is terminated due to Disability of the Employee, subject to Employee satisfying the waiver and release condition identified in Section 13(d) and not violating the Protective Covenants (if applicable), payment of the annual Cash Bonus (as described in Section 3(a)(ii)) of this Agreement that Employee otherwise would have earned but for such termination of employment for the performance period in which Employee’s Date of Termination occurs, based on actual performance for the entire performance period, and payable no later than the end of the year in which the Disability or death occurs, provided that it shall be subject to a pro-rata reduction for the portion of the performance period following the Date of Termination, and (iii) in the case of a termination due to Disability, and subject to Employee being eligible for and taking all steps necessary to continue Employee’s group health insurance coverage with the Company following the Date of Termination, continued participation, at the Company’s expense, in the Company’s group health plans for Employee and his eligible covered dependents through the earliest of: (x) the 18-month anniversary of the Date of Termination, (y) the date Employee becomes eligible for group health insurance coverage from any other employer, or (z) the date Employee is no longer eligible to continue Employee’s group health insurance coverage with the Company under applicable law. As used herein “Disability” shall mean and include Employee’s incapacity due to physical or mental illness or disability to timely perform his duties under this Agreement, as reasonably determined by the Board, for a period of six or more consecutive months. Disability also includes Employee becoming permanently disabled within the meaning of any long-term disability plan of the Company applicable to Employee, and Employee commences to receive benefits under such plan. Termination of the Employment Period under this Section 5(b) shall not constitute a termination by the Company other than for Cause or by Employee for Good Reason.
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(c) Other Than for Cause; Good Reason. Except as otherwise provided in Section 6(a), if (i) the Company terminates Employee’s employment other than for Cause or (ii) Employee terminates employment for Good Reason, then the Employment Period shall terminate without further obligation to Employee other than the Company’s obligation to pay to Employee (or, in the case of his death, to his estate or legal representatives) the Accrued Compensation and, subject to Employee satisfying the waiver and release condition identified in Section 13(d) and not violating the Protective Covenants, the Severance Payment and Benefits Continuation Payments (as defined below). Such payments shall be subject to the Company’s normal payroll and withholding requirements.
(d) Severance Payment and Benefits Continuation Payments. Subject to Employee satisfying the waiver and release condition identified in Section 13(d), the “Severance Payment” shall be equal to the aggregate of Employee’s then-current annual Base Salary plus an amount equal to a prorated portion of Employee’s Cash Bonus for the year in which the Date of Termination occurs, with such prorated amount determined by multiplying Employee’s Cash Bonus for the year in which the Date of Termination occurs by a fraction, the numerator of which is the number of full months during such year in which Employee was employed and the denominator of which is 12. In addition, subject to Employee satisfying the waiver and release condition identified in Section 13(d) and not violating the Protective Covenants, and Employee being eligible for and taking all steps necessary to continue Employee’s group health insurance coverage with the Company following the Date of Termination, Employee will receive continued participation, at the Company’s expense, in the Company’s group health plans for Employee and his eligible covered dependents through the earliest of: (x) the 18-month anniversary of the Date of Termination, (y) the date Employee becomes eligible for group health insurance coverage from any other employer, or (z) the date Employee is no longer eligible to continue Employee’s group health insurance coverage with the Company under applicable law (the “Benefits Continuation Payments”).
(e) Timing of Severance Payment.
(i) Timing of Severance Payment. The Severance Payment shall be payable to Employee (or, in the event of death, to his estate or legal representative) in cash by the Company over a period of 12 consecutive months.
(ii) Distribution Rules. The following rules shall apply with respect to the distribution of payments and benefits, if any, to be provided to Employee under this Section 5 and Section 6, as applicable:
(A) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, no payments shall be made to Employee upon Employee’s termination of employment from the Company under this Agreement unless such termination of employment is a “separation from service” under Code Section 409A. The determination of whether and when a “separation from service” has occurred shall be made in a manner consistent with and based on the presumptions set forth in Treasury Regulations Section 1.409A-1(h). If, as of the date of the “separation from service” of Employee from the Company, Employee is not a Specified Employee (as defined in Section 5(e)(iii)), then the payments shall be made on the dates and terms set forth in Section 5(e)(i).
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(B) If, as of the date of the “separation from service” of Employee from the Company, Employee is a Specified Employee, then any portion of the payments that is a payment of deferred compensation as determined under Code Section 409A (after taking into account the exemption rules for short-term deferrals under Treasury Regulations Section 1.409A-1(b)(4) and separation payments under Treasury Regulations Section 1.409A-1(b)(9)(iii)) and that would, absent this subsection, be paid within the six-month period following the separation from service of Employee from the Company shall not be paid until the date that is six months and one day after such separation from service (or, if earlier, Employee’s death).
(iii) Specified Employee. As used herein, the term “Specified Employee” means a “specified employee” (as defined in Code Section 409A(a)(2)(B)(i)). By way of clarification, “specified employee” means a “key employee” (as defined in Section 416(i) of the Code, disregarding Section 416(i)(5) of the Code) of the Company. Employee shall be treated as a “key employee” if Employee meets the requirement of Section 416(i)(1)(A)(i), (ii) or (iii) of the Code at any time during the 12-month period ending on an “identification date.” If Employee is a “key employee” as of an identification date, he shall be treated as a Specified Employee for the 12-month period beginning on the first day of the fourth month following such identification date. For purposes of any Specified Employee determination hereunder, the “identification date” shall mean the last day of the calendar year.
6. CHANGE OF CONTROL TERMINATION PAYMENT.
(a) Triggering Event. In consideration and recognition of Employee’s employment and his contribution to protecting and enhancing member value in any future sale of the Company that may occur, the Company agrees to pay to Employee a change of control termination payment as specified below (the “Change of Control Termination Payment”). The Change of Control Termination Payment shall be in addition to amounts otherwise payable pursuant to Section 3 through the Date of Termination but in lieu of any Severance Payments or Benefits Continuation Payments otherwise due under Section 5, shall be subject to Employee satisfying the waiver and release condition identified in Section 13(d) and Employee not violating the Protective Covenants, and shall be earned upon the earlier of (i) the termination of Employee’s employment with the Company at any time within two years following a Change of Control (as defined below) (A) by the Company for any reason other than Cause or (B) by Employee for Good Reason or (ii) upon the occurrence of a Change of Control, if Employee’s employment with the Company was terminated within six months prior to the Change of Control, either by (A) the Company for any reason other than Cause or (B) by Employee for Good Reason (the earlier of (i) or (ii) above being referred to as the “Triggering Event”).
(b) Amount. The amount of the Change of Control Termination Payment shall be equal to 1.5 times the aggregate of Employee’s then-current annual Base Salary as of the Date of Termination plus an amount equal to 1.5 times the Employee’s Cash Bonus for the year in which the Date of Termination occurs.
(c) Payment; Medical Coverage; Vesting. Subject to Employee satisfying the waiver and release condition identified in Section 13(d) and not violating the Protective Covenants, the Change of Control Termination Payment shall be paid in a single cash lump sum payment to Employee (or, in the event of death, to his estate or legal representative) not later than 45 days after the Triggering Event. Such payment shall be in addition to sums due to Employee through the Date of Termination, shall be subject to normal withholding requirements of the Company and shall be in lieu of Severance Payments or Benefits Continuation Payments that may otherwise be due under Section 5. In addition, notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, subject to Employee satisfying the waiver and release condition identified in Section 13(d) and not violating the Protective Covenants and Employee being eligible for and taking all steps necessary to continue Employee’s group health insurance coverage with the Company, if any, following the Date of Termination, Employee will receive the Benefits Continuation Payments.
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(d) Change of Control Defined. For the purposes of this Agreement, the term “Change of Control” means a change in the ownership or effective control of, or in the ownership of a substantial portion of the assets of, the Company, to the extent consistent with Code Section 409A and any regulatory or other interpretive authority promulgated thereunder, as described in paragraphs (i) through (iv) below.
(i) Change in Ownership of Company. A change in the ownership of the Company will be deemed to have occurred on the date that any one person, or more than one person acting as a group (within the meaning of paragraph (iv) below) other than a group of which Employee is a member, acquires ownership of the Company stock that, together with the Company stock held by such person or group, constitutes more than 50% of the voting power of the stock of the Company.
(A) If any one person or more than one person acting as a group (within the meaning of paragraph (iv) below), other than a group of which Employee is a member, is considered to own more than 50% of the total voting power of the stock of the Company, the acquisition of additional Company stock by such person or persons shall not be considered to cause a change in the ownership of the Company or to cause a change in the effective control of the Company (within the meaning of paragraph (ii) below).
(B) An increase in the percentage of Company stock owned by any one person, or persons acting as a group (within the meaning of paragraph (iv) below), as a result of a transaction in which the Company acquires its stock in exchange for property, shall be treated as an acquisition of stock for purposes of this paragraph (i).
(C) Except as provided in (B) above, the provisions of this paragraph (i) shall apply only to the transfer or issuance of Company stock if such stock remains outstanding after such transfer or issuance.
(ii) Change in Effective Control of Company.
(A) A change in the effective control of the Company shall occur on the date that either of (1) or (2) below occurs:
(1) Any one person, or more than one person acting as a group (within the meaning of paragraph (iv) below), acquires (or has acquired during the 12-month period ending on the date of the most recent acquisition by such person or persons) ownership of stock of the Company possessing 30% or more of the total voting power of the stock of the Company, or
(2) A majority of members of the Board are replaced during any 12-month period by members of the Board whose appointment or election is not endorsed by a majority of the Board prior to the date of such appointment or election.
(B) A change in effective control of the Company also may occur with respect to any transaction in which either the Company or the other entity involved in a transaction experiences a Change of Control event described in paragraphs (i) or (iii).
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(C) If any one person, or more than one person acting as a group (within the meaning of paragraph (iv) below), is considered to effectively control the Company (within the meaning of this paragraph (ii)), the acquisition of additional control of the Company by the same person or persons shall not be considered to cause a change in the effective control of the Company (or to cause a change in the ownership of the Company within the meaning of paragraph (i)).
(iii) Change in Ownership of a Substantial Portion of Company’s Assets. A change in the ownership of a substantial portion of the Company’s assets shall occur on the date that any one person, or more than one person acting as a group (within the meaning of paragraph (iv) below), other than a group of which Employee is a member, acquires (or has acquired during the 12-month period ending on the date of the most recent acquisition by such person or persons) assets from the Company that have a total gross fair market value (within the meaning of paragraph (iii)(B)) equal to or more than 40% of the total gross fair market value of all of the assets of the Company immediately prior to such acquisition or acquisitions.
(A) A transfer of the Company’s assets shall not be treated as a change in the ownership of such assets if the assets are transferred to one or more of the following:
(1) A stockholder of the Company (immediately before the asset transfer) in exchange for or with respect to Company stock;
(2) An entity, 50% or more of the total value or voting power of which is owned, directly or indirectly, by the Company;
(3) A person, or more than one person acting as a group (within the meaning of paragraph (iv) below), that owns, directly or indirectly, 50% or more of the total value or voting power of all of the outstanding stock of the Company; or
(4) An entity, at least 50% of the total value or voting power of which is owned, directly or indirectly, by a person described in paragraph (iii)(A)(3).
For purposes of this paragraph (iii)(A), and except as otherwise provided, a person’s status is determined immediately after the transfer of assets.
(B) For purposes of this paragraph (iii), gross fair market value means the value of all the Company’s assets, or the value of the assets being disposed of, determined without regard to any liabilities associated with such assets.
(iv) Group Definition. For the purposes of this Section 6, persons shall be considered to be acting as a group if they are owners of an entity that enters into a merger, consolidation, purchase, or acquisition of assets, or similar business transaction with the Company. If a person, including an entity stockholder, owns stock in the Company and another entity with which the Company enters into a merger, consolidation, purchase, or acquisition of stock, or similar business transaction, such person shall be considered to be acting as a group with the other owners of equity interests in an entity only to the extent of the ownership in that entity prior to the transaction giving rise to the change and not with respect to the ownership interest in the other corporation. Persons shall not be considered to be acting as a group solely because they purchase or own stock of the Company at the same time, or as a result of the same public offering of Company stock.
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7. NON-EXCLUSIVITY OF RIGHTS.
Nothing in this Agreement shall prevent or limit Employee’s continuing or future participation in any plan, program, policy or practice provided by the Company or any of its affiliated companies and for which Employee may qualify, nor, except as specifically set forth herein, shall anything herein limit or otherwise affect such rights as Employee may have under any contract or agreement with the Company or any of its affiliated companies. Amounts which are vested benefits or which Employee is otherwise entitled to receive under any plan, practice or program of or any contract or agreement with the Company or any of its affiliated companies at or subsequent to the Date of Termination shall be payable in accordance with such plan, policy, practice or program or contract or agreement except as explicitly modified by this Agreement.
8. FULL SETTLEMENT.
In no event shall Employee be obligated to seek other employment or take any other action by way of mitigation of the amounts payable to Employee under any of the provisions of this Agreement, and such amounts shall not be reduced whether or not Employee obtains other employment. The Company agrees to pay as incurred, to the full extent permitted by law, all legal fees and expenses which Employee may reasonably incur as a result of any contest or dispute by the Company or Employee with respect to liability under, or the interpretation of the validity or enforceability of, any provision of this Agreement, but only in the event and to the extent that (i) Employee receives a final, non-appealable judgment in his favor in any such action or receives a final judgment in his favor that has not been appealed by the Company within 30 days of the date of the judgment; or (ii) the Parties agree to dismiss any such action upon the Company’s payment of the sums allegedly due Employee or performance of the covenants by the Company allegedly breached by it.
9. PROTECTIVE COVENANTS
(a) Confidential Information. Employee and the Company are Parties to one or more separate agreements respecting confidential information, trade secrets, and inventions, including, without limitation, the Employee Confidentiality and Intellectual Property Assignment Agreement signed in connection with and as a condition of Employee’s employment with the Company (collectively, the “IP Agreements”); provided, that any agreements respecting confidential information, trade secrets, and inventions shall be consistent with, and no more burdensome than, the Employee’s obligations under the Employee Confidentiality and Intellectual Property Assignment Agreement signed in connection with and as a condition of Employee’s employment with the Company, unless such changes result from changes to applicable law. The Parties agree that the IP Agreements shall not be superseded or terminated by this Agreement and shall survive any termination of this Agreement.
(b) Non-Compete Commitment. During the Employment Period and for a period of one year following the Date of Termination, regardless of the reason for the termination of Employee’s employment and whether such termination occurs at the initiative of Employee or the Company, Employee agrees that he will not accept any position as principal executive officer, president, or chief executive officer with, or provide comparable level executive consultation to any Competitive Business of the Company. As used herein, a “Competitive Business” is a business (including, but not limited to, a business started by Employee) that is in the business of providing activities, products, or services that are competitive with those provided by the Company and that are of the type conducted, authorized, offered, provided, or under development by the Company within one year prior to Employee’s Date of Termination.
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(c) Agreement Not to Solicit Employees. During the Employment Period and for a period of one year following the Date of Termination, regardless of the reason for the termination of Employee’s employment and whether such termination occurs at the initiative of Employee or the Company, Employee covenants and agrees that Employee shall not (a) solicit, recruit, or hire (or attempt to solicit, recruit, or hire) or otherwise assist anyone in soliciting, recruiting, or hiring, any employee or independent contractor of the Company who performed work for the Company within the last year of Employee’s employment with the Company until that employee’s employment or that independent contractor’s engagement with the Company has been voluntarily or involuntarily terminated for at least six months, or (b) otherwise encourage, solicit, or support any employee(s) or independent contractor(s) to leave their employment with the Company.
(d) Non-Solicitation of Customers or Clients. During the Employment Period and for a period of one year following the Date of Termination, regardless of the reason for the termination of Employee’s employment and whether such termination occurs at the initiative of Employee or the Company, Employee agrees not to solicit, directly or by assisting others, any business from any of the Company’s customers or clients, including actively sought prospective customers or clients, with whom Employee has had material contact during the one-year period prior to the termination of the Employment Period with the Company, for the purpose of providing products or services that are competitive with those provided by the Company. As used in this paragraph, “material contact” means the contact between Employee and each customer, client or vendor, or potential customer, client or vendor (i) with whom or which Employee dealt on behalf of the employer, (ii) whose dealings with the Company were coordinated or supervised by Employee, (iii) about whom Employee obtained confidential information in the ordinary course of business as a result of Employee’s association with the Company, or (iv) who receives products or services authorized by the Company, the sale or provision of which results or resulted in compensation, commissions, or earnings (directly or indirectly) for Employee within one year prior to Employee’s Date of Termination.
(e) Non-Disparagement. Employee agrees not to make disparaging remarks, or remarks that could reasonably be construed as disparaging, regarding the Company, its subsidiaries, their directors, officers, or employees, businesses or practices during the Employment Period and thereafter. Company, on behalf of its officers, directors and managers, agrees not to make disparaging remarks, or remarks that could reasonably be construed as disparaging, regarding Employee. For the avoidance of doubt, this non-disparagement obligation shall not in any way affect either party’s obligation to testify truthfully in any legal proceeding.
(f) Certain Payment Obligations/Consideration. Employee agrees that the payment of any Severance Payment, Benefits Continuation Payments or Change of Control Termination Payment shall be subject to and expressly conditioned upon Employee’s compliance with the covenants set forth in paragraphs (a) through (e) of this Section 10 (collectively, the “Protective Covenants”). Payments of amounts owing under any Change of Control Termination Payment, Severance Payment or Benefits Continuation Payments obligation shall be conditioned upon Employee’s continued compliance with the Protective Covenants. Should Employee fail to comply with any of the Protective Covenants, the Company shall not be required to make the Change of Control Termination Payment, Severance Payment (or any portion thereof remaining unpaid), or Benefits Continuation Payments and Employee shall be required to repay any portion of the Change of Control Termination Payment, Severance Payment, or Benefits Continuation Payments that Employee has already received from the Company. Employee acknowledges that the consideration for the Protective Covenants includes the employment granted and the salary and other compensation provided hereunder including, but not limited to, the covenants respecting a Severance Payment, Change of Control Termination Payment, or Benefits Continuation Payments.
(g) Specific Performance. Employee acknowledges that it would be difficult to calculate the Company’s damages from Employee’s breach of any of the Protective Covenants and that money damages (even including any repayments made pursuant to paragraph (f)) would therefore be an inadequate remedy. Accordingly, upon such breach, Employee acknowledges that the Company may seek and shall be entitled to temporary, preliminary, and/or permanent injunctive relief against Employee, and/or other appropriate orders to restrain such breach. Nothing in this provision shall limit or prevent the Company from seeking any other damages or relief provided by applicable law for breach of this Agreement or any section or provision hereof. Employee agrees that the Company may obtain specific performance, and that the Company shall not be required to post bond in the event it is necessary for the Company to obtain temporary or preliminary injunctive relief, any bond requirement hereby being expressly waived by Employee.
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(h) Protective Covenant Enforceability. The Parties covenant and agree that the provisions contained in paragraphs (a) through (g) are reasonable and are not known or believed to be in violation of any federal, state, or local law, rule, or regulation. It is the reasonable intent and expectation of the Parties that these protective covenants shall be enforced in accordance with their terms. However, in the event a court of competent jurisdiction finds any provision herein (or subpart thereof) to be void or unenforceable, the Parties agree that the court shall modify the provision(s) (or subpart(s) thereof) to make the provision(s) (or subpart(s) thereof) and this Agreement valid and enforceable to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law. Any illegal or unenforceable provision (or subpart thereof), or any modification by any court, shall not affect the remainder of this Agreement, which shall continue at all times to be valid and enforceable in accordance with its terms.
10. SUCCESSORS.
(a) Successors in Interest. This Agreement is personal to Employee and, without the prior written consent of the Company, shall not be assignable by Employee otherwise than by will or the laws of descent and distribution. This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be enforceable by Employee’s legal representatives. This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be binding upon the Company and its successors and assigns.
(b) Assumption of Agreement. The Company will require any successor who acquires all or substantially all of the business and/or assets of the Company to expressly assume and agree to perform this Agreement in the same manner and to the same extent that the Company would be required to perform it if no such succession had taken place. As used in this Agreement, the “Company” shall mean Innovative Med Concepts, LLC, as hereinbefore defined and any successor to its business and/or assets as aforesaid which assumes and agrees to perform this Agreement by operation of law or otherwise.
11. COMPLIANCE WITH CODE SECTION 409A.
(a) Compliance. All payments that may be made and benefits that may be provided pursuant to this Agreement are intended to comply with, or otherwise be exempt from, Code Section 409A and any regulations and Treasury guidance promulgated hereunder, and any ambiguities shall be interpreted in a manner consistent with the requirements of Code Section 409A. Further, notwithstanding anything to the contrary, all Severance and Change of Control Termination payments payable under the provisions of Section 5 or Section 6 shall be paid to Employee no later than the last day of the second calendar year following the calendar year in which the Date of Termination occurs. None of the payments under this Agreement are intended to result in the inclusion in Employee’s federal gross income of an amount on account of a failure under Section 409A(a)(1) of the Code. The Parties intend to administer and interpret this Agreement to carry out such intentions. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, to the extent that the right to any payment (including the provision of benefits) hereunder provides for the “deferral of compensation” within the meaning of Section 409A(d)(1) of the Code, the payment shall be paid (or provided) in accordance with the following:
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(i) Each payment hereunder is intended to constitute a separate payment from each other payment for purposes of Treasury Regulations Section 1.409A-2(b)(2).
(ii) Payments with respect to reimbursements of expenses or benefits or provision of fringe or other in-kind benefits shall be made on or before the last day of the calendar year following the calendar year in which the relevant expense or benefit is incurred. The amount of expenses or benefits eligible for reimbursement, payment or provision during a calendar year shall not affect the expenses or benefits eligible for reimbursement, payment or provision in any other calendar year.
(b) Amendments. The Company and Employee agree that they will execute any and all amendments to this Agreement as they mutually agree in good faith may be necessary to ensure compliance with Code Section 409A.
(c) Tax Matters. The Company makes no representation or warranty as to the tax effect of any of the preceding provisions, and the provisions of this Agreement shall not be construed as a guarantee by the Company of any particular tax effect to Employee under this Agreement. Without limiting the foregoing, the Company shall not be liable to Employee or any other person for any payment made under this Agreement which is determined to result in the imposition of an excise tax, penalty or interest under Code Section 409A, nor for reporting in good faith any payment made under this Agreement as an amount includible in gross income under Code Section 409A.
12. MISCELLANEOUS.
(a) Governing Law; Venue. This Agreement shall be governed by the laws of the State of Alabama without regard to the conflicts of laws provisions of that State or any other State. The Parties agree that any dispute arising from this Agreement, including but not limited to issues of breach, enforceability, or modification, shall be decided only in a state or federal court sitting in Alabama, which the Parties expressly agree shall be the exclusive venue for any such action.
(b) Amendment; Validity. This Agreement may not be amended or modified otherwise than by a written agreement executed by the Parties hereto or their respective successors and legal representatives. The invalidity or unenforceability of any provision of this Agreement shall not affect the validity or enforceability of any other provision of this Agreement. The captions of this Agreement are not part of the provisions hereof and shall have no force and effect.
(c) Notices. All notices and other communications hereunder shall be in writing and shall be given by hand delivery to the other party or by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid, in either case, accompanied by a facsimile copy, addressed as follows:
If to Employee:
Gregory S. Duncan
447 Broadland Rd, NW, Atlanta, GA 30342
If to the Company:
Innovative Medical Concepts
1837 Commons N Dr, Tuscaloosa, AL 35406
With a copy to:
Tanner & Guin, LLC
ATTN: Jonathan D. Guin
2711 University Blvd, Suite 201, Tuscaloosa, AL 35401
or to such other address as either party shall have furnished to the other in writing in accordance herewith. Notice and communications shall be effective when actually received by the addressee.
