Document:

an23931090-ex10_1.htm

 

 

Exhibit 10.1

 

EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT

 

THIS EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT (this “Agreement”) is made and entered into this 15th day of  August, 2011, by and between AngioDynamics, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), and Joseph M. DeVivo (the “Executive”).

 

RECITALS

 

THE PARTIES ENTER THIS AGREEMENT on the basis of the following facts, understandings and intentions:

 

A.           The Company desires to hire the Executive as its President and Chief Executive Officer on the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement.

 

B.           This Agreement shall govern the employment relationship between the Executive and the Company from and after the Effective Date, and, as of the Effective Date, supersedes and negates any previous agreements or understandings with respect to such relationship.

 

C.           The Executive desires to be employed by the Company on the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement.

 

AGREEMENT

 

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the above recitals incorporated herein and the mutual covenants and promises contained herein and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby expressly acknowledged, the parties agree as follows:

 

	
1.  

	
Term and Duties.

 

1.1 Term.  The Company does hereby hire, engage and employ the Executive beginning on September 7, 2011 (the “Effective Date”), and concluding on the last day of the Period of Employment (as such term is defined in Section 2) on the terms and conditions expressly set forth in this Agreement.  The Executive does hereby accept and agree to such hiring, engagement, and employment, on the terms and conditions expressly set forth in this Agreement.

 

1.2 Duties.  During the Period of Employment, the Executive shall serve the Company as its President and Chief Executive Officer and shall have the powers, authorities, duties, and obligations of management usually vested in the office of the President and Chief Executive Officer of a company of a similar size and similar nature as the Company, and such other powers, authorities, duties, and obligations commensurate with such position as the Company’s Board of Directors (the “Board”) may assign from time to time, all subject to the lawful directives of the Board and the corporate policies of the Company as they are in effect from time to time throughout the Period of Employment (including, without limitation, the Company’s business conduct and ethics policies, as in effect from time to time).  During the Period of Employment, the Executive shall report to the Board.

 

  

  

  

 

1.3 No Other Employment; Minimum Time Commitment.  During the Period of Employment, the Executive shall: (i) devote substantially all of the Executive’s business time, energy and skill to the performance of the Executive’s duties for the Company; (ii) perform such duties in a faithful, effective, and efficient manner to the best of his abilities; and (iii) hold no other employment.   The Board encourages Executive’s service on the boards of directors (or similar body) of other business entities, but such service must be approved by the Board.  The Company shall have the right to require the Executive to resign from any board or similar body (including, without limitation, any association, corporate, civic or charitable board or similar body) on which he may then serve, if the Board reasonably determines that the Executive’s service in such capacity interferes with the effective discharge of the Executive’s duties and responsibilities to the Company or that any business related to such service is then in competition with any business of the Company or any of its Affiliates (as such term is defined in Section 5.5), successors or assigns.

 

1.4 Location.  The Executive’s principal place of employment shall be the Company’s principal corporate office as it may be located from time to time.  The Executive agrees that he will be regularly present at that office.  The Executive acknowledges that he may be required to travel from time to time in the course of performing his duties for the Company.

 

1.5 At Will Employment.  Executive’s employment with the Company will be on an “at will” basis, meaning that either the Executive or the Company may terminate the Executive’s employment at any time for any reason or no reason, without further obligation or liability, other than as provided in this Agreement.

 

2. Period of Employment.  The “Period of Employment” shall be a period of three (3) years commencing on the Effective Date and ending at the close of business on the 3rd anniversary of the Effective Date; provided, however, that the Period of Employment may be extended on the same terms, by the specific approval of the Board and consent of the Executive, for successive one (1) year periods.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Period of Employment is subject to earlier termination as provided below in this Agreement.  Failure of the Board to approve any such extension of the Period of Employment shall not constitute a breach of this Agreement and shall not constitute an Involuntary Termination (as such term is defined in Section 5.5) for purposes of this Agreement.

 

	
3.  

	
Compensation.

 

3.1 Base Salary.  During the Period of Employment, the Company shall pay the Executive a base salary (the “Base Salary”), which shall be paid in accordance with the Company’s regular payroll practices in effect from time to time, but not less frequently than monthly.  The Executive’s Base Salary shall be at an annualized rate of Five Hundred Fifty-Five Thousand and 00/100 Dollars ($555,000.00) and shall be subject to an annual review by the Board; upon review, the Base Salary may be increased but may not be decreased.

 

3.2 Short Term Cash Incentive Opportunity.  Executive shall be eligible to participate in the Company’s Senior Executive Incentive Compensation Program, with a target bonus of 100% of the Executive’s Base Salary.  For the first year of Executive’s employment, 50% of the target bonus potential is based on the Company’s financial performance, which 

 

  

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would be predicated on the first forecast after the Effective Date for which Executive has primary responsibility and 50% of the target bonus potential is based upon the achievement of Management By Objectives (“MBOs”) jointly established by Executive, the Chairman of the Board, and the Company’s Compensation Committee; provided, however, that the amount of the bonus will be prorated based upon the number of days within the fiscal year that Executive was employed by the Company.  For any remaining years of employment, the performance measures shall be determined in accordance with the Company’s Senior Executive Incentive Compensation Program.

 

	
3.3  

	
Long Term Incentives.

 

(a) New Hire Non-Qualified Options.  Executive will receive a new hire stock option grant to purchase 400,000 shares of Company stock pursuant to the Company’s 2004 Stock and Incentive Award Plan.  All such options will be subject to Executive’s commencing and continuing employment and will vest 25% per year on the first four (4) anniversaries of the grant date.  The strike price of the options will be the fair market value of the Company’s stock as of the date of grant, determined as set forth in the Company’s 2004 Stock and Incentive Award Plan.  The option grant will be subject to the terms and conditions of a separate grant agreement.

 

(b) New Hire Restricted Stock.  Executive will also receive 25,000 Restricted Stock Units, subject to the terms and conditions (including forfeiture provisions) of a restricted stock unit agreement being executed concurrently with this Agreement, which will vest 25% per year on the first four (4) anniversaries of the grant date.

 

(c) Annual Equity Awards.  In addition to the stock option purchase opportunity and the restricted stock outlined above, Executive will be eligible, after the Company’s fiscal year ending May 31, 2012, for participation in the Company’s annual award program, which may include the grant of a combination of non-qualified options and Restricted Stock Units.  Although the actual number may vary based on actual performance, the target number of shares granted is between 30,000 and 35,000 options and 25,000 and 30,000 Restricted Stock Units consistent with the Company’s currently established program governing these awards; notwithstanding the foregoing, the exact allocation of the award between options and Restricted Stock Units shall be made in the sole discretion of the Compensation Committee of the Board.  In any fiscal year during which the Executive was employed for only a portion of said year, any grants made to Executive under the Company’s annual award program shall be prorated accordingly.  Specific metrics that determine the actual number of shares granted annually will be subject to the limits contained in the Company’s 2004 Stock and Incentive Award Plan, as amended.

 

  

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4.  

	
Benefits.

 

4.1 The Company currently provides the following benefits for exempt employees, which Executive will be eligible to participate in on or after the Effective Date:

 

(a) Medical, Dental, Prescription, & Vision insurance

 

(b) Standard and Voluntary Life Insurance

 

(c) Statutory Short Term & Voluntary Short Term Disability Insurance

 

(d) Long Term Disability Insurance

 

(e) Executive will be eligible to participate in the Company’s employee-contribution 401(k) Retirement Plan beginning on the first Monday of the month following the Effective Date

 

(f) Tuition Assistance Program

 

(g) Paid Time Off:  Executive will be eligible to accrue up to 20 days of paid vacation per calendar year, pro-rated for the remainder of this calendar year. Vacation accrues per the Company’s vacation policy

 

(h) Health & Dependent Care Reimbursement Accounts

 

(i) Employee Stock Purchase Program:  Executive will be eligible to participate in the Company’s Employee Stock Purchase Plan beginning on the first March 1 or September 1 following the Effective Date, as long as he has met the 30-day service requirement

 

(j) Executive Automobile Allowance: Executive will be eligible to participate in the Company’s executive car program, which includes an option for an allowance of up to $1,500.00 per month (less applicable taxes)

 

(k) Executive will receive reimbursement of up to $10,000 for legal fees actually incurred by Executive in the review of this Agreement

 

(l) Executive’s participation in these and any other Company benefit plans are subject to the terms and conditions of such plans, as they may be amended from time to time.

 

4.2 Reimbursement of Business Expenses.  The Executive is authorized to incur reasonable expenses in carrying out the Executive’s duties for the Company under this Agreement and shall be entitled to reimbursement for all reasonable business expenses that the Executive incurs during the Period of Employment in connection with carrying out the Executive’s duties for the Company, subject to the Company’s expense reimbursement policies and any pre-approval policies in effect from time to time.  Manner of travel shall be according to Company policy.

 

  

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4.3 Housing Allowance and Relocation Expenses.

 

(a) Housing Allowance.  Within thirty (30) days of the Effective Date, the Company shall pay the Executive a one-time housing allowance of Two Hundred Thousand and 00/100 Dollars ($200,000.00).

 

(b) Relocation Expenses.  The Company shall provide reimbursement for Executive’s relocation expenses in accordance with the Company’s customary relocation practices up to an aggregate of $60,000.  Starting on the Effective Date and for a total of up to six (6) months, the Company shall reimburse the Executive for up to $5,000 per month that the Executive spends for temporary housing in the area of the Company’s principal corporate office.  Such reimbursement will cease once Executive obtains permanent housing in the area of the Company’s principal corporate office.

 

4.4 Change in Control Agreement,    The Executive and the Company will also enter into a change in control agreement in a form substantially similar to the Company’s previously adopted form agreement, which is attached to this Agreement as Exhibit A.

 

	
5.  

	
Termination.

 

5.1 Termination by the Company.  The Executive’s employment by the Company, and the Period of Employment, may be terminated at any time by the Company: (i) with Cause (as such term is defined in Section 5.5); or (ii) without Cause; or (iii) in the event of the Executive’s death; or (iv) in the event that the Board determines in good faith that the Executive has a Disability (as such term is defined in Section 5.5).

 

5.2 Termination by the Executive.  The Executive’s employment by the Company, and the Period of Employment, may be terminated by the Executive (1) for Good Reason (as such term is defined in Section 5.5) without notice, except as provided in Section 5.5, or (2) without Good Reason, with no less than ninety (90) days’ advance written notice to the Company (such notice to be delivered in accordance with Section 17).  Should the Executive terminate his employment by the Company before the 1st  anniversary of the Effective Date, the Executive shall pay to the Company a prorated portion of the housing allowance granted according to Section 4.3(a) equal to fifty percent (50%) of the total housing allowance.  Should the Executive terminate his employment by the Company after  the 1st anniversary of the Effective Date but before the 2nd anniversary of the Effective Date, the Executive shall pay to the Company a prorated portion of the housing allowance granted according to Section 4.3(a) equal to twenty five percent (25%) of the total housing allowance.

 

5.3 Benefits Upon Termination.  If the Executive’s employment by the Company is terminated during the Period of Employment for any reason by the Company or by the Executive, or upon or following the expiration of the Period of Employment (in any case, the date that the Executive’s employment by the Company terminates is referred to as the “Severance Date”), the Company shall have no further obligation to make or provide to the Executive, and the Executive shall have no further right to receive or obtain from the Company, any payments or benefits except as follows:

 

  

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(a) The Company shall pay the Executive (or, in the event of his death, the Executive’s estate) any Accrued Obligations (as such term is defined in Section 5.5).

