Document:

Exhibit 10.7

 

INDEMNIFICATION AGREEMENT

 

This Indemnification Agreement (this “Agreement”) is made and entered into as of the 27th day of June, 2016, by and between Cardtronics, Inc., a Delaware corporation (“Cardtronics Delaware,” which term shall include, where appropriate, any successor to Cardtronics Delaware), and                 (“Indemnitee”).

 

PRELIMINARY STATEMENTS

 

A.            Cardtronics Delaware entered into and adopted an agreement and plan of merger among Cardtronics Delaware, Cardtronics plc, a public limited company incorporated in England and Wales (the “Company”), CATM Merger Sub LLC, a newly formed Delaware limited liability company (“Cardtronics MergeCo”), and CATM Holdings LLC, a newly formed Delaware limited liability company, whereby Cardtronics MergeCo merged with and into Cardtronics Delaware with Cardtronics Delaware surviving the merger (the “Merger”).

 

B.            At the effective time of the Merger, Cardtronics Delaware became a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company and, as a result, each issued and outstanding share of common stock of Cardtronics Delaware was converted into the right to receive one Class A ordinary share of the Company.

 

C.            The Company and Cardtronics Delaware desire to attract and retain the services of highly qualified individuals, such as Indemnitee, to serve the Cardtronics group of companies and provide for the indemnification of, and advancement of expenses to, such persons to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law.

 

D.           Cardtronics Delaware’s bylaws (as amended from time to time, the “Bylaws”) provide for the mandatory indemnification of its directors and officers, and the Bylaws and Cardtronics Delaware’s certificate of incorporation (as amended from time to time, the “Charter”) permit Cardtronics Delaware to enter into other indemnification arrangements and agreements with such directors and officers.

 

E.            In addition and as a supplement to any rights granted Indemnitee under the Charter and Bylaws, any rights granted Indemnitee under the articles of association of the Company (the “Articles”) or any agreement or arrangement entered into between Indemnitee and the Company, the parties hereto desire to enter into this Agreement to provide for the indemnification of, and advancement of expenses to, Indemnitee to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law.

 

F.            Cardtronics Delaware desires to provide Indemnitee with specific contractual assurance of Indemnitee’s rights to full indemnification against litigation risks and expenses (regardless, among other things, of any change in the ownership of Cardtronics Delaware or the composition of its board of directors) to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law.

 

G.           Indemnitee is relying upon the rights afforded under this Agreement in accepting Indemnitee’s position as a director and/or officer of the Company or in continuing to serve as a director and/or officer of Cardtronics Delaware.

 

AGREEMENT

 

In consideration of the promises and the covenants contained herein, Cardtronics Delaware and Indemnitee do hereby covenant and agree as follows:

 

 

1.            Definitions.

 

(a)          “Corporate Status” shall mean the status of a person who is serving, has served or is being asked to serve (i) as a director or officer of Cardtronics Delaware and/or the Company, (ii) in any capacity with respect to any employee benefit plan of Cardtronics Delaware and/or the Company, or (iii) as a director, partner, trustee, officer, secretary, executive, manager, managing member, employee, authorized agent or fiduciary of any other Entity at the request of Cardtronics Delaware and/or the Company.  For purposes of subsection (iii) of this Section 1(a), a director or officer of Cardtronics Delaware who is serving or has served as a director, partner, trustee, officer, secretary, executive, manager, managing member, employee, authorized agent or fiduciary of a Subsidiary shall be deemed to be serving at the request of Cardtronics Delaware and/or the Company.  The phrase “by reason of Indemnitee’s Corporate Status” and similar expressions used herein shall include any action or failure to act on the part of Indemnitee while serving in that capacity.

 

(b)          “Entity” shall mean any corporation, partnership, limited liability company, joint venture, trust, foundation, association, organization or other legal entity or enterprise (including an employee benefit plan or unincorporated entity).

 

