Document:

ex10-1.htm

Exhibit 10.1

 

SEPARATION AND GENERAL RELEASE AGREEMENT

 

This Separation and General Release Agreement (this “Agreement”) is entered into by and between Louis DiNardo (“DiNardo”) and Exar Corporation (the “Company”).

 

WHEREAS, DiNardo has been employed by the Company as its Chief Executive Officer and President pursuant to the terms of an Employment Agreement dated January 3, 2012, a First Amendment to the Employment Agreement dated December 31, 2013, and a Second Amendment to Employment Agreement, dated October 15, 2014 (collectively the “Employment Agreement”);

 

WHEREAS, DiNardo and the Company mutually agreed to the termination of DiNardo’s employment with the Company, effective October 14, 2015;

 

WHEREAS, the Company and DiNardo agree that, subject to DiNardo entering into this Agreement and not revoking it pursuant to Section 10(e) below, the Company will provide DiNardo the severance benefits described in Section 4 below; and

 

WHEREAS, any capitalized terms that are not defined herein shall have the meaning set forth in the Employment Agreement;

 

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual promises and covenants contained herein, the Company and DiNardo agree as follows:

 

1.          Effective Date: This Agreement shall become effective on the eighth day after DiNardo delivers to the Company a fully-executed version of this Agreement without modification or revocation (the “Effective Date”), provided he does not revoke this Agreement prior to such date pursuant to Section 10(e) and provided further that DiNardo signs and returns this Agreement to the Company on or before November 5, 2015. 

 

2.          Separation from Employment and Resignation from Board of Directors: The parties acknowledge and agree that (a) DiNardo’s employment with the Company and any of its subsidiaries or affiliates (the “Company Group”) terminated, effective October 14, 2015 (the “Severance Date”), by mutual agreement of DiNardo and the Company; and (b) the Company reasonably relied on such agreement in issuing its Form 8-K on or about October 19, 2015 announcing DiNardo’s termination and entering into this Agreement. As of the Severance Date, by executing this Agreement, DiNardo acknowledges and agrees that (i) he no longer holds the title of, or performs services as, the Company’s Chief Executive Officer, President or in any other position of employment with the Company or any of its subsidiaries or affiliates; (ii) he hereby confirms his resignation effective as of the Severance Date from his position as a member of the Board and, to the extent applicable, as a member of the Company’s Board of Directors (the “Board”), and as a member of the Board or officer of any member of the Company Group; (iii) he no longer represents any member of the Company Group and he shall not hold himself out as having authority to represent any member of the Company Group; and (iv) he shall not communicate with third parties with which any member of the Company Group has or is negotiating business relationships or with securities analysts or similar third parties purporting to represent or be acting on behalf of any member of the Company Group or in any way that results in the communication of Company confidential information (including without limitation negotiation strategies and Company objectives).

 

 

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3.          Accrued Obligations: The Company will pay to DiNardo all Accrued Obligations in accordance with Section 5.3(a) of the Employment Agreement.

 

4.          Severance Benefits: Provided that DiNardo signs and does not timely revoke this Agreement, complies with the terms and conditions of this Agreement, Sections 7, 8 and 10 of the Employment Agreement and his Proprietary Information and Confidentiality Agreement with the Company (the “Confidentiality Agreement”), DiNardo shall be entitled to receive the following severance benefits (collectively, the “Severance Benefits”): 

 

a.     Severance Pay: The Company shall pay DiNardo severance pay in the amount of $600,000.00, less standard withholdings and authorized deductions (the “Severance Pay”). The Severance Pay shall be paid in equal installments in accordance with the Company’s normal payroll practices then in effect over a period of twelve (12) consecutive months, with the first installment payable in the month following the month in which DiNardo’s Separation from Service occurs.

 

b.     Incentive Bonus: The Company shall pay DiNardo [$140,000] which is a pro rata portion of the “Incentive Bonus”, as defined in section 3.2 of the Employment Agreement dated January 3, 2012, for the Company’s fiscal year 2016 in accordance with Section 5.3.(b)(ii) of the Employment Agreement and represents full satisfaction of DiNardo’s right to any Incentive Bonus for such fiscal year. The pro rata Incentive Bonus shall be paid (less tax withholdings and other authorized deductions) in a lump sum in the month following the month in which DiNardo’s Separation from Service occurs. 

 

c.     Health and Welfare Benefits: DiNardo shall have the option to elect to continue health and dental insurance for himself and his eligible dependents after the Severance Date, as may be required or authorized by law under the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985 (“COBRA”). In the event DiNardo timely elects such health and dental insurance under COBRA for himself and his eligible dependents, within five (5) business days following December 1, 2015, the Company shall pay to DiNardo an amount equal to the cost of DiNardo’s premiums charged or that will be charged to continue medical coverage pursuant to COBRA, at the same or reasonably equivalent coverage for DiNardo (and, if applicable, DiNardo’s eligible dependents) as in effect immediately prior to the Severance Date, for a period commencing on the Severance Date and ending on the 12-month anniversary of the Severance Date.

 

 

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d.     Accelerated Vesting and Extended Exercise Period: DiNardo shall vest in any portion of each Company equity award held by DiNardo that is scheduled to vest on or within twelve (12) months after the Severance Date (excluding the equity award granted to DiNardo in May 2015 as his Incentive Bonus opportunity for the Company’s 2016 fiscal year which the parties agree terminated as of the Severance Date in exchange for the payment described in Section 4(b) above), and, with respect to any such award that subject to performance-vesting requirements and by its terms could vest during the 12-month period after the Severance Date, such award shall continue to be governed by its terms as contemplated by Section 5.3(b)(iv) of the Employment Agreement (with DiNardo receiving credit for 12 months’ additional service after the Severance Date solely for purposes of any service-based vesting requirement applicable to such award). With respect to the portion of the RSU award granted to DiNardo on March 13, 2012 that was outstanding and unvested on the Severance Date and did not accelerate pursuant to the preceding sentence of this Section 4(d) (such portion consisting of 33,333 RSUs that were scheduled to vest at the end of the Company’s 2017 fiscal year), such portion shall vest if either (i) a Change of Control, as defined in Section 5.5(c) of the Employment Agreement, occurs within six (6) months of the Severance Date or (ii) the Company executes a definitive agreement for a transaction within six (6) months of the Severance Date that if consummated would result in a Change of Control, provided that such transaction is in fact closed within twelve (12) months of the Severance Date (and (a) if neither a Change of Control nor such an executed definitive agreement occurs within such six- month period, such portion of the RSU award shall terminate without payment on the last day of such six-month period, and (b) if a definitive agreement for a Change in Control is executed within six (6) months of the Severance Date and such Change in Control fails to close within such twelve-month period following the Severance Date, such portion of the RSU award shall terminate without payment on the last day of such twelve-month period). With respect to any such Company equity award that is a stock option, DiNardo shall have a period of twelve (12) months to exercise the vested portion of such stock option (including any portion that is accelerated pursuant to this provision), provided that such stock option shall remain subject to earlier termination at the end of its maximum term or in connection with the change in control of the Company or similar event as provided in the applicable option documentation. Any portion of DiNardo’s equity awards that are not vested after giving effect to the foregoing acceleration provisions shall terminate on the Severance Date (or as to any award that is eligible to vest after the Severance Date pursuant to this Section 4(d), shall terminate to the extent not then vested on the last day of the period in which such award is eligible to vest). 

 

e.     Mitigation: DiNardo will not be required to mitigate damages or the amount of any payment provided under this Agreement by seeking other employment or otherwise, nor will the amount of any payment provided for under this Agreement be reduced by any compensation earned by DiNardo as a result of employment by another employer or otherwise.

 

f.     Effect of Breach of Obligations: Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this Section 4, if DiNardo breaches his obligations under the Confidentiality Agreement, Sections 7, 8 and 10 of the Employment Agreement, and/or this Agreement at any time, from and after the date of such breach, (x) DiNardo will no longer be entitled to, and the Company will no longer be obligated to pay, any remaining unpaid portion of any benefits provided in this Section 4, and (y) DiNardo will no longer be entitled to, and the Company will no longer be obligated to make available to DiNardo or his spouse or dependents any group health, life or other similar insurance plans or any payment in respect of such plans; provided, however, that in no event shall DiNardo be entitled to benefits pursuant to this Section 4 of not more than $5,000, which amount the parties agree is good and adequate consideration, in and of itself, for DiNardo’s release contemplated in this Agreement. 

 

 

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5.          Termination Of Contractual Relationship: DiNardo and the Company agree that except as arising out of this Agreement, Sections 5.7, 6-24 of the Employment Agreement, the Confidentiality Agreement, each equity award agreement set forth on Exhibit C hereto as amended hereby (the “Equity Agreements”), and the Indemnification Agreement (collectively, the “Ongoing Contracts”), there are no further contractual relationships between DiNardo and any member of the Company Group following the Severance Date and DiNardo will have no right to reinstatement with the Company or any member of the Company Group. Nothing herein shall relieve DiNardo of his obligations not to use or disclose the Company’s trade secrets and Confidential Information, whether under the Confidentiality Agreement, the Employment Agreement or otherwise, including information learned by him as an officer and/or director of the Company or any member of the Company Group.

