Document:

Exhibit 10.1

 

SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT AND MUTUAL GENERAL RELEASE

 

THIS SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT
and MUTUAL GENERAL RELEASE (this "Agreement") is dated September 1, 2022, and entered into by LIFEWAY FOODS, INC. ("Lifeway")
on the one hand and EDWARD SMOLYANSKY ("Edward") on the other hand. Each person or entity identified in the foregoing sentence
is a "Party," and all such persons and entities are, collectively, the "Parties."

 

RECITALS 

 

WHEREAS, Edward was employed
by Lifeway up to and including January 4, 2022 at which time he was no longer employed by the company;

 

WHEREAS, Edward asserts
that Lifeway owes him certain sums of money, various equity awards and that he has other specified and unspecified claims of conduct by
Lifeway during the course of his employment with Lifeway for which he has sustained damages ("Edward's Claims"), all of which
Lifeway denies;

 

WHEREAS, Lifeway asserts
that Edward had failed to fulfill his duties as an employee ("Lifeway's Claims"), all of which Edward denies;

 

WHEREAS, Edward's Claims
and Lifeway's Claims are collectively referred to herein as the "Dispute."

 

WHEREAS, the Parties
desire to resolve and settle the Dispute in accordance with the terms set forth herein.

 

NOW THEREFORE, in consideration
of the premises and the mutual covenants herein, and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby
acknowledged, the Parties hereto agree as follows:

 

1.            
Recitals Incorporated. The foregoing recitals are incorporated into this Settlement Agreement and are integral to this
Settlement Agreement.

 

2.            
Definitions. When used in this Settlement Agreement:

 

"Claims" means any
and all claims, demands, charges, complaints, rights, actions and causes of action of any kind or nature whatsoever, whether fixed or
contingent, liquidated or unliquidated, accrued or not accrued and whether arising in tort, contract, statute or equity, before any federal,
state, local, or private court, agency, arbitrator, mediator, or other entity, regardless of the relief or remedy arising out of or related
to the Dispute occurring since the beginning of time through the Effective Date as defined below.

 

"Effective Date" means
the date by which this Settlement Agreement is fully executed, the expiration of any Revocation Period and the date on which Edward has
received the Settlement Sum and (as such term is defined herein) in immediately available funds, which date shall be no later than the
Settlement Deadline (as such term is defined herein). For the avoidance of doubt, in the event the Settlement Sum is not paid by the Settlement
Deadline, this Agreement is null and void.

 

3.            
Settlement Sum. Lifeway has agreed to pay the sum of $100,000 and Edward has agreed to accept the sum of $100,000 in
full and complete satisfaction for complete resolution of the Dispute and any Claims arising therefrom (the "Settlement Sum").

 

 

 

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4.            
Settlement Deadline. Lifeway shall remit, or shall cause to be remitted the Settlement Sum in the manner directed in
writing by Edward and/or his counsel no later than ten (10) business days following full execution of this Agreement and expiration of
any Revocation Period (the "Settlement Deadline").

 

5.            
General Release by Edward. In consideration of the payments, rights, and benefits provided for in this Agreement, you,
on behalf of yourself and your heirs, legatees, personal representatives and assigns (the "Edward Releasing Parties"), release
and forever discharge Lifeway and all of its affiliated companies and each of their current and former owners, shareholders, officers,
directors, employees, agents, predecessors, successors, benefit plans, insurers, attorneys and assigns (collectively the "Lifeway
Released Parties"), from any and all claims and causes of action, known and unknown, from the beginning of time to the Effective
Date, that Releasing Parties has or may have against Released Parties. This release is intended to be as comprehensive as can be conceived
and the law will allow, and includes but is not limited to claims of any type related to or arising out of Edward's employment or the
end of his employment with Lifeway, including but not limited to:

 

(i)            
Any and all claims for additional compensation, wages, bonus payments, special bonus payments, employee benefits, vacation pay,
sick pay, severance payments (except for the consideration in this Agreement) or any other payment, remuneration or prerequisite of any
manner or kind;

 

(ii)            Any
and all claims for any alleged violation of federal, state or local laws or regulations, including but not limited to Title VII of
the Civil Rights Act; the Age Discrimination in Employment Act; the Older Workers' Benefit Protection Act; the Family and Medical
Leave Act; the Employee Retirement Income Security Act; the Americans with Disabilities Acts; the wage-hour and wage payment laws of
any federal, state or local statute, ordinances, regulations or common law of any state (including the state of Illinois); any and
all federal, state and local "whistleblower" or similar public policy or other anti-retaliation statutes; any and all
other actions for "retaliatory treatment" under federal or state laws; and any human rights, anti-discrimination or
similar statutes under Illinois law, and the common law;

 

(iii)          
Any and all statutory or common law claims for payment of wages, for torts of any kind, including but not limited to defamation;
libel; slander; reprisal; retaliation; negligent or intentional infliction of emotional distress; breach of oral or written, express or
implied contract; misrepresentation; violation of company policies, personnel manuals or employee handbooks; violation of public policy;
promissory estoppel; fraud; wrongful discharge; tortious interference with contract; breach of covenant of good faith and fair dealing;
invasion of privacy; or any other theory, whether legal or equitable related to your employment or termination thereof with Lifeway;

 

(iv)          
Any and all claims relating to, or arising from purchase or receipt of shares of stock or equity interests of Lifeway, 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; and

 

(v)           
Any and all claims for compensatory damages, liquidated damages, punitive damages and for costs, fees, or other expenses, including
attorneys' fees, costs and disbursements incurred in these matters.