 

(b) If, during the Period of Employment, the Executive’s employment with the Company terminates as a result of an Involuntary Termination (as such term is defined in Section 5.5), the Company shall pay the Executive (in addition to the Accrued Obligations), subject to tax withholding and other authorized deductions, a severance benefit in certain amounts (“Severance Benefit”) over certain periods of time (“Severance Period”) depending upon the timing of the Involuntary Termination, as follows:

 

(i) If, after the Effective Date but before the 3rd anniversary of the Effective Date, the Executive’s employment with the Company terminates as a result of an Involuntary Termination (as such term is defined in Section 5.5), the Company shall pay the Executive (in addition to the Accrued Obligations), subject to tax withholding and other authorized deductions, Base Salary for a 24 month Severance Period plus a one time lump sum payment equal to two (2) times the amount of Executive’s Short Term Incentive Compensation Program bonus (see Section 3.3) for the fiscal year preceding the effective date of the termination (in the event that the Severance Date occurs prior to 5/31/2012,  the Company’s Compensation Committee shall determine the amount of the Short Term Incentive Compensation Program bonus subject to this section 5(b)(i))   (collectively, the Severance Benefit for the purposes of this Section 5.3(b)(i)).  In the event that the Severance Date occurs after a fiscal year end but prior to the time a Short Term Incentive Compensation Program bonus payment is made in accordance with Section 3.2, the Company shall also pay the Executive, subject to tax withholding and other authorized deductions, Executive’s Short Term Incentive Compensation Program bonus in accordance with Section 3.2, as determined by the Company’s Compensation Committee. The Company shall also pay the continuing COBRA/insurance premium for the Executive’s benefits for a period equal to the shorter of (i) 24 months, and (ii) such time as Executive secures employment.  Subject to Section 5.7, the Company shall pay the Severance Benefit to the Executive in substantially equal installments in accordance with the Company’s standard payroll practices over a period of 24 months, with the first installment payable in the month following the month in which the Executive’s employment with the Company terminates. All unvested equity awards shall terminate in accordance with their terms.

 

(ii) If the Period of Employment has been extended pursuant to Section 2, and the Executive’s employment with the Company terminates as a result of an Involuntary Termination (as such term is defined in Section 5.5) during any such extension, the Company shall pay the Executive (in addition to the Accrued Obligations), subject to tax withholding and other authorized deductions, a Severance Benefit in accordance with the Company’s standard Severance Policy then in effect.

 

  

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(c) Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this Section 5.3, if the Executive breaches his obligations under Section 6 or any material obligation under any other agreement signed by the Executive and the Company or any of its Affiliates that imposes restrictions with respect to the Executive’s activities at any time, from and after the date of such breach and not in any way in limitation of any right or remedy otherwise available to the Company, the Executive will no longer be entitled to, and the Company will no longer be obligated to pay, any remaining unpaid portion of the Severance Benefit; provided however that, the Company shall have provided the Executive with written notice in accordance with Section 17 specifying with particularity the conduct that the Company contends constitutes such a breach and shall have provided the Executive with a reasonable period (not less than 15 days) in which to respond and/or to cure such alleged breach; and provided further that, if the Executive provides the release contemplated by Section 5.4, in no event shall the Executive be entitled to a Severance Benefit payment of less than $5,000, which amount the parties agree is good and adequate consideration, standing alone, for the Executive’s release contemplated by Section 5.4.

 

(d) The foregoing provisions of this Section 5.3 shall not affect: (i) the Executive’s receipt of any benefits otherwise due terminated employees under group insurance coverage consistent with the terms of an applicable Company welfare benefit plan; (ii) the Executive’s rights to continued health coverage under COBRA; and (iii) the Executive’s receipt of benefits otherwise due in accordance with the terms of the Company’s 401(k) plan (if any).

 

(e) In the event that the Executive’s employment with the Company is terminated by the Company without Cause upon or after the expiration of this Agreement or any extension thereof, such that Executive is not eligible to receive the Severance Benefit, the Executive will be eligible to participate in and receive a severance payment in accordance with the terms of the Company’s then current severance policy.  In no event will any such severance payment to the Executive made under the Company’s then current severance policy be less than 1.5x the Executive’s then current annual Base Salary.

 

	
5.4  

	
Release; Exclusive Remedy.

 

(a) This Section 5.4 shall apply notwithstanding anything else contained in this Agreement or any stock option or other equity-based award agreement to the contrary.  As a condition precedent to payment of the Severance Benefit, the Executive shall, upon or promptly following his last day of employment with the Company, provide the Company with a valid, executed general release agreement in a form acceptable to the Company substantially in the form attached as Exhibit B, and such release agreement shall have not been revoked by the Executive pursuant to any revocation rights afforded by applicable law.

 

(b) The Executive agrees that the payments and benefits contemplated by Section 5.3 shall constitute the exclusive and sole remedy for any termination of his employment and the Executive covenants not to assert or pursue any other remedies, at law or in equity, with respect to any termination of employment.  The Executive agrees to resign, on the Severance Date, as an officer and director of the Company and any Affiliate of the Company, and as a fiduciary of any benefit plan of the Company or any Affiliate of the Company, and to promptly 

 

  

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execute and provide to the Company any further documentation, as requested by the Company, to confirm such resignation.

 

	
5.5  

	
Certain Defined Terms.

 

(a) As used herein, “Accrued Obligations” means:

 

(i) any Base Salary and Paid Time Off that had accrued but had not been paid on or before the Severance Date; and

 

any payments or grants that had accrued but had not been paid on or before the Severance Date under Section  4.1 (subject to any required return of funds under Section 5.2).

 

(ii) any reimbursement due to the Executive pursuant to Section 4.2 for expenses reasonably incurred by the Executive on or before the Severance Date and documented and pre-approved, to the extent applicable, in accordance with the Company’s expense reimbursement policies in effect at the applicable time.

 

(b) As used herein, “Affiliate” of the Company means a Person that directly or indirectly through one or more intermediaries, controls, or is controlled by, or is under common control with, the Company.  As used in this definition, the term “control,” including the correlative terms “controlling,” “controlled by” and “under common control with,” means the possession, directly or indirectly, of the power to direct or cause the direction of management or policies (whether through ownership of securities or any partnership or other ownership interest, by contract or otherwise) of a Person.

 

(c) As used herein, “Cause” shall mean: (i) the willful and persistent failure by the Executive to substantially perform the Executive’s duties with the Company (other than any failure resulting from the Executive’s Disability); (ii) the engaging by the Executive in willful and persistent conduct that is injurious to the Company or its subsidiaries, monetarily or otherwise; (iii) the Executive’s refusal to follow a reasonable and lawful instruction from the Board after written notice and opportunity to comply; or (iv) the Executive’s conviction of (a) a felony or (b) a misdemeanor involving fraud, dishonesty, or moral turpitude; provided however that, with respect to items (i), (ii), and (iii) above, the Company must provide the Executive with written notice in accordance with Section 17 specifying with particularly the conduct that it contends constitutes Cause, plus the provision of the Cause definition that applies, and must provide the Executive a reasonable period (not less than 15 days) to in which to respond and/or cure such alleged grounds to the Board’s satisfaction; and provided further that the Executive shall thereafter be granted the opportunity within a reasonable period (not more than 15 days) to appear before the Board, with counsel, to address any such claimed grounds, during which period the Company may not implement such termination.

 

(d) As used herein, “Disability” shall mean a physical or mental impairment as a result of which, as reasonably determined by the Board, the Executive has been unable to perform the essential functions of his employment with the Company, even with reasonable accommodation that does not impose an undue hardship on the Company, for more than 90 days 

 

  

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in any 180-day period, unless a longer period is required by federal or state law, in which case such longer period shall apply.

 

(e) As used herein, “Good Reason” shall mean (i) a material diminution of the Executive’s duties, responsibilities, authority, title, position, compensation, or bonus opportunity as set forth in this Agreement; (ii) a material breach by the Company of any material provision of this Agreement; or (iii) relocation of the Executive’s place of employment more than fifty (50) miles from the location specified in Section 1.5; provided however that, with respect to items (i) and (ii) above, the Executive must provide the Company with written notice in accordance with Section 17 specifying with particularly the conduct that he contends constitutes Good Reason, plus the provision of the Good Reason definition that applies, and must provide the Company a reasonable period (not less than 15 days) in which to respond and/or cure such alleged grounds.

 

(f) As used herein, “Involuntary Termination” shall mean a termination of the Executive’s employment (i) by the Company without Cause (and other than due to Executive’s death or in connection with a good faith determination by the Board that the Executive has a Disability), and other than in connection with a “Change in Control,” as it is defined in the change in control agreement entered into between the Company and the Executive pursuant to Section 4.4 or (ii) by the Executive for Good Reason.

 

 (g) As used herein, the term “Person” shall be construed broadly and shall include, without limitation, an individual, a partnership, a limited liability company, a corporation, an association, a joint stock company, a trust, a joint venture, an unincorporated organization, and a governmental entity, or any department, agency or political subdivision thereof.

 

(h) As used herein, a “Separation from Service” occurs when the Executive dies, retires, or otherwise has a termination of employment with the Company that constitutes a “separation from service” within the meaning of Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-1(h)(1).

 

5.6 Notice of Termination.  Any termination of the Executive’s employment under this Agreement shall be communicated by written notice of termination from the terminating party to the other party.  This notice of termination must be delivered in accordance with Section 17 and must indicate the specific provision(s) of this Agreement relied upon in effecting the termination.

 

5.7 Internal Revenue Code Section 409A.  The Company shall interpret and apply this Agreement (and any additional separate agreements contemplated by this agreement) in a manner that is consistent with the intent that amounts earned and payable to Executive shall not be subject to the premature income recognition or adverse tax provisions of Internal Revenue Code Section 409A (“Section 409A”).  Accordingly, notwithstanding any other term or provision in this Agreement (or in any other agreement) to the contrary, distributions of benefits that are subject to Section 409A and that are payable upon or following Executive’s Separation from Service with the Company shall commence as of the date required by the agreement or, if later and to the extent required, the earliest date permitted by Section 409A (generally six months 

 

  

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after Separation from Service, if Executive is considered a “specified employee” within the meaning of Section 409A), without interest.

 

	
6.  

	
Protective Covenants.

 

	
6.1  

	
Confidential Information; Inventions.

 

(a) Executive’s commencement of employment with the Company is contingent upon the execution (and delivery to an officer of the Company) of the Company’s Confidentiality Agreement by Executive in the form attached as Exhibit C, on or prior to the Effective Date.

 

(b) As used in this Agreement, the term “Work Product” means all inventions, innovations, improvements, technical information, systems, software developments, methods, designs, analyses, drawings, reports, service marks, trademarks, trade names, logos, and all similar or related information (whether patentable or unpatentable, copyrightable, registerable as a trademark, reduced to writing, or otherwise) that relates to the Company’s or any of its Affiliates’ actual or anticipated business, research and development or existing or future products or services and which are conceived, developed or made by the Executive (whether or not during usual business hours, whether or not by the use of the facilities of the Company or any of its Affiliates, and whether or not alone or in conjunction with any other person) while employed by the Company (including those conceived, developed or made prior to the Effective Date) together with all patent applications, letters patent, trademark, trade name and service mark applications or registrations, copyrights and reissues thereof that may be granted for or upon any of the foregoing.  All Work Product that the Executive may have discovered, invented, or originated during his employment by the Company or any of its Affiliates prior to the Effective Date, that he may discover, invent or originate during the Period of Employment or at any time in the period of twelve (12) months after the Severance Date, shall be the exclusive property of the Company and its Affiliates, as applicable, and Executive hereby assigns all of Executive’s right, title and interest in and to such Work Product to the Company or its applicable Affiliate, including all intellectual property rights therein.  Executive shall promptly disclose all Work Product to the Company, shall execute at the request of the Company any assignments or other documents the Company may deem necessary to protect or perfect its (or any of its Affiliates’, as applicable) rights therein, and shall assist the Company, at the Company’s expense, in obtaining, defending and enforcing the Company’s (or any of its Affiliates’, as applicable) rights therein.  The Executive hereby appoints the Company as his  attorney-in-fact to execute on his behalf any assignments or other documents deemed necessary by the Company to protect the Company, or to protect or perfect the Company’s (and any of its Affiliates’, as applicable) rights to any Work Product.

 

(c) Executive agrees to follow the Company’s strict policy that employees must not disclose, either directly or indirectly, any information, including the terms of this Agreement, regarding compensation, or stock purchase or option allocations to any person, including other employees of the Company; provided Executive may discuss such terms with members of his/her immediate family and any legal, tax or accounting specialists who provide Executive with individual legal, tax or accounting advice.

 

  

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6.2 Restriction on Competition.  The Executive agrees that if the Executive were to become employed by, or substantially involved in, the business of a competitor of the Company or any of its Affiliates during the Severance Period, it would be very difficult for the Executive not to rely on or use the Company’s and its Affiliates’ trade secrets and confidential information.  Thus, to avoid the inevitable disclosure of the Company’s and its Affiliates’ trade secrets and confidential information, and to protect such trade secrets and confidential information and the Company’s and its Affiliates’ relationships and goodwill with customers, during the Period of Employment and for a period of time after the Severance Date equal to the Severance Period, the Executive will not directly or indirectly through any other Person engage in, enter the employ of, render any services to, have any ownership interest in, nor participate in the financing, operation, management or control of, any Competing Business.  For purposes of this Agreement, the phrase “directly or indirectly through any other Person engage in” shall include, without limitation, any direct or indirect ownership or profit participation interest in such enterprise, whether as an owner, stockholder, member, partner, joint venturer or otherwise, and shall include any direct or indirect participation in such enterprise as an employee, executive, consultant, director, officer, licensor of technology or otherwise.  For purposes of this Agreement, “Competing Business” means a Person anywhere in the continental United States or elsewhere in the world where the Company or any of its Affiliates engage in business, or reasonably and demonstrably anticipate engaging in business, on the Severance Date (the “Restricted Area”) that at any time during the Period of Employment has competed, or at any time during the Severance Period competes, with the Company or any of its Affiliates in any of its or their material businesses, including, without limitation, the sale, distribution, or manufacture of medical devices used for the treatment of cancer and/or peripheral vascular disease; provided however that the term Competing Business shall apply only to any business unit within a Person that is itself engaged in such business.  Nothing herein shall prohibit the Executive from being a passive owner of not more than 2% of the outstanding stock of any class of a corporation that is publicly traded, so long as the Executive has no active participation in the business of such corporation.

 

6.3 Non-Solicitation of Employees and Consultants.  During the Period of Employment and for a period of twenty-four (24) months after the Severance Date, the Executive will not directly or indirectly through any other Person (i) induce or attempt to induce any employee or independent contractor of the Company or any Affiliate of the Company to leave the employ or service, as applicable, of the Company or such Affiliate, or in any way interfere with the relationship between the Company or any such Affiliate, on the one hand, and any employee or independent contractor thereof, on the other hand, or (ii) hire any person who was an employee of the Company or any Affiliate of the Company until twelve (12) months after such individual’s employment relationship with the Company or such Affiliate has been terminated.

 

6.4 Non-Disruption of Other Business Relationships.  During the Period of Employment and for a period of twenty-four (24) months after the Severance Date, the Executive will not directly or indirectly through any other Person influence or attempt to influence customers, vendors, suppliers, licensors, lessors, joint venturers, associates, consultants, agents, or partners of the Company or any Affiliate of the Company to divert their business away from the Company or such Affiliate, and the Executive will not otherwise interfere with, disrupt or attempt to disrupt the business or professional relationships, contractual or otherwise, between the Company or any Affiliate of the Company, on the one hand, and any of its or their customers, 

 

  

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suppliers, vendors, lessors, licensors, joint venturers, government regulators, associates, officers, employees, consultants, managers, partners, members or investors, on the other hand.

 

6.5 Non-Disparagement.  At all times following the date hereof, the Executive shall not, whether in writing or orally, disparage or denigrate the Company or any Affiliate, or any of their respective current or former affiliates, directors, officers, employees, members, partners, agents, or representatives.  At all times following the date hereof, the directors, officers, and communications and human resources personnel of the Company shall not, whether in writing or orally, disparage or denigrate the Executive.

 

6.6 Understanding of Covenants.  The Executive acknowledges that, in the course of his employment with the Company and/or its Affiliates and their predecessors, he has become familiar, or will become familiar, with the Company’s and its Affiliates’ and their predecessors’ trade secrets and with other confidential and proprietary information concerning the Company, its Affiliates and their respective predecessors and that his services have been and will be of special, unique and extraordinary value to the Company and its Affiliates.  The Executive agrees that the foregoing covenants set forth in this Section 6 (together, the “Restrictive Covenants”) are reasonable and necessary to protect the Company’s and its Affiliates’ trade secrets and other confidential and proprietary information, good will, stable workforce, and customer relations.

 

Without limiting the generality of the Executive’s agreement in the preceding paragraph, the Executive: (i) represents that he is familiar with and has carefully considered the Restrictive Covenants; (ii) represents that he is fully aware of his obligations hereunder; (iii) agrees to the reasonableness of the length of time, scope and geographic coverage, as applicable, of the Restrictive Covenants; (iv) agrees that the Company and its Affiliates currently conduct business or reasonably anticipate engaging in business throughout the Restricted Area; and (v) agrees that the Restrictive Covenants will continue in effect for the applicable periods set forth above in this Section 6 regardless of whether the Executive is then entitled to receive severance pay or benefits from the Company.  The Executive understands that the Restrictive Covenants may limit his ability to earn a livelihood in a business similar to the business of the Company and any of its Affiliates, but he nevertheless believes that he has received and will receive sufficient consideration and other benefits as an employee of the Company and as otherwise provided hereunder or as described in the recitals hereto to clearly justify such restrictions which, in any event (given his education, skills and ability), the Executive does not believe would prevent him from otherwise earning a living.  The Executive agrees that the Restrictive Covenants do not confer a benefit upon the Company disproportionate to the detriment of the Executive.

 

6.7 Enforcement.  Without limiting the generality of Section 16, the Executive agrees that a breach by the Executive of any of the covenants in this Section 6 would cause immediate and irreparable harm to the Company that would be difficult or impossible to measure, and that damages to the Company for any such injury would therefore be an inadequate remedy for any such breach.  Therefore, the Executive agrees that in the event of any breach or threatened breach of any provision of this Section 6 or any similar provision, the Company shall be entitled, in addition to and without limitation upon all other remedies the Company may have under this Agreement, at law or otherwise, to obtain specific performance, injunctive relief and/or other appropriate relief (without posting any bond or deposit) in order to enforce or prevent any violations of the provisions of this Section 6 or any similar provision, as the case 

 

  

12

  

 

may be, or require the Executive to account for and pay over to the Company all compensation, profits, moneys, accruals, increments or other benefits derived from or received as a result of any transactions constituting a breach of this Section 6 or any similar provision, as the case may be, if and when final judgment of a court of competent jurisdiction or arbitrator is so entered against the Executive.  The Executive further agrees that the applicable period of time any Restrictive Covenant is in effect following the Severance Date, as determined pursuant to the foregoing provisions of this Section 6, such period of time shall be extended by the same amount of time that Executive is in breach of any Restrictive Covenant.

 

6.8 Additional Documentation.  The Executive agrees to execute any additional documentation as may reasonably be requested by the Company in furtherance of the enforcement of any Restrictive Covenant.

 

7. Withholding Taxes.  Notwithstanding anything else herein to the contrary, the Company may withhold (or cause there to be withheld, as the case may be) from any amounts otherwise due or payable under or pursuant to this Agreement such federal, state and local income, employment, or other taxes as may be required to be withheld pursuant to any applicable law or regulation.

 

8. Successors and Assigns.  This Agreement is personal to the Executive and without the prior written consent of the Company shall not be assignable by the Executive otherwise than by will or the laws of descent and distribution.  This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be binding upon the Company and its successors and assigns and to the benefit of and be binding upon the Executive’s estate and/or personal representatives.  As used in this Agreement, “Company” shall mean the Company as hereinbefore defined and any assignee or successor to all or substantially all of the Company’s assets, as applicable, which assumes this Agreement by operation of law or otherwise.

 

9. Rules of Construction.  Where the context requires, the singular shall include the plural, the plural shall include the singular, and any gender shall include all other genders.  Where specific language is used to clarify by example a general statement contained herein, such specific language shall not be deemed to modify, limit, or restrict in any manner the construction of the general statement to which it relates.  Unless otherwise expressly provided herein, all determinations to be made by the Compensation Committee or the Board under this Agreement shall be made in their sole discretion.

 

10. Section Headings.  The section headings of, and titles of paragraphs and subparagraphs contained in, this Agreement are for the purpose of convenience only, and they neither form a part of this Agreement nor are they to be used in the construction or interpretation thereof.

 

	
11.  

	
Governing Law; Arbitration; Waiver of Jury Trial.

 

11.1 THIS AGREEMENT WILL BE GOVERNED BY AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK, WITHOUT GIVING EFFECT TO ANY CHOICE OF LAW OR CONFLICTING PROVISION OR RULE (WHETHER OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK OR ANY OTHER JURISDICTION) THAT WOULD CAUSE THE LAWS OF ANY JURISDICTION OTHER THAN THE STATE OF NEW YORK TO BE APPLIED.  IN FURTHERANCE OF THE FOREGOING, THE INTERNAL LAW OF THE STATE OF 

 

  

13

  

 

NEW YORK WILL CONTROL THE INTERPRETATION AND CONSTRUCTION OF THIS AGREEMENT, EVEN IF UNDER SUCH JURISDICTION’S CHOICE OF LAW OR CONFLICT OF LAW ANALYSIS, THE SUBSTANTIVE LAW OF SOME OTHER JURISDICTION WOULD ORDINARILY APPLY.

 

11.2 Except for the limited purpose provided in Sections 6.7 and 16, any legal dispute related to this Agreement and/or any claim related to this Agreement, or breach thereof, shall, in lieu of being submitted to a court of law, be submitted to arbitration, in accordance with the applicable dispute resolution procedures of the American Arbitration Association under its Rules for the Resolution of Employment Disputes. The award of the arbitrator shall be final and binding upon the parties.  The parties hereto agree that: (i) one arbitrator shall be selected pursuant to the rules and procedures of the American Arbitration Association; (ii) the arbitrator shall have the power to award injunctive relief or to direct specific performance; (iii) each of the parties, unless otherwise required by applicable law, shall bear its own attorneys’ fees, costs and expenses and an equal share of the arbitrator’s and administrative fees of arbitration; and (iv) the arbitrator shall award to the prevailing party a sum equal to that party’s share of the arbitrator’s and administrative fees of arbitration.  Moreover, the arbitrator shall have the authority to award reasonable attorneys’ fees to the party that substantially prevails. Nothing in this Section 11 shall be construed as providing the Executive a cause of action, remedy or procedure that the Executive would not otherwise have under this Agreement or the law.

 

11.3 EACH OF THE PARTIES HERETO HEREBY IRREVOCABLY WAIVES ALL RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY ACTION, PROCEEDING OR COUNTERCLAIM ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT.

 

12. Severability.  The parties desire that the provisions of this Agreement be enforced to the fullest extent permissible under the laws and public policies applied in each jurisdiction in which enforcement is sought.  Accordingly, if any particular provision of this Agreement is found to be invalid, prohibited, or unenforceable under any present or future law, and if the rights and obligations of any party under this Agreement will not be materially and adversely affected thereby, such provision shall be ineffective, without invalidating the remaining provisions of this Agreement or affecting the validity or enforceability of such provision in any other jurisdiction.  To this end, the provisions of this Agreement are declared to be severable.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, if such provision could be more narrowly drawn (as to geographic scope, period of duration or otherwise) so as not to be invalid, prohibited or unenforceable in such jurisdiction, it shall, as to such jurisdiction, be so narrowly drawn, without invalidating the remaining provisions of this Agreement or affecting the validity or enforceability of such provision in any other jurisdiction.

 

13. Entire Agreement.  This Agreement, together with each of the other agreements referenced herein, embodies the entire agreement of the parties hereto respecting the matters within its scope.  This Agreement supersedes all prior and contemporaneous agreements of the parties hereto that directly or indirectly bears upon the subject matter hereof, including, without limitation, any term sheet or offer letter prepared in connection herewith.  Any prior negotiations, correspondence, agreements, proposals, or understandings relating to the subject matter hereof shall be deemed to have been merged into this Agreement, and to the extent 

 

  

14

  

 

inconsistent herewith, such negotiations, correspondence, agreements, proposals, or understandings shall be deemed to be of no force or effect.  There are no representations, warranties, or agreements, whether express or implied, or oral or written, with respect to the subject matter hereof, except as expressly set forth herein.  Notwithstanding the foregoing integration provisions, the Executive acknowledges having received and read the Company’s Code of Business Conduct and Ethics and the Compliance Plan and Code of Conduct for Interactions with Customers and agrees to conduct himself in accordance therewith as in effect from time to time.

 

14. Modifications.  This Agreement may not be amended, modified, or changed (in whole or in part), except by a formal, definitive written agreement expressly referring to this Agreement, which agreement is executed by both of the parties hereto.

 

15. Waiver.  No waiver shall be effective unless it is in writing and is signed by the party asserted to have granted such waiver.  Failure or delay on the part of a party to exercise fully any right, remedy, power or privilege under this Agreement shall not operate as a waiver thereof.  Any single or partial exercise of any right, remedy, power, or privilege shall not preclude any other or further exercise of the same or of any right, remedy, power or privilege.  Waiver of any right, remedy, power or privilege with respect to any occurrence shall not be construed as a waiver of such right, remedy, power or privilege with respect to any other occurrence.

 

16. Remedies.  Each of the parties to this Agreement and any such person or entity granted rights hereunder whether or not such person or entity is a signatory hereto shall be entitled to enforce its rights under this Agreement specifically to recover damages and costs for any breach of any provision of this Agreement and to exercise all other rights existing in its favor.  The parties hereto agree and acknowledge that money damages may not be an adequate remedy for any breach of the provisions of this Agreement and that each party may in its sole discretion apply to any court of law or equity of competent jurisdiction for specific performance, injunctive relief and/or other appropriate equitable relief (without posting any bond or deposit) in order to enforce or prevent any violations of the provisions of this Agreement.  Each party shall be responsible for paying its own attorneys’ fees, costs, and other expenses pertaining to any such legal proceeding and enforcement regardless of whether an award or finding or any judgment or verdict thereon is entered against either party, provided however that the court shall have the authority to award reasonable attorneys’ fees, costs, and expenses to the party that substantially prevails.

 

17. Notices.  Any notice provided for in this Agreement must be in writing and must be either personally delivered, transmitted via telecopier, mailed by first class mail (postage prepaid and return receipt requested), or sent by reputable overnight courier service (charges prepaid) to the recipient at the address below indicated or at such other address or to the attention of such other person as the recipient party has specified by prior written notice to the sending party.  Notices will be deemed to have been given hereunder and received when delivered personally, when received if transmitted via telecopier, five days after deposit in the U.S. mail, and one day after deposit on a weekday with a reputable overnight courier service.

 

if to the Company, to the address listed below or the then-current principal corporate office:

 

 

  

15

  

 

AngioDynamics, Inc.

14 Plaza Drive

Latham, NY 12110

Attn:  General Counsel

with a copy to:

 

Gregory J. Champion, Esq.

Bond, Schoeneck & King, PLLC

111 Washington Ave., 5th Floor

Albany, NY 12210

Facsimile: (518) 533-3299

if to the Executive, to the address most recently on file in the payroll records of the Company.

 

With a copy to

Wayne N. Outten, Esq.

Outten & Golden LLP

3 Park Avenue

New York, NY 10016

Facsimile: 212 977 4005

 

18. Counterparts.  This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original as against any party whose signature appears thereon, and all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument.  This Agreement shall become binding when one or more counterparts hereof, individually or taken together, shall bear the signatures of all of the parties reflected hereon as the signatories.  Photographic copies of such signed counterparts may be used in lieu of the originals for any purpose.

 

19.   Legal Counsel.  Each party recognizes that this is a legally binding contract and acknowledges and agrees that they have had the opportunity to consult with legal counsel of their choice.  In any construction to be made of this Agreement, the parties agree the Agreement shall not be construed against either party on the basis of that party being the drafter of such language.  The Executive agrees and acknowledges that he has read and understands this Agreement, is entering into it freely and voluntarily, and has been advised to seek counsel prior to entering into this Agreement and has had ample opportunity to do so.

 

[Signature Page Follows]

 

  

16

  

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Company and the Executive have executed this Agreement as of August 15, 2011.

 

	  	
COMPANY

	  	  
	  	
AngioDynamics, Inc.

	  	  
	  	By:   	
/s/ Vincent Bucci

	  	  
	  	Name:  	
Vincent Bucci

	  	  
	  	Title:  	
Chairman of the Board

	  	  
	  	  
	  	
EXECUTIVE

	  	  
	  	
/s/ Joseph M. DeVivo

	  	  
	  	
Joseph M. DeVivo

  

17

  

Exhibit “A” to Employment Agreement

 

FORM OF CHANGE IN CONTROL AGREEMENT

 

  

  

  

Exhibit “B” to Employment Agreement

 

FORM OF RELEASE AGREEMENT

 

This Release Agreement (this “Release Agreement”) is entered into this ___ day of _________ 20__, by and between____________, an individual (“Executive”), and AngioDynamics, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”).

 

WHEREAS, Executive has been employed by the Company; and

 

WHEREAS, Executive’s employment by the Company has terminated and, in connection with the Executive’s Employment Agreement with the Company, dated as of [______________] (the “Employment Agreement”), the Company and Executive desire to enter into this Release Agreement upon the terms set forth herein;

 

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the covenants undertaken and the releases contained in this Release Agreement, and in consideration of the obligations of the Company to pay severance and other benefits (conditioned upon this Release Agreement) under and pursuant to the Employment Agreement, Executive and the Company agree as follows:

 

1.           Termination of Employment.  Executive’s employment with the Company terminated on [______________, _____].  Executive waives any right or claim to reinstatement as an employee of the Company and each of its affiliates.  Executive hereby confirms that Executive does not hold any position as an officer or employee with the Company and each of its affiliates.  Executive acknowledges and agrees that Executive has received all amounts owed for his regular and usual salary (including, but not limited to, any overtime, bonus, accrued vacation, commissions, or other wages), reimbursement of expenses, and usual benefits.  Executive understands and agrees that he will not receive the payments specified in Section 5.3 of the Employment Agreement unless he executes this Release Agreement and does not revoke this Release Agreement within the time period permitted hereafter and that such amounts shall be forfeited if he breaches this Release Agreement or Section 6 of the Employment Agreement.

 

2.           Release.  Executive, on behalf of himself, his descendants, dependents, heirs, executors, administrators, assigns, and successors, and each of them, hereby covenants not to sue and fully releases and discharges the Company and each of its parents, subsidiaries and affiliates, past and present, as well as its and their trustees, directors, officers, members, managers, partners, agents, attorneys, insurers, employees, stockholders, representatives, assigns, and successors, past and present, and each of them, hereinafter together and collectively referred to as the “Releasees,” with respect to and from any and all claims, wages, demands, rights, liens, agreements or contracts (written or oral), covenants, actions, suits, causes of action, obligations, debts, costs, expenses, attorneys’ fees, damages, judgments, orders and liabilities of whatever kind or nature in law, equity or otherwise arising out of or in connection with Executive’s service as an officer, director, employee, member or manager of any Releasee or Executive’s separation from his position as an officer, director, employee, manager and/or member, as applicable, of any Releasee, whether now known or unknown, suspected or unsuspected, and whether or not concealed or hidden (each, a “Claim”), which he now owns or holds or he has at any time heretofore owned or held or may in the future own or hold as against any of said Releasees (including, any Claim arising out of or in any way connected, in whole or in part, with Executive’s service as an officer, director, employee, member or manager of any Releasee, Executive’s separation from his position as an officer, director, employee, manager and/or member, as applicable, of any Releasee, or any other transactions, occurrences, acts or omissions or any loss, damage or injury in connection with Executive’s service as an officer, director, employee, member or manager of any Releasee or Executive’s separation 

 

  

  

  

 

from his position as an officer, director, employee, manager and/or member, as applicable, of any Releasee), whether known or unknown, suspected or unsuspected, resulting from any act or omission by or on the part of said Releasees, or any of them, committed or omitted prior to the date of this Release Agreement including, without limiting the generality of the foregoing, any Claim under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967, the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993, or any other federal, state or local law, regulation, or ordinance, or any Claim for severance pay, equity compensation, bonus, sick leave, holiday pay, vacation pay, life insurance, health or medical insurance or any other fringe benefit, workers’ compensation or disability (the “Release”); provided, however, that the foregoing Release does not apply to any obligation of the Company to Executive pursuant to any rights to the severance and other benefits payable under Section 5.3 of the Employment Agreement in accordance with the terms of the Employment Agreement.  In addition, this Release does not cover any Claim that cannot be so released as a matter of applicable law, any vested benefits, any rights to defense and indemnity under any Company certificate, bylaw, resolution, policy, or practice, or any rights to coverage under any liability insurance (such as directors’ and officers’ liability insurance).  Executive acknowledges and agrees that he has received any and all leave and other benefits that he has been and is entitled to pursuant to the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993.

