Document:

EXHIBIT 10.4

 

AMENDED AND RESTATED EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT

 

This Amended and Restated Employment Agreement (the “Agreement”) is effective as of July 1, 2015 (the “Effective Date”) between Onconova Therapeutics, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”) and Ajay Bansal (“Employee”).

 

WHEREAS, Employee is currently employed by the Company pursuant to the terms of an Employment Agreement dated March 20, 2013 (the “Original Agreement”); and

 

WHEREAS, the Company desires to continue to employ Employee and Employee desires to continue to be so employed by the Company upon the terms and conditions hereinafter set forth.

 

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual promises and undertakings herein contained, and intending to be legally bound hereby, the parties hereto agree as follows:

 

1.                                      Duration of Agreement.  This Agreement is effective on the date set forth above and has no specific expiration date.  Unless terminated or amended in writing by the parties, this Agreement will govern Employee’s continued employment by the Company until that employment ceases in accordance with Section 4 hereof.

 

2.                                      Duties.  Subject to all the terms and conditions hereof, the Company shall employ Employee, and Employee shall serve the Company as Chief Financial Officer.  Employee shall report directly to the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company.  As Employee’s position is a full-time position, Employee agrees to devote his full-time effort, attention, and energies, from our Newtown, Pennsylvania office or from offsite, to this position and to the promotion of the business and interests of the Company.  Employee will not render any professional services or engage in any activity which might be competitive with, adverse to the best interest of, or create the appearance of a conflict of interest with the Company.  Employee agrees to abide by the policies, rules and regulations of the Company as they may be amended from time to time.  Employee may not engage in outside employment or consulting without first obtaining prior express permission of the Company.

 

3.                                      Compensation and Other Benefits.

 

(a)                                 Salary.  For all services rendered by Employee under this Agreement, the Company agrees to pay Employee at an initial annualized rate of Three Hundred Fifty-Seven Thousand, Fifty Nine Dollars and Thirty Cents ($357,059.30) (the “Base Salary”), in bi-weekly installments in accordance with the Company’s normal payroll cycle, less customary and legally required withholdings.

 

(b)                                 Annual Bonus.  In addition to his other remuneration, Employee shall be eligible to receive an annual bonus (the “Bonus”), based on the performance of Employee and the Company.  The determination of such performance and the amount of the Bonus, if any, shall be at the sole discretion of the Compensation Committee but shall not exceed forty percent (40%) of Employee’s Base Salary (the “Target Bonus”).  In the event that Employee has earned a Bonus for a particular year, such Bonus shall be paid to Employee in the

 

 

form of cash, stock options, shares of the Company’s stock, or a combination thereof, at the Compensation Committee’s discretion within sixty (60) days of the end of such year.

 

(c)                                  Employee Benefits.  During the term of this Agreement, Employee shall be entitled to participate in any employee benefit plans or programs of the Company that are made generally available from time to time by the Company to similarly situated employees, including but not limited to health insurance, a flexible spending account, and 401(k) participation.

 

(d)                                 Vacation and Holidays.  The Employee shall be entitled each year to four (4) weeks of vacation, and to those holidays observed by the Company.  Vacation shall be taken by the Employee at such time or times as are mutually convenient to the Employee and the Company.

 

(e)                                  Reimbursement of Expenses.  The Company shall reimburse the Employee for all reasonable expenses incurred by Employee in connection with his employment hereunder provided, however, that such expenses were incurred in conformance with the policies of the Company, as established from time to time, and that Employee submits detailed vouchers and other records reasonably required by the Company in support of the amount and nature of such expense.

 

(f)                                   Taxes and Withholding.  All compensation payable and other benefits provided under this Agreement shall be subject to customary and legally required withholding for income, F.I.C.A., and other employment taxes.

 

4.                                      Termination of Employment.

 

(a)                                 Death of Employee.  If Employee dies during the term of this Agreement, this Agreement shall terminate immediately and the Company shall pay to Employee’s then-current spouse, if she survives him, or if not, to his estate, the balance of his accrued and unpaid salary, unreimbursed expenses, and his unused accrued vacation time through the termination date.

 

(b)                                 Disability of Employee.  If Employee is unable to perform his full-time regular duties by reason of incapacity, either physical or mental, for a period of twelve (12) consecutive weeks or ninety (90) days within any twelve (12) month period, the Company shall have the right to terminate Employee’s employment upon written notice to the Employee.  If the Company decides to terminate Employee’s employment under this Section 4(b), the Company shall pay to Employee only the balance of his accrued and unpaid salary, unreimbursed expenses, and his unused, accrued vacation time through the termination date.  If the Company decides not to terminate Employee’s employment as allowed under this Section, the Company shall have the option of reducing the salary thereafter payable to Employee by the amount of payment the Employee receives pursuant to any disability insurance policy or program.

 

(c)                                  Termination for Cause.  If Employee’s employment is terminated by the Company for “Cause,” as defined below, the Company shall pay Employee only the balance of his accrued, but unpaid salary, unreimbursed expenses, and his unused, accrued vacation time through the termination date.  The Company shall have the right to set off any

 

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amounts due to Employee by any amounts owed by Employee to the Company at the time Employee’s employment terminates, and Employee hereby authorizes the Company to make this setoff.

 

Employee’s employment may be terminated for “Cause” at any time upon delivery of written notice to Employee.  “Cause” means the occurrence of any of the following events:  (i) any gross failure on the part of Employee (other than by reason of disability as provided in Section 4(b)) to faithfully and professionally carry out his duties or to comply with any other material provision of this Agreement, which failure continues after written notice thereof by the Company, provided that the Company shall not be required to provide such notice in the event that such failure (A) is not susceptible to remedy or (B) relates to the same type of acts or omissions as to which such notice has been given on a prior occasion; (ii) Employee’s dishonesty (which shall include without limitation any misuse or misappropriation of the Company’s assets), or other willful misconduct (including without limitation any conduct on the part of Employee intended to or likely to injure the business of the Company); (iii) Employee’s conviction for any felony or for any other crime involving moral turpitude, whether or not relating to his employment; (iv) in accordance with applicable federal, state or local laws, Employee’s insobriety or use of illegal drugs, chemicals or controlled substances either (A) in the course of performing his duties and responsibilities under this Agreement, or (B) otherwise affecting the ability of Employee to perform the same; (v) Employee’s failure to comply with a lawful written direction of the Company; or (vi) any wanton and willful dereliction of duties by Employee.  The existence of any of the foregoing events or conditions shall be determined by the Company in the exercise of its reasonable judgment.

 

(d)                                 Termination by the Company without Cause or by Employee for Good Reason.  If Employee’s employment by the Company ceases due to a termination by the Company without Cause (as defined above) or a resignation by Employee for Good Reason (as defined below), the Company shall:

 

(1)                                 pay to Employee all accrued and unpaid Base Salary through the date of such cessation of employment at the time such Base Salary would otherwise be paid according to the Company’s usual payroll practices;

 

(2)                                 to the extent then unpaid, pay to Employee the annual Bonus (if any) with respect to the fiscal year ended immediately prior to the cessation of Employee’s employment, which such Bonus shall be paid at the time such Bonus would have otherwise been paid absent Employee’s cessation of employment;

 

(3)                                 pay to Employee,

 

(a)                                 in the event Employee’s employment by the Company ceases due to a termination by the Company without Cause or by Employee for Good Reason other than during the Change in Control Protection Period (as defined below), monthly severance payments equal to one-twelfth of the sum of (i) Employee’s then current Base Salary, and (ii) an amount equal to the Target Bonus for the fiscal year during which Employee’s employment by the Company ceases, which severance payments shall be paid for the duration of

 

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the Severance Period (as defined below) in accordance with the Company’s usual payroll practices; or

 

(b)                                 in the event Employee’s employment by the Company ceases due to a termination by the Company without Cause or by Employee for Good Reason during the Change in Control Protection Period, a severance payment amount equal to (i) the sum of the Employee’s then current Base Salary plus (ii) an amount equal to the Target Bonus for the fiscal year during which Employee’s employment by the Company ceases, in a lump sum payment less all applicable withholding taxes, within seventy-five (75) days following the later of the date of his termination of employment or the Change in Control;

 

(4)                                 cause any outstanding unvested options to purchase shares of stock of the Company previously awarded to Employee to become fully vested as of the date of his termination of employment pursuant to this Section 4(d); and

 

(5)                                 if Employee validly elects to receive continuation coverage under the Company’s group health plan pursuant to the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985 (“COBRA”), reimburse Employee for a portion of the applicable premium payable for such COBRA continuation coverage for duration of the Severance Period in an amount equal to the employer’s portion of such premiums at the rate in effect on Employee’s termination date; provided, however, that if the Company determines that it cannot continue to provide Employee with such benefit (either pursuant to the terms of the applicable group health plan, as a result of applicable law, or otherwise), the Company shall make supplemental monthly severance payments to Employee in an amount equal to the monthly amount the Company would have otherwise reimbursed to Employee for his participation in such group health plan for the shorter of the duration of the Severance Period.

 

Except as otherwise provided in this Section 4, all compensation and benefits will cease at the time of the Employee’s cessation of employment and the Company will have no further liability or obligation by reason of such cessation of employment.

 

For purposes of this Agreement:

 

“Change in Control” has the same meaning ascribed to it in the Onconova Therapeutics, Inc. 2013 Equity Incentive Plan.

 

“Change in Control Protection Period” shall mean the twelve (12) month period following a Change in Control.

 

“Good Reason” shall mean:  (i) the breach by the Company of any material provision of this Agreement (provided, however, that a reduction in Employee’s Base Salary by less than twenty percent (20%) in and for any twelve month period shall not be a material breach by the Company if it is made in connection with a reduction in base salaries imposed on a majority of other senior executives of the Company and Employee’s Base Salary is not reduced by a percentage that is greater than the percentage by which the base salary of a majority of other senior executives of the Company is reduced in and for that same twelve month period); (ii) the breach by the Company of any material provision of this Agreement; (iii) a relocation of Employee’s principal business location to a location more than fifty (50) miles from Employee’s then-current business

 

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location; or (iv) at any time there occurs any of the following which results in a material adverse change in Employee’s duties, position, or compensation without the express prior written consent of Employee: (1) the sale or transfer, whether in one transaction or in a series of transactions, of substantially all of the assets of the Company; (2) the merger or consolidation of the Company with or into any other person or entity under circumstances where the Company is not the surviving entity in such merger or where persons having control of the Company immediately prior to the transaction are not in control of the Company immediately after the transaction.  None of the foregoing events or conditions will constitute Good Reason unless Employee provides the Company with written objection to the event or condition within 30 days following the occurrence thereof, the Company does not cure the event or condition within 30 days of receiving that written objection, and Employee resigns his employment within 30 days following the expiration of that cure period.

 

“Severance Period” shall mean the nine month period immediately following the date Employee’s employment with the Company ceases due to a termination by the Company without Cause or by Employee for Good Reason; provided however, that in the event Employee’s employment by the Company ceases due to a termination by the Company without Cause or by Employee for Good Reason during the Change in Control Protection Period, the Severance Period will equal twelve (12) months.

 

It is the intention of Employee and of the Company that no payments by the Company to or for the benefit of Employee under this Agreement or any other agreement or plan, if any, pursuant to which Employee is entitled to receive payments or benefits shall be nondeductible to the Company by reason of the operation of Section 280G of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”) relating to parachute payments or any like statutory or regulatory provision.  Accordingly, and notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement or any such agreement or plan, if by reason of the operation of said Section 280G or any like statutory or regulatory provision, any such payments exceed the amount which can be deducted by the Company, such payments shall be reduced to the maximum amount which can be deducted by the Company.  The Company shall make all reasonable efforts to avoid rendering such payments or benefits nondeductible, including, without limitation, securing approval of the payments or benefits from the appropriate stockholders of the Company as required by Section 280G of the Code; provided that the necessity of seeking the foregoing stockholder approval is subject to a determination by the Board of Directors of the Company, after consulting with its accountants and other advisors, that there will be no adverse effect on the Company.  To the extent that payments exceeding such maximum deductible amount have been made to or for the benefit of Employee, such excess payments shall be refunded to the Company with interest thereon at the applicable Federal rate determined under Section 1274(d) of the Code, compounded annually, or at such other rate as may be required in order that no such payments shall be nondeductible to the Company by reason of the operation of said Section 280G or any like statutory or regulatory provision.  To the extent any such reduction in payments is necessary, any amounts subject to Section 409A of the Code will be reduced first, then to the extent any remaining reduction is necessary such further reduction shall occur to the payments or benefits in the order that results in the greatest economic present value of all payments actually made to Employee.

 

(e)                                  Voluntary Resignation.  Employee may voluntarily resign from his employment with the Company at any time.  In the event Employee voluntarily resigns from his

 

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employment with the Company, Employee shall provide the Company with thirty (30) days’ notice of his intent to resign.  The Company shall pay Employee only the balance of his accrued, but unpaid salary, unreimbursed expenses, and his unused, accrued vacation time through Employee’s last day of work.

