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EXHIBIT 10.30    
  

 
 

EMPLOYEMENT AGREEMENT DATED JANUARY 7, 2003 BETWEEN
  VIA NET.WORKS, INC. AND FRASER PARK    
  

THIS AGREEMENT is made the 7th January 2003. 

BETWEEN  

	(1)
	VIA NET.WORKS, INC, a Delaware corporation with a principal place of business at 12100 Sunset Hills Road Suite 110, Reston, Virginia,
USA 20190 ("the Company") and

	(2)
	Fraser
Park, [address deleted] ("the Executive") 

WHEREBY IT IS AGREED as follows: 

	1.
	Meaning of words used

	1.1
	In
this Agreement the following expressions have the following meanings: 

	 	"Board"	 	the Board of Directors of the Company from time to time and any other person or persons authorised by the Board as its representative for the purposes of this Agreement;
	 	"Commencement Date"	 	January 7, 2003
	 	"Compensation Committee"	 	the committee elected from time to time to deal with issues relating to salary, bonus and other emoluments;
	 	"Group Company"	 	any holding company from time to time of the Company or any subsidiary or associated company from time to time of the Company or of any such holding company (for which purpose "holding company" and "subsidiary" have the
meanings ascribed to them by Section 736 of the Companies Act 1985 as amended by the Companies Act 1989);
	 	"Group"	 	the Company and all Group Companies wherever registered or incorporated;
	 	"the 1996 Act"	 	the Employment Rights Act 1996;
	 	"PAYE deductions"	 	deductions made to comply with or meet any liability of the Company to account for tax pursuant to regulations made under Section 203 Income and Corporation Taxes Act 1988 and with any obligations to deduct national
insurance contributions;
	 	"Recognised Investment Exchange"	 	has the meaning in Section 285 of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (whether or not yet in force);
	 	"Termination Date"	 	the date on which the Executive's employment under this Agreement terminates and references to "from the Termination Date" mean from and including the date of termination.

	

1.2	
 	

References herein to "clauses" and "sub-clauses" are to clauses and sub-clauses of this Agreement unless otherwise specified.
	

1.3	
 	

Unless otherwise required words denoting the singular include the plural and vice versa.
	

1.4	
 	

References in this Agreement to statutory provisions include all modifications and re-enactments of them and all subordinate legislation made under them.
	

1.5	
 	

Clause headings are included in this Agreement for convenience only and do not affect its construction.
	
 	
 	

 	
 	

 	
 	

 

 

	

2.	
 	
Previous agreements
	

2.1	
 	

This Agreement contains the entire and only agreement and will govern the relationship between the Company and the Executive from the Commencement Date in substitution for all previous agreements and arrangements whether written, oral or implied
between the Company or any Group Company and the Executive relating to the services of the Executive. For the avoidance of doubt the Commencement Date is the start of continuous employment for the purpose of the Act.
	

2.2	
 	

The Executive and the Company acknowledge that in entering into this Agreement neither has relied on any representation or undertaking by the other whether oral or in writing except as expressly incorporated in this Agreement. The Executive warrants
and represents to the Company that he will not be in breach of any existing or any former terms of employment applicable to him whether express or implied or of any other obligation binding on him by reason of his entering into this Agreement or
performing all or any of his duties and obligations under it.
	

3.	
 	
Appointment, duration and notice
	

3.1	
 	

The Company will employ the Executive and the Executive will serve the Company as its Chief Financial Officer.
	

3.2	
 	

The said appointment will commence on the Commencement Date and will continue subject as follows unless and until the employment is terminated either by either party giving written notice. The Company will give 12 months notice and the Executive
will give 6 months notice to terminate the Employment.
	

3.3	
 	

Save in the circumstances outline in clause 16.1 if the Company wishes to terminate this Agreement, it may do so with the written notice stated in clause 3.2 above.
	

3.4	
 	

Without prejudice to clause 16.1 below, at the Company's absolute discretion, the Company may make a payment in lieu of all or part of the period of notice required under clause 3.2 (whether notice is given by the Company or by the
Executive).
	

 	
 	

3.4.1	
 	

If the Company provides the notice, the payment in lieu of notice shall be calculated by reference to the Executive's basic salary during the notice period, bonus accrued to the date of the notice and a pro-rata bonus for the remainder of the notice
period (calculated on the basis of the average bonus percentage payout over the prior two year period, with a deemed "average bonus percentage payout" of 100% for all periods that predated the Commencement Date) in accordance with clause 7
subject to appropriate PAYE deductions.
	

 	
 	

3.4.2	
 	

If Executive provides the notice, the payment in lieu of notice shall be calculated by reference to the Executive's basic salary during the notice period and a bonus for the most recently completed calendar year (in accordance with Company policy
applicable to the Company's senior executives) in accordance with clause 7 subject to appropriate PAYE deductions.
	

 	
 	

3.4.3	
 	

If the Company elects to pay in lieu of notice prior to the expiration of 6 months of the notice period, then Executive shall confirm in writing his agreement to abide by the ongoing restrictions contained in this agreement and execute a release
to the Company and the Group, its officers and directors, in full settlement of and for any and all claims he has or may have against all such persons arising out of his employment or its termination through the date of such final payment in lieu of
notice, excluding claims relating to personal injury or unlawful discrimination.
	

4.	
 	
Duties
	
 	
 	

 	
 	

 	
 	

 

2

 

	

4.1	
 	

The Executive will carry out such duties and functions, exercise such powers and comply with such instructions in connection with the business of the Company and the Group as the Chief Executive Officer reasonably determines from time to time. Except
when prevented by illness, accident or holiday as provided below the Executive will devote the whole of his time and all of his attention and skill to the affairs of the Company and where appropriate the Group and use his best endeavours to promote
their interests.
	

4.2	
 	

The Executive will, if and so long as he is so required by the Company carry out duties for and/or act as a director, officer or employee of any other Group Company. The duties attendant on any such appointment will be carried out by the Executive as
if they were duties to be performed by him on behalf of the Company under this Agreement.
	

4.3	
 	

The Executive will at all times promptly give to the Chief Executive Officer (in writing if requested) all information, explanations and assistance that the Chief Executive Officer may require in connection with the business or affairs of the Company
and the Group and his employment under this Agreement.
	

5.	
 	
Place of work/relocation
	

5.1	
 	

The Executive will perform his duties principally from the Company's headquarters in the United Kingdom. The Executive will be required to travel extensively both inside and outside the United Kingdom in the course of his duties.
	