 

3.           ADEA Waiver.  Executive expressly acknowledges and agrees that by entering into this Release Agreement, Executive is waiving any and all rights or Claims that he may have arising under the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967, as amended (the “ADEA”), which have arisen on or before the date of execution of this Release Agreement.  Executive further expressly acknowledges and agrees that:

 

A.           In return for this Release Agreement, the Executive will receive consideration beyond that which the Executive was already entitled to receive before entering into this Release Agreement;

 

B.           Executive is hereby advised in writing by this Release Agreement to consult with an attorney before signing this Release Agreement;

 

C.           Executive has voluntarily chosen to enter into this Release Agreement and has not been forced or pressured in any way to sign it;

 

D.           Executive was given a copy of this Release Agreement on [_________________, 20__] and informed that he had [twenty one (21)/forty five (45)] days within which to consider this Release Agreement and that if he wished to execute this Release Agreement prior to expiration of such [21-day/45-day] period, he should execute the Endorsement attached hereto; and

 

E.           Executive was informed that he had seven (7) days following the date of execution of this Release Agreement in which to revoke this Release Agreement, and this Release Agreement will become null and void if Executive elects revocation during that time.  Any revocation must be in writing and must be received by the Company during the seven-day revocation period.  In the event that Executive exercises his right of revocation, neither the Company nor Executive will have any obligations under this Release Agreement.

 

4.           Proceedings.  Executive acknowledges that he has not filed any complaint, charge, claim or proceeding, if any, against any of the Releasees before any local, state or federal agency, court or other body (each individually a “Proceeding”).  Executive (i) acknowledges that he will not initiate or cause to be initiated on his behalf any Proceeding and will not participate in any Proceeding, in 

 

  

2

  

 

each case, except as required by law and (ii) waives any right he may have to benefit in any manner from any relief (whether monetary or otherwise) arising out of any Proceeding, including any Proceeding conducted by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (the “EEOC”).  Further, Executive understands that, by executing this Release, he will be limiting the availability of certain remedies that he may have against the Company and limiting also his ability to pursue certain claims against the Releasees.  Notwithstanding the above, nothing in Section 2 of this Release shall prevent Executive from (i) initiating or causing to be initiated on his behalf any complaint, charge, claim or proceeding against the Company before any local, state or federal agency, court or other body challenging the validity of the waiver of his claims under the ADEA contained in this Release or (ii) initiating or participating in an investigation or proceeding conducted by the EEOC, but Executive acknowledges, and Executive intends, that this Release Agreement  precludes him from receiving any consideration, payment, or relief as a result of any such Proceeding or Claim.

 

5.           No Transferred Claims.  Executive warrants and represents that the Executive has not heretofore assigned or transferred to any person not a party to this Release Agreement any released matter or any part or portion thereof and he shall defend, indemnify and hold the Company and each of its affiliates harmless from and against any claim (including the payment of attorneys’ fees and costs actually incurred whether or not litigation is commenced) based on or in connection with or arising out of any such assignment or transfer made, purported or claimed.

 

5.           Severability.  It is the desire and intent of the parties hereto that the provisions of this Release Agreement be enforced to the fullest extent permissible under the laws and public policies applied in each jurisdiction in which enforcement is sought.  Accordingly, if any particular provision of this Release Agreement shall be adjudicated by an arbitrator or court of competent jurisdiction to be invalid, prohibited or unenforceable under any present or future law, such provision, as to such jurisdiction, shall be ineffective, without invalidating the remaining provisions of this Release Agreement or affecting the validity or enforceability of such provision in any other jurisdiction; furthermore, in lieu of such invalid or unenforceable provision there will be added automatically as a part of this Release Agreement, a legal, valid and enforceable provision as similar in terms to such invalid or unenforceable provision as may be possible.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, if such provision could be more narrowly drawn so as not to be invalid, prohibited or unenforceable in such jurisdiction, it shall, as to such jurisdiction, be so narrowly drawn, without invalidating the remaining provisions of this Release Agreement or affecting the validity or enforceability of such provision in any other jurisdiction.

 

6.           Counterparts.  This Release Agreement may be executed in separate counterparts, each of which is deemed to be an original and all of which taken together constitute one and the same agreement.

 

7.           Successors.  This Release Agreement is personal to Executive and shall not, without the prior written consent of the Company, be assignable by Executive.  This Release Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be binding upon the Company and its respective successors and assigns and any such successor or assignee shall be deemed substituted for the Company under the terms of this Release Agreement for all purposes.  As used herein, “successor” and “assignee” shall include any person, firm, corporation or other business entity which at any time, whether by purchase, merger, acquisition of assets, or otherwise, directly or indirectly acquires the ownership of the Company, acquires all or substantially all of the Company’s assets, or to which the Company assigns this Release Agreement by operation of law or otherwise.

 

8.           Governing Law; Forum; Waiver of Jury Trial.  This Release Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New York (without regard to any conflicts of laws principles thereof that would give effect to the laws of another jurisdiction), and the 

 

  

3

  

 

parties submit to arbitration provisions set forth in Section 11 of the Employment Agreement as if such Section were incorporated by reference and reprinted herein (with appropriate references to this Release Agreement as the context requires).  TO THE EXTENT NOT PROHIBITED BY APPLICABLE LAW THAT CANNOT BE WAIVED, THE EXECUTIVE HEREBY WAIVES, AND COVENANTS THAT HE WILL NOT ASSERT (WHETHER AS PLAINTIFF, DEFENDANT OR OTHERWISE) ANY RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY ACTION ARISING IN WHOLE OR IN PART UNDER OR IN CONNECTION WITH THIS RELEASE AGREEMENT OR ANY MATTERS CONTEMPLATED HEREBY.

 

9.           Amendment and Waiver.  The provisions of this Release Agreement may be amended and waived only with the prior written consent of the Company and Executive, and no course of conduct or failure or delay in enforcing the provisions of this Release Agreement shall be construed as a waiver of such provisions or affect the validity, binding effect or enforceability of this Release Agreement or any provision hereof.

 

10.           Descriptive Headings.  The descriptive headings of this Release Agreement are inserted for convenience only and do not constitute a part of this Release Agreement.

 

11.           Construction.  Where specific language is used to clarify by example a general statement contained herein, such specific language shall not be deemed to modify, limit or restrict in any manner the construction of the general statement to which it relates.  The language used in this Release Agreement shall be deemed to be the language chosen by the parties to express their mutual intent, and no rule of strict construction shall be applied against any party.

 

12.           Nouns and Pronouns.  Whenever the context may require, any pronouns used herein shall include the corresponding masculine, feminine or neuter forms, and the singular form of nouns and pronouns shall include the plural and vice-versa.

 

13.           Legal Counsel.  Each party recognizes that this is a legally binding contract and acknowledges and agrees that they have had the opportunity to consult with legal counsel of their choice.  Executive acknowledges and agrees that he has read and understands this Release Agreement completely, is entering into it freely and voluntarily, and has been advised to seek counsel prior to entering into this Release Agreement and he has had ample opportunity to do so.

 

[The Remainder of this Page is Intentionally Left Blank]

 

  

4

  

The undersigned have read and understand the consequences of this Release Agreement and voluntarily sign it.  The undersigned declare under penalty of perjury under the laws of the State of [                 ] that the foregoing is true and correct.

 

EXECUTED this ________ day of ________ 20__, at_________________

 

 

	  	
EXECUTIVE

	  	  
	  	
 

	  	  
	  	
Print Name:  ___________________________________

	  	  
	  	
 

	  	ANGIODYNAMICS, INC., a Delaware corporation
	 	 
	  	
By: _________________________________________

	  	  
	  	Name: _______________________________________
	  	
 

	  	Title: ________________________________________
	  	  
	  	
 

 

  

5

  

ENDORSEMENT

 

I, ________________hereby acknowledge that I was given [21/45] days to consider the foregoing Release Agreement and voluntarily chose to sign the Release Agreement prior to the expiration of the [21-day/45-day] period.

 

I declare under penalty of perjury under the laws of the United States and the State of [            ] that the foregoing is true and correct.

 

EXECUTED this [____] day of [_____________ 20____].

 

	  	
________________________________________

	  	
 

Print Name: ______________________________

 

  

6

  

Exhibit “C” to Employment Agreement

 

FORM OF CONFIDENTIALITY AGREEMENTan23931090-ex10_2.htm

 

 

Exhibit 10.2

 

CHANGE IN CONTROL AGREEMENT

 

THIS CHANGE IN CONTROL AGREEMENT (the “Agreement”), is made as of the 15th day of August, 2011 between AngioDynamics, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), and Joseph M. Devivo (“Executive”).

 

WHEREAS, the Company considers it essential to the best interests of its shareholders to foster the continued employment of key management personnel; and

 

WHEREAS, the Board recognizes that, as is the case with many publicly held corporations, the possibility of a Change in Control exists and that such possibility, and the uncertainty and questions which it may raise among management, may result in the departure or distraction of management personnel to the detriment of the Company and its shareholders; and

 

WHEREAS, the Board has determined that appropriate steps should be taken to reinforce and encourage the continued attention and dedication of members of the Company’s management, including the Executive, to their assigned duties without distraction in the face of potentially disturbing circumstances arising from the possibility of a Change in Control;

 

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

 

1.  Defined Terms.  The definitions of capitalized terms used in this Agreement are provided in the last Section hereof.

 

2.  Term of Agreement.  The Term of this Agreement shall commence on the date hereof and shall continue in effect through December 31, 2011; provided, however, that effective January 1, 2012 and each January 1 thereafter, the Term that is then in effect shall automatically be extended for one additional year unless the Company has given notice before the January 1 in question that the Term that is in effect at the time such notice is given will not be extended; and further provided, however, that if a Change in Control occurs during the Term, the Term shall expire no earlier than twelve (12) calendar months after the calendar month in which such Change in Control occurs. Notwithstanding the foregoing, this Agreement shall terminate if the Executive ceases to be an employee of the Company and its subsidiaries for any reason prior to a Change in Control. However, anything in this Agreement (including the preceding sentence) to the contrary notwithstanding, if a Change in Control occurs and if, within three months prior to the date on which such Change in Control occurs, the Executive’s employment with the Company is terminated by the Company without Cause or an event occurs that would, if it took place after the Change in Control, constitute Good Reason for termination of employment by the Executive, and if it is reasonably demonstrated by the Executive that such termination of employment by the Company or event constituting Good Reason for termination of employment by the Executive (a) was undertaken at the request of a third party who has taken steps reasonably calculated to effect the Change in Control, or (b)

 

  

  

  

 

otherwise arose in connection with or in anticipation of the Change in Control, then for purposes of this Agreement such termination of employment by the Company without Cause or event constituting Good Reason shall be deemed to occur during the 12 month period following the Change in Control and, if the Executive terminates his employment for such Good Reason before the Change in Control, such termination of employment by the Executive shall likewise be deemed to occur during the 12 month period following the Change in Control.

 

3.  Company’s Covenants Summarized.  In order to induce the Executive to remain in the employ of the Company and in consideration of the Executive’s covenants set forth in Section 4 hereof, the Company agrees, under the conditions described herein, to pay the Executive the Severance Payments and the other payments and benefits described herein. Except as provided in Section 2, Section 6.3, Section 9.1 or Section 14.2 hereof, no amounts shall be payable under this Agreement unless the Executive’s employment with the Company terminates following a Change in Control and during the Term. This Agreement shall not be construed as creating an express or implied contract of employment enforceable against the Company nor, except as provided in Section 4 below, enforceable against the Executive, and, except as otherwise agreed in writing between the Executive and the Company, the Executive shall not have any right to be retained in the employ of the Company.

 

4.  The Executive’s Covenants.  The Executive agrees to remain in the employ of the Company, subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, if a Potential Change in Control occurs during the Term and the Executive is then in the employ of the Company, until the earliest of (a) the date which is six (6) months from the date of such Potential Change in Control, (b) the date of a Change in Control, (c) the date of termination by the Executive of the Executive’s employment for Good Reason or by reason of death, Disability or Retirement, or (d) the termination by the Company of the Executive’s employment for any reason; provided that Executive’s agreement to remain in the employ of the Company shall be subject to the condition that no adverse change occurs after the Potential Change in Control in his title, duties, responsibilities, authority, reporting relationships, compensation, benefits or indemnification rights.

 

5.  Certain Compensation Other Than Severance Payments.

 

5.1  If the Executive’s employment shall be terminated for any reason following a Change in Control and during the Term, the Company shall pay the Executive his full salary through the date of termination at the rate in effect immediately prior to the date of termination or, if higher, the rate in effect immediately prior to the first occurrence of an event or circumstance constituting Good Reason, together with all compensation and benefits payable to the Executive through the date of termination under the terms of the Company’s compensation and benefit plans, programs and arrangements as in effect immediately prior to the date of termination or, if more favorable to the Executive, as in effect immediately prior to the first occurrence of an event or circumstance constituting Good Reason.

 

  

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5.2  Subject to Section 6.1 hereof, if the Executive’s employment shall be terminated for any reason following a Change in Control and during the Term, the Company shall pay to the Executive the Executive’s normal post-termination compensation and benefits as such payments become due. Any such post-termination compensation and benefits shall be determined under, and paid in accordance with, the Company’s retirement, insurance and other compensation and benefit plans, programs and arrangements as in effect immediately prior to the date of termination or, if more favorable to the Executive, as in effect immediately prior to the occurrence of the first event or circumstance constituting Good Reason.

 

6.  Severance Payments.

 

6.1  Subject to Section 6.2 and Section 6.3 hereof, if the Executive’s employment is terminated following a Change in Control and during the Term either by the Company or by the Executive, other than (a) by the Company for Cause, (b) by reason of death or Disability, or (c) by the  Executive without Good Reason, (any such employment termination being hereafter sometimes referred to as a “Compensable Termination”), then the Company shall pay the Executive the amounts, and provide the Executive the benefits, described in this Section 6.1 (“Severance Payments”), in addition to any payments and benefits to which the Executive is entitled under Sections 5 and 6.3 hereof. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Executive shall not be eligible to receive any payment or benefit provided for in this Section 6.1 unless the Executive shall have executed a release substantially in the form of Exhibit A hereto effective as of the date of the Compensable Termination or a date subsequent thereto and shall not have revoked said release.  The Severance Payments are in lieu of any severance benefits that would otherwise be payable or provided pursuant to any severance plan or practice of the Company.

 

(i)  The Company shall pay the Executive, at the time provided in Section 6.2 below, his annual bonus for the fiscal year of the Company preceding the fiscal year of the Company in which the Compensable Termination occurs, if unpaid at the time of the Compensable Termination, the amount of such bonus to be determined by the Compensation Committee of the Board on a basis no less favorable to the Executive than its bonus determinations with respect to the Executive prior to the Change in Control, unless the Committee made no bonus determinations with respect to the Executive before the Change in Control, in which case on a basis no less favorable to the Executive than its bonus determinations with respect to other executives of comparable rank before the Change in Control.

 

(ii)  The Company shall pay the Executive, at the time provided in Section 6.2 below, a prorated annual bonus for the fiscal year of the Company in which the Compensable Termination occurs, such prorated bonus to be determined by multiplying the “Applicable Average Bonus” as defined below in this subsection  (ii) by a fraction the numerator of which shall be the number of days elapsed in such fiscal year through (and including) the date on which the

 

  

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Compensable Termination occurs and the denominator of which shall be the number 365.  For purposes of this Agreement, the “Applicable Average Bonus” means the higher of (A) the average of all annual bonuses (including any deferred bonuses) awarded to the Executive during the 36 months immediately preceding the Compensable Termination or, if the Executive was employed by the Company for less than 36 months before the Compensable Termination, during the period of his employment by the Company prior to the Compensable Termination (annualizing any bonus awarded for less than a full year of employment), or (B) the average of all annual bonuses (including any deferred bonuses) awarded to the Executive during the three fiscal years of the Company that precede the fiscal year in which the Compensable Termination occurs or during the portion of such three fiscal years in which he was employed by the Company (annualizing any bonus awarded for less than a full year of employment), or (C) the average of all annual bonuses (including any deferred bonuses) awarded to the Executive during the 36 months preceding the date on which the Change in Control occurred or during the portion of such 36 month period in which he was employed by the Company (annualizing any bonus awarded for less than a full year of employment).

 

(iii)  The Company shall pay the Executive, at the time provided in Section 6.2 below, a lump sum cash payment equal to two and one half (2.5) times the Executive’s annual base salary at the rate in effect immediately prior to the Compensable Termination or, if higher, in effect immediately prior to the first occurrence of an event or circumstance constituting Good Reason (“Base Salary”).

 

(iv)  The Company will pay the Executive for all earned but unused vacation leave at the time of the Compensable Termination.

 

6.2  All payments to be made pursuant to subsections (i) through (iv) of Section 6.1 above shall be made within thirty (30) calendar days after the date on which a Separation from Service occurs coincident with or following, or within 30 days before, the date on which the Compensable Termination occurs (the “Separation from Service Date”) unless on  the Separation from Service Date the Executive is a Specified Employee, in which case such payments shall be made six months and one day after the Separation from Service Date (or, if earlier, the date of the Executive’s death).  For purposes of the preceding sentence, a Specified Employee means a “specified employee”  who is subject to the special rule set forth in subsection (a)(2)(B)(i) of section 409A of the Code and the regulations thereunder (including, without limitation, Proposed Treasury Regulation section 1.409A-1(i)) with respect to such payments.

 

6.3  In the event that the severance and other benefits provided for in this Agreement or otherwise payable to Executive (i) constitute “parachute payments” within the meaning of Section 280G of the Code, and (ii) would be subject to the excise tax imposed by Section 4999 of the Code (the “Excise Tax”), then Executive’s benefits under this Agreement shall be either

 

  

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(i)  delivered in full, or

 

(ii)  delivered as to such lesser extent which would result in no portion of such benefits being subject to the Excise Tax, whichever of the foregoing amounts, taking into account the applicable federal, state and local income taxes and the Excise Tax, results in the receipt by Executive on an after-tax basis, of the greatest amount of benefits, notwithstanding that all or some portion of such benefits may be taxable under Section 4999 of the Code.  If a reduction in severance and other benefits constituting “parachute payments” is necessary so that benefits are delivered to a lesser extent, reduction will occur in the following order: reduction of cash payments, cancellation of equity awards granted within the twelve (12) month period prior to a “change in control” (as determined under Code Section 280G) that are deemed to have been granted contingent upon the change in control (as determined under Code Section 280G), cancellation of accelerated vesting of equity awards, reduction of employee benefits.

 

Unless the Company and Executive otherwise agree in writing, any determination required under this Section shall be made in writing by the Company’s independent public accountants (the “Accountants”), whose determination shall be conclusive and binding upon Executive and the Company for all purposes.  For purposes of making the calculations required by this Section, the Accountants may make reasonable assumptions and approximations concerning applicable taxes and may rely on reasonable, good faith interpretations concerning the application of Section 280G and 4999 of the Code.  The Company and Executive 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.

 

7.  Payments During Dispute.  Any payments to which the Executive may be entitled under this Agreement, including, without limitation, under sections 5 and 6 hereof, shall be made forthwith on the applicable date(s) for payment specified in this Agreement.  If for any reason the amount of any payment due to the Executive cannot be finally determined on that date, such amount shall be estimated on a good faith basis by the Company and the estimated amount shall be paid no later than 10 days after such date.  As soon as practicable thereafter, the final determination of the amount due shall be made and any adjustment requiring a payment to or from the Executive shall be made as promptly as practicable.

 

8.  No Mitigation.  The Company agrees that, if the Executive’s employment with the Company terminates during the Term, the Executive is not required to seek other employment or to attempt in any way to reduce any amounts payable to the Executive by the Company pursuant to Section 6 hereof or any other provision of this Agreement. Further, the amount of any payment or benefit provided for in this Agreement shall not be reduced (a) by any compensation earned by the Executive as the result of employment by another employer, (b) by retirement benefits, (c) by offset

 

  

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against any amount claimed to be owed by the Executive to the Company, or (d) otherwise.

 

9.  Successors; Binding Agreement.

 

9.1  In addition to any obligations imposed by law upon any successor to the Company, the Company will require any successor (whether direct or indirect, by purchase, merger, consolidation or otherwise) to all or substantially all of the business and/or assets of the Company to expressly assume and agree to perform the Company’s obligations under this Agreement in the same manner and to the same extent that the Company would be required to perform if no such succession had taken place. Failure of the Company to obtain such assumption and agreement prior to the effectiveness of any such succession during the Term shall be a breach of this Agreement and shall entitle the Executive to compensation from the Company in the same amount and on the same terms as the Executive would be entitled to hereunder if the Executive were to terminate the Executive’s employment for Good Reason after a Change in Control and during the Term, except that, for purposes of implementing the foregoing, the date on which the Executive’s employment terminates (for any reason other than Cause) within 30 days before, or at any time during the Term and on or after, the date on which any such succession becomes effective during the Term shall be deemed the date of the Compensable Termination.

 

9.2  This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be enforceable by the Executive’s personal or legal representatives, executors, administrators, successors, heirs, distributees, devisees and legatees. If the Executive shall die while any amount would still be payable to the Executive hereunder (other than amounts which, by their terms, terminate upon the death of the Executive) if the Executive had continued to live, all such amounts, unless otherwise provided herein, shall be paid in accordance with the terms of this Agreement to the executors, personal representatives or administrators of the Executive’s estate.

 

10.  Notices.  For the purpose of this Agreement, notices and all other communications provided for in the Agreement shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been duly given when delivered or mailed by United States registered mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid, addressed, if to the Executive, to his most recent address shown on the books and records of the Company at the time notice is given and, if to the Company, to the address set forth below, or to such other address as either party may have furnished to the other in writing in accordance herewith, except that notice of change of address shall be effective only upon actual receipt:

 

To the Company:

 

AngioDynamics, Inc.

 

  

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14 Plaza Drive

Latham, NY 12110

 

Attention: General Counsel

 

11.  Miscellaneous.  No provision of this Agreement may be modified, waived or discharged unless such waiver, modification or discharge is agreed to in writing and signed by the Executive and such officer as may be specifically designated by the Board. No waiver by either party hereto at any time of any breach by the other party hereto of, or of any lack of compliance with, any condition or provision of this Agreement to be performed by such other party shall be deemed a waiver of similar or dissimilar provisions or conditions at the same or at any prior or subsequent time. This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement of the parties concerning the specific subject matter addressed by this Agreement and supersedes all prior agreements addressing the terms and conditions contained herein.  Nothing in this Agreement is intended to amend or otherwise alter the change in control provisions or any other provisions of any (a) stock option or other compensation or incentive award that may heretofore have been or may hereafter be granted to the Executive, or (b) employee benefit or fringe benefit plan in which the Executive may heretofore have been or may hereafter be a participant. The validity, interpretation, construction and performance of this Agreement shall be governed by the laws of the State of New York. All references to sections of the Code or the Exchange Act shall be deemed also to refer to any successor provisions to such sections and to IRS or SEC regulations and official guidance published thereunder. Any payments provided for hereunder shall be subject to any applicable withholding required under federal, state or local law and any additional withholding to which the Executive has agreed. The obligations of the Company and the Executive under this Agreement which by their nature may require either partial or total performance after the expiration of the Term (including, without limitation, those under Sections 6 and 7 hereof) shall survive such expiration.

 

12.  Validity.  The invalidity or unenforceability of any provision of this Agreement shall not affect the validity or enforceability of any other provision of this Agreement, which shall remain in full force and effect.

 

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

 

14.  Settlement of Disputes; Arbitration.

 

14.1  All claims by the Executive for benefits under this Agreement shall be directed to and determined by the Board and shall be in writing. Any denial by the Board of a claim for benefits under this Agreement shall be delivered to the Executive in writing and shall set forth the specific reasons for the denial and the specific provisions of this Agreement relied upon. The Board shall afford a reasonable opportunity to the

 

  

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Executive for a review of the decision denying a claim and shall further allow the Executive to appeal to the Board a decision of the Board within sixty (60) days after notification by the Board that the Executive’s claim has been denied.

 

14.2  Any further dispute or controversy arising under or in connection with this Agreement shall be settled exclusively by arbitration in the Albany, New York metropolitan area in accordance with the employment dispute resolution rules of the American Arbitration Association then in effect. The arbitrator shall have the authority to require that the Company reimburse the Executive for the payment of all or any portion of the legal fees and expenses incurred by the Executive in connection with such dispute or controversy. Judgment may be entered on the arbitrator’s award in any court having jurisdiction.

 

14.3  The Company agrees to use commercially reasonable efforts to administer this Agreement, and operate any deferred compensation plans in which the Executive participates from time to time that are aggregated with this Agreement or with any payment or benefit provided by this Agreement for purposes of Section 409A of the Code (e.g., account balance plans, nonaccount balance plans, separation pay plans, and plans that are neither account balance nor nonaccount balance plans), in good faith compliance with Code Section 409A to the extent necessary to avoid inclusion of any amounts of benefits payable hereunder in the Executive’s income pursuant to Section 409A(a)(1)(A) of the Code.

 

15.  Definitions.  For purposes of this Agreement, the following terms shall have the meanings indicated below:

 

(A)  “Affiliate” shall have the meaning set forth in Rule 12b-2 promulgated under Section 12 of the Exchange Act.

 

(B)  “Applicable Average Bonus” shall have the meaning set forth in subsection (ii) of Section 6.1.

 

(C)  “Base Salary” shall have the meaning set forth in subsection (iii) of Section 6.1.

 

(D)  “Beneficial Owner” shall have the meaning set forth in Rule 13d-3 under the Exchange Act.

 

(E)  “Board” shall mean the Board of Directors of the Company.

 

(F)  “Cause” for termination by the Company of the Executive’s employment shall mean (i) the willful and continued failure by the Executive to substantially perform the Executive’s duties with the Company as such duties were in effect prior to any change therein constituting Good Reason (other than any such failure resulting from the Executive’s incapacity due to physical or mental illness or any such

 

  

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failure after the occurrence of an event constituting Good Reason for resignation by the Executive) after a written demand for substantial performance is delivered to the Executive by the Board, which demand specifically identifies the manner in which the Board believes that the Executive has not substantially performed the Executive’s duties, provided that such failure will constitute Cause only if it remains uncured for more than thirty (30) days following receipt by the Executive of such written demand from the Board; (ii) the engaging by the Executive in willful conduct which is demonstrably and materially injurious to the Company or its subsidiaries, monetarily or otherwise, provided that such conduct will constitute Cause only if it remains uncured for more than thirty (30) days following receipt by the Executive of a written demand from the Board to cease such conduct; (iii) the Executive’s insubordination, as defined from time to time by the Board, provided that insubordination will constitute Cause only if it remains uncured for more than thirty (30) days following receipt by the Executive of a written demand from the Board to cease such insubordination; or (iv) the Executive’s conviction of (a) a felony or (b) a crime involving fraud, dishonesty or moral turpitude. For purposes of clauses (i) and (ii) of this definition, no act, or failure to act, on the Executive’s part shall be deemed “willful” unless done, or omitted to be done, by the Executive not in good faith and without reasonable belief that the Executive’s act, or failure to act, was in the best interest of the Company.  The Company shall notify the Executive in writing of any employment termination purporting to be for Cause on or before the date of such termination, which writing shall describe with specificity the conduct alleged to constitute Cause for such termination.  Any purported termination of employment by the Company for Cause which does not satisfy the applicable requirements of this Section 15(F) shall be conclusively deemed to be a termination of employment by the Company without Cause for purposes of this Agreement.

 

(G)  A “Change in Control” shall mean that any of the following events has occurred:

 

(i)  any Person is or becomes the Beneficial Owner, directly or indirectly, of securities of the Company (not including in the securities beneficially owned by such Person any securities acquired directly from the Company or its Affiliates) representing more than 40% of the combined voting power of the Company’s then outstanding securities, excluding any Person who becomes such a Beneficial Owner in connection with a transaction described in clause (A) of paragraph (iii) below; or

 

(ii)  the following individuals cease for any reason to constitute a  majority of the number of directors serving on the Board: individuals who, at the beginning of any period of two consecutive years or less (not including any period prior to the date of this Agreement), constitute the Board and any new director (other than a director whose initial assumption of office is in connection with an actual or threatened election contest, including but not limited to a consent solicitation, relating to the election of directors of the Company) whose appointment or election by the Board or nomination for election by the Company’s shareholders was approved or recommended by a vote of at least two-

 

  

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thirds (2/3) of the directors then still in office who either were directors at the beginning of such period or whose appointment, election or nomination for election was previously so approved or recommended; or

 

(iii)  there is consummated a merger or consolidation of the Company or any Subsidiary with any other corporation, other than (A) a merger or consolidation which would result in the voting securities of the Company     outstanding immediately prior to such merger or consolidation continuing to     represent (either by remaining outstanding or by being converted into voting securities of the surviving entity or any parent thereof), in combination with the ownership of any trustee or other fiduciary holding securities under an employee benefit plan of the Company or any Subsidiary, at least 60% of the combined voting power of the securities of the Company or such surviving entity or any parent thereof outstanding immediately after such merger or consolidation, or (B) a merger or consolidation effected to implement a recapitalization of the Company (or similar transaction) in which no Person is or becomes the Beneficial Owner, directly or indirectly, of securities of the Company (not including in the     securities beneficially owned by such Person any securities acquired directly from the Company or its Affiliates) representing more than 40% of the combined voting power of the Company’s then outstanding securities; or

 

(iv)  the shareholders of the Company approve a plan of complete liquidation or dissolution of the Company or there is consummated an     agreement for the sale or disposition by the Company of all or substantially all of the Company’s assets, other than a sale or disposition by the Company of all or substantially all of the Company’s assets to an entity, at least 60% of the combined voting power of the voting securities of which are owned by shareholders of the Company in substantially the same proportions as their ownership of the Company immediately prior to such sale.

 

(H)  “Code” shall mean the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended from time to time.

 

(I)  “Company” shall mean AngioDynamics, Inc. and, except in determining under Section 15(G) hereof whether or not any Change in Control of the Company has occurred, shall include any successor to its business and/or assets which assumes and agrees to perform this Agreement by operation of law, or otherwise.

 

(J)  “Compensable Termination” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 6.1.

 

(K)  “Disability” shall be deemed the reason for the termination by the Company of the Executive’s employment, if, as a result of the Executive’s incapacity due to physical or mental illness, the Executive shall have been absent from the full-time performance of the Executive’s duties with the Company for a period of six consecutive months or for six non-consecutive months within any period of 12 consecutive months.

 

  

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(L)  “Exchange Act” shall mean the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended from time to time.

 

(M)  “Executive” shall mean the individual named in the first paragraph of this Agreement.

 

(N)  “Good Reason” for termination by the Executive of the Executive’s employment shall mean the occurrence (without the Executive’s express written consent) after any Change in Control, of any one of the following acts by the Company, or failures by the Company to act, unless, in the case of any act or failure to act described in paragraph (i), (iii), (iv) or (vii) below, such act or failure to act is corrected within thirty (30) calendar days after the Company’s receipt of written notice thereof given by the Executive within thirty (30) calendar days of such act or failure to act:

 

(i)  the assignment to the Executive of any duties inconsistent with the Executive’s status or position in the Company immediately prior to the Change in Control, or a substantial adverse alteration in the nature, status or scope of the Executive’s responsibilities or authority from his responsibilities or authority immediately prior to the Change in Control, or a reduction in his title;

 

(ii)  a reduction by the Company in the Executive’s annual base salary as in effect on the date of this Agreement or as the same may be increased from time to time;

 

(iii)  a significant reduction in compensation, benefits or reimbursements provided under any employment, compensation, employee benefit or reimbursement plan or program in which the Executive is a participant which is not replaced with substantially equivalent compensation, benefits or reimbursements under another plan, program or arrangement at substantially the same cost (if any) to the Executive;

 

(iv)  the Company fails to pay or provide any amount or benefit that the Company is obligated to pay or provide under this Agreement or any other employment, compensation, benefit or reimbursement plan, agreement or arrangement of the Company to which the Executive is a party or in which the Executive participates;

 

(v)  the Company fails to pay the Executive a bonus, for each fiscal year of Employer that terminates following a Change in Control and during the Term, at least equal to 80% of the Applicable Average Bonus;

 

(vi)  the relocation of the Executive’s principal place of employment to a location which increases the Executive’s one-way commuting

 

  

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distance by more than 40 miles, or the Company’s requiring the Executive to travel on business other than to an extent substantially consistent with the Executive’s business travel obligations prior to the Change in Control;

 

(vii)  a significant adverse change occurs, whether of a quantitative or qualitative nature, in the indemnification protection provided to the Executive for acts and omissions arising out of his service on behalf of the Company or any other entity at the request of the Company; or

 

(viii)  The Company fails to obtain the assumption of this Agreement pursuant to Section 9.1.

 

The Executive’s right to terminate the Executive’s employment for Good Reason shall not be affected by the Executive’s incapacity due to physical or mental illness. The Executive’s continued employment shall not constitute consent to, or a waiver of rights with respect to, any act or failure to act constituting Good Reason hereunder.

 

(O)  “Person” shall have the meaning given in Section 3(a)(9) of the Exchange Act, as modified and used in Sections 13(d) and 14(d) thereof, except that such term shall not include (i) the Company or any of its subsidiaries, (ii) a trustee or other fiduciary holding securities under an employee benefit plan of the Company or any of its Affiliates, (iii) an underwriter temporarily holding securities pursuant to an offering of such securities, or (iv) a corporation owned, directly or indirectly, by the shareholders of the Company in substantially the same proportions as their ownership of stock of the Company.

 

(P)  “Potential Change in Control” shall be deemed to have occurred if the event set forth in any one of the following paragraphs shall have occurred:

 

(i)  the Company enters into an agreement, the consummation of which would result in the occurrence of a Change in Control;

 

(ii)  the Company or any Person publicly announces an intention to take or to consider taking actions which, if consummated, would constitute a Change in Control;

 

(iii)  any Person becomes the Beneficial Owner, directly or indirectly, of securities of the Company representing 15% or more of either the then outstanding shares of common stock of the Company or the combined voting power of the Company’s then outstanding securities (not including in the securities beneficially owned by such Person any securities acquired directly from the Company or its Affiliates); or

 

(iv)  the Board adopts a resolution to the effect that, for purposes of this Agreement, a Potential Change in Control has occurred.

 

  

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(Q)  “Retirement” shall be deemed the reason for the termination by the Executive of the Executive’s employment if such employment is terminated in accordance with the Company’s retirement policy, including early retirement, generally applicable to its salaried employees.

 

(R)  “Separation from Service” means termination of employment with the Company. However, the Executive shall not be deemed to have a Separation from Service if he continues to provide services to the Company in a capacity other than as an employee and if he is providing services at an annual rate that is fifty percent or more of the services he rendered, on average, during the immediately preceding three full calendar years of employment with the Company (or if employed by the Company less than three years, such lesser period) and the annual remuneration for his services is fifty percent or more of the annual remuneration earned during the final three full calendar years of employment (of if less, such lesser period); provided, however, that a Separation from Service will be deemed to have occurred if his service with the Company is reduced to an annual rate that is less than twenty percent of the services he rendered, on average, during the immediately preceding three full calendar years of employment with the Company (or if employed by the Company less than three years, such lesser period) or the annual remuneration for his services is less than twenty percent of the annual remuneration earned during the three full calendar years of employment with the Company (or if less, such lesser period).

 

(S)  “Separation from Service Date” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 6.2 hereof.

 

(T)  “Severance Payments” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 6.1 hereof.

 

(U)  “Subsidiary” means a corporation or other form of business association of which shares (or other ownership interests) having more than 50% of the voting power are owned or controlled, directly or indirectly, by the Company.

 

(V)  “Term” shall mean the period of time described in Section 2 hereof (including any extension or continuation described therein).

 

 

 

 

 

[Remainder of page intentionally left blank. Signature page follows.]

 

  

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

 

 

ANGIODYNAMICS, INC.

 

 

 

By:  /s/ Vincent Bucci   

Name:  Vincent Bucci

Title:  Chairman of the Board

 

 

 

/s/ Joseph M. Devivo   

Joseph m. devivo

 

  

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Exhibit A

 

ANGIODYNAMICS, INC.

 

RELEASE OF CLAIMS

 

This Release of Claims (“Agreement”) is made by and between AngioDynamics, Inc. (the “Company”), and _______________ (“Executive”).

 

WHEREAS, Executive has agreed to enter into a release of claims in favor of the Company upon certain events specified in the Severance Benefits Agreement by and between Company and Executive, as amended (the “Severance Agreement”).

 

NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual promises made herein, the Parties hereby agree as follows:

 

1.  Termination.  Executive’s employment from the Company terminated on [DATE].

 

2.  Confidential Information.  Executive shall continue to maintain the confidentiality of all confidential and proprietary information of the Company and shall continue to comply with the terms and conditions of the Proprietary Information and Nondisclosure Agreement between Executive and the Company (the “Confidentiality Agreement”), as well as Section 4 of the Severance Agreement. Executive shall return all the Company property and confidential and proprietary information in his possession to the Company on the Effective Date of this Agreement.

 

3.  Payment of Salary.  Executive acknowledges and represents that the Company has paid all salary, wages, bonuses, accrued vacation, commissions and any and all other benefits due to Executive.

 

4.  Release of Claims.  Except as set forth in the last paragraph of this Section 4, Executive agrees that the foregoing consideration represents settlement in full of all outstanding obligations owed to Executive by the Company.  Executive, on behalf of himself, and his respective heirs, family members, executors and assigns, hereby fully and forever releases the Company and its past, present and future officers, agents, directors, employees, investors, shareholders, administrators, affiliates, divisions, subsidiaries, parents, predecessor and successor corporations, and assigns, from, and agrees not to sue or otherwise institute or cause to be instituted any legal or administrative proceedings concerning any claim, duty, obligation or cause of action relating to any matters of any kind, whether presently known or unknown, suspected or unsuspected, that he may possess arising from any omissions, acts or facts that have occurred up until and including the Effective Date of this Agreement including, without limitation,

 

  

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(a)  any and all claims relating to or arising from Executive’s employment relationship with the Company and the termination of that relationship;

 

(b)  any and all claims relating to, or arising from, Executive’s right to purchase, or actual purchase of shares of stock of the Company, including, without limitation, any claims for fraud, misrepresentation, breach of fiduciary duty, breach of duty under applicable state corporate law, and securities fraud under any state or federal law;

 

(c)  any and all claims for wrongful discharge of employment; termination in violation of public policy; discrimination; breach of contract, both express and implied; breach of a covenant of good faith and fair dealing, both express and implied; promissory estoppel; negligent or intentional infliction of emotional distress; negligent or intentional misrepresentation; negligent or intentional interference with contract or prospective economic advantage; unfair business practices; defamation; libel; slander; negligence; personal injury; assault; battery; invasion of privacy; false imprisonment; and conversion;

 

(d)  any and all claims for violation of any federal, state or municipal statute, including, but not limited to, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Civil Rights Act of 1991, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, the Fair Labor Standards Act, the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, and The Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act;

 

(e)  any and all claims for violation of the federal, or any state, constitution;

 

(f)  any and all claims arising out of any other laws and regulations relating to employment or employment discrimination; and

 

(n)  any and all claims for attorneys’ fees and costs.

 

Executive agrees that the release set forth in this section shall be and remain in effect in all respects as a complete general release as to the matters released.  Nothing in this Agreement waives Executive’s rights to indemnification or any payments under any fiduciary insurance policy, if any, provided by any act or agreement of the Company, state or federal law or policy of insurance.

 

5.  Acknowledgment of Waiver of Claims under ADEA.  Executive acknowledges that he is waiving and releasing any rights he may have under the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967 (“ADEA”) and that this waiver and release is knowing and voluntary. Executive and the Company agree that this waiver and release does not apply to any rights or claims that may arise under the ADEA after the Effective Date of this Agreement.  Executive acknowledges that the consideration given for this waiver and release Agreement is in addition to anything of value to which Executive was already entitled.  Executive further acknowledges that he has been advised by this writing

 

  

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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; (c) he has seven (7) days following the execution of this Agreement by the parties to revoke the Agreement; (d) this Agreement shall not be effective until the revocation period has expired; and (e) nothing in this Agreement prevents or precludes Executive from challenging or seeking a determination in good faith of the validity of this waiver under the ADEA, nor does it impose any condition precedent, penalties or costs for doing so, unless specifically authorized by federal law. Any revocation should be in writing and delivered to [HR Contact Name] at the Company by close of business on the seventh day from the date that Executive signs this Agreement.

 

6.  No Pending or Future Lawsuits.  Executive represents that he has no lawsuits, claims, or actions pending in his name, or on behalf of any other person or entity, against the Company or any other person or entity referred to herein. Executive also represents that he does not intend to bring any claims on his own behalf or on behalf of any other person or entity against the Company or any other person or entity referred to herein.

 

7.  Application for Employment.  Executive understands and agrees that, as a condition of this Agreement, he shall not be entitled to any employment with the Company, its subsidiaries, or any successor, and he hereby waives any right, or alleged right, of employment or re-employment with the Company.

 

8.  No Cooperation.  Executive agrees that he will not counsel or assist any attorneys or their clients in the presentation or prosecution of any disputes, differences, grievances, claims, charges, or complaints by any third party against the Company and/or any officer, director, employee, agent, representative, shareholder or attorney of the Company, unless under a subpoena or other court order to do so.

 

9.  Cooperation with Company.  Executive agrees to cooperate, at the request of the Company, in the defense and/or prosecution of any charges, claims, investigations (internal or external), administrative proceedings and/or lawsuits relating to matters occurring during or relating to Executive’s period of employment about which Executive may have relevant information. Executive shall further reasonably cooperate with regard to the transition of Executive’s job duties and business relationships. Executive agrees to respond to reasonable requests for information from the Company in a timely manner.

 

10.  No Admission of Liability.  No action taken by the Company, either previously or in connection with this Agreement shall be deemed or construed to be (a) an admission of the truth or falsity of any claims heretofore made or (b) an acknowledgment or admission by the Company of any fault or liability whatsoever to the Executive or to any third party.

 

11.  Costs.  The Parties shall each bear their own costs, expert fees, attorneys’ fees and other fees incurred in connection with this Agreement.

 

  

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12.  Authority.  Executive 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.

 

13.  No Representations.  Executive represents that he has had the opportunity to consult with an attorney, and has carefully read and understands the scope and effect of the provisions of this Agreement.  Neither party has relied upon any representations or statements made by the other party hereto which are not specifically set forth in this Agreement.

 

14.  Severability.  In the event that any provision hereof becomes or is declared by a court of competent jurisdiction to be illegal, unenforceable or void, this Agreement shall continue in full force and effect without said provision.

 

15.  Entire Agreement.  This Agreement, along with the Confidentiality Agreement, and Executive’s written equity compensation agreements with the Company, represents the entire agreement and understanding between the Company and Executive concerning Executive’s separation from the Company.

 

16.  No Oral Modification.  This Agreement may only be amended in writing signed by Executive and a duly authorized officer of the Company (other than Executive).

 

17.  Governing Law.  This Agreement shall be governed by the internal substantive laws, but not the choice of law rules, of the State of New York.

 

18.  Effective Date.  Each Party has seven (7) days after that Party signs this Agreement to revoke it. This Agreement will become effective on the eighth (8th) day after Executive signed this Agreement, so long as it has been signed by both Parties.

 

19.  Counterparts.  This Agreement may be executed in counterparts, and each counterpart shall have the same force and effect as an original and shall constitute an effective, binding agreement on the part of each of the undersigned.

 

20.  Voluntary Execution of Agreement.  This Agreement is executed voluntarily and without any duress or undue influence on the part or behalf of the Parties hereto, with the full intent of releasing all claims. The Parties acknowledge that:

 

(a)  They have read this Agreement;

 

(b) They have had the opportunity of being represented in the preparation, negotiation, and execution of this Agreement by legal counsel of their own choice or that they have voluntarily declined to seek such counsel;

 

(c)  They understand the terms and consequences of this Agreement and of the releases it contains;

 

(d)  They are fully aware of the legal and binding effect of this Agreement.

 

  

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[Remainder of page intentionally left blank. Signature page follows.]

 

  

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties have executed this Agreement on the respective dates set forth below.

 

[Company Name]

 

Dated:  [MONTH], 20__

 

 

By:                                           

 

[Name], an individual

 

Dated:  [MONTH], 20__

 

 

By:                                           

 

[           ]

 

 

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