exv10w56



 




EXHIBIT 10.56


CHOLESTECH CORPORATION


SEVERANCE AGREEMENT


     This SEVERANCE AGREEMENT (this “Agreement”) is made as of October 12,
2004, by and between Cholestech Corporation (the “Company”) and John F. Glenn
(the “Executive”).


     WHEREAS, the Executive is employed by the Company as the Company’s Chief
Financial Officer; and


     WHEREAS, the Company wishes to provide, the Executive is willing to
accept, certain benefits and compensation in the event of the termination of
Executive’s employment under the terms and conditions set forth in this
Agreement.


     NOW THEREFORE in consideration of the promises and mutual covenants
contained herein, and other good and valuable consideration, the parties agree
as follows:



     1. At-Will Employment. The Company and the Executive acknowledge that the
Executive’s employment is and shall continue to be at-will, as defined under
applicable law. If the Executive’s employment terminates for any reason, the
Executive shall not be entitled to any payments, benefits, damages, awards or
compensation other than as provided by this Agreement, or as may otherwise be
established under the Company’s then existing employee benefit plans or
policies at the time of termination.



     2. Severance Benefits.



          (a) Option Acceleration. If the Company terminates the Executive’s
employment, for any or no reason, then any unvested and outstanding stock
options granted to the Executive by the Company shall accelerate as to that
number of shares which would have become vested and exercisable had the
Executive remained employed with the Company until the date that is 12 months
after the date of such termination. Such accelerated shares shall continue to
be subject to the terms and conditions of the Company’s stock option plans and
the applicable option agreements between the Executive and the Company. The
Executive agrees and acknowledges that the remaining unvested shares of the
Company subject to his stock options, excluding the accelerated shares
referenced above, shall terminate immediately as of the date of such
termination.



          (b) “Severance Payment. If the Company terminates the Executive’s
employment, for any or no reason, then the Executive shall be entitled to
receive a severance payment in an amount equal to 12 months of the Executive’s
base salary as in effect immediately prior to such termination. Such severance
payment shall be in lieu of any other severance payment to which the Executive
shall be entitled pursuant to any employment agreement, offer letter or the
Company’s then existing severance plans and policies; provided, however, that
the Executive shall be entitled to the severance payment provided for in
Section 4(b)(i) of the Change of Control Severance Agreement between the
Executive and the Company (the “Change of Control Agreement”) in lieu of the
severance payment provided for under this Agreement if the Executive’s
employment with the Company terminates as a result of an Involuntary Termination (as such term
is defined in the Change



 









 







of Control Agreement) at any time within 12 months
after a Change of Control (as such term is defined in the Change of Control
Agreement). Such severance payment shall be payable over a period of 12 months
commencing on the date of such termination in accordance with the Company’s
normal payment practices. In addition, during the 12 month period commencing
on the date of such termination, the Company shall continue to make available
to the Executive and the Executive’s spouse and dependents covered under any
group health plans or life insurance plans of the Company on the date of such
termination of employment, all group health, life and other similar insurance
plans in which the Executive or such covered dependents participate on the date
of the Executive’s termination; provided, however, that (i) the Executive
constitutes a qualified beneficiary, as defined in Section 4980B(g)(1) of the
Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended; and (ii) the Executive elects
continuation coverage pursuant to the Consolidated Omnibus Budget
Reconciliation Act of 1985, as amended (“COBRA”), within the time period
prescribed pursuant to COBRA.”



     3. Mitigation. The Executive shall not be required to mitigate the amount
of any payment contemplated by this Agreement, nor shall any such payment be
reduced by any earnings that the Executive may receive from any other source.
However, the Executive shall not be entitled to receive the health coverage and
benefits contemplated by this Agreement in the event that the Executive
receives similar health coverage and benefits as a result of new employment
during the 12 month period commencing on the date of the Executive’s
termination.



     4. Execution of Release Agreement upon Termination. As a condition of
entering into this Agreement and receiving the benefits under Section 2, the
Executive agrees to execute and not revoke a release of claims agreement
substantially in the form attached hereto as Exhibit A upon the termination of
his employment with the Company.