5.2	
 	

If the Company relocates its head office so that the Executive has to relocate his residence, the Company will reimburse him for his reasonable removal and other incidental expenses in accordance with its then current relocation policy.
	

6.	
 	
Hours of work
	

6.1	
 	

The Company's normal office hours are from 8.30 am to 5.30 pm Monday to Friday but the Executive will be required to work outside these hours without additional remuneration in order to meet the requirements of the business and for the proper
performance of his duties. In view of the Executive's seniority and managerial duties and responsibilities, the Executive is regarded as a "managing executive" for the purposes of the Working Time Regulations 1998.
	

7.	
 	
Remuneration
	

7.1	
 	

The Company will pay the Executive a salary at the rate of £175,000 (gross) per annum with effect from the Commencement Date (or at such rate as may from time to time be notified to him by the Compensation Committee) which salary will accrue
from day to day and be payable in arrears by equal monthly instalments on or about the last day of each month.
	

7.2	
 	

The Executive's salary will be subject to reviews no less than once each twelve months in each year during the Executive's employment under this Agreement commencing from the anniversary of this Agreement. The fact that the Executive's salary may be
increased in any year or years during his employment does not confer any right on the Executive to receive any increase in any subsequent year.
	
 	
 	

 	
 	

 	
 	

 

3

 

	

7.3	
 	

The Executive will be eligible to participate in all senior executive bonus schemes established and maintained by the Company, including a discretionary annual performance bonus up to 50% of his base salary, together with all applicable supplemental
bonuses, all in accordance with Company policy for senior executives. Participation in or payments under any such scheme for any year will not confer on the Executive any right to be paid the following year or any subsequent years. Any payments are
conditional on the Board being satisfied with the Executive's performance and conduct (in line with the terms of this Agreement) up to the date of payment. Bonus payments are non-pensionable and are subject to PAYE deductions. With respect to bonus
payments for a given calendar year under any such scheme, payment under the scheme will be made so long as Executive was employed by the Company through December 31st of the relevant year, unless prior to the date of payment Executive is
terminated "for cause" pursuant to paragraph 16.1 below.
	

8.	
 	
Expenses
	

8.1	
 	

The Executive will be reimbursed for all out of pocket expenses reasonably and properly incurred by him in the performance of his duties under this Agreement on hotel, travelling, entertainment and other similar items provided that he complies with
the Company's then current guidelines relating to expenses.
	

9.	
 	
Pension, medical and life insurance, share options and other benefits
	

9.1	
 	

During the term of this Agreement, Executive will be entitled to receive a pension contribution of ten percent (10%) of his base salary payable by the Company to a pension scheme of his choice.
	

9.2	
 	

During his employment the Company will procure for the benefit of the Executive:
	

 	
 	

9.2.1	
 	

life insurance at 4 times the Executive's salary under clause 7.1 from time to time;
	

 	
 	

9.2.2	
 	

private medical expenses insurance scheme for the benefit of the Executive and his partner and all dependent children in full time education under the age of 18;
	

 	
 	

subject to the rules of the said schemes as offered by a reputable provider in the United Kingdom from time to time (and any replacement schemes provided by the Company) and subject to the Executive (and where appropriate his partner and dependent
children) being eligible to participate in or benefit from such schemes pursuant to their rules at a cost which is acceptable to the Company.
	

9.3	
 	

The Executive will be eligible to participate in the Company's 1998 Amended and Restated Stock Option and Restricted Stock Plan ("the Share Option Scheme") in accordance with its rules from time to time ("the Rules"). Any participation will be
voluntary and will not constitute a contractual entitlement under this Agreement or give rise to any rights or remedies against the Company. By participating the Executive will be deemed irrevocably to have waived any such entitlement, rights or
remedies. In particular but without prejudice to the above, if the Executive's employment terminates for any reason and his options, rights or expectations (if any) under the Share Option Scheme lapse or are otherwise lost or altered pursuant to the
Rules, the Executive will not be entitled to damages for wrongful dismissal or breach of contract, compensation for unfair dismissal or otherwise to any sum or other benefits to compensate him in respect of any loss under the Share Option Scheme that
he may suffer as a result.
	

9.4	
 	

The Executive will be entitled to receive a monthly car allowance of £750 subject to appropriate PAYE deductions.
	

10.	
 	
Holidays
	

10.1	
 	

In addition to normal public holidays the Executive will be entitled to 25 working days' paid holiday in each holiday year after that, such holiday to be taken at such time or times as may be approved by the Board. The Company holiday year runs from
1st January to 31st December.
	
 	
 	

 	
 	

 	
 	

 

4

 

	

10.2	
 	

In each holiday year (apart from the year in which the Executive's employment commences or terminates) the Executive will be expected to take at least the 20 days' holiday (including normal public holidays) to which he is entitled under the
Working Time Regulations 1998.
	

10.3	
 	

Subject to clause 10.2, the Executive may carry forward to the following holiday year any unused holiday entitlement but he must take any holiday which is carried forward before the end of March in that year, after which date all unused holiday
entitlement shall expire.
	

10.4	
 	

Where the Executive has taken more or less than his holiday entitlement in the year his employment terminates, a proportionate adjustment will be made by way of addition to or deduction from (as appropriate) his final gross pay calculated on a
pro-rata basis.
	

11.	
 	
Incapacity
	

11.1	
 	

If the Executive is absent from his duties as a result of illness or injury he will notify the Chairman of the Board as soon as possible and complete any self-certification forms which the Company requires. If the incapacity continues for a period of
fourteen (14) days or more he will if requested produce to the Company a medical certificate to cover the duration of such absence.
	

11.2	
 	

Subject to the rest of clause 11 and to 16.1.7 and subject to the receipt of the appropriate certificates in accordance with clause 11.1, if the Executive is absent from his duties as a result of illness or injury he will be entitled to
payment of his basic salary at the full rate and enjoy his benefits hereunder in respect of such illness or injury for a period (in total) of up to 18 weeks in any period of 12 months (whether the absence is intermittent or continuous). Further
if the Executive continues to be absent beyond 18 weeks in any period of 12 months he will then be entitled to receive salary at half the basic rate (benefits will continue in full during this period) for a further period of 18 weeks. Thereafter
the Executive will not be entitled to any further salary or benefits during sickness absence until he has returned to work and completed six months' continuous service with no absences from work other than agreed holidays.
	