 

The Released Parties are intended to be third-party
beneficiaries of this General Release, and this General Release may be enforced by each of them in accordance with the terms hereof in
respect of the rights granted to such Released Parties hereunder.

 

B.             Excluded
Claims. The only claims and causes of action that you are not waiving, releasing, and discharging are for the consideration that you
will receive under this Agreement. For the avoidance of doubt and notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, Edward's
Releasing Parties do not: i) release any of the Lifeway Released Parties who are Edward's sibling or parent from any liability, claims,
demands or actions that may exist arising out of their status other than as a current or former director, consultant, officer, employee
or agent of, or licensor to Lifeway; or ii) release any of the obligations under the Proxy Settlement Agreement Lifeway entered into
with Edward dated July 27, 2022.

 

 

 

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C.            
Acknowledgements and Affirmations. You affirm that you have not filed, caused to be filed, and are not presently a party to any
claim against any Released Party. You affirm that you have been granted any leave requested or entitled under any applicable federal,
state or local leave laws. You also affirm that you have not divulged any of Lifeway's Confidential and Proprietary Information and will
continue to maintain the confidentiality of such information.

 

D.            
Accord and Satisfaction. The consideration set forth in this Agreement is in full accord and satisfaction of any and all claims
and causes of action that you have, may have, or may have had against Released Parties and any and all claims arising in the course of
or out of your employment with Lifeway or the end of your employment with Lifeway.

 

6.            
General Release by Lifeway. In consideration of the payments, rights, and benefits provided for in this Agreement, Lifeway
and its present and former affiliates, parent entities, subsidiaries, and each of their respective employees, officers, directors, partners,
stockholders, members, attorneys, agents, insurers, heirs, executors, administrators, successors and assigns (the "Lifeway Releasing
Parties") effective as of the Effective Date forever discharge you and your heirs, legatees, personal representatives and assigns,
(collectively the "Edward Released Parties"), from any and all known claims and causes of action from the beginning of time
to the Effective Date that Releasing Parties had, have, or may have against the Released Parties. This release is intended to be as comprehensive
as can be conceived and the law will allow, and includes but is not limited to claims of any type related to or arising out of your employment
or the end of your employment with Lifeway. The Released Parties are intended to be third-party beneficiaries of this General Release,
and this General Release may be enforced by each of them in accordance with the terms hereof in respect of the rights granted to such
Released Parties hereunder. For the avoidance of doubt and notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, Lifeway's Releasing
Parties who are a sibling of Edward do not: i) release any of the Edward Released Parties from any liability, claims, demands or actions
that may exist arising out of their status other than as a current or former director, consultant, officer, employee or agent of Lifeway.
Moreover, this release does not: i) release Edward or Ludmila Smolyansky from any obligations under the Proxy Settlement Agreement they
each entered into with Lifeway dated July 27, 2022 or; ii) or Ludmila Smolyanksy's obligations under the Settlement Agreement she entered
into with Lifeway dated August 30, 2022 which addressed termination of the Endorsement Agreement.

 

7.            
Non-Disclosure. From the date of receiving this Agreement forward, you agree that you will not disclose the terms of this
Agreement to any third party, except as required by law, and as necessary for the purpose of receiving counsel from your attorneys, your
professional financial advisers, and your spouse/partner. Your professional advisors and spouse/partner will have the same responsibility
as you to maintain the confidentiality of the terms of this Agreement. You will be responsible for any breach of this non-disclosure
provision by yourself, your professional advisors, and your spouse/partner. This provision is nullified if Lifeway discloses this agreement
in its securities filings.

 

8.            
Post-Employment Obligations. By accepting this Agreement and as a condition of receiving the consideration in Paragraph 3,
you agree to the Post-Employment Obligations stated below.

 

A.            
Confidential Information. By accepting this Agreement, you recognize that Lifeway has a protectable interest in its Confidential
Information and agree that disclosure or use of Lifeway's Confidential Information would cause Lifeway irreparable and immediate harm.
You warrant and represent that you have not disclosed any of Lifeway's Confidential Information and that you agree that you will not disclose,
use, or disseminate to any person or entity any of Lifeway's Confidential Information, without Lifeway's written authorization to do so.
Lifeway represents that as of the Effective Date it is not aware of any breach by you of the representation in the preceding sentence.