 

5.                                      Non-Competition.

 

(a)                                 For purposes of this Agreement, “Competitor” shall mean any person, company, or entity whose primary business at the time is, or whose then-current business plan contemplates engaging in activities which may be, competitive with products and services that were or were being designed, conceived, marketed, sold, distributed and/or developed by the Company during Employee’s employment by the Company or at the time of termination of Employee’s employment by the Company.

 

(b)                                 Employee agrees that so long as he is employed by the Company, and for a period of twelve (12) months after the termination of his employment, he will not, directly or indirectly, whether for compensation or not, own, manage, operate, join, control, work for, or participate in, or be connected as a stockholder, officer, employee, partner, creditor, guarantor, advisor or otherwise, with a Competitor. The foregoing shall not be construed, however, as preventing Employee from investing his assets in such form or manner as will not require services on the part of Employee in the operations of the businesses in which such investments are made, provided that any such business is publicly owned and the interest of Employee therein is solely that of an investor owning not more than five percent (5%) of the outstanding equity securities of any such business. Should Employee breach the provisions of this Paragraph, the Company shall, in addition to any equitable or legal relief to which it is otherwise entitled, be entitled to cease all payments and benefits under the terms of this Agreement and shall be entitled to pursue all remedies it might have including, but not limited to, those contained in this Agreement.

 

(c)                                  For the period of twelve (12) months after the termination of this Agreement for any reason whatsoever, Employee shall not hire, retain or engage as a director, officer, employee, agent or in any other capacity any person or persons who are employed by the Company or who were at any time (within a period of six (6) months immediately prior to the date of Employee’s termination) employed by the Company or otherwise interfere with the relationship between such persons and the Company.

 

(d)                                 If the period of time or area herein specified should be adjudged unreasonable in any court proceeding, then the period of time shall be reduced by such number of months or the area shall be reduced by elimination of such portion thereof as deemed unreasonable, so that this covenant may be enforced during such period of time and in such area as is adjudged to be reasonable.

 

6.                                      Confidential Information.

 

(a)                                 At all times during Employee’s employment and thereafter, Employee will hold in strictest confidence and will not disclose, use, lecture upon or publish any of the Company’s Proprietary Information (defined below), except as such use may be required

 

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in connection with Employee’s work for the Company, or unless an officer of the Company expressly authorizes such disclosure in writing.  Employee will obtain Company’s written approval before publishing or submitting for publication any material (written, verbal, or otherwise) that relates to Employee’s work for Company and/or incorporates any Proprietary Information.  Employee hereby assigns to the Company any rights Employee may have or acquire in such Proprietary Information and recognizes that all Proprietary Information shall be the sole property of the Company and its assigns.

 

(b)                                 The term “Proprietary Information” shall mean any and all confidential and/or proprietary knowledge, data or information of the Company, whether acquired by Employee while employed by the Company, during Employee’s prior service as a consultant to the Company, or otherwise.  By way of illustration but not limitation, “Proprietary Information” includes but is not limited to (i) trade secrets, inventions, mask works, ideas, methods, processes, formulas, chemical structures and methods for chemical synthesis, structure-activity relationships, assay methodologies, characteristics, equipment and equipment designs, results, formulations and biological, pharmacological, toxicological and clinical data, physical, chemical or biological materials, source and object codes, data, programs, other works of authorship, know-how, improvements, discoveries, developments, compilations, shop practices, supplier lists, designs and techniques (hereinafter collectively referred to as “Inventions”); and (ii) information regarding plans for research, development, new products, marketing and selling, business plans, budgets and unpublished financial statements, licenses, prices and costs, suppliers and customers; and (iii) information regarding the skills and compensation of other employees of the Company.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, it is understood that, at all times, Employee is free to use information which is generally known in the trade or industry, which is not gained as a result of a breach of this Agreement, and which is acquired as a result of Employee’s own skill, knowledge, know-how and experience.

 

(c)                                  Employee understands, in addition, that the Company has received and in the future will receive from third parties confidential or proprietary information (“Third Party Information”) subject to a duty on the Company’s part to maintain the confidentiality of such information and to use it only for certain limited purposes.  During the period of Employee’s employment and thereafter, Employee will hold Third Party Information in the strictest confidence and will not disclose to anyone (other than Company personnel who need to know such information in connection with their work for the Company) or use, except in connection with Employee’s work for the Company, Third Party Information unless expressly authorized by an officer of the Company in writing.

 

(d)                                 During Employee’s employment by the Company, Employee will not improperly use or disclose any confidential information or trade secrets, if any, of any of his former employers or any other person to whom Employee has an obligation of confidentiality, and Employee will not bring onto the premises of the Company any unpublished documents or any property belonging to any former employer or any other person to whom Employee has an obligation of confidentiality, unless such action is consented to in writing by all persons to whom the relevant obligation of confidentiality is owed.  Employee shall not work on Company projects on the grounds of, or using the equipment of, any third party, unless such work is agreed to by the Company in writing.

 

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(e)                                  Upon termination of his employment, Employee shall return to the Company all Proprietary Information in any tangible form in his possession, including copies thereof.

 

7.                                      Company Right to Inventions.

 

(a)                                 Inventions, if any, patented or unpatented, which Employee made prior to the commencement of Employee’s employment with the Company are excluded from the scope of this Agreement.  To preclude any possible uncertainty, Employee has provided on Appendix A (Previous Inventions) attached hereto a complete list of all Inventions that Employee has, alone or jointly with others, conceived, developed or reduced to practice or caused to be conceived, developed or reduced to practice prior to the commencement of Employee’s employment with the Company, that Employee considers to be Employee’s property or the property of third parties, and that Employee wishes to have excluded from the scope of this Agreement (collectively referred to as “Prior Inventions”).  If disclosure of any such Prior Invention would cause Employee to violate any prior confidentiality agreement, Employee understands that Employee shall not list such Prior Inventions in Appendix A but shall only disclose a cursory name for each such invention (bearing in mind that where necessary the naming shall not be so specific as to violate the confidentiality obligation), a listing of the party(ies) to whom the invention belongs, and the fact that full disclosure as to such invention has not been made for that reason.  Space is provided on Appendix A for this purpose.  If, in the course of Employee’s employment with the Company, Employee incorporates a Prior Invention into a Company product, process or machine, the Company is hereby granted and shall have, to the extent of Employee’s right to make such grant, a nonexclusive, royalty-free, irrevocable, perpetual, worldwide license (with rights to sublicense through multiple tiers of sublicensees) to make, have made, modify, use, import, sell and offer to sell such Prior Invention. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Employee agrees that Employee will not incorporate, or permit to be incorporated, Prior Inventions in any Company Inventions without the Company’s prior written consent.

 

(b)                                 Subject to Section 7(d), Employee hereby assigns and agrees to assign in the future (when any such Inventions are first reduced to practice or a description thereof first fixed in a tangible medium, as applicable) to the Company all of Employee’s right, title and interest in and to any and all Inventions, whether or not patentable or registerable under patent, intellectual property, copyright or similar statutes, made or conceived or reduced to practice or learned by Employee, either alone or jointly with others, during the period of Employee’s employment with the Company.  Inventions assigned to the Company, or to a third party as directed by the Company pursuant to this Section 7(b), are hereinafter referred to as “Company Inventions.”

 

(c)                                  During the period of Employee’s employment, Employee will promptly disclose to the Company fully and in writing all Inventions authored, conceived or reduced to practice by Employee, either alone or jointly with others.  In addition, Employee will promptly disclose to the Company all patent applications filed by Employee or on Employee’s behalf during Employee’s employment and within one (1) year after termination of employment.  At the time of each such disclosure, Employee will advise the Company in writing of any Inventions that Employee believes qualify for exclusion from Employee’s obligation to assign 

 

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hereunder; and Employee will at that time provide to the Company in writing all evidence necessary to substantiate that belief.

 

(d)                                 As directed by the Company, Employee agrees to assign all Employee’s right, title and interest in and to any particular Company Invention to a third party, including without limitation the United States.

 

(e)                                  Employee acknowledges that all original works of authorship which are made by Employee (solely or jointly with others) within the scope of Employee’s employment and which are protectable by copyright are “works made for hire,” pursuant to United States Copyright Act (17 U.S.C. § 101).

 

(f)                                   Employee will assist the Company in every proper way to obtain, and from time to time enforce, United States and foreign trade secret, patent, copyright, mask work and other intellectual property rights (“Proprietary Rights”) relating to Company Inventions in any and all countries.  To that end, Employee will execute, verify and deliver such documents and perform such other acts (including appearances as a witness) as the Company may reasonably request for use in applying for, obtaining, perfecting, evidencing, sustaining and enforcing such Proprietary Rights and the assignment thereof.  In addition, Employee will execute, verify and deliver assignments of such Proprietary Rights to the Company, its successor in interest, or its designee.  Employee’s obligation to assist the Company with respect to Proprietary Rights relating to such Company Inventions in any and all countries shall continue beyond the termination of Employee’s employment.

 

In the event the Company is unable for any reason, after reasonable effort, to secure Employee’s signature on any document needed in connection with the actions specified in this Section 7(f), Employee hereby irrevocably designates and appoints the Company and its duly authorized officers and agents as Employee’s agent and attorney-in-fact, which appointment is coupled with an interest, to act for and on Employee’s behalf to execute, verify and file any such documents and to do all other lawfully permitted acts to further the purposes of the preceding paragraph with the same legal force and effect as if executed by Employee.

 

(g)                                  Employee agrees to keep and maintain adequate and current records (in the form of notes, sketches, drawings and in any other form that may be required by the Company) of all Proprietary Information developed by Employee and all Inventions made by Employee during the period of Employee’s employment at the Company, which records shall be available to and remain the sole property of the Company at all times.

 

(h)                                 Employee represents that Employee’s performance of all the terms of this Agreement and as an employee of the Company does not and will not breech any agreement to keep in confidence information acquired by Employee in confidence or in trust prior to Employee’s employment by the Company.  Employee has not entered into, and Employee agrees that he will not enter into, any agreement either written or oral in conflict herewith.

 

8.                                      Remedies.  Because Employee’s services are personal and unique and because Employee may have access to and become acquainted with the Proprietary Information

 

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of the Company, the Company shall have the right to enforce this Agreement and any of its provisions by injunction, or other equitable relief, without bond (if allowed by applicable law), and without prejudice to any other rights and remedies that the Company may have for a breach of this Agreement.  In the event that Employee performs services for other entities while employed by the Company or leaves the employ of the Company, Employee hereby consents to the notification of Employee’s new employer of Employee’s rights and obligations under this Agreement.

 

9.                                      Arbitration.  Any and all disputes between the parties (except actions to enforce the provisions of Sections 5, 6 or 7 of this Agreement), arising under or relating to this Agreement or any other dispute arising between the parties, including claims arising under any employment discrimination laws, shall be adjudicated and resolved exclusively through binding arbitration before the American Arbitration Association pursuant to the American Arbitration Association’s then-in-effect National Rules for the Resolution of Employment Disputes (hereafter “Rules”).  The initiation and conduct of any arbitration hereunder shall be in accordance with the Rules and each side shall bear its own costs and counsel fees in such arbitration.  Any arbitration hereunder shall be conducted in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and any arbitration award shall be final and binding on the Parties.  The arbitrator shall have no authority to depart from, modify, or add to the written terms of this Agreement.  The arbitration provisions of this Section 9 shall be interpreted according to, and governed by, the Federal Arbitration Act, 9 U.S.C. § 1 et seq., and any action pursuant to such Act to enforce any rights hereunder shall be brought exclusively in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania.  The parties consent to the jurisdiction of (and the laying of venue in) such court.

 

10.                               General Indemnification.  The Company shall indemnify the Employee against any and all demands, claims, damages and suits, actions and legal proceedings brought against the Employee, in his individual capacity or in his official capacity, as agent and/or Employee of the Company for claims arising during his employment.  In addition, the Company shall advance to the Employee reasonable attorney’s fees in connection with the foregoing.

 

11.                               Severability.  The terms of this Agreement and each Paragraph thereof shall be considered severable and the invalidity or unenforceability of any part thereof shall not affect the validity or enforceability of the remaining portions or provisions hereof.

 

12.                               Notices.  Any notice required or permitted to be given under this Agreement shall be sufficient, if in writing and delivered by registered or certified mail or overnight delivery service to his residence in the case of Employee, or to its principal office in the case of the Company.

 

13.                               Assignment.  The rights and obligations of the Company under this Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be binding upon its successors and assigns.  Neither this Agreement nor any rights or interests herein or created hereby may be assigned or otherwise transferred voluntarily or involuntarily by Employee.