11.3	
 	

If the Executive is absent from work because of any injury or condition (physical or mental and whether or not sustained in the course of his duties) caused wholly or partly by any act or omission of any third party (other than the Company or any
Group Company) and recovers damages or compensation from such party, the Executive will repay immediately to the Company a sum equivalent to the amount awarded (if any) of any such damages or compensation which relates to any period of absence during
which the Executive received salary from the Company pursuant to clause 11.2.
	

11.4	
 	

If the Executive has been absent from work because of any injury or condition (physical or mental) caused wholly or partly by the Company or any Group Company or any person for whom the Company or any Group Company is vicariously liable and for which
the Executive may be or become entitled to recover damages or compensation, any such damages or compensation payable will be reduced by the amount of any salary (including Statutory Sick Pay) paid to him and by the pension received or receivable by
him in the period in respect of which such damages or compensation are calculated.
	

11.5	
 	

The Executive's basic salary paid under clause 11.2 will include any Statutory Sick Pay payable and when this is exhausted will be reduced by the amount of any Social Security Sickness Benefit or other benefits recoverable by the Executive
(whether or not recovered).
	
 	
 	

 	
 	

 	
 	

 

5

 

	

11.6	
 	

If the Executive is absent by reason of sickness, injury or other incapacity the Executive will at the request of the Board agree to have a medical examination performed by a doctor appointed and paid for by the Company and the Executive hereby
authorises the Board to have unconditional access to any report or reports (including copies) produced as a result of any such examination as the Board may from time to time require and entitlements to salary pursuant to clause 11.2 will be
conditional on the Executive complying with the terms of this clause 11.6.
	

12.	
 	
Conflict of interests
	

12.1	
 	

The Executive will disclose promptly to the Company in writing all his interests in any business other than that of the Company and the Group and will notify the Company immediately of any change in his external interests. Except with the written
consent of the Company (such consent not to be unreasonably withheld) the Executive will not during his employment under this Agreement be directly or indirectly engaged, concerned or interested whether as principal, servant or agent (on his own
behalf or on behalf of or in association with any other person) in any other trade, business or occupation other than the business of the Company or any Group Company. This clause will not prevent the Executive from being interested for investment
purposes only as a member, debenture holder or beneficial owner of any stock, shares or debentures which are listed or dealt in on a recognised investment exchange and which do not represent more than four percentage of the total share or loan
capital from time to time in issue in such company.
	

12.2	
 	

The Executive will not during his employment introduce to any other person, firm, company or organisation business of any kind with which the Company or any other Group Company for which he has performed services under this Agreement is able to deal
and he will not have any financial interest in, or derive any financial or other benefit from, contracts or transactions entered into by the Company or any other Group Company for which he has performed services under this Agreement with any third
party without first disclosing such interest or benefit to the Board and obtaining its written approval.
	

12.3	
 	

The Executive will comply where relevant (and will procure that his partner and children (except where children have reached 18 and are either not living in the Executive's household or for whom the Executive is not the primary means of financial
support) comply) with every rule of law, every regulation of the Financial Services Authority, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Act of 1934 and the Securities Act of 1933 and every requirement, recommendation or regulation of the Company from time to
time in force in relation to dealings with shares, debentures or other securities of the Company or any Group Company and unpublished price-sensitive information affecting the shares, debentures or other securities of any such company. In relation to
overseas dealings, the Executive will also comply with all laws of the state and all regulations of the stock exchange, market or dealing system in which such dealings take place.
	

13.	
 	
Restrictive covenants
	

13.1	
 	

The Executive undertakes to the Company that the Executive will not without the prior written consent of the Company directly or indirectly whether alone or in conjunction with, or on behalf of any other business, concern or Person (which includes
any individual firm, partnership or unincorporated association or company and any other incorporated body) and whether as principal, shareholder, director, employee, agent, consultant, partner or otherwise for a period of 12 months immediately
following the date of termination of the Executive's employment:
	

 	
 	

13.1.1	
 	

seek to interfere with the continuance of supplies of goods or services to the Company from any supplier who had been supplying goods or services to the Company at any time during the 12 months immediately preceding the termination of the
Executive's employment if such interference causes or would cause that supplier to cease supplying, or materially reduce the supply of goods or services to the Company;
	
 	
 	

 	
 	

 	
 	

 

6

 

	

 	
 	

13.1.2	
 	

solicit or entice or endeavour to solicit or entice away from the Company or employ any person employed in a managerial, supervisory, sales or executive capacity by, or who is a consultant to, the Company at the date of termination or at any time
during the 6 months preceding the date of termination (providing such individual earns in excess of £25,000 from the Company) and that by such employment, appointment or engagement and in particular her/her seniority and expertise or
knowledge of trade secrets or confidential information of the Company or the Group or knowledge of or influence over the clients, customers or suppliers of the Company or the Group is likely to be able to assist or benefit a business in or proposing
to be in competition with the Company or the Group.
	

13.2	
 	

Whilst the restrictions in this clause 13 (on which the Executive has had an opportunity to take independent advice as the Executive hereby acknowledges) are regarded by the parties as fair and reasonable, it is hereby declared that each of the
restrictions in this clause 13 is intended to be separate and severable. If any restriction is held to be unreasonably wide but would be valid if part of the wording were deleted, such restriction will apply with so much of the wording deleted
as may be necessary to make it valid.
	

13.3	
 	

For the purposes of clause 13 and 14 the Company has entered into this Agreement as agent for and trustee of all Companies in the Group.
	

13.4	
 	

If the Executive applies for or is offered a new employment, appointment or engagement, before entering into any related contract the Executive will bring the terms of this clause 13 and clauses 3, 4, 14 to the attention of a third party
proposing directly or indirectly to employ, appoint or engage him.
	

14.	
 	
Confidentiality
	

14.1	
 	

The Executive acknowledges that in the ordinary course of his employment he will be exposed to information about the business of the Company and the Group and that of the Company's and the Group's suppliers and customers which amounts to a trade
secret, is confidential or is commercially sensitive and which may not be readily available to others engaged in a similar business to that of the Company or any of the Group Companies or to the general public and which if disclosed will be liable to
cause significant harm to the Company or such Group Companies. The Executive has therefore agreed to accept the restrictions in this clause 14.
	

14.2	
 	

The Executive will not during the period of his employment with the Company obtain or seek to obtain any financial advantage (direct or indirect) from the disclosure of information acquired by him in the course of his employment with the
Company.
	