 

6.          No Other Compensation or Benefits: Except as expressly set forth herein in Sections 3 and 4 of this Agreement, DiNardo acknowledges that he will not receive, and is not entitled to receive, any additional compensation, severance or benefits after the Severance Date. DiNardo agrees to submit any business expenses that he incurred in the scope of his employment within fifteen (15) days following the Severance Date. The Company will reimburse DiNardo for all outstanding business expenses in accordance with the Company’s expense reimbursement policy. 

 

7.          No Admission of Liability Or Wrongdoing: This Agreement does not constitute an admission by the Company or DiNardo of any violation of federal, state or local law, ordinance or regulation or of any violation of the Company’s policies or procedures or of any liability or wrongdoing whatsoever. Neither this Agreement nor anything in this Agreement shall be construed to be or shall be admissible in any proceeding as evidence of liability or wrongdoing by the Company or DiNardo. This Agreement may be introduced, however, in any proceeding to enforce the Agreement. 

  

 

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8.          Release: DiNardo, on his own behalf and on behalf of his descendants, dependents, heirs, executors, administrators, assigns and successors, and each of them, hereby covenants not to sue and fully releases and discharges the Company, the Company Group, and each of its and their subsidiaries, parent, or affiliated partnerships and corporations, past and present, as well as each of its and their directors, officers, trustees, shareholders, members, partners, representatives, attorneys, assignees, successors, agents and employees, past and present, and each of them (individually and collectively, “Releasees”), from and with respect to any claim, cause of action, charge, controversy, duty, agreement, wages, obligation, demand, loss, cost, debt, damages, penalties, judgment, attorneys’ fees, order, or liability, known or unknown, suspected or unsuspected (collectively, “Claims”), arising out of or in any way connected with any acts or omissions committed or omitted by Releasees prior to DiNardo signing this Agreement, including but not limited to DiNardo’s employment and termination of employment with the Company, membership and termination of membership on the Board of Directors of the Company, or any other relationship with, interest in or termination of relationship with any Releasees, including without limiting the generality of the foregoing, any Claim for wages, vesting, overtime, salary, severance pay, severance benefits under Section 5.3 of the Employment Agreement, director compensation, commissions, bonus or similar benefit, car allowance, sick leave, pension, retirement, vacation pay, paid time off, equity, life insurance, health or medical insurance, including coverage under the Company’s Executive Health Plan, or any other fringe benefit, or disability; any Claim for breach of the Option Agreement or Employment Agreement; any Claim pursuant to any federal, state or local law, constitution, regulation, ordinance, or common law, including, but not limited to: the federal Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended; the federal Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990; the federal Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967, as amended (the “ADEA”); the California Fair Employment and Housing Act, as amended; the California Family Rights Act; the California Labor Code; the Sarbanes-Oxley Act; any tort; breach of implied, express, oral or written contract; unfair competition; wrongful discharge; discrimination; retaliation; harassment; fraud; defamation; emotional distress; breach of the implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing; or breach of any Company Executive Incentive Compensation Program, or breach of the Executive Officers’ Change in Control Severance and Benefit Plan. 

Notwithstanding any provision of this Section 8, DiNardo does not hereby release any right he may otherwise have to: (i) any obligations of the Company arising under this Agreement or the other Ongoing Contracts (as the same may be amended hereby); (ii) DiNardo’s receipt of benefits otherwise due to terminated employees under group insurance coverage consistent with the terms of the applicable Company welfare benefit plan; (iii) DiNardo’s rights under COBRA to continue participation in medical, dental, hospitalization and life insurance coverage; (iv) DiNardo’s receipt of benefits otherwise due in accordance with the terms of the Company’s 401(k) plan (if any); and (v) indemnification by the Company or any member of the Company Group pursuant to applicable law or, as applicable, the certificates of incorporation or by-laws of the Company and/or any member of the Company Group, or the Indemnification Agreement.

 

9.          Section 1542 Waiver: In executing this Agreement, and except as expressly stated in this Agreement, DiNardo intends for it to be effective as a general release to each and every claim, demand and cause of action hereinabove specified. In furtherance of this intention, DiNardo hereby expressly waives any rights and benefits conferred by SECTION 1542 OF THE CALIFORNIA CIVIL CODE, and expressly consents that this Agreement shall be given full force and effect according to each and all of its express terms and provisions, including those related to unknown and unsuspected claims, demands and causes of action, if any, as well as those relating to any other claims, demands and causes of action hereinabove specified. SECTION 1542 provides: 

 

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

 

 

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DiNardo acknowledges that he may hereafter discover claims or facts in addition to or different from those which he now knows or believes to exist against Company Releasees, respectively, with respect to the subject matter of this Agreement and which, if known or suspected at the time of executing this Agreement, may have materially affected this settlement. Nevertheless, DiNardo hereby waives any right, claim or cause of action that might arise as a result of such different or additional claims or facts. DiNardo acknowledges that he understands the significance and consequence of such release and such specific waiver of SECTION 1542.

 

10.         Waiver Of Age Discrimination Claims: DiNardo expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by entering into this Agreement, he is waiving any and all rights or claims that he may have arising under the ADEA which have arisen on or before the date of execution of this Agreement. DiNardo also expressly acknowledges and agrees that:

 

a.     In return for this Agreement, DiNardo will receive consideration, i.e., something of value, beyond that to which he was already entitled before entering into this Agreement;

 

b.     DiNardo is hereby advised in writing by this Agreement to consult with an attorney before signing this Agreement, and has done so;

 

c.     DiNardo is hereby informed that he has 21 days within which to consider whether to sign and accept the terms of this Agreement and that if he wishes to execute this Agreement prior to the expiration of such 21-day period, he will execute the Acknowledgment and Waiver attached hereto as Exhibit B;

 

d.     Nothing in this Agreement prevents or precludes DiNardo from challenging or seeking a determination in good faith of the validity of this waiver under the ADEA, nor does it impose any condition precedent, penalties or costs from doing so, unless specifically authorized by federal law; and

 

e.     DiNardo is hereby informed that he has seven (7) days following the date he executes the Agreement in which to revoke it, and this Agreement will become null and void if DiNardo elects revocation during that time. To be valid and effective, any revocation must be in writing and must be received by the Company during the two-day revocation period. In the event that DiNardo validly exercises his right of revocation, neither the Company nor DiNardo will have any obligations under this Agreement.

 

11.         Confidentiality Agreement: DiNardo acknowledges that he has continuing obligations to the Company under the Confidentiality Agreement that remain in effect beyond the termination of his employment. Confidential Information may be disclosed if required by subpoena or judicial action provided that DiNardo provides prompt written notice of such subpoena or judicial action to the Company prior to disclosure (unless prohibited by law from doing so), so that the Company may seek an appropriate protective order or other relief. A copy of the Confidentiality Agreement is attached hereto as Exhibit A and is expressly incorporated into this Agreement. 

 

 

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12.        Return of Company Property and Proprietary Information: 

 

a.     DiNardo acknowledges that, by no later than five (5) calendar days after the Severance Date, he shall return to the Company (and shall not retain any copies of) all Company Property and Confidential Information that are in his possession, custody or control unless directed otherwise by the Company. For purposes of this Agreement, the term “Company Property” shall mean all personal computers, laptop computers, cellular telephones, security cards, keys, diskettes, electronic storage devices, personal digital assistants or pda’s, and other equipment or property owned by the Company that were provided to DiNardo or paid for by the Company during his employment with the Company (including its predecessor companies). For purposes of this Agreement, the term “Confidential Information” shall include information required to be kept confidential pursuant to the Confidentiality Agreement, and any other confidential information of any member of the Company Group. DiNardo further agrees to make a diligent and thorough search for any Company Property and Company documents or information in his possession or control prior to the Effective Date. In addition, (i) DiNardo will complete any forms necessary, including those of any banking institution, to remove his name from any list of Company authorized signatories, (ii) DiNardo will execute any requested letters of resignation with respect to the Company or its subsidiaries, and (iii) DiNardo shall otherwise assist the Company in taking all actions required to confirm that all Company Property has been returned and that full ownership of all Company Property is vested solely in the Company. 

 

b.     Exceptions: Notwithstanding the foregoing, if DiNardo timely enters into this Agreement, the Company agrees to transfer to DiNardo its ownership interests in the mobile phones and laptop computer provided for DiNardo’s use in connection with DiNardo’s employment, and DiNardo shall be permitted to retain such mobile phone and laptop computer. The mobile phones and laptop computer shall be provided to DiNardo in “as is” condition and without warranty or guarantee, effective as of the Severance Date, provided that, on or before the Final Work Date, DiNardo must deliver such mobile phone and laptop computer to the Company so that the Company can delete in full any and all confidential or proprietary information of the Company or any member of the Company Group (other than such specific information that DiNardo reasonably identify as DiNardo’s personal property). DiNardo will be solely responsible for any and all taxes and/or costs owed as a result of the transfer of the mobile phones and laptop computer to DiNardo.

 

13.         Equity: DiNardo acknowledges that, except as set forth in Exhibit C to this Agreement (which provides, with respect to each grant of equity provided to DiNardo by the Company, the exercise price and number of shares of the Company’s common stock and RSUs that are vested as of the Severance Date after taking into account the acceleration of vesting provided pursuant to Section 5.3(b)(iv) in the Employment Agreement), he has no further right or benefits under any agreement to receive or acquire any security or derivative security in or with respect to the Company or any member of the Company Group.

 

 

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14.         Non-Solicitation: DiNardo shall comply with his continuing non-solicitation obligations under Section 8 of the Employment Agreement.

 

15.         Non-Disparagement: DiNardo agrees that he shall not make any disparaging remarks, or any remarks that could reasonably be construed as disparaging, whether orally or in writing, regarding the Company or any member of the Company Group, or its or their current or former officers, directors, trustees, employees, partners, owners, affiliates, or agents, in any manner that is intended to be harmful to them or their business, business reputation or personal reputation, including but not limited to statements to the media, former and present employees, consultants or customers of the Company, or existing or potential investors of the Company. The Company agrees that its officers and directors will not make any disparaging remarks, or any remarks that could reasonably be construed as disparaging, whether orally or in writing, regarding DiNardo that is intended to be harmful to DiNardo’s business or personal reputation. Nothing in this Section 15 is intended to prohibit DiNardo, on the one hand, or the Company or any of its officers or directors, on the other hand, from testifying or responding truthfully in response to any court order, arbitral order, subpoena or government investigation (“Disclosure Demand”), provided that the disclosing party: (i) provides written notice to the non-disclosing party within 72 hours of receiving a Disclosure Demand and (ii) cooperates with the non-disclosing party to the extent the non-disclosing party elects to object to such Disclosure Demand.

 

16.         Warranty of No Other Actions: DiNardo hereby represents and warrants to the Company that he has not filed any lawsuit or administrative action against the Company or any other Company Releasee with any court, arbitration proceeding or governmental agency. 

 

17.         Assignments: DiNardo warrants and represents that he has not assigned or transferred to any person not a party to this Agreement any released matter or any part or portion thereof and DiNardo shall defend, indemnify and hold harmless the Company from and against any claim (including the payment of attorneys’ fees and costs actually incurred whether or not litigation is commenced) based on or in connection with or arising out of any such assignment or transfer made, purported or claimed. This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the parties and their respective heirs, successors and permitted assigns. The Company may assign this Agreement, including any and all rights under this Agreement, without notice in its sole discretion. This Agreement is personal to DiNardo and may not be assigned, in whole or in part, by DiNardo.

 

18.         Waivers: No waiver of any provision or consent to any exception to the terms of this Agreement shall be effective unless in writing and signed by the party to be bound and, then, only to the specific purpose, extent and instance so provided.

 

19.         Governing Law: This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of California applicable to contracts made and performed in the State of California and without regard to conflicts of laws doctrines.

 

 

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20.         Arbitration: Any controversy or claim arising out of or relating to this Agreement, its enforcement, arbitrability or interpretation, or because of an alleged breach, default, or misrepresentation in connection with any of its provisions shall be resolved in accordance with Section 19 of the Employment Agreement.

 

21.         Authority: The Company represents and warrants that all corporate action on the part of the Company necessary for the authorization, execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement have been taken. 

 

22.         Severability: If any provision of this Agreement or its application is held invalid, the invalidity shall not affect other provisions or applications of the Agreement which can be given effect without the invalid provision or application and, therefore, the provisions of this Agreement are declared to be severable. 

 

23.         Entire Agreement: With the exception of the Sections 5.7 and 6-24 of the Employment Agreement, the Confidentiality Agreement, the Equity Agreements, and the Indemnification Agreement, this instrument constitutes and contains the entire agreement and understanding concerning DiNardo’s employment and the other matters addressed herein. The parties intend it as a complete and exclusive statement of the terms of their agreement. It supersedes and replaces all prior negotiations and agreements, proposed or otherwise, whether written or oral, between the parties concerning the subject matters, and expressly supersedes and eliminates any rights DiNardo may have under the Executive Health Plan and the Executive Officers’ Change in Control Severance and Benefit Plan. This is a fully integrated document. This Agreement may be modified only with a written instrument executed by both parties. 

 

24.         Voluntary Counsel: DiNardo agrees and acknowledges that he has read and understood this Agreement prior to signing it, has entered into this Agreement freely and voluntarily and has had the opportunity to receive legal advice from counsel of his own choosing prior to entering into this Agreement. 

 

25.         Code Section 409A: 

 

a.     It is intended that any amounts payable under this Agreement shall comply with Section 409A of the Code (including the Treasury regulations and other published guidance relating thereto) (“Code Section 409A”) so as not to subject DiNardo to payment of any interest or additional tax imposed under Code Section 409A. To the extent that any amount payable under this Agreement would trigger the additional tax imposed by Code Section 409A, the Agreement shall be construed and interpreted in a manner to avoid such additional tax yet preserve (to the nearest extent reasonably possible) the intended benefit payable to DiNardo. 

 

b.     Notwithstanding any provision of this Agreement to the contrary, if DiNardo is a “specified employee” within the meaning of Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-1(i) as of the date of the DiNardo’s Separation from Service, DiNardo shall not be entitled to any payment or benefit pursuant to Section 4 of this Agreement until the earlier of (i) the date which is six (6) months after DiNardo’s Separation from Service for any reason other than death, or (ii) the date of DiNardo’s death. Any amounts otherwise payable to DiNardo upon or in the six (6) month period following the DiNardo’s Separation from Service that are not so paid by reason of this Section 25(b) shall be paid (without interest) as soon as practicable (and in all events within thirty (30) days) after the date that is six (6) months after DiNardo’s Separation from Service (or, if earlier, as soon as practicable, and in all events within thirty (30) days, after the date of the DiNardo’s death). The provisions of this Section 25(b) shall only apply if, and to the extent, required to avoid the imputation of any tax, penalty or interest pursuant to Section 409A of the Code. 

 

 

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26.         Notices: All notices, requests, demands and other communications required or permitted under this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been duly given and made if (i) delivered by hand, (ii) otherwise delivered against receipt therefor, or (iii) sent by registered or certified mail, postage prepaid, return receipt requested. Any notice shall be duly addressed to the parties as follows: 

 

   (i)  if to the Company: 

 

Exar Corporation 

48720 Kato Road 

Fremont, CA 94538 

Attn: Jessica Wu 

 

 

with a copy to: 

 

Paul Scrivano, Esq. 

O’Melveny & Myers LLP 

2765 Sand Hill Road 

Menlo Park, CA 94025 

 

(ii)  if to DiNardo, to the address most recently on file in the payroll records of the Company.

 

27.         Construction: Each party recognizes that this is a legally binding contract and acknowledges and agrees that they have had the opportunity to consult with legal counsel of their choice. Each party has cooperated in the drafting, negotiation and preparation of this agreement. Hence, in any construction to be made of this agreement, the same shall not be construed against either party on the basis of that party being the drafter of such language. Each party agrees and acknowledges that they have read and understand this agreement, is entering into it freely and voluntarily, and has been advised to seek counsel prior to entering into this agreement and has had ample opportunity to do so.

 

28.         Section Headings: Section and other headings contained in this Agreement are for convenience of reference only and shall not affect in any way the meaning of interpretation of this Agreement.

 

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed or caused to be executed this Agreement as of the date first above written.

 

 

	
 
	
 
	
 
	
 

	
 
	
LOUIS DINARDO
	
 
	
Dated: October ____, 2015  

	
 
	
 
	
 
	
 

	
 
	
 
	
 
	
 

	
 
	
 
	
 
	
 

	
 
	
 
	
 
	
 

	
 
	
EXAR CORPORATION
	
 
	
 

	
 
	
 
	
 
	
 

	
 
	
 
	
 
	
 

	
 
	By:	 	
 
	
Dated: October ___, 2015

	
 
	
 
	
RICHARD L. LEZA

Chairman of the Board

EXAR CORPORATION
	
 
	
 

 

 

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EXHIBIT A

 

CONFIDENTIALITY AGREEMENT

 

 

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EXHIBIT B

 

ACKNOWLEDGMENT AND WAIVER

 

 

I, Louis DiNardo, hereby acknowledge that I was given 21 days to consider the foregoing Agreement and voluntarily chose to sign the Agreement prior to the expiration of the 21-day period.

 

 

 

EXECUTED this ___ day of __________ 2015, at ___________ County, California.

 

 

	
 

	
 LOUIS DINARDO

 

 

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EXHIBIT C

 

EQUITY AWARD TABLE

 

 

	
Agreement
	 	
Type of Grant (RSU/Option)
	 	
Date of Grant
	 	
Per Share

Exercise Price 

(options)
	 	
Vested Shares (including accelerated vesting) as of Severance Date
	 	
Unvested / Terminated Shares as of Severance Date
	 	
Unvested Shares Subject to Performance Target

	
 
	 	
 
	 	
 
	 	
 
	 	
 
	 	
 
	 	
 

	
Option Agreement
	 	
Option - NQ
	 	
January 3, 2012
	 	
$6.43 
	 	
720,000 
	 	
None
	 	
None

	
Option Agreement
	 	
Option - NQ
	 	
January 3, 2012
	 	
$6.43 
	 	
120,000 
	 	
None
	 	
None

	
Option Agreement
	 	
Option - NQ
	 	
January 3, 2012
	 	
$6.43 
	 	
120,000 
	 	
None
	 	
None

	
Option Agreement
	 	
Option - NQ
	 	
January 3, 2012
	 	
$6.43 
	 	
0 
	 	
None
	 	
120,000 

	
Option Agreement
	 	
Option - NQ
	 	
January 3, 2012
	 	
$6.43 
	 	
0 
	 	
None
	 	
120,000 

	
RSU Agreement
	 	
RSU
	 	
March 13, 2012
	 	
N/a
	 	
100,000 
	 	
None
	 	
None

	
RSU Agreement
	 	
RSU
	 	
March 13, 2012
	 	
N/a
	 	
66,667 
	 	
None
	 	
33,333

	
FY13 MIP
	 	
RSU
	 	
April 2, 2012
	 	
N/a
	 	
29,377 
	 	
None
	 	
None

	
RSU Agreement
	 	
RSU
	 	
April 30, 2013
	 	
N/a
	 	
100,000 
	 	
None
	 	
None

	
FY13 MIP
	 	
RSU
	 	
May 1, 2013
	 	
N/a
	 	
28,349 
	 	
None
	 	
None

	
RSU Agreement
	 	
RSU
	 	
December 31, 2013
	 	
N/a
	 	
50,000 
	 	
None
	 	
None

	
RSU Agreement
	 	
RSU
	 	
December 31, 2013
	 	
N/a
	 	
0 
	 	
50,000 
	 	
None

	
Option Agreement
	 	
Option - ISO
	 	
December 31, 2013
	 	
$11.79 
	 	
8,481 
	 	
8,481 
	 	
None

	
Option Agreement
	 	
Option - NQ
	 	
December 31, 2013
	 	
$11.79 
	 	
141,519 
	 	
41,519 
	 	
None

	
Option Agreement
	 	
Option - NQ
	 	
January 2, 2014
	 	
$11.64 
	 	
0 
	 	
140,000 
	 	
None

	
FY15 MIP
	 	
RSU
	 	
May 22, 2015
	 	
N/a
	 	
37,636 
	 	
None
	 	
None

 

 

14ex10-2.htm

Exhibit 10.2

 

SERVICES AGREEMENT 

 

This Services Agreement (this “Agreement”) is effective as of October 16, 2015 (the “Effective Date”) by and between EXAR Corporation (including its subsidiaries) located at 48720 Kato Rd., Fremont, CA 94538 and its affiliates (“Company” or “EXAR”), and RICHARD L. LEZA located at XXXXXXXXXXXXXX (“Mr. Leza”). 

 

Company desires to retain Mr. Leza as an independent contractor to perform certain services for Company, and Mr. Leza is willing to perform such services, on terms set forth more fully below. In consideration of the mutual promises contained herein, and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which is hereby acknowledged, the parties agree as follows: 

 

	
1.
	
SERVICES AND COMPENSATION 

 

(a) EXAR retains Mr. Leza on an interim basis to serve as the Company’s President and CEO and to perform all related tasks and responsibilities. 

 

(b) Mr. Leza shall exercise his best judgment in the diligent performance of all his duties hereunder and to devote the requisite time, skill and energy in addressing all matters related to his interim position. 

 

(c) For the services to be rendered by Mr. Leza, he shall receive a monthly salary of Thirty Six Thousand Five Hundred Dollars ($36,500.00). Payment to Mr. Leza shall be made in a form of a wire transfer to account number XXXXXXXXXXX. Mr. Leza’s documented business, travel, and living expenses will be reimbursed. Mr. Leza shall also receive 2,000 fully vested restricted stock units for service during the month of October and upon the conclusion of each month (or partial month) of continued service thereafter. 

 

(d) Mr. Leza acknowledges and agrees and it is the intent of the parties hereto that Mr. Leza receive no Company-sponsored benefits from Company either as a Contractor or employee. Such benefits include, but are not limited to, paid vacation, sick leave and medical insurance. If Mr. Leza is reclassified by any governmental or other authority or court as an employee, Mr. Leza will become a reclassified employee and will receive no benefits except those mandated by state or federal law, even if by the terms of Company’s benefit plans in effect at the time of such reclassification Mr. Leza would otherwise be eligible for such benefits. 

 

(e) Mr. Leza shall be solely responsible for the payment, wherever payable, of any income taxes or other taxes, contributions or insurance premiums that pertain to the compensation received hereunder. 

 

(f) Mr. Leza will continue to serve as Chairman of the Board following his appointment as Interim President and CEO. Mr. Leza will cease to receive the cash compensation paid to non-employee Directors during his appointment as Interim President and CEO, but will continue to vest in his prior equity grants during this period.

 

	
2.
	
EXAR REPRESENTATIVE 

 

EXAR’s designated representative is the Board of Directors (hereinafter “Representative”). EXAR’s designated representative will serve as Mr. Leza’s primary contact with EXAR. 

 

	
3.
	
TERM AND TERMINATION 

 

This Agreement will remain in place until the first employment day of a full-time President and CEO or when replaced by the Board, whichever first occurs. 

 

	
4.
	
INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR 

 

It is the express intention of the parties that Mr. Leza is an independent contractor. Nothing in this Agreement shall in any way be construed to constitute Mr. Leza as an agent, employee or representative of Company, and Mr. Leza shall perform the Services hereunder as an independent contractor. This Agreement does not constitute a hiring by either party. Mr. Leza shall be under the control of Company as to the result of Mr. Leza’s work only, and not as to the means by which such results are accomplished. Mr. Leza shall not be considered under the provisions of this Agreement or otherwise as having employee status. It is understood that the relationship of Mr. Leza to Company shall not bring Mr. Leza under the provisions of the United States Social Security Act, the State Unemployment Act, or any similar act wherein coverage is based on the relationship of employee or employer. Mr. Leza shall furnish (or reimburse Company for) all tools and materials necessary to accomplish this contract, and shall incur all expenses associated with performance. Mr. Leza acknowledges and agrees that Mr. Leza is obligated to report as income all compensation received by Mr. Leza pursuant to this Agreement, and Mr. Leza shall and acknowledge the obligation to pay all required self-employment benefit and other taxes or withholdings thereon to appropriate regulatory agencies. Mr. Leza shall indemnify and hold harmless the Company against any claim of non-compliance with the foregoing. Mr. Leza shall provide proof of the compliance with such obligation after each one (1) quarter period of providing services hereunder. 

 

 

 

 

 

	
5.
	
NOTICES 

 

Any notice or other communication required to be given under the terms of this Agreement shall be deemed to have been given upon personal delivery or upon the lapse of three (3) days following deposit for delivery by certified or registered United States mail, postage fully prepaid and addressed to the party at its respective address as shown herein (or at such other address to which one party gives the other by the same means of notice). 

 

Notice and payment to Mr. Leza shall be sent to the address as stated in the first paragraph of the Agreement: 

 

Notice to EXAR shall be sent to the following address unless otherwise specified herein: 

 

EXAR CORPORATION 

48720 Kato Road 

Fremont, California 94538 

Attn: Legal Department 

 

	
6.
	
COMPLIANCE WITH LAW AND POLICY

 

(a) Mr. Leza agrees at all times to comply with all applicable laws including those of the countries in which the Company does business, the United States and the various states of the United States. Mr. Leza further warrants that he/she is familiar with the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act of the United States and agrees that his/her/its activities undertaken pursuant to this Agreement shall at all times be consistent with this law and any similar law as well as all import and export laws, restrictions, national security controls and regulations of the United States and any applicable foreign agency or authority. Any and all obligations of the parties hereunder shall be subject in all respects to such laws, restrictions, and regulations.

 

(b) Mr. Leza shall abide by all rules of conduct applicable to Company employees or visitors, including, without limitation, Company's policies regarding ethics, conflicts of interest, and appropriate use of information technology, insider trading and prohibiting sexual or other harassment.

 

	
7.
	
GENERAL 

 

(a) This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between the parties and supersedes all prior agreements and understandings between them relating to the subject matter hereunder and no modification of this Agreement shall be binding on either party unless it is in writing and signed by both parties. 

 

(b) The rights and obligations of the parties to this Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of California. The parties hereto subject themselves to the jurisdiction of the state and federal courts of the State of California residing within the County of Alameda with respect to any dispute, disagreement or claim arising hereunder, and agree that any such dispute, disagreement or claim shall be exclusively resolved by such California state or federal court. 

 

(c) The prevailing party in any legal, arbitration or dispute resolution action brought by one party against the other regarding the performance, interpretation, enforcement or with respect to any matter arising out of or in connection with this Agreement shall be entitled, in addition to any other rights and remedies it may have, to reimbursement for its expenses incurred thereby, including court costs and reasonable attorneys’ fees. 

 

 

 

 

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Agreement as of the day and year first above written. 

 

	
EXAR CORPORATION:
	
 
	
RICHARD L. LEZA:

	  	  	  	 
	
By:
	

	
 
	
By:  
	  
	
Name:
	
Ryan Benton
	
 
	
Name:  
	
Richard L. Leza

	
Title:
	
CFO
	
 
		 
	 	
 
	
 
		  
	  	 	  	 	 
	
Date:
	
October 16, 2015
	
 
	
Date:  
	
October 16, 2015

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