 

14.                               Waiver.  The waiver by the Company or Employee of a breach of any provision of this Agreement by the other shall not operate or be construed as a waiver of any subsequent breach.

 

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15.                               Applicable Law.  This Agreement shall be interpreted and construed under the laws of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

 

16.                               Entire Agreement; Prior Agreements.  This instrument contains the entire agreement of the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersedes any and all prior or contemporaneous agreements, oral or written, concerning the subject matter contained herein, including without limitation any prior agreements between the Company and Employee (including without limitation the Original Agreement).  It may not be changed or altered, except by an agreement in writing signed by the party against whom enforcement of any waiver, change, modification, extension or discharge is sought.

 

17.                               Code Section 409A.

 

(a)                                 Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, this Agreement is intended to be interpreted and applied so that the payments and benefits set forth herein shall either be exempt from the requirements of Section 409A of the Code or shall comply with the requirements of Code Section 409A and, accordingly, to the maximum extent permitted, this Agreement shall be interpreted to be exempt from or in compliance with Code Section 409A. The parties hereto agree that the payments and benefits set forth herein comply with or are exempt from the requirements of Code Section 409A and agree not to take any position, and to cause their affiliates, successors and assigns not to take any position, inconsistent with such interpretation for any reporting purposes, whether internal or external.

 

(b)                                 Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement or elsewhere to the contrary, a termination of employment shall not be deemed to have occurred for purposes of any provision of this Agreement providing for the payment of any amounts or benefits that constitute “non-qualified deferred compensation” within the meaning of Code Section 409A upon or following a termination of the Employee’s employment unless such termination is also a “separation from service” within the meaning of Code Section 409A and, for purposes of any such provision of this Agreement, references to a “termination,” “termination of employment” or like terms shall mean “separation from service” and the date of such separation from service shall be treated as the date of termination for purposes of any such payment or benefits. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement to the contrary, if the Employee is a “specified employee” within the meaning of Code Section 409A and the regulations issued thereunder, and a payment or benefit provided for in this Agreement would be subject to additional tax under Code Section 409A if such payment or benefit is paid within six (6) months after the Employee’s “separation from service” (within the meaning of Code Section 409A), then such payment or benefit required under this Agreement shall not be paid (or commence) during the six-month period immediately following the Employee’s separation from service except as provided in the immediately following sentence. In such an event, any payments or benefits that would otherwise have been made or provided during such six-month period and which would have incurred such additional tax under Code Section 409A shall instead be paid to the Employee in a lump-sum cash payment on the earlier of (i) the first regular payroll date of the seventh month following the Employee’s separation from service or (ii) the 10th business day following the Employee’s death.

 

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(c)                                  It is intended that each installment of any severance payments and benefits provided under this Agreement shall be treated as a separate “payment” for purposes of Code Section 409A. Neither the Employee nor the Company shall have the right to accelerate or defer the delivery of any such payments or benefits except to the extent specifically permitted or required by Code Section 409A. All reimbursements and in-kind benefits provided under this Agreement shall be made or provided in accordance with the requirements of Code Section 409A to the extent that such reimbursements or in-kind benefits are subject to Code Section 409A, including, where applicable, the requirements that (i) the amount of expenses eligible for reimbursement during a calendar year may not affect the expenses eligible for reimbursement in any other calendar year, (ii) the reimbursement of an eligible expense shall be made promptly and in all cases on or before the last day of the calendar year following the year in which the expense is incurred and (iii) the right to reimbursement is not subject to set off or liquidation or exchange for any other benefit. Notwithstanding anything contained herein to the contrary, if the period in which any general waiver and release of claims may be executed overlaps two calendar years (regardless of when such release is actually executed), then, to the extent required by Code Section 409A, any payments that are subject to such general waiver and release of claims that would otherwise be made in such first calendar year shall instead be withheld and paid on the first normal payment date in the second calendar year with all remaining payments to be paid as if such delay had not occurred.

 

18.                               Counterparts.  This Amendment may be executed in one or more counterparts, each of which shall for all purposes be deemed to be an original and all of which shall constitute the same instrument.  Any and all counterparts may be executed by facsimile.

 

[signature page follows]

 

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

 

 

	
 
    	
ONCONOVA   THERAPEUTICS, INC.
    
	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
By:
    	
/s/ Ramesh Kumar, Ph.D.
    
	
 
    	
 
    	
Ramesh   Kumar, Ph.D., President & CEO
    
	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
AJAY   BANSAL
    
	
 
    	
 
    	
/s/   Ajay Bansal
    

 

13

 

APPENDIX A

 

	
TO:
    	
Ramesh Kumar, Ph.D.
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    
	
FROM:
    	
Ajay Bansal
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    
	
DATE:
    	
July 1, 2015
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    
	
SUBJECT:
    	
PREVIOUS INVENTIONS
    	
 
    

 

1.                                      Except as listed in Section 2 below, the following is a complete list of all inventions or improvements relevant to the subject matter of my employment by Onconova Therapeutics, Inc. (the “Company”) that have been made or conceived or first reduced to practice by me alone or jointly with others prior to my engagement by the Company:

 

	
x
    	
No inventions or improvements.
    
	
 
    	
 
    
	
o
    	
See below:
    

 

o                                                  Additional sheet(s) attached.

 

2.                                      Due to a prior confidentiality agreement, I cannot complete the disclosure under Section 1 above with respect to inventions or improvements generally listed below, the proprietary rights and duty of confidentiality with respect to which I owe to the following party(ies):

 

	
INVENTION OR IMPROVEMENT
    	
 
    	
PARTY(IES)
    	
 
    	
RELATIONSHIP
    
	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    
	
1.
    	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    
	
2.
    	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    
	
3.
    	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    
	
4.
    	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    
	
5.
    	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    
	
6.
    	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    

 

o                                                  Additional sheet(s) attached.ex101to8k07319001_07072015.htm

Exhibit 10.1

 

TRANSITION AND GENERAL RELEASE AGREEMENT

This Transition and General Release Agreement (“Agreement”) is between me, Scott J. Seymour (for myself, my spouse, family, agents, and attorneys) (jointly, “me” or “I”) and Aerojet Rocketdyne Holdings, Inc. (the “Company”).  The Company agrees to provide me with certain compensation that I would not otherwise be entitled to receive upon my retirement from employment with the Company, and I agree to settle and resolve all potential claims and disputes which I have or may have against the Company and Released Parties.

 

 

Therefore, in consideration of my promises made herein, the Company and I agree as follows:

 

	
  

	
1.

	
Retirement from Employment, Transition Agreement and Consideration for Release of Claims:

 

a.           Following consultation with the Chairman of the Board of Directors, I made an irrevocable decision to retire and did retire from regular employment with the Company (and its subsidiaries and affiliated entities) effective June 1, 2015 (“Retirement Date”).  I further made an irrevocable decision to withdraw from each and every position I held as a Director, member or officer in the Company and its subsidiaries and affiliated entities.

 

b.           In consideration for my release of Claims set forth in Section 5 below, the time-based shares granted to me on November 22, 2013 under the Company’s Long-term Incentive Plan (“LTIP”) will vest on the Effective Date of this Agreement set forth in Section 17.

c.           In further consideration for my release of Claims set forth in Section 5 below, the Company has offered, and I have accepted, a transition agreement for the term that commences June 2, 2015 and concludes December 31, 2015 (“Transition Term”) to facilitate a smooth transition of leadership of the Company to my successor.  During the Transition Term:

 

(i)           The Company will pay me fifteen (15) bi-weekly payments of Twenty-eight Thousand Eight Hundred Forty-six Dollars ($28,846.15), less required legal deductions and any deductions I authorize.  These payments will be made on the Company’s regular paydays in consideration for my release of claims in Section 5 of this Agreement and as compensation for any transition services I render (which services will require fewer hours than the regular full-time hours required of executives).

 

(ii)          I will continue to be enrolled in the same Company insurance benefits in which I participated as of May 31, 2015, on the same economic terms as a regular employee, including my responsibility to make any required co-payments.

 

(iii)         I will make myself available and will perform duties requested of me by Eileen Drake (and others at her direction), including travel as needed to various sites and meetings to fulfill my responsibilities and accomplish the transition.

 

(iv)         I will not be required to file timecards reflecting work performed or otherwise account for the specific hours I devote to the transition.

 

  

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(v)          I will not be eligible for any incentive pay, vacation accrual or pay, bonus or other form of compensation in relation to the services I perform during the Transition Term, except the payment specified in subsection c. (i) and (ii) above.  For the avoidance of doubt, I will not be eligible for any award for Fiscal Year 2015 under the Company’s Short Term Incentive Program.

 

d.           I will not apply for employment with the Company in the future in any position or capacity, and I will not be reemployed by the Company at any time after December 31, 2015.

 

e.           Except as expressly specified in subsection b. above and Section 3 below, I have forfeited all of my other unvested equity awards, including but not limited to grants made on April 7, 2014 and March 30, 2015.  I will be treated as retired for the purpose of any options I have that are already vested on June 1, 2015.

 

2              Acknowledgments:  The Company’s agreement to provide any consideration under this Agreement is also specifically conditioned on my representations that:

 

a.           I have not suffered any on-the-job injury for which I have not already filed a claim;

b.           I have properly reported all hours that I have worked and I have been paid all wages, other compensation, benefits, and other amounts that the Company or any Released Party should have paid me in the past, except for unpaid amounts or benefits expressly payable under the terms of this Agreement; and

 

c.           I further represent and agree that as of the date I signed this Agreement, I have taken all steps required of me, or required of the Company with respect to matters of which I am aware, to comply with the provisions of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (“SOX”) and to provide accurate quarterly SOX 302 Certifications.  I am not aware of any instance in which the Company, Aerojet Rocketdyne, Inc., or any company listed in Section 3 has not complied with SOX.

3.             Consideration for My Re-execution of this Agreement Following December 31, 2015:  If I re-execute this Agreement between January 1 and 21, 2016, and if I do not timely revoke my re-execution of this Agreement, then the performance-based shares granted to me under the Company’s LTIP on November 22, 2013 will vest on the schedule and according to actual performance achieved and determined by the Board of Directors or the Organization and Compensation Committee thereof even though I will not be working on a full-time basis as required by the LTIP.  This payment is in return for my promises and acknowledgments herein, which consideration I would not otherwise be entitled to receive.

4.             Additional Understandings and Agreements:

a.           The Company will report the payments and benefits given to me under this Agreement to the Internal Revenue Service and state taxing authority as required by applicable law.  I will be responsible for paying any tax due on the payments and benefits given to me under this Agreement.

 

  

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b.           The payments and benefits given to me under Sections 1 and 3 of this Agreement will not be taken into account in determining my rights or benefits under any retirement, benefits, or other program.

c.           I acknowledge that I am not otherwise entitled to the payments and benefits given to me under Sections 1 and 3 of this Agreement, and the Company would not have given me this settlement absent the representations and promises I am making by signing this Agreement.  I also acknowledge that nothing in this Agreement will require the Company to continue any benefit or compensation program, plan, or policy which it currently maintains for its employees, and the Company may at any time modify, amend, or discontinue any such program, plan, or policy.

d.           I will forfeit my entitlement to the payments and benefits provided under Sections 1 and 3 of this Agreement if I violate any material term of this Agreement.

e.           I will cease to be eligible to participate under any retirement, and other compensation or benefit plans of the Company or any parent or affiliate upon my Retirement Date, except as expressly provided in this Agreement and my legally-mandated rights, if any, to COBRA continuation coverage as to any Company-provided benefit plan in which I am eligible to participate.

f.           The Company and I intend that any amounts or benefits payable or provided under this Agreement comply with the provisions of Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code and the Treasury regulations relating thereto so as not to subject me to the payment of the tax, interest, and any tax penalty which may be imposed under Code Section 409A.  The provisions of this Agreement shall be interpreted in a manner consistent with such intent.  In furtherance thereof, to the extent that any provision hereof would otherwise result in my being subject to payment of tax, interest, and tax penalty under Code Section 409A, the Company and I agree to amend this Agreement, to the extent possible, in a manner that brings this Agreement into compliance with Code Section 409A and preserves to the maximum extent possible the economic value of the relevant payment or benefit under this Agreement to me.  I understand that the Company does not warrant or guarantee any specific tax treatment, and I hereby release and hold harmless the Company, its directors, officers, and stockholders from any and all claims that may arise from or relate to any tax liability, penalties, interest, costs, fees, or other liability incurred by me as a result of the application of Code Section 409A.  Each payment hereunder is a designated separate payment for purposes of Section 409A.

5.             General Release of All Claims:  As a material inducement to the Company to enter into this Agreement, I agree as follows:

a.           Release of Claims:  I irrevocably and unconditionally release all of the Claims described in Section 5.b. that I have had, now have or may have against the Released Parties listed in Section 5.d., except those excluded by Section 5.e. of this Agreement.

b.           Claims Released:  The Claims I am releasing under this Agreement include all known and unknown claims, promises, causes of action, or similar rights of any type that I presently may have, have had or in the future have based upon any act or omission arising on or before the date I sign this Agreement (“Claims”) with respect to any Released Party listed in Section 5.d.  I understand that I am releasing any and all claims that might arise under national, state, or local laws (including statutes, regulations, other administrative guidance, and common law doctrines), including but not limited to the following:

 

  

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Anti-discrimination statutes as amended, such as Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and Sections 1981 and 1983 of the Civil Rights Act of 1866, which prohibit discrimination based on race, color, national origin, religion, and/or sex; the Equal Pay Act, which prohibits paying men and women unequal pay for equal work; the Americans with Disabilities Act and state and local laws, which prohibit discrimination based on disability and failure to reasonably accommodate disability; the California Fair Employment and Housing Act; and any other federal, state, or local laws which prohibit retaliation, discrimination, and harassment in employment on the basis of actual or perceived race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, ancestry, national origin, physical or mental disability or medical condition, marital status or age, or association with a person who has, or is perceived to have, any of those characteristics, or failure to accommodate pregnancy, disability, religious observance or any other legally protected characteristic, status, or activity.

 

Federal and state employment statutes as amended, such as the WARN Act, which requires that advance notice be given of certain work force reductions; the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, which, among other things, protects employee benefits; the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, which protects employee health and safety; the Family and Medical Leave Act, which mandates certain leaves of absence; the Fair Labor Standards Act, which regulates minimum wages, overtime, and other aspects of pay and work hours; the National Labor Relations Act, which protects employees from unfair labor practices and provides rights for protected activity; the California Labor Code, which regulates wages, hours, and other working conditions; and any other federal laws relating to employment, such as veterans’ reemployment rights laws.

 

Other laws as amended, such as any federal, state, or local laws restricting an employer’s right to terminate employees, or otherwise regulating employment; enforcing express or implied employment contracts; requiring an employer to deal with employees fairly or in good faith; prohibiting retaliation or retaliatory actions; providing recourse for alleged wrongful discharge, demotion, failure to promote or transfer, or loss of seniority; providing recourse for any tort, physical or personal injury, intentional and negligent infliction of emotional distress, fraud or false promise, negligent misrepresentation, promissory estoppel, interference with contract or prospective economic advantage, or defamation; providing compensatory damages, punitive damages, interest, costs, or attorneys’ fees; and/or allowing similar or related claims.

 

c.           Unknown Claims:  I understand that I am releasing Claims that I may not know about.  That is my knowing and voluntary intent even though I recognize that someday I might regret having signed this Agreement.  Nevertheless, I am assuming that risk and I agree that this Agreement will remain effective in all respects in any such case.  I expressly waive and release all rights I might have under any law that is intended to protect me from waiving unknown Claims (such as California Civil Code Section 1542).  I understand the significance of doing so.  California Civil Code Section 1542 states:

 

  

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

 

d.           Released Parties:  The Released Parties are (i) the Company; (ii) its current and former subsidiaries and affiliated entities, including Aerojet Rocketdyne, Inc.; and (iii) with respect to each entity referenced in (i) and (ii), their predecessors and successors.  The Released Parties further include all of the past, present, and future directors, officers, and employees in their official and in their individual capacities; all stockholders, trustees, owners, attorneys, representatives, assigns, agents, insurers, employee benefit programs (and the trustees, administrators, fiduciaries, and insurers of such programs) of each entity listed in (i) through (iii) in this subsection, and any other persons acting by, through, under, or in concert with any of the persons or entities listed in this subsection, and their successors.

 

e.           Claims Not Released:  It is my intention to release all Claims that I have or may have, except (i) my right to enforce this Agreement; (ii) my right, if any, to vested pension and 401(k) benefits; (iii) my right to recover on claims I have tendered for payment under medical, dental, vision and disability insurance plans; (iv) my right to COBRA healthcare benefits for which I must pay if I am qualified and interested; and (v) any rights I may have under applicable workers’ compensation laws that I cannot release as a matter of law.  I also understand that this Agreement does not release claims that cannot be released as a matter of law, but only to the extent that they cannot be released as a matter of law.

 

6.             Challenge to Validity, Truthful Testimony Under Oath and Communication with Government Agency:  Nothing in this Agreement, including but not limited to the provisions in Sections 7.e. and 7.f. below, (a) limits or affects my right to challenge the validity of this Agreement, including a challenge under the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967 or Older Workers Benefit Protection Act; (b) in any way interferes with my right and responsibility to give truthful testimony under oath; or (c) precludes me from participating in an investigation, filing a charge, or otherwise communicating with any federal, state, or local government office, official or agency, including but not limited to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, Department of Labor, and National Labor Relations Board.  However, I promise never to seek or accept any damages, remedies, or other relief for me personally with respect to any Claims released by Section 5 of this Agreement.

7.             Representations and Promises:  As a material inducement to the Company to enter into this Agreement, I acknowledge and agree to each of the following material representations:

 

a.           No Reliance on Representations Not in This Agreement:  I am not relying on any representations that are not contained in this Agreement.

 

b.           No Assignment of Claims:  I have not assigned or given away any of the Claims I am releasing.

 

c.           Representation That I Have Not Filed Any Claim and Agreement to Withdraw or Dismiss All Proceedings:  I represent that I have not filed any Claim against any of the Released Parties listed in Section 5.d. that has not previously been resolved to my satisfaction, and I am not aware of any lawsuit, complaint, charge, action, compliance review, investigation, or proceeding asserting any Claim that I have released.  I agree that if I ever learn of one, I will promptly dismiss it or withdraw from it with prejudice and waive my right to any monetary recovery except as provided in Sections 1 and 3.  I further agree that I will not pursue or accept any further benefit or consideration from any source whatsoever with respect to any Claim against the Company or any of the Released Parties.  To the extent permitted by law, I promise not to consent to become a member of any class or collective group, or a party to any multi-party action or proceeding, in which any Claim released by this Agreement is asserted against the Company or any of the Released Parties.  If I am made a member of a class or collective group in any such class, collective or multi-party action or proceeding without my prior knowledge and consent, I agree to opt out of the class and/or collective group at my first opportunity to do so.

 

  

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d.           Cooperation:  I agree, both during and after the Transition Term, to (i) cooperate with the Company regarding the transition of my work responsibilities; (ii) cooperate with the Company and the Released Parties and their counsel and assist them in any litigation, proceeding, or dispute involving any of them with respect to matters that were within my knowledge or responsibility during my employment with the Company; and (iii) make myself available for questions relating to my services for and employment with the Company.  I agree (i) to meet with the Company’s representatives, its counsel, or other designees at mutually convenient times and places with respect to any items within the scope of this subsection; (ii) to provide truthful testimony to any court, agency, or other adjudicatory body; (iii) to notify the Company within three (3) business days if I am contacted by any adverse party or by any representative of an adverse party; and (iv) not to assist any adverse party or any adverse party’s representatives, except as may be required by law, provided, however, that nothing in this subsection shall in any way limit my right and responsibility to give truthful testimony under oath or to interfere with my rights under Section 6 of this Agreement.

 

e.           Trade Secrets and Confidential Information:  I acknowledge that during my employment, I may have had access to trade secrets and confidential information about (i) the Company; (ii) its subsidiaries and affiliated entities; (iii) the customers and third parties of the entities listed in (i) and (ii) who provided information in confidence and may possess other proprietary rights; and (iv) the products, services, employees, customers, and methods of doing business, including but not limited to files, customer lists, pricing lists, financial information, technical data, marketing information and plans, legal issues, employee information, employee relations issues, employee complaints and/or grievances, information related to employee compensation, and business processes of the entities listed in (i) through (iii).  I agree that I will not disclose any information relating to the trade secrets or confidential information of the entities listed in (i) through (iii) which has not already been disclosed to the general public, and I will not retain any copies, duplicates, reproductions, or excerpts of same.  The provisions of my Section 8 (Confidentiality Agreement and Assignment of Intellectual Property) of my Employment Agreement, attached hereto as Exhibit A, and any other written agreements I entered into with the Company pertaining to patents, confidential information, trade secrets, and the like shall remain in full force and effect and are incorporated into this Agreement.

 

f.           Nonsolicit and Noncompete: In consideration of the benefits provided herein, I agree to abide by the restrictions set forth in (i) and (ii) below:

 

(i)           For a period of eighteen (18) months following my Retirement Date, I will not, without the prior written consent of the Company, directly or indirectly: (1) solicit or encourage any employee or consultant of the Company or any of its parent, subsidiary, or affiliated entities to terminate his/her employment or contractual relationship or accept any other employment; or (2) provide any information regarding any employee or consultant of the Company or any of its parent, subsidiary, or affiliated entities, and any predecessor thereto, to any person, including, but not limited to recruiters and prospective employers.

 

  

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(ii)          For the period I am receiving any payment under this Agreement, I will not compete with the business of the Company or any of its parent, subsidiary, or affiliated entities, directly or indirectly, including without limitation managing, being employed by, controlling, or operating any competing business.

g.           Remedies for Breach of Sections 7.e. and 7.f.:  In addition to any other remedies or relief that may be available, I agree that the minimum damages for each breach of Section 7.e. or 7.f. will be a liquidated sum equal to the attorneys’ fees each Released Party incurs as a result of the breach, which is a reasonable estimate of the value of the time the Released Party is likely to have to spend seeking a remedy for the breach.  I further agree that the Company would be irreparably harmed by any actual or threatened violation of this Agreement that involves disclosures or disclosure or use of confidential information or trade secrets or solicitation of employees, customers, or suppliers, and that the Company would be entitled to an injunction prohibiting me from committing any such violation.

h.           False Claims Representations and Promises: I have disclosed to the Company any information, including electronically stored information and documents, I have concerning any conduct involving the Company or any parent, subsidiary, or affiliated entity that I have any reason to believe may be unlawful or that involves any false claims to the United States.  I promise to cooperate fully in any investigation the Company or any affiliate undertakes into matters occurring during my employment with the Company or any affiliate.  I understand that nothing in this Agreement prevents me from cooperating with any U.S. government investigation.  In addition, to the fullest extent permitted by law, I hereby irrevocably assign to the U.S. government any right I might have to any proceeds or awards in connection with any false claims proceedings against the Company or any parent, subsidiary, or affiliated entity.

i.           My Representations:  All of the representations I am making in this Agreement are true.  If I initially did not think any representation I am making in this Agreement was true or if I initially was uncomfortable making it, I resolved all my doubts and concerns before signing this Agreement.

j.           Non-Disparagement:  To the extent permitted by law, I agree that I will not provide information or make any statement to the “media” (or any representative of the media) regarding the Company or any Released Party that criticizes, denigrates, or otherwise disparages the Company or any other Released Party.  The term “media” includes but is not limited to radio, television, film, internet, and social media such as Twitter and Facebook.  I further agree that I will not make any written, oral or electronic statement, or cause anyone else to make any such statement, to anyone that criticizes, denigrates, or otherwise disparages the Company or any other Released Party, or that impairs the goodwill, reputation, or business of the Company or the Released Parties.  This Section does not in any way interfere with my right and responsibility to give truthful testimony under oath or to any government agency.

 

8.             Arbitration of Disputes:  The Parties agree to resolve any disputes they may have with each other through final and binding arbitration before JAMS in Sacramento, California, pursuant to its employment dispute resolution rules.  The parties will select an arbitrator by alternately striking from the list of retired judges who are employment arbitrators provided by JAMS for Northern California, in the absence of mutual agreement on an arbitrator.  The prevailing party is entitled to recover its attorneys’ fees and costs.  This agreement to arbitrate does not apply to government agency proceedings.

 

  

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9.             Disputes:  The prevailing party in any dispute arising out of this Agreement will be entitled to recover from the other party all reasonable attorneys’ fees and related costs and expenses incurred in the prosecution or defense of such dispute or claim.

 

10.           No Admission of Wrongdoing by Any Party:  This Agreement is not an admission of wrongdoing by the Company or any other Released Party, nor is it an admission of any wrongdoing by me.

 

11.           Binding on Heirs, Executors, Successors, and Assigns:  This Agreement will be binding upon me and upon the Company, and upon our respective heirs, executors, successors, and assigns.

 

12.           Governing Law, Jurisdiction, and Venue:  This Agreement will be governed by and construed according to federal law and the laws of the State of California applicable to contracts made and to be performed entirely within California.  Exclusive jurisdiction and venue for any dispute, claim, or action related to this Agreement shall be in Sacramento County, California, except as otherwise provided in Exhibit B.

 

13.           Severability:  If an arbitrator, court or other binding legal authority finds that any provision in this Agreement is invalid, the invalidity will not affect other provisions or applications of the Agreement which can be given effect without the invalid provisions or applications.

 

14.           Entire Agreement:  This Agreement is the entire agreement relating to any Claims or future rights that I might have with respect to the Company and the Released Parties.  This Agreement supersedes any prior agreements, understandings, obligations, or representations between the Parties, oral or otherwise, pertaining to the subject matter of this Agreement; all such prior agreements, understandings, obligations, or representations are null and void except the following shall remain in full force and effect, and I will continue to be bound by their terms:  Section 8 (Confidentiality Agreement and Assignment of Intellectual Property) of my Employment Agreement; any other continuing obligation that I have under my Employment Agreement, except as otherwise expressly superseded by the terms of this Agreement; and the Company’s benefits plans and policies on Business Conduct and Conflict of Interest.  This Agreement only may be amended or terminated by a written agreement signed by me and by the Company’s Chief Executive Officer on the Company’s behalf.

 

15.           Knowing and Voluntary Agreement and Consideration of Release; Waiver of Rights under the Age Discrimination in Employment Act:  I acknowledge that, before signing this Agreement, I was given at least twenty-one (21) days in which to consider this Agreement.  I waive any right I might have to additional time within which to consider this Agreement.  I further acknowledge that:  (i) I took advantage of the time I was given to consider this Agreement before signing it; (ii) I carefully read this Agreement; (iii) I fully understand all of its terms; (iv) I am knowingly and voluntarily entering into this Agreement (i.e., free from fraud, duress, coercion, or mistake of fact); (v) I am receiving valuable consideration in exchange for my execution of this Agreement that I would not otherwise be entitled to receive; and (vi) the Company, in writing, encouraged me to discuss this Agreement with my attorney (at my own expense) before signing it, I had an adequate opportunity to do so, and I did so to the extent I deemed appropriate.  I understand that I am not waiving any claim under the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967 based upon any act that occurs (or failure to act that occurs) after the date this Agreement is signed by me.

 

  

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16.           Notices:  I will send any notices or other written documents required by this Agreement to Elizabeth Zacharias, VP, Human Resources, Aerojet Rocketdyne, Inc., 2001 Aerojet Road, Building 20-019, Rancho Cordova, CA 95742-6418 (or its then-current address listed in public records if it has moved from this address).  The Company will send any notices or other written documents required by this Agreement to me at the address I have written below my signature on this Agreement.

 

17.           Effective Date:  This Agreement will become effective on the eighth day after the date that I sign it.

 

 

	
TO SCOTT J. SEYMOUR:  TAKE THIS AGREEMENT HOME, READ IT, AND CAREFULLY CONSIDER ALL OF ITS PROVISIONS BEFORE SIGNING IT.  IT INCLUDES A RELEASE OF KNOWN AND UNKNOWN CLAIMS, AND ITS ARBITRATION-OF-CLAIMS REQUIREMENT WAIVES YOUR RIGHT TO A JURY TRIAL.  IF YOU WISH, YOU SHOULD CONSULT YOUR ATTORNEY.  YOU SHOULD TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE FULL 21-DAY PERIOD YOU ARE BEING GIVEN TO CONSIDER THIS AGREEMENT.

 

YOU MAY REVOKE THIS AGREEMENT IF YOU REGRET HAVING SIGNED IT.  TO DO SO, YOU MUST DELIVER A WRITTEN NOTICE OF REVOCATION TO ELIZABETH ZACHARIAS, VP, HUMAN RESOURCES, AEROJET ROCKETDYNE, INC., BUILDING 20-019, SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA, NO LATER THAN THE END OF THE SEVENTH CALENDAR DAY AFTER THE DATE ON WHICH YOU SIGNED IT.  IF YOU REVOKE THIS AGREEMENT, IT WILL NOT GO INTO EFFECT AND YOU WILL NOT RECEIVE THE SEPARATION BENEFITS DESCRIBED IN IT.

 

JULY 9, 2015 IS THE DEADLINE FOR YOU TO DELIVER A SIGNED COPY OF THIS AGREEMENT TO ELIZABETH ZACHARIAS AT THE ABOVE ADDRESS.  IF YOU FAIL TO DO SO, YOU WILL NOT RECEIVE THE SEPARATION BENEFITS DESCRIBED IN IT.

  

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ACCEPTED AND AGREED TO

BY EMPLOYEE:

	  	  	
ACCEPTED AND AGREED TO

BY THE COMPANY:

	  
	  	  	  	  	  	  
	  	
I have read, do understand and voluntarily agree to the provisions of this Agreement.

	  	  	
I have read, do understand and voluntarily agree to the provisions of this Agreement.  I am authorized to sign this Agreement on behalf of the Company.

	  
	  	

/s/ S J Seymour

	  	  	  	  
	  	
Signature of Employee

	  	  	  	  
	  	  	  	  	

/s/ Elizabeth Zacharias

	  
	  	

S J Seymour

	  	  	
Signature of Company

	  
	  	
Print Name of Employee

	  	  	  	  
	  	  	  	  	  	  
	  	
Address:

	

920 Kings Rd

	  	  	
Elizabeth Zacharias, Vice President Human Resources

	  
	  	  	  	  	 	  
	  	

New Port Beach, CA 92663

	  	  	  	  
	  	  	  	  	

07/01/15

	  
	  	

6/29/15

	  	  	
Date of Signature

	  
	  	
Date of Employee’s Signature

 

	  	  	  	  

 

 

  

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RE-EXECUTION OF AGREEMENT AFTER CLOSE OF BUSINESS ON DECEMBER 31, 2015 – LAST DAY OF SERVICES UNDER TRANSITION AGREEMENT

 

	
TO SCOTT J. SEYMOUR:  YOU MUST RE-EXECUTE THIS AGREEMENT BETWEEN JANUARY 1 AND 21, 2016 TO RECEIVE THE CONSIDERATION SET FORTH IN SECTION 3 THAT ONLY IS ONLY AWARDED IF YOU RE-EXECUTE THIS AGREEMENT.  YOU MUST FILE YOUR RE-EXECUTED AGREEMENT WITH ELIZABETH ZACHARIAS AT THE ADDRESS SHOWN IN SECTION 16 BY THE CLOSE OF BUSINESS ON JANUARY 21, 2016.

 

YOU MAY REVOKE YOUR RE-EXECUTION OF THIS AGREEMENT IF YOU REGRET HAVING RE-EXECUTED IT.  YOU MUST DELIVER YOUR WRITTEN NOTICE OF REVOCATION TO ELIZABETH ZACHARIAS AT THE ADDRESS SHOWN IN SECTION 16 BEFORE THE EIGHTH DAY AFTER YOUR RE-EXECUTION.  IF YOU REVOKE YOUR RE-EXECUTION, THE ORIGINAL AGREEMENT WILL REMAIN IN EFFECT, BUT YOU WILL NOT RECEIVE THE CONSIDERATION SET FORTH IN SECTION 3.

 

I, Scott J. Seymour, agree as follows:

1.  I am not owed any compensation for work performed, including wages, other compensation, paid time off, vacation pay, benefits, bonuses, or business expenses.

2.  I certify that I have returned to the Company all of its property of any kind.  This includes, without limitation, (i) both the originals and all copies of electronic and printed records, reports, and documents, whether created by Me or others; (ii) all handwritten notes I took or maintain regarding meetings with any Company officer, employee, customer or prospect; (iii) computers, computer software, equipment, keys, badges, mobile or smartphones, telephones, personal digital devices, and memory devices; (iv) all documents and information belonging to or relating to the former officers for whom I worked; and (v) any other materials or personal property belonging to the Company that I had in my possession or control.  I have cleared all expense accounts and have repaid everything that I owe the Company including, but not limited to, employee loans and all money I personally owe on any Company-provided credit cards or accounts (such as cell phone accounts).

 

//

//

 

  

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3.  My re-execution of this Agreement updates this Agreement to waive (i) any Claims against the Released Parties that might have accrued after I first executed this Agreement and (ii) any claims I might have under the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA) that might have accrued after I first executed this Agreement.

 

 

	  	
ACCEPTED AND AGREED TO

BY EMPLOYEE:

	  	  	
ACCEPTED AND AGREED TO

BY THE COMPANY:

	  
	  	  	  	  	  	  
	  	
I have read, do understand and voluntarily agree to the provisions of this Agreement.

	  	  	
I have read, do understand and voluntarily agree to the provisions of this Agreement.  I am authorized to sign this Agreement on behalf of the Company.

	  
	  	

 

	  	  	  	  
	  	
Signature of Employee

	  	  	  	  
	  	  	  	  	

 

	  
	  	

 

	  	  	
Signature of Company

	  
	  	
Print Name of Employee

	  	  	  	  
	  	  	  	  	  	  
	  	
Address:

	

 

	  	  	
Elizabeth Zacharias, Vice President Human Resources

	  
	  	  	  	  	 	  
	  	

 

	  	  	  	  
	  	  	  	  	

 

	  
	  	

 

	  	  	
Date of Signature

	  
	  	
Date of Employee’s Signature

 

	  	  	  	  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

12

  

 

Exhibit A

 

  

  

  

 

Exhibit 10.1

 

Execution Copy

 

 

EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT

 

This EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT (the “Agreement”) is entered into as of January 6, 2010 (the “Effective Date”), by and between GenCorp Inc. (“GenCorp” or the “Company), having its principal place of business at Highway 50 and Aerojet Road, Rancho Cordova, California 95742 and Scott Seymour  (“Executive”, and the Company and the Executive collectively referred to herein as the “Parties”).

 

W I T N E S S E T H:

 

WHEREAS, the Company desires to hire Executive and to employ him as the Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) of the Company, and the Parties desire to enter into this Agreement embodying the terms of such employment;

 

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and the mutual covenants and promises of the Parties contained herein, the Parties, intending to be legally bound, hereby agree as follows:

 

1.      Title and Job Duties.

 

(a)           Subject to the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement, the Company agrees to employ Executive as CEO.  In this capacity, Executive shall have the duties, authorities and responsibilities commensurate with the duties, authorities and responsibilities of persons in similar capacities in similarly sized companies, and such other duties, authorities and responsibilities as the Board of Directors of the Company (the “Board”) shall designate from time to time that are not inconsistent with the Executive’s position as CEO. Executive shall report directly to the Board and the Chairman of the Board.  All employees of the Company shall report directly to Executive or his designee.

 

(b)           Executive accepts such employment and agrees, during the term of his employment, to devote his full business and professional time and energy to the Company.  Executive agrees to carry out and abide by all lawful directions of the Board and the Chairman of the Board that are consistent with his position as Chief Executive Officer.

 

(c)           Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, Executive shall not, without the written approval of the Company, render services of a business or commercial nature on his own behalf or on behalf of any other person, firm, or corporation, whether for compensation or otherwise, during his employment hereunder, provided that the foregoing shall not prevent the Executive from (i) serving on the boards of directors of non-profit organizations and, with the prior written approval of the Board, other for profit companies, (ii) participating in charitable, civic, educational, professional, community or industry affairs, and (iii) managing Executive’s passive personal investments so long as such activities in the aggregate do not materially interfere or conflict with Executive’s duties hereunder or create a potential business or fiduciary conflict.

 

(d)           Executive may own passive investments in Competing Businesses, defined below, (including, but not limited to, indirect investments through mutual funds), provided the securities of the Competing Business are publicly traded and Executive does not own or control more than one percent (1%) of the outstanding voting rights or equity of the Competing Business.  “Competing Business” means any corporation, partnership, limited liability company, university, government agency or other entity or person (other than the Company) which is engaged in the development, manufacture, marketing, distribution or sale of, or research directed to aerospace and defense systems and in the Eastern Sacramento area, real estate development.

 

 

 

 

 

2.      Salary and Additional Compensation.

 

(a)           Base Salary.  The Company shall pay to Executive an annual base salary of $550,000, less applicable withholdings and deductions, in accordance with the Company’s normal payroll procedures.  The Board may increase the Executive’s annual base salary from time to time in its sole and absolute discretion.

 

(b)          Bonus.  Executive shall be eligible for an annual bonus based on a target opportunity up to one-hundred and twenty-five percent (125%) of Executive’s annual Base Salary (“Target Bonus”), pursuant to the Company’s Annual Incentive Plan which shall be adopted annually by the Board.

 

(c)           Restricted Shares.  On the Effective Date, the Company shall grant to Executive 120,000 shares of the Company’s restricted common stock (“Restricted Shares”), pursuant to the GenCorp Inc. 2009 Equity and Performance Incentive Plan (the “Plan”) pursuant to terms and conditions of the Plan, this Agreement and the restricted stock award agreement attached hereto as Exhibit A (the “Restricted Stock Award Agreement”), which Restricted Shares shall vest according to the following schedule: Thirty-three percent (33%) of the Restricted Shares shall vest on the first anniversary of the Effective Date, thirty-three percent (33%) of the Restricted Shares shall vest on the second anniversary of the Effective Date, and thirty-three percent (33%) of the Restricted Shares shall vest on the third anniversary of the Effective Date.  The Company may make additional grants to Executive throughout the Term of this Agreement.