 	
 	

For the purposes of this clause and by way of illustration and not limitation information will prima facie be secret and confidential if it relates to:
	

 	
 	

(i)	
 	

suppliers and their production and delivery capabilities;
	

 	
 	

(ii)	
 	

customers and details of their particular requirements;
	

 	
 	

(iii)	
 	

costings, profit margins, discounts, rebates and other financial information;
	

 	
 	

(iv)	
 	

marketing strategies and tactics;
	

 	
 	

(v)	
 	

current activities and current and future plans relating to all or any of development, production or sales including the timing of all or any such matters;
	

 	
 	

(vi)	
 	

the development of new products;
	

 	
 	

(vii)	
 	

production or design secrets;
	

 	
 	

(viii)	
 	

technical design or specifications of the Company's products; or
	
 	
 	

 	
 	

 	
 	

 

7

 

	

 	
 	

(ix)	
 	

staffing, personnel and salaries.
	

14.3	
 	

The Executive will not either during his employment or after its termination without limit in time for his own purposes or for any purposes other than those of the Company or any Group Company (for any reason and in any manner) use or divulge or
communicate to any person, firm, company or organisation, except to officials of any Group Company who are entitled to know, any secret or confidential information or information constituting a trade secret acquired or discovered by him in the course
of his employment with the Company relating to the private affairs or business of the Company or any Group Company or its/their suppliers, customers, management or shareholders.
	

14.4	
 	

The restrictions contained in this clause do not apply to:
	

 	
 	

(i)	
 	

any disclosure authorised by the Board or required in the ordinary and proper course of the Executive's employment or required by the order of a court of competent jurisdiction or by an appropriate regulatory authority or as otherwise required by
law; or
	

 	
 	

(ii)	
 	

any information which the Executive can demonstrate was known to the Executive prior to the commencement of the Executive's employment by the Company or by a Group Company or is in the public domain otherwise than as a result of a breach by him of
this clause.
	

14.5	
 	

The provisions of this clause 14 are without prejudice to the duties and obligations of the Executive to be implied into this Agreement at common law.
	

15.	
 	
Intellectual property rights
	

15.1	
 	

In this clause 15 "Intellectual Property" means any:
	

 	
 	

(i)	
 	

concept, discovery, invention, process, procedure, development or improvement in process or procedure;
	

 	
 	

(ii)	
 	

data, design, formula, model, plans, drawings, documentation, database, computer program or software (including related preparatory and design materials) whether registrable or not and whether or not copyright or design rights subsist in it;
and
	

 	
 	

(iii)	
 	

idea, method, information or know-how
	

 	
 	

which is made, discovered, created or generated by the Executive whether alone or with others and whether or not in the course of his employment which relates to or affects the business of the Company or any Group Company or which is capable of being
used or adapted for use in connection with any such company.
	

15.2	
 	

Without prejudice to the provisions of the Patents Act 1977, the Copyright Designs and Patents Act 1988 and any other applicable legislation:
	

 	
 	

15.2.1	
 	

the Executive must immediately disclose to the Company full details of any Intellectual Property;
	

 	
 	

15.2.2	
 	

if the rights in the Intellectual Property belong to the Company or are capable of doing so, the Executive will act as trustee for the Company in relation to them;
	

 	
 	

15.2.3	
 	

if requested by the Board whether during his employment or after the Termination Date the Executive will at the expense of the Company do everything necessary (including executing documents) to:
	

 	
 	

 	
 	

(i)	
 	

protect all current and future rights in the Intellectual Property (by applying for letters patent or other appropriate form of protection) in the United Kingdom or any other part of the world;
	
 	
 	

 	
 	

 	
 	

 

8

 

	

 	
 	

 	
 	

(ii)	
 	

vest, transfer or assign such protection or right as the case may be to the Company or its nominee with full title guarantee and the right to sue for past infringement and recover damages; and
	

 	
 	

 	
 	

(iii)	
 	

to provide all reasonable assistance as the Company may require to obtain, maintain or enforce rights to the Intellectual Property;
	

 	
 	

15.2.4	
 	

the Executive hereby irrevocably and unconditionally waives in favour of the Company the moral rights conferred on him by the Copyright Designs and Patents Act 1988 in respect of any Intellectual Property right in which the copyright is vested in the
Company under this clause or otherwise;
	

 	
 	

15.2.5	
 	

the Executive hereby irrevocably authorises the Company to appoint a person to execute any documents and to do everything necessary to effect his obligations under this clause on his behalf.
	

16.	
 	
Termination
	

16.1	
 	

The Company may terminate the Executive's employment immediately by summary notice in writing without compensation (notwithstanding that the Company may have allowed any time to elapse or on a former occasion may have waived its rights under this
clause) if he:
	

 	
 	

16.1.1	
 	

commits, repeats or continues following a written warning any material breach of any part of this Agreement or his obligations under it;
	

 	
 	

16.1.2	
 	

in the performance of his duties under this Agreement commits any act of gross misconduct or gross negligence;
	

 	
 	

16.1.3	
 	

engages in chronic substance abuse;
	

 	
 	

16.1.4	
 	

has committed/is charged with/is convicted of any criminal offence involving dishonesty, moral turpitude or violence other than an offence which does not in the reasonable opinion of the Board affect his position under this Agreement, specifically a
motoring offence;
	

 	
 	

16.1.5	
 	

becomes bankrupt or enters into or make any arrangement or composition with or for the benefit of his creditors generally; or
	

 	
 	

16.1.6	
 	

becomes prohibited by law from being a director of a company or if the Executive resigns from any board of directors of a Group Company without the consent or concurrence of the Company.
	

16.2	
 	

Without prejudice to clause 4.1 after notice of termination has been given by the Executive pursuant to clause 3.2 or if the Executive seeks to or indicates an intention to resign as a director of any Group Company or terminate his
employment without notice, provided that the Executive continues to be paid and enjoys his full contractual benefits until his employment terminates in accordance with the terms of this Agreement, the Board may in its absolute discretion without
breaking the terms of this Agreement or giving rise to any claim against the Company or any Group Company for all or part of the notice period required under clause 3.2:-
	

 	
 	

(i)	
 	

exclude the Executive from the premises of the Company and/or any Group Company;
	

 	
 	

(ii)	
 	

require him to carry out specified duties (consistent with the Executive's status, role and experience) for the Company or to carry out no duties;
	

 	
 	

(iii)	
 	

announce to employees, suppliers and customers and if appropriate to the relevant stock exchanges on which the Company's shares are listed that he has been given notice of termination or has resigned (as the case may be);
	
 	
 	

 	
 	

 	
 	

 

9

 

	

 	
 	

(iv)	
 	

instruct the Executive not to communicate orally or in writing with suppliers, customers, employees, agents or representatives of the Company or any Group Company until his employment hereunder has terminated.
	

 	
 	

For the avoidance of doubt, the Executive's duties and obligations under clauses 4, 12, 14 and 15 and those to be implied into this Agreement at common law continue to apply during any period of exclusion pursuant to this clause.
	

16.3	
 	

On commencement of any period of exclusion pursuant to clause 16.2 the Executive will upon request:
	

 	
 	

(i)	
 	

deliver up to the Company in accordance with clause 18 all property belonging to the Company or any Group Company; and
	

 	
 	

(ii)	
 	

resign in accordance with clause 19 from all offices and appointments he holds in the Company and any Group Company.
	

16.4	
 	

During any period of exclusion pursuant to clause 16.2 the Executive will not be entitled to accrue any bonus under clause 7.4 or holiday other than his entitlement under the Working Time Regulations 1998 referred to in clause 10.2.
Any untaken holiday entitlement accrued or likely to accrue up to the Termination Date should be taken during the leave period. The Executive agrees to notify the Company of any day or days during the exclusion period when he will be unavailable due
to holiday and will endeavour to agree convenient holiday dates in advance with the Board.
	

16.5	
 	

Before and after termination of the Executive's employment, the Executive will provide the Company and/or any Group Company with reasonable assistance regarding matters of which he has knowledge and/or experience in any proceedings or possible
proceedings in which the Company and/or Group Company is or may be a party, all related costs to be reimbursed by the Company.
	

17.	
 	
Deductions
	

17.1	
 	

The Executive hereby authorises the Company to deduct from his remuneration (which for this purpose includes salary, pay in lieu of notice, commission, bonus, holiday pay and sick pay) all debts owed by the Executive to the Company or any Group
Company, including but without limitation the balance outstanding of any loans (and interest where appropriate) advanced by the Company to the Executive.
	

18.	
 	
Delivery of documents and property
	

18.1	
 	

On termination of his employment for any reason (or earlier if requested) the Executive will immediately deliver up to the Company all property (including but not limited to documents and software, credit cards, mobile telephone, computer equipment,
facsimile machine, keys and security passes) belonging to it or any Group Company in the Executive's possession or under his control. Documents and software include (but are not limited to) correspondence, diaries, address books, databases, files,
reports, minutes, plans, records, documentation or any other medium for storing information. The Executive's obligations under this clause include the return of all copies, drafts, reproductions, notes, extracts or summaries (however stored or made)
of all documents and software.
	

19.	
 	
Resignation as director
	
 	
 	

 	
 	

 	
 	

 

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19.1	
 	

The Executive will on termination of his employment for any reason at the request of the Board give notice resigning immediately without claim for compensation (but without prejudice to any claim he may have for damages for breach of this Agreement)
all related costs to be reimbursed by the Company:
	

 	
 	

19.1.1	
 	

as a director of all Group Companies of which he is a director; and
	

 	
 	

19.1.2	
 	

all trusteeships held by him of any pension scheme or other trusts established by the Company or any Group Company or any other company with which the Executive has had dealings as a consequence of his employment with the Company.
	

19.2	
 	

If notice pursuant to clause 19.1 is not received by the relevant company within seven days of a request by the Company, the Company is irrevocably authorised to appoint a person to execute any documents and to do everything necessary to effect
such resignation or resignations on the Executive's behalf.
	

19.3	
 	

Except with the prior written agreement of the Board, the Executive will not during his employment under this Agreement resign his office as a director of any Group Company and if he does so without the consent or concurrence of the Company, the
Company will be entitled to terminate his employment pursuant to clause 16.1.6 or at the Company's absolute discretion, to treat such resignation as notice of termination given by the Executive to the Company pursuant to clause 3.2 and to
suspend the Executive pursuant to clause 16.2.
	

20.	
 	
Rights following termination
	

20.1	
 	

The termination of the Executive's employment under this Agreement will not affect any of the provisions of this Agreement which expressly operate or lawfully have effect after termination and will not prejudice any right of action already accrued to
either party in respect of any breach of any terms of this Agreement by the other party.
	

21.	
 	
Disciplinary and grievance procedures
	

21.1	
 	

The Company does not have a formal disciplinary procedure that is applicable to the Executive. However, the Company may, for a reasonable period only and in order to investigate an alleged breach of clause 16.1, suspend the Executive from his
duties. Any such suspension would be with full pay and benefits.
	

21.2	
 	

If the Executive has a grievance in relation to his employment or is dissatisfied with a disciplinary decision against him he may apply in writing to the Chairman of the Board whose decision will be final.
	

22.	
 	
Third party rights
	

22.1	
 	

Apart from the provisions of this Agreement which are expressly or impliedly entered into by the Company for itself and as agent of and trustee for any Group Company the parties do not intend that this Agreement should confer any right or benefit on
any third party.
	

23.	
 	
Notices
	

 	
 	

Notices under this Agreement by the Executive to the Company should be addressed to the Chairman of the Board, copied to the General Counsel and left at its registered office or is sent by first class post or by facsimile transmission or other form
of electronic delivery to its registered office and notices given by the Company to the Executive should be served personally or sent by first class post or sent by facsimile transmission or other form of electronic delivery to his usual or last
known place of residence in England. In case of service by post, the day of service will be 48 hours after posting and in the case of facsimile transmission or other electronic delivery the day of service will be the day of transmission by the
sender.
	
 	
 	

 	
 	

 	
 	

 

11

 

	

24.	
 	
Miscellaneous
	

24.1	
 	

This Agreement shall be governed by and interpreted in accordance with the law of England and Wales.
	

24.2	
 	

The parties to this Agreement submit to the exclusive jurisdiction of the English Courts in relation to any claim, dispute or matter arising out of or relating to this Agreement.
	

24.3	
 	

Any delay by the Company in exercising any of its rights under this Agreement will not constitute a waiver of such rights.
	

24.4	
 	

There are no collective agreements that directly affect the Executive's terms and conditions of employment.
	

24.5	
 	

The Executive's employment is subject to the Company handbook that is incorporated into this Agreement. However, if there is any conflict between the Company Handbook, and the terms of this Agreement, the terms of this Agreement will
prevail.

12

 

        THIS AGREEMENT has been signed on behalf of the Company by its duly authorized representative and executed and delivered as a deed by the
Executive on the date set out at the beginning. 

	SIGNED by Rhett Williams

for and on behalf of THE COMPANY	 	)

)	 	/s/  RHETT WILLIAMS      
 Rhett Williams

Chief Executive Officer
	

EXECUTED AND DELIVERED as a

Deed by THE EXECUTIVE in the

presence of	
 	

)

)

)	
 	

/s/  FRASER PARK      
 Fraser Park

	

Witness:	
 	

 
	

Signature:	
 	

/s/  DEBBIE COEY      

	

Name:	
 	

Debbie Coey
	

Address:	
 	

25 Kings Road, Reading, Berkshire RG1 3AR

13

QuickLinks

EXHIBIT 10.30

EMPLOYEMENT AGREEMENT DATED JANUARY 7, 2003 BETWEEN VIA NET.WORKS, INC. AND FRASER PARKQuickLinks
 -- Click here to rapidly navigate through this document

 
 

EXHIBIT 10.31    
  

 
 

EMPLOYEMENT SEPARATION AND RELEASE AGREEMENT DATED FEBRUARY 21, 2003 BETWEEN VIA NET.WORKS, INC. AND KARL MAIER    
  

        This Employment Separation Agreement and Release (the "Agreement") is being entered into between VIA NET.WORKS, INC. ("VIA") and Karl A. Maier
("Executive") effective as of this 21st day of February 2003. For and in consideration of the mutual promises contained in this Agreement, and for other good and sufficient consideration,
receipt of which is hereby acknowledged, VIA and Executive (sometimes referred to in this Agreement as the "parties") agree as follows: 

 1.    Termination of Employment and Payment.  

        (a)  Executive's
employment with VIA and all its subsidiaries shall end on June 30, 2003 (the "Separation Date"). On or before March 31, 2003, VIA will release
Executive from his responsibilities as President and Chief Operating Officer (the "Leave Date"). On and effective as of his Leave Date, Executive shall resign from all boards, committees and all
offices and positions he holds with VIA and its subsidiaries, including without limitation his position as President and Chief Operating Officer. To the extent that Executive holds any other offices
or positions with VIA as of his Leave Date, Executive's resignation on that date shall constitute a resignation from any such other offices or positions. Executive agrees to execute and deliver to VIA
any formal written resignations requested by VIA to document the resignations described herein. 

        (c)  From
the Leave Date (if prior to March 31, 2003) through March 31, 2003, Executive shall provide executive-level services to VIA as may reasonably be
requested by VIA's Chief Executive Officer from time to time. After March 31 and through the Separation Date, Executive will make himself reasonably available for consultation on matters
involving VIA and its business with VIA's Chief Executive Officer and other officers, employees and agents of VIA that the Chief Executive Officer may delegate. 

        (c)  Executive
shall be paid at his current base salary rate, including his Foreign Assistance Payment, through the Separation Date. Executive will use all unused and accrued
vacation time before June 30, 2003, and shall be entitled to no vacation or leave benefit or payment after that date. Executive's health insurance, life insurance, disability benefits, vacation
or other paid leave, and all other benefits provided or funded by VIA will terminate as of Separation Date. All such payments shall be in accordance with VIA's usual payroll practices and policies and
shall be less standard deductions for federal, state, and local taxes, subject to Part Two of the VIA International Assignment Policy. 

        (d)  Executive
shall be eligible for a bonus for calendar year 2002 in accordance with his Employment Agreement dated as of July 1, 2002 ("Employment Agreement") and
VIA's bonus policy in effect for that year, and which payment, shall be made at the time and in accordance with VIA practice for payment of annual bonuses. The amount of the bonus to be paid shall be
60% of his base salary, subject to completion of the audit of VIA's 2002 results and approval by the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors. Executive shall also be eligible for a bonus for
the first three months of 2003 in accordance with VIA policy and subject to satisfactory completion of personal objectives established by VIA. This bonus payment shall be made at such time as all
other VIA employee bonuses for the first quarter 2003 are paid. All bonus payments shall be less standard deductions and withholdings. Executive will not be eligible for any bonus program or payment
with respect to any period beginning after March 31, 2003, except as specifically contemplated above. 

        (e)  From
and after the Separation Date, Executive shall not be eligible to participate in any VIA benefit plan, including, but not limited to, VIA-provided
dental and medical insurance, the retirement and 401(k) plan, vacation leave, sick leave, long-term disability insurance, life insurance, or personal accident insurance. However, nothing
in this Paragraph shall prevent Executive from participating in a COBRA continuation coverage program (and any similar state health care continuation coverage program). 

 

        (f)    Executive
agrees that once all of the payments referred to in this Paragraph 1 of this Agreement have been made he shall have been paid all compensation due and
owing to him under this Agreement and under the Employment Agreement or any other employment or contract or arrangement he has or may have had with VIA or from any other source of entitlement to
payment from VIA (provided that Executive may still receive the Severance Payment and other consideration described in Paragraph 3 if he satisfies the necessary conditions therein, as well as
expense reimbursements for expenses actually incurred by him in connection with VIA business prior to the Separation Date and tax equalization payments to which he is entitled under Part Two of the
VIA International Assignment Policy and the Employment Agreement) including all wages, salary, commissions, annual, quarterly and all other quarterly and annual bonuses, incentive payments,
profit-sharing payments, leave, severance pay or other benefits of any kind and nature. 

        (g)  All
options to purchase VIA's common stock held by Executive as of the Leave Date which have not vested shall continue to vest through the Separation Date. 

 2.    Release.  

        (a)  Executive,
on behalf of himself and his agents, heirs, executors, administrators, successors and assigns, hereby releases and forever discharges VIA, and any and all of
the affiliates, owners, members, officers, directors, employees, agents, counsel, and successors and assigns of VIA, from any and all complaints, claims, demands, damages, lawsuits, actions, and
causes of action which he has or may have against any one or more of them for any reason whatsoever in law or in equity, under federal, state or other law, whether the same be upon statutory claim,
contract, tort or other basis, including but not limited to any and all claims arising from or relating to his employment, the decision to terminate his employment, or the termination of his
employment, and any and all claims relating to the Employment Agreement or any other employment contract or arrangement or any stock option plan or agreement, any employment statute or regulation, or
any employment discrimination law, including but not limited to the Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, as amended, the Civil Rights Act
of 1866, the Equal Pay Act of 1963, as amended, all state and local laws, regulations and ordinances prohibiting discrimination in employment, and other laws and regulations relating to employment,
including but not limited to the Executive Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended, provided, however, it is understood that Executive is not waiving any claims under VIA's 401(k) plan (or
any successor to such plan) and is not waiving any claims under VIA's health plan, stock option plan or other benefit plans or any claims for indemnification or under VIA's director and officer or
other insurance policies to which Executive may be entitled to coverage. Executive agrees, without limiting the generality of the above release, not to file any claim or lawsuit seeking damages or
other relief and asserting any claims that are lawfully released in this Paragraph. Executive further hereby irrevocably and unconditionally waives any and all rights to recover any relief and damages
concerning the claims that are lawfully released in this Paragraph. Executive represents and warrants that he has not previously filed or joined in any such claims against VIA or any of its affiliates
or subsidiaries, and that he has not given or sold any portion of any claims released herein to anyone else, and that he will indemnify and hold harmless the persons and entities released herein from
all liabilities, claims, demands, costs, expenses and/or attorneys' fees incurred as a result of any such assignment or transfer. Notwithstanding the provisions of this Paragraph 2, the parties
agree that the foregoing release is not a release of Executive's rights or claims under or specifically preserved in this Agreement, nor is it a release of any claims with respect to events that occur
after the date that Executive signs this Agreement. 

        3.    Severance
Payment and Other Consideration. Provided that Executive signs and executes the General Release of Claims attached hereto as Attachment A no earlier than the
day following his Separation Date and further provided that Executive continues to abide by the terms of his Employment Agreement until the Separation Date, and thereafter with respect to terms of his 

2

 

Employment Agreement that survive the termination thereof, VIA shall pay or provide Executive the following severance benefits: 

        (a)  Six
months of Executive's base salary ($175,000), less standard withholdings and deductions for federal, state, and local taxes as determined by VIA, to be paid no later
than the date of the next regularly scheduled employee payroll after the Separation Date. 

        (c)  Reimbursement
of Executive's expenses to relocate to the United States in accordance with the company's International Assignment Policy, provided that his move back to
the United States occurs within six (6) months of the Separation Date. 

        (d)  Executive
may continue to occupy his flat at Holland Park 34 (flat 4), W11 3TA London past the Separation Date and through July 15, 2003 on the same basis as
through the date hereof, provided that the indemnification agreement between Executive and VIA, dated 23rd September 2002, will remain in full force and effect until July 15, 2003 or any
date sooner he moves out of the flat. 

        (e)  Partial
reimbursement of the costs to terminate his automobile lease agreement in accordance with the following terms and conditions: Executive will use his reasonable
best efforts to arrange another party to assume the lease agreement of Executive's automobile in the United Kingdom. If Executive is unsuccessful in these efforts, he will cooperate with and provide
support to VIA for the negotiated termination of the lease agreement or, if necessary, the sale of the vehicle and the payment of the balance of the lease agreement charges, less the sale proceeds.
The net costs of these efforts will be split as follows, taking into account the £2,000 Executive paid upfront for the lease as a part of his contribution: VIA will reimburse to Executive
80% of the net costs and Executive will be responsible for making full payment to the leasing company. Executive shall use his reasonable best efforts to cause all arrangements for the car to be
completed by June 30, 2003. 

        (f)    In
accordance with VIA's International Assignment Policy, VIA will pay for the preparation of Executive's federal and state income tax returns for the years 2002 and
2003 by PricewaterhouseCoopers. Executive and VIA agree to continue to abide by all conditions of the International Assignment Policy, including the reimbursement of any shortfall in taxes paid by him
during the relevant year or for any amounts owing to Executive under VIA's tax equalization policy as set forth in the International Assignment Policy and the Employment Agreement. 

        (g)  VIA
shall reimburse Executive for all business related expenses through the Separation Date, consistent with VIA company policy. In addition, VIA shall reimburse
Executive for the reasonable fees and expenses of his counsel in reviewing and negotiating this Agreement. 

        4.    Information Regarding Separation and Non-Disclosure of This Agreement.    From and after the date of
this Agreement, Executive and VIA shall not provide to any person or entity (other than in the case of Executive, his family members, counsel and tax and accounting advisors, and, in the case of VIA,
its executive officers, directors and counsel on a need-to-know basis) any information that is not consistent with VIA's public announcements regarding Executive's separation
as contemplated by Paragraph 7 hereof. Executive shall treat the terms of this Agreement as Confidential Information in accordance with the VIA NET.WORKS Employee Confidentiality Agreement. 

        5.    Proprietary and/or Confidential Information.    Executive agrees that any proprietary or confidential
information or data relating to VIA or any of its affiliates, including, without limitation, trade secrets, customer lists, customer contacts, customer relationships, VIA's financial data, long range
or short range plans, and other data and information of a competition-sensitive nature, or any confidential or proprietary information of others licensed to VIA, that he acquired while an employee or
officer of VIA shall not be disclosed or used in a manner detrimental to VIA's interests. Executive agrees and hereby reaffirms his existing obligations under any and all confidentiality agreements
that he has or may have signed with VIA or its affiliates, including but not limited to the VIA NET.WORKS, INC. Employee Confidentiality Agreement. 

3

 

        6.    Cooperation and Return of Information and Company Property.    Executive agrees that prior to his Leave Date,
and through the Separation Date as may be reasonably requested by VIA, he will cooperate fully with VIA in providing information to VIA relating to the business of VIA and its affiliates. Executive
further agrees to return to VIA within one (1) business day of his Leave Date the originals and all copies of all files, materials, documents and all other property belonging to or relating to
the business of VIA, including but not limited to his computers, lap-tops and passkeys to all VIA offices. Executive may retain only personal correspondence and notes relating to the
duties and responsibilities of his employment. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Executive will be permitted to keep his company European GSM mobile phone through the Separation Date. Executive will be
responsible for the charges assessed against the mobile phone (including subscription costs and actual telephone usage costs) for the period April 1—June 30, 2003. 

        7.    Public Statement.    The parties agree that any public announcement of Executive's separation from employment
shall be mutually agreed upon by the parties and shall confirm that he was hired on an interim basis and achieved the objectives that the board of directors laid out for him (specifically the
financial and operational stabilization of the company). 

        8.    Indemnification.    VIA agrees to continue for the benefit of Executive the indemnification provided to
directors and officers in VIA's By-Laws, as such provision may be amended from time to time in a manner no less favorable to Executive, together with the Indemnification Agreement dated
September 25, 2002, provided that such indemnification shall only apply with respect to mistakes, acts and omissions of Executive that occurred while he was an employee, officer or director of
VIA. In
addition, Executive shall remain entitled to coverage under VIA's director and officer insurance and other insurance policies for mistakes, acts or omissions for the period prior to the Separation
Date. 