(c)          “Expenses” shall mean all reasonable fees, costs and expenses incurred in connection with any Proceeding, including, without limitation, reasonable attorneys’ fees, disbursements and retainers (including, without limitation, any such fees, disbursements and retainers incurred by Indemnitee pursuant to Sections 9 and 11(c)), fees and disbursements of expert witnesses, private investigators and professional advisors (including, without limitation, accountants and investment bankers), court costs, transcript costs, fees of experts, travel expenses, duplicating, printing and binding costs, telephone and facsimile transmission charges, postage, delivery services, secretarial services and other disbursements and expenses of the types customarily incurred in connection with prosecuting, defending, preparing to prosecute or defend, investigating, being or preparing to be a witness in, or otherwise participating in, a Proceeding.  Expenses also shall include (i) Expenses incurred in connection with any appeal resulting from any Proceeding, including without limitation the premium, security for, and other costs relating to any cost bond, supersedeas bond or other appeal bond or its equivalent and (ii) Expenses incurred in connection with recovery under any directors’ and officers’ liability insurance policies maintained by Cardtronics Delaware and/or the Company (or any other affiliated Entity), regardless of whether Indemnitee is ultimately determined to be entitled to such indemnification, advancement or Expenses or insurance recovery, as the case may be.  The parties agree that for the purposes of any advancement of Expenses for which Indemnitee has made written demand to Cardtronics Delaware in accordance with this Agreement, all Expenses included in such demand that are certified by affidavit of Indemnitee’s counsel as being reasonable shall be presumed conclusively to be reasonable.  However, Expenses, shall not include amounts paid in settlement by Indemnitee or the amount of Liabilities against Indemnitee.

 

(d)          “Independent Counsel” means a law firm, or a partner (or, if applicable, member) of such a law firm, that is experienced in matters of corporation law and neither at the time of engagement is, nor in the three years prior to such engagement has been, retained to represent: (i) the Company, Cardtronics Delaware or Indemnitee in any matter material to either such party (other than with respect to matters concerning Indemnitee under this Agreement or of other indemnitees under similar indemnification agreements); or (ii) any other party to the Proceeding giving rise to a claim for indemnification hereunder.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, the term “Independent Counsel” shall not include any person who, under the applicable standards of professional conduct then prevailing, would have a conflict of interest in representing either the Company, Cardtronics Delaware or Indemnitee in an action to determine Indemnitee’s rights under this Agreement.

 

2

 

(e)          “Liabilities” shall mean judgments, damages, liabilities, losses, penalties, excise taxes, fines and amounts paid in settlement.

 

(f)           “Proceeding” shall mean any threatened, pending or completed claim, counter claim, cross claim, action, suit, arbitration, alternate dispute resolution mechanism, mediation, investigation, inquiry, administrative hearing, appeal or any other actual, threatened or completed proceeding, whether brought in the right of the Company or otherwise and whether civil, criminal, administrative, arbitrative, legislative or investigative, whether formal or informal, in which Indemnitee was, is or will be involved as a party, potential party, non-party witness or otherwise by reason of the fact that Indemnitee is or was a director or officer of Cardtronics Delaware and/or the Company, by reason of the fact that Indemnitee is or was serving at the request of Cardtronics Delaware and/or the Company as a director, partner, trustee, officer, secretary, executive, manager, managing member, employee, authorized agent or fiduciary of another Entity, or by reason of any action taken by Indemnitee (or a failure to take action by Indemnitee) or of any action (or failure to act) on Indemnitee’s part while acting pursuant to Indemnitee’s Corporate Status, in each case whether or not serving in such capacity at the time any liability or Expense is incurred for which indemnification, reimbursement, or advancement of Expenses can be provided under this Agreement.  If Indemnitee believes in good faith that a given situation may lead to or culminate in the institution of a Proceeding, this shall be considered a Proceeding under this paragraph.

 

(g)          “Subsidiary” shall mean any Entity of which Cardtronics Delaware and/or the Company owns (either directly or through or together with another Subsidiary of Cardtronics Delaware and/or the Company) either (i) a general partner, managing member or other similar interest or (ii) (A) 50% or more of the voting power of the voting capital equity interests of such Entity, or (B) 50% or more of the outstanding voting capital stock or other voting equity interests of such Entity.

 

(h)           “to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law” shall mean, without limitation:

 

(i)           to the fullest extent permitted by the provisions of the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware (the “DGCL”) that authorize, permit or contemplate additional indemnification by agreement, court action or the corresponding provision of any amendment to or replacement of the DGCL or such provisions thereof;

 

(ii)          to the fullest extent permitted by the provisions of the Articles, the Charter or the Bylaws that authorize, permit or contemplate indemnification by agreement, court action or the corresponding provision of any amendment to or replacement of the Articles, the Charter or the Bylaws or such provisions thereof;

 

(iii)         to the fullest extent permitted by the provisions of applicable English law; and

 

(iv)         to the fullest extent authorized or permitted by any amendments to or replacements of the DGCL or applicable English law (or such successor law), the Articles, the Charter, the Bylaws or any agreement or court action adopted, entered into or that are adjudicated after the date of this Agreement that increase the extent to which a company may indemnify its directors or officers.