 

(d)           Options.  On the Effective Date, the Company shall grant to Executive an option to purchase 100,000 shares of the Company’s common stock (“Options”) under the Plan, pursuant to terms and conditions of the Plan, this Agreement and the stock option award agreement attached hereto as Exhibit B (the “Stock Option Agreement”), which Options shall be granted at the Fair Market Value (as such term is defined in the Plan) on the Effective Date and shall vest according to the following schedule: Thirty-three percent (33%) of the Options shall vest on the first anniversary of the Effective Date, thirty-three percent (33%) of the Options shall vest on the second anniversary of the Effective Date, and thirty-three percent (33%) of the Options shall vest on the third anniversary of the Effective Date.  

 

(e)           Future Equity Awards.  The Executive shall be eligible to participate in future grants pursuant to the Plan and other Company performance incentive plans extended to senior executives of the Company generally, at levels commensurate with Executive’s position.

 

 

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3.      Expenses.  In accordance with Company policy, the Company shall reimburse Executive for all reasonable business expenses properly and reasonably incurred and paid by Executive in the performance of his duties under this Agreement upon his presentment of detailed receipts in the form required by the Company’s policy.

 

4.      Benefits.

 

(a)           Vacation.  Executive shall be entitled to vacation in accordance with the Company’s standard vacation policy extended to senior executives of the Company generally, at levels commensurate with Executive’s position.

 

(b)           Health Insurance and Other Plans.  Executive shall be eligible to participate in the Company’s medical, dental, long term incentive plan, and other employee benefit programs, if any, that are provided by the Company for its employees generally, at levels commensurate with Executive’s position, in accordance with the provisions of any such plans, as the same may be in effect from time to time.

 

5.      Term.  The terms set forth in this Agreement will commence on the Effective Date hereof and shall remain in effect for five (5) years except as otherwise provided herein.

 

6.      Termination.

 

(a)           Termination at the Company’s Election.

 

(i)   For Cause.  At the election of the Company, Executive’s employment may be terminated for Cause (as defined below) upon written notice to Executive pursuant to Section 11 of this Agreement.  For purposes of this Agreement, “Cause” for termination shall mean that Executive: (A) pleads “guilty” or “no contest” to or is indicted for or convicted a felony under federal or state law or as a crime under federal or state law which involves Executive’s fraud or dishonesty; (B) in carrying out his duties, engages in conduct that constitutes gross negligence or willful misconduct; (C) fails to reasonably perform the responsibilities of his position (such reasonable performance shall be evaluated based on effort); (D) engages in misconduct that causes material harm to the reputation of the Company; or (E) materially breaches any term of this Agreement or written policy of the Company, provided that if the Company provides written notice of Cause pursuant to (C) through (E), the Executive shall be given thirty (30) days from the date of such written notice to cure such conduct.

 

(ii)     Upon Disability, Death or Without Cause.  At the election of the Company, Executive’s employment may be terminated without Cause: (A) should Executive become physically or mentally unable to perform his duties for the Company hereunder and such incapacity has continued for a total of ninety (90) consecutive days or any one hundred eighty (180) days in a period of three hundred sixty-five (365) consecutive days (a “Disability”); (B) upon Executive’s death (“Death”); or (C) upon thirty (30) days’ written notice for any other reason.

 

 

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(b)           Termination at Executive’s Election.

 

(i)           For Good Reason.  At Executive’s election, Executive’s employment may be terminated for Good Reason (as defined below) by providing notice to the Company pursuant to Section 11 of this Agreement.  For purposes of this Agreement, “Good Reason” shall be deemed to exist if the following actions occur without Executive’s consent: (A) a material diminution in Executive’s Base Salary; (B) a material diminution in Executive’s authority, duties or responsibilities under this Agreement, provided that removal of Executive as a director of the Board shall not constitute a material diminution in Executive’s authority, duties or responsibilities under this Agreement; or (C) any other action or inaction that constitutes a material breach of the terms of this Agreement by the Company.  In the event any of the occurrences in (A) through (C) above have occurred, the Company shall be given written notice by Executive of Executive’s intention to so terminate Executive’s employment, such notice: (i) to state in detail the particular acts or failures to act that constitute the grounds on which the proposed termination for Good Reason is based, (ii)  to be given within sixty (60) days after the first occurrence of such acts or failures to act, and (iii) the Company shall have thirty (30) days following receipt of such notice to cure such acts or failures to act in all material respects.  If the Company has not cured such acts or failures to act within the thirty (30) day cure period, then the Executive’s employment shall be immediately terminated for Good Reason.

 

(ii)          Voluntary Resignation.  Notwithstanding anything contained elsewhere in this Agreement to the contrary, Executive may terminate his employment hereunder at any time and for any reason whatsoever or for no reason at all in Executive’s sole discretion by giving thirty (30) days written notice pursuant to Section 11 of this Agreement.

 

7.      Payments Upon Termination of Employment.

 

(a)           Termination for Cause or Resignation Without Good Reason.  If, prior to the expiration of the Term, the Executive’s employment is terminated by the Company for “Cause” or if the Executive resigns from his employment hereunder other than for “Good Reason”, the Executive shall be entitled to the following amounts only: (A) payment of his Base Salary accrued up to and including the date of termination or resignation within thirty (30) days following termination, (B) payment in lieu of any accrued but unused vacation time, in accordance with the Company’s vacation policy, and (C) payment of any unreimbursed expenses in accordance with the Company’s business reimbursement policy, and (D) payments and benefits under any Company benefit plan, program or policy that Executive participated in during employment and paid pursuant to the terms of such plan, program and policy (collectively, the “Accrued Obligations”).

 

(b)           Termination for Reasons other than Cause or Voluntary Resignation.  If Executive’s employment is terminated, at his or the Company’s election at any time due to his Death or Disability, or for reasons other than Cause or Voluntary Resignation and Section 7(c) is not applicable at the time of Executive’s termination of employment, Executive shall be entitled to receive the Accrued Obligations and severance payments and benefits equal to the following: (i) subject to Section 18, one (1) year of Executive’s Base Salary paid in installments (the “Severance Payment”); (ii) subject to Section 18, a bonus payment, which shall be based upon the amount of the previous year’s bonus, prorated based on the number of months of the year that Executive worked for the Company prior to the termination paid in a lump sum (the “Bonus payment”); (iii) immediate vesting of any Restricted Shares that are scheduled to vest, pursuant to Section 2(c), within one year of the date of termination of employment; (iv) immediate vesting of any Options that are scheduled to vest, pursuant to Section 2(d), within one year of the date of termination of employment, provided that Executive may exercise vested Options until the earlier of (y) twelve (12) months following termination of employment and (z) the scheduled expiration of the Options (“Post Termination Exercise Period”);  and (v) bonuses earned but unpaid with respect to the fiscal year ending on or preceding the date of termination pursuant to Company’s Annual Incentive Plan (“Accrued Bonus”), provided, that Executive shall only receive the payment of Section 7(b)(ii) if Executive’s termination occurs on or after the first anniversary of the Effective Date.  Payment of the Base Salary component of Executive’s severance shall be made on regular paydays.  Subject to Executive’s execution and delivery of a general release (that is no longer subject to revocation under applicable law) of the Company, its parents, subsidiaries and affiliates and each of its officers, directors, employees, agents, successors and assigns in the form attached hereto as Exhibit C (the “General Release”) all payments and/or grants under this Section 7(b) shall begin within sixty (60) days following termination of employment provided, that the first payment for severance payments described in Section 7(b)(i) shall include payment of any amounts otherwise due as of the date of termination, provided, further that if Executive’s employment terminates due to Death or Disability, Executive (or his legal representative or estate) shall not be required to execute and deliver the General Release in order to receive severance payments and benefits provided in this Section 7(b).

 

 

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(c)           Termination in Connection of a Change in Control.  Notwithstanding Section 7(b) above, if Executive’s employment is terminated by the Company without Cause (excluding due to a Death or Disability) or by Executive for Good Reason within two (2) years following a Change in Control (as defined in the Plan) then Executive shall be entitled to the following payments and benefits: (i) the Accrued Obligations; (ii) subject to Section 18, a severance payment equal to two (2) times the sum of (y) Executive’s Base Salary and (z) Target Bonus, paid in a lump sum (the the “Change in Control Severance Payment”); (iii) to the extent unvested at the time of Executive’s termination of employment, immediate full vesting of the Restricted Shares; (iv) to the extent unvested at the time of Executive’s termination of employment immediate full vesting of the unvested Options, provided, that Executive may exercise vested Options during the Post-Termination Exercise Period; and (v) the Accrued Bonus, if any.  Subject to Executive’s execution and delivery of the General Release (provide, that such General Release was not previously executed and delivered), all payments and/or grants under this Section 7(c) shall begin within (60) days following termination of employment or, if applicable, upon the consummation of a Change in Control.

 

(d)           Termination of the Term.  If Executive’s employment terminates on the expiration of the Term as provided in Section 5, then Executive shall be entitled to the Accrued Obligations and the Accrued Bonus, if any.

 

(e)           No Mitigation; No Set-Off.  The Company’s obligation to pay Executive the amounts provided and to make the arrangements provided hereunder shall not be subject to set-off, counterclaim or recoupment of amounts owed by Executive to the Company or its affiliates.  Executive shall not be required to mitigate the amount of any payment provided for pursuant to this Agreement by seeking other employment, and no amounts otherwise earned shall be set–off against the amounts due hereunder.

 

 

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8.      Confidentiality Agreement and Assignment of Intellectual Property.

 

(a)           Executive understands that during the Term, he may have access to unpublished and otherwise confidential information both of a technical and non-technical nature, relating to the business of the Company and any of its parents, subsidiaries, divisions, affiliates (collectively, “Affiliated Entities”), or clients, including without limitation any of their actual or anticipated business, research or development, any of their technology or the implementation or exploitation thereof, including without limitation information Executive and others have collected, obtained or created, information pertaining to clients, accounts, vendors, prices, costs, materials, processes, codes, material results, technology, system designs, system specifications, materials of construction, trade secrets and equipment designs, including information disclosed to the Company by others under agreements to hold such information confidential (collectively, the “Confidential Information”).  Executive agrees to observe all Company policies and procedures concerning such Confidential Information.  Executive further agrees not to disclose or use, either during his employment or at any time thereafter, any Confidential Information for any purpose, including without limitation any competitive purpose, unless authorized to do so by the Company in writing, except that he may disclose and use such information in the good faith performance of his duties for the Company.  Executive’s obligations under this Agreement will continue with respect to Confidential Information, whether or not his employment is terminated, until such information becomes generally available from public sources through no fault of Executive or any representative of Executive.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, however, Executive shall be permitted to disclose Confidential Information as may be required by a subpoena or other governmental order, provided that he first notifies the Company of such subpoena, order or other requirement and such that the Company has the opportunity to obtain a protective order or other appropriate remedy.

 

(b)           During Executive’s employment, upon the Company’s request, or upon the termination of his employment for any reason, Executive will promptly deliver to the Company all documents, records, files, notebooks, manuals, letters, notes, reports, customer and supplier lists, cost and profit data, e-mail, apparatus, computers, blackberries or other PDAs, hardware, software, drawings, blueprints, and any other material of the Company or any of its Affiliated Entities or clients, including all materials pertaining to Confidential Information developed by Executive or others, and all copies of such materials, whether of a technical, business or fiscal nature, whether on the hard drive of a laptop or desktop computer, in hard copy, disk or any other format, which are in his possession, custody or control.  Executive may retain the Executive’s rolodex and similar address books, provided, that such items only include contact information.

 

(c)           Executive will promptly disclose to the Company any idea, invention, discovery or improvement, whether patentable or not (“Creations”), conceived or made by him alone or with others at any time during his employment.  Executive agrees that the Company owns any such Creations, conceived or made by Executive alone or with others at any time during his employment, and Executive hereby assigns and agrees to assign to the Company all rights he has or may acquire therein and agrees to execute any and all applications, assignments and other instruments relating thereto which the Company deems necessary or desirable.  These obligations shall continue beyond the termination of his employment with respect to Creations and derivatives of such Creations conceived or made during his employment with the Company.  The Company and Executive understand that the obligation to assign Creations to the Company shall not apply to any Creation which is developed entirely on his own time without using any of the Company’s equipment, supplies, facilities, and/or Confidential Information unless such Creation (a) relates in any way to the business or to the current or anticipated research or development of the Company or any of its Affiliated Entities; or (b) results in any way from his work at the Company.

 

 

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(d)           Executive will not assert any rights to any invention, discovery, idea or improvement relating to the business of the Company or any of its Affiliated Entities or to his duties hereunder as having been made or acquired by Executive prior to his work for the Company, except for the matters, if any, described in Exhibit D to this Agreement.