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(d) Waiver and Release. Employee acknowledges and agrees that the Company requires, as a condition to receipt of any Severance Payment or Benefits Continuation Payments under Section 5 or any Change of Control Termination Payment or Benefits Continuation Payments under Section 6, that Employee (or a representative of his estate on behalf of his estate) execute a waiver and release discharging the Company, its subsidiaries, and their respective affiliates, and its and their officers, directors, managers, employees, agents and representatives and the heirs, predecessors, successors and assigns of all of the foregoing, from any and all claims, actions, causes of action or other liability, whether known or unknown, contingent or fixed, arising out of or in any way related to the benefits under this Agreement, including, without limitation, any claims under this Agreement or other related instruments, other than the Company’s obligation to pay the Accrued Compensation, Severance Payment, Benefits Continuation Payments, Change of Control Termination Payment, and other consideration as provided in this Agreement. The waiver and release shall be in a form determined by the Company and acceptable to Employee and shall be executed prior to the expiration of the time periods provided for any first payment of such benefits.
(e) Non-Waiver. The failure of the Company to insist upon or enforce strict performance of any provision of this Agreement or to exercise any rights or remedies thereunder will not be construed as a waiver by the Company to assert or rely upon any such provision, right, or remedy in that or any other instance.
(f) Entire Agreement. This Agreement embodies the entire agreement between the Parties with respect to the subject matter addressed herein and supersedes any prior understandings, agreements or representations by or among the Parties, written or oral, that may relate to the subject matter hereof; provided, however, that nothing in this Agreement is intended to and does not modify, supersede or replace the IP Agreements, and documents adopted by the Board with respect to the Cash Bonus, any agreements or plans concerning any equity awards to Employee, or any agreements or other documents related to any employee benefit plans, each of which are to be in effect in accordance with their terms.
(g) Survival. The covenants set forth in Sections 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, and 12 shall survive any termination of Employee’s employment or termination of the Employment Period.
(h) Counterparts; Facsimile; Electronic Submission. This Agreement may be executed in one (1) or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, and it shall not be necessary in making proof of this Agreement or the terms hereof to produce or account for more than one of such counterparts. Executed signature pages to this Agreement may be delivered by facsimile or electronically, and such facsimiles or electronically submitted documents will be deemed as sufficient as if actual signature pages had been delivered.
[Signatures on Following Page]
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Employee has hereunder set Employee’s hand and, pursuant to the authorization form the Board, the Company has caused this Agreement to be executed in its name on its behalf, each effective as of the day and year first above written.
| Employee: | ||
| /s/ Gregory S. Duncan | ||
| Gregory S. Duncan | ||
| The Company: | ||
| Innovative Med Concepts, LLC | ||
| By: | /s/ William L. Pridgen, MD | |
| William L. Pridgen, MD | ||
| Its Manager | ||
[Signature Page to Employment Agreement]
APPENDIX A
STOCK OPTION EXERCISE NOTICE
Innovative Med Concepts, Inc.
Attention: Board of Directors
____________________________
____________________________
Pursuant to the terms of the grant notice and Employment Agreement between the undersigned and Innovative Med Concepts, Inc. (the “Company”) dated April 5, 2020 (the “Agreement”), I, Gregory S. Duncan, hereby [Circle One] partially / fully exercise such option by including herein payment in the amount of $______ representing the purchase price for [Fill in #______ of shares of common stock] shares of common stock of the Company (the “Stock”). I have chosen the following form(s) of payment:
| ¨ | 1. Cash |
| ¨ | 2. Certified or bank check payable to the Company |
| ¨ | 3. Payment to be offset against any amount owed to Employee from the sale event or dividend event immediately following exercise of this Option as a result of Employee owning the Stock. |
| ¨ | 4. Other (as referenced in the Agreement and described in the Plan (please describe)) ______________________________________________________. |
In connection with my exercise of the option as set forth above, I hereby represent and warrant to the Company as follows:
a. I am purchasing the Stock for my own account for investment only, and not for resale or with a view to the distribution thereof.
b. I have had such an opportunity as I have deemed adequate to obtain from the Company such information as is necessary to permit me to evaluate the merits and risks of my investment in the Company and have consulted with my own advisers with respect to my investment in the Company.
c. I have sufficient experience in business, financial, and investment matters to be able to evaluate the risks involved in the purchase of the Stock and to make an informed investment decision with respect to such purchase.
d. I can afford a complete loss of the value of the Stock and am able to bear the economic risk of holding such Stock for an indefinite period of time.
e. I understand that the Stock may not be registered under the Securities Act of 1933 (it being understood that the Stock is being issued and sold in reliance upon an applicable exemption thereto) or any applicable state securities or “blue sky” laws and may not be sold or otherwise transferred or disposed of in the absence of an effective registration statement under the Securities Act of 1933 and under any applicable state securities or “blue sky” laws (or exemptions from the registration requirement thereof). I further acknowledge that if certificates representing Stock are issued, they will bear restrictive legends reflecting the foregoing and/or that book entries for uncertificated stock will include similar restrictive notations.
f. I have read and understand the bylaws and buy-sell agreement of the Company and acknowledge and agree that the Stock is subject to all of the relevant terms therein.
g. I understand and agree that the Company may have a right of first refusal with respect to the Stock pursuant to the bylaws and buy-sell agreement of the Company.
h. I understand and agree that the Company may have certain repurchase rights with respect to the Stock pursuant to the bylaws and buy-sell agreement of the Company.
i. I understand and agree that I may not sell or otherwise transfer or dispose of any Stock for a period of time following the effective date of a public offering by the Company as described in any applicable “lock-up” agreement or applicable law.
| Sincerely yours, | ||
| Gregory S. Duncan | ||
| Address: | ||
| Date: | ||
EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT
This AMENDMENT TO EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT (this “Amendment”) effective as of August 4, 2020 (“Effective Date”) is by and between Virios Therapeutics, LLC, an Alabama limited liability company (“Company”), and Gregory S. Duncan (“Employee”). The Company and Employee are collectively referred to herein as the “Parties” and each individually as a “Party”.
WITNESSETH
WHEREAS, the Company and Employee desire to administer, interpret and/or amend as necessary the Employment Agreement entered between the Parties effective April 5, 2020 (“Employment Agreement”) in order to comply with Section 409A or the Code;
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises, the promises hereinafter set forth and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged by the Parties, it is hereby agreed as follows:
(i) Pursuant to Section 3(a)(iv) and Section 11 of the Agreement, Section 3(a)(iv) of the Agreement is administered, interpreted and/or amended to define “Fair Market Value” as the price per share of stock issued to the shareholders in the Triggering Offering, such that the Options shall not be “in the money” at the time of the option issuance. Notwithstanding any provision in this Amendment to the contrary, Fair Market Value shall be interpreted or amended to comply with Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended and in effect from time to time and including the regulations and guidance thereunder (the “Code”), if applicable to the Agreement and award.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Employee has hereunder set Employee’s hand and the Company has caused this Agreement to be executed in its name on its behalf, each effective as of the day and year first above written.
| Employee: | ||
| /s/ Gregory S. Duncan | ||
| Gregory S. Duncan | ||
| The Company: | ||
| Virios Therapeutics, LLC | ||
| By: | /s/ Angela Walsh | |
| Angela Walsh | ||
| Its Vice President of Finance | ||
Exhibit 10.4
EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT
This EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT (this “Agreement”) effective as of April 5, 2020 (“Effective Date”) is by and between Innovative Med Concepts, LLC, an Alabama limited liability company (“Company”), and Angela Walsh (“Employee”). The Company and Employee are collectively referred to herein as the “Parties” and each individually as a “Party”.
WITNESSETH
WHEREAS, the Company and Employee desire to formalize the employment relationship between the Parties by entering into this Agreement;
WHEREAS, the Company’s Board of Directors (the “Board”) has approved this Agreement; and
WHEREAS, Employee has determined that it is in the best interests of Employee to enter into this Agreement,
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises, the promises hereinafter set forth and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged by the Parties, it is hereby agreed as follows:
1. EMPLOYMENT.
(a) Position. The Company hereby employs Employee in the position of Vice President of Finance effective April 5, 2020, and Employee hereby accepts such employment.
(b) Employment Period. Employee’s employment hereunder shall commence on April 5, 2020 and shall continue until terminated in accordance with Section 4 hereof (the “Employment Period”). The Company agrees to continue Employee in her employ as Vice President of Finance during the Employment Period, subject to termination of such employment pursuant to the terms of this Agreement.
2. EMPLOYMENT DUTIES.
(a) Duties. Employee shall have such duties as are customarily performed and exercised by the Vice President of Finance of a company with subsidiary operations, subject to the supervision of the Company’s Chief Executive Officer. During the Employment Period, Employee’s services shall be performed in Atlanta, Georgia, or the metropolitan area of the Employee’s future primary residence, subject to reasonable business travel based upon the needs of the Company, subject to the terms of any Company travel policies in place from time to time.
(b) Time and Attention. Beginning April 5, 2020, excluding any periods of vacation and sick leave to which Employee is entitled, Employee agrees to devote Employee’s entire working time, energy, and skill to the business and affairs of the Company and, to the extent necessary to discharge the responsibilities assigned to Employee hereunder, to use Employee’s reasonable best efforts to perform faithfully and efficiently such responsibilities; provided, however, that these obligations shall not prohibit Employee from (i) as approved by the Board, serving on civic or charitable boards or committees and two (2) corporate boards or committee or (ii) managing personal investments, so long as such activities do not materially interfere with the performance of Employee’s responsibilities to the Company, its subsidiaries and affiliates, or violate the Company’s conflict of interest policies. During the Employment Period, Employee shall (i) disclose to the Company any business opportunity that comes to Employee’s attention and that relates to the business of the Company or otherwise arises as a result of Employee’s employment with the Company and (ii) not take advantage of or otherwise divert such opportunity for Employee’s own benefit or that of any other person or entity without prior written consent of the Company.
[Signature Page to Employment Agreement]
(c) Avoidance of Conflicting Obligations. Employee hereby acknowledges, agrees and represents that Employee’s execution of this Agreement and performance of employment-related obligations and duties for the Company will not cause any breach, default, or violation of any other employment, non-disclosure, confidentiality, non-competition, or other agreement to which Employee may be a party or otherwise be bound. Moreover, Employee hereby agrees that Employee will not use in the performance of her employment-related obligations and duties for the Company or otherwise disclose to the Company any trade secrets or confidential information of any person or entity (including any former employer) if and to the extent such use or disclosure may cause a breach or violation of any obligation or duty owed by Employee to such employer, person, or entity under any agreement or applicable law.
(d) Other Activities. During the Employment Period, other than as set forth in paragraph (b) of this Section 2, Employee will not, without the prior written consent of the Company, directly or indirectly, other than in the performance of her duties hereunder, render services of a business, professional or commercial nature to any other person or firm, whether for compensation or otherwise.
3. COMPENSATION.
(a) Compensation. For all services which Employee renders to the Company or any of its subsidiaries or affiliates during the Employment Period, the Company agrees to pay Employee the salary, cash incentive, and equity compensation as set by the Board or the Compensation Committee (as defined herein), subject to the following:
(i) Primary Cash Compensation. Effective as of April 5, 2020, Employee’s monthly salary shall be $16,250 per month, representing an annual rate of $195,000 (the “Base Salary”). Employee’s Base Salary shall be reviewed annually by the Board or a Compensation Committee established by the Board in its discretion (the “Compensation Committee”) and the Base Salary for each fiscal year during the Employment Period shall be determined by the Board or the Compensation Committee, which may authorize an increase in Employee’s Base Salary for such year. In no event may Employee’s Base Salary be reduced below its then-current level at any time during the Employment Period other than with Employee’s written consent or pursuant to a general wage reduction in respect of substantially all of the Company’s executive officers, which reduction is based on the Company’s financial performance, in which event Employee’s Base Salary may only be reduced to the same extent and up to the same percentage amount as the base salaries of other executive officers are reduced. Employee’s Base Salary shall be paid in accordance with the Company’s normal periodic payroll practices.
(ii) Cash Bonus. Commencing upon the establishment of a bonus program approved by the Board or the Compensation Committee, Employee will be eligible for an annual cash bonus with a target bonus amount equal to no less than 20% of her then-current Base Salary (the “Cash Bonus”). The Cash Bonus shall be paid in a single lump sum with the first payroll following the approval of the Audited Financial statement by the Board or by an Audit Committee established by the Board in its discretion (the “Audit Committee”). The Cash Bonus is subject to achievement of annual bonus metrics set by the Board or the Audit Committee from year to year and represents a bonus target percentage which may be earned subject to Employee’s continued employment with the Company and achievement of corporate/Board objectives set by the Board or the Audit Committee. The Company maintains full and absolute discretion over the decision to award any bonus, and the determination of the amount of any bonus, based upon various factors that include, but are not limited to, Employee’s performance and the Company's performance. To be eligible to earn any bonus, Employee must be actively employed by the Company at the time of payment. Employee’s Cash Bonus percentage shall be reviewed annually by the Board or the Compensation Committee, beginning with the year after a bonus program is approved by the Board or the Compensation Committee, and the target Cash Bonus percentage for each such year shall be determined by the Board or the Compensation Committee, which may authorize an increase in Employee’s Cash Bonus percentage for such year. In no event may Employee’s Cash Bonus percentage be reduced below its then-current level at any time during the Employment Period other than with Employee’s written consent and may only be reduced to the same extent and up to the same percentage amount as the target bonus percentage of other executive officers are reduced.
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(iii) Equity. Immediately upon the closing of any offering of Company debt or equity securities that results in the Company having sufficient funds to complete the Company’s Phase 2B trial (e.g., a minimum total raise of $25,000,000) (the “Triggering Offering”), and whether such funds are raised through a private or public offering or any combination thereof, the Company shall issue to Employee a 0.5% Nonvoting Membership Interest in the Company as a “profits interest,”(the “Equity Bonus”) based solely on Membership Interests issued and outstanding immediately after the Triggering Offering, after taking into account the dilutive effects of such issuance (such that, for example, Employee will have a 0.5% Nonvoting Membership Interest taking into account all outstanding interests, including the interest granted Employee and to investors in the Triggering Offering).
(A) The Membership Interest issued to the Employee pursuant to Section 3(a)(iii) is intended to be a “profits interest,” as that term is defined in Internal Revenue Service Revenue Procedure 93-27, as of the date of the grant of the Membership Interest, and to the extent that anything in this Agreement is inconsistent with such intent, the Parties agree that this Agreement will be deemed to be amended such that such Membership Interest will qualify as a “profits interest.” Employee and Company shall agree on a value of the Company immediately preceding the issuance of the Membership Interest, which shall not be in excess of the Company value applicable to the Fifth Offering, such being $37,500,000 accounting for warrant coverage and dilution. Further, the Company’s operating agreement shall provide that upon liquidation or dissolution of the Company, an amount equal to the agreed value for 100% of the Company shall be paid with respect to Membership Interests other than the Membership Interest being granted to Employee, as liquidation proceeds before any amounts are paid to Employee with respect to such profits interest. Thereafter, any remaining liquidation proceeds shall be paid to the Members in proportion to ownership of the Company, and Employee shall participate in such remaining proceeds based on her then percentage ownership of the Company. If the Company and Employee fail to agree on such value within 30 days after the Incentive Event, the value shall be determined an independent accounting firm, selected by the Board in its discretion.
(iv) In the event the Company has been converted or will convert into a corporation before or simultaneously with the Triggering Offering, instead of issuing the profits interests as described above, the Company shall issue an option to Employee to purchase 0.50% of the number of shares of the Company’s common stock issued and outstanding as of the date of the grant to Employee, after accounting for dilution of the issuance to Employee (the “Option”). The Option shall be immediately vested and may be exercised for a period of ten years from the award date (“Expiration Date”). The Option shall be exercisable in whole or in part at Fair Market Value. For purposes of this Agreement, “Fair Market Value” means the lowest purchase price paid for one share of common stock (or an equivalent percentage of the Company’s Membership Interests), from any completed offering, including the Triggering Offering, that raises more than $1,000,000 within the calendar year before the Triggering Offering. Notwithstanding any provision in this Agreement to the contrary, Fair Market Value shall be interpreted or amended to comply with Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended and in effect from time to time and including the regulations and guidance thereunder (the “Code”), if applicable to the Agreement and award.
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(A) Exercise of Option. Employee may exercise this Option only in the following manner: Prior to the Expiration Date, Employee may deliver an Option exercise notice (an “Exercise Notice”) in the form of Appendix A attached hereto indicating his or her election to purchase some or all of the stock. Such notice shall specify the number of shares to be purchased. Payment of the purchase price may be made by one or more of the methods described in Appendix A. If Employee elects to make payment by offset, then it shall be deemed as though Employee paid cash to the Company for her Stock immediately before the sale event or dividend event giving rise to Employee’s right to receive cash, such that the cash paid by Employee shall be considered as part of the distributable proceeds to all shareholders.
(B) Termination of Option. Except as may otherwise be provided by the Company, if Employee’s employment is terminated as described in this Agreement, the period within which to exercise this Option will be subject to early termination as set forth below, and if the Option is not exercised within such period, it shall thereafter terminate as follows:
(1) Termination Due to Death or Disability. If Employee’s employment is terminated by reason of her death or Disability, this Option may continue to be exercised by Employee, Employee’s legal representative or legatee as applicable, for a period of 12 months from the date of death or Disability or until the Expiration Date, if earlier.
(2) Other Termination. If Employee’s employment is terminated for any reason other than death or Disability, and unless otherwise determined by the Company, this Option may continue to be exercised, for a period of 90 days from the date of termination or until the Expiration Date, if earlier; provided however, if Employee’s employment is terminated for Cause, this Option shall terminate immediately upon the date of such termination.
(3) For purposes hereof, the Company’s determination of the reason for termination shall be conclusive and binding on Employee and Employee’s representatives or legatees.
(C) Transferability of Option. This Option is personal to Employee and is not transferable by Employee in any manner other than by will or by the laws of descent and distribution. The Option may be exercised during Employee’s lifetime only by Employee (or by Employee’s guardian or personal representative in the event of Employee’s Disability or death). Employee may elect to designate a beneficiary by providing written notice of the name of such beneficiary to the Company, and may revoke or change such designation at any time by filing written notice of revocation or change with the Company; such beneficiary may exercise Employee’s Option in the event of Employee’s death to the extent provided herein. If Employee does not designate a beneficiary, or if the designated beneficiary predeceases Employee, the legal representative of Employee may exercise this Option to the extent provided herein in the event of Employee’s death.
(D) Restrictions on Transfer of Shares. The Shares acquired upon exercise of the Option shall be subject to certain transfer restrictions and other limitations, including, without limitation, the provisions contained in the operating agreement of the Company, or alternatively, the bylaws and/or buy-sell agreement and any applicable lock-up agreement between Employee and the Company, as applicable.
(v) Sale Event Bonuses. In lieu of the Equity Bonus or Option, in the event of a “Sale Event”, as defined below, Employee shall be paid a cash bonus and a noncash bonus as described herein (collectively, the “Sale Event Bonuses”). Upon a Sale Event, Employee shall be paid a bonus equal to 0.5% of the gross amount of cash, cash-like items, and publicly tradable stock (“Cash Proceeds”), received by the Company or its Members from such Sale Event. A Sale Event shall by any of the following:
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(A) a successful and closed sale or license of a pharmaceutical product, compound, molecule, composition, or other property developed by the Company,
(B) a sale of (1) all or substantially all the assets of the Company; or (2) a majority of the Membership Interests of the Company (other than newly issued interests in the Company); or
(C) a merger or consolidation of the Company that results in Cash Proceeds or Noncash Proceeds paid to all its members.
(D) “Cash Proceeds” includes all upfront and contingent payments resulting from the Sale Event, including all milestone payments, royalties, whether prepaid or paid over time, and other structured payments, but only as they are received by the Company, such that Company shall pay to Employee the requisite share of Cash Proceeds within 30 days of being received by the Company. If the Cash Proceeds are in part publicly tradable stock, the stock shall be valued taking into account blockage, the cost of disposing of the stock, restrictions on sale, and any other appropriate discounts. Moreover, Company may, in its discretion, pay some or all of the bonus by delivering publicly tradable stock in kind, but up to the proportion in which the Company received the Cash Proceeds as stock and not as cash.
(E) In the Event the Company or its Members receive any consideration other than Cash Proceeds (“Noncash Proceeds”, e.g. non-publicly traded stock) as a result of a Sale Event, Employee shall also be paid in addition to the cash bonus based on the Cash Proceeds, a bonus equal to 0.5% of the Noncash Proceeds received by the Company or its Members, as applicable. Such payment shall be made within 30 days of such Noncash Proceeds being received by the Company or its Members, whenever they are received. The Company may in its discretion pay any amount of Noncash Proceeds in an equivalent amount of cash instead of in-kind. Should a payment of Noncash Proceeds to Employee trigger a current tax liability for Employee without a corresponding payment of cash to satisfy such liability, the Company will reasonably attempt to accommodate Employee through payment of liquid assets, if reasonably available as determined in the discretion of the Board or Compensation Committee. Nothing herein will obligate the Company to pay any In-Kind Bonus to Employee in cash instead of in-kind. The Noncash Proceeds shall be valued by an independent accounting firm, selected by the Board in its discretion.
(F) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, Employee must be employed by the Company as of the date of the Sale Event to be eligible to receive the Sale Event Bonuses.
(G) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, (1) should Employee be paid Sale Event Bonuses as described in this Section 3(a)(v), Employee shall not be entitled to either the equity issued as a profits interest as described in Section 3(a)(iii) or the Option as described in 3(a)(iv); and (2) should Employee receive either the Equity Bonus described in Section 3(a)(iii) or the Option as described in Section 3(a)(iv), Employee’s right to receive Sale Event Bonuses shall be terminated, it being expressly intended that Employee shall only receive one of the Equity Bonus, the Sale Event Bonuses, or the Option.
(vi) Other Compensation. Commencing with the calendar year beginning April 5, 2020, Employee shall be entitled to participate in annual long-term incentive opportunities as determined by the Board consistent with those provided to other Company executive officers and in accordance with the Company’s plans and applicable award agreements.
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(b) Expenses. The Company shall pay all reasonable expenses incurred by Employee that are directly related to performance of her responsibilities and duties for the Company hereunder. Employee shall submit to the Company statements that justify in reasonable detail all reasonable expenses so incurred. Subject to such audits as the Company may deem necessary, the Company shall reimburse Employee the full amount of any such expenses advanced by Employee. Reimbursable expenses shall also include a reimbursement for health, dental and vision benefits plan in lieu of the Company offering such plans. All expenses eligible for reimbursements in connection with Employee’s employment must be incurred by Employee while employed by the Company and must be in accordance with the Company’s expense reimbursement policies. The amount of reimbursable expenses incurred in one taxable year shall not affect the expenses eligible for reimbursement in any other taxable year. Each category of reimbursement shall be paid according to the Company’s standard expense reimbursement policy, typically at the end of the month of submission, but in no event shall any such reimbursement be paid after the last day of the Company’s taxable year following the taxable year in which the expense was incurred. No right to reimbursement is subject to liquidation or exchange for other benefits.
(c) Benefits. Employee will be entitled to participate in each employee benefit plan and program of the Company, as in place from time to time, to the extent that Employee meets the eligibility requirements for such employee benefit plan or program. Employee shall pay any contributions which are generally required of employees to receive any such benefits. The Company will endeavor to institute industry standard health insurance programs and benefits as well as a 401(k) program.
To the extent the Company makes directors’ and officers’ liability insurance available to the directors, it will also make it available to Employee on the same terms as other directors. Employee shall receive paid time off (“PTO”) in accordance with the Company’s PTO policies and procedures in place from time to time, but in no event will Employee receive less than four weeks PTO annually; provided, however, that, in accordance with the Company’s PTO practices, PTO not taken during any calendar year shall not be carried over to a subsequent year. Following the Date of Termination (as defined below), Employee shall be paid at a rate per day equal to Employee’s Base Salary then in effect divided by 260 for all current and previously accumulated PTO days not taken during the calendar year in which the Date of Termination occurs, with such payment to be made within 30 days following the Date of Termination. Such amount shall be deemed a payment obligation accruing through the Date of Termination for purposes of Section 5.
