Document:

Exhibit 10.16

 

FORM OF CHANGE IN CONTROL AGREEMENT

 

This Change in Control Agreement (this “Agreement”) is entered into as of        , 20  (the “Effective Date”), by and between Sunshine Heart, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), and        , a resident of        (“Executive”).

 

Background

 

WHEREAS, Executive is a key member of the management of the Company and has heretofore devoted substantial skill and effort to the affairs of the Company; and

 

WHEREAS, it is desirable and in the best interests of the Company and its stockholders to continue to obtain the benefits of Executive’s services and attention to the affairs of the Company; and

 

WHEREAS, it is desirable and in the best interests of the Company and its stockholders to provide inducement for Executive (A) to remain in the service of the Company in the event of any proposed or anticipated Change in Control (as defined below) and (B) to remain in the service of the Company in order to facilitate an orderly transition if a Change in Control occurs, without regard to the effect such Change in Control may have on Executive’s employment with the Company; and

 

WHEREAS, it is desirable and in the best interests of the Company and its stockholders that Executive be in a position to make judgments and advise the Company with respect to any proposed Change in Control; and

 

WHEREAS, for the reasons set forth above, the Company and Executive desire to enter into this Agreement.

 

Agreement

 

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing and the mutual covenants and agreements contained herein, the Company and Executive agree as follows:

 

1.                                      Definitions.  Capitalized terms used in the Agreement shall have their defined meaning throughout the Agreement.  The following terms shall have the meanings set forth below.

 

(a)                                 “Board” means the Board of Directors of the Company.

 

(b)                                 “Cause” shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in any written agreement between the Participant and the Company defining such term and, in the absence of such agreement, such term shall mean with respect to Executive, the occurrence of any of the following events, if such event results in a demonstrably harmful impact on the Company’s business or reputation, or that of any of its subsidiaries: (i) Executive’s commission of any felony or any crime involving fraud, dishonesty or moral turpitude under the laws of the United States

 

 

or any state thereof; (ii) Executive’s attempted commission of, or participation in, a fraud or act of dishonesty against the Company; (iii) Executive’s intentional, material violation of any contract or agreement between Executive and the Company or of any statutory duty owed to the Company; (iv) Executive’s unauthorized use or disclosure of the Company’s confidential information or trade secrets; or (v) Executive’s gross misconduct. The determination that a termination of Executive’s employment is either for Cause or without Cause shall be made by the Company in its sole discretion.

 

(c)                                  “Code” means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.  Any reference to a specific provision of the Code includes a reference to such provision as it may be amended from time to time and to any successor provision.

 

(d)                                 “Change in Control” shall have the meaning ascribed to that term under Section 13(d) of the Equity Incentive Plan.

 

(e)                                  “Disability” shall have the meaning ascribed to that term under Section 13(m) of the Equity Incentive Plan, replacing “Participant” with “Executive” for purposes of this Agreement.

 

(f)                                   “Equity Incentive Plan” means the Sunshine Heart, Inc. New-Hire Equity Incentive Plan, as amended from time to time and any other equity incentive plan of the Company that Executive participates in after the date of this Agreement.

 

(g)                                  “Health Benefits” means if Executive (and/or Executive’s covered dependents) is eligible for and properly elects to continue group medical and/or dental insurance coverage, as in place immediately prior to the Termination Date, the Company’s continued payment of the Company’s portion of any premiums or costs of such coverage until the earlier of (i) twelve (12) months after the Termination Date, or (ii) the date Executive (and/or Executive’s covered dependents, as applicable) is eligible to receive group medical and/or dental insurance coverage by a subsequent employer, in either case provided Executive remains eligible for continuation coverage and timely pays Executive’s portion, if any, of such coverage.  All such Company-provided medical and/or dental insurance premiums, or costs of coverage, will be paid directly to the insurance carrier or other provider by the Company and Executive will make arrangements with the Company to pay Executive’s portion of such coverage in an amount equal to such portion that Executive would pay if Executive was actively employed by the Company during such period.

 

(h)                                 “Letter Agreement” means the Employment Terms letter from the Company to Executive dated        , 20  , and countersigned by Executive on        , 20  .

 

(i)                                     “Monthly Base Salary” means Executive’s monthly base salary as of the Termination Date, provided, however, if Executive’s monthly base salary has been reduced and such reduction has triggered Executive’s Resignation for Good Reason, then “Monthly Base Salary” shall mean  Executive’s monthly base salary immediately prior to such reduction.

 

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(j)                                    “Notice of Termination” means a written notice which shall indicate the specific termination provisions in this Agreement relied upon and shall set forth in reasonable detail the facts and circumstances claimed to provide the basis for such termination.

 

(k)                                 “Preliminary Event” shall mean an involuntary termination of the Executive’s employment by the Company without Cause prior to a Change in Control and the expiration of the Term; provided that Executive reasonably demonstrates that such termination (i) was requested by a party other than the Board that has taken other steps reasonably calculated to result in a Change in Control or (ii) otherwise arose in connection with or in anticipation of a Change in Control.