 

B.            
Non-Competition. You acknowledge and agree that Lifeway's business is global and that Lifeway's products are marketed, distributed
and sold domestically and internationally. You further agree that for a period of eighteen (18) months following the Effective Date of
this Agreement, you shall not directly or indirectly, whether for pay or otherwise, provide any services of any type similar to those
services that you provided to Lifeway during the course of your employment with Lifeway or serve in any role similar to the role(s) that
you served at Lifeway to or on behalf of a Competitor, whether as an employee, independent contractor, partner, agent, consultant, owner,
or otherwise; or hold any ownership interest in any Competitor of Lifeway. You also acknowledge and agree that you will be able to earn
a livelihood without violating the restrictions set forth in Section 8 of this Agreement. Nothing shall prohibit you from owning, in
addition to your shares in Lifeway, up to 2% of any class of securities of any issuer if the securities are listed on a national or regional
securities exchange or have been registered under Section 12(g) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and your ownership of such shares
represents a passive interest in the issuer.

 

 

 

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C.            
Non-Solicitation. For a period of eighteen (18) months following the Effective Date you will not directly or indirectly (i) in
competition with Lifeway solicit a Lifeway Customer to purchase Competitive Products from a Competitor; (ii) solicit or encourage any
Lifeway employee or independent contractor to terminate his or her employment or contractor relationship with Lifeway, or to become an
employee or independent contractor of any Competitor; or (iii) solicit or encourage any Lifeway supplier to terminate its business relationship
with Lifeway, or, in competition with Lifeway, to engage in a new relationship or expand an existing business relationship with any Competitor.
You further agree that you will not induce, attempt to induce, or aid any other person or entity to induce (or attempt to induce) any
person or entity to breach any restrictive covenant agreement with Lifeway. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the provisions of this Section
8(C) shall not be violated by general advertising or solicitation not specifically targeted at Lifeway -related persons or entities.

 

D.            
Non-Disparagement. From the date hereof through ten (10) days prior to the deadline for the submission of shareholder nominations
for the Company's 2023 annual meeting of shareholders (the "2023 Annual Meeting"), you agree that you will not make or issue,
or cause to be made or issued, any public disclosure, statement or announcement (including any SEC filing) negatively commenting upon
the Company, including the Company's corporate strategy, business, research and development, corporate activities, Board or management
(and including making any statements critical of the Company's business, strategic direction, capital structure or compensation practices).

 

E.             
Definitions. For purposes of this Agreement:

 

(i)             "Competitive
Products" shall mean products, services, or lines of business that Lifeway offers, manufactures, sells, or distributes (or demonstrably
contemplates offering, manufacturing, selling, or distributing) within the last two (2) years of your employment, including without limitation
drinkable kefir; cupped or pouched kefir; other kefir products; probiotic, cultured milk, dairy and non-dairy products; farmer cheeses,
spreadable cheeses; cultured and non-cultured probiotic supplements; and cultured and non-cultured probiotic beverages and/or products.

 

(ii)           
A "Competitor" of Lifeway shall mean any person or entity that engages in Competitive Products, or owns or controls a
significant interest in any entity that engages in Competitive Products within the United States and/or globally.

 

(iii)         
"Confidential Information" shall include, without limitation and as broadly as permissible under applicable law, all
data, information, ideas, concepts, discoveries, trade secrets, inventions (whether or not patentable or reduced to practice), innovations,
improvements, know-how, developments, techniques, methods, processes, treatments, drawings, sketches, specifications, designs, plans,
patterns, models and strategies, and all other confidential or proprietary information or trade secrets in any form or medium (whether
merely remembered or embodied in a tangible or intangible form or medium) now existing, relating to or arising from the past, current
or potential business, activities and/or operations of Lifeway, including, without limitation, any such information relating to or concerning
finances, sales, marketing, advertising, transition, promotions, pricing, personnel, customers, suppliers, vendors, raw material partners
and/or competitors whether in spoken, printed, electronic, or any other form or medium existing now or in the future and relating directly
or indirectly to Lifeway, its businesses, or any existing or prospective customer, investor, employee, or other person or entity that
has entrusted information to Lifeway in confidence; provided that Confidential Information does not include information, history, or background
related to or about the Smolyansky family, including, without limitation its spouses, children, ancestors and descendants whether related
by law, common law or blood (collectively, the "Smolyansky Family"). Subject to this Agreement, Confidential Information also
includes, without limitation, all trade secrets as defined under the Defend Trade Secrets Act of 2016, the Uniform Trade Secrets Act,
or other applicable laws affording protection to trade secret and confidential information. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Confidential
Information shall not include any information that was lawfully in your possession prior to (and not obtained in connection with) commencing
employment with Lifeway. Confidential Information shall not include any information that is already public when you disclose it to a recipient
or is generally known in the industry relating to Competitive Products.