4. TERMINATION.
(a) Cause. The Company may terminate Employee’s employment during the Employment Period for Cause. For purposes of this Agreement, “Cause” shall mean:
(i) An intentional act of fraud, embezzlement, theft or any material violation of law that occurs during or in the course of the Employment Period;
(ii) Intentional damage by Employee to the Company’s assets;
(iii) Intentional disclosure by Employee of the Company’s confidential information contrary to Company policies;
(iv) Material breach of Employee’s obligations under this Agreement;
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(v) Intentional engagement by Employee in any activity which would constitute a breach of Employee’s duty of loyalty or Employee’s assigned duties;
(vi) Intentional breach by Employee of any of the Company’s policies and procedures;
(vii) The willful and continued failure by Employee to perform Employee’s assigned duties (other than as a result of incapacity due to physical or mental illness);
(viii) Employee is or has been prevented from performing any duties contemplated by this Agreement by reason of any agreement with any third party to which Employee is a party or is bound; or
(ix) an appropriation, or attempted appropriation, of a business opportunity of Company or one of its affiliates;
(x) a conviction of, indictment for, or the entering of Employee of a guilty plea to any felony or civil offense involving fraud or moral turpitude (or a plea of nolo contendere thereto);
(xi) securing a personal benefit, or attempting to secure a personal benefit, in any transaction entered into on behalf of or by Company; or
(xii) sexual misconduct while conducting business on behalf of Company.
(xiii) Willful conduct by Employee that is demonstrably and materially injurious to the Company, monetarily or otherwise.
For purposes of this provision, no act, or failure to act, on the part of Employee shall be considered “willful” unless it is done, or omitted to be done, by Employee in bad faith or without reasonable belief that Employee’s action or omission was in the best interests of the Company. Any act, or failure to act, based upon authority given pursuant to a resolution duly adopted by the Board or based upon the advice of counsel for the Company shall be conclusively presumed to be done, or omitted to be done, by Employee in good faith and in the best interests of the Company.
(b) Good Reason. Employee may terminate Employee’s employment during the Employment Period for Good Reason.
(i) For purposes of this Agreement, “Good Reason” shall mean the assignment to Employee, without Employee’s consent, of any duties materially inconsistent with Employee’s position (including changes in status, offices, or titles and any change in Employee’s reporting requirements), authority, duties, or responsibilities as contemplated by Section 2(a), the Company requiring Employee to relocate Employee’s primary Atlanta work location by more than 50 miles, or any other action by the Company which results in a material diminution in such position, authority, duties, responsibilities or aggregate Base Salary and applicable percentage used in determining the Cash Bonus; except as otherwise specified in Section 2, or the Company’s material breach of its obligations to Employee under this Agreement (each an “Event” for purposes of this paragraph).
(ii) Employee must notify the Company in writing of any Event that constitutes Good Reason within 90 days following Employee’s initial knowledge of the existence of such Event (or, if earlier, within 90 days following the date upon which Employee should reasonably have been expected to have knowledge of such Event) or such Event shall not constitute Good Reason under this Agreement. Employee must provide at least 30 days prior written notification of her intention to terminate her employment for Good Reason and the Company shall have 30 days from the date of receipt of such notice to effect a cure of the condition constituting Good Reason, and, upon cure thereof by the Company, such Event shall no longer constitute Good Reason.
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(c) Notice of Termination. Any termination by either Party for any reason, including any termination by the Company for Cause, or by Employee for Good Reason, shall be communicated by Notice of Termination to the other Party hereto given in accordance with Section 13(c). For purposes of this Agreement, a “Notice of Termination” means a written notice which (i) indicates the specific termination provision in this Agreement relied upon, (ii) to the extent applicable, sets forth in reasonable detail the facts and circumstances claimed to provide a basis for termination of Employee’s employment under the provision so indicated and (iii) specifies the Date of Termination (which date shall not be more than 30 days after the giving of such notice; provided, however, that if Employee is terminating for Good Reason such date shall be not less than 30 days nor more than 45 days after giving such notice. The inadvertent failure by Employee or the Company to set forth in the Notice of Termination a particular fact or circumstance which contributes to a showing of Good Reason or Cause shall not waive any right of Employee or the Company, respectively, hereunder or preclude Employee or the Company, respectively, from asserting such fact or circumstance in enforcing Employee’s or the Company’s rights hereunder.
(d) Date of Termination. “Date of Termination” means the date of receipt of the Notice of Termination, or any later date specified therein, as the case may be. The Company and Employee shall take all steps necessary (including with regard to any post-termination services by Employee) to ensure that any termination of employment described in this Section 4 constitutes a “separation from service” within the meaning of Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended and in effect from time to time and including the regulations and guidance thereunder and notwithstanding anything contained herein to the contrary, the date on which the separation from service takes place shall be the “Date of Termination.” Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Date of Termination may be accelerated by the Party who receives Notice of Termination by providing to the other Party written notice of acceleration, including the accelerated Date of Termination, within 30 days of receipt of the Notice of Termination.
5. OBLIGATIONS OF COMPANY UPON TERMINATION.
(a) Cause; Without Good Reason. If Employee’s employment is terminated by the Company for Cause or by Employee without Good Reason, the Employment Period shall terminate without further obligation to Employee other than Base Salary and accrued unused PTO through the Date of Termination paid on the Company’s normal payroll payment date.
(b) Disability or Death. If the Employment Period is terminated due to the death or Disability of Employee, Employee (or her estate or legal representative) shall be entitled solely to the following: (i) Base Salary, accrued unused PTO, and any other accrued obligations through the Date of Termination (paid on the Company’s normal payroll payment date) (the “Accrued Compensation”), (ii) in the event the Employment Period is terminated due to Disability of the Employee, subject to Employee satisfying the waiver and release condition identified in Section 13(d) and not violating the Protective Covenants (if applicable), payment of the annual Cash Bonus (as described in Section 3(a)(ii)) of this Agreement that Employee otherwise would have earned but for such termination of employment for the performance period in which Employee’s Date of Termination occurs, based on actual performance for the entire performance period, and payable no later than the end of the year in which the Disability or death occurs, provided that it shall be subject to a pro-rata reduction for the portion of the performance period following the Date of Termination, and (iii) in the case of a termination due to Disability, and subject to Employee being eligible for and taking all steps necessary to continue Employee’s group health insurance coverage with the Company following the Date of Termination, continued participation, at the Company’s expense, in the Company’s group health plans for Employee and her eligible covered dependents through the earliest of: (x) the 18-month anniversary of the Date of Termination, (y) the date Employee becomes eligible for group health insurance coverage from any other employer, or (z) the date Employee is no longer eligible to continue Employee’s group health insurance coverage with the Company under applicable law. As used herein “Disability” shall mean and include Employee’s incapacity due to physical or mental illness or disability to timely perform her duties under this Agreement, as reasonably determined by the Board, for a period of six or more consecutive months. Disability also includes Employee becoming permanently disabled within the meaning of any long-term disability plan of the Company applicable to Employee, and Employee commences to receive benefits under such plan. Termination of the Employment Period under this Section 5(b) shall not constitute a termination by the Company other than for Cause or by Employee for Good Reason.
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(c) Other Than for Cause; Good Reason. Except as otherwise provided in Section 6(a), if (i) the Company terminates Employee’s employment other than for Cause or (ii) Employee terminates employment for Good Reason, then the Employment Period shall terminate without further obligation to Employee other than the Company’s obligation to pay to Employee (or, in the case of her death, to her estate or legal representatives) the Accrued Compensation and, subject to Employee satisfying the waiver and release condition identified in Section 13(d) and not violating the Protective Covenants, the Severance Payment and Benefits Continuation Payments (as defined below). Such payments shall be subject to the Company’s normal payroll and withholding requirements.
(d) Severance Payment and Benefits Continuation Payments. Subject to Employee satisfying the waiver and release condition identified in Section 13(d), the “Severance Payment” shall be equal to the aggregate of Employee’s then-current annual Base Salary plus an amount equal to a prorated portion of Employee’s Cash Bonus for the year in which the Date of Termination occurs, with such prorated amount determined by multiplying Employee’s Cash Bonus for the year in which the Date of Termination occurs by a fraction, the numerator of which is the number of full months during such year in which Employee was employed and the denominator of which is 12. In addition, subject to Employee satisfying the waiver and release condition identified in Section 13(d) and not violating the Protective Covenants, and Employee being eligible for and taking all steps necessary to continue Employee’s group health insurance coverage with the Company following the Date of Termination, Employee will receive continued participation, at the Company’s expense, in the Company’s group health plans for Employee and her eligible covered dependents through the earliest of: (x) the 18-month anniversary of the Date of Termination, (y) the date Employee becomes eligible for group health insurance coverage from any other employer, or (z) the date Employee is no longer eligible to continue Employee’s group health insurance coverage with the Company under applicable law (the “Benefits Continuation Payments”).
(e) Timing of Severance Payment.
(i) Timing of Severance Payment. The Severance Payment shall be payable to Employee (or, in the event of death, to her estate or legal representative) in cash by the Company over a period of 12 consecutive months.
(ii) Distribution Rules. The following rules shall apply with respect to the distribution of payments and benefits, if any, to be provided to Employee under this Section 5 and Section 6, as applicable:
(A) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, no payments shall be made to Employee upon Employee’s termination of employment from the Company under this Agreement unless such termination of employment is a “separation from service” under Code Section 409A. The determination of whether and when a “separation from service” has occurred shall be made in a manner consistent with and based on the presumptions set forth in Treasury Regulations Section 1.409A-1(h). If, as of the date of the “separation from service” of Employee from the Company, Employee is not a Specified Employee (as defined in Section 5(e)(iii)), then the payments shall be made on the dates and terms set forth in Section 5(e)(i).
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(B) If, as of the date of the “separation from service” of Employee from the Company, Employee is a Specified Employee, then any portion of the payments that is a payment of deferred compensation as determined under Code Section 409A (after taking into account the exemption rules for short-term deferrals under Treasury Regulations Section 1.409A-1(b)(4) and separation payments under Treasury Regulations Section 1.409A-1(b)(9)(iii)) and that would, absent this subsection, be paid within the six-month period following the separation from service of Employee from the Company shall not be paid until the date that is six months and one day after such separation from service (or, if earlier, Employee’s death).
(iii) Specified Employee. As used herein, the term “Specified Employee” means a “specified employee” (as defined in Code Section 409A(a)(2)(B)(i)). By way of clarification, “specified employee” means a “key employee” (as defined in Section 416(i) of the Code, disregarding Section 416(i)(5) of the Code) of the Company. Employee shall be treated as a “key employee” if Employee meets the requirement of Section 416(i)(1)(A)(i), (ii) or (iii) of the Code at any time during the 12-month period ending on an “identification date.” If Employee is a “key employee” as of an identification date, she shall be treated as a Specified Employee for the 12-month period beginning on the first day of the fourth month following such identification date. For purposes of any Specified Employee determination hereunder, the “identification date” shall mean the last day of the calendar year.
6. CHANGE OF CONTROL TERMINATION PAYMENT.
(a) Triggering Event. In consideration and recognition of Employee’s employment and her contribution to protecting and enhancing member value in any future sale of the Company that may occur, the Company agrees to pay to Employee a change of control termination payment as specified below (the “Change of Control Termination Payment”). The Change of Control Termination Payment shall be in addition to amounts otherwise payable pursuant to Section 3 through the Date of Termination but in lieu of any Severance Payments or Benefits Continuation Payments otherwise due under Section 5, shall be subject to Employee satisfying the waiver and release condition identified in Section 13(d) and Employee not violating the Protective Covenants, and shall be earned upon the earlier of (i) the termination of Employee’s employment with the Company at any time within two years following a Change of Control (as defined below) (A) by the Company for any reason other than Cause or (B) by Employee for Good Reason or (ii) upon the occurrence of a Change of Control, if Employee’s employment with the Company was terminated within six months prior to the Change of Control, either by (A) the Company for any reason other than Cause or (B) by Employee for Good Reason (the earlier of (i) or (ii) above being referred to as the “Triggering Event”).
(b) Amount. The amount of the Change of Control Termination Payment shall be equal to 1.0 times the aggregate of Employee’s then-current annual Base Salary as of the Date of Termination plus an amount equal to 1.0 times the Employee’s Cash Bonus for the year in which the Date of Termination occurs.
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(c) Payment; Medical Coverage; Vesting. Subject to Employee satisfying the waiver and release condition identified in Section 13(d) and not violating the Protective Covenants, the Change of Control Termination Payment shall be paid in a single cash lump sum payment to Employee (or, in the event of death, to her estate or legal representative) not later than 45 days after the Triggering Event. Such payment shall be in addition to sums due to Employee through the Date of Termination, shall be subject to normal withholding requirements of the Company and shall be in lieu of Severance Payments or Benefits Continuation Payments that may otherwise be due under Section 5. In addition, notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, subject to Employee satisfying the waiver and release condition identified in Section 13(d) and not violating the Protective Covenants and Employee being eligible for and taking all steps necessary to continue Employee’s group health insurance coverage with the Company, if any, following the Date of Termination, Employee will receive the Benefits Continuation Payments.
(d) Change of Control Defined. For the purposes of this Agreement, the term “Change of Control” means a change in the ownership or effective control of, or in the ownership of a substantial portion of the assets of, the Company, to the extent consistent with Code Section 409A and any regulatory or other interpretive authority promulgated thereunder, as described in paragraphs (i) through (iv) below.
(i) Change in Ownership of Company. A change in the ownership of the Company will be deemed to have occurred on the date that any one person, or more than one person acting as a group (within the meaning of paragraph (iv) below) other than a group of which Employee is a member, acquires ownership of the Company stock that, together with the Company stock held by such person or group, constitutes more than 50% of the voting power of the stock of the Company.
(A) If any one person or more than one person acting as a group (within the meaning of paragraph (iv) below), other than a group of which Employee is a member, is considered to own more than 50% of the total voting power of the stock of the Company, the acquisition of additional Company stock by such person or persons shall not be considered to cause a change in the ownership of the Company or to cause a change in the effective control of the Company (within the meaning of paragraph (ii) below).
(B) An increase in the percentage of Company stock owned by any one person, or persons acting as a group (within the meaning of paragraph (iv) below), as a result of a transaction in which the Company acquires its stock in exchange for property, shall be treated as an acquisition of stock for purposes of this paragraph (i).
(C) Except as provided in (B) above, the provisions of this paragraph (i) shall apply only to the transfer or issuance of Company stock if such stock remains outstanding after such transfer or issuance.
(ii) Change in Effective Control of Company.
(A) A change in the effective control of the Company shall occur on the date that either of (1) or (2) below occurs:
(1) Any one person, or more than one person acting as a group (within the meaning of paragraph (iv) below), acquires (or has acquired during the 12-month period ending on the date of the most recent acquisition by such person or persons) ownership of stock of the Company possessing 30% or more of the total voting power of the stock of the Company, or
(2) A majority of members of the Board are replaced during any 12-month period by members of the Board whose appointment or election is not endorsed by a majority of the Board prior to the date of such appointment or election.
(B) A change in effective control of the Company also may occur with respect to any transaction in which either the Company or the other entity involved in a transaction experiences a Change of Control event described in paragraphs (i) or (iii).
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(C) If any one person, or more than one person acting as a group (within the meaning of paragraph (iv) below), is considered to effectively control the Company (within the meaning of this paragraph (ii)), the acquisition of additional control of the Company by the same person or persons shall not be considered to cause a change in the effective control of the Company (or to cause a change in the ownership of the Company within the meaning of paragraph (i)).
(iii) Change in Ownership of a Substantial Portion of Company’s Assets. A change in the ownership of a substantial portion of the Company’s assets shall occur on the date that any one person, or more than one person acting as a group (within the meaning of paragraph (iv) below), other than a group of which Employee is a member, acquires (or has acquired during the 12-month period ending on the date of the most recent acquisition by such person or persons) assets from the Company that have a total gross fair market value (within the meaning of paragraph (iii)(B)) equal to or more than 40% of the total gross fair market value of all of the assets of the Company immediately prior to such acquisition or acquisitions.
(A) A transfer of the Company’s assets shall not be treated as a change in the ownership of such assets if the assets are transferred to one or more of the following:
(1) A stockholder of the Company (immediately before the asset transfer) in exchange for or with respect to Company stock;
(2) An entity, 50% or more of the total value or voting power of which is owned, directly or indirectly, by the Company;
(3) A person, or more than one person acting as a group (within the meaning of paragraph (iv) below), that owns, directly or indirectly, 50% or more of the total value or voting power of all of the outstanding stock of the Company; or
(4) An entity, at least 50% of the total value or voting power of which is owned, directly or indirectly, by a person described in paragraph (iii)(A)(3).
For purposes of this paragraph (iii)(A), and except as otherwise provided, a person’s status is determined immediately after the transfer of assets.
(B) For purposes of this paragraph (iii), gross fair market value means the value of all the Company’s assets, or the value of the assets being disposed of, determined without regard to any liabilities associated with such assets.
(iv) Group Definition. For the purposes of this Section 6, persons shall be considered to be acting as a group if they are owners of an entity that enters into a merger, consolidation, purchase, or acquisition of assets, or similar business transaction with the Company. If a person, including an entity stockholder, owns stock in the Company and another entity with which the Company enters into a merger, consolidation, purchase, or acquisition of stock, or similar business transaction, such person shall be considered to be acting as a group with the other owners of equity interests in an entity only to the extent of the ownership in that entity prior to the transaction giving rise to the change and not with respect to the ownership interest in the other corporation. Persons shall not be considered to be acting as a group solely because they purchase or own stock of the Company at the same time, or as a result of the same public offering of Company stock.
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7. NON-EXCLUSIVITY OF RIGHTS.
Nothing in this Agreement shall prevent or limit Employee’s continuing or future participation in any plan, program, policy or practice provided by the Company or any of its affiliated companies and for which Employee may qualify, nor, except as specifically set forth herein, shall anything herein limit or otherwise affect such rights as Employee may have under any contract or agreement with the Company or any of its affiliated companies. Amounts which are vested benefits or which Employee is otherwise entitled to receive under any plan, practice or program of or any contract or agreement with the Company or any of its affiliated companies at or subsequent to the Date of Termination shall be payable in accordance with such plan, policy, practice or program or contract or agreement except as explicitly modified by this Agreement.
8. FULL SETTLEMENT.
In no event shall Employee be obligated to seek other employment or take any other action by way of mitigation of the amounts payable to Employee under any of the provisions of this Agreement, and such amounts shall not be reduced whether or not Employee obtains other employment. The Company agrees to pay as incurred, to the full extent permitted by law, all legal fees and expenses which Employee may reasonably incur as a result of any contest or dispute by the Company or Employee with respect to liability under, or the interpretation of the validity or enforceability of, any provision of this Agreement, but only in the event and to the extent that (i) Employee receives a final, non-appealable judgment in her favor in any such action or receives a final judgment in her favor that has not been appealed by the Company within 30 days of the date of the judgment; or (ii) the Parties agree to dismiss any such action upon the Company’s payment of the sums allegedly due Employee or performance of the covenants by the Company allegedly breached by it.
9. PROTECTIVE COVENANTS
(a) Confidential Information. Employee and the Company are Parties to one or more separate agreements respecting confidential information, trade secrets, and inventions, including, without limitation, the Employee Confidentiality and Intellectual Property Assignment Agreement signed in connection with and as a condition of Employee’s employment with the Company (collectively, the “IP Agreements”); provided, that any agreements respecting confidential information, trade secrets, and inventions shall be consistent with, and no more burdensome than, the Employee’s obligations under the Employee Confidentiality and Intellectual Property Assignment Agreement signed in connection with and as a condition of Employee’s employment with the Company, unless such changes result from changes to applicable law. The Parties agree that the IP Agreements shall not be superseded or terminated by this Agreement and shall survive any termination of this Agreement.
(b) Non-Compete Commitment. During the Employment Period and for a period of one year following the Date of Termination, regardless of the reason for the termination of Employee’s employment and whether such termination occurs at the initiative of Employee or the Company, Employee agrees that she will not accept any position as principal executive officer, president, or Vice President of Finance with, or provide comparable level executive consultation to any Competitive Business of the Company. As used herein, a “Competitive Business” is a business (including, but not limited to, a business started by Employee) that is in the business of providing activities, products, or services that are competitive with those provided by the Company and that are of the type conducted, authorized, offered, provided, or under development by the Company within one year prior to Employee’s Date of Termination.
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(c) Agreement Not to Solicit Employees. During the Employment Period and for a period of one year following the Date of Termination, regardless of the reason for the termination of Employee’s employment and whether such termination occurs at the initiative of Employee or the Company, Employee covenants and agrees that Employee shall not (a) solicit, recruit, or hire (or attempt to solicit, recruit, or hire) or otherwise assist anyone in soliciting, recruiting, or hiring, any employee or independent contractor of the Company who performed work for the Company within the last year of Employee’s employment with the Company until that employee’s employment or that independent contractor’s engagement with the Company has been voluntarily or involuntarily terminated for at least six months, or (b) otherwise encourage, solicit, or support any employee(s) or independent contractor(s) to leave their employment with the Company.
(d) Non-Solicitation of Customers or Clients. During the Employment Period and for a period of one year following the Date of Termination, regardless of the reason for the termination of Employee’s employment and whether such termination occurs at the initiative of Employee or the Company, Employee agrees not to solicit, directly or by assisting others, any business from any of the Company’s customers or clients, including actively sought prospective customers or clients, with whom Employee has had material contact during the one-year period prior to the termination of the Employment Period with the Company, for the purpose of providing products or services that are competitive with those provided by the Company. As used in this paragraph, “material contact” means the contact between Employee and each customer, client or vendor, or potential customer, client or vendor (i) with whom or which Employee dealt on behalf of the employer, (ii) whose dealings with the Company were coordinated or supervised by Employee, (iii) about whom Employee obtained confidential information in the ordinary course of business as a result of Employee’s association with the Company, or (iv) who receives products or services authorized by the Company, the sale or provision of which results or resulted in compensation, commissions, or earnings (directly or indirectly) for Employee within one year prior to Employee’s Date of Termination.
(e) Non-Disparagement. Employee agrees not to make disparaging remarks, or remarks that could reasonably be construed as disparaging, regarding the Company, its subsidiaries, their directors, officers, or employees, businesses or practices during the Employment Period and thereafter. Company, on behalf of its officers, directors and managers, agrees not to make disparaging remarks, or remarks that could reasonably be construed as disparaging, regarding Employee. For the avoidance of doubt, this non-disparagement obligation shall not in any way affect either party’s obligation to testify truthfully in any legal proceeding.
(f) Certain Payment Obligations/Consideration. Employee agrees that the payment of any Severance Payment, Benefits Continuation Payments or Change of Control Termination Payment shall be subject to and expressly conditioned upon Employee’s compliance with the covenants set forth in paragraphs (a) through (e) of this Section 10 (collectively, the “Protective Covenants”). Payments of amounts owing under any Change of Control Termination Payment, Severance Payment or Benefits Continuation Payments obligation shall be conditioned upon Employee’s continued compliance with the Protective Covenants. Should Employee fail to comply with any of the Protective Covenants, the Company shall not be required to make the Change of Control Termination Payment, Severance Payment (or any portion thereof remaining unpaid), or Benefits Continuation Payments and Employee shall be required to repay any portion of the Change of Control Termination Payment, Severance Payment, or Benefits Continuation Payments that Employee has already received from the Company. Employee acknowledges that the consideration for the Protective Covenants includes the employment granted and the salary and other compensation provided hereunder including, but not limited to, the covenants respecting a Severance Payment, Change of Control Termination Payment, or Benefits Continuation Payments.