 

(l)                                     “Proprietary Information Agreement” means the Employee Proprietary Information, Inventions, Assignment and Non-Competition Agreement between Executive and the Company dated        , 20  .

 

(m)                             “Resignation for Good Reason” means a termination of Executive’s employment by the Executive within thirty (30) days of the Company’s failure to cure, in accordance with the procedures set forth below, any of the following events without Executive’s consent: (i) a reduction in any of the Executive’s compensation rights under the Letter Agreement; (ii) a material reduction in the Executive’s duties and responsibilities as in effect immediately prior to such reduction; (iii) the relocation of the Executive’s principal office to a location that is more than 75 miles outside of Eden Prairie, Minnesota; or (iv) a material breach of any material provision of the Letter Agreement by the Company.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, a termination shall not be treated as a Termination for Good Reason (A) if Executive shall have consented in writing to the occurrence of the event giving rise to the claim of Termination for Good Reason, (B) unless Executive shall have delivered a written notice to the Board within forty-five (45) days of Executive’s having actual knowledge of the occurrence of one of such events stating that Executive intends to terminate Executive’s employment for Good Reason and specifying the factual basis for such termination, and such event, if capable of being cured, shall not have been cured within twenty-one (21)  days of the receipt of such notice or (C) if Executive’s date of termination as a result of such event occurs within 180 days after the initial occurrence of such event alleged to constitute Resignation for Good Reason.

 

(n)                                 “Successor” means any successor to all or substantially all of the Company’s business by merger, consolidation, purchase of assets or otherwise.

 

(o)                                 “Term” means the period from the Effective Date through the later of (i) the five-year anniversary of the Effective Date, provided that such period shall be automatically extended for successive two-year periods thereafter until notice of non-renewal is given by the Company or Executive to the other party hereto at least sixty (60) days prior to the five-year anniversary of the Effective Date or the end of the two-year extension period then in effect, as the case may be, or (ii) if a Change in Control occurs on or prior to the five-year anniversary of the Effective Date (or prior to the end of the two-year extension period then in effect as provided for in clause (i) hereof), the one-year anniversary of the effective date of the Change in Control.

 

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(p)                                 “Termination Date” means the date of Executive’s “separation from service” with the Company within the meaning of Section 409A(a)(2)(A)(i) of the Code.

 

(q)                                 “Termination Payments” means the Company’s payment to Executive of (i) an amount equal to twelve (12) months of Executive’s Monthly Base Salary, less applicable withholdings, plus (ii) an amount equal to the incentive bonus payment received by Executive for the fiscal year immediately preceding the fiscal year in which the Termination Date occurs, less applicable withholdings, both payable in a lump sum on the Company’s first regular payroll date after expiration of the release described in Section 7.

 

(r)                                    “Transition Period” means the period commencing on the effective date of the Change in Control and ending on the date that is one year thereafter.

 

2.                                      Award Acceleration Upon a Change in Control.  Subject to Section 8, a Change in Control while Executive is actively employed by the Company during the Term shall cause the immediate acceleration of the vesting of 100% of any unvested portion of any stock option or other equity based awards held by Executive on the effective date of such Change in Control, including without limitation any options granted under the Equity Incentive Plan, which acceleration shall be in addition to any other rights Executive may have under the terms of any such stock option or restricted stock award.  Any such acceleration shall not, however, detract from the authority of the Board or any committee thereof under the Equity Incentive Plan or otherwise to cancel any such stock option award, to the extent not exercised prior to the effective time of the Change in Control, in exchange for consideration, in such form as may be determined by the Board or such committee, in an amount equal to the excess, if any, of (A) the fair market value (as determined in good faith by the Board or such committee) immediately prior to the effective time of the Change in Control of the number of shares of the Company’s common stock remaining subject to the stock option award, over (B) the aggregate exercise price of such number of shares remaining subject to the stock option award.

 

3.                                      Termination of Employment.  Executive shall at all times be an employee at will, and the Company may terminate Executive’s employment with or without Cause at any time or Executive may resign (whether through a Resignation for Good Reason or otherwise) at any time, subject to any notice requirements or other obligations of the parties under this Agreement.

 

4.                                      Payments Upon Termination of Employment After a Change in Control.  If a Change in Control occurs during the Term, and if Executive’s employment terminates such that the Termination Date occurs during or after the Transition Period, then Executive shall be entitled to payments and benefits on the terms and conditions specified in this Section 4.