 

2.            Services of Indemnitee.  Indemnitee agrees to serve or continue to serve as a director or officer of Cardtronics Delaware or at the request of Cardtronics Delaware as a director, partner, trustee, officer, secretary, executive, manager, managing member, employee, authorized agent or fiduciary of another Entity. However, this Agreement shall not impose any obligation on Indemnitee or Cardtronics Delaware to continue Indemnitee’s service to Cardtronics Delaware or such other Entity beyond any period otherwise required by law or by other agreements or commitments of the parties hereto, if any.

 

3

 

This Agreement is not an employment contract between Cardtronics Delaware (or any Subsidiaries or any other Entity) and Indemnitee, nor does this Agreement provide any right to employment.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, this Agreement shall continue in force after Indemnitee has ceased to serve in such capacity of Cardtronics Delaware and/or such other Entity.

 

3.            Indemnification.  Cardtronics Delaware agrees to indemnify Indemnitee as follows:

 

(a)           Subject to the exceptions contained in Section 4(a), if Indemnitee was or is a party to or participant in, or is threatened to be made a party to or participant in, any Proceeding (other than an action by or in the right of Cardtronics Delaware to procure a judgment in its favor) by reason of Indemnitee’s Corporate Status, Indemnitee shall, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, be indemnified by Cardtronics Delaware against all Expenses and Liabilities actually and reasonably incurred or paid by or on behalf of Indemnitee in connection with such Proceeding (referred to herein as “Indemnifiable Expenses” and “Indemnifiable Liabilities,” respectively, and collectively as “Indemnifiable Amounts”).

 

(b)           To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law and subject to the exceptions contained in Section 4(b), if Indemnitee was or is a party to or participant in, or is threatened to be made a party to or participant in, any Proceeding by or in the right of Cardtronics Delaware to procure a judgment in its favor by reason of Indemnitee’s Corporate Status, Indemnitee shall be indemnified by Cardtronics Delaware against all Indemnifiable Expenses.

 

(c)           Notwithstanding any limitation in Sections 3(a), 3(b) or 7, Cardtronics Delaware shall indemnify Indemnitee to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law if Indemnitee is a party to or participant in, or is threatened to be made a party to or participant in, any Proceeding (including a Proceeding by or in the right of Cardtronics Delaware to procure a judgment in its favor) against all Indemnifiable Amounts.

 

4.            Exceptions to Indemnification. Indemnitee shall be entitled to the indemnification provided in Section 3 in all circumstances permitted by applicable law other than the following:

 

(a)          If indemnification is requested under Section 3(a) and it has been adjudicated finally by a court of competent jurisdiction that, in connection with the subject of the Proceeding out of which the claim for indemnification has arisen, Indemnitee failed to act in good faith and in a manner Indemnitee reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of Cardtronics Delaware, or with respect to any criminal action or proceeding, Indemnitee had reasonable cause to believe that Indemnitee’s conduct was unlawful, Indemnitee shall not be entitled to payment of Indemnifiable Amounts hereunder.

 

(b)           If indemnification is requested under Section 3(b) and:

 

(i) it has been adjudicated finally by a court of competent jurisdiction that, in connection with the subject of the Proceeding out of which the claim for indemnification has arisen, Indemnitee failed to act in good faith and in a manner Indemnitee reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of Cardtronics Delaware, Indemnitee shall not be entitled to payment of Indemnifiable Amounts hereunder; or

 

(ii) it has been adjudicated finally by a court of competent jurisdiction that Indemnitee is liable to Cardtronics Delaware and/or any affiliate with respect to any claim, issue or matter involved in the Proceeding out of which the claim for indemnification has arisen, including, without limitation, a claim that Indemnitee received an improper personal benefit, no Indemnifiable Amounts shall be paid with respect to such claim, issue or matter unless the court in which such Proceeding was

 

4

 

brought shall determine upon application that, despite the adjudication of liability, but in view of all the circumstances of the case, Indemnitee is fairly and reasonably entitled to indemnity for such Indemnifiable Amounts which such court shall deem proper.

 

(c)          For (i) an accounting of profits made from the purchase and sale (or sale and purchase) by Indemnitee of securities of Cardtronics Delaware and/or the Company within the meaning of Section 16(b) of the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), or any successor provision or similar provisions of state statutory or common law or (ii) any reimbursement of Cardtronics Delaware and/or the Company by Indemnitee of any compensation pursuant to any compensation recoupment or clawback policy adopted by the board of directors or the compensation committee of the board of directors, including but not limited to any such policy adopted to comply with stock exchange listing requirements implementing Section 10D of the Exchange Act, and, in either case, indemnification therefor is prohibited by such laws or policy.