 

(iv)            
A "Customer" of Lifeway shall mean any person or entity that has purchased any products or services from Lifeway during
the last two (2) years of your employment and (i) you communicated with in any way during the past twelve (12) months; (ii) about whom
you possess Confidential Information or other nonpublic information; or about whom you had knowledge through your role(s) at Lifeway.

 

 

 

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F.             Reasonableness and Enforcement of Covenants. You acknowledge and agree that the foregoing covenants are reasonable and not contrary
to public policy, and that such restrictions are intended solely to safeguard the protectable interests and legitimate business
interests of Lifeway. You further acknowledge and agree that under the terms of this Agreement you have received good and valuable
consideration for the restrictions contained in this Agreement. Lifeway may enforce these restrictions by, among other things,
disclosing them to any future employers. In addition to any other remedies provided by law, Lifeway may obtain equitable relief from
any actual or threatened violation of this Agreement, including specific performance and temporary or permanent injunctive relief
all without the need or requirement to post a bond. Further, you agree to pay the costs and reasonable attorneys' fees incurred by
Lifeway in enforcing a breach or threatened breach of this Agreement or bringing or defending any action seeking a declaration of
rights of any party to this Agreement. Lifeway may pursue any remedy available to it concurrently or consecutively in any order as
to any such breach and the pursuit of one of such remedies at any time shall not be deemed an election of remedies or waiver of the
right to pursue any other of such remedies as to such breach.

 

9.             Review of Agreement.

 

A.            
Consultation with Attorney. In the course of reviewing and considering this Agreement, you are advised that you have the right
to consult with an attorney of your choice, at your expense.

 

B.            
Consideration Period. Before deciding whether to sign this Agreement, you may take up to twenty-one (21) calendar days to review
and consider its terms as to the release of any claim under the Age Discrimination in Employment Act. You are not obligated to take that
full period of time to consider the Agreement in this sole respect, however, and may sign and return this Agreement any time prior to
that date if you choose to do so. In signing this Agreement, you acknowledge that you have carefully read this Agreement, understand it,
and you are entering it knowingly and voluntarily. You have not relied upon any Lifeway representation or statement about the subject
matter of this Agreement that is not set forth in this Agreement. No changes to the Agreement, whether material or immaterial, will re-start
the twenty-one (21) calendar day consideration period as to any claim under the Age Discrimination in Employment Act.

 

C.             Revocation
Period. You may revoke this Agreement as it relates solely to the Release of any claim under the Age Discrimination in Employment Act
within seven (7) calendar days after signing it, and the Agreement will not become effective or enforceable as to the release of any claim
under the Age Discrimination in Employment Act until this seven (7) day revocation period has expired without your revocation of the Agreement.
A revocation must be in writing and received by Lifeway within seven (7) calendar days of your execution of this Agreement. If revocation
is by mail, certified mail, return receipt is required to show proof of mailing. If you revoke the Agreement within the seven (7) day
period, the Agreement shall be null and void and of no force or effect solely as to the release of any claim under the Age Discrimination
in Employment Act; in all other respects, this Agreement shall remain in full force and effect. If not revoked, this Agreement will
become effective on the 8th calendar day following the date you execute this Agreement. You and Lifeway acknowledge and agree that this
seven (7) calendar-day rescission period fully satisfies any and all revocation rights provided by applicable law.

 

10.           
409A Compliance. It is the parties' intent that no amount to which you are entitled under this Agreement shall be deferred
compensation subject to Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended ("Section 409A"), whether pursuant to
the "short term deferral" exception, the "separation pay" exception or any other exception, and this Agreement shall
be interpreted and administered to the fullest extent possible consistent with that intent. If this Agreement cannot be interpreted and
administered so as to be exempt from the requirements of Section 409A, it will be interpreted and operated consistently with the parties'
intent to comply with Section 409A. Neither Lifeway, its affiliates nor their respective directors, officers, employees, agents or representatives
or advisers shall be held liable for any taxes, interest, penalties or other monetary amounts owed by you (or any other individual claiming
a benefit through you) as a result of this Agreement.

 

 

 

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11.          
General Terms. You agree that:

 

A.            Compliance and
Enforcement.

 

(i) In the event of a
breach by you of any of the provisions of this Agreement, including without limitation the non-competition and non-solicitation
provisions and the non-disparagement provision of this Agreement in addition to any other remedies or relief Lifeway may have,
including money damages, you agree that Lifeway will be entitled to immediate injunctive relief from any actual or threatened
violation of this Agreement, including a temporary restraining order, and that Lifeway will not be required to post any bond as a
condition for obtaining such relief. You agree to pay any reasonable expenses incurred by Lifeway as a result of any breach of this
Agreement, including any investigation expenses, costs, and attorneys' fees.

 

(iii)          
Lifeway shall be entitled to recovery of its attorneys' fees and other associated costs incurred as the result of your breach of
the Agreement and as required to enforce its rights and protect its interests under the Agreement. This is in addition to and not to the
exclusion of Section 8(F) of this Agreement.

 

(iv)          
In the event of any legal action to enforce or interpret this Agreement, the non-prevailing party shall pay the reasonable attorneys'
fees and other costs and expenses of the prevailing party. In addition, such non-prevailing party shall pay reasonable attorneys' fees
incurred by the prevailing party in enforcing, or on appeal from, a judgment in favor of the prevailing Party.

 

B.            
Governing Law. This Agreement is made and entered into in the State of Illinois and shall in all respects be interpreted, adjudicated,
enforced and governed in and under the laws of the State of Illinois. The parties will exclusively enforce this Agreement in Illinois
State or federal courts in Cook County, Illinois pursuant only to Illinois law, and you agree to both this exclusive venue and to personal
jurisdiction in these courts. Your covenants and agreements in the Agreement do not change even if Lifeway waives parts of the Agreement
or if a court finds that some of the restrictions in it cannot be enforced as written. You agree that this Agreement must be enforced
to the maximum extent legally possible, even if it means a court must divide the restrictions in this Agreement as to time, geographical
scope, and scope of activities restricted. If it is determined by a court of competent jurisdiction that any restriction under Section
6 is excessive in duration or scope or is unreasonable or unenforceable under Illinois law, such restriction may be modified or amended
by the court to render it enforceable to the maximum extent permitted by the laws of Illinois.

 

C.              
No Admission of Liability. This Agreement shall not in any manner constitute an admission of liability or wrongdoing on the part
of Lifeway or any of the other Released Parties. Lifeway expressly denies any such liability, wrongdoing, or breach of any contract.

 

D.             
Entire Agreement. This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between the parties regarding the termination of your employment,
the payment of Separation Benefits, and the release of claims. No other agreements or representations, whether oral or written, exist
modifying this Agreement.

 

E.              
Successors and Assigns. This Agreement is binding and shall take effect for the benefit of (i) Lifeway, its officers, directors,
agents, employees, representatives, and successors in interest; and (ii) you, your heirs, assigns, and successors

 

F.               
Headings and Counter-parts. The headings contained in this Agreement are for reference purposes only and have no effect on the
meaning or interpretation of any provision of this Agreement. This Agreement may be executed in counterparts, and each such counterpart
shall be deemed to be an original instrument, but all such counterparts together shall constitute one and the same agreement. The execution
of a counterpart of the signature page to this Agreement shall be deemed the execution of a counterpart of this Agreement. The delivery
of this Agreement may be made by facsimile or portable document format (pdf) or other electronic means, and such signatures shall be treated
as original signatures for all applicable purposes.

 

 

 

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G.             
Modification. This Agreement may only be amended with a written document signed by both you and Lifeway.

 

H.             
Notice. All communications to a Party pursuant to or in connection with this Agreement shall be sent to the applicable mailing
and email addresses set forth below, or to such other address(es) of which such Party may subsequently notify the other Parties in writing:

 

For Edward:

Edward Smolyansky

1219 N. Wells

Chicago, Illinois 60610

esmolyansky79@icloud.com

 

with a courtesy copy, which shall not constitute notice,
to:

Nicholas H. Callahan

Barack Ferrazzano Kirschbaum & Nagelberg LLP

200 W. Madison Street, Suite 3900

Chicago, IL 60606

nick.callahan@bfkn.com

 

For the Company:

Lifeway Foods, Inc.

Attn: Julie Smolyansky, President and Chief Executive Officer
and

Eric Hanson, Chief Financial Officer

6431 West Oakton St.

Morton Grove, IL 60053

julies@lifeway.net

erich@lifeway.net

 

with a courtesy copy, which shall not constitute notice, to:

McDonald Hopkins LLC

Attn: Richard Kessler

300 N. LaSalle Street - Suite 1400

Chicago, IL 60654

rkessler@mcdonaldhopkins.com

 

**Remainder of Page Intentionally Blank**

 

 

 

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Your signature below indicates that you have read, understand,
and voluntarily and freely accepted the terms of this Agreement. You acknowledge that no other promises or representations have been
made to you to induce you to sign this Agreement.

 

Accepted and Agreed to By:

 

	Lifeway Foods, Inc.,	 	Edward Smolyansky	 
	An Illinois corporation	 	an individual	 
	 	 	 	 
	By:    /s/ Julie Smolyansky	 	By:    /s/ Edward Smolyansky	 
	 	 	 	 
	Its:   CEO	 	Date:      9/1/2022	 
	 	 	 	 
	Printed Name:     Julie Smolyansky	 	 	 
	 	 	 	 
	Date:         9/6/2022	 	 	 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    	 	8Exhibit 10.2

 

SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT AND MUTUAL GENERAL RELEASE

 

THIS SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT and MUTUAL GENERAL
RELEASE (this "Settlement Agreement") is dated August 30, 2022, and entered into by Lifeway Foods, Inc. ("Lifeway")
on the one hand and Ludmila Smolyansky ("Ludmila") on the other hand. Each person or entity identified in the foregoing sentence
is a "Party," and all such persons and entities are, collectively, the "Parties."

 

RECITALS

 

WHEREAS,
Lifeway is an Illinois corporation with its principal place of business situated in Morton Grove, Illinois and is the leading supplier
in the United States of kefir and fermented probiotic products to support the body's microbiome. In addition to its line of drinkable
kefir, Lifeway also produces cheese, probiotic oat milk, and a ProBugs line for kids;

 

WHEREAS,
Ludmila is an individual residing in Cook County Illinois. Ludmila is a former employee of Lifeway and is presently the Chairman of the
Board of Directors of Lifeway;

 

WHEREAS, effective
on March 14, 2016 Lifeway and Ludmila entered into a written agreement styled "Endorsement Agreement" (the "Endorsement
Agreement") whereby Ludmila granted to Lifeway an unlimited, perpetual, non-exclusive, worldwide right to use, reuse, publish, reproduce,
perform, copy, create derivative works, exhibit, broadcast and display throughout the world her name, image and likeness in Marketing
Materials (as that term is defined in the Endorsement Agreement) as Lifeway deemed fit and/or appropriate (the "License").

 

WHEREAS,
the Endorsement Agreement further provides that in exchange for the License granted by Ludmila to Lifeway, Ludmila, during her lifetime,
would receive a royalty payment equal to $0.02 for each Lifeway product or individual item sold by Lifeway during each calendar month
that bears Ludmila's first name, last name or other identifying personal characteristics with a cap of $50,000 in any month (the "Royalty");

 

WHEREAS,
the Endorsement Agreement further provides that "All undisputed Royalty payments are due and payable to Ludmila within thirty
(30) days after the end of each calendar month for sales during the previous month;

 

WHEREAS,
Ludmila asserts that Lifeway has failed to comply with the terms of the Endorsement Agreement by not paying her certain Royalty Payments
commencing as of April, 2022, all of which Lifeway denies (the "Dispute");

 

WHEREAS,
the Parties wish to terminate the Endorsement Agreement in accordance with the terms set forth herein;

 

WHEREAS,
the Parties desire to resolve and settle the Dispute in accordance with the terms set forth herein.

 

NOW THEREFORE,
in consideration of the premises and the mutual covenants herein, and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency
of which are hereby acknowledged, the Parties hereto agree as follows:

 

 

 

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1.             
Recitals Incorporated. The foregoing recitals are incorporated into this Settlement Agreement and are integral to
this Settlement Agreement.

 

 2.              Definitions. When used in this Settlement Agreement:

 

"Claims"
means any and all claims, demands, charges, complaints, rights, actions and causes of action of any kind or nature whatsoever, whether
fixed or contingent, liquidated or unliquidated, accrued or not accrued and whether arising in tort, contract, statute or equity, before
any federal, state, local, or private court, agency, arbitrator, mediator, or other entity, regardless of the relief or remedy arising
out of or related to the Dispute occurring since the beginning of time through the Effective Date as defined below.

 

"Effective
Date" means the date by which this Settlement Agreement is fully executed and on which Ludmila has received the Lifeway Settlement
Payment (as such term is defined herein) in immediately available funds, which date shall be no later than the Settlement Deadline (as
such term is defined herein). For the avoidance of doubt, in the event the Settlement Sum is not paid by the Settlement Deadline, this
Agreement is null and void.

 

3.            
Settlement Sum. Lifeway has agreed to pay the sum of $400,000 and Ludmila has agreed to accept the sum of $400,000
in full and complete satisfaction for: i) complete resolution of the Dispute and any Claims arising therefrom and; ii) for termination
of the Endorsement Agreement all in accordance with the terms of this Settlement Agreement (collectively the "Settlement Sum").

 

4.            
Settlement Deadline. Lifeway shall remit, or shall cause to be remitted, the sum of $400,000 to Ludmila (the "Settlement
Payment") in the manner directed in writing by Ludmila and/or her counsel no later than ten (10) business days following full execution
of this Agreement (the "Settlement Deadline").

 

5.            
In exchange for receipt of the Settlement Sum, the Endorsement Agreement is terminated and the Parties hereto owe no further obligations
to one another under the Endorsement Agreement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Ludmila grants Lifeway the right to continue to avail itself
of any and all rights under the Endorsement Agreement through and including March 31, 2023.

 

6.             
Non-Disparagement. From the date hereof through (i) ten (10) days prior to the deadline for the submission of shareholder
nominations for the Company's 2023 annual meeting of shareholders (the "2023 Annual Meeting"), you agree that you will not
make or issue, or cause to be made or issued, any public disclosure, statement or announcement (including any SEC filing) negatively
commenting upon the Company, including the Company's corporate strategy, business, research and development, corporate activities, Board
or management (and including making any statements critical of the Company's business, strategic direction, capital structure or compensation
practices).

 

7.             
General Release by Ludmila. Except for the rights and obligations set forth in this Agreement (all of which rights
and obligations are reserved and remain in full force and effect), Ludmila and her agents, servants, employees, heirs, successors and
assigns ("Ludmila's Releasors") effective as of the Effective Date, hereby releases and discharges Lifeway and its present and
former affiliates, parent entities, subsidiaries, and each of their respective employees, officers, directors, partners, stockholders,
members, attorneys, agents, insurers, heirs, executors, administrators, successors and assigns ("Lifeway Releasees") from all
known and unknown Claims that Ludmila's Releasors have or may have or claim to have, now or in the future, against Lifeway's Releasees.
For the avoidance of doubt and notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, Ludmila's Releasors do not release any of the Lifeway
Releasees who are Ludmila's children from any liability, claims, demands or actions that may exist arising out of their status other than
as a current or former director, consultant, officer, employee or agent of, or licensor to Lifeway. Moreover, this release does not release
Lifeway from any obligations under the Proxy Settlement Agreement Lifeway entered into with Ludmila dated July 27, 2022. The Release set
forth in this Settlement Agreement is to be construed as broadly as allowed under the law.

 

 

 

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8.             
General Release by Lifeway. Except for the rights and obligations set forth in this Agreement (all of which rights
and obligations are reserved and remain in full force and effect), Lifeway and its present and former affiliates, parent entities, subsidiaries,
and each of their respective employees, officers, directors, partners, stockholders, members, attorneys, agents, insurers, heirs, executors,
administrators, successors and assigns ("Lifeway's Releasors") effective as of the Effective Date, hereby releases and discharges
Ludmila and her agents, servants, employees, heirs, successors and assigns ("Ludmila's Releasees") from all known Claims that
Lifeway's Releasors have or may have or claim to have, now or in the future, against Ludmila's Releasees. For the avoidance of doubt
and notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, any Lifeway Releasor who is a child of Ludmila does not release Ludmila's Releasees
from any liability, claims, demands or actions that may exist arising out of their status other than as
a current or former director, consultant, officer, employee or agent of, or licensor to Lifeway. Moreover, this release does not
release Edward Smolyansky or Ludmila from: i) any obligation that Edward has or may have arising out of the Settlement Agreement he entered
into with Lifeway dated September 1, 2022 which addressed his former employment with Lifeway or; ii) any obligations under the Proxy
Settlement Agreement they each entered into with Lifeway dated July 27, 2022. The Release set forth in this Settlement Agreement is to
be construed as broadly as allowed under the law.

 

9.             
Obligations Following Signing. Other than as expressly set forth in this Agreement, effective on the Effective Date,
except for this Agreement, the Parties will have no further agreements, liability, contractual arrangements, understandings, and duties
between them in connection with or related to the Released Matters.

 

 10.            Representations and Warranties. Each Party represents and warrants that:

 

a)            
The Party has the requisite power and authority to sign and deliver this Settlement Agreement and perform her or its obligations
under this Settlement Agreement.

 

b)            
The Party has been represented by counsel of its choice in connection with this Settlement Agreement or has opted not to be represented
by counsel. In negotiating and entering into this Settlement Agreement, the Party has read and understands this Settlement Agreement and
the Party's obligations under it and enters into this Settlement Agreement of the Party's own volition with the express intention of settling
all disputes between or among the Parties on the terms contained in this Settlement Agreement.

 

c)            
The Party owns the Party's rights, claims and defenses that are the subject of this Settlement Agreement and has not assigned or
conveyed to any third party any of the Party's rights, claims, or defenses that are the subject of this Settlement Agreement.

 

d)            
In entering into this Settlement Agreement, the Party has not relied upon another person's statement, representation, warranty,
or agreement except for those expressly contained in this Settlement Agreement. The only conditions precedent to the effectiveness of
this Settlement Agreement are those expressly stated in it.

 

11.          
Survival. Each of the warranties and representations set forth in this Settlement Agreement shall survive the closing
of this Agreement. Further, this Settlement Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the Parties and their respective
successors, parents, affiliates, subsidiaries, officers, directors, partners, employees, and permitted assigns.

 

12.          
Breach of Representation or Warranty. If any party to this Settlement Agreement incurs any damage or expense, including
but not limited to legal fees and expenses, or suffers any injury as a result of any untrue or incorrect representation or warranty (as
set forth above in Section 10) made by any other Party to this Settlement Agreement, the Party making the untrue or incorrect representation
or warranty shall indemnify and hold harmless the injured Party from and against all liabilities, claims, actions, causes of action, losses,
costs, damages and expenses, including reasonable attorneys' fees, related to such untrue or incorrect representation or warranty.