 

(a)                                 Payment Upon Involuntary Termination Without Cause or Voluntary Resignation for Good Reason During the Transition Period.  If Executive’s Termination Date occurs during the Transition Period, and if such termination is involuntary at the initiative of the Company without Cause or due to a voluntary Resignation for Good Reason, then, in addition to such base salary and other compensation that has been earned but not paid to Executive as of the

 

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Termination Date (which shall be payable in accordance with the Company’s regular payroll practices and applicable plans and programs), the Company shall provide to Executive the Termination Payments and the Health Benefits, subject to the conditions in Section 7.

 

(b)                                 Other Termination Following a Change in Control.  If Executive’s Termination Date occurs during the Transition Period or otherwise following a Change in Control, and such termination is:

 

(i)                                     by reason of Executive’s abandonment of or resignation from employment for any reason (other than, during the Transition Period, a Resignation for Good Reason);

 

(ii)                                  by reason of termination of Executive’s employment by the Company for Cause;

 

(iii)                               because of Executive’s death or Disability; or

 

(iv)                              upon or following expiration of the Term,

 

then the Company will pay to Executive, or Executive’s beneficiary or Executive’s estate, as the case may be, such base salary and other compensation that has been earned but not paid to Executive as of the Termination Date (which shall be payable pursuant to the Company’s regular payroll practices and applicable plans and programs), and Executive shall not be entitled to any additional compensation or benefits provided under this Section 4.

 

5.                                      Payments Upon a Change in Control.  If Executive’s employment terminates during the Term due to a voluntary Resignation for Good Reason and a Change in Control occurs within ninety (90) days after the Termination Date and during the Term or a Preliminary Event occurs and a Change in Control occurs within ninety (90) days after the Termination Date and during the Term, then, in addition to such base salary and other compensation that has been earned but not paid to Executive as of the Termination Date (which shall be payable in accordance with the Company’s regular payroll practices and applicable plans and programs), the Company shall provide to Executive the Termination Payments and the Health Benefits, subject to the conditions in Section 7.  Except as provided in the preceding sentence and Section 2, Executive shall not be entitled to any payments, benefits or accelerated vesting of equity upon a Change in Control.

 

6.                                      Payments Upon Termination of Employment Prior to a Change in Control or Upon or Following Expiration of the Term.  If Executive’s employment is terminated for any reason, whether at the initiative of the Company or Executive or due to Executive’s death or Disability, and the Termination Date occurs prior to a Change in Control or upon or following expiration of the Term, then, except as provided in Section 5, the Company will pay to Executive, or Executive’s beneficiary or Executive’s estate, as the case may be, such base salary and other compensation that has been earned but not paid to Executive as of the Termination Date (which shall be payable pursuant to the Company’s regular payroll practices and applicable

 

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plans and programs), and Executive shall not be entitled to any additional compensation or benefits under this Section 6.

 

7.                                      Release and Other Conditions.  Notwithstanding any other provisions of this Agreement, neither the Company nor any Successor shall be obligated to provide the Termination Payments or Health Benefits under Sections 4 or 5 unless (a) Executive shall have signed a full release of any and all claims in favor of the Company (and any Successor), pursuant to a form of release acceptable to counsel to the Company, (b) all applicable consideration periods and rescission periods provided by law shall have expired, and (c) Executive is in strict compliance with the terms of this Agreement and the Proprietary Information Agreement as of the dates the Company provides any Termination Payments or Health Benefits.

 

8.                                      “Parachute Payment” Adjustment.

 

(a)                                 Possible Reduction.  In the event Executive becomes entitled to any benefits or payments in the nature of compensation (within the meaning of section 280G(b)(2) of the Code) under this Agreement, or any other plan, arrangement, or agreement with the Company (the “Payments”), and such benefits or payments would (in the absence of this Section 8) be subject to the excise tax imposed by section 4999 of the Code (the “Excise Tax”), the aggregate present value of the Payments under this Agreement shall be reduced (but not below zero) to the Reduced Amount (as defined below), if reducing the Payments under this Agreement will provide Executive with a greater net after-tax amount than would be the case if no reduction was made.  The “Reduced Amount” shall be an amount expressed in present value which maximizes the aggregate present value of Payments without causing any Payment under this Agreement to be subject to the Excise Tax, determined in accordance with section 280G(d)(4) of the Code.  If Payments are to be reduced, the Company shall reduce the Payments under this Agreement by first reducing Payments that are payable in cash and then by reducing non-cash Payments.  Only amounts payable under this Agreement shall be reduced pursuant to this Section 8.

 

(b)                                 Determinations.  All determinations to be made under this Section 8 shall be made by the Company’s independent public accounting firm as in effect immediately prior to the event that constitutes a change in control under section 280G of the Code or another independent firm selected by the Company before such event (the “Accounting Firm”), which firm shall provide its determinations and any supporting calculations to the Company and Chief Executive Officer within ten (10) business days after such event.  Any such determination by the Accounting Firm shall be binding upon the Company and Executive.

 

(c)                                  Fees and Expenses.  All of the fees and expenses of the Accounting Firm in performing the determinations referred to in this Section 8 shall be borne solely by the Company.  The Company agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the Accounting Firm of and from any and all claims, damages and expenses resulting from or relating to its determinations pursuant to this Section 8, except for claims, damages or expenses resulting from the gross negligence or willful misconduct of the Accounting Firm.

 

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9.                                      Notice of Termination.  Any purported termination of employment by the Company or by Executive (other than a termination by mutual agreement or Executive’s death) shall be communicated by written Notice of Termination to the other party hereto.

 

10.                               Acknowledgment of Letter Agreement or the Proprietary Information Agreement.  Executive acknowledges and agrees that nothing in this Agreement limits or supersedes any of the provisions contained in the Letter Agreement or the Proprietary Information Agreement, all of which remain in full force and effect between Executive and the Company and are hereby reaffirmed in all respects.

 

11.                               Miscellaneous.

 

(a)                                 Tax Withholding.  The Company may withhold from any amounts payable under this Agreement such federal, state and local income and employment taxes as the Company shall determine are required to be withheld pursuant to any applicable law or regulation.

 

(b)                                 Section 409A.  This Agreement is intended to satisfy, or be exempt from, the requirements of Section 409A(a)(2), (3) and (4) of the Code, including current and future guidance and regulations interpreting such provisions, and should be interpreted accordingly.

 

(c)                                  Assignment; Successors.  This Agreement is personal to Executive and without the prior written consent of the Company shall not be assignable by Executive otherwise than by will or the laws of descent and distribution.  This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be enforceable by Executive’s legal representatives.  The Company may, without further consent of Executive, assign this Agreement to any Successor, and this Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of any Successor of the Company.

 

(d)                                 Notices.  All notices and other communications required or permitted to be given hereunder shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been duly given if delivered personally, mailed by certified mail (return receipt requested) or sent by overnight delivery service, cable, telegram, facsimile transmission or telex to the Company at the Company’s address or to Executive at the last address of Executive contained in the Company’s records.  Either party may, by notice hereunder, designate a changed address.  Notice so given shall, in the case of notice so given by mail, be deemed to be given and received on the registered date or the date stamped on the certified mail receipt, in the case of notice so given by overnight delivery service, on the date of actual delivery and, in the case of notice so given by cable, telegram, facsimile transmission, telex or personal delivery, on the date of actual transmission or, as the case may be, personal delivery.

 

(e)                                  Governing Law; Consent to Jurisdiction, Waiver of Jury Trial.  This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the internal laws of the State of Minnesota, without regard to its principles of conflicts of laws.  Each of the parties hereto irrevocably submits to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of the State of Minnesota and the United States District Court for the District of Minnesota for the purpose of any suit, action,

 

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proceeding or judgment relating to or arising out of this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby.  Service of process in connection with any such suit, action or proceeding may be served on each party hereto anywhere in the world by the same methods as are specified for the giving of notices under this Agreement.  Each of the parties hereto irrevocably consents to the jurisdiction of any such court in any such suit, action or proceeding and to the laying of venue in such court.  Each party hereto irrevocably waives any objection to the laying of venue of any such suit, action or proceeding brought in such courts and irrevocably waives any claim that any such suit, action or proceeding brought in any such court has been brought in an inconvenient forum.

 

(f)                                   Construction.  Whenever possible, each provision of this Agreement shall be interpreted in such manner as to be effective and valid under applicable law, but if any provision of this Agreement shall be prohibited by or invalid under applicable law, such provision shall be ineffective only to the extent of such prohibition or invalidity without invalidating the remainder of such provision or the remaining provisions of this Agreement.

 

(g)                                  Waivers.  No failure on the part of either party to exercise, and no delay in exercising, any right or remedy hereunder shall operate as a waiver thereof, nor shall any single or partial exercise or any right or remedy hereunder preclude any other or further exercise thereof or the exercise of any other right or remedy granted hereby or by any related document or by law.

 

(h)                                 Amendment.  No modification of or amendment to this Agreement nor any waiver of any rights under this Agreement shall be effective unless in a writing signed by the Company and Executive.

 

(i)                                     Entire Agreement.  This Agreement sets forth the entire agreement and understanding between the Company and Executive relating to payments and benefits upon a Change in Control or termination of Executive’s employment or other separation from service with the Company.  This Agreement supersedes all prior discussions, agreements or understandings between Executive and the Company related to such subject matter.

 

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

 

EXECUTIVE HAS READ THIS AGREEMENT CAREFULLY AND UNDERSTANDS AND ACCEPTS THE OBLIGATIONS WHICH IT IMPOSES UPON EXECUTIVE WITHOUT RESERVATION.  NO PROMISES OR REPRESENTATIONS HAVE BEEN MADE TO EXECUTIVE TO INDUCE EXECUTIVE TO SIGN THIS AGREEMENT.  EXECUTIVE SIGNS THIS AGREEMENT VOLUNTARILY AND FREELY.

 

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THE   COMPANY:
    	
 
    	
EXECUTIVE:
    
	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    
	
SUNSHINE   HEART, INC.
    	
 
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    
	
By:
    	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    
	
Name:
    	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    
	
Title:
    	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    
	
Date:
    	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    

 

9Exhibit 10.19

 

SEPARATION AND RELEASE AGREEMENT

 

THIS SEPARATION AND RELEASE AGREEMENT (this “Agreement”) is made as of August 29, 2014 by and between SUNSHINE HEART, INC., a Delaware corporation, whose address is 12988 Valley View Road, Eden Prairie, Minnesota 55344 (the “Company”) and PATRICK VERTA whose address is 5282 E. Lomita Avenue, Orange, California 92869 (“Employee”).  The parties agree as follows:

 

ARTICLE 1
 EMPLOYMENT TERMINATION, CONSIDERATION AND RESIGNATION

 

1.1                               TERMINATION OF EMPLOYMENT.  Employee’s employment with the Company shall terminate as of August 29, 2014 (the “Termination Date”).  Effective as of the Termination Date, Employee resigns from every office of the Company held by Employee and/or its related entities. The Company shall pay Employee’s compensation for hours worked through the end of August 2014, subject to withholding and payable in accordance with the Company’s payroll practices.  The Company agrees to pay Employee in full and final settlement of all vacation pay entitlement on the Company’s books as of the Termination Date, the aggregate sum of One Thousand Four Hundred Sixteen dollars and Twenty-three cents ($1,416.23), subject to payroll deductions and all required withholdings. In addition, the Company will reimburse Employee for his outstanding travel and entertainment expenses remaining on the Company’s books, which are properly reviewed and approved according to firm policy on the Termination Date.  Employee will receive the foregoing payments regardless of whether he signs this Agreement.

 

1.2                               SEPARATION CONSIDERATION.  As consideration for Employee’s agreements and releases set forth herein, following the later to occur of the (A) execution of this Agreement and expiration of the Revocation Period (as defined below) and (B) the Termination Date, and recognizing that without execution of this Agreement, Employee would not be entitled to any additional compensation beyond wages due, the Company agrees to provide Employee with the following benefits after the Termination Date, provided this Agreement becomes effective in accordance with Section 2.2:

 

A.                                    the Company agrees to provide Employee payments equal to two (2) months of Employee’s annual base salary which shall be paid in accordance with the Company’s standard payroll practices and policies during the two (2) months following the Termination Date subject to payroll deductions and all required withholdings;

 

B.                                    upon the Termination Date, Employee will be credited with an additional two (2) months of vesting on all issued and outstanding stock options held by Employee as of the Termination Date; and

 

C.                                    provided that Employee timely elects continued health insurance coverage under the federal COBRA law, the Company will pay one-hundred percent of the cost of premiums for such health and dental insurance continuation coverage until October 31, 2014.  Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Section 1.2.B., Employee’s entitlement to any benefits or payments under this Section 1.2 B. shall cease on such date that Employee becomes eligible to receive health insurance coverage from another employer group health plan due to Employee’s employment with a future employer.

 

1.3                               CONFLICT WITH OTHER AGREEMENTS.  In the event of any conflict of the provisions between this Agreement and that certain offer letter agreement describing Employee’s employment terms dated as of August 18, 2013, by and between the Company and Employee (the “Employment Terms Letter”), and the Change in Control Agreement dated as of August 18, 2013, by and between the Company and Employee (the “Change in Control Agreement”), the provisions set forth in this Agreement shall control.  In the event of any conflict between this Agreement and the provisions of that certain Employee Proprietary Information, Inventions Assignment Agreement dated as of August 19, 2013, by and between the Company and Employee (the “Invention Assignment Agreement”), the terms and conditions of the Invention Assignment Agreement shall control over the terms of this Agreement.  Effective as of the Termination Date, the Change in Control Agreement shall terminate in its entirety.

 

 

1.4                               ACKNOWLEDGEMENT.  Except as contemplated by Section 1.2 above, the parties acknowledge and agree that Employee is not, and shall not after the Termination Date, be eligible for any additional payment by the Company of any bonus, salary, vacation pay, retirement pension, severance pay, back pay, or other remuneration or compensation of any kind in respect of employment by the Company. Employee hereby confirms to the Company that the Invention Assignment Agreement contains a complete list of all inventions or improvements, if any, to which Employee claims ownership and desires to remove from the operation of the Invention Assignment Agreement.  Employee further agrees that the Invention Assignment Agreement remains in full force and effect, and Employee hereby reaffirms his obligations arising under the terms of the Invention Assignment Agreement.  Employee agrees to return to the Company all Company documents and materials, apparatus, equipment and other physical property in Employee’s possession on the Termination Date and in the manner directed by the CEO of the Company.

 

1.5                               COOPERATION AND ASSISTANCE.  Following the Termination Date, Employee agrees to furnish such information and assistance to the Company as may be reasonably required by the Company in connection with any issues or matters of which Employee had knowledge during his employment with the Company.  In addition, Employee shall make himself reasonably available to assist the Company in matters relating to the transition of his prior duties to other employees of the Company (including his successor), as may be reasonably requested by the Company.  The Company shall reimburse Employee for the reasonable documented out-of-pocket expenses incurred by him in providing such cooperation and assistance; provided that any such expense exceeding Five Hundred Dollars ($500) shall require the advance consent of the Chairman of the Board.  Any services rendered by Employee pursuant to this Section 1.5 shall be compensated at Employee’s effective hourly rate as of the Termination Date, unless a different rate is negotiated by the Parties.

 

1.6                               CLAIMS AGAINST THE COMPANY.  At the Company’s cost, Employee agrees to cooperate with the Company in any internal investigation, any administrative, regulatory or judicial proceeding or any dispute with a third party.  Further, to the fullest extent permitted by law, Employee will not cooperate with or assist any person or entity asserting or investigating a claim against the Company unless required to do so by a lawfully issued subpoena, by court order or as expressly provided by regulation or statute.  If Employee is served with a subpoena or is required by court order or otherwise to testify or produce documents in any type of proceeding involving the Company, he shall immediately advise the Company of same and cooperate with the Company, at the Company’s cost, in objecting to such request and/or seeking confidentiality protections.

 

ARTICLE 2
 RELEASE AND NON-DISPARAGEMENT

 

2.1                               EMPLOYEE RELEASE OF CLAIMS.  In consideration for the separation consideration set forth in this Agreement, Employee, on behalf of himself, his heirs, executors, legal representatives, spouse and assigns (“Employee Releasing Parties”), hereby fully and forever releases the Company and its respective past and present officers, directors, employees, investors, stockholders, administrators, subsidiaries, affiliates, predecessor and successor corporations and assigns, attorneys and insurers (the “Company’s Released Parties”) of and from any and all claims, duties, liabilities, demands, obligations, actions, causes of action, and losses of every kind and nature whatsoever, whether presently known or unknown, suspected or unsuspected, that any of them may possess arising from any omissions, acts or facts that have occurred through the date that Employee signs this Agreement, including, without limitation, any and all claims:

 

A.                                    which arise out of, result from, or occurred in connection with Employee’s employment by or consulting to the Company or any of its affiliated entities, the termination of that employment or consulting relationship, any events occurring in the course of that employment or consultancy, or any events occurring prior to the execution of this Agreement;

 

B.                                    for wrongful discharge, discrimination, harassment and/or retaliation; breach of contract, both express and implied; breach of a covenant of good faith and fair dealing, both express and implied; negligent or intentional infliction of emotional distress; negligent or intentional misrepresentation; negligent or intentional interference with contract or prospective economic advantage; slander, libel or invasion of privacy; constructive 

 

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termination of employment; violation of public policy; fraud, misrepresentation or conspiracy; and false imprisonment;

 

C.                                    for a violation of any federal, state or municipal statute, regulation or ordinance relating to employment, all as amended, including, without limitation, (1) Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, (2) 42 U.S.C. § 1981, (3) the Civil Rights Act of 1991, (4) the Employee Retirement and Income Security Act of 1974, (5) the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967 (the “ADEA”), (6) the Older Workers’ Benefit Protection Act (“OWBPA”), (7) the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, (8) the Family Medical Leave Act, (9) the Equal Pay Act), (10) the Minnesota Human Rights Act (the “MHRA”), (11) the Minnesota Equal Pay for Equal Work Law, (12) the Minnesota healthcare worker whistleblower protection laws, (13) the Minnesota family leave law, (14) the Minnesota personnel record access statutes, (15) the California Fair Employment and Housing Act, (16) the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, (17) the California and United States Constitutions, (18) the California Labor Code, (19) the California Business and Professions Code, (20) the California Family Rights Act, (21) the California Government Code, and (22) the California Wage Orders;

 

D.                                    for back pay or other unpaid compensation;

 

E.                                    relating to equity of the Company; and/or

 

F.                                     for attorneys’ fees, penalties and costs.

 

Employee represents that he has not filed any lawsuit, arbitration, or other claim against any of the Company’s Released Parties.  Employee states that he knows of no violation of state, federal, or municipal law or regulation by any of the Company’s Released Parties, and knows of no ongoing or pending investigation, charge, or complaint by any agency charged with enforcement of state, federal, or municipal law or regulation.  Employee further agrees he shall not receive any monetary damages, recovery and/or relief of any type related to any released claim(s), whether pursued by Employee or any governmental agency, other person or group based on the released claims.

 

This release in all respects has been voluntarily and knowingly executed with the express intention of effecting the legal consequences provided in the California Civil Code § 1541, that is, the extinguishment of obligations herein designated.  The parties agree, with the advice of counsel, that this is a general release and that Civil Code section 1542 is waived by Employee.  Section 1542 provides:

 

A general release does not extend to claims which the creditor does not know or suspect to exist in his or her favor at the time of executing the release, which if known by him or her must have materially affected his or her settlement with the debtor.

 

2.2                               ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF WAIVER OF CLAIMS UNDER ADEA AND MHRA.  Employee acknowledges that he is waiving and releasing any rights he may have under the OWBPA, the ADEA and the MHRA, and that this waiver and release is knowing and voluntary.  Employee acknowledges that the consideration given for this waiver and release is in addition to anything of value to which Employee was already entitled.  Employee further acknowledges that he has been advised by this writing that: (a) he should consult with an attorney prior to executing this Agreement; (b) he has at least twenty-one (21) days within which to consider this Agreement and that if he signed this Agreement before expiration of that twenty-one (21) calendar day period, he did so knowingly and voluntarily and with the intent of waiving his right to utilize the full twenty-one (21) calendar day consideration period; (c) he has the right to revoke his release of claims, insofar as it extends to potential claims arising under the ADEA, by informing the Company of such revocation within seven (7) calendar days following his execution of this Agreement; and (d) he has the right to rescind his release of claims, insofar as it extends to potential claims arising under the MHRA, by informing the Company of such rescission within fifteen (15) calendar days following Employee’s execution of this Agreement.  Employee further understands that these revocation and rescission periods shall run concurrently, and that this Agreement is not effective until the fifteen (15) day rescission period (the “Revocation Period”) has expired.  Communication of any such revocation by Employee to 

 

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the Company shall be provided in writing and mailed by certified or registered mail with return receipt requested and addressed to the Company at its principal corporate offices to the attention of its Chairman of the Board.

 

2.3                               NO ADMISSION OF LIABILITY.  Neither this Agreement nor any statement contained herein shall be deemed to constitute an admission of liability on the part of the parties herein released.  This Agreement’s execution and implementation may not be used as evidence, and shall not be admissible in a subsequent proceeding of any kind, except one alleging a breach of this Agreement.

 

2.4                               NON-DISPARAGEMENT.  The parties covenant and agree that they shall not make or cause to be made any statements, observations, or opinions, or communicate any information (whether in written or oral form), that defame, slander or are likely in any way to harm the reputation of the the other Party or that Party’s Released Parties or tortiously interfere with any of the other Party’s business relationships.  The Parties acknowledge and agree that any violation of the covenants contained in this Section will result in irreparable damage to the other Party and that the other Party shall be entitled to injunctive and other equitable relief.  This provision with respect to injunctive relief shall not, however, diminish the right to claim and recover damages or other remedies in addition to equitable relief.

 

ARTICLE 3
  REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES

 

3.1                               REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF EMPLOYEE.  Employee warrants and represents to the Company that he:

 

A.                                    has been advised to consult with legal counsel and has had the opportunity to consult with legal counsel prior to entering into this Agreement;

 

B.                                    has carefully read and understands all the terms and conditions of this Agreement;

 

C.                                    has voluntarily executed this Agreement without any duress or undue influence and with the full intent of releasing all claims;

 

D.                                    has received no promise, inducement or agreement not herein expressed with respect to this Agreement or the terms of this Agreement;

 

E.                                    is the only person who is or may be entitled to receive or share in any damages or compensation on account of or arising out of his relationship with, or providing services to, the Company or any of its affiliated entities, the termination of that relationship or services, any actions taken in the course of that relationship or services, and any events related to that relationship or services or occurring prior to the execution of this Agreement;

 

F.                                     understands and agrees that in the event any injury, loss, or damage has been sustained by him which is not now known or suspected, or in the event that the losses or damage now known or suspected have present or future consequences not now known or suspected, this Agreement shall nevertheless constitute a full and final release as to the parties herein released, and that this Agreement shall apply to all such unknown or unsuspected injuries, losses, damages or consequences; and

 

G.                                   expressly acknowledges that his entry into this Agreement is in exchange for consideration in addition to anything of value to which he is already entitled.

 

3.2                               AUTHORITY.  Employee represents and warrants that he has the capacity to act on his own behalf and on behalf of all who might claim through him to bind them to the terms and conditions of this Agreement.  Each Party warrants and represents that he has not assigned any claim released under this Agreement, and there are no liens or claims of lien or assignments in law or equity or otherwise of or against any of the claims or causes of action released herein.

 

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3.3                               NO OTHER REPRESENTATIONS.  Neither party has relied upon any representations or statements made by other party hereto which are not specifically set forth in this Agreement.

 

ARTICLE 4
  MISCELLANEOUS

 

4.1                               CONFIDENTIALITY.  Employee agrees to maintain in confidence the existence of this Agreement, the contents and terms of this Agreement, and the consideration for this Agreement (collectively, the “Separation Information”), provided that Employee may share the Separation Information with his accountant or financial advisor to the limited extent needed for that person to prepare his tax returns, his spouse, and his attorney.  In addition, Employee may reveal to potential employers only those Sections of this Agreement that would restrict his activities or ability to disclose information with respect to any such future employer.

 

4.2                               REMEDIES.  In addition to any other legal, contractual and/or equitable remedies, the Company’s obligation to provide the payment identified in Section 1.2 shall immediately cease if the Company, in reasonable and good faith, believes Employee has breached one or more obligations of this Agreement, the Invention Assignment Agreement, and/or any other contractual or legal obligation Employee owes to the Company.

 

4.3                               SEVERABILITY.  Should any provision of this Agreement be declared or be determined by any arbitrator or court of competent jurisdiction to be illegal or invalid, the validity of the remaining parts, terms or provisions shall not be affected thereby and said illegal or invalid part, term, or provision shall be deemed not to be a part of this Agreement.

 

4.4                               ENTIRE AGREEMENT.  This Agreement represents the entire agreement and understanding between the Company and Employee concerning Employee’s separation from the Company, and supersedes and replaces any and all prior agreements and understandings concerning Employee’s relationship with the Company and his compensation by the Company, provided, however, that this Agreement does not supersede or modify the Invention Assignment Agreement, which shall remain in full force and effect.  This Agreement may only be amended by a writing signed by Employee and the Company.

 

4.5                               ASSIGNMENT.  This Agreement may not be assigned by Employee without the prior written consent of the other party.  The Company may assign this Agreement without Employee’s consent in connection with a merger or sale of its assets and/or to a corporation controlling, controlled by or under common control with the Company.  This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of, and be binding upon, each Party’s respective heirs, legal representatives, successors and assigns.

 

4.6                               GOVERNING LAW; CONSENT TO JURISDICTION, WAIVER OF JURY TRIAL.  This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Minnesota.  Each of the Parties hereto irrevocably submits to the exclusive jurisdiction of the state and federal courts of the State of Minnesota for the purpose of any suit, action, proceeding or judgment relating to or arising out of this Agreement, and consents to the laying of venue in such courts.  EACH OF THE PARTIES KNOWINGLY AND VOLUNTARILY WAIVES ANY RIGHT TO REQUEST A TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY LITIGATION WITH RESPECT TO THIS AGREEMENT AND REPRESENTS THAT COUNSEL HAS BEEN CONSULTED SPECIFICALLY AS TO THIS WAIVER.  In addition, should it become necessary for either Party to seek to enforce any of the covenants contained in this Agreement through any legal, administrative or alternative dispute resolution proceeding, the prevailing Party in such enforcement action shall be entitled to reimbursement of its reasonable fees and expenses (legal costs, attorney’s fees and otherwise) related thereto by the other Party.

 

4.7                               COUNTERPARTS/ FACSIMILE SIGNATURE.  This Agreement may be executed in one or more counterparts and by facsimile, each of which shall constitute an original and all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument.  Signatures of the parties transmitted by facsimile or via .pdf format shall be deemed to be their original signatures for all purposes.

 

4.8                               EMPLOYMENT STATUS; NO APPLICATION FOR FUTURE EMPLOYMENT. Employee acknowledges 

 

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that his employment with the Company has ceased.  Employee agrees that he will not attempt to procure employment or seek reinstatement with the Company or its affiliates at any time, nor or in the future, either as an employee, an independent contractor or in any other capacity.

 

SIGNATURES ON THE FOLLOWING PAGE

 

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The Parties have executed this Separation and Release Agreement as of the date set forth below.

 

	
SUNSHINE   HEART, INC.
    	
 
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    
	
By:   
    	
/S/   DAVE ROSA 
    	
 
    	
/S/   PATRICK VERTA 
    
	
Name:   
    	
Dave   Rosa 
    	
 
    	
PATRICK   VERTA  
    
	
Title:   
    	
CEO
    	
 
    	
Date:   
    	
30   Aug 2014
    

 

 

ELECTION TO EXECUTE PRIOR TO EXPIRATION OF 
  TWENTY-ONE DAY CONSIDERATION PERIOD 
  (To be signed only if Separation and Release Agreement is signed 
  prior to expiration of 21 days after it is presented to employee)

 

I understand that I have up to twenty-one (21) days within which to consider and execute the foregoing Separation and Release Agreement.  However, after having had sufficient time to consider the matter and to consult with counsel, I have freely and voluntarily elected to execute the Separation and Release Agreement before the twenty-one (21) day period has expired.

 

	
/S/   PATRICK VERTA
    	
 
    
	
PATRICK   VERTA
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
 
    
	
Date: 
    	
30   Aug 2014
    	
 
    
			

 

SIGNATURE PAGE TO SEPARATION AND RELEASE AGREEMENT

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