        9.    Representation.    Executive represents and warrants that as of the date of his execution of this Agreement he
has not accepted, and does not expect to accept prior to the Separation Date, employment with an international Internet service provider. 

        10.    Binding Agreement.    This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the parties and their
respective representatives, successors and permitted assigns, and Executive's heirs, executors and administrators. 

        11.    Entire Agreement; Amendment.    This Agreement contains the entire agreement between the parties relating to
the subject matter of this Agreement, and the parties expressly agree that this Agreement supersedes the Employment Agreement and any other employment, consulting, or separation agreement Executive
has or may have with VIA and any other agreement between Executive and VIA. Each party acknowledges and agrees that in executing this Agreement they do not rely upon any oral representations or
statements made by the other party or the other party's agents, representatives or attorneys with regard to the subject matter of this Agreement. This Agreement may not be altered or amended except by
an instrument in writing signed by both parties hereto. 

        12.    No Admission.    The parties agree that nothing contained in this Agreement shall constitute or be treated as
an admission of liability or wrongdoing by either of them. 

        13.    Governing Law.    This Agreement shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the
Commonwealth of Virginia (excluding the choice of law rules thereof). The language of all parts of this Agreement shall in all cases be construed as a whole, according to its fair meaning, and not
strictly for or against any of the parties. 

        14.    Waiver.    Neither the waiver by either party of a breach of or default under any of the provisions of the
Agreement, nor the failure of such party, on one or more occasions, to enforce any of the provisions of the Agreement or to exercise any right or privilege hereunder shall thereafter be construed as a
waiver of any subsequent breach or default of a similar nature, or as a waiver of any provisions, rights or privileges hereunder. 

4

 

        15.    Assignment.    This Agreement and the rights and obligations of the parties hereunder may not be assigned by
either party without the prior written consent of the other party. 

        16.    Notice.    All notices, demands, requests, or other communications which may be or are required to be given,
served or sent by either party to the other party pursuant to this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be hand-delivered (including delivery by courier) or mailed by first-class,
registered, or certified mail (return receipt requested, postage prepaid) to such party at the address set forth on the signature page hereof. Either party may designate by notice in writing a new
address to which any notice, demand, request, or communication may thereafter be so given, served, or sent. Each notice, demand, request, or communication which shall be mailed, delivered, or
transmitted in the manner described above shall be deemed sufficiently given, served, sent, and received for all purposes at such time as it is delivered to the addressee (with the return receipt, the
delivery receipt, or the affidavit of messenger being deemed conclusive evidence of such delivery) or at such time as delivery is refused by the addressee upon presentation. 

        17.    Acknowledgment.    Executive acknowledges that he has read and understands the foregoing Agreement and executes
it voluntarily and without coercion. He further acknowledges that he is being advised herein in writing to consult with an attorney prior to executing this Agreement, and that he has been given a
reasonable period of time to consider and execute this Agreement. 

        18.    Counterparts.    This Agreement may be executed in counterparts. 

5

 

        IN
WITNESS HEREOF, THE PARTIES HAVE AFFIXED THEIR SIGNATURES BELOW: 

	KARL A. MAIER	 	VIA NET.WORKS, INC.

12100 Sunset Hills Road, Suite 110

Reston, Virginia 20190

        Attn: General Counsel
	

/s/  KARL A. MAIER      
	
 	

By:	
 	

/s/  MATT S. NYDELL      
 Matt S. Nydell

Senior Vice President & General Counsel

	

Date:	
 	

February 21, 2003
	
 	

Date:	
 	

February 21, 2003

	

Witness:	
 	

	
 	

Witness:	
 	

6

 
 
 

GENERAL RELEASE OF CLAIMS    
  

        This General Release of Claims (the "General Release") is being executed by Karl A. Maier (the "Executive") for and in consideration of the mutual promises
contained herein and in the Employment Separation Agreement and Release (the "Agreement") entered into between his and VIA NET.WORKS, INC. ("VIA"), and for other good and sufficient
consideration, receipt of which is hereby acknowledged. Executive agrees as follows: 

        Executive,
on behalf of himself and his agents, heirs, executors, administrators, successors and assigns, hereby releases and forever discharges VIA, and any and all of the affiliates,
owners, members, officers, directors, employees, agents, counsel, and successors and assigns of VIA, from any and all complaints, claims, demands, damages, lawsuits, actions, and causes of action
which he has or may have against any one or more of them for any reason whatsoever in law or in equity, under federal, state or other law, whether the same be upon statutory claim, contract, tort or
other basis, including but not limited to any and all claims arising from or relating to his employment, or the termination of his employment, and any and all claims relating to any employment
contract or any stock option plan or agreement, any employment statute or regulation, or any employment discrimination law, including but not limited to the Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964,
as amended, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, as amended, the Civil Rights Act of 1866, the Equal Pay Act of 1963, as amended, all state and local laws, regulations and ordinances
prohibiting discrimination in employment, and other laws and regulations relating to employment, including but not limited to the Executive Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended,
provided, however, it is understood that Executive is not waiving any benefits accrued under the terms of VIA's 401(k) plan (or any successor plan) and is not waiving any claims under VIA's health
plan, stock option plan or other benefits plans or any claims for indemnification or under VIA's director and officer or other insurance policies to which Executive may be entitled to coverage..
Executive agrees, without limiting the generality of the above release, not to file any claim or lawsuit seeking damages or other relief and asserting any claims that are lawfully released in this
Paragraph. Executive further hereby irrevocably and unconditionally waives any and all rights to recover any relief and damages concerning the claims that are lawfully released in this Paragraph.
Executive represents and warrants that he has not previously filed or joined in any such claims against VIA or any of its affiliates or subsidiaries, and that he has not given or sold any portion of
any claims released herein to anyone else, and that he will indemnify and hold harmless the persons and entities released herein from all liabilities, claims, demands, costs, expenses and/or
attorneys' fees incurred as a result of any such assignment or transfer. Notwithstanding these provisions, the foregoing release is not a release of Executive's rights or claims under or specifically
preserved in the Agreement, nor is it a release of any claim with respect to events that occur after the date that Executive signs this General Release. 

	February 21, 2003
 Date	 	/s/  KARL A. MAIER      
 Karl A. Maier

7

QuickLinks

EXHIBIT 10.31

EMPLOYEMENT SEPARATION AND RELEASE AGREEMENT DATED FEBRUARY 21, 2003 BETWEEN VIA NET.WORKS, INC. AND KARL MAIER

GENERAL RELEASE OF CLAIMS

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