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(g) Specific Performance. Employee acknowledges that it would be difficult to calculate the Company’s damages from Employee’s breach of any of the Protective Covenants and that money damages (even including any repayments made pursuant to paragraph (f)) would therefore be an inadequate remedy. Accordingly, upon such breach, Employee acknowledges that the Company may seek and shall be entitled to temporary, preliminary, and/or permanent injunctive relief against Employee, and/or other appropriate orders to restrain such breach. Nothing in this provision shall limit or prevent the Company from seeking any other damages or relief provided by applicable law for breach of this Agreement or any section or provision hereof. Employee agrees that the Company may obtain specific performance, and that the Company shall not be required to post bond in the event it is necessary for the Company to obtain temporary or preliminary injunctive relief, any bond requirement hereby being expressly waived by Employee.
(h) Protective Covenant Enforceability. The Parties covenant and agree that the provisions contained in paragraphs (a) through (g) are reasonable and are not known or believed to be in violation of any federal, state, or local law, rule, or regulation. It is the reasonable intent and expectation of the Parties that these protective covenants shall be enforced in accordance with their terms. However, in the event a court of competent jurisdiction finds any provision herein (or subpart thereof) to be void or unenforceable, the Parties agree that the court shall modify the provision(s) (or subpart(s) thereof) to make the provision(s) (or subpart(s) thereof) and this Agreement valid and enforceable to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law. Any illegal or unenforceable provision (or subpart thereof), or any modification by any court, shall not affect the remainder of this Agreement, which shall continue at all times to be valid and enforceable in accordance with its terms.
10. SUCCESSORS.
(a) Successors in Interest. This Agreement is personal to Employee and, without the prior written consent of the Company, shall not be assignable by Employee otherwise than by will or the laws of descent and distribution. This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be enforceable by Employee’s legal representatives. This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be binding upon the Company and its successors and assigns.
(b) Assumption of Agreement. The Company will require any successor who acquires all or substantially all of the business and/or assets of the Company to expressly assume and agree to perform this Agreement in the same manner and to the same extent that the Company would be required to perform it if no such succession had taken place. As used in this Agreement, the “Company” shall mean Innovative Med Concepts, LLC, as hereinbefore defined and any successor to its business and/or assets as aforesaid which assumes and agrees to perform this Agreement by operation of law or otherwise.
11. COMPLIANCE WITH CODE SECTION 409A.
(a) Compliance. All payments that may be made and benefits that may be provided pursuant to this Agreement are intended to comply with, or otherwise be exempt from, Code Section 409A and any regulations and Treasury guidance promulgated hereunder, and any ambiguities shall be interpreted in a manner consistent with the requirements of Code Section 409A. Further, notwithstanding anything to the contrary, all Severance and Change of Control Termination payments payable under the provisions of Section 5 or Section 6 shall be paid to Employee no later than the last day of the second calendar year following the calendar year in which the Date of Termination occurs. None of the payments under this Agreement are intended to result in the inclusion in Employee’s federal gross income of an amount on account of a failure under Section 409A(a)(1) of the Code. The Parties intend to administer and interpret this Agreement to carry out such intentions. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, to the extent that the right to any payment (including the provision of benefits) hereunder provides for the “deferral of compensation” within the meaning of Section 409A(d)(1) of the Code, the payment shall be paid (or provided) in accordance with the following:
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(i) Each payment hereunder is intended to constitute a separate payment from each other payment for purposes of Treasury Regulations Section 1.409A-2(b)(2).
(ii) Payments with respect to reimbursements of expenses or benefits or provision of fringe or other in-kind benefits shall be made on or before the last day of the calendar year following the calendar year in which the relevant expense or benefit is incurred. The amount of expenses or benefits eligible for reimbursement, payment or provision during a calendar year shall not affect the expenses or benefits eligible for reimbursement, payment or provision in any other calendar year.
(b) Amendments. The Company and Employee agree that they will execute any and all amendments to this Agreement as they mutually agree in good faith may be necessary to ensure compliance with Code Section 409A.
(c) Tax Matters. The Company makes no representation or warranty as to the tax effect of any of the preceding provisions, and the provisions of this Agreement shall not be construed as a guarantee by the Company of any particular tax effect to Employee under this Agreement. Without limiting the foregoing, the Company shall not be liable to Employee or any other person for any payment made under this Agreement which is determined to result in the imposition of an excise tax, penalty or interest under Code Section 409A, nor for reporting in good faith any payment made under this Agreement as an amount includible in gross income under Code Section 409A.
12. MISCELLANEOUS.
(a) Governing Law; Venue. This Agreement shall be governed by the laws of the State of Alabama without regard to the conflicts of laws provisions of that State or any other State. The Parties agree that any dispute arising from this Agreement, including but not limited to issues of breach, enforceability, or modification, shall be decided only in a state or federal court sitting in Alabama, which the Parties expressly agree shall be the exclusive venue for any such action.
(b) Amendment; Validity. This Agreement may not be amended or modified otherwise than by a written agreement executed by the Parties hereto or their respective successors and legal representatives. The invalidity or unenforceability of any provision of this Agreement shall not affect the validity or enforceability of any other provision of this Agreement. The captions of this Agreement are not part of the provisions hereof and shall have no force and effect.
(c) Notices. All notices and other communications hereunder shall be in writing and shall be given by hand delivery to the other party or by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid, in either case, accompanied by a facsimile copy, addressed as follows:
If to Employee:
Angela Walsh
____________________________________
If to the Company:
Innovative Medical Concepts
1837 Commons N Dr, Tuscaloosa, AL 35406
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With a copy to:
Tanner & Guin, LLC
ATTN: Jonathan D. Guin
2711 University Blvd, Suite 201, Tuscaloosa, AL 35401
or to such other address as either party shall have furnished to the other in writing in accordance herewith. Notice and communications shall be effective when actually received by the addressee.
(d) Waiver and Release. Employee acknowledges and agrees that the Company requires, as a condition to receipt of any Severance Payment or Benefits Continuation Payments under Section 5 or any Change of Control Termination Payment or Benefits Continuation Payments under Section 6, that Employee (or a representative of her estate on behalf of her estate) execute a waiver and release discharging the Company, its subsidiaries, and their respective affiliates, and its and their officers, directors, managers, employees, agents and representatives and the heirs, predecessors, successors and assigns of all of the foregoing, from any and all claims, actions, causes of action or other liability, whether known or unknown, contingent or fixed, arising out of or in any way related to the benefits under this Agreement, including, without limitation, any claims under this Agreement or other related instruments, other than the Company’s obligation to pay the Accrued Compensation, Severance Payment, Benefits Continuation Payments, Change of Control Termination Payment, and other consideration as provided in this Agreement. The waiver and release shall be in a form determined by the Company and acceptable to Employee and shall be executed prior to the expiration of the time periods provided for any first payment of such benefits.
(e) Non-Waiver. The failure of the Company to insist upon or enforce strict performance of any provision of this Agreement or to exercise any rights or remedies thereunder will not be construed as a waiver by the Company to assert or rely upon any such provision, right, or remedy in that or any other instance.
(f) Entire Agreement. This Agreement embodies the entire agreement between the Parties with respect to the subject matter addressed herein and supersedes any prior understandings, agreements or representations by or among the Parties, written or oral, that may relate to the subject matter hereof; provided, however, that nothing in this Agreement is intended to and does not modify, supersede or replace the IP Agreements, and documents adopted by the Board with respect to the Cash Bonus, any agreements or plans concerning any equity awards to Employee, or any agreements or other documents related to any employee benefit plans, each of which are to be in effect in accordance with their terms.
(g) Survival. The covenants set forth in Sections 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, and 12 shall survive any termination of Employee’s employment or termination of the Employment Period.
(h) Counterparts; Facsimile; Electronic Submission. This Agreement may be executed in one (1) or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, and it shall not be necessary in making proof of this Agreement or the terms hereof to produce or account for more than one of such counterparts. Executed signature pages to this Agreement may be delivered by facsimile or electronically, and such facsimiles or electronically submitted documents will be deemed as sufficient as if actual signature pages had been delivered.
[Signatures on Following Page]
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Employee has hereunder set Employee’s hand and, pursuant to the authorization form the Board, the Company has caused this Agreement to be executed in its name on its behalf, each effective as of the day and year first above written.
| Employee: | ||
| /s/ Angela Walsh | ||
| Angela Walsh | ||
| The Company: | ||
| Innovative Med Concepts, LLC | ||
| By: | /s/ William L. Pridgen | |
| William L. Pridgen, MD | ||
| Its Manager | ||
[Signature Page to Employment Agreement]
APPENDIX A
STOCK OPTION EXERCISE NOTICE
Innovative Med Concepts, Inc.
Attention: Greg Duncan, Chief Executive Officer
____________________________
____________________________
Pursuant to the terms of the grant notice and Employment Agreement between the undersigned and Innovative Med Concepts, Inc. (the “Company”) dated April 5, 2020 (the “Agreement”), I, Angela Walsh, hereby [Circle One] partially / fully exercise such option by including herein payment in the amount of $______ representing the purchase price for [Fill in #______ of shares of common stock] shares of common stock of the Company (the “Stock”). I have chosen the following form(s) of payment:
| ¨ | 1. Cash |
| ¨ | 2. Certified or bank check payable to the Company |
| ¨ | 3. Payment to be offset against any amount owed to Employee from the sale event or dividend event immediately following exercise of this Option as a result of Employee owning the Stock. |
| ¨ | 4. Other (as referenced in the Agreement and described in the Plan (please describe)) _____________________________________________________. |
In connection with my exercise of the option as set forth above, I hereby represent and warrant to the Company as follows:
a. I am purchasing the Stock for my own account for investment only, and not for resale or with a view to the distribution thereof.
b. I have had such an opportunity as I have deemed adequate to obtain from the Company such information as is necessary to permit me to evaluate the merits and risks of my investment in the Company and have consulted with my own advisers with respect to my investment in the Company.
c. I have sufficient experience in business, financial, and investment matters to be able to evaluate the risks involved in the purchase of the Stock and to make an informed investment decision with respect to such purchase.
d. I can afford a complete loss of the value of the Stock and am able to bear the economic risk of holding such Stock for an indefinite period of time.
e. I understand that the Stock may not be registered under the Securities Act of 1933 (it being understood that the Stock is being issued and sold in reliance upon an applicable exemption thereto) or any applicable state securities or “blue sky” laws and may not be sold or otherwise transferred or disposed of in the absence of an effective registration statement under the Securities Act of 1933 and under any applicable state securities or “blue sky” laws (or exemptions from the registration requirement thereof). I further acknowledge that if certificates representing Stock are issued, they will bear restrictive legends reflecting the foregoing and/or that book entries for uncertificated stock will include similar restrictive notations.
f. I have read and understand the bylaws and buy-sell agreement of the Company and acknowledge and agree that the Stock is subject to all of the relevant terms therein.
g. I understand and agree that the Company may have a right of first refusal with respect to the Stock pursuant to the bylaws and buy-sell agreement of the Company.
h. I understand and agree that the Company may have certain repurchase rights with respect to the Stock pursuant to the bylaws and buy-sell agreement of the Company.
i. I understand and agree that I may not sell or otherwise transfer or dispose of any Stock for a period of time following the effective date of a public offering by the Company as described in any applicable “lock-up” agreement or applicable law.
| Sincerely yours, | ||
| Angela Walsh | ||
| Address: | ||
| Date: | ||
EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT
This AMENDMENT TO EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT (this “Amendment”) effective as of August 4, 2020 (“Effective Date”) is by and between Virios Therapeutics, LLC, an Alabama limited liability company (“Company”), and Angela Walsh (“Employee”). The Company and Employee are collectively referred to herein as the “Parties” and each individually as a “Party”.
WITNESSETH
WHEREAS, the Company and Employee desire to administer, interpret and/or amend as necessary the Employment Agreement entered between the Parties effective April 5, 2020 (“Employment Agreement”) in order to comply with Section 409A or the Code;
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises, the promises hereinafter set forth and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged by the Parties, it is hereby agreed as follows:
(i) Pursuant to Section 3(a)(iv) and Section 11 of the Agreement, Section 3(a)(iv) of the Agreement is administered, interpreted and/or amended to define “Fair Market Value” as the price per share of stock issued to the shareholders in the Triggering Offering, such that the Options shall not be “in the money” at the time of the option issuance. Notwithstanding any provision in this Amendment to the contrary, Fair Market Value shall be interpreted or amended to comply with Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended and in effect from time to time and including the regulations and guidance thereunder (the “Code”), if applicable to the Agreement and award.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Employee has hereunder set Employee’s hand and the Company has caused this Agreement to be executed in its name on its behalf, each effective as of the day and year first above written.
| Employee: | ||
| /s/ Angela Walsh | ||
| Angela Walsh | ||
| The Company: | ||
| Virios Therapeutics, LLC | ||
| By: | /s/ Greg Duncan | |
| Greg Duncan | ||
| Its Chief Executive Officer | ||
Exhibit 10.5
EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT
This EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT (this “Agreement”) effective as of April 5, 2020 (“Effective Date”) is by and between Innovative Med Concepts, LLC, an Alabama limited liability company (“Company”), and Ralph Grosswald (“Employee”). The Company and Employee are collectively referred to herein as the “Parties” and each individually as a “Party”.
WITNESSETH
WHEREAS, the Company and Employee desire to formalize the employment relationship between the Parties by entering into this Agreement;
WHEREAS, the Company’s Board of Directors (the “Board”) has approved this Agreement; and
WHEREAS, Employee has determined that it is in the best interests of Employee to enter into this Agreement,
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises, the promises hereinafter set forth and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged by the Parties, it is hereby agreed as follows:
1. EMPLOYMENT.
(a) Position. The Company hereby employs Employee in the position of Vice President of Operations effective April 5, 2020, and Employee hereby accepts such employment.
(b) Employment Period. Employee’s employment hereunder shall commence on April 5, 2020 and shall continue until terminated in accordance with Section 4 hereof (the “Employment Period”). The Company agrees to continue Employee in his employ as Vice President of Operations during the Employment Period, subject to termination of such employment pursuant to the terms of this Agreement.
2. EMPLOYMENT DUTIES.
(a) Duties. Employee shall have such duties as are customarily performed and exercised by the Vice President of Operations of a company with subsidiary operations, subject to the supervision of the Company’s Chief Executive Officer. During the Employment Period, Employee’s services shall be performed in Atlanta, Georgia, or the metropolitan area of the Employee’s future primary residence, subject to reasonable business travel based upon the needs of the Company, subject to the terms of any Company travel policies in place from time to time.
(b) Time and Attention. Beginning April 5, 2020, excluding any periods of vacation and sick leave to which Employee is entitled, Employee agrees to devote Employee’s entire working time, energy, and skill to the business and affairs of the Company and, to the extent necessary to discharge the responsibilities assigned to Employee hereunder, to use Employee’s reasonable best efforts to perform faithfully and efficiently such responsibilities; provided, however, that these obligations shall not prohibit Employee from (i) as approved by the Board, serving on civic or charitable boards or committees and two (2) corporate boards or committee or (ii) managing personal investments, so long as such activities do not materially interfere with the performance of Employee’s responsibilities to the Company, its subsidiaries and affiliates, or violate the Company’s conflict of interest policies. During the Employment Period, Employee shall (i) disclose to the Company any business opportunity that comes to Employee’s attention and that relates to the business of the Company or otherwise arises as a result of Employee’s employment with the Company and (ii) not take advantage of or otherwise divert such opportunity for Employee’s own benefit or that of any other person or entity without prior written consent of the Company.
[Signature Page to Employment Agreement]
(c) Avoidance of Conflicting Obligations. Employee hereby acknowledges, agrees and represents that Employee’s execution of this Agreement and performance of employment-related obligations and duties for the Company will not cause any breach, default, or violation of any other employment, non-disclosure, confidentiality, non-competition, or other agreement to which Employee may be a party or otherwise be bound. Moreover, Employee hereby agrees that Employee will not use in the performance of his employment-related obligations and duties for the Company or otherwise disclose to the Company any trade secrets or confidential information of any person or entity (including any former employer) if and to the extent such use or disclosure may cause a breach or violation of any obligation or duty owed by Employee to such employer, person, or entity under any agreement or applicable law.
(d) Other Activities. During the Employment Period, other than as set forth in paragraph (b) of this Section 2, Employee will not, without the prior written consent of the Company, directly or indirectly, other than in the performance of his duties hereunder, render services of a business, professional or commercial nature to any other person or firm, whether for compensation or otherwise.
3. COMPENSATION.
(a) Compensation. For all services which Employee renders to the Company or any of its subsidiaries or affiliates during the Employment Period, the Company agrees to pay Employee the salary, cash incentive, and equity compensation as set by the Board or the Compensation Committee (as defined herein), subject to the following:
(i) Primary Cash Compensation. Effective as of April 5, 2020, Employee’s monthly salary shall be $16,250 per month, representing an annual rate of $195,000 (the “Base Salary”). Employee’s Base Salary shall be reviewed annually by the Board or a Compensation Committee established by the Board in its discretion (the “Compensation Committee”) and the Base Salary for each fiscal year during the Employment Period shall be determined by the Board or the Compensation Committee, which may authorize an increase in Employee’s Base Salary for such year. In no event may Employee’s Base Salary be reduced below its then-current level at any time during the Employment Period other than with Employee’s written consent or pursuant to a general wage reduction in respect of substantially all of the Company’s executive officers, which reduction is based on the Company’s financial performance, in which event Employee’s Base Salary may only be reduced to the same extent and up to the same percentage amount as the base salaries of other executive officers are reduced. Employee’s Base Salary shall be paid in accordance with the Company’s normal periodic payroll practices.
(ii) Cash Bonus. Commencing upon the establishment of a bonus program approved by the Board or the Compensation Committee, Employee will be eligible for an annual cash bonus with a target bonus amount equal to no less than 20% of his then-current Base Salary (the “Cash Bonus”). The Cash Bonus shall be paid in a single lump sum with the first payroll following the approval of the Audited Financial statement by the Board or by an Audit Committee established by the Board in its discretion (the “Audit Committee”). The Cash Bonus is subject to achievement of annual bonus metrics set by the Board or the Audit Committee from year to year and represents a bonus target percentage which may be earned subject to Employee’s continued employment with the Company and achievement of corporate/Board objectives set by the Board or the Audit Committee. The Company maintains full and absolute discretion over the decision to award any bonus, and the determination of the amount of any bonus, based upon various factors that include, but are not limited to, Employee’s performance and the Company's performance. To be eligible to earn any bonus, Employee must be actively employed by the Company at the time of payment. Employee’s Cash Bonus percentage shall be reviewed annually by the Board or the Compensation Committee, beginning with the year after a bonus program is approved by the Board or the Compensation Committee, and the target Cash Bonus percentage for each such year shall be determined by the Board or the Compensation Committee, which may authorize an increase in Employee’s Cash Bonus percentage for such year. In no event may Employee’s Cash Bonus percentage be reduced below its then-current level at any time during the Employment Period other than with Employee’s written consent and may only be reduced to the same extent and up to the same percentage amount as the target bonus percentage of other executive officers are reduced.
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(iii) Equity. Immediately upon the closing of any offering of Company debt or equity securities that results in the Company having sufficient funds to complete the Company’s Phase 2B trial (e.g., a minimum total raise of $25,000,000) (the “Triggering Offering”), and whether such funds are raised through a private or public offering or any combination thereof, the Company shall issue to Employee a 0.5% Nonvoting Membership Interest in the Company as a “profits interest,”(the “Equity Bonus”) based solely on Membership Interests issued and outstanding immediately after the Triggering Offering, after taking into account the dilutive effects of such issuance (such that, for example, Employee will have a 0.5% Nonvoting Membership Interest taking into account all outstanding interests, including the interest granted Employee and to investors in the Triggering Offering).
(A) The Membership Interest issued to the Employee pursuant to Section 3(a)(iii) is intended to be a “profits interest,” as that term is defined in Internal Revenue Service Revenue Procedure 93-27, as of the date of the grant of the Membership Interest, and to the extent that anything in this Agreement is inconsistent with such intent, the Parties agree that this Agreement will be deemed to be amended such that such Membership Interest will qualify as a “profits interest.” Employee and Company shall agree on a value of the Company immediately preceding the issuance of the Membership Interest, which shall not be in excess of the Company value applicable to the Fifth Offering, such being $37,500,000 accounting for warrant coverage and dilution. Further, the Company’s operating agreement shall provide that upon liquidation or dissolution of the Company, an amount equal to the agreed value for 100% of the Company shall be paid with respect to Membership Interests other than the Membership Interest being granted to Employee, as liquidation proceeds before any amounts are paid to Employee with respect to such profits interest. Thereafter, any remaining liquidation proceeds shall be paid to the Members in proportion to ownership of the Company, and Employee shall participate in such remaining proceeds based on his then percentage ownership of the Company. If the Company and Employee fail to agree on such value within 30 days after the Incentive Event, the value shall be determined an independent accounting firm, selected by the Board in its discretion.
(iv) In the event the Company has been converted or will convert into a corporation before or simultaneously with the Triggering Offering, instead of issuing the profits interests as described above, the Company shall issue an option to Employee to purchase 0.50% of the number of shares of the Company’s common stock issued and outstanding as of the date of the grant to Employee, after accounting for dilution of the issuance to Employee (the “Option”). The Option shall be immediately vested and may be exercised for a period of ten years from the award date (“Expiration Date”). The Option shall be exercisable in whole or in part at Fair Market Value. For purposes of this Agreement, “Fair Market Value” means the lowest purchase price paid for one share of common stock (or an equivalent percentage of the Company’s Membership Interests), from any completed offering, including the Triggering Offering, that raises more than $1,000,000 within the calendar year before the Triggering Offering. Notwithstanding any provision in this Agreement to the contrary, Fair Market Value shall be interpreted or amended to comply with Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended and in effect from time to time and including the regulations and guidance thereunder (the “Code”), if applicable to the Agreement and award.
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(A) Exercise of Option. Employee may exercise this Option only in the following manner: Prior to the Expiration Date, Employee may deliver an Option exercise notice (an “Exercise Notice”) in the form of Appendix A attached hereto indicating his or her election to purchase some or all of the stock. Such notice shall specify the number of shares to be purchased. Payment of the purchase price may be made by one or more of the methods described in Appendix A. If Employee elects to make payment by offset, then it shall be deemed as though Employee paid cash to the Company for his Stock immediately before the sale event or dividend event giving rise to Employee’s right to receive cash, such that the cash paid by Employee shall be considered as part of the distributable proceeds to all shareholders.
(B) Termination of Option. Except as may otherwise be provided by the Company, if Employee’s employment is terminated as described in this Agreement, the period within which to exercise this Option will be subject to early termination as set forth below, and if the Option is not exercised within such period, it shall thereafter terminate as follows:
(1) Termination Due to Death or Disability. If Employee’s employment is terminated by reason of his death or Disability, this Option may continue to be exercised by Employee, Employee’s legal representative or legatee as applicable, for a period of 12 months from the date of death or Disability or until the Expiration Date, if earlier.
(2) Other Termination. If Employee’s employment is terminated for any reason other than death or Disability, and unless otherwise determined by the Company, this Option may continue to be exercised, for a period of 90 days from the date of termination or until the Expiration Date, if earlier; provided however, if Employee’s employment is terminated for Cause, this Option shall terminate immediately upon the date of such termination.
(3) For purposes hereof, the Company’s determination of the reason for termination shall be conclusive and binding on Employee and Employee’s representatives or legatees.
(C) Transferability of Option. This Option is personal to Employee and is not transferable by Employee in any manner other than by will or by the laws of descent and distribution. The Option may be exercised during Employee’s lifetime only by Employee (or by Employee’s guardian or personal representative in the event of Employee’s Disability or death). Employee may elect to designate a beneficiary by providing written notice of the name of such beneficiary to the Company, and may revoke or change such designation at any time by filing written notice of revocation or change with the Company; such beneficiary may exercise Employee’s Option in the event of Employee’s death to the extent provided herein. If Employee does not designate a beneficiary, or if the designated beneficiary predeceases Employee, the legal representative of Employee may exercise this Option to the extent provided herein in the event of Employee’s death.
(D) Restrictions on Transfer of Shares. The Shares acquired upon exercise of the Option shall be subject to certain transfer restrictions and other limitations, including, without limitation, the provisions contained in the operating agreement of the Company, or alternatively, the bylaws and/or buy-sell agreement and any applicable lock-up agreement between Employee and the Company, as applicable.
(v) Sale Event Bonuses. In lieu of the Equity Bonus or Option, in the event of a “Sale Event”, as defined below, Employee shall be paid a cash bonus and a noncash bonus as described herein (collectively, the “Sale Event Bonuses”). Upon a Sale Event, Employee shall be paid a bonus equal to 0.5% of the gross amount of cash, cash-like items, and publicly tradable stock (“Cash Proceeds”), received by the Company or its Members from such Sale Event. A Sale Event shall by any of the following:
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(A) a successful and closed sale or license of a pharmaceutical product, compound, molecule, composition, or other property developed by the Company,
(B) a sale of (1) all or substantially all the assets of the Company; or (2) a majority of the Membership Interests of the Company (other than newly issued interests in the Company); or
(C) a merger or consolidation of the Company that results in Cash Proceeds or Noncash Proceeds paid to all its members.
(D) “Cash Proceeds” includes all upfront and contingent payments resulting from the Sale Event, including all milestone payments, royalties, whether prepaid or paid over time, and other structured payments, but only as they are received by the Company, such that Company shall pay to Employee the requisite share of Cash Proceeds within 30 days of being received by the Company. If the Cash Proceeds are in part publicly tradable stock, the stock shall be valued taking into account blockage, the cost of disposing of the stock, restrictions on sale, and any other appropriate discounts. Moreover, Company may, in its discretion, pay some or all of the bonus by delivering publicly tradable stock in kind, but up to the proportion in which the Company received the Cash Proceeds as stock and not as cash.
(E) In the Event the Company or its Members receive any consideration other than Cash Proceeds (“Noncash Proceeds”, e.g. non-publicly traded stock) as a result of a Sale Event, Employee shall also be paid in addition to the cash bonus based on the Cash Proceeds, a bonus equal to 0.5% of the Noncash Proceeds received by the Company or its Members, as applicable. Such payment shall be made within 30 days of such Noncash Proceeds being received by the Company or its Members, whenever they are received. The Company may in its discretion pay any amount of Noncash Proceeds in an equivalent amount of cash instead of in-kind. Should a payment of Noncash Proceeds to Employee trigger a current tax liability for Employee without a corresponding payment of cash to satisfy such liability, the Company will reasonably attempt to accommodate Employee through payment of liquid assets, if reasonably available as determined in the discretion of the Board or Compensation Committee. Nothing herein will obligate the Company to pay any In-Kind Bonus to Employee in cash instead of in-kind. The Noncash Proceeds shall be valued by an independent accounting firm, selected by the Board in its discretion.
(F) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, Employee must be employed by the Company as of the date of the Sale Event to be eligible to receive the Sale Event Bonuses.
(G) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, (1) should Employee be paid Sale Event Bonuses as described in this Section 3(a)(v), Employee shall not be entitled to either the equity issued as a profits interest as described in Section 3(a)(iii) or the Option as described in 3(a)(iv); and (2) should Employee receive either the Equity Bonus described in Section 3(a)(iii) or the Option as described in Section 3(a)(iv), Employee’s right to receive Sale Event Bonuses shall be terminated, it being expressly intended that Employee shall only receive one of the Equity Bonus, the Sale Event Bonuses, or the Option.
(vi) Other Compensation. Commencing with the calendar year beginning April 5, 2020, Employee shall be entitled to participate in annual long-term incentive opportunities as determined by the Board consistent with those provided to other Company executive officers and in accordance with the Company’s plans and applicable award agreements.
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(b) Expenses. The Company shall pay all reasonable expenses incurred by Employee that are directly related to performance of his responsibilities and duties for the Company hereunder. Employee shall submit to the Company statements that justify in reasonable detail all reasonable expenses so incurred. Subject to such audits as the Company may deem necessary, the Company shall reimburse Employee the full amount of any such expenses advanced by Employee. Reimbursable expenses shall also include a reimbursement for health, dental and vision benefits plan in lieu of the Company offering such plans. All expenses eligible for reimbursements in connection with Employee’s employment must be incurred by Employee while employed by the Company and must be in accordance with the Company’s expense reimbursement policies. The amount of reimbursable expenses incurred in one taxable year shall not affect the expenses eligible for reimbursement in any other taxable year. Each category of reimbursement shall be paid according to the Company’s standard expense reimbursement policy, typically at the end of the month of submission, but in no event shall any such reimbursement be paid after the last day of the Company’s taxable year following the taxable year in which the expense was incurred. No right to reimbursement is subject to liquidation or exchange for other benefits.
(c) Benefits. Employee will be entitled to participate in each employee benefit plan and program of the Company, as in place from time to time, to the extent that Employee meets the eligibility requirements for such employee benefit plan or program. Employee shall pay any contributions which are generally required of employees to receive any such benefits. The Company will endeavor to institute industry standard health insurance programs and benefits as well as a 401(k) program.
To the extent the Company makes directors’ and officers’ liability insurance available to the directors, it will also make it available to Employee on the same terms as other directors. Employee shall receive paid time off (“PTO”) in accordance with the Company’s PTO policies and procedures in place from time to time, but in no event will Employee receive less than four weeks PTO annually; provided, however, that, in accordance with the Company’s PTO practices, PTO not taken during any calendar year shall not be carried over to a subsequent year. Following the Date of Termination (as defined below), Employee shall be paid at a rate per day equal to Employee’s Base Salary then in effect divided by 260 for all current and previously accumulated PTO days not taken during the calendar year in which the Date of Termination occurs, with such payment to be made within 30 days following the Date of Termination. Such amount shall be deemed a payment obligation accruing through the Date of Termination for purposes of Section 5.
4. TERMINATION.
(a) Cause. The Company may terminate Employee’s employment during the Employment Period for Cause. For purposes of this Agreement, “Cause” shall mean:
(i) An intentional act of fraud, embezzlement, theft or any material violation of law that occurs during or in the course of the Employment Period;
(ii) Intentional damage by Employee to the Company’s assets;
(iii) Intentional disclosure by Employee of the Company’s confidential information contrary to Company policies;
(iv) Material breach of Employee’s obligations under this Agreement;
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(v) Intentional engagement by Employee in any activity which would constitute a breach of Employee’s duty of loyalty or Employee’s assigned duties;
(vi) Intentional breach by Employee of any of the Company’s policies and procedures;
(vii) The willful and continued failure by Employee to perform Employee’s assigned duties (other than as a result of incapacity due to physical or mental illness);
(viii) Employee is or has been prevented from performing any duties contemplated by this Agreement by reason of any agreement with any third party to which Employee is a party or is bound; or
(ix) an appropriation, or attempted appropriation, of a business opportunity of Company or one of its affiliates;
(x) a conviction of, indictment for, or the entering of Employee of a guilty plea to any felony or civil offense involving fraud or moral turpitude (or a plea of nolo contendere thereto);
(xi) securing a personal benefit, or attempting to secure a personal benefit, in any transaction entered into on behalf of or by Company; or
(xii) sexual misconduct while conducting business on behalf of Company.
(xiii) Willful conduct by Employee that is demonstrably and materially injurious to the Company, monetarily or otherwise.
For purposes of this provision, no act, or failure to act, on the part of Employee shall be considered “willful” unless it is done, or omitted to be done, by Employee in bad faith or without reasonable belief that Employee’s action or omission was in the best interests of the Company. Any act, or failure to act, based upon authority given pursuant to a resolution duly adopted by the Board or based upon the advice of counsel for the Company shall be conclusively presumed to be done, or omitted to be done, by Employee in good faith and in the best interests of the Company.
(b) Good Reason. Employee may terminate Employee’s employment during the Employment Period for Good Reason.
(i) For purposes of this Agreement, “Good Reason” shall mean the assignment to Employee, without Employee’s consent, of any duties materially inconsistent with Employee’s position (including changes in status, offices, or titles and any change in Employee’s reporting requirements), authority, duties, or responsibilities as contemplated by Section 2(a), the Company requiring Employee to relocate Employee’s primary Atlanta work location by more than 50 miles, or any other action by the Company which results in a material diminution in such position, authority, duties, responsibilities or aggregate Base Salary and applicable percentage used in determining the Cash Bonus; except as otherwise specified in Section 2, or the Company’s material breach of its obligations to Employee under this Agreement (each an “Event” for purposes of this paragraph).
(ii) Employee must notify the Company in writing of any Event that constitutes Good Reason within 90 days following Employee’s initial knowledge of the existence of such Event (or, if earlier, within 90 days following the date upon which Employee should reasonably have been expected to have knowledge of such Event) or such Event shall not constitute Good Reason under this Agreement. Employee must provide at least 30 days prior written notification of his intention to terminate his employment for Good Reason and the Company shall have 30 days from the date of receipt of such notice to effect a cure of the condition constituting Good Reason, and, upon cure thereof by the Company, such Event shall no longer constitute Good Reason.
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(c) Notice of Termination. Any termination by either Party for any reason, including any termination by the Company for Cause, or by Employee for Good Reason, shall be communicated by Notice of Termination to the other Party hereto given in accordance with Section 13(c). For purposes of this Agreement, a “Notice of Termination” means a written notice which (i) indicates the specific termination provision in this Agreement relied upon, (ii) to the extent applicable, sets forth in reasonable detail the facts and circumstances claimed to provide a basis for termination of Employee’s employment under the provision so indicated and (iii) specifies the Date of Termination (which date shall not be more than 30 days after the giving of such notice; provided, however, that if Employee is terminating for Good Reason such date shall be not less than 30 days nor more than 45 days after giving such notice. The inadvertent failure by Employee or the Company to set forth in the Notice of Termination a particular fact or circumstance which contributes to a showing of Good Reason or Cause shall not waive any right of Employee or the Company, respectively, hereunder or preclude Employee or the Company, respectively, from asserting such fact or circumstance in enforcing Employee’s or the Company’s rights hereunder.
(d) Date of Termination. “Date of Termination” means the date of receipt of the Notice of Termination, or any later date specified therein, as the case may be. The Company and Employee shall take all steps necessary (including with regard to any post-termination services by Employee) to ensure that any termination of employment described in this Section 4 constitutes a “separation from service” within the meaning of Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended and in effect from time to time and including the regulations and guidance thereunder and notwithstanding anything contained herein to the contrary, the date on which the separation from service takes place shall be the “Date of Termination.” Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Date of Termination may be accelerated by the Party who receives Notice of Termination by providing to the other Party written notice of acceleration, including the accelerated Date of Termination, within 30 days of receipt of the Notice of Termination.
5. OBLIGATIONS OF COMPANY UPON TERMINATION.
(a) Cause; Without Good Reason. If Employee’s employment is terminated by the Company for Cause or by Employee without Good Reason, the Employment Period shall terminate without further obligation to Employee other than Base Salary and accrued unused PTO through the Date of Termination paid on the Company’s normal payroll payment date.
(b) Disability or Death. If the Employment Period is terminated due to the death or Disability of Employee, Employee (or his estate or legal representative) shall be entitled solely to the following: (i) Base Salary, accrued unused PTO, and any other accrued obligations through the Date of Termination (paid on the Company’s normal payroll payment date) (the “Accrued Compensation”), (ii) in the event the Employment Period is terminated due to Disability of the Employee, subject to Employee satisfying the waiver and release condition identified in Section 13(d) and not violating the Protective Covenants (if applicable), payment of the annual Cash Bonus (as described in Section 3(a)(ii)) of this Agreement that Employee otherwise would have earned but for such termination of employment for the performance period in which Employee’s Date of Termination occurs, based on actual performance for the entire performance period, and payable no later than the end of the year in which the Disability or death occurs, provided that it shall be subject to a pro-rata reduction for the portion of the performance period following the Date of Termination, and (iii) in the case of a termination due to Disability, and subject to Employee being eligible for and taking all steps necessary to continue Employee’s group health insurance coverage with the Company following the Date of Termination, continued participation, at the Company’s expense, in the Company’s group health plans for Employee and his eligible covered dependents through the earliest of: (x) the 18-month anniversary of the Date of Termination, (y) the date Employee becomes eligible for group health insurance coverage from any other employer, or (z) the date Employee is no longer eligible to continue Employee’s group health insurance coverage with the Company under applicable law. As used herein “Disability” shall mean and include Employee’s incapacity due to physical or mental illness or disability to timely perform his duties under this Agreement, as reasonably determined by the Board, for a period of six or more consecutive months. Disability also includes Employee becoming permanently disabled within the meaning of any long-term disability plan of the Company applicable to Employee, and Employee commences to receive benefits under such plan. Termination of the Employment Period under this Section 5(b) shall not constitute a termination by the Company other than for Cause or by Employee for Good Reason.
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(c) Other Than for Cause; Good Reason. Except as otherwise provided in Section 6(a), if (i) the Company terminates Employee’s employment other than for Cause or (ii) Employee terminates employment for Good Reason, then the Employment Period shall terminate without further obligation to Employee other than the Company’s obligation to pay to Employee (or, in the case of his death, to his estate or legal representatives) the Accrued Compensation and, subject to Employee satisfying the waiver and release condition identified in Section 13(d) and not violating the Protective Covenants, the Severance Payment and Benefits Continuation Payments (as defined below). Such payments shall be subject to the Company’s normal payroll and withholding requirements.
(d) Severance Payment and Benefits Continuation Payments. Subject to Employee satisfying the waiver and release condition identified in Section 13(d), the “Severance Payment” shall be equal to the aggregate of Employee’s then-current annual Base Salary plus an amount equal to a prorated portion of Employee’s Cash Bonus for the year in which the Date of Termination occurs, with such prorated amount determined by multiplying Employee’s Cash Bonus for the year in which the Date of Termination occurs by a fraction, the numerator of which is the number of full months during such year in which Employee was employed and the denominator of which is 12. In addition, subject to Employee satisfying the waiver and release condition identified in Section 13(d) and not violating the Protective Covenants, and Employee being eligible for and taking all steps necessary to continue Employee’s group health insurance coverage with the Company following the Date of Termination, Employee will receive continued participation, at the Company’s expense, in the Company’s group health plans for Employee and his eligible covered dependents through the earliest of: (x) the 18-month anniversary of the Date of Termination, (y) the date Employee becomes eligible for group health insurance coverage from any other employer, or (z) the date Employee is no longer eligible to continue Employee’s group health insurance coverage with the Company under applicable law (the “Benefits Continuation Payments”).
(e) Timing of Severance Payment.
(i) Timing of Severance Payment. The Severance Payment shall be payable to Employee (or, in the event of death, to his estate or legal representative) in cash by the Company over a period of 12 consecutive months.
(ii) Distribution Rules. The following rules shall apply with respect to the distribution of payments and benefits, if any, to be provided to Employee under this Section 5 and Section 6, as applicable:
(A) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, no payments shall be made to Employee upon Employee’s termination of employment from the Company under this Agreement unless such termination of employment is a “separation from service” under Code Section 409A. The determination of whether and when a “separation from service” has occurred shall be made in a manner consistent with and based on the presumptions set forth in Treasury Regulations Section 1.409A-1(h). If, as of the date of the “separation from service” of Employee from the Company, Employee is not a Specified Employee (as defined in Section 5(e)(iii)), then the payments shall be made on the dates and terms set forth in Section 5(e)(i).
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(B) If, as of the date of the “separation from service” of Employee from the Company, Employee is a Specified Employee, then any portion of the payments that is a payment of deferred compensation as determined under Code Section 409A (after taking into account the exemption rules for short-term deferrals under Treasury Regulations Section 1.409A-1(b)(4) and separation payments under Treasury Regulations Section 1.409A-1(b)(9)(iii)) and that would, absent this subsection, be paid within the six-month period following the separation from service of Employee from the Company shall not be paid until the date that is six months and one day after such separation from service (or, if earlier, Employee’s death).
(iii) Specified Employee. As used herein, the term “Specified Employee” means a “specified employee” (as defined in Code Section 409A(a)(2)(B)(i)). By way of clarification, “specified employee” means a “key employee” (as defined in Section 416(i) of the Code, disregarding Section 416(i)(5) of the Code) of the Company. Employee shall be treated as a “key employee” if Employee meets the requirement of Section 416(i)(1)(A)(i), (ii) or (iii) of the Code at any time during the 12-month period ending on an “identification date.” If Employee is a “key employee” as of an identification date, he shall be treated as a Specified Employee for the 12-month period beginning on the first day of the fourth month following such identification date. For purposes of any Specified Employee determination hereunder, the “identification date” shall mean the last day of the calendar year.
6. CHANGE OF CONTROL TERMINATION PAYMENT.
(a) Triggering Event. In consideration and recognition of Employee’s employment and his contribution to protecting and enhancing member value in any future sale of the Company that may occur, the Company agrees to pay to Employee a change of control termination payment as specified below (the “Change of Control Termination Payment”). The Change of Control Termination Payment shall be in addition to amounts otherwise payable pursuant to Section 3 through the Date of Termination but in lieu of any Severance Payments or Benefits Continuation Payments otherwise due under Section 5, shall be subject to Employee satisfying the waiver and release condition identified in Section 13(d) and Employee not violating the Protective Covenants, and shall be earned upon the earlier of (i) the termination of Employee’s employment with the Company at any time within two years following a Change of Control (as defined below) (A) by the Company for any reason other than Cause or (B) by Employee for Good Reason or (ii) upon the occurrence of a Change of Control, if Employee’s employment with the Company was terminated within six months prior to the Change of Control, either by (A) the Company for any reason other than Cause or (B) by Employee for Good Reason (the earlier of (i) or (ii) above being referred to as the “Triggering Event”).
(b) Amount. The amount of the Change of Control Termination Payment shall be equal to 1.0 times the aggregate of Employee’s then-current annual Base Salary as of the Date of Termination plus an amount equal to 1.0 times the Employee’s Cash Bonus for the year in which the Date of Termination occurs.
(c) Payment; Medical Coverage; Vesting. Subject to Employee satisfying the waiver and release condition identified in Section 13(d) and not violating the Protective Covenants, the Change of Control Termination Payment shall be paid in a single cash lump sum payment to Employee (or, in the event of death, to his estate or legal representative) not later than 45 days after the Triggering Event. Such payment shall be in addition to sums due to Employee through the Date of Termination, shall be subject to normal withholding requirements of the Company and shall be in lieu of Severance Payments or Benefits Continuation Payments that may otherwise be due under Section 5. In addition, notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, subject to Employee satisfying the waiver and release condition identified in Section 13(d) and not violating the Protective Covenants and Employee being eligible for and taking all steps necessary to continue Employee’s group health insurance coverage with the Company, if any, following the Date of Termination, Employee will receive the Benefits Continuation Payments.
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(d) Change of Control Defined. For the purposes of this Agreement, the term “Change of Control” means a change in the ownership or effective control of, or in the ownership of a substantial portion of the assets of, the Company, to the extent consistent with Code Section 409A and any regulatory or other interpretive authority promulgated thereunder, as described in paragraphs (i) through (iv) below.
(i) Change in Ownership of Company. A change in the ownership of the Company will be deemed to have occurred on the date that any one person, or more than one person acting as a group (within the meaning of paragraph (iv) below) other than a group of which Employee is a member, acquires ownership of the Company stock that, together with the Company stock held by such person or group, constitutes more than 50% of the voting power of the stock of the Company.
(A) If any one person or more than one person acting as a group (within the meaning of paragraph (iv) below), other than a group of which Employee is a member, is considered to own more than 50% of the total voting power of the stock of the Company, the acquisition of additional Company stock by such person or persons shall not be considered to cause a change in the ownership of the Company or to cause a change in the effective control of the Company (within the meaning of paragraph (ii) below).
(B) An increase in the percentage of Company stock owned by any one person, or persons acting as a group (within the meaning of paragraph (iv) below), as a result of a transaction in which the Company acquires its stock in exchange for property, shall be treated as an acquisition of stock for purposes of this paragraph (i).
(C) Except as provided in (B) above, the provisions of this paragraph (i) shall apply only to the transfer or issuance of Company stock if such stock remains outstanding after such transfer or issuance.
(ii) Change in Effective Control of Company.
(A) A change in the effective control of the Company shall occur on the date that either of (1) or (2) below occurs:
(1) Any one person, or more than one person acting as a group (within the meaning of paragraph (iv) below), acquires (or has acquired during the 12-month period ending on the date of the most recent acquisition by such person or persons) ownership of stock of the Company possessing 30% or more of the total voting power of the stock of the Company, or
(2) A majority of members of the Board are replaced during any 12-month period by members of the Board whose appointment or election is not endorsed by a majority of the Board prior to the date of such appointment or election.
(B) A change in effective control of the Company also may occur with respect to any transaction in which either the Company or the other entity involved in a transaction experiences a Change of Control event described in paragraphs (i) or (iii).
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(C) If any one person, or more than one person acting as a group (within the meaning of paragraph (iv) below), is considered to effectively control the Company (within the meaning of this paragraph (ii)), the acquisition of additional control of the Company by the same person or persons shall not be considered to cause a change in the effective control of the Company (or to cause a change in the ownership of the Company within the meaning of paragraph (i)).
(iii) Change in Ownership of a Substantial Portion of Company’s Assets. A change in the ownership of a substantial portion of the Company’s assets shall occur on the date that any one person, or more than one person acting as a group (within the meaning of paragraph (iv) below), other than a group of which Employee is a member, acquires (or has acquired during the 12-month period ending on the date of the most recent acquisition by such person or persons) assets from the Company that have a total gross fair market value (within the meaning of paragraph (iii)(B)) equal to or more than 40% of the total gross fair market value of all of the assets of the Company immediately prior to such acquisition or acquisitions.
(A) A transfer of the Company’s assets shall not be treated as a change in the ownership of such assets if the assets are transferred to one or more of the following:
(1) A stockholder of the Company (immediately before the asset transfer) in exchange for or with respect to Company stock;
(2) An entity, 50% or more of the total value or voting power of which is owned, directly or indirectly, by the Company;
(3) A person, or more than one person acting as a group (within the meaning of paragraph (iv) below), that owns, directly or indirectly, 50% or more of the total value or voting power of all of the outstanding stock of the Company; or
(4) An entity, at least 50% of the total value or voting power of which is owned, directly or indirectly, by a person described in paragraph (iii)(A)(3).
For purposes of this paragraph (iii)(A), and except as otherwise provided, a person’s status is determined immediately after the transfer of assets.
(B) For purposes of this paragraph (iii), gross fair market value means the value of all the Company’s assets, or the value of the assets being disposed of, determined without regard to any liabilities associated with such assets.
(iv) Group Definition. For the purposes of this Section 6, persons shall be considered to be acting as a group if they are owners of an entity that enters into a merger, consolidation, purchase, or acquisition of assets, or similar business transaction with the Company. If a person, including an entity stockholder, owns stock in the Company and another entity with which the Company enters into a merger, consolidation, purchase, or acquisition of stock, or similar business transaction, such person shall be considered to be acting as a group with the other owners of equity interests in an entity only to the extent of the ownership in that entity prior to the transaction giving rise to the change and not with respect to the ownership interest in the other corporation. Persons shall not be considered to be acting as a group solely because they purchase or own stock of the Company at the same time, or as a result of the same public offering of Company stock.
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7. NON-EXCLUSIVITY OF RIGHTS.
Nothing in this Agreement shall prevent or limit Employee’s continuing or future participation in any plan, program, policy or practice provided by the Company or any of its affiliated companies and for which Employee may qualify, nor, except as specifically set forth herein, shall anything herein limit or otherwise affect such rights as Employee may have under any contract or agreement with the Company or any of its affiliated companies. Amounts which are vested benefits or which Employee is otherwise entitled to receive under any plan, practice or program of or any contract or agreement with the Company or any of its affiliated companies at or subsequent to the Date of Termination shall be payable in accordance with such plan, policy, practice or program or contract or agreement except as explicitly modified by this Agreement.
8. FULL SETTLEMENT.
In no event shall Employee be obligated to seek other employment or take any other action by way of mitigation of the amounts payable to Employee under any of the provisions of this Agreement, and such amounts shall not be reduced whether or not Employee obtains other employment. The Company agrees to pay as incurred, to the full extent permitted by law, all legal fees and expenses which Employee may reasonably incur as a result of any contest or dispute by the Company or Employee with respect to liability under, or the interpretation of the validity or enforceability of, any provision of this Agreement, but only in the event and to the extent that (i) Employee receives a final, non-appealable judgment in his favor in any such action or receives a final judgment in his favor that has not been appealed by the Company within 30 days of the date of the judgment; or (ii) the Parties agree to dismiss any such action upon the Company’s payment of the sums allegedly due Employee or performance of the covenants by the Company allegedly breached by it.
9. PROTECTIVE COVENANTS
(a) Confidential Information. Employee and the Company are Parties to one or more separate agreements respecting confidential information, trade secrets, and inventions, including, without limitation, the Employee Confidentiality and Intellectual Property Assignment Agreement signed in connection with and as a condition of Employee’s employment with the Company (collectively, the “IP Agreements”); provided, that any agreements respecting confidential information, trade secrets, and inventions shall be consistent with, and no more burdensome than, the Employee’s obligations under the Employee Confidentiality and Intellectual Property Assignment Agreement signed in connection with and as a condition of Employee’s employment with the Company, unless such changes result from changes to applicable law. The Parties agree that the IP Agreements shall not be superseded or terminated by this Agreement and shall survive any termination of this Agreement.
(b) Non-Compete Commitment. During the Employment Period and for a period of one year following the Date of Termination, regardless of the reason for the termination of Employee’s employment and whether such termination occurs at the initiative of Employee or the Company, Employee agrees that he will not accept any position as principal executive officer, president, or Vice President of Operations with, or provide comparable level executive consultation to any Competitive Business of the Company. As used herein, a “Competitive Business” is a business (including, but not limited to, a business started by Employee) that is in the business of providing activities, products, or services that are competitive with those provided by the Company and that are of the type conducted, authorized, offered, provided, or under development by the Company within one year prior to Employee’s Date of Termination.
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(c) Agreement Not to Solicit Employees. During the Employment Period and for a period of one year following the Date of Termination, regardless of the reason for the termination of Employee’s employment and whether such termination occurs at the initiative of Employee or the Company, Employee covenants and agrees that Employee shall not (a) solicit, recruit, or hire (or attempt to solicit, recruit, or hire) or otherwise assist anyone in soliciting, recruiting, or hiring, any employee or independent contractor of the Company who performed work for the Company within the last year of Employee’s employment with the Company until that employee’s employment or that independent contractor’s engagement with the Company has been voluntarily or involuntarily terminated for at least six months, or (b) otherwise encourage, solicit, or support any employee(s) or independent contractor(s) to leave their employment with the Company.
(d) Non-Solicitation of Customers or Clients. During the Employment Period and for a period of one year following the Date of Termination, regardless of the reason for the termination of Employee’s employment and whether such termination occurs at the initiative of Employee or the Company, Employee agrees not to solicit, directly or by assisting others, any business from any of the Company’s customers or clients, including actively sought prospective customers or clients, with whom Employee has had material contact during the one-year period prior to the termination of the Employment Period with the Company, for the purpose of providing products or services that are competitive with those provided by the Company. As used in this paragraph, “material contact” means the contact between Employee and each customer, client or vendor, or potential customer, client or vendor (i) with whom or which Employee dealt on behalf of the employer, (ii) whose dealings with the Company were coordinated or supervised by Employee, (iii) about whom Employee obtained confidential information in the ordinary course of business as a result of Employee’s association with the Company, or (iv) who receives products or services authorized by the Company, the sale or provision of which results or resulted in compensation, commissions, or earnings (directly or indirectly) for Employee within one year prior to Employee’s Date of Termination.
(e) Non-Disparagement. Employee agrees not to make disparaging remarks, or remarks that could reasonably be construed as disparaging, regarding the Company, its subsidiaries, their directors, officers, or employees, businesses or practices during the Employment Period and thereafter. Company, on behalf of its officers, directors and managers, agrees not to make disparaging remarks, or remarks that could reasonably be construed as disparaging, regarding Employee. For the avoidance of doubt, this non-disparagement obligation shall not in any way affect either party’s obligation to testify truthfully in any legal proceeding.
(f) Certain Payment Obligations/Consideration. Employee agrees that the payment of any Severance Payment, Benefits Continuation Payments or Change of Control Termination Payment shall be subject to and expressly conditioned upon Employee’s compliance with the covenants set forth in paragraphs (a) through (e) of this Section 10 (collectively, the “Protective Covenants”). Payments of amounts owing under any Change of Control Termination Payment, Severance Payment or Benefits Continuation Payments obligation shall be conditioned upon Employee’s continued compliance with the Protective Covenants. Should Employee fail to comply with any of the Protective Covenants, the Company shall not be required to make the Change of Control Termination Payment, Severance Payment (or any portion thereof remaining unpaid), or Benefits Continuation Payments and Employee shall be required to repay any portion of the Change of Control Termination Payment, Severance Payment, or Benefits Continuation Payments that Employee has already received from the Company. Employee acknowledges that the consideration for the Protective Covenants includes the employment granted and the salary and other compensation provided hereunder including, but not limited to, the covenants respecting a Severance Payment, Change of Control Termination Payment, or Benefits Continuation Payments.
(g) Specific Performance. Employee acknowledges that it would be difficult to calculate the Company’s damages from Employee’s breach of any of the Protective Covenants and that money damages (even including any repayments made pursuant to paragraph (f)) would therefore be an inadequate remedy. Accordingly, upon such breach, Employee acknowledges that the Company may seek and shall be entitled to temporary, preliminary, and/or permanent injunctive relief against Employee, and/or other appropriate orders to restrain such breach. Nothing in this provision shall limit or prevent the Company from seeking any other damages or relief provided by applicable law for breach of this Agreement or any section or provision hereof. Employee agrees that the Company may obtain specific performance, and that the Company shall not be required to post bond in the event it is necessary for the Company to obtain temporary or preliminary injunctive relief, any bond requirement hereby being expressly waived by Employee.
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(h) Protective Covenant Enforceability. The Parties covenant and agree that the provisions contained in paragraphs (a) through (g) are reasonable and are not known or believed to be in violation of any federal, state, or local law, rule, or regulation. It is the reasonable intent and expectation of the Parties that these protective covenants shall be enforced in accordance with their terms. However, in the event a court of competent jurisdiction finds any provision herein (or subpart thereof) to be void or unenforceable, the Parties agree that the court shall modify the provision(s) (or subpart(s) thereof) to make the provision(s) (or subpart(s) thereof) and this Agreement valid and enforceable to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law. Any illegal or unenforceable provision (or subpart thereof), or any modification by any court, shall not affect the remainder of this Agreement, which shall continue at all times to be valid and enforceable in accordance with its terms.
10. SUCCESSORS.
(a) Successors in Interest. This Agreement is personal to Employee and, without the prior written consent of the Company, shall not be assignable by Employee otherwise than by will or the laws of descent and distribution. This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be enforceable by Employee’s legal representatives. This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be binding upon the Company and its successors and assigns.
(b) Assumption of Agreement. The Company will require any successor who acquires all or substantially all of the business and/or assets of the Company to expressly assume and agree to perform this Agreement in the same manner and to the same extent that the Company would be required to perform it if no such succession had taken place. As used in this Agreement, the “Company” shall mean Innovative Med Concepts, LLC, as hereinbefore defined and any successor to its business and/or assets as aforesaid which assumes and agrees to perform this Agreement by operation of law or otherwise.
11. COMPLIANCE WITH CODE SECTION 409A.
(a) Compliance. All payments that may be made and benefits that may be provided pursuant to this Agreement are intended to comply with, or otherwise be exempt from, Code Section 409A and any regulations and Treasury guidance promulgated hereunder, and any ambiguities shall be interpreted in a manner consistent with the requirements of Code Section 409A. Further, notwithstanding anything to the contrary, all Severance and Change of Control Termination payments payable under the provisions of Section 5 or Section 6 shall be paid to Employee no later than the last day of the second calendar year following the calendar year in which the Date of Termination occurs. None of the payments under this Agreement are intended to result in the inclusion in Employee’s federal gross income of an amount on account of a failure under Section 409A(a)(1) of the Code. The Parties intend to administer and interpret this Agreement to carry out such intentions. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, to the extent that the right to any payment (including the provision of benefits) hereunder provides for the “deferral of compensation” within the meaning of Section 409A(d)(1) of the Code, the payment shall be paid (or provided) in accordance with the following:
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(i) Each payment hereunder is intended to constitute a separate payment from each other payment for purposes of Treasury Regulations Section 1.409A-2(b)(2).
(ii) Payments with respect to reimbursements of expenses or benefits or provision of fringe or other in-kind benefits shall be made on or before the last day of the calendar year following the calendar year in which the relevant expense or benefit is incurred. The amount of expenses or benefits eligible for reimbursement, payment or provision during a calendar year shall not affect the expenses or benefits eligible for reimbursement, payment or provision in any other calendar year.
(b) Amendments. The Company and Employee agree that they will execute any and all amendments to this Agreement as they mutually agree in good faith may be necessary to ensure compliance with Code Section 409A.
(c) Tax Matters. The Company makes no representation or warranty as to the tax effect of any of the preceding provisions, and the provisions of this Agreement shall not be construed as a guarantee by the Company of any particular tax effect to Employee under this Agreement. Without limiting the foregoing, the Company shall not be liable to Employee or any other person for any payment made under this Agreement which is determined to result in the imposition of an excise tax, penalty or interest under Code Section 409A, nor for reporting in good faith any payment made under this Agreement as an amount includible in gross income under Code Section 409A.
12. MISCELLANEOUS.
(a) Governing Law; Venue. This Agreement shall be governed by the laws of the State of Alabama without regard to the conflicts of laws provisions of that State or any other State. The Parties agree that any dispute arising from this Agreement, including but not limited to issues of breach, enforceability, or modification, shall be decided only in a state or federal court sitting in Alabama, which the Parties expressly agree shall be the exclusive venue for any such action.
(b) Amendment; Validity. This Agreement may not be amended or modified otherwise than by a written agreement executed by the Parties hereto or their respective successors and legal representatives. The invalidity or unenforceability of any provision of this Agreement shall not affect the validity or enforceability of any other provision of this Agreement. The captions of this Agreement are not part of the provisions hereof and shall have no force and effect.
(c) Notices. All notices and other communications hereunder shall be in writing and shall be given by hand delivery to the other party or by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid, in either case, accompanied by a facsimile copy, addressed as follows:
If to Employee:
Ralph Grosswald
____________________________________
If to the Company:
Innovative Medical Concepts
1837 Commons N Dr, Tuscaloosa, AL 35406
With a copy to:
Tanner & Guin, LLC
ATTN: Jonathan D. Guin
2711 University Blvd, Suite 201, Tuscaloosa, AL 35401
or to such other address as either party shall have furnished to the other in writing in accordance herewith. Notice and communications shall be effective when actually received by the addressee.
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(d) Waiver and Release. Employee acknowledges and agrees that the Company requires, as a condition to receipt of any Severance Payment or Benefits Continuation Payments under Section 5 or any Change of Control Termination Payment or Benefits Continuation Payments under Section 6, that Employee (or a representative of his estate on behalf of his estate) execute a waiver and release discharging the Company, its subsidiaries, and their respective affiliates, and its and their officers, directors, managers, employees, agents and representatives and the heirs, predecessors, successors and assigns of all of the foregoing, from any and all claims, actions, causes of action or other liability, whether known or unknown, contingent or fixed, arising out of or in any way related to the benefits under this Agreement, including, without limitation, any claims under this Agreement or other related instruments, other than the Company’s obligation to pay the Accrued Compensation, Severance Payment, Benefits Continuation Payments, Change of Control Termination Payment, and other consideration as provided in this Agreement. The waiver and release shall be in a form determined by the Company and acceptable to Employee and shall be executed prior to the expiration of the time periods provided for any first payment of such benefits.
(e) Non-Waiver. The failure of the Company to insist upon or enforce strict performance of any provision of this Agreement or to exercise any rights or remedies thereunder will not be construed as a waiver by the Company to assert or rely upon any such provision, right, or remedy in that or any other instance.
(f) Entire Agreement. This Agreement embodies the entire agreement between the Parties with respect to the subject matter addressed herein and supersedes any prior understandings, agreements or representations by or among the Parties, written or oral, that may relate to the subject matter hereof; provided, however, that nothing in this Agreement is intended to and does not modify, supersede or replace the IP Agreements, and documents adopted by the Board with respect to the Cash Bonus, any agreements or plans concerning any equity awards to Employee, or any agreements or other documents related to any employee benefit plans, each of which are to be in effect in accordance with their terms.
(g) Survival. The covenants set forth in Sections 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, and 12 shall survive any termination of Employee’s employment or termination of the Employment Period.
(h) Counterparts; Facsimile; Electronic Submission. This Agreement may be executed in one (1) or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, and it shall not be necessary in making proof of this Agreement or the terms hereof to produce or account for more than one of such counterparts. Executed signature pages to this Agreement may be delivered by facsimile or electronically, and such facsimiles or electronically submitted documents will be deemed as sufficient as if actual signature pages had been delivered.
[Signatures on Following Page]
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Employee has hereunder set Employee’s hand and, pursuant to the authorization form the Board, the Company has caused this Agreement to be executed in its name on its behalf, each effective as of the day and year first above written.
| Employee: | ||
| /s/ Ralph Grosswald | ||
| Ralph Grosswald | ||
| The Company: | ||
| Innovative Med Concepts, LLC | ||
| By: | /s/ William L. Pridgen | |
| William L. Pridgen, MD | ||
| Its Manager | ||
[Signature Page to Employment Agreement]
APPENDIX A
STOCK OPTION EXERCISE NOTICE
Innovative Med Concepts, Inc.
Attention: Greg Duncan, Chief Executive Officer
____________________________
____________________________
Pursuant to the terms of the grant notice and Employment Agreement between the undersigned and Innovative Med Concepts, Inc. (the “Company”) dated April 5, 2020 (the “Agreement”), I, Ralph Grosswald, hereby [Circle One] partially / fully exercise such option by including herein payment in the amount of $______ representing the purchase price for [Fill in #______ of shares of common stock] shares of common stock of the Company (the “Stock”). I have chosen the following form(s) of payment:
| ¨ | 1. Cash |
| ¨ | 2. Certified or bank check payable to the Company |
| ¨ | 3. Payment to be offset against any amount owed to Employee from the sale event or dividend event immediately following exercise of this Option as a result of Employee owning the Stock. |
| ¨ | 4. Other (as referenced in the Agreement and described in the Plan (please describe)) _____________________________________________________. |
In connection with my exercise of the option as set forth above, I hereby represent and warrant to the Company as follows:
a. I am purchasing the Stock for my own account for investment only, and not for resale or with a view to the distribution thereof.
b. I have had such an opportunity as I have deemed adequate to obtain from the Company such information as is necessary to permit me to evaluate the merits and risks of my investment in the Company and have consulted with my own advisers with respect to my investment in the Company.
c. I have sufficient experience in business, financial, and investment matters to be able to evaluate the risks involved in the purchase of the Stock and to make an informed investment decision with respect to such purchase.
d. I can afford a complete loss of the value of the Stock and am able to bear the economic risk of holding such Stock for an indefinite period of time.
e. I understand that the Stock may not be registered under the Securities Act of 1933 (it being understood that the Stock is being issued and sold in reliance upon an applicable exemption thereto) or any applicable state securities or “blue sky” laws and may not be sold or otherwise transferred or disposed of in the absence of an effective registration statement under the Securities Act of 1933 and under any applicable state securities or “blue sky” laws (or exemptions from the registration requirement thereof). I further acknowledge that if certificates representing Stock are issued, they will bear restrictive legends reflecting the foregoing and/or that book entries for uncertificated stock will include similar restrictive notations.
f. I have read and understand the bylaws and buy-sell agreement of the Company and acknowledge and agree that the Stock is subject to all of the relevant terms therein.
g. I understand and agree that the Company may have a right of first refusal with respect to the Stock pursuant to the bylaws and buy-sell agreement of the Company.
h. I understand and agree that the Company may have certain repurchase rights with respect to the Stock pursuant to the bylaws and buy-sell agreement of the Company.
i. I understand and agree that I may not sell or otherwise transfer or dispose of any Stock for a period of time following the effective date of a public offering by the Company as described in any applicable “lock-up” agreement or applicable law.
| Sincerely yours, | ||
| Ralph Grosswald | ||
| Address: | ||
| Date: | ||
EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT
This AMENDMENT TO EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT (this “Amendment”) effective as of August 4, 2020 (“Effective Date”) is by and between Virios Therapeutics, LLC, an Alabama limited liability company (“Company”), and Ralph Grosswald (“Employee”). The Company and Employee are collectively referred to herein as the “Parties” and each individually as a “Party”.
WITNESSETH
WHEREAS, the Company and Employee desire to administer, interpret and/or amend as necessary the Employment Agreement entered between the Parties effective April 5, 2020 (“Employment Agreement”) in order to comply with Section 409A or the Code;
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises, the promises hereinafter set forth and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged by the Parties, it is hereby agreed as follows:
(i) Pursuant to Section 3(a)(iv) and Section 11 of the Agreement, Section 3(a)(iv) of the Agreement is administered, interpreted and/or amended to define “Fair Market Value” as the price per share of stock issued to the shareholders in the Triggering Offering, such that the Options shall not be “in the money” at the time of the option issuance. Notwithstanding any provision in this Amendment to the contrary, Fair Market Value shall be interpreted or amended to comply with Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended and in effect from time to time and including the regulations and guidance thereunder (the “Code”), if applicable to the Agreement and award.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Employee has hereunder set Employee’s hand and the Company has caused this Agreement to be executed in its name on its behalf, each effective as of the day and year first above written.
| Employee: | ||
| /s/ Ralph Grosswald | ||
| Ralph Grosswald | ||
| The Company: | ||
| Virios Therapeutics, LLC | ||
| By: | /s/ Greg Duncan | |
| Greg Duncan | ||
| Its Chief Executive Officer | ||
Exhibit 10.6
Virios Therapeutics, Inc.
2020 EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN
The purpose of the Virios Therapeutics, Inc. 2020 Equity Incentive Plan is to provide (i) designated employees of Virios Therapeutics, Inc. (the “Company”) and its parents and subsidiaries, (ii) certain consultants and advisors who perform services for the Company or its parents or subsidiaries and (iii) non-employee members of the Board of Directors of the Company (the “Board”) with the opportunity to receive grants of incentive stock options, nonqualified stock options, stock awards, stock units, stock appreciation rights and other equity-based awards. The Company believes that this Plan will encourage the participants to contribute materially to the growth of the Company, thereby benefitting the Company’s stockholders, and will align the economic interests of the participants with those of the stockholders.
1. Administration and Delegation.
(a) Committee. This Plan shall be administered by a committee consisting of two or more members of the Board, which shall consist of “outside directors” as defined under section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), and related Treasury regulations, “non-employee directors” as defined under Rule 16b-3 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”) and, when applicable, by “independent directors” as defined by the rules of any national securities exchange (the “Exchange”) upon which shares of the Company’s capital stock shall be listed. However, the Board may ratify or approve any grants as it deems appropriate, and the Board shall approve and administer all grants made to non-employee directors. The committee may delegate authority to one or more subcommittees as it deems appropriate. To the extent that a committee or subcommittee administers this Plan, references in this Plan to the “Board” shall be deemed to refer to the committee or subcommittee.
(b) Board Authority. The Board shall have the sole authority to (i) determine the individuals to whom grants shall be made under this Plan, (ii) determine the type, size and terms of the grants to be made to each such individual, (iii) determine the time when the grants will be made and the duration of any applicable exercise or restriction period, including the criteria for exercisability and the acceleration of exercisability, (iv) amend the terms of any previously issued grant, and (v) deal with any other matters arising under this Plan.
(c) Board Determinations. The Board shall have full power and authority to administer and interpret this Plan, to make factual determinations and to adopt or amend such rules, regulations, agreements and instruments for implementing this Plan and for the conduct of its business as it deems necessary or advisable, in its sole discretion. The Board’s interpretations of this Plan and all determinations made by the Board pursuant to the powers vested in it hereunder shall be conclusive and binding on all persons having any interest in this Plan or in any awards granted hereunder. All powers of the Board shall be executed in its sole discretion, in the best interest of the Company, not as a fiduciary, and in keeping with the objectives of this Plan and need not be uniform as to similarly situated individuals.
(d) Delegation to Officers. To the extent permitted by applicable law, the Board may delegate to one or more officers of the Company the power to grant Options and other Grants that constitute rights under Delaware law (subject to any limitations under this Plan) to employees or officers of the Company and to exercise such other powers under this Plan as the Board may determine, provided that the Board shall fix the terms of such Grants to be granted by such officers (including the exercise price of such Grants, which may include a formula by which the exercise price will be determined) and the maximum number of shares subject to such Grants that the officers may grant; provided further, however, that no officer shall be authorized to grant such Grants to any “executive officer” of the Company (as defined by Rule 3b-7 under the Exchange Act) or to any “officer” of the Company (as defined by Rule 16a-1 under the Exchange Act). Notwithstanding anything to the contrary set forth above, the Board may not delegate authority under this Section 1(d) to grant Stock Awards, unless Delaware law then permits such delegation.
2. Grants. Awards under this Plan may consist of grants of incentive stock options as described in Section 5 (“Incentive Stock Options”), nonqualified stock options as described in Section 5 (“Nonqualified Stock Options”) (Incentive Stock Options and Nonqualified Stock Options are collectively referred to as “Options”), stock awards as described in Section 6 (“Stock Awards”), stock units as described in Section 7 (“Stock Units”), stock appreciation rights as described in Section 8 (“SARs”), and other equity-based awards as described in Section 9 (“Other Equity Awards”), the foregoing sometimes referred to herein collectively as “Grants” and individually as a “Grant.” All Grants shall be subject to the terms and conditions set forth herein and to such other terms and conditions consistent with this Plan as the Board deems appropriate and as are specified in writing by the Board to the individual in a grant instrument or an amendment to the grant instrument (the “Grant Instrument”). All Grants shall be made conditional upon the acknowledgement of the Grantee (as defined in Section 4(b)), in writing or by acceptance of the Grant, that all decisions and determinations of the Board shall be final and binding on the Grantee, his or her beneficiaries and any other person having or claiming an interest under such Grant. Grants under a particular Section of this Plan need not be uniform as among the grantees.
3. Shares Subject to This Plan.
(a) Shares Authorized. Subject to adjustment as described below, the aggregate number of shares of common stock of the Company (“Company Stock”) that may be issued pursuant to Grants under this Plan is shares, each of which may be issued under this Plan as an Incentive Stock Option.
(b) Individual Limits. The maximum aggregate number of shares of Company Stock that shall be subject to Grants made under this Plan to any individual, including but not limited to any non-employee director, during any calendar year shall be 500,000 shares.
(c) Share Counting. If and to the extent Options or SARs granted under this Plan terminate, expire, or are canceled, forfeited, exchanged or surrendered without having been exercised or if any Stock Awards, Stock Units or Other Equity Awards are forfeited, the shares subject to such Grants shall again be available for purposes of this Plan.
(d) Adjustments. If there is any change in the number or kind of shares of Company Stock outstanding (i) by reason of a stock dividend, spinoff, recapitalization, stock split, or combination or exchange of shares, (ii) by reason of a merger, reorganization or consolidation, (iii) by reason of a reclassification or change in par value, or (iv) by reason of any other extraordinary or unusual event affecting the outstanding Company Stock as a class without the Company’s receipt of consideration, or if the value of outstanding shares of Company Stock is substantially reduced as a result of a spinoff or the Company’s payment of an extraordinary dividend or distribution, the maximum number of shares of Company Stock available for issuance under this Plan, the maximum number of shares of Company Stock for which any individual may receive Grants in any year, the kind and number of shares covered by outstanding Grants, the kind and number of shares issued and to be issued under this Plan, and the price per share or the applicable market value of such Grants shall be equitably adjusted by the Board to reflect any increase or decrease in the number of, or change in the kind or value of, issued shares of Company Stock to preclude, to the extent practicable, the enlargement or dilution of rights and benefits under such Grants; provided, however, that any fractional shares resulting from such adjustment shall be eliminated. In addition, in the event of a Change of Control of the Company (as defined in Section 12(a)), the provisions of Section 13 of this Plan shall apply. Any adjustment to outstanding Grants shall be consistent with section 409A and section 424 of the Code, to the extent applicable. Any adjustments determined by the Board shall be final, binding and conclusive.
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4. Eligibility for Participation.
(a) Eligible Persons. All employees of the Company and its parents or subsidiaries (“Employees”), including Employees who are officers or members of the Board, and members of the Board who are not Employees (“Non-Employee Directors”) shall be eligible to participate in this Plan. Consultants and advisors, as such terms are defined and interpreted for purposes of Form S-8 under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”) (or any successor form or rule) who perform services for the Company or any of its parents or subsidiaries (“Key Advisors”) shall be eligible to participate in this Plan.
(b) Selection of Grantees. The Board shall select the Employees, Non-Employee Directors and Key Advisors to receive Grants and shall determine the number of shares of Company Stock subject to a particular Grant in such manner as the Board determines. Employees, Key Advisors and Non-Employee Directors who receive Grants under this Plan shall hereinafter be referred to as “Grantees.”
5. Options. The Board may grant Options to Employees, Non-Employee Directors, and Key Advisors upon such terms as the Board deems appropriate. The following provisions are applicable to Options:
(a) Number of Shares. The Board shall determine the number of shares of Company Stock that will be subject to each Grant of Options to Employees, Non-Employee Directors and Key Advisors.
(b) Type of Option and Price.
(i) The Board may grant Incentive Stock Options that are intended to qualify as “incentive stock options” within the meaning of section 422 of the Code or Nonqualified Stock Options that are not intended so to qualify or any combination of Incentive Stock Options and Nonqualified Stock Options, all in accordance with the terms and conditions set forth herein. Incentive Stock Options may be granted only to employees of the Company or its parents or subsidiaries, as defined in section 424 of the Code. Nonqualified Stock Options may be granted to Employees, Non-Employee Directors and Key Advisors.
(ii) The purchase price (the “Exercise Price”) of Company Stock subject to an Option shall be determined by the Board and shall be equal to or greater than the Fair Market Value (as defined below) of a share of Company Stock on the date the Option is granted; provided, however, that an Incentive Stock Option may not be granted to an Employee who, at the time of grant, owns stock possessing more than 10% of the total combined voting power of all classes of stock of the Company or any parent or subsidiary of the Company, unless the Exercise Price per share is not less than 110% of the Fair Market Value of Company Stock on the date of grant.
(iii) If the Company Stock is publicly traded, then the Fair Market Value per share shall be determined as follows: (x) if the principal trading market for the Company Stock is an Exchange, the last reported sale price thereof on the relevant date or (if there were no trades on that date) the latest preceding date upon which a sale was reported, or (y) if the Company Stock is not principally traded on an Exchange, the mean between the last reported “bid” and “asked” prices of Company Stock on the relevant date, as reported on the Exchange or, if not so reported, as reported by the over-the-counter quotation system on which the Company Stock is then quoted or as reported in a customary financial reporting service, as applicable and as the Board determines. If the Company Stock is not publicly traded or, if publicly traded, is not subject to reported transactions or “bid” or “asked” quotations as set forth above, the Fair Market Value per share shall be as determined by the Board.
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(c) Option Term. The Board shall determine the term of each Option. The term of any Option shall not exceed ten years from the date of grant. However, an Incentive Stock Option that is granted to an Employee who, at the time of grant, owns stock possessing more than 10% of the total combined voting power of all classes of stock of the Company, or any parent or subsidiary of the Company, may not have a term that exceeds five years from the date of grant.
(d) Exercisability of Options.
(i) Options shall become exercisable in accordance with such terms and conditions, consistent with this Plan, as may be determined by the Board and specified in the Grant Instrument. The Board may accelerate the exercisability of any or all outstanding Options at any time for any reason.
(ii) The Board may provide in a Grant Instrument that the Grantee may elect to exercise part or all of an Option before it otherwise has become exercisable. Any shares so purchased shall be restricted shares and shall be subject to a repurchase right in favor of the Company during a specified restriction period, with the repurchase price equal to the lesser of (i) the Exercise Price or (ii) the Fair Market Value of such shares at the time of repurchase, or such other restrictions as the Board deems appropriate.
(e) Grants to Non-Exempt Employees. Notwithstanding the foregoing, unless expressly approved by the Board, Options granted to persons who are non-exempt employees under the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938, as amended, (the “FLSA”) may not be exercisable for at least six months after the date of grant (except that such Options may become exercisable, as determined by the Board, upon the Grantee’s death, Disability (as defined in Section 5(f)(v)(C)) or Retirement (as defined in Section 5(f)(v)(E)), or upon a Change of Control or other circumstances permitted by applicable regulations).
(f) Termination of Employment, Disability or Death.
(i) Except as provided below, an Option may be exercised only while the Grantee is employed by, or providing service to, the Employer (as defined in Section 5(f)(v)(A)) as an Employee, Key Advisor or member of the Board. In the event that a Grantee ceases to be employed by, or provide service to, the Employer for any reason other than Disability, death, Retirement or termination for Cause (as defined in Section 5(f)(v)(D)), except as otherwise provided by the Board, any Option that is otherwise exercisable by the Grantee shall terminate unless exercised within 90 days after the date on which the Grantee ceases to be employed by, or provide service to, the Employer (or within such other period of time as may be specified by the Board), but in any event no later than the date of expiration of the Option term. Except as otherwise provided by the Board, any of the Grantee’s Options that are not otherwise exercisable as of the date on which the Grantee ceases to be employed by, or provide service to, the Employer shall terminate as of such date.
(ii) In the event the Grantee ceases to be employed by, or provide service to, the Employer on account of a termination for Cause by the Employer, any Option held by the Grantee shall terminate as of the date the Grantee ceases to be employed by, or provide service to, the Employer. In addition, notwithstanding any other provisions of this Section 5, if the Board determines that the Grantee has engaged in conduct that constitutes Cause at any time while the Grantee is employed by, or providing service to, the Employer or after the Grantee’s termination of employment or service, any Option held by the Grantee shall immediately terminate, and the Grantee shall automatically forfeit all shares underlying any exercised portion of an Option for which the Company has not yet delivered the share certificates, upon refund by the Company of the Exercise Price paid by the Grantee for such shares. Upon any exercise of an Option, the Company may withhold delivery of share certificates pending resolution of an inquiry that could lead to a finding resulting in a forfeiture.
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(iii) In the event the Grantee ceases to be employed by, or provide service to, the Employer because of the Grantee’s Disability or Retirement, any Option that is otherwise exercisable by the Grantee shall terminate unless exercised within one year after the date on which the Grantee ceases to be employed by, or provide service to, the Employer (or within such other period of time as may be specified by the Board), but in any event no later than the date of expiration of the Option term. Except as otherwise provided by the Board, any of the Grantee’s Options that are not otherwise exercisable as of the date on which the Grantee ceases to be employed by, or provide service to, the Employer shall terminate as of such date. In the event that an Incentive Stock Option is exercised more than 90 days after Retirement, the Option shall lose its status as an Incentive Stock Option and shall be treated as a Nonqualified Stock Option.
(iv) If the Grantee dies while employed by, or providing service to, the Employer or within 90 days after the date on which the Grantee ceases to be employed or provide service on account of a termination specified in Section 5(f)(i) above (or within such other period of time as may be specified by the Board), any Option that is otherwise exercisable by the Grantee shall terminate unless exercised within one year after the date on which the Grantee ceases to be employed by, or provide service to, the Employer (or within such other period of time as may be specified by the Board), but in any event no later than the date of expiration of the Option term. Except as otherwise provided by the Board, any of the Grantee’s Options that are not otherwise exercisable as of the date on which the Grantee ceases to be employed by, or provide service to, the Employer shall terminate as of such date.
(v) For purposes of this Section 5(f) and Section 6:
(A) The term “Employer” shall include the Company and its parent and subsidiary corporations, as determined by the Board.
(B) “Employed by, or provide service to, the Employer” shall mean employment or service as an Employee, Key Advisor or member of the Board (so that, for purposes of exercising Options and satisfying conditions with respect to other Grants, a Grantee shall not be considered to have terminated employment or service until the Grantee ceases to be an Employee, Key Advisor or member of the Board), unless the Board determines otherwise.
(C) “Disability” shall mean a Grantee’s becoming disabled within the meaning of section 22(e)(3) of the Code, within the meaning of the Employer’s long-term disability plan applicable to the Grantee, or as otherwise determined by the Board.
(D) “Cause” shall mean, except to the extent specified otherwise by the Board, a finding by the Board that the Grantee (i) has breached his or her employment or service contract with the Employer in any material respect, (ii) has engaged in disloyalty to the Company, including, without limitation, fraud, embezzlement, theft, commission of a felony or proven dishonesty, (iii) has disclosed trade secrets or confidential information of the Employer to persons not entitled to receive such information, (iv) has breached any written noncompetition or nonsolicitation agreement between the Grantee and the Employer or (v) has engaged in such other behavior detrimental to the interests of the Employer as the Board determines.
(E) “Retirement” shall mean a termination of employment by reason of an Employee’s retirement at or after the Employee’s earliest permissible retirement date pursuant to and in accordance with a regular retirement plan or the personnel practices of the Employer.
(g) Exercise of Options. A Grantee may exercise an Option that has become exercisable, in whole or in part, by delivering a notice of exercise to the Company. The Grantee shall pay the Exercise Price for an Option as specified by the Board (w) in cash, (x) with the approval of the Board, by delivering shares of Company Stock owned by the Grantee (including Company Stock acquired in connection with the exercise of an Option, subject to such restrictions as the Board deems appropriate) and having a Fair Market Value on the date of exercise equal to the Exercise Price or by attestation (on a form prescribed by the Board) to ownership of shares of Company Stock having a Fair Market Value on the date of exercise equal to the Exercise Price, (y) payment through a broker in accordance with procedures permitted by applicable regulations of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, or (z) by such other method as the Board may approve. Shares of Company Stock used to exercise an Option shall have been held by the Grantee for the requisite period of time to avoid adverse accounting consequences to the Company with respect to the Option. The Grantee shall pay the Exercise Price and the amount of any withholding tax due (pursuant to Section 10) at the time of exercise.
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(h) Limits on Incentive Stock Options. Each Incentive Stock Option shall provide that, if the aggregate Fair Market Value of the stock on the date of the grant with respect to which Incentive Stock Options are exercisable for the first time by a Grantee during any calendar year, under this Plan or any other stock option plan of the Company or a parent or subsidiary, exceeds $100,000, then the Option, as to the excess, shall be treated as a Nonqualified Stock Option. An Incentive Stock Option shall not be granted to any person who is not an Employee of the Company or a parent or subsidiary (within the meaning of section 424(f) of the Code) of the Company.
(i) Limitation on Repricing. If the Company Stock is listed on an Exchange, unless such action is approved by the Company’s stockholders, the Company may not (except as provided for under Section 3(d)): (A) amend any outstanding Option granted under this Plan to provide an exercise price per share that is lower than the then-current exercise price per share of such outstanding Option, (B) cancel any outstanding Option (whether or not granted under the Plan) and grant in substitution therefor new Grants under this Plan (other than adjustments made pursuant to Section 3(d)) covering the same or a different number of shares of Company Stock and having an exercise price per share lower than the then-current exercise price per share of the cancelled option, (C) cancel in exchange for a cash payment any outstanding Option with an exercise price per share above the then-current Fair Market Value, other than pursuant to Section 3(d), or (D) take any other action under this Plan that constitutes a “repricing” within the meaning of the rules of the Exchange.
6. Stock Awards. The Board may issue shares of Company Stock to an Employee, Non-Employee Director or Key Advisor under a Stock Award, upon such terms as the Board deems appropriate. The following provisions are applicable to Stock Awards:
(a) General Requirements. Shares of Company Stock issued or transferred pursuant to Stock Awards may be issued or transferred for cash consideration or for no cash consideration, and subject to restrictions or no restrictions, as determined by the Board. The Board may, but shall not be required to, establish conditions under which restrictions on Stock Awards shall lapse over a period of time or according to such other criteria as the Board deems appropriate, including without limitation restrictions based on the achievement of specific performance goals. The period of time during which the Stock Award will remain subject to restrictions will be designated in the Grant Instrument as the “Restriction Period.”
(b) Number of Shares. The Board shall determine the number of shares of Company Stock to be issued or transferred pursuant to a Stock Award and the restrictions applicable to such shares.
(c) Requirement of Employment or Service. Unless the Board determines otherwise, if the Grantee ceases to be employed by, or provide service to, the Employer (as defined in Section 5(f)(v)(A)) during a period designated in the Grant Instrument as the Restriction Period, or if other specified conditions are not met, the Stock Award shall terminate as to all shares covered by the Grant as to which the restrictions have not lapsed, and those shares of Company Stock must be immediately returned to the Company. The Board may, however, provide for complete or partial exceptions to this requirement as it deems appropriate.
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(d) Restrictions on Transfer and Legend on Stock Certificate. During the Restriction Period, a Grantee may not sell, assign, transfer, pledge or otherwise dispose of the shares of the Stock Award except to a successor under Section 11(a). Each certificate representing a Stock Award shall contain a legend giving appropriate notice of the restrictions in the Grant. The Grantee shall be entitled to have the legend removed from the stock certificate covering the shares subject to restrictions when all restrictions on such shares have lapsed. The Board may determine that the Company will not issue a certificate for a Stock Award until all restrictions on such shares have lapsed, or that the Company will retain possession of certificates for Stock Awards until all restrictions on such shares have lapsed.
(e) Right to Vote and to Receive Dividends. Unless the Board determines otherwise, during the Restriction Period, the Grantee shall have the right to vote shares subject to Stock Awards and to receive any dividends or other distributions paid on such shares, subject to any restrictions deemed appropriate by the Board, including without limitation the achievement of specific performance goals.
(f) Lapse of Restrictions. All restrictions imposed on Stock Awards shall lapse upon the expiration of the applicable Restriction Period and the satisfaction of all conditions imposed by the Board. The Board may determine, as to any or all Stock Awards, that the restrictions shall lapse without regard to any Restriction Period.
7. Stock Units. The Board may grant Stock Units representing one or more shares of Company Stock to an Employee, Non-Employee Director or Key Advisor, upon such terms and conditions as the Board deems appropriate, provided, however, that all such grants shall comply with section 409A of the Code. The following provisions are applicable to Stock Units:
(a) Crediting of Units. Each Stock Unit shall represent the right of the Grantee to receive an amount based on the value of a share of Company Stock, if specified conditions are met. All Stock Units shall be credited to bookkeeping accounts established on the Company’s records for purposes of this Plan.
(b) Terms of Stock Units. The Board may grant Stock Units that are payable if specified performance goals or other conditions are met, or under other circumstances. Stock Units may be paid at the end of a specified performance period or other period, or payment may be deferred to a date authorized by the Board. The Board shall determine the number of Stock Units to be granted and the requirements applicable to such Stock Units.
(c) Requirement of Employment or Service. Unless the Board determines otherwise, if the Grantee ceases to be employed by, or provide service to, the Employer during a specified period, or if other conditions established by the Board are not met, the Grantee’s Stock Units shall be forfeited. The Board may, however, provide for complete or partial exceptions to this requirement as it deems appropriate.
(d) Payment with Respect to Stock Units. Payments with respect to Stock Units may be made in cash, in Company Stock, or in a combination of the two, as determined by the Board.
8. Stock Appreciation Rights. The Board may grant SARs to an Employee, Non-Employee Director or Key Advisor separately or in tandem with any Option. The following provisions are applicable to SARs:
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(a) Base Amount. The Board shall establish the base amount of the SAR at the time the SAR is granted. The base amount of each SAR shall not be less than the Fair Market Value of a share of Company Stock on the date of Grant of the SAR.
(b) Tandem SARs. In the case of tandem SARs, the number of SARs granted to a Grantee that shall be exercisable during a specified period shall not exceed the number of shares of Company Stock that the Grantee may purchase upon the exercise of the related Option during such period. Upon the exercise of an Option, the SARs relating to the Company Stock covered by such Option shall terminate. Upon the exercise of SARs, the related Option shall terminate to the extent of an equal number of shares of Company Stock.
(c) Exercisability. An SAR shall be exercisable during the period specified by the Board in the Grant Instrument and shall be subject to such vesting and other restrictions as may be specified in the Grant Instrument. The Board may accelerate the exercisability of any or all outstanding SARs at any time for any reason. SARs may only be exercised while the Grantee is employed by, or providing service to, the Employer or during the applicable period after termination of employment or service as described in Section 5(f) above. A tandem SAR shall be exercisable only during the period when the Option to which it is related is also exercisable.
(d) Grants to Non-Exempt Employees. Notwithstanding the foregoing, SARs granted to persons who are non-exempt employees under the FLSA may not be exercisable for at least six months after the date of grant (except that such SARs may become exercisable, as determined by the Board, upon the Grantee’s death, Disability or retirement, or upon a Change of Control or other circumstances permitted by applicable regulations).
(e) Value of SARs. When a Grantee exercises SARs, the Grantee shall receive in settlement of such SARs an amount equal to the value of the stock appreciation for the number of SARs exercised. The stock appreciation for an SAR is the amount by which the Fair Market Value of the underlying Company Stock on the date of exercise of the SAR exceeds the base amount of the SAR as described in Section 8(a).
(f) Form of Payment. The appreciation in an SAR shall be paid in shares of Company Stock, cash or any combination of the foregoing, as the Board shall determine. For purposes of calculating the number of shares of Company Stock to be received, shares of Company Stock shall be valued at their Fair Market Value on the date of exercise of the SAR.
9. Other Equity Awards. The Board may grant Other Equity Awards, which are awards (other than those described in Sections 5, 6, 7 and 8 of this Plan) that are based on, measured by or payable in Company Stock, including, without limitation, stock appreciation rights, to any Employee, Non-Employee Director or Key Advisor, on such terms and conditions as the Board shall determine. Other Equity Awards may be awarded subject to the achievement of performance goals or other conditions and may be payable in cash, Company Stock or any combination of the foregoing, as the Board shall determine.
10. Withholding of Taxes.
(a) Required Withholding. All Grants under this Plan shall be subject to applicable federal (including FICA), state and local tax withholding requirements. The Employer may require that the Grantee or other person receiving or exercising Grants pay to the Employer the amount of any federal, state or local taxes that the Employer is required to withhold with respect to such Grants, or the Employer may deduct from other wages paid by the Employer the amount of any withholding taxes due with respect to such Grants.
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(b) Election to Withhold Shares. If the Board so permits, a Grantee may elect to satisfy the Employer’s tax withholding obligation with respect to Grants paid in Company Stock by having shares withheld up to an amount that does not exceed the Grantee’s minimum applicable withholding tax rate for federal (including FICA), state and local tax liabilities. The election must be in a form and manner prescribed by the Board and may be subject to the prior approval of the Board.
11. Transferability of Grants.
(a) Nontransferability of Grants. Except as provided below, only the Grantee may exercise rights under a Grant during the Grantee’s lifetime. A Grantee may not transfer those rights except (i) by will or by the laws of descent and distribution or (ii) with respect to Grants other than Incentive Stock Options, if permitted in any specific case by the Board, pursuant to a domestic relations order or otherwise as permitted by the Board. When a Grantee dies, the personal representative or other person entitled to succeed to the rights of the Grantee may exercise such rights. Any such successor must furnish proof satisfactory to the Company of his or her right to receive the Grant under the Grantee’s will or under the applicable laws of descent and distribution.
(b) Transfer of Nonqualified Stock Options. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Board may provide, in a Grant Instrument, that a Grantee may transfer Nonqualified Stock Options to family members, or one or more trusts or other entities for the benefit of or owned by family members, consistent with applicable securities laws, according to such terms as the Board may determine; provided that the Grantee receives no consideration for the transfer of an Option and the transferred Option shall continue to be subject to the same terms and conditions as were applicable to the Option immediately before the transfer.
12. Change of Control of the Company.
(a) Change of Control. As used herein, a “Change of Control” shall be deemed to have occurred if:
(i) Any “person,” as such term is used in sections 13(d) and 14(d) of the Exchange Act becomes a “beneficial owner” (as defined in Rule 13d-3 under the Exchange Act), directly or indirectly, of securities of the Company representing more than 50% of the voting power of the then outstanding securities of the Company; provided that a Change of Control shall not be deemed to occur as a result of (A) a transaction in which the Company becomes a subsidiary of another corporation and in which the stockholders of the Company, immediately prior to the transaction, will beneficially own, immediately after the transaction, shares entitling such stockholders to more than 50% of all votes to which all stockholders of the parent corporation would be entitled in the election of directors, or (B) the acquisition of securities of the Company by an investor of the Company in a capital-raising transaction; or
(ii) The consummation of (A) a merger or consolidation of the Company with another corporation where the stockholders of the Company, immediately prior to the merger or consolidation, will not beneficially own, immediately after the merger or consolidation, shares entitling such stockholders to more than 50% of all votes to which all stockholders of the surviving corporation would be entitled in the election of directors, (B) a sale or other disposition of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company, or (C) a liquidation or dissolution of the Company.
(b) Other Definition. The Board may modify the definition of Change of Control for a particular Grant as the Board deems appropriate to comply with section 409A of the Code or otherwise.
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13. Consequences of a Change of Control.
(a) Acceleration. In the event of a Change of Control, the Board may determine whether and to what extent (i) outstanding Options and SARs shall accelerate and become exercisable, and (ii) outstanding Stock Awards, Stock Units and Other Equity Awards shall vest and shall be payable. The Board may condition any such acceleration on such terms as the Board determines.
(b) Other Alternatives. In the event of a Change of Control, the Board may take any of the following actions with respect to any or all outstanding Grants: the Board may (i) determine that all outstanding Options and SARs that are not exercised shall be assumed by, or replaced with comparable options by the surviving corporation (or a parent or subsidiary of the surviving corporation), and other outstanding Grants that remain in effect after the Change of Control shall be converted to similar grants of the surviving corporation (or a parent or subsidiary of the surviving corporation), (ii) require that Grantees surrender their outstanding Options and SARs in exchange for one or more payments, in cash or Company Stock as determined by the Board, in an amount, if any, equal to the amount by which the then Fair Market Value of the shares of Company Stock subject to the Grantee’s unexercised Options and SARs exceeds the Exercise Price or base amount of the Options and SARs, on such terms as the Board determines, or (iii) after giving Grantees an opportunity to exercise their outstanding Options and SARs, terminate any or all unexercised Options and SARs at such time as the Board deems appropriate. Such assumption, surrender or termination shall take place as of the date of the Change of Control or such other date as the Board may specify.
14. Limitations on Issuance or Transfer of Shares.
(a) Stockholders Agreement/Voting Agreement. The Board may require that a Grantee execute a stockholders agreement and/or a voting agreement, in each case, with such terms as the Board deems appropriate, with respect to any Company Stock issued or transferred pursuant to this Plan. If such stockholders agreement or voting agreement contains any lock-up or market standoff provisions that differ from the provisions of Section 14(c) of this Plan, for as long as the provisions of such agreement are in effect, the provisions of Section 14(c) shall not apply to such Company Stock, unless the Board determines otherwise.
(b) Limitations on Issuance or Transfer of Shares. No Company Stock shall be issued or transferred in connection with any Grant hereunder unless and until all legal requirements applicable to the issuance or transfer of such Company Stock have been complied with to the satisfaction of the Board. The Board shall have the right to condition any Grant made to any Grantee hereunder on such Grantee’s undertaking in writing to comply with such restrictions on his or her subsequent disposition of such shares of Company Stock as the Board shall deem necessary or advisable, and certificates representing such shares may be legended to reflect any such restrictions. Certificates representing shares of Company Stock issued or transferred under this Plan will be subject to such stop-transfer orders and other restrictions as may be required by applicable laws, regulations and interpretations, including any requirement that a legend be placed thereon.
(c) Lock-Up Period. If so requested by the Company or any representative of the underwriters (the “Managing Underwriter”) in connection with any underwritten offering of securities of the Company under the Securities Act, and subject to Section 14(a) of this Plan, a Grantee (including any successor or assigns) shall not sell or otherwise transfer any shares or other securities of the Company during the 30-day period preceding and the 180-day period following the effective date of a registration statement of the Company filed under the Securities Act for such underwriting (or such shorter period as may be requested by the Managing Underwriter and agreed to by the Company) (the “Market Standoff Period”). If so requested by the Company or the Managing Underwriter, the Grantee shall enter into a separate written agreement to such effect in form and substance requested by the Company or the Managing Underwriter. The Company may impose stop-transfer instructions with respect to securities subject to the foregoing restrictions until the end of such Market Standoff Period.
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15. Amendment and Termination.
(a) Amendment of This Plan. The Board may amend, suspend or terminate this Plan or any portion thereof at any time provided that (i) to the extent required by section 162(m) of the Code, no Grant that is intended to comply with section 162(m) after the date of such amendment shall become exercisable, realizable or vested, as applicable to such Grant, unless and until the Company’s stockholders approve such amendment in the manner required by section 162(m); and (ii) if shares of the Company’s capital stock are listed on the Exchange, no amendment that would require stockholder approval under the rules of the Exchange may be made effective unless and until the Company’s stockholders approve such amendment. In addition, if at any time the approval of the Company’s stockholders is required as to any other modification or amendment under section 422 of the Code or any successor provision with respect to Incentive Stock Options, the Board may not effect such modification or amendment without such approval. Unless otherwise specified in the amendment, any amendment to this Plan adopted in accordance with this Section 15(a) shall apply to, and be binding on the holders of, all Grants outstanding under this Plan at the time the amendment is adopted, provided the Board determines that such amendment, taking into account any related action, does not materially and adversely affect the rights of Grantees under this Plan. No Grant shall be made that is conditioned upon stockholder approval of any amendment to this Plan unless the Grant provides that (i) it will terminate or be forfeited if stockholder approval of such amendment is not obtained within no more than 12 months from the date of grant and (ii) it may not be exercised or settled (or otherwise result in the issuance of Company Stock) prior to such stockholder approval.
(b) Termination of This Plan. This Plan shall terminate on the day immediately preceding the tenth anniversary of its effective date, unless this Plan is terminated earlier by the Board or is extended by the Board with the approval of the stockholders.
(c) Termination and Amendment of Outstanding Grants. The Board may amend, modify or terminate any outstanding Grant, including but not limited to substituting therefor another Grant of the same or a different type, changing the date of exercise or realization, and/or converting an Incentive Stock Option into a Nonqualified Stock Option. A termination or amendment of this Plan that occurs after a Grant is made shall not materially impair the rights of a Grantee unless the Grantee consents or unless the Board acts under Section 21(b). The termination of this Plan shall not impair the power and authority of the Board with respect to an outstanding Grant. The Board may at any time provide that any Grant shall become immediately exercisable in whole or in part, free of some or all restrictions or conditions, or otherwise realizable in whole or in part, as the case may be.
(d) Governing Document. This Plan shall be the controlling document. No other statements, representations, explanatory materials or examples, oral or written, may amend this Plan in any manner. This Plan shall be binding upon and enforceable against the Company and its successors and assigns.
16. Funding of This Plan. This Plan shall be unfunded. The Company shall not be required to establish any special or separate fund or to make any other segregation of assets to assure the payment of any Grants under this Plan.
17. Rights of Participants. Nothing in this Plan shall entitle any Employee, Key Advisor, Non-Employee Director or other person to any claim or right to be granted a Grant under this Plan. Neither this Plan nor any action taken hereunder shall be construed as giving any individual any rights to be retained by or in the employ of the Employer or any other employment rights.
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18. No Fractional Shares. No fractional shares of Company Stock shall be issued or delivered pursuant to this Plan or any Grant. The Board shall determine whether cash, other awards or other property shall be issued or paid in lieu of such fractional shares or whether such fractional shares or any rights thereto shall be forfeited or otherwise eliminated.
19. Headings. Section headings are for reference only. In the event of a conflict between a title and the content of a Section, the content of the Section shall control.
20. Effective Date of This Plan. This Plan shall be effective on the date on which this Plan is approved by the Company’s stockholders.
21. Miscellaneous.
(a) Grants in Connection with Corporate Transactions and Otherwise. Nothing contained in this Plan shall be construed to (i) limit the right of the Board to make Grants under this Plan in connection with the acquisition, by purchase, lease, merger, consolidation or otherwise, of the business or assets of any corporation, firm or association, including Grants to employees thereof who become Employees, or for other proper corporate purposes, or (ii) limit the right of the Company to grant stock options or make other awards outside of this Plan. Without limiting the foregoing, the Board may make a Grant to an employee, director or advisor of another corporation who becomes an Employee, Non-Employee Director or Key Advisor by reason of a corporate merger, consolidation, acquisition of stock or property, reorganization or liquidation involving the Company, the Parent or any of their subsidiaries in substitution for a stock option or stock award grant made by such corporation. The terms and conditions of the substitute grants may vary from the terms and conditions required by this Plan and from those of the substituted stock incentives. The Board shall prescribe the provisions of the substitute grants.
(b) Compliance with Law. This Plan, the exercise of Options and the obligations of the Company to issue shares of Company Stock under Grants shall be subject to all applicable laws and to approvals by any governmental or regulatory agency as may be required. With respect to persons subject to section 16 of the Exchange Act, it is the intent of the Company that this Plan and all transactions under this Plan comply with all applicable provisions of Rule 16b-3 or its successors under the Exchange Act and section 162(m) of the Code. It is the intent of the Company that this Plan and applicable Grants under this Plan comply with the applicable provisions of section 422 of the Code and that, to the extent applicable, Grants made under this Plan comply with the requirements of section 409A of the Code and the regulations thereunder. To the extent that any legal requirement set forth in this Plan ceases to be required under applicable law, the Board may determine that such Plan provision shall cease to apply. The Board may revoke any Grant if it is contrary to law or modify a Grant or this Plan to bring the Grant or this Plan into compliance with any applicable law or regulation.
(c) Employees Subject to Taxation Outside the United States. With respect to Grantees who are subject to taxation in countries other than the United States, the Board may make Grants on such terms and conditions as the Board deems appropriate to comply with the laws of the applicable countries, and the Board may create such procedures, addenda and subplans and make such modifications as may be necessary or advisable to comply with such laws.
(d) Governing Law. The validity, construction, interpretation and effect of this Plan and Grant Instruments issued under this Plan shall be governed and construed by and determined in accordance with the laws of the State of Delaware, without giving effect to the conflict of laws provisions thereof.
12
Exhibit 10.7
UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA KNOW-HOW LICENSE AGREEMENT
This Agreement dated June 1, 2012 ("Effective Date") is made by and between The Board of Trustees of The University of Alabama for and on behalf of its component institution The University of Alabama ("UA") and Innovative Med Concepts, LLC ("Company").
| 1 | - DEFINITIONS |
| 1.1 | "Affiliate" means any business, corporation, or other legal entity organized in any country that controls, is controlled by, or is under common control with Company. Control means the direct or indirect ownership of at least 50% of the voting securities having the right to elect directors. |
| 1.2 | "Company's Inventions" means all inventions covered by provisional and final patents owned by the Company, including without limitation all inventions covered by the Company's provisional patent filing no. 16210- 000004/US/PS1 relating to pharmaceutical compositions useful for treating chronic pain, fibromyalgia, and other functional somatic syndromes in a subject, together with all supplemental, final, and amended patents covered by such provisional patent filing. |
| 1.3 | "Company Products" means products made, used, or sold by Company that incorporate or make use of the Technical Information. |
| 1.4 | "Confidential Information" means - |
| a. | the Technical Information to the extent required to be kept confidential by this Agreement; and |
| b. | the terms of this Agreement. |
| 1.5 | "Field" means knowledge pertaining to herpesvirus biology including herpesvirus replication mechanisms, modes of action of anti-herpesvirus medications, sensitivity and accuracy of herpesvirus diagnostic tests. |
| 1.6 | "Improvements" means any and all inventions and/or discoveries, whether patentable or not, that are necessary to allow the Company to make, have made, use, sell, have sold, and import a Licensed Invention or that constitute enhancements, improvements, or modifications of a Licensed Invention and any other inventions, whether patentable or not, invented by or on behalf of UA relating to any Licensed Invention or a Company's Invention. |
| 1.7 | "License" means the licenses with respect to the Technical Information granted Company by this Agreement. |
| 1.8 | "License Rights" means Company's rights or interest under the License. |
| 1.9 | "Research" means identification and quantification of herpesviruses present in diseased GI tissue biopsies from patients with fibromyalgia and chronic GI disorders, as further described in Appendix A, "Statement of Research." |
| 1.10 | "SRA" means that certain Sponsored Research Agreement between UA and Company related to the Research. |
| 1.11 | "Technical Information" means the know-how, technical information, and data related to the Field developed by UA under the direction of Dr. Carol Duffy before the Effective Date of this Agreement and does not include the Company's Inventions. |
| 1.12 | "Territory" means worldwide. |
| 2 | - NON-EXCLUSIVE LICENSE GRANT |
| 2.1 | Except as provided by Section 4 and subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, UA hereby grants to Company and its Affiliates, and Company and its Affiliates hereby accept from UA, the non-exclusive, worldwide, royalty-free right and license to copy, present, display, translate, use, and otherwise commercially exploit the Technical Information and to make derivative works thereof, including, but not limited to, the right and license to make, have made, use, and sell Company Products and to sublicense any and all such rights as further discussed below. |
| 2.2 | This License is expressly made subject to UA's reservation, on behalf of itself and all other non-profit academic and research institutions, of the right to use the Technical Information solely for educational, research, clinical, or other non-commercial purposes, provided all UA's confidentiality obligations under this Agreement and the SRA are complied with. |
| 2.3 | Company is solely responsible for the payment and discharge of any taxes, duties, or other fees relating to any transaction of Company, its employees, contractors, agents, in connection with the manufacture, use, or sale in any country of Company's Products. |
| 2.4 | All rights not specifically granted herein are reserved to UA. |
| 3 | - SUBLICENSES |
| 3.1 | The License granted above includes the right to grant sublicenses, which may be further sublicensed as part of research, development, or commercialization arrangements with or on behalf of the Company, its Affiliates, or sublicensees in furtherance of this Agreement. |
| 2 |
| 3.2 | Any sublicense granted by the Company shall include terms that are no less favorable to UA than this Agreement and shall not conflict with this Agreement. |
| 3.3 | The Company will remain responsible for the performance of all sublicensees under any such sublicense as if such performance were carried out by the Company itself. |
| 3.4 | Any sublicense may provide that any sublicensee may further sublicense the License consistent with the terms of this Agreement; |
| 3.5 | The Company and sublicensees shall not pay any royalties or other financial consideration to UA on License or sublicense income except as provided in Section 4 -. |
| 4 | - FINANCIAL CONSIDERATION |
| In consideration for the license granted in this Agreement, Company will issue a nonvoting membership interest in Company to UA equal to 10% of all outstanding units of Company, after issuance of UA units, as of the Effective Date of this Agreement. As a condition to the Company's issuance of a non-voting membership interest to UA, UA must execute the Company's Operating Agreement and Subscription Agreement. The transfer of the membership interest in the Company to UA shall be completed within 45 days. |
| 5 | - CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION |
| 5.1 | UA and Company shall - |
| a. | protect any and all Confidential Information of the other party from disclosure to third parties and |
| b. | use Confidential Information of the other party solely for the purpose of performing under this Agreement and the SRA. |
No such disclosure shall be made by a party without the written permission of the other party; provided, however, that Company may disclose this Agreement and its terms (including providing a copy hereof, redacted as appropriate) in its financing documents, to its investors and potential investors, to lenders and potential lenders, to any bona fide potential sublicensee, to any successor or potential successor to Company's interest under this Agreement, to its consultants, counsel, and accountants, to bona fide potential collaborators in connection with development or commercialization of the License, or to any legal, governmental, or regulatory authority for the purposes of developing and/or commercializing the License. In all such cases, Company shall take commercially reasonable steps to protect Confidential Information of the UA consistent with steps Company takes to protect its own confidential information, including commercially reasonable safeguards to protect against loss of patent rights for UA inventions disclosed to Company.
| 3 |
| 5.2 | All written documents containing Confidential Information under this Agreement shall remain the property of the disclosing party. Upon request of the disclosing party, the other party shall return such documents to the disclosing party without retaining a copy of any kind or else provide evidence of their destruction. |
| 5.3 | Confidential Information shall not include - |
| a. | information which at the time of disclosure had been previously published or was otherwise in the public domain through no fault of recipient; |
| b. | information which becomes public knowledge after disclosure unless such knowledge results from a breach of this Agreement; |
| c. | information which was already in recipient's possession prior to the time of disclosure as evidenced by written records kept in the ordinary course of business or by proof of actual use thereof; |
| d. | information that is independently developed without use of the Confidential Information; and |
| e. | information which is required to be disclosed by law, court order, or government regulation. |
| 5.4 | In the event that information is required to be disclosed pursuant to subsection 5.03e, the party required to make disclosure shall promptly notify the other in writing to allow that party to assert whatever exclusions or exemptions may be available to it under such law or regulation. |
| 6 | - TERMINATION |
| 6.1 | This Agreement becomes effective upon the Effective Date and, unless sooner terminated in accordance with any of the provisions herein, remains in full force and effect for a period of 25 years. |
| 6.2 | Company may at any time terminate this Agreement by giving UA written notice at least 90 days before such termination, and thereupon terminate the manufacture, use, or sale of Company's Products insofar as they use the Technical Information in any manner. Any termination of the Agreement shall not affect UA's membership interest in Company. |
| 6.3 | If Company fails to fulfill any of its obligations under this Agreement, UA may terminate this Agreement by providing written notice to Company, as provided below. Such notice shall contain a description of the grounds constituting a breach of the Agreement. Company will have the opportunity to cure that breach within 120 days of receipt of notice. If the breach is not cured within that time, the termination will be effective as of the 120th day after receipt of notice. |
| 4 |
| 7 | - INDEMNITY, INSURANCE, NO REPRESENTATIONS, LIMITATION OF LIABILITY |
| 7.1 | Company shall indemnify, defend, and hold UA, its trustees, officers, employees, and affiliates harmless against all claims, liabilities, and expenses, including legal expenses and reasonable attorneys' fees, arising from Company's utilization of the License Rights in the production, manufacture, sale, use, lease, consumption, or advertisement of the Company's Products, including without limitation the death of or injury to any person or persons or any damage to property. |
| 7.2 | UA MAKES NO REPRESENTATIONS AND EXTENDS NO WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EITHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. FURTHER, UA MAKES NO REPRESENTATIONS AND EXTENDS NO WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EITHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, THAT THE USE OF ANY RIGHTS GRANTED HEREUNDER WILL NOT INFRINGE ANY PATENT OR OTHER PROPRIETARY RIGHT OF A THIRD PARTY. |
| 7.3 | In no event shall UA, or its trustees, officers, faculty members, students, employees, and agents have any liability to Company or any third party arising out of the use, operation, or application of the Technical Information, Company Products, or anything discovered, developed, manufactured, used, sold, offered for sale, imported, exported, distributed, rented, leased or otherwise disposed of under any License Rights by Company or any third party for any reason, including, but not limited to, the unmerchantability, inadequacy, or unsuitability of the License Rights, including fitness for any particular purpose or to produce any particular result, or for any patent or latent defects therein. |
| 7.4 | In no event will UA, or its trustees, officers, faculty members, students, employees and agents be liable to Company or any third party for any consequential, incidental, special, or indirect damages (including, but not limited to, from any destruction to property or from any loss of use, revenue, profit, time, or good will) based on activity arising out of or related to this Agreement, whether pursuant to a claim of breach of contract or any other claim of any type. |
| 5 |
| 7.5 | The parties hereto acknowledge that the limitations and exclusions of liability and disclaimers of warranty set forth in this Agreement form an essential basis of the bargain between the parties. |
| 8 | - PUBLICITY |
| Either party may reference the other in a press release or any other oral or written statement in connection with the Agreement or its results intended for use in the public media, as mutually agreed to by the parties. University, however, may acknowledge Sponsor's support of the Research in internal reports to University officials, and in scientific or academic publications or communications without Sponsor's prior approval. In any permitted statements, the parties shall describe the scope and nature of their participation accurately and appropriately. |
| 9 | - NON-ASSIGNABILITY |
| This Agreement may not be assigned by either party without the prior written consent of the other party; provided, however, that Company may assign this Agreement to any purchaser or transferee of all or substantially all of the Company's assets of the line of business to which this Agreement relates upon prior written notice to University. |
| 10 | - NOTICES |
| Any notice required or permitted to be given under this Agreement shall be sufficient if in writing and shall be considered given (i) when mailed by certified mail (return receipt requested), postage prepaid, or (ii) on the date of actual delivery by hand or overnight delivery, with receipt acknowledged, |
| if to UA, to: | Office for Technology Transfer The University of Alabama 201 AIME Building Box 870207 Tuscaloosa, Alabama 35487-0207 | |
| if to Company, to: | William L. Pridgen, M.D. Innovative Med Concepts, LLC 1837 Commons North Drive Tuscaloosa, AL 35406 | |
| copy (which shall not constitute notice) to: | ||
| Jay F. Guin Tanner & Guin, LLC Counselors at Law Capitol Park Center | ||
| 6 |
2711 University Blvd.
Tuscaloosa, AL 35401
or to such other address as a party may specify by notice hereunder.
| 11 | - MISCELLANEOUS |
| 11.1 | Waiver and Election of Remedies. The failure of any party to insist upon strict adherence to any term of this Agreement on any occasion shall not be considered a waiver or deprive that party thereafter of the right to insist upon strict adherence to that term or any other term of this Agreement. All waivers must be in writing and signed by an authorized representative of the party against which such waiver is being sought. The pursuit by either party of any remedy to which it is entitled at any time or continuation of the Agreement despite a breach by the other shall not be deemed an election of remedies or waiver of the right to pursue any other remedies to which it may be entitled. |
| 11.2 | Binding on Successors. This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the parties and their respective successors and assigns to the extent assignment is permitted under this Agreement. |
| 11.3 | Relationship. It is the express intention of the parties that they shall not be agents, partners, or joint venturers. Nothing in this Agreement is intended or shall be construed to permit or authorize either party to incur, or represent that it has the power to incur, any obligation or liability on behalf of the other party. |
| 11.4 | Entire Agreement; Amendment. This Agreement, together with the Appendices, sets forth the entire agreement between the parties concerning the subject matter hereof and supersedes all previous agreements, written or oral, concerning such subject matter. This Agreement may be amended only by written agreement duly executed by the parties. |
| 11.5 | Severability:. In the event that any provision of this Agreement is held by a court of competent jurisdiction to be unenforceable because it is invalid, illegal or unenforceable, the validity of the remaining provisions shall not be affected, and the rights and obligations of the parties shall be construed and enforced as if the Agreement did not contain the particular provisions held to be unenforceable, unless such construction would materially alter the meaning of this Agreement. |
| 11.6 | No Third-Party Beneficiaries. Except as expressly set forth herein, the parties hereto agree that there are no third-party beneficiaries of any kind to this Agreement. |
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| 11.7 | Governing Law. The validity and interpretation of this Agreement, and legal relations of the parties to it, shall be governed by the laws of the State of Alabama. |
| 11.8 | Execution in Counterparts; Facsimile or Electronic Transmission. This Agreement may be executed in counterparts, and by facsimile or electronic transmission. |
| 8 |
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, UA and Company have caused this Agreement to be executed by their duly authorized representatives as of the day and year first written above.
THE
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
OF THE UNIVERSITY OF
ALABAMA FOR
AND
ON BEHALF OF THE UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA
Authorized Signature
| By: | /s/ Donald J. Benson | |
| Donald J. Benson, Ph.D. | ||
| Vice President for Research |
Date: 12/5/12
Reviewed and Approved as to Form
| By: | /s/ Michael I. Spearing | |
| Michael I. Spearing, UA Office of Counsel |
Date: 12/5/12
INNOVATIVE MED CONCEPTS, LLC
Authorized Signature
| By: | /s/ William Pridgen | |
| William Pridgen, MD, Its Manager |
Date: 12/5/12
| 9 |
APPENDIX A
STATEMENT OF RESEARCH
Identification and quantification of herpesviruses present in diseased GI tissue biopsies from patients with fibromyalgia and chronic GI disorders
The overall goal of the research proposed herein is to identify the herpesvirus associated with chronic GI disorders co-morbid with fibromyalgia as a means to provide objective and quantitative data regarding the role of herpesviruses in fibromyalgia and its associated GI disorders.
Study Purpose, Rationale, and Approach
Purpose: Identify and quantify the herpesvirus present in diseased GI tissue from patients presenting with fibromyalgia.
Rationale: Fibromyalgia is often co-morbid with chronic gastrointestinal disorders. We hypothesize from Dr. Pridgen's success treating this patient population using anti-herpesviral medications that a herpesvirus may be involved in the development and/or progression of these diseases. Definitively identifying the herpesvirus will provide evidence that a herpesvirus is present and may be a causative agent of fibromyalgia and associated GI disorders.
Approach: In collaboration with Dr. Pridgen, tissue samples will be obtained from 30 patients presenting with fibromyalgia and 15 control patients during routine endoscopic workup for GI disorders. These samples will be studied in 2-3 ways. First, using universal herpesvirus primers, herpesvirus DNA will be amplified from these tissue samples. Amplified DNA will be sequenced to determine which herpesvirus(es) are associated with diseased GI tissue in fibromyalgia patients. Second, once the specific herpesvirus(es) involved are determined, primers can be designed for quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). By quantifying relative levels of herpesvirus DNA in the tissue samples from test vs. control subjects, we will show that the virus is present in fibromyalgia patients at levels well above those in a normal population. Third, if tissue sample size permits, electron microscopy (EM) will be performed to look for the presence of herpes virus particles. This technique will not tell us which herpesvirus is present in the tissue sample as all herpesviruses look similar by EM, but will confirm the presence of virus particles in the samples.
Budget
Direct costs $89,926.00 Indirect costs $35,386.00
Total $125,312.00
Study period is one year.
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Exhibit 23.1
CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
We consent to the use in this registration statement on Form S-1 of Virios Therapeutics, LLC (formerly Innovative Med Concepts, LLC) (the "Company") of our report dated July 23, 2020, which includes an explanatory paragraph as to the Company's ability to continue as a going concern, with respect to our audits of the financial statements of the Company as of December 31, 2019 and 2018, and for each of the years in the two-year period ended December 31, 2019, which appears in this registration statement. We also consent to the reference to our firm under the caption “Experts” in this registration statement.
/s/ Dixon Hughes Goodman LLP
Atlanta, Georgia
August 27, 2020