     5. Non-Disparagement. The Executive agrees to refrain from any
defamation, libel or slander of the Company and its respective officers,
directors, employees, investors, shareholders, administrators, affiliates,
divisions, subsidiaries, predecessor and successor corporations and assigns or
tortious interference with the contracts and relationships of the Company and
its respective officers, directors, employees, investors, shareholders,
administrators, affiliates, divisions, subsidiaries, predecessor and successor
corporations and assigns.



     6. Successors.



          (a) Company’s Successors. Any successor to the Company (whether direct or
indirect and whether by purchase, lease, merger, consolidation, liquidation or
otherwise) to all or substantially all of the Company’s business and/or assets
shall assume the Company’s obligations under this Agreement and agree expressly
to perform the Company’s obligations under this Agreement in the same manner
and to the same extent as the Company would be required to perform such
obligations in the absence of a succession. For all purposes under this
Agreement, the term “Company” shall include any successor to the Company’s
business and/or assets which executes and delivers the assumption agreement
described in this subsection (a) or which becomes bound by the terms of this
Agreement by operation of law.



          (b) Executive’s Successors. Without the written consent of the Company,
the Executive shall not assign or transfer this Agreement or any right or
obligation under this Agreement to any other person or entity. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the terms
of this Agreement and all



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rights of the Executive hereunder shall inure to the
benefit of, and be enforceable by, the Executive’s personal or legal
representatives, executors, administrators, successors, heirs, distributees,
devisees and legatees.



     7. Arbitration.



          (a) Except as provided in Section 7(d) below, any dispute or controversy
arising out of, relating to, or in connection with this Agreement, or the
interpretation, validity, construction, performance, breach, or termination
thereof, shall be settled by binding arbitration to be held in Palo Alto,
California, in accordance with the National Rules for the Resolution of
Employment Disputes then in effect of the American Arbitration Association (the
“Rules”). The arbitrator may grant injunctions or other relief in such dispute
or controversy. The decision of the arbitrator shall be final, conclusive and
binding on the parties to the arbitration. Judgment may be entered on the
arbitrator’s decision in any court having jurisdiction.



          (b) The arbitrator(s) shall apply California law to the merits of any
dispute or claim, without reference to conflicts of law rules. The arbitration
proceedings shall be governed by federal arbitration law and by the Rules,
without reference to state arbitration law. The Executive hereby consents to
the personal jurisdiction of the state and federal courts located in California
for any action or proceeding arising from or relating to this Agreement or
relating to any arbitration in which the parties are participants.



          (c) The Executive understands that nothing in this Section modifies the
Executive’s at-will employment status. Either the Executive or the Company can
terminate the employment relationship at any time, with or without cause.



          (d) THE EXECUTIVE HAS READ AND UNDERSTANDS THIS SECTION, WHICH DISCUSSES
ARBITRATION. THE EXECUTIVE UNDERSTANDS THAT SUBMITTING ANY CLAIMS ARISING OUT
OF, RELATING TO, OR IN CONNECTION WITH THIS AGREEMENT, OR THE INTERPRETATION,
VALIDITY, CONSTRUCTION, PERFORMANCE, BREACH OR TERMINATION THEREOF TO BINDING
ARBITRATION TO THE EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, AND THAT THIS ARBITRATION CLAUSE
CONSTITUTES A WAIVER OF THE EXECUTIVE’S RIGHT TO A JURY TRIAL AND RELATES TO
THE RESOLUTION OF ALL DISPUTES RELATING TO ALL ASPECTS OF THE EMPLOYER/EMPLOYEE
RELATIONSHIP, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO, THE FOLLOWING CLAIMS:



               (i) ANY AND ALL CLAIMS FOR WRONGFUL DISCHARGE OF EMPLOYMENT; BREACH OF
CONTRACT, BOTH EXPRESS AND IMPLIED; BREACH OF THE COVENANT OF GOOD FAITH AND
FAIR DEALING, BOTH EXPRESS AND IMPLIED; NEGLIGENT OR INTENTIONAL INFLICTION OF
EMOTIONAL DISTRESS; NEGLIGENT OR INTENTIONAL MISREPRESENTATION; NEGLIGENT OR
INTENTIONAL INTERFERENCE WITH CONTRACT OR PROSPECTIVE ECONOMIC ADVANTAGE; AND
DEFAMATION.