 

 

 

 

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13.           
Integration, Modification and Waiver. This Settlement Agreement embodies the final agreement among the Parties and
is the complete and exclusive expression of the Parties' agreement on the matters contained in this Settlement Agreement. Upon the Effective
Date, all prior and contemporaneous negotiations and agreements among some or all of the Parties on the matters contained in this Settlement
Agreement except as reserved are expressly merged into and superseded by this Settlement Agreement. This Settlement Agreement cannot be
modified or amended orally or by course of dealing. To be effective, any modification or amendment must be in a writing identified as
an amendment and signed by all Parties. Any waiver by a Party of any claim arising out of or relating to this Settlement Agreement must
be in a writing signed by the waiving Party and shall not be deemed a waiver of any rights such Party may have as a result of any subsequent
breach, whether or not similar in nature.

 

14.           
No Presumption from Authorship. Each Party negotiated this Settlement Agreement at arm's-length, jointly participated
in drafting it and received advice (or had the opportunity to receive advice) from independent legal counsel before he, she or it signed
it. Accordingly, any court or other governmental authority or arbitrator construing or interpreting this Settlement Agreement will do
so as if the Parties jointly drafted it and will not apply any presumption, rule of construction, or burden of proof favoring or disfavoring
a Party because that Party (or any of its representatives) drafted any part of this Agreement.

 

15.           
Each Party to Bear its own Attorney's Fees and Costs. Each Party shall bear its own fees and costs (including fees
and expenses of counsel) arising from or related to the negotiation and documentation of this Settlement Agreement.

 

16.           
Severability. If a provision of this Settlement Agreement is determined to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable for
any reason, the validity, legality and enforceability of such provision in every other respect, and of the remaining provisions of this
Agreement, will not be impaired, and will nevertheless remain enforceable.

 

17.           
Delivery of Documents. Each Party shall, at his or her sole expense, perform such actions (including, without limitation,
executing and delivering documents) as required in the Settlement Agreement or as reasonably requested in order to implement this Settlement
Agreement and any transactions contemplated under this Settlement Agreement.

 

18.           
Interpretation and Construction. This Settlement Agreement's descriptive headings are for reference only and
shall not affect the interpretation or construction of this Settlement Agreement. Unless the context clearly requires to the contrary,
each reference (if any) in this Settlement Agreement to a designated "Article," "Section," "Schedule," "Exhibit,"
or "Appendix" is to the corresponding Article, Section, Schedule, Exhibit, or Appendix of, or to this Settlement Agreement.
Any reference herein to an agreement (other than this Settlement Agreement) is deemed to include all amendments and restatements of such
agreement, including all amendments and restatements of agreement or instruments effected pursuant such agreement.

 

19.           
Governing Law. THE CONSTRUCTION AND INTERPRETATION OF THIS AGREEMENT SHALL BE EXCLUSIVELY GOVERNED BY THE LAWS OF
THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, WITHOUT GIVING EFFECT TO ITS CONFLICT OF LAW RULES. BY SIGNING THIS AGREEMENT, THE PARTIES IRREVOCABLY CONSENT
TO THE EXCLUSIVE JURISDICTION OF THE FEDERAL DISTRICT COURT FOR THE NORTHERN DISTRICT OF ILLINOIS, EASTERN DIVISION, OR THE CIRCUIT COURT
OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS, IF NO GROUNDS FOR FEDERAL JURISDICTION ARE AVAILABLE, FOR RESOLUTION OF ALL DISPUTES RELATING TO OR ARISING
UNDER THIS AGREEMENT. BY SIGNING THIS AGREEMENT, THE PARTIES IRREVOCABLY AND UNCONDITIONALLY WAIVE ANY AND ALL RIGHTS SHE/IT MAY HAVE
TO A TRIAL BY JURY IN RESPECT OF ANY LEGAL PROCEEDING DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY ARISING OUT OF OR IN ANY WAY RELATED TO THIS AGREEMENT.

 

20.             
Counterparts. This Settlement Agreement may be executed in counterparts (including by facsimile, e-mail or other
electronic copy), each of which shall be deemed an original, but all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument.

 

21.             
Enforcement of Agreement. Should any Party institute any action or proceeding to enforce the terms of this Settlement
Agreement, each Party agrees to pay to the prevailing Party the prevailing Party's costs, expenses and fees (including, without limitation,
reasonable attorneys' fees) incurred in enforcing this Settlement Agreement.

 

SIGNATURE PAGE FOLLOWS

 

 

 

 

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IN WITNESS
WHEREOF, the Parties have executed this Settlement Agreement as of the date first above written.

 

 

	LIFEWAY FOODS, INC.	 	LUDMILA SMOLYANSKY	 
	 	 	 	 
	By:    /s/ Julie Smolyansky	 	By:    /s/ Ludmila Smolyansky	 
	 	 	 	 
	Its:   CEO	 	Date:      8/30/2022	 
	 	 	 	 
	Printed Name:     Julie Smolyansky	 	 	 
	 	 	 	 
	Date:         9/6/2022	 	 	 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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