 

(e)           During the Term, if Executive incorporates into a product or process of the Company or any of its Affiliated Entities anything listed or described in Exhibit D, the Company is hereby granted and shall have a non-exclusive, royalty-free, irrevocable, perpetual, worldwide license (with the right to grant and authorize sublicenses) to make, have made, modify, use, sell, offer to sell, import, reproduce, distribute, publish, prepare derivative works of, display, perform publicly and by means of digital audio transmission and otherwise exploit as part of or in connection with any product, process or machine.

 

(f)           Executive agrees to cooperate fully with the Company, both during and after his employment with the Company, with respect to the procurement, maintenance and enforcement of copyrights, patents, trademarks and other intellectual property rights (both in the United States and foreign countries) relating to such Creations.  Executive shall sign all papers, including, without limitation, copyright applications, patent applications, declarations, oaths, formal assignments, assignments of priority rights and powers of attorney, which the Company may deem necessary or desirable in order to protect its rights and interests in any Creations.  Executive further agrees that if the Company is unable, after reasonable effort, to secure Executive’s signature on any such papers, any officer of the Company shall be entitled to execute such papers as his agent and attorney-in-fact and Executive hereby irrevocably designates and appoints each officer of the Company as his agent and attorney-in-fact to execute any such papers on his behalf and to take any and all actions as the Company may deem necessary or desirable in order to protect its rights and interests in any Creations, under the conditions described in this paragraph.

 

9.      Legal Fees.  The Company shall pay directly to Executive’s legal counsel or reimburse Executive for up to $15,000 for legal fees incurred by Executive relating to negotiating, drafting and execution of this Agreement and any related equity award agreements.

 

10.     Representation and Warranty.  Executive represents and warrants to the Company that he is not subject to any agreement restricting his ability to enter into this Agreement and fully carry out his duties and responsibilities hereunder.  To the extent that Executive continues to be bound by confidentiality, non-disparagement obligations with regard to his former employer, the Company and Executive agree that neither shall require Executive to disclose any confidential information of any prior employer of Executive or misappropriate any intellectual property belonging to any other person or entity during the Term.

 

 

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11.     Notice.  Any notice or other communication required or permitted to be given to the Parties shall be deemed to have been given if personally delivered, if sent by nationally recognized overnight courier or if mailed by certified or registered mail, return receipt requested, first class postage prepaid, and addressed as follows:

 

	
(a)

	
If to Executive, to:

	  	
the address shown on the records of the Company.

	  	  
	
(b)

	
If to the Company, to:

	  	
GenCorp Inc.

	  	
Highway 50 and Aerojet Road

	  	
Rancho Cordova, California 95742

	  	
Attention: Chairman of the Board

	  	  
	  	
with a copy to:

	  	
Olshan Grundman Frome Rosenzweig & Wolosky LLP

	  	
65 East 55th Street

	  	
New York, New York 10022

	  	
Attention: Jeffrey S. Spindler, Esq.

 

12.     Severability.  If any provision of this Agreement is declared void or unenforceable by a court of competent jurisdiction, all other provisions shall nonetheless remain in full force and effect.

 

13.     Governing Law and Arbitration.  This Agreement shall be governed by, and construed and enforced in accordance with, the laws of the State of California, without regard to the conflict of laws provisions thereof.  Any action, suit or other legal proceeding which is commenced to resolve any matter arising under or relating to any provision of this Agreement shall be submitted to final and binding arbitration pursuant to the Employment Arbitration Rules of the American Arbitration Association before a single arbitrator, who is agreed upon by the Parties, and who is a retired state or federal court judge.  The arbitration shall take place in Sacramento, California.  The arbitrator will have the authority to permit discovery and to follow the procedures that he or she determines to be appropriate.  The arbitrator will have no power to award consequential (including lost profits), punitive or exemplary damages.  Such submission to arbitrate shall be the sole and exclusive remedy available to Executive or the Company.  The filing Party shall bear filing fees for the arbitration and each Party shall bear its own legal fees and costs resulting from the arbitration.  The judgment on the award rendered by the arbitrator shall be binding upon the Parties and may be entered in any court having jurisdiction thereof.  Neither party may seek judicial review of the decision imposed by the arbitrator.

 

14.     Indemnification and Liability Insurance.  The Company shall indemnify Executive and provide Executive with liability insurance pursuant to the terms of the Amended Code of Regulations of GenCorp Inc., Amended as of March 28, 2007, or, if the terms of the Amended Code of Regulations of Gencorp Inc. are no longer in effect, then pursuant to the terms then in effect for directors and officers of the Company.

 

 

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15.     Waiver.  The waiver by either Party of a breach of any provision of this Agreement shall not be or be construed as a waiver of any subsequent breach.  The failure of a Party to insist upon strict adherence to any provision of this Agreement on one or more occasions shall not be considered a waiver or deprive that Party of the right thereafter to insist upon strict adherence to that provision or any other provision of this Agreement.  Any waiver must be in writing.

 

16.     Assignment.  This Agreement is a personal contract and Executive may not sell, transfer, assign, pledge or hypothecate his rights, interests and obligations hereunder.  Except as otherwise herein expressly provided, this Agreement shall be binding upon and shall inure to the benefit of Executive and his personal representatives and shall inure to the benefit of and be binding upon the Company and its successors and assigns, except that the Company may not assign this Agreement without the Executive's prior written consent, except to an acquirer of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company other than the real estate assets and upon written assumption of the obligations of this Agreement.

 

17.     Entire Agreement.  This Agreement (together with the Exhibits attached hereto) embodies all of the representations, warranties, and agreements between the Parties relating to Executive’s employment with the Company.  No other representations, warranties, covenants, understandings, or agreements exist between the Parties relating to Executive’s employment.  This Agreement shall supersede all prior agreements, written or oral, relating to Executive’s employment.  This Agreement may not be amended or modified except by a writing signed by the Parties.

 

18.     Code Section 409A Compliance.

 

(a)           The intent of the parties is that payments and benefits under this Agreement comply with, or be exempt from, Internal Revenue Code (“Code”) Section 409A and the regulations and guidance promulgated thereunder (collectively “Code Section 409A”) and, accordingly, to the maximum extent permitted, this Agreement shall be interpreted to be in compliance therewith.  If the Executive notifies the Company (with specificity as to the reason therefore) that the Executive believes that as a result of subsequent published guidance issued by the I.R.S. upon which taxpayers generally rely, any provision of this Agreement (or of any award of compensation, including equity compensation or benefits) would cause Executive to incur any additional tax or interest under Code Section 409A and the Company concurs with such belief or the Company independently makes such determination, the Company shall, after consulting with the Executive, reform such provision to try to comply with Code Section 409A through good faith modifications to the minimum extent reasonably appropriate to conform with Code Section 409A.  To the extent that any provision hereof is modified in order to comply with Code Section 409A, such modification shall be made in good faith and shall, to the maximum extent reasonably possible, maintain the original intent and economic benefit to the Executive and the Company and is tax neutral to the Company of the applicable provision without violating the provisions of Code Section 409A.

 

 

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(b)           A termination of employment shall not be deemed to have occurred for purposes of any provision of this Agreement providing for the payment of any amounts or benefits upon or following a termination of employment that are considered “nonqualified deferred compensation” under Code Section 409A unless such termination is also a “separation from service” within the meaning of Code Section 409A and, for purposes of any such provision of this Agreement, references to a “termination,” “termination of employment” or like terms shall mean “separation from service.”  If the Executive is deemed on the date of termination to be a “specified employee” within the meaning of that term under Code Section 409A(a)(2)(B), then with regard to any payment that is considered non-qualified deferred compensation under Code Section 409A payable on account of a “separation from service,” such payment or benefit shall be made or provided at the date which is the earlier of (A) the expiration of the six (6)-month period measured from the date of such “separation from service” of the Executive, and (B) thirty (30) days from the date of the Executive’s death (the “Delay Period”).  Upon the expiration of the Delay Period, all payments and benefits delayed pursuant to this Section 26 (whether they would have otherwise been payable in a single sum or in installments in the absence of such delay) shall be paid or reimbursed to the Executive in a lump sum with interest at the prime rate as published in The Wall Street Journal on the first business day of the Delay Period, and any remaining payments and benefits due under this Agreement shall be paid or provided in accordance with the normal payment dates specified for them herein.

 

(c)           With regard to any provision herein that provides for reimbursement of costs and expenses or in-kind benefits, except as permitted by Code Section 409A, (i) the right to reimbursement or in-kind benefits shall not be subject to liquidation or exchange for another benefit, (ii) the amount of expenses eligible for reimbursement, or in-kind benefits, provided during any taxable year shall not affect the expenses eligible for reimbursement, or in-kind benefits to be provided, in any other taxable year, provided that the foregoing clause (ii) shall not be violated without regard to expenses reimbursed under any arrangement covered by Internal Revenue Code Section 105(b) solely because such expenses are subject to a limit related to the period the arrangement is in effect and (iii) such payments shall be made on or before the last day of Executive’s taxable year following the taxable year in which the expense occurred.  Any tax gross-up payment as provided herein shall be made in any event no later than the end of the calendar year immediately following the calendar year in which the Executive remits the related taxes, and any reimbursement of expenses incurred due to a tax audit or litigation shall be made no later than the end of the calendar year immediately following the calendar year in which the taxes that are the subject of the audit or litigation are remitted to the taxing authority, or, if no taxes are to be remitted, the end of the calendar year following the calendar year in which the audit or litigation is completed.

 

(d)           For purposes of Code Section 409A, the Executive’s right to receive any installment payments pursuant to this Agreement shall be treated as a right to receive a series of separate and distinct payments.  Whenever a payment under this Agreement specifies a payment period with reference to a number of days (e.g., “within sixty (60) days following the date of termination”), the actual date of payment within the specified period shall be within the sole discretion of the Company.

 

 

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19.     Limitation on Benefits.  Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Agreement, to the extent that any of the payments and benefits provided for under this Agreement or any other agreement or arrangement between the Company and Executive, or any arrangement or agreement with any person whose actions result in a change of ownership of effective control or a change in ownership of a substantial portion of the assets of the corporation covered by Section 280G(b)(2) (collectively, the "Payments") (i) constitute a "parachute payment" within the meaning of Section 280G of the Code and (ii) but for this Section 19, would be subject to the excise tax imposed by Section 4999 of the Code, then the Payments shall be payable either (i) in full or (ii) as to such lesser amount which would result in no portion of such Payments being subject to excise tax under Section 4999 of the Code; whichever of the foregoing amounts, taking into account the applicable federal, state and local income taxes, payroll taxes and the excise tax imposed by Section 4999, results in Executive's receipt on an after-tax basis, of the greater amount of payment and benefits. Any reduction under clause (ii) of the preceding sentence shall be done first by reducing any cash severance payments with the last payment reduced first; next any equity or equity derivatives that are included at full value rather than accelerated value; next any equity or equity derivatives based on acceleration value shall be reduced with the highest value reduced first.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, to the extent that the Company and Executive agree that it would not violate Code Section 409A or impact the ability of the parties to reduce the amounts receivable, the Executive may prescribe a different order of reduction.  Unless Executive and the Company 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 in 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.  If the limitation set forth in this Section 19 is applied to reduce an amount payable to Executive, and the Internal Revenue Service successfully asserts that, despite the reduction, Executive has nonetheless received payments which are in excess of the maximum amount that could have been paid to Executive without being subjected to any excise tax, then, unless it would be unlawful for the Company to make such a loan or similar extension of credit to Executive, Executive may repay such excess amount to the Company as though such amount constitutes a loan to Executive made at the date of payment of such excess amount, bearing interest at 120% of the applicable federal rate (as determined under section 1274(d) of the Code in respect of such loan), provided that if the recalculation of the higher amount was then redone based on the IRS position and the Executive would net more if no reduction took place, such reduction shall be  cancelled and the full amount paid to Executive in a lump sum within thirty (30) days of the IRS assessment becoming final, unless this proviso would negate the ability to use the reduction if this was not implemented or caused a violation of Code Section 409A, in which case this proviso shall be null and void.

 

[Signature page follows]

 

 

11

 

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties have caused this Agreement to be duly executed and delivered on the date above.

 

 

	  	  	
GENCORP INC.

	  	  	  
	  	  	  
	  	  	  
	  	  	
By:

	

/s/ James R. Henderson

	  	  	  	  	
James R. Henderson

	  	  	  	  	
Chairman of the Board

	  	  	  
	
Agreed to and Accepted:

	  	  
	  	  	  
	  	  	  
	

/s/ Scott Seymour

	  	  
	
Scott Seymour

	  	  

 

 

12

 

 

EXHIBIT A

 

Restricted Stock Award Agreement

 

 

 

 

 

EXHIBIT B

 

Stock Option Agreement

 

 

14

 

 

Exhibit C

 

AGREEMENT AND RELEASE

 

Agreement and Release (“Agreement”) executed this ___ day of ______, 20__, by and between Scott Seymour (“Executive”) with an address at ___________________ and GenCorp Inc., its parents, subsidiaries and affiliates (the “Company”) with an address at Highway 50 and Aerojet Road, Rancho Cordova, California 95742.

 

1.            Executive’s employment shall be terminated effective ________ (“Termination Date”).  As of that date, Executive’s duties, responsibilities, office and title shall cease.  Capitalized terms used without definition in this Agreement shall have the meanings set forth in the Employment Agreement by and between Executive and the Company, dated January 6, 2010 (the “Employment Agreement”).

 

2.      (a)     If Executive’s employment terminates pursuant to Section 6(a)(ii) (Death, Disability or without Cause) or 6(b)(i) (for Good Reason) of the Employment Agreement and Section 7(c) of the Employment Agreement is not applicable as of the Termination Date, then within ten days of the Release Effective Date, defined below, the Company shall begin to pay to Executive the payments and benefits described in Section 7(b) of the Employment Agreement in accordance with the Company’s standard payroll procedures and on regular paydays.

 

(b)           Notwithstanding Paragraph 2(a) above, if Executive’s employment is terminated by the Company without Cause or by Executive for Good Reason within two (2) years following a Change in Control, then Executive shall be entitled to the payments and benefits described in Section 7(c) of the Employment Agreement.

 

(c)           The Company and Executive agree that in the event that any of the payments in this Section 2 constitute deferred compensation within the meaning of Section 409(A) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), and Executive is at such time a specified employee, such payment or payments that constitute nonqualified deferred compensation within the meaning of the Code shall not be made prior to the date which is the earlier of (A) the expiration of the six (6)-month period measured from the date of such “separation from service” of the Executive, and (B) thirty (30) days from the date of the Executive’s death (within the meaning of the Code).

 

3.      Executive agrees and acknowledges that the payments and/or benefits provided in Paragraph 2 above exceed any payments and benefits to which Executive would otherwise be entitled under any policy, plan, and/or procedure of the Company absent his signing this Agreement.  Executive acknowledges that he has been paid for work performed up to and including the Termination Date and for accrued but unused vacation.

 

4.      Executive shall have up to twenty-one (21) days from the date of his receipt of this Agreement to consider the terms and conditions of this Agreement.  Executive may accept this Agreement at any time within the twenty-one (21) day period by executing it before a notary and returning it to the Chairman of the Board of Directors, GenCorp Inc., Highway 50 and Aerojet Road, Rancho Cordova, California 95742, no later than 5:00 p.m. on the twenty-first (21st) day after Executive’s receipt of this Agreement.  Thereafter, Executive will have seven (7) days to revoke this Agreement by stating his desire to do so in writing to the Chairman of the Board of Directors at the address listed above, and delivering it to the Chairman of the Board of Directors no later than 5:00 p.m. on the seventh (7th) day following the date Executive signs this Agreement.  The effective date of this Agreement shall be the eighth (8th) day following Executive’s signing of this Agreement (the “Release Effective Date”), provided the Executive does not revoke the Agreement during the revocation period.  In the event Executive does not accept this Agreement as set forth above, or in the event Executive revokes this Agreement during the revocation period, this Agreement, including but not limited to the obligation of the Company and its subsidiaries and affiliates to provide the payment and/or benefits referred to in Paragraph 2 above, shall automatically be deemed null and void.

 

 

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5.      (a)     In consideration of the payment and/or benefits referred to in Paragraph 2 above, Executive for himself and for his heirs, executors, and assigns (hereinafter collectively referred to as the “Releasors”), forever releases and discharges the Company and any and all of its parent corporations, subsidiaries, divisions, affiliated entities, predecessors, successors and assigns, and any and all of its or their employee benefit and/or pension plans or funds, and any of its or their past or present officers, directors, stockholders, agents, trustees, administrators, employees or assigns (whether acting as agents for such entities or in their individual capacities), (hereinafter collectively referred to as the “Releasees”), from any and all claims, demands, causes of action, fees and liabilities of any kind whatsoever (based upon any legal or equitable theory, whether contractual, common-law, statutory, decisional, federal, state, local or otherwise), whether known or unknown, which Releasors ever had, now have or may have against the Releasees by reason of any actual or alleged act, omission, transaction, practice, conduct, occurrence, or other matter from the beginning of the world up to and including the Release Effective Date, except for the obligations of the Company under this Agreement.

 

(b)           Without limiting the generality of the foregoing subparagraph (a), this Agreement is intended to and shall release the Releasees from any and all claims arising out of Executive’s employment with Releasees and/or the termination of Executive’s employment, including but not limited to any claim(s) under or arising out of (i) Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended; (ii) the Americans with Disabilities Act, as amended; (iii) the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended (“ERISA”) (excluding claims for accrued, vested benefits under any employee benefit plan of the Company in accordance with the terms of such plan and applicable law); (iv)  the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, as amended, or the Older Workers Benefit Protection Act; (v) the California Fair Employment Practices and Housing Act; (vi) Section 806 of the Sarbanes Oxley Act of 2002; (vii) alleged discrimination or retaliation in employment (whether based on federal, state or local law, statutory or decisional); (viii) the terms and conditions of Executive’s employment with the Company, the termination of such employment, and/or any of the events relating directly or indirectly to or surrounding that termination; and (ix) any law (statutory or decisional) providing for attorneys’ fees, costs, disbursements and/or the like.

 

(c)           As a further consideration and inducement for this Agreement, to the extent permitted by law, Executive hereby waives and releases any and all rights under Section 1542 of the California Civil Code or any analogous state, local, or federal law, statute, rule, order or regulation that Executive had or may have with respect to the Releasees.  California Civil Code Section 1542 reads as follows:

 

 

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

 

Executive hereby expressly agrees that this Agreement shall extend and apply to all unknown, unsuspected and unanticipated injuries and damages, as well as any that are now disclosed, arising prior to Executive’s execution of this Agreement.  This release does not extend to those rights, which as a matter of law cannot be waived, including but not limited to unwaivable rights Executive may have under the California Labor Code.  Nothing in this Agreement shall limit Executive’s right to file a charge or complaint with any state or federal agency or to participate or cooperate in such a manner.

 

(d)           Notwithstanding the foregoing, nothing in this Agreement shall be construed to prevent Executive from filing a charge with or participating in an investigation conducted by any governmental agency, including, without limitation, the United States Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (“EEOC”) or applicable state or city fair employment practices agency, to the extent required or permitted by law.  Nevertheless, Executive understands and agrees that he is waiving any relief available (including, for example, monetary damages or reinstatement), under any of the claims and/or causes of action waived in Paragraphs 6(a) and (b), including but not limited to financial benefit or monetary recovery from any lawsuit filed or settlement reached by the EEOC or anyone else with respect to any claims released and waived in this Agreement.

 

(e)           Nothing in this Agreement shall release Executive’s rights (i) as a stockholder of the Company; (ii) to any claims that arise following the execution of this Agreement; (ii) to payment of the Accrued Obligations (as defined in the Employment Agreement); (iii) to payment of the severance payments and benefits described in Section 2 of this Agreement; (iv) to indemnification pursuant to the terms set forth in Section 14 of the Employment Agreement and pursuant to any other agreements currently in effect indemnifying Executive ; (v) to any claims for accrued vested benefits or rights under any other employee benefit plan, policy or arrangement (whether tax-qualified or not) maintained by the Company; (vi) to equity awards that are vested or which may vest under any equity, equity-based, profits interest, stock option, or similar plans, agreements, and/or notices to the extent set forth in such awards or as otherwise provided for in such documents, which awards shall be subject to all the terms and conditions of such document.

 

6.      (a)     Executive agrees that he has not and will not engage in any conduct that is injurious to the Company’s or the Releasees’ reputation or interest, including but not limited to publicly disparaging (or inducing or encouraging others to publicly disparage) the Company or the Releasees.  The foregoing shall not be violated by truthful testimony, if provided pursuant tto the terms of Section 7(b).

 

 

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(b)           Executive acknowledges that he has returned to the Company any and all originals and copies of documents, materials, records, credit cards, keys, building passes, computers, blackberries and other electronic devices or other items in his possession or control belonging to the Company or containing proprietary information relating to the Company pursuant to Section 8(b) of the Employment Agreement.  Executive may retain the Executive’s rolodex and similar address books, provided, that such items only include contact information.

 

(c)           Executive acknowledges that the terms of Section 8, Confidentiality Agreement and Assignment of Intellectual Property, of the Employment Agreement are incorporated herein by reference, and Executive agrees and acknowledges that he is bound by its terms.

 

7.      (a)     Executive will cooperate with the Company and/or its subsidiaries and affiliates and its/their counsel in connection with any investigation, administrative proceeding or litigation relating to any matter in which Executive was involved or of which Executive has knowledge.

 

(b)           Executive agrees that, in the event he is subpoenaed by any person or entity (including, but not limited to, any government agency) to give testimony (in a deposition, court proceeding or otherwise) that in any way relates to Executive’s employment with the Company, he will give prompt notice of such request to the Chairman of the Board of Directors, GenCorp Inc., and will make no disclosure until the Company has had a reasonable opportunity to contest the right of the requesting person or entity to such disclosure, provided that nothing herein shall prevent Executive from complying with the requirements of the law.

 

8.      Prior to public announcement, the terms and conditions of this Agreement are and shall be deemed to be confidential, and shall not be disclosed by Executive to any person or entity without the prior written consent of the Chairman of the Board of Directors, GenCorp Inc., except if required by law, and to Executive’s accountants, attorneys, and spouse, provided that they agree to maintain the confidentiality of this Agreement.  Executive further represents that he has not disclosed the terms and conditions of this Agreement to anyone other than his attorneys, accountants and spouse.

 

9.      The making of this Agreement is not intended, and shall not be construed, as an admission that the Releasees have violated any federal, state or local law (statutory or decisional), ordinance or regulation, breached any contract, or committed any wrong whatsoever against Executive.

 

10.     The parties agree that this Agreement may not be used as evidence in a subsequent proceeding except in a proceeding to enforce the terms of this Agreement.

 

11.     Executive acknowledges that: (a) he has carefully read this Agreement in its entirety; (b) he has had an opportunity to consider fully the terms of this Agreement; (c) he has been advised by the Company in writing to consult with an attorney of his choosing in connection with this Agreement; (d) he fully understands the significance of all of the terms and conditions of this Agreement and he has discussed it with his independent legal counsel, or has had a reasonable opportunity to do so; (e) he has had answered to his satisfaction any questions he has asked with regard to the meaning and significance of any of the provisions of this Agreement; and (f) he is signing this Agreement voluntarily and of his own free will and assents to all the terms and conditions contained herein.

 

 

18

 

 

12.     This Agreement is binding upon, and shall inure to the benefit of, the parties and their respective heirs, executors, administrators, successors and assigns.

 

13.     If any provision of this Agreement shall be held by a court of competent jurisdiction to be illegal, void, or unenforceable, such provision shall be of no force and effect.  However, the illegality or unenforceability of such provision shall have no effect upon, and shall not impair the enforceability of, any other provision of this Agreement; provided, however, that, upon any finding by a court of competent jurisdiction that the release and covenants provided for by Paragraph 6 above is illegal, void, or unenforceable, Executive agrees to execute a release, waiver and/or covenant that is legal and enforceable.  Finally, any breach of the terms of Paragraphs 7, 8 and/or 9 above shall constitute a material breach of this Agreement as to which the Company may seek appropriate relief in a court of competent jurisdiction.

 

14.     This Agreement shall be governed by, and construed and enforced in accordance with, the laws of the State of California, without regard to the conflict of laws provisions thereof.  Actions to enforce the terms of this Agreement, or that relate to Executive’s employment with the Company shall be submitted to the exclusive jurisdiction of any state or federal court sitting in the County of Sacramento, State of California.

 

15.     This Agreement may be executed in counterparts, each of which shall be an original, with the same effect as if the signatures thereto and hereto were upon the same instrument of this Agreement.

 

16.     This Agreement (including any exhibits attached hereto) constitutes the complete understanding between the parties with respect to the termination of the Executive’s employment at the Company and supersedes any and all agreements, understandings, and discussions, whether written or oral, between the parties.  No amendment of any provision of this Agreement shall be valid unless the same shall be in writing and signed by each of the parties hereto.

 

[Signature page follows]

 

 

19

 

 

[Signature page to Agreement and Release]

 

	  	  	  
	  	  	  
	
Dated:

	  	  	

 

	  	  	
Scott Seymour

	
GENCORP INC.

	  	  
	  	  	  
	  	  	  
	
By:

	

 

	  	
Date:

	  
	  	
James R. Henderson

	  	  	  
	  	
Chairman of the Board of Directors

 

 

 

	  	  	  

 

 

 

 

 

 

Exhibit D

 

Intellectual Property Prior to Employment

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