               (ii) ANY AND ALL CLAIMS FOR VIOLATION OF ANY FEDERAL STATE OR MUNICIPAL
STATUTE, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, TITLE VII OF



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THE CIVIL RIGHTS ACT OF 1964, THE CIVIL RIGHTS ACT OF 1991, THE AGE DISCRIMINATION IN EMPLOYMENT ACT OF
1967, THE AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT OF 1990, THE FAIR LABOR STANDARDS
ACT, THE CALIFORNIA FAIR EMPLOYMENT AND HOUSING ACT, AND LABOR CODE SECTION
201, et seq;



               (iii) ANY AND ALL CLAIMS ARISING OUT OF ANY OTHER LAWS AND REGULATIONS
RELATING TO EMPLOYMENT OR EMPLOYMENT DISCRIMINATION.



     8. Choice of Law. The validity, interpretation, construction and
performance of this Agreement shall be governed by the internal substantive
laws, but not the conflicts of law rules, of the State of California.



     9. Severability. The invalidity or unenforceability of any provision or
provisions of this Agreement shall not affect the validity or enforceability of
any other provision hereof, which shall remain in full force and effect.



     10. Waiver. No provision of this Agreement may be modified, waived or
discharged unless the modification, waiver or discharge is agreed to in writing
and signed by the Executive and by an authorized officer of the Company (other
than the Executive). No waiver by either party of any breach of, or of
compliance with, any condition or provision of this Agreement by the other
party shall be considered a waiver of any other condition or provision or of
the same condition or provision at another time.



     11. Integration. This Agreement represents the entire agreement and
understanding between the parties as to the subject matter herein and supersede
all prior or contemporaneous agreements, whether written or oral, with respect
to this Agreement, including the Executive’s offer letter from the Company
dated August 6, 1999.



     12. Employment Taxes. All payments made pursuant to this Agreement shall
be subject to withholding of applicable income and employment taxes.



     13. Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in counterparts, each of
which shall be deemed an original, but all of which together will constitute
one and the same instrument.



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     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, each of the parties has executed this Agreement, in
the case of the Company by its duly authorized officer, as of the date set
forth above.



	 	 	 	 	 
	COMPANY:	 	CHOLESTECH CORPORATION
	 
	 	 	 	 
	 
	 	 	 	 
	

	 	By:
	 	/s/ Warren E. Pinckert II
	

	 	 	 	
 
	

	 	 	 	Warren E. Pinckert II
	

	 	 	 	President and Chief Executive Officer
	 
	 	 	 	 
	 
	 	 	 	 
	EXECUTIVE:	 	/s/ John F. Glenn
	 	 	
 
	 	 	John F. Glenn







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EXHIBIT A




FORM RELEASE OF CLAIMS AGREEMENT




     This Release of Claims Agreement (this “Agreement”) is made and entered
into by and between Cholestech Corporation (the “Company”) and John F. Glenn
(the “Executive”).



WHEREAS, the Executive was employed by the Company; and



     WHEREAS, the Company (or the Company’s predecessor) and the Executive have
entered into a Severance Agreement effective as of October 12, 2004 (the
“Severance Agreement”).



     NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual promises made herein and
other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are
hereby acknowledged, the Company and the Executive (collectively referred to as
the “Parties”) desiring to be legally bound do hereby agree as follows:



     1. Termination. The Executive’s employment with the Company terminated on
   , 20   .



     2. Consideration. Subject to and in consideration of the Executive’s
release of claims as provided herein, the Company has agreed to pay the
Executive certain benefits and the Executive has agreed to provide certain
benefits to the Company, both as set forth in the Severance Agreement.



     3. Payment of Salary. The Executive acknowledges and represents that the
Company has paid all salary, wages, bonuses, accrued vacation, commissions and
any and all other benefits due to the Executive.



     4. Release of Claims. The Executive agrees that the foregoing
consideration represents settlement in full of all outstanding obligations owed
to the Executive by the Company. The Executive, on his own behalf and his
respective heirs, family members, executors and assigns, hereby fully and
forever releases the Company and its past, present and future officers, agents,
directors, employees, investors, shareholders, administrators, affiliates,
divisions, subsidiaries, parents, predecessor and successor corporations, and
assigns, from, and agrees not to sue or otherwise institute or cause to be
instituted any legal or administrative proceedings concerning any claim, duty,
obligation or cause of action relating to any matters of any kind, whether
presently known or unknown, suspected or unsuspected, that he may possess
arising from any omissions, acts or facts that have occurred up until and
including the Effective Date (as defined below) of this Agreement including,
without limitation:



          (a) any and all claims relating to or arising from the Executive’s
employment relationship with the Company and the termination of that
relationship;



          (b) any and all claims relating to, or arising from, the Executive’s right
to purchase, or actual purchase of shares of stock of the Company, including,
without limitation, any claims for fraud, misrepresentation, breach of
fiduciary duty, breach of duty under applicable state corporate law and
securities fraud under any state or federal law;



 









 





          (c) any and all claims for wrongful discharge of employment, termination
in violation of public policy, discrimination, breach of contract (both express
and implied), breach of a covenant of good faith and fair dealing (both express
and implied), promissory estoppel, negligent or intentional infliction of
emotional distress, negligent or intentional misrepresentation, negligent or
intentional interference with contract or prospective economic advantage,
unfair business practices, defamation, libel, slander, negligence, personal
injury, assault, battery, invasion of privacy, false imprisonment and
conversion;



          (d) any and all claims for violation of any federal, state or municipal
statute, including, but not limited to, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of
1964, the Civil Rights Act of 1991, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of
1967, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, the Fair Labor Standards
Act, the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, The Worker Adjustment
and Retraining Notification Act, the California Fair Employment and Housing
Act, and Labor Code Section 201, et seq. and Section 970, et seq. and all
amendments to each such Act as well as the regulations issued thereunder;



          (e) any and all claims for violation of the federal or any state
constitution;



          (f) any and all claims arising out of any other laws and regulations
relating to employment or employment discrimination; and



          (g) any and all claims for attorneys’ fees and costs.



     The Executive agrees that the release set forth in this Section 4 shall be
and remain in effect in all respects as a complete general release as to the
matters released. This release does not extend to any obligations incurred
under this Agreement.



     5. Acknowledgment of Waiver of Claims under ADEA. The Executive
acknowledges that he is waiving and releasing any rights he may have under the
Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967 (“ADEA”) and that this waiver and
release is knowing and voluntary. The Executive and the Company agree that
this waiver and release does not apply to any rights or claims that may arise
under the ADEA after the Effective Date of this Agreement. The Executive
acknowledges that the consideration given for this waiver and release agreement
is in addition to anything of value to which the Executive was already
entitled. The Executive further acknowledges that he has been advised by this
writing that (a) he should consult with an attorney prior to executing this
Agreement; (b) he has at least twenty-one (21) days within which to consider
this Agreement; (c) he has seven (7) days following the execution of this
Agreement by the Parties to revoke the Agreement; and (d) this Agreement shall
not be effective until the revocation period has expired. Any revocation
should be in writing and delivered to the Company by the close of business on
the seventh (7th) day from the date that the Executive signs this Agreement.



     6. Civil Code Section 1542. The Executive represents that he is not aware
of any claims against the Company other than the claims that are released by
this Agreement. The Executive acknowledges that he has been advised by legal
counsel and is familiar with the provisions of California Civil Code Section
1542, which provides as follows:



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A GENERAL RELEASE DOES NOT EXTEND TO CLAIMS WHICH THE
CREDITOR DOES NOT KNOW OR SUSPECT TO EXIST IN HIS FAVOR AT
THE TIME OF EXECUTING THE RELEASE, WHICH IF KNOWN BY HIM
MUST HAVE MATERIALLY AFFECTED HIS SETTLEMENT WITH THE
DEBTOR.



     The Executive, being aware of said code section, agrees to expressly waive
any rights he may have thereunder, as well as under any other statute or common
law principles of similar effect.



     7. No Pending or Future Lawsuits. The Executive represents that he has no
lawsuits, claims or actions pending in his name, or on behalf of any other
person or entity, against the Company or any other person or entity referred to
herein. The Executive also represents that he does not intend to bring any
claims on his own behalf or on behalf of any other person or entity against the
Company or any other person or entity referred to herein.



     8. Confidentiality. The Executive agrees to use his best efforts to
maintain in confidence the existence of this Agreement, the contents and terms
of this Agreement, and the consideration for this Agreement (hereinafter
collectively referred to as “Release Information”). The Executive agrees to
take every reasonable precaution to prevent disclosure of any Release
Information to third parties and agrees that there will be no publicity,
directly or indirectly, concerning any Release Information. The Executive
agrees to take every precaution to disclose Release Information only to those
attorneys, accountants, governmental entities and family members who have a
reasonable need to know of such Release Information.



     9. No Cooperation. The Executive agrees he will not act in any manner
that might damage the business of the Company. The Executive agrees that he
will not counsel or assist any attorneys or their clients in the presentation
or prosecution of any disputes, differences, grievances, claims, charges or
complaints by any third party against the Company and/or any officer, director,
employee, agent, representative, shareholder or attorney of the Company, unless
under a subpoena or other court order to do so.



     10. Costs. The Parties shall each bear their own costs, expert fees,
attorneys’ fees and other fees incurred in connection with this Agreement.



     11. Authority. The Company represents and warrants that the undersigned
has the authority to act on behalf of the Company and to bind the Company and
all who may claim through it to the terms and conditions of this Agreement.
The Executive represents and warrants that he has the capacity to act on his
own behalf and on behalf of all who might claim through him to bind them to the
terms and conditions of this Agreement.



     12. No Representations. The Executive represents that he has had the
opportunity to consult with an attorney, and has carefully read and understands
the scope and effect of the provisions of this Agreement. Neither party has
relied upon any representations or statements made by the other party hereto
which are not specifically set forth in this Agreement.



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     13. Severability. In the event that any provision hereof becomes or is
declared by a court of competent jurisdiction to be illegal, unenforceable or
void, this Agreement shall continue in full force and effect without said
provision.



     14. Entire Agreement. This Agreement and the Severance Agreement and the
agreements and plans referenced therein represent the entire agreement and
understanding between the Company and the Executive concerning the Executive’s
separation from the Company, and supersede and replace any and all prior
agreements and understandings concerning the Executive’s relationship with the
Company and his compensation by the Company. This Agreement may only be
amended in writing signed by the Executive and an executive officer of the
Company.



     15. Governing Law. This Agreement shall be governed by the internal
substantive laws, but not the choice of law rules, of the State of California.



     16. Effective Date. This Agreement is effective eight (8) days after it
has been signed by the Parties (the “Effective Date”).



     17. Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in counterparts, and
each counterpart shall have the same force and effect as an original and shall
constitute an effective, binding agreement on the part of each of the
undersigned.



     18. Voluntary Execution of Agreement. This Agreement is executed
voluntarily and without any duress or undue influence on the part or behalf of
the Parties hereto, with the full intent of releasing all claims. The Parties
acknowledge that:



          (a) They have read this Agreement;



          (b) They have been represented in the preparation, negotiation and
execution of this Agreement by legal counsel of their own choice or that they
have voluntarily declined to seek such counsel;



          (c) They understand the terms and consequences of this Agreement and of
the releases it contains; and



          (d) They are fully aware of the legal and binding effect of this
Agreement.



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     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties have executed this Agreement on the
respective dates set forth below.



	 	 	 	 	 
	 	 	CHOLESTECH CORPORATION
	 
	 	 	 	 
	 
	 	 	 	 
	

	 	By:
	 	 
	

	 	 	 	
 
	

	 	Title:
	 	 
	

	 	 	 	
 
	

	 	Date:
	 	 
	

	 	 	 	
 
	 
	 	 	 	 
	 
	 	 	 	 
	 	 	EXECUTIVE
	 
	 	 	 	 
	 
	 	 	 	 
	 	 	
 
	 	 	John F. Glenn
	 
	 	 	 	 
	

	 	Date:
	 	 
	

	 	 	 	
 





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