 

(d)          For any reimbursement of Cardtronics Delaware and/or the Company by Indemnitee of any bonus or other incentive-based or equity-based compensation or of any profits realized by Indemnitee from the sale of securities of Cardtronics Delaware and/or the Company, as required in each case under the Exchange Act (including any such reimbursements that arise from an accounting restatement due to the material noncompliance of Cardtronics Delaware and/or the Company, as a result of the misconduct of Indemnitee, with any financial reporting requirement under the securities laws pursuant to Section 304 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (the “Sarbanes-Oxley Act”), or the payment to Cardtronics Delaware and/or the Company of profits arising from the purchase and sale by Indemnitee of securities in violation of Section 306 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act and indemnification therefor is prohibited by such laws.

 

(e)          Where payment is expressly prohibited by law.

 

(f)           For which payment has been actually made to or on behalf of Indemnitee under any insurance policy or other indemnity provision, except with respect to any excess beyond the amount paid under any insurance policy or other indemnity provision.

 

(g)          Except as provided in Section 11, in connection with any Proceeding (or any part of any Proceeding) initiated by Indemnitee, including any Proceeding (or any part of any Proceeding) initiated by Indemnitee against Cardtronics Delaware, the Company and/or any Subsidiaries or their directors, officers, employees or other indemnitees, unless (i) the board of directors authorized the Proceeding (or any part of any Proceeding) prior to its initiation or (ii) Cardtronics Delaware provides the indemnification, in its sole discretion, pursuant to the powers vested in Cardtronics Delaware under applicable law.

 

5.            Procedure for Payment of Indemnifiable Amounts.

 

(a)          In requesting indemnity under this Agreement, Indemnitee shall submit to Cardtronics Delaware a written request specifying the Indemnifiable Amounts for which Indemnitee seeks payment under Section 3 and the basis for the claim and including therein or therewith such documentation and information as is reasonably available to Indemnitee and is reasonably necessary to determine whether and to what extent Indemnitee is entitled to indemnification following the final disposition of such Proceeding.  The omission by Indemnitee to notify Cardtronics Delaware hereunder will not relieve Cardtronics Delaware from any liability which it may have to Indemnitee hereunder or otherwise than under this Agreement, and any delay in so notifying Cardtronics Delaware shall not constitute a waiver by Indemnitee of any rights under this Agreement.  The Secretary of Cardtronics Delaware shall, promptly upon receipt of such a request for indemnification, advise the board of directors in writing that Indemnitee has requested indemnification.  Cardtronics Delaware will be entitled to

 

5

 

participate in the Proceeding at its own expense. Upon written request by Indemnitee for indemnification pursuant to this Section 5(a), a determination, if required by applicable law, with respect to Indemnitee’s entitlement thereto shall be made in the specific case by: (i) a majority vote of the directors of Cardtronics Delaware who are or were not parties to the Proceeding giving rise to the claim, even though less than a quorum of the board of directors; (ii) a committee of such directors designated by majority vote of such directors, even though less than a quorum of the board of directors; or (iii) if there are no such directors, or if such directors so direct, Independent Counsel in a written opinion to the board of directors; and, if it is determined that Indemnitee is entitled to indemnification, payment to Indemnitee shall be made within 30 days after such determination.

 

(b)          Indemnitee shall cooperate with the person, persons or Entity making such determination, as applicable, and shall furnish such documentation and information which is not privileged or otherwise protected from disclosure as are reasonably requested and available to Indemnitee and necessary to establish that Indemnitee is entitled to indemnification hereunder.  Any costs or Expenses (including attorneys’ fees and disbursements) incurred by or on behalf of Indemnitee in so cooperating shall, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, be borne by Cardtronics Delaware (irrespective of the determination as to Indemnitee’s entitlement to indemnification) and Cardtronics Delaware hereby indemnifies and agrees to hold Indemnitee harmless therefrom.  Cardtronics Delaware will promptly advise Indemnitee in writing with respect to any determination that Indemnitee is or is not entitled to indemnification, including a description of any reason or basis for which indemnification has been denied.

 

(c)          In the event that the determination under Section 5(a) is to be made by Independent Counsel, such counsel shall be selected by a majority vote of the directors of Cardtronics Delaware who are or were not parties to the Proceeding giving rise to the claim, even though less than a quorum, and Cardtronics Delaware shall provide written notice to Indemnitee advising Indemnitee of the identity of such counsel.  Indemnitee may, within 10 days after such written notice of the identity of such counsel shall have been given, deliver to Cardtronics Delaware a written objection to such selection; provided, however, that such objection may be asserted only on the ground that the Independent Counsel so selected does not meet the requirements of “Independent Counsel” as defined in Section 1(d), and the objection shall set forth with particularity the factual basis of such assertion.  Absent a proper, reasonable and timely objection, the person so selected shall act as Independent Counsel.  If such written objection is so made and substantiated, the Independent Counsel so selected may not serve as Independent Counsel unless and until such objection is withdrawn or the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware has determined that such objection is without merit and/or otherwise rejected.  If, within 20 days after the later of submission by Indemnitee of a written request for indemnification pursuant to Section 5(a) and the final disposition of the Proceeding, no Independent Counsel shall have been selected and not objected to, either Cardtronics Delaware or Indemnitee may petition the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware for resolution of any objection which shall have been made by Indemnitee to Cardtronics Delaware’s selection of Independent Counsel and/or for the appointment as Independent Counsel of a person selected by such court or by such other person as such court shall designate, and the person with respect to whom all objections are so resolved or the person so appointed shall act as Independent Counsel under this Section 5.  Upon the due commencement of any judicial proceeding pursuant to Section 11(a), Independent Counsel shall be discharged and relieved of any further responsibility in such capacity (subject to the applicable standards of professional conduct then prevailing).

 

(d)          If Cardtronics Delaware disputes a portion of the amounts for which indemnification is requested, the undisputed portion shall be paid and only the disputed portion withheld pending resolution of any such dispute.

 

6

 

6.            Indemnification for Expenses of a Witness.  Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law and to the extent that Indemnitee is, by reason of Indemnitee’s Corporate Status, a witness or otherwise asked to participate in any Proceeding to which Indemnitee is not a party, Indemnitee shall be indemnified against all Indemnifiable Expenses in connection therewith.

 

7.            Indemnification for Expenses of a Party Who is Wholly or Partly Successful. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, and without limiting any such provision, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law and to the extent that Indemnitee is, by reason of Indemnitee’s Corporate Status, a party to (or participant in) and is successful, on the merits or otherwise, in any Proceeding or in defense of any claim, issue or matter therein, in whole or in part, Indemnitee shall be indemnified against all Indemnifiable Expenses in connection therewith.  If Indemnitee is not wholly successful in such Proceeding, but is successful, on the merits or otherwise, as to one or more but less than all claims, issues or matters in such Proceeding, Cardtronics Delaware shall indemnify Indemnitee against all Indemnifiable Expenses in connection with each successfully resolved claim, issue or matter to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law.  For purposes of this Agreement, and, without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the termination of any claim, issue or matter in such a Proceeding by dismissal, with or without prejudice, shall be deemed to be a successful result as to such claim, issue or matter.

 

8.            Presumptions and Effect of Certain Proceedings.

 

(a)          In making a determination with respect to entitlement to indemnification hereunder, the person or persons or Entity making such determination shall, to the fullest extent permitted by law, presume that Indemnitee is entitled to indemnification under this Agreement if Indemnitee has submitted a request for indemnification in accordance with Sections 5(a) and 12(a), and Cardtronics Delaware shall have the burden of proof to overcome that presumption in connection with the making by any person, persons or entity of any determination contrary to that presumption.  Neither the failure of Cardtronics Delaware (including by its directors or Independent Counsel) to have made a determination prior to the commencement of any action pursuant to this Agreement that indemnification is proper in the circumstances because Indemnitee has met the applicable standard of conduct, nor an actual determination by Cardtronics Delaware (including by its directors or Independent Counsel) that Indemnitee has not met such applicable standard of conduct, shall be a defense to the action or create a presumption that Indemnitee has not met the applicable standard of conduct.  In addition, the termination of any Proceeding by judgment, order, settlement, conviction, or upon a plea of nolo contendere or its equivalent shall not create a presumption that Indemnitee did not act in good faith and in a manner which Indemnitee reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of Cardtronics Delaware, the Company or any Subsidiaries or, with respect to any criminal action or proceeding, had reasonable cause to believe that Indemnitee’s action was unlawful.

 

(b)          For purposes of any determination of good faith on the part of Indemnitee, Indemnitee shall be deemed to have acted in good faith if Indemnitee’s action or failure to act is based on the records or books of account of the relevant Entity, including financial statements, or on information supplied to Indemnitee by the directors or officers of the Entity in the course of their duties, or on the advice of legal counsel for the Entity or the board of directors of the Entity or counsel selected by any committee of the board of directors of the Entity or on information or records given or reports made to the Entity by an independent certified public accountant or by an appraiser, investment banker or other expert selected with reasonable care by or on behalf of the Entity.  The provisions of this Section 8(b) shall not be deemed to be exclusive or to limit in any way the other circumstances in which Indemnitee may be deemed to have met the applicable standard of conduct set forth in this Agreement.

 

7

 

(c)                               The knowledge and/or actions, or failure to act, of any director, partner, trustee, officer, secretary, executive, manager, managing member, employee, authorized agent or fiduciary of any Entity (not being Indemnitee) shall not be imputed to Indemnitee for purposes of determining the right to indemnification under this Agreement.

 

(d)                              Subject to Section 11(f), if the person, persons or entity empowered or selected under Section 5(a) to determine whether Indemnitee is entitled to indemnification shall not have made a determination within 60 days after receipt by Cardtronics Delaware of the request therefor, the requisite determination of entitlement to indemnification shall, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, be deemed to have been made and Indemnitee shall be entitled to such indemnification, absent (i) a misstatement by Indemnitee of a material fact, or an omission of a material fact necessary to make Indemnitee’s statement not materially misleading, in connection with the request for indemnification, or (ii) a prohibition of such indemnification under applicable law; provided, however, that such 60-day period may be extended for a reasonable time, not to exceed an additional 30 days, if the person, persons or Entity making the determination with respect to entitlement to indemnification in good faith requires such additional time for the obtaining or evaluating of documentation and/or information relating thereto; and provided, further, that the foregoing provisions of this Section 8(d) shall not apply if the determination of entitlement to indemnification is to be made by Independent Counsel pursuant to Section 5(a).

 

9.                                     Agreement to Advance Expenses; Conditions.  Cardtronics Delaware shall to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law pay to Indemnitee all Indemnifiable Expenses in connection with any Proceeding (or part of any Proceeding) not initiated by Indemnitee or any Proceeding initiated by Indemnitee with the prior approval of the board of directors as provided in Section 4(g).  Advances shall be unsecured and interest free.  Advances shall be made without regard to Indemnitee’s ability to repay the Expenses and without regard to Indemnitee’s ultimate entitlement to indemnification under the other provisions of this Agreement.  In accordance with Section 11, advances shall include any and all reasonable Expenses incurred pursuing an action to enforce this right of advancement, including Expenses incurred preparing and forwarding statements to Cardtronics Delaware and/or the Company to support the advances claimed.  Indemnitee shall qualify for advances upon the execution and delivery to Cardtronics Delaware of this Agreement, which shall constitute an undertaking providing that Indemnitee undertakes to repay the amounts advanced (without interest) to the extent that it is ultimately determined that Indemnitee is not entitled to be indemnified by Cardtronics Delaware.  No other form of undertaking shall be required other than the execution of this Agreement.  This Section 9 shall not apply to any claim made by Indemnitee for which indemnity is excluded pursuant to Section 4.

 

10.                              Procedure for Advance Payment of Expenses.  Indemnitee shall submit to Cardtronics Delaware a written request specifying the Indemnifiable Expenses for which Indemnitee seeks an advancement under Section 9 and documentation evidencing that Indemnitee has incurred such Indemnifiable Expenses.  Payment of permitted Indemnifiable Expenses under Section 9 shall be made no later than 30 days after Cardtronics Delaware’s receipt of such request.

 

11.                              Remedies of Indemnitee.

 

(a)                                Right to Petition Court. Subject to Section 11(f), in the event that (i) Indemnitee makes a request for payment of Indemnifiable Amounts under Sections 3 and 5 or a request for an advancement of Indemnifiable Expenses under Sections 9 and 10 and Cardtronics Delaware fails to make such payment or advancement in a timely manner pursuant to the terms of this Agreement, (ii) a determination is made pursuant to Section 5 that Indemnitee is not entitled to indemnification under this Agreement, (iii) no determination of entitlement to indemnification shall have been made pursuant to Section 5 within 90 days after receipt by Cardtronics Delaware of the request for indemnification or (iv)

 

8

 

in the event that Cardtronics Delaware or any other person takes or threatens to take any action to declare this Agreement void or unenforceable or institutes any litigation or other action or Proceeding designed to deny, or to recover from Indemnitee the benefits provided or intended to be provided to Indemnitee hereunder, Indemnitee may petition any court which has jurisdiction to enforce Cardtronics Delaware’s obligations under this Agreement. Cardtronics Delaware shall not oppose Indemnitee’s right to seek any adjudication in accordance with this Agreement. The foregoing provision shall not limit any other rights Indemnitee may have under law or equity.

 

(b)                              Burden of Proof. In the event that a determination shall have been made pursuant to Section 5(a) that Indemnitee is not entitled to indemnification, any judicial proceeding commenced pursuant to this Section 11 shall be conducted in all respects as a de novo trial, on the merits and Indemnitee shall not be prejudiced by reason of that adverse determination.  In any judicial proceeding brought under Section 11(a), Cardtronics Delaware shall have the burden of proving that Indemnitee is not entitled to indemnification or advancement of Expenses, as the case may be, hereunder.  If a determination shall have been made pursuant to Section 5(a) that Indemnitee is entitled to indemnification, Cardtronics Delaware shall be bound by such determination in any judicial proceeding commenced pursuant to this Section 11, absent (i) a misstatement by Indemnitee of a material fact, or an omission of a material fact necessary to make Indemnitee’s statement not materially misleading, in connection with the request for indemnification, or (ii) a prohibition of such indemnification under applicable law.  It is the intent of Cardtronics Delaware that, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, Indemnitee not be required to incur any Expenses associated with the interpretation, enforcement or defense of Indemnitee’s rights under this Agreement by litigation or otherwise because the cost and expense thereof would substantially detract from the benefits intended to be extended to Indemnitee hereunder.

 

(c)                               Expenses. Cardtronics Delaware agrees to reimburse Indemnitee in full for any Indemnifiable Expenses incurred by Indemnitee in connection with investigating, preparing for, litigating, defending or settling any action brought by Indemnitee under Section 11(a), except to the extent such action is dismissed or resolved in favor of Cardtronics Delaware or any claim or counterclaim brought by Cardtronics Delaware in connection therewith is resolved in favor of Cardtronics Delaware.

 

(d)                                Validity of Agreement. Cardtronics Delaware shall to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law be precluded from asserting in any Proceeding, including, without limitation, an action under Section 11(a), that the provisions of this Agreement are not valid, binding and enforceable or that there is insufficient consideration for this Agreement and shall stipulate in court that Cardtronics Delaware is bound by all the provisions of this Agreement.

 

(e)                                 Failure to Act Not a Defense. The failure of Cardtronics Delaware (including its board of directors or any committee thereof, Independent Counsel or stockholders) to make a determination as to the entitlement of Indemnitee to indemnification under this Agreement shall not be a defense in any action brought under Section 11(a) and shall not create a presumption that such payment or advancement is not permissible.

 

(f)                                  Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, no determination as to entitlement of Indemnitee to indemnification under this Agreement shall be required to be made prior to the final disposition of the Proceeding.

 

12.                              Defense of the Underlying Proceeding.

 

(a)                              Notice by Indemnitee. Indemnitee agrees to notify Cardtronics Delaware in writing promptly upon being served with any summons, citation, subpoena, complaint, indictment, information, claim form or other document relating to any Proceeding which may result in the payment of Indemnifiable Amounts or the advancement of Indemnifiable Expenses hereunder; provided, however,

 

9

 

that the failure to give any such notice shall not disqualify Indemnitee from any right, or otherwise affect in any manner any right of Indemnitee, to receive payments of Indemnifiable Amounts or advancements of Indemnifiable Expenses except to the extent the Company’s ability to defend in such Proceeding is prejudiced thereby.  The written notice to Cardtronics Delaware shall include a description of the nature of the Proceeding and the facts underling the Proceeding, but only to the extent known at the time.  In addition, Indemnitee shall not enter into any settlement in connection with a Proceeding without 10 days prior written notice to Cardtronics Delaware.

 

(b)                              Defense by Cardtronics Delaware. Subject to the provisions of the last sentence of this Section 12(b) and the provisions of Section 12(c), Cardtronics Delaware and the Company shall have the right to defend Indemnitee in any Proceeding which may give rise to the payment of Indemnifiable Amounts hereunder; provided, however, that Cardtronics Delaware shall notify Indemnitee of any such decision to defend within 10 days of receipt of notice of any such Proceeding under Section 12(a). Cardtronics Delaware shall not, without the prior written consent of Indemnitee, consent to the entry of any judgment against Indemnitee or enter into any settlement or compromise which (i) includes an admission of fault of Indemnitee, or (ii) does not include, as an unconditional term thereof, the full release of Indemnitee from all liability in respect of such Proceeding, which release shall be in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to Indemnitee. Indemnitee shall not, without the prior written consent of Cardtronics Delaware, consent to the entry of any judgment against Indemnitee or enter into any settlement or compromise with respect to which Cardtronics Delaware has indemnification obligations to Indemnitee. This Section 12(b) shall not apply to a Proceeding brought by Indemnitee under Section 11(a).

 

(c)                               Indemnitee’s Right to Counsel. Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 12(b), (i) if in a Proceeding to which Indemnitee is a party (or otherwise a participant) by reason of Indemnitee’s Corporate Status, (A) Indemnitee reasonably concludes that he or she may have separate defenses or counterclaims to assert with respect to any issue which are inconsistent with the position of other defendants in such Proceeding, or (B) a conflict of interest or potential conflict of interest exists between Indemnitee and Cardtronics Delaware, or (ii) if Cardtronics Delaware fails to assume the defense of such proceeding in accordance with Section 12(b), Indemnitee shall be entitled to be represented by separate legal counsel, which shall represent other persons’ similarly situated, of Indemnitee’s and such other persons’ choice and reasonably acceptable to Cardtronics Delaware at, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, the expense of Cardtronics Delaware. In addition, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, if Cardtronics Delaware fails to comply with any of its obligations under this Agreement or in the event that Cardtronics Delaware or any other person takes any action to declare this Agreement void or unenforceable, or institutes any action, suit or proceeding to deny or to recover from Indemnitee the benefits intended to be provided to Indemnitee hereunder, except with respect to such actions suits or proceedings brought by Cardtronics Delaware that are resolved in favor of Cardtronics Delaware, Indemnitee shall have the right to retain counsel of Indemnitee’s choice, at the expense of Cardtronics Delaware, to represent Indemnitee in connection with any such matter.

 

13.                              Representations and Warranties of Cardtronics Delaware.  Cardtronics Delaware hereby represents and warrants to Indemnitee as follows:

 

(a)                              Authority. Cardtronics Delaware has all necessary power and authority to enter into and be bound by the terms of, this Agreement, and the execution, delivery and performance of the undertakings contemplated by this Agreement have been duly authorized by Cardtronics Delaware.

 

(b)                              Enforceability. This Agreement, when executed and delivered by Cardtronics Delaware and Indemnitee in accordance with the provisions hereof, shall be a legal, valid and binding obligation of Cardtronics Delaware, enforceable against Cardtronics Delaware in accordance with its terms, except as such enforceability may be limited by applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, moratorium,

 

10

 

reorganization or similar laws affecting the enforcement of creditors’ rights generally or equitable principles.

 

14.                              Fees and Expenses.  During the term of Indemnitee’s service as a director or officer, Cardtronics Delaware shall, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, promptly reimburse Indemnitee for all reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred by him or her in connection with his service as a director or member of any board committee or as an officer of Cardtronics Delaware.

 

15.                              Contract Rights Not Exclusive. The rights to payment of Indemnifiable Amounts and Indemnifiable Expenses and advancement of Indemnifiable Expenses provided by this Agreement shall be in addition to, but not exclusive of, any other rights which Indemnitee may have at any time under applicable law, the Articles, the Charter or the Bylaws, as each may be amended and/or amended and restated from time to time (collectively, the “Organization Documents”), or any other agreement, vote of stockholders or directors (or a committee of directors), or otherwise, both as to action in Indemnitee’s official capacity and as to action in any other capacity as a result of Indemnitee’s serving as a director or officer of Cardtronics Delaware and/or the Company.  More specifically, the parties hereto intend that Indemnitee shall be entitled to (a) indemnification to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, and (b) such other benefits as are or may be otherwise available to Indemnitee pursuant to this Agreement, any other agreement or otherwise.   The rights of Indemnitee hereunder shall be a contract right and, as such, shall run to the benefit of Indemnitee.  No amendment, alteration or repeal of this Agreement or of any provision hereof shall limit or restrict any right of Indemnitee under this Agreement in respect of any action taken or omitted by such Indemnitee in Indemnitee’s Corporate Status prior to such amendment, alteration or repeal. To the extent that a change in Delaware law, whether by statute or judicial decision, permits greater indemnification or advancement of Expenses than would be afforded currently, including without limitation under the Articles, the Charter, the Bylaws and/or this Agreement, it is the intent of the parties hereto that Indemnitee shall enjoy by this Agreement the greater benefits so afforded by such change and this Agreement shall to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law be automatically amended to provide Indemnitee with such greater benefits.  No right or remedy herein conferred is intended to be exclusive of any other right or remedy, and every other right and remedy shall be cumulative and in addition to every other right and remedy given hereunder or now or hereafter existing at law or in equity or otherwise.  The assertion or employment of any right or remedy hereunder, or otherwise, shall not prevent the concurrent assertion or employment of any other right or remedy.

 

16.                              Successors.  This Agreement shall be (a) binding upon all successors and assigns of Cardtronics Delaware (including any transferee of all or a substantial portion of the business, stock and/or assets of Cardtronics Delaware and any direct or indirect successor by merger or consolidation or otherwise by operation of law), and (b) binding on and shall inure to the benefit of the heirs, personal representatives, