Document:

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                                                                    EXHIBIT 10.2

                 EXECUTIVE EMPLOYMENT AND NON-COMPETE AGREEMENT

         THIS AGREEMENT (the "Agreement") is made and entered into effective as
of August 13, 2002, (the "Effective Date") by and between BELL MICROPRODUCTS
INC., a California corporation (the "Company"), and JAMES E. ILLSON (the
"Executive").

                                    RECITALS:

         WHEREAS, Executive desires to obtain employment with the Company and
the Company desires to employee Executive subject to the terms and conditions
contained in this Agreement.

         NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing and the mutual
covenants contained herein, and for other good and valuable consideration, the
receipt and sufficiency of which is hereby acknowledged, the parties agree as
follows:

                                   AGREEMENTS:

EMPLOYMENT DUTIES. THE COMPANY SHALL EMPLOY EXECUTIVE IN THE CAPACITY OF
EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT, FINANCE AND OPERATIONS WITH SUCH POWERS AND DUTIES IN
THAT CAPACITY AS MAY BE ESTABLISHED FROM TIME TO TIME BY THE COMPANY IN ITS
DISCRETION. EXECUTIVE WILL DEVOTE HIS BEST EFFORTS, ATTENTION AND ENERGIES TO
THE COMPANY'S BUSINESS. DURING EXECUTIVE'S EMPLOYMENT, HE WILL NOT ENGAGE IN ANY
OTHER BUSINESS ACTIVITIES, REGARDLESS OF WHETHER SUCH ACTIVITY IS PURSUED FOR
PROFITS, GAINS, OR OTHER PECUNIARY ADVANTAGE WITHOUT THE WRITTEN APPROVAL OF THE
COMPANY. HOWEVER, NOTHING IN THIS AGREEMENT SHALL PREVENT EXECUTIVE FROM BEING
ENGAGED IN BUSINESS ACTIVITIES OUTSIDE THE COMPANY SO LONG AS SUCH ACTIVITIES
REQUIRE NO ACTIVE PARTICIPATION BY EXECUTIVE THAT IN ANY WAY INTERFERES WITH
EXECUTIVE'S DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES TO THE COMPANY, COMPETES WITH THE
BUSINESS OF THE COMPANY, OR CREATES AN ACTUAL OR APPARENT CONFLICT OF INTEREST
WITH EXECUTIVE'S EMPLOYMENT BY THE COMPANY. EXECUTIVE UNDERSTANDS AND AGREES
THAT HE WILL INFORM THE COMPANY OF ANY CURRENT OUTSIDE BUSINESS ACTIVITIES IN
WHICH HE IS ENGAGED AS OF THE EXECUTION OF THIS AGREEMENT, AND IN THE FUTURE
WILL INFORM THE COMPANY OF ANY ADDITIONAL OUTSIDE BUSINESS ACTIVITIES IN WHICH
HE SEEKS TO ENGAGE IN ADVANCE OF SUCH ENGAGEMENT.

         2. Term of Employment. Unless his employment is earlier terminated in
accordance with Section 11, 12, 13, or 14 of this Agreement or as provided in
this Section 2, Executive shall be employed on the Effective Date and shall
continue employment through August 12, 2005 (the "Initial Term"). This
Agreement, and Executive's employment under this Agreement, shall automatically
be extended for consecutive twelve (12) month periods (each such period
referenced as a "Subsequent Term") unless at any time during the six months
prior to the expiration of the Initial Term or any Subsequent Term, either the
Company or Executive provides the other with written notice of its or his
election not to extend the Agreement and Executive's employment under this
Agreement ("Notice of Non-renewal"). In the event either Executive or the
Company provides a Notice of Non-renewal under this Section 2, the Company shall
pay Executive his base salary and pro-rated auto allowance through his last date
of employment as well as a pro-rated bonus, if any, earned under the terms of
the Management Incentive Plan. Executive shall not be entitled to any other
payments or benefits of any kind except as provided in applicable benefit plan
documents, stock option and/or restricted stock agreements.

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         3.       COMPENSATION.

         All compensation paid to Executive under this Agreement is subject to
applicable withholding and deductions.

Base Salary. As compensation for services rendered hereunder, Executive shall
receive an annual base salary of three hundred forty-two thousand five hundred
dollars ($342,500), less applicable withholding and deductions, at a rate
payable in equal installments according to Company's normal payroll practices.
Such salary shall be subject to review and change by the Company, in its sole
discretion.

                  (b) Incentive Bonus Compensation. On an annual basis, the
         Company's Board of Directors, in its sole discretion, upon the
         recommendation of the Company's Chief Executive Officer, shall
         establish Executive's annual target incentive and performance metrics.
         The Executive will receive an incentive bonus based on Executive's
         achievement of the performance metrics in accordance with the Company's
         Management Incentive Plan that the Company in its discretion may
         establish. For 2002, your target incentive will be one hundred ninety
         two thousand five hundred dollars ($192,500) and will be prorated based
         on your hire date.

                  (c) Business Expenses. In accordance with Company's policy
         governing travel and other expenses, the Company will reimburse
         Executive for approved ordinary and necessary business expenses
         incurred by Executive in connection with the performance of his duties,
         provided that Executive properly submits to the Company receipts
         verifying such expenses.

                  (d) Employee Benefits. Executive will be eligible to
         participate in such group health, life or disability plans and other
         benefit plans that Company may maintain from time to time for all
         employees, provided that Executive meets the respective eligibility
         requirements and subject to the terms and conditions of such plans as
         they exist from time to time.

                  (e) Stock Option Grant: Executive shall be granted an option
         to purchase two hundred fifty thousand (250,000) shares of the
         Company's common stock with terms and conditions pursuant to the
         Company's Stock Option Agreement and the Company's Stock Award Plan.
         Future stock options, if any, shall be granted at the discretion of the
         Company's Board of Directors and shall be subject to the terms and
         conditions of the 1998 Stock Award Plan.

                  (f) Automobile Allowance. Executive shall be entitled to an
         automobile allowance of $300 per month, plus reimbursement of business
         mileage at the rate of $0.10 per mile.

                  (h) Financial Planning/Tax Preparation Allowance. Executive
         shall be entitled to an allowance of up to $1,500 per calendar year as
         reimbursement for personal financial planning and tax preparation. To
         receive the reimbursement, Executive will be required to submit
         supporting receipts that support the reimbursement.

         4. Noncompetition. As a condition to and in consideration of the terms
of this Agreement, Executive agrees that, during Executive's employment, and for
a period of twenty four (24) months following Executive's resignation or the
termination of Executive's employment, for any reason, whether voluntary or
involuntary, Executive will not, on Executive's behalf or on behalf of any other
person or entity:

                  (a) Directly or indirectly, as an employee, proprietor, agent,
                  partner, officer, director or otherwise, participate or engage
                  in, manage, work for, broker for, operate, control, render

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                  advice or assistance to or be connected in any way with any
                  other person or entity in the United States engaged in a
                  business which is in direct competition with the Company's
                  principal business (as defined and discussed in Company's
                  documents filed with the Securities Exchange Commission from
                  time to time) or any other business in which the Company or
                  any Subsidiary was engaged at any point during Executive's
                  employment or other relationship with the Company; or

                  (b) Directly or indirectly solicit, on Executive's own behalf,
                  or on behalf of another, any potential or existing customers,
                  clients, accounts, vendors, licensors or licensees of the
                  Company or any Subsidiary; or

                  (c) Directly or indirectly, hire or attempt to hire, or
                  influence or solicit, or attempt to influence or solicit, any
                  employee of the Company, or of any Subsidiary, to leave or
                  terminate his or her employment, or to work for any other
                  person or entity. For purposes of this Section 4(c),
                  "employee" shall mean any current employee, and any former
                  employee who was employed with the Company or any Subsidiary
                  at any time during the last twelve (12) months of Executive's
                  employment.

         5. Confidential Information. During Executive's employment with the
Company, and at all times after Executive's resignation or the termination of
Executive's employment for any reason, whether voluntary or involuntary,
Executive shall not directly or indirectly use or disclose any trade secret,
proprietary or confidential information of the Company or any Subsidiary for the
benefit of any person or entity other than the Company or any Subsidiary without
prior written approval of the Company's Chief Executive Officer. For purposes of
this Agreement, in addition to all materials and information protected by
applicable statute or law, the parties acknowledge that confidential information
shall include any information relating to the Company or any Subsidiary, whether
in print, on computer disc or tape or otherwise, which is public information and
not generally known by individuals outside the Company or any Subsidiary,
including but not limited to information relating to research, development,
technology, and/or processes; marketing, purchasing, sales, and/or servicing
information, techniques, plans, proposals or reports; all financial information,
reports and statements; information relating to sales and other financial
strategies, plans and/or goals; information relating to proprietary rights and
data, ideas, know-how, inventions, and/or trade secrets; information regarding
current or potential clients or customers, client or customer lists and other
client or customer information; information regarding active and inactive
accounts of the Company or any Subsidiary; information relating to vendors,
licensors or licensees of the Company or any Subsidiary; information provided by
a client or vendor; personnel or employee information; and information relating
to the Company's or any Subsidiary's methods of operation.

         6. Work Product and Inventions. Executive agrees that the Company shall
be entitled to all of the benefits, profits, results and work product arising
from or incident to all work, services, advice and activities of Executive,
including without limitation all rights in inventions (as set forth below),
trademark or trade name creations, and copyrightable materials. Executive shall
not, during the term of Executive's employment with the Company, be interested,
directly or indirectly, in any manner, including, but not limited to, as
partner, officer, advisor, or in any other capacity in any other business
similar to, or in competition with, the Company's or any Subsidiary's business.

         Executive will communicate promptly and fully to the Company all
inventions, discoveries, improvements or designs conceived or reduced to
practice by Executive during the period of Executive's employment with the
Company (alone or jointly with others), and, except as provided in this Section
6, Executive will and hereby does assign to the Company and/or its nominees all
of Executive's right, title and

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interest in such inventions, discoveries, improvements or designs and all of
Executive's right, title and interest in any patents, patent applications or
copyrights based thereon without obligation on the part of the Company or any
Subsidiary to make any further compensation, royalty or payment to Executive.
Executive further agrees to assist the Company and/or its nominee (without
charge but at no expense to Executive) at any time and in every proper way to
obtain and maintain for its and/or their own benefit, patents for all such
inventions, discoveries and improvements and copyrights for all such designs.

         This Section 6 does not obligate Executive to assign to the Company any
invention, discovery, improvement or design for which no equipment, supplies,
facility or trade secret, confidential or proprietary information of the Company
or any Subsidiary was used and which was developed entirely on Executive's own
time, and (a) which does not relate (i) directly to the business of the Company
or any Subsidiary, or (ii) to the Company's or any Subsidiary's actual or
demonstrably anticipated research or development, or (b) which does not result
from any work performed by Executive for the Company or any Subsidiary.

         7. Exempt Inventions. Identified below by descriptive title are all of
the inventions, if any, in which Executive possessed any right, title or
interest prior to Executive's employment with the Company or execution of this
Restricted Stock Agreement which are not subject to the terms hereof:

                             None

               ---------------------------------

               ---------------------------------

               ---------------------------------

         8. Copyrights. Executive acknowledges that any documents, drawings,
computer software or other work of authorship prepared by Executive within the
scope of Executive's employment is a "work made for hire" under U.S. copyright
laws and that, accordingly, the Company exclusively owns all copyright rights in
such works of authorship. For purposes of this Section 8, "scope of employment"
means that the work of authorship (a) relates to any subject matter pertaining
to Executive's employment, (b) relates to or is directly or indirectly connected
with the existing or reasonably foreseeable business, products, projects or
confidential information of the Company or any Subsidiary, or (c) involves the
use of any time, material or facility of the Company or any Subsidiary.

         9. Return of Property. Executive shall, immediately upon Executive's
resignation or the termination of Executive's employment for any reason, whether
voluntary or involuntary, deliver to the Company all documents, materials and
other items, whether on computer disc or tape or otherwise, including all copies
thereof, belonging to the Company or any Subsidiary, or in any way related to
the business of the Company or any Subsidiary, or the services Executive
performed for the Company or any Subsidiary, including but not limited to, any
documents, materials or items containing trade secret, proprietary, or
confidential information, documents in any way relating to any inventions or
copyrights, client or customer information, information relating to the
Company's or any Subsidiary's processes or procedures and any other documents,
materials or items of any sort relating to the Company or any Subsidiary.
Executive shall not retain any copies or summaries of any kind of documents and
materials covered by this section 9.

         10. INJUNCTIVE RELIEF. THE PARTIES RECOGNIZE THAT IRREPARABLE DAMAGE
WILL RESULT TO THE COMPANY IF EXECUTIVE VIOLATES OR THREATENS TO VIOLATE THE
TERMS OF SECTION 4, 5, 6, 8 OR 9, AND THAT THE DAMAGES WOULD BE DIFFICULT TO
PROVE AND QUANTIFY, AND IT IS THEREFORE AGREED THAT, IN THE EVENT OF A BREACH OF
SECTION 4, 5, 6, 8 OR 9, THE COMPANY SHALL BE ENTITLED TO INJUNCTIVE RELIEF, IN
ADDITION TO ALL OTHER LEGAL AND EQUITABLE REMEDIES AVAILABLE TO IT.

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         11.      Death or Inability to Perform Job Duties.

                  (a) Executive's employment shall terminate automatically in
         the event of Executive's death. In such event, Executive's estate shall
         receive Executive's base salary and pro-rated auto allowance through
         Executive's last date of employment as well as a pro-rated bonus, if
         any, earned under the terms of the Management Incentive Plan.
         Executive's estate shall not be entitled to any other payments or
         benefits of any kind except as provided in applicable benefit plan
         documents, stock option and/or restricted stock agreements.

                  (b) If, due to mental or physical disability, Executive is
         unable to perform the essential functions of Executive's job, with or
         without reasonable accommodation, for a total of ninety (90) days
         within any twelve (12) month period, then the Company may terminate
         Executive. Executive shall, in such event, receive his base salary and
         pro-rated auto allowance through his last date of employment as well as
         a pro-rated bonus, if any, earned under the terms of the Management
         Incentive Plan. Executive shall not be entitled to any other payments
         or benefits of any kind except as provided in applicable benefit plan
         documents, stock option and/or restricted stock agreements. Nothing in
         this Section 11(b) shall limit the Company's right to terminate
         Executive's employment under any other section of this Agreement.

         12. Termination of Executive's Employment by the Company for Cause. The
Company may terminate Executive's employment "for cause" at any time. As used
herein, "for cause" shall mean any one of the following:

                  (a)      The continued neglect by Executive of Executive's job
                           duties and responsibilities, and /or continued poor
                           job performance, after reasonable notice and a
                           reasonable opportunity to correct such neglect; or

                  (b)      Conviction of a felony or other serious crime,
                           including but not limited to crimes involving moral
                           turpitude; or

                  (c)      Commission of a proven act of dishonesty; or

                  (d)      Commission of a proven serious violation of any of
                           Company's personnel policies, including but not
                           limited to violations of Company's policies against
                           any form of harassment; or

                  (e)      Any proven act or omission deemed as grounds for
                           termination of Executives as set forth in Company's
                           personnel policies in existence at the time; or

                  (f)      A breach of Section 4, 5, 6, or 8 of this Agreement;
                           or

                  (g)      A material breach of any other provision of this
                           Agreement which continues to exist after notice and a
                           reasonable opportunity to cure such breach.

In the event the Company terminates Executive's employment for cause, Executive
shall receive his base salary and pro-rated auto allowance through his last date
of employment as well as a pro-rated bonus, if any,

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earned under the terms of the Management Incentive Plan. Executive shall not be
entitled to any other payments or benefits of any kind except as provided in
applicable benefit plan documents, stock option and/or restricted stock
agreements.

         13. Termination of Executive's Employment by the Company Without Cause.
The Company may terminate Executive's employment without cause at any time upon
thirty (30) days' prior written notice to Executive. In the event the Company
terminates Executive's employment without cause under this Section 13, the
Company will pay Executive his base salary and pro-rated auto allowance through
his last date of employment as well as a pro-rated bonus, if any, earned under
the terms of the Management Incentive Plan. In addition, the Company shall pay
Executive a severance payment of an amount equal to twelve (12) months of his
then current base salary, less applicable withholding and deductions. However,
in order to receive the severance payment under this Section 13, Executive must
first execute a waiver and release of claims agreement in the form prescribed by
the Company. Executive shall not be entitled to any other payments or benefits
of any kind except as provided in applicable benefit plan documents, stock
option and/or restricted stock agreements.

         14. Termination of Employment by Executive. Executive may terminate
Executive's employment with the Company with or without cause upon thirty (30)
days prior written notice to the Company. Executive shall be required to perform
Executive's job duties and will be paid Executive's base salary through his last
date of employment. At the option of the Company, the Company may require
Executive to terminate employment at any time during the thirty (30) day notice
period. In such event, Company will pay Executive his base salary for the
remainder of the thirty (30) day notice period. Executive shall, in addition,
receive his pro-rated auto allowance through his last date of employment as well
as a pro-rated bonus, if any, earned under the terms of the Management Incentive
Plan. Executive shall not be entitled to any other payments or benefits of any
kind except as provided in applicable benefit plan documents, stock option
and/or restricted stock agreements.

         15. SEVERABILITY AND INTERPRETATION. IN THE EVENT THAT ANY PROVISION OF
THIS AGREEMENT IS HELD INVALID BY A COURT OF COMPETENT JURISDICTION, THE
REMAINING PROVISIONS SHALL NONETHELESS BE ENFORCEABLE ACCORDING TO THEIR TERMS.
ANY PROVISION HELD OVERBROAD OR UNREASONABLE AS WRITTEN SHALL BE DEEMED AMENDED
TO NARROW ITS APPLICATION TO THE EXTENT NECESSARY TO MAKE THE PROVISION
ENFORCEABLE UNDER APPLICABLE LAW, AND SHALL BE ENFORCED AS AMENDED. THIS
AGREEMENT SHALL BE CONSTRUED WITHOUT REGARD TO ANY PRESUMPTION OR OTHER RULE
REQUIRING CONSTRUCTION HEREOF AGAINST THE PARTY CAUSING THIS AGREEMENT TO BE
DRAFTED.

         16. SURVIVAL. NOTWITHSTANDING ANY PROVISION OF THIS AGREEMENT TO THE
CONTRARY, THE PROVISIONS OF SECTIONS 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, AND 10 SHALL SURVIVE THE
TERMINATION OF THIS AGREEMENT AND SHALL SURVIVE EXECUTIVE'S RESIGNATION OR THE
TERMINATION OF HIS EMPLOYMENT, WHETHER VOLUNTARY OR INVOLUNTARY, AND WITH OR
WITHOUT CAUSE.

         17. NOTICES. ALL NOTICES OR OTHER COMMUNICATIONS REQUIRED OR PERMITTED
HEREUNDER SHALL BE IN WRITING AND SHALL BE PERSONALLY DELIVERED OR PROVIDED BY
FACSIMILE (WITH CONFIRMATION OF TRANSMISSION) TO THE PARTY RECEIVING SUCH NOTICE
OR SHALL BE DELIVERED BY FEDERAL EXPRESS OR SIMILAR OVERNIGHT COURIER, ADDRESSED
TO THE PARTY TO WHOM SUCH NOTICE IS INTENDED TO BE GIVEN AS FOLLOWS:

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                  (a)      COMPANY

                           RICHARD J. JACQUET
                           BELL MICROPRODUCTS, INC.
                           1941 RINGWOOD AVENUE
                           SAN JOSE, CA 95131-1721
                           Facsimile (408) 467-2760

                  (b)      EXECUTIVE:

                           James E. Illson
                           30 Mela Lane
                           Rancho Palos Verdes, CA 90275

         ALL NOTICES SHALL BE DEEMED GIVEN ON THE DAY WHEN ACTUALLY DELIVERED AS
PROVIDED ABOVE, IF DELIVERED PERSONALLY OR BY FACSIMILE, OR ON THE NEXT BUSINESS
DAY AFTER THE DATE DISPATCHED, IF DELIVERED BY FEDERAL EXPRESS OR OTHER
OVERNIGHT COURIER.

         EITHER PARTY MAY, BY WRITTEN NOTICE HEREUNDER, DESIGNATE A CHANGE OF
ADDRESS. ANY NOTICE, IF MAILED PROPERLY ADDRESSED, POSTAGE PREPAID, BY
REGISTERED OR CERTIFIED MAIL, SHALL BE DEEMED DISPATCHED ON THE REGISTERED DATE
OR THE DATE STAMPED ON THE CERTIFIED MAIL RECEIPT, AND SHALL BE DEEMED RECEIVED
ON THE FIFTH BUSINESS DAY THEREAFTER, OR WHEN IT IS ACTUALLY RECEIVED, WHICHEVER
IS SOONER.

         18. AMENDMENTS. THIS AGREEMENT EXPRESSES THE ENTIRE UNDERSTANDING OF
THE PARTIES AND SUPERSEDES ALL PRIOR AGREEMENTS CONCERNING THE SAME SUBJECT
MATTER. IT MAY NOT BE CHANGED ORALLY. ANY CHANGE OR MODIFICATION MUST BE MADE IN
WRITING AND SIGNED BY THE PARTIES.

         19. GOVERNING LAW. THE VALIDITY, ENFORCEABILITY, CONSTRUCTION, AND
INTERPRETATION OF THIS AGREEMENT SHALL BE GOVERNED BY THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF
CALIFORNIA, WITHOUT REFERENCE TO ITS CONFLICT OF LAWS PROVISIONS.

         20. Waiver by the Company. Any waiver by the Company or Executive of
any of its/his rights under this Agreement shall be made in a writing signed by
the party seeking to effect the waiver of its/his rights and specifically
designated as a waiver of a right or rights under this Agreement. Neither the
Company's nor Executive's failure to enforce a breach of this Agreement shall
act as a waiver or otherwise prevent The Company or Executive from enforcing the
Agreement as to such breach or any other breach.

         THE REMAINDER OF THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK

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         21. SUCCESSORS AND ASSIGNS. THIS AGREEMENT SHALL BE BINDING UPON AND
INURE TO THE BENEFIT OF THE COMPANY AND ITS SUCCESSORS AND ASSIGNS.

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

                                   BELL MICROPRODUCTS INC.

                                   By:   /s/ James Illson
                                        ---------------------------------------
                                        Its:
                                            -----------------------------------

                                   --------------------------------------------

                                   --------------------------------------------

                                                                               8<PAGE>

                                                                    EXHIBIT 10.3

Attached is the form of Management Retention Agreement, dated August 6, 2002,
between the Registrant and the following officers of the Registrant:

         W. Donald Bell
         Ian French
         Nick Ganio
         Richard J. Jacquet
         Philip M. Roussey
         Robert J. Sturgeon

<PAGE>

                            BELL MICROPRODUCTS, INC.

                         MANAGEMENT RETENTION AGREEMENT

 This Management Retention Agreement (the "Agreement") is made and entered into
 by and between xxxxxxxxx (the "Employee") and Bell Microproducts, Inc. (the
 "Company"), effective as of the latest date set forth by the signatures of the
 parties hereto below (the "Effective Date").

                                    RECITALS

A. It is expected that the Company from time to time will consider the
possibility of an acquisition by another company or other change of control. The
Board of Directors of the Company (the "Board") recognizes that such
consideration can be a distraction to the Employee and can cause the Employee to
consider alternative employment opportunities. The Board has determined that it
is in the best interests of the Company and its stockholders to assure that the
Company will have the continued dedication and objectivity of the Employee,
notwithstanding the possibility, threat or occurrence of a Change of Control (as
defined below) of the Company.

B. The Board believes that it is in the best interests of the Company and its
stockholders to provide the Employee with an incentive to continue his
employment and to motivate the Employee to maximize the value of the Company
upon a Change of Control for the benefit of its stockholders.

C. The Board believes that it is imperative to provide the Employee with certain
severance benefits upon Employee's termination of employment following a Change
of Control which provides the Employee with enhanced financial security and
provides incentive and encouragement to the Employee to remain with the Company
notwithstanding the possibility of a Change of Control.

D. Certain capitalized terms used in the Agreement are defined in Section 4
below.

The parties hereto agree as follows:

1. Term of Agreement. This Agreement shall terminate three years following the
Effective Date, unless a Change of Control has occurred as of such time, in
which case this Agreement shall terminate upon the date that all obligations of
the parties hereto with respect to this Agreement have been satisfied. This
Agreement may be extended unilaterally by the Company by written resolutions
adopted by the Board prior to the termination of this Agreement.

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2. At-Will Employment. The Company and the Employee acknowledge that the
Employee's employment is and shall continue to be at-will, as defined under
applicable law. If the Employee's employment terminates for any reason,
including (without limitation) any termination prior to a Change of Control, the
Employee shall not be entitled to any payments, benefits, damages, awards or
compensation other than as provided by this Agreement, or as may otherwise be
available in accordance with the Company's written employee plans or pursuant to
other written agreements with the Company.

3. Severance Benefits.

          (a) Termination Following A Change of Control. If the Employee's
employment terminates at any time within twelve (12) months following a Change
of Control, then, subject to Section 4, the Employee shall be entitled to
receive the following severance benefits:

                  (i) Involuntary Termination. If the Employee's employment is
terminated as a result of Involuntary Termination other than for Cause, then the
Employee shall receive the following severance benefits from the Company:

                  (1) Severance Payment. A cash payment in an amount equal to
one hundred percent (100%) of the Employee's Base Salary.

                  (2) Employee Benefits. One hundred percent (100%) Company-paid
health, dental and life insurance coverage at the same level of coverage as was
provided to such employee immediately prior to the Change of Control (the
"Company-Paid Coverage") under the Company's plans. Such coverage shall be
provided under either (at the Company's discretion) (i) the Company's plans, or
(ii) no less favorable plans or arrangements secured by the Company. If such
coverage included the Employee's dependents immediately prior to the Change of
Control, such dependents shall also be covered at Company expense. Company-Paid
Coverage shall continue under COBRA until the earlier of (i) one year from the
date of the Change of Control, or (ii) the date that the Employee and his
dependents become covered under another employer's group health, dental or life
insurance plans that provide Employee and his dependents with comparable
benefits and levels of coverage. For purposes of Title X of the Consolidated
Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985 ("COBRA"), the date of the "qualifying event"
for Employee and his dependents shall be the date upon which the employee is no
longer considered an active employee for the Company.

                  (3) Stock Option Accelerated Vesting. One hundred percent
(100%) of the unvested portion of any stock option held by the Employee shall
automatically be accelerated in full so as to become completely vested;
provided, however, that if such potential vesting acceleration would cause a
contemplated Change of Control transaction that was intended to be accounted for
as a "pooling-of-interests" transaction to become ineligible for such accounting
treatment under generally accepted accounting principles, as determined by the
Company's independent public accountants (the "Accountants") prior to the Change
of Control, Employee's stock options and restricted stock shall not have their
vesting so accelerated.

          (b) Timing of Severance Payments. Any severance payment to which
Employee is entitled under Section 4(a)(i) shall be paid by the Company to the
Employee (or to the

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Employee's successors in interest, pursuant to Section 7(b)) in cash and in
full, not later than thirty (30) calendar days following the Termination Date.

          (c) Voluntary Resignation; Termination For Cause. If the Employee's
employment terminates by reason of the Employee's voluntary resignation (and is
not an Involuntary Termination), or if the Employee is terminated for Cause,
then the Employee shall not be entitled to receive severance or other benefits
except for those (if any) as may then be established under the Company's then
existing written employee plans or pursuant to other written agreements with the
Company.

          (d) Disability; Death. If the Company terminates the Employee's
employment as a result of the Employee's Disability, or such Employee's
employment is terminated due to the death of the Employee, then the Employee
shall not be entitled to receive severance or other benefits except for those
(if any) as may then be established under the Company's then existing written
employee plans or pursuant to other written agreements with the Company.

          (e) Termination Apart from Change of Control. In the event the
Employee's employment is terminated for any reason, either prior to the
occurrence of a Change of Control or after the twelve (12)-month period
following a Change of Control, then the Employee shall be entitled to receive
severance and any other benefits only as may then be established under the
Company's existing severance and benefits plans and practices or pursuant to
other agreements with the Company.

4. Limitation on Payments. In the event that the severance and other benefits
provided for in this Agreement or otherwise payable to the Employee (i)
constitute "parachute payments" within the meaning of Section 280G of the
Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code") and (ii) but for this
Section 4, would be subject to the excise tax imposed by Section 4999 of the
Code, then the Employee's severance benefits under Section 3(a)(i) shall be
reduced as to such lesser extent as would result in no portion of such severance
benefits being subject to excise tax under Section 4999 of the Code. Unless the
Company and the Employee otherwise agree in writing, any determination required
under this Section 4 shall be made in writing by the Company's independent
public accountants immediately prior to Change of Control (the "Accountants"),
whose determination shall be conclusive and binding upon the Employee and the
Company for all purposes. For purposes of making the calculations required by
this Section 4, the Accountants may make reasonable assumptions and
approximations concerning applicable taxes and may rely on reasonable, good
faith interpretations concerning the application of Sections 280G and 4999 of
the Code. The Company and the Employee shall furnish to the Accountants such
information and documents as the Accountants may reasonably request in order to
make a determination under this Section. The Company shall bear all costs the
Accountants may reasonably incur in connection with any calculations
contemplated by this Section 4.

5. Definition of Terms. The following terms referred to in this Agreement shall
have the following meanings:

         (a) Base Salary. "Base Salary" means an amount equal to twelve (12)
times Employee's monthly Company salary for the last full month preceding the
Change of Control.

                                                                               3
<PAGE>

          (b) Cause. "Cause" shall mean (i) any act of personal dishonesty taken
by the Employee in connection with his responsibilities as an employee and
intended to result in substantial personal enrichment of the Employee, (ii) the
conviction of a felony, (iii) a willful act by the Employee which constitutes
gross misconduct and which is injurious to the Company, and (iv) following
delivery to the Employee of a written demand for performance from the Company
which describes the basis for the Company's belief that the Employee has not
substantially performed his duties, continued violations by the Employee of the
Employee's obligations to the Company which are demonstrably willful and
deliberate on the Employee's part.

         (c) Change of Control. "Change of Control" means the occurrence of any
of the following events:

                  (i) Any "person" (as such term is used in Sections 13(d) and
14(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended) is or becomes the
"beneficial owner" (as defined in Rule 13d-3 under said Act), directly or
indirectly, of securities of the Company representing 50% or more of the total
voting power represented by the Company's then outstanding voting securities; or

                  (ii) A change in the composition of the Board occurring within
a two-year period, as a result of which fewer than a majority of the directors
are Incumbent Directors. "Incumbent Directors" shall mean directors who either
(A) are directors of the Company as of the date hereof, or (B) are elected, or
nominated for election, to the Board with the affirmative votes of at least a
majority of the Incumbent Directors at the time of such election or nomination
(but shall not include an individual whose election or nomination is in
connection with an actual or threatened proxy contest relating to the election
of directors to the Company); or

                  (iii) The stockholders of the Company approve a merger or
consolidation of the Company with any other corporation, other than a merger or
consolidation which would result in the voting securities of the Company
outstanding immediately prior thereto continuing to represent (either by
remaining outstanding or by being converted into voting securities of the
surviving entity) at least fifty percent (50%) of the total voting power
represented by the voting securities of the Company or such surviving entity
outstanding immediately after such merger or consolidation, or the stockholders
of the Company approve a plan of complete liquidation of the Company or an
agreement for the sale or disposition by the Company of all or substantially all
the Company's assets.

         (d) Disability. "Disability" shall mean that the Employee has been
unable to perform his Company duties as the result of his incapacity due to
physical or mental illness, and such inability, at least 26 weeks after its
commencement, is determined to be total and permanent by a physician selected by
the Company or its insurers and acceptable to the Employee or the Employee's
legal representative (such Agreement as to acceptability not to be unreasonably
withheld). Termination resulting from Disability may only be effected after at
least 30 days' written notice by the Company of its intention to terminate the
Employee's employment. In the event that the Employee resumes the performance of
substantially all of his duties hereunder before the termination of his
employment becomes effective, the notice of intent to terminate shall
automatically be deemed to have been revoked.

                                                                               4
<PAGE>

         (e) Involuntary Termination. "Involuntary Termination" shall mean (i)
without the Employee's express written consent, the significant reduction of the
Employee's duties, authority or responsibilities, relative to the Employee's
duties, authority or responsibilities as in effect immediately prior to such
reduction, or the assignment to Employee of such reduced duties, authority or
responsibilities; (ii) without the Employee's express written consent, a
substantial reduction, without good business reasons, of the facilities and
perquisites (including office space and location) available to the Employee
immediately prior to such reduction; (iii) a reduction by the Company in the
base salary of the Employee as in effect immediately prior to such reduction;
(iv) a material reduction by the Company in the kind or level of employee
benefits, including bonuses, to which the Employee was entitled immediately
prior to such reduction with the result that the Employee's overall benefits
package is significantly reduced; (v) the relocation of the Employee to a
facility or a location more than thirty-five (35) miles from the Employee's then
present location, without the Employee's express written consent; (vi) any
purported termination of the Employee by the Company which is not effected for
Disability or for Cause, or any purported termination for which the grounds
relied upon are not valid; (vii) the failure of the Company to obtain the
assumption of this agreement by any successors contemplated in Section 6(a)
below; or (viii) any act or set of facts or circumstances which would, under
California case law or statute constitute a constructive termination of the
Employee.

          (f) Termination Date. "Termination Date" shall mean (i) if this
Agreement is terminated by the Company for Disability, thirty (30) days after
notice of termination is given to the Employee (provided that the Employee shall
not have returned to the performance of the Employee's duties on a full-time
basis during such thirty (30)-day period), (ii) if the Employee's employment is
terminated by the Company for any other reason, the date on which a notice of
termination is given, provided that if within thirty (30) days after the Company
gives the Employee notice of termination, the Employee notifies the Company that
a dispute exists concerning the termination or the benefits due pursuant to this
Agreement, then the Termination Date shall be the date on which such dispute is
finally determined, either by mutual written agreement of the parties, or a by
final judgment, order or decree of a court of competent jurisdiction (the time
for appeal therefrom having expired and no appeal having been perfected), or
(iii) if the Agreement is terminated by the Employee, the date on which the
Employee delivers the notice of termination to the Company.

 6.       Successors.

          (a) Company's Successors. Any successor to the Company (whether direct
or indirect and whether by purchase, merger, consolidation, liquidation or
otherwise) to all or substantially all of the Company's business and/or assets
shall assume the obligations under this Agreement and agree expressly to perform
the obligations under this Agreement in the same manner and to the same extent
as the Company would be required to perform such obligations in the absence of a
succession. For all purposes under this Agreement, the term "Company" shall
include any successor to the Company's business and/or assets which executes and
delivers the assumption agreement described in this Section 6(a) or which
becomes bound by the terms of this Agreement by operation of law.

          (b) Employee's Successors. The terms of this Agreement and all rights
of the Employee hereunder shall inure to the benefit of, and be enforceable by,
the Employee's personal

                                                                               5
<PAGE>

or legal representatives, executors, administrators, successors, heirs,
distributees, devisees and legatees.

 7.       Notice.

          (a) General. Notices and all other communications contemplated by this
Agreement shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been duly given when
personally delivered or when mailed by U.S. registered or certified mail, return
receipt requested and postage prepaid. In the case of the Employee, mailed
notices shall be addressed to him at the home address which he most recently
communicated to the Company in writing. In the case of the Company, mailed
notices shall be addressed to its corporate headquarters, and all notices shall
be directed to the attention of its Secretary.

          (b) Notice of Termination. Any termination by the Company for Cause or
by the Employee as a result of a voluntary resignation or an Involuntary
Termination shall be communicated by a notice of termination to the other party
hereto given in accordance with Section 7(a) of this Agreement. Such notice
shall indicate the specific termination provision in this Agreement relied upon,
shall set forth in reasonable detail the facts and circumstances claimed to
provide a basis for termination under the provision so indicated, and shall
specify the termination date (which shall be not more than 30 days after the
giving of such notice). The failure by the Employee to include in the notice any
fact or circumstance which contributes to a showing of Involuntary Termination
shall not waive any right of the Employee hereunder or preclude the Employee
from asserting such fact or circumstance in enforcing his rights hereunder.

8.       Miscellaneous Provisions.

          (a) No Duty to Mitigate. The Employee shall not be required to
mitigate the amount of any payment contemplated by this Agreement, nor shall any
such payment be reduced by any earnings that the Employee may receive from any
other source.

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

          (c) Whole Agreement. No agreements, representations or understandings
(whether oral or written and whether express or implied) which are not expressly
set forth in this Agreement have been made or entered into by either party with
respect to the subject matter hereof. This Agreement supersedes in their
entirety any prior or contemporaneous agreements, whether written, oral, express
or implied, relating to the subject matter hereof.

         (d) Choice of Law. The validity, interpretation, construction and
performance of this Agreement shall be governed by the laws of the State of
California.

                                                                               6
<PAGE>

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

         (f) Withholding. All payments made pursuant to this Agreement will be
subject to withholding of applicable income and employment taxes.

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

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

COMPANY                          BELL MICROPRODUCTS, INC.

                                 By:
                                    -------------------------------------------
                                      W. Donald Bell,
                                      President and Chief Executive Officer

                                 Date:

EMPLOYEE
                                     ------------------------------------------

                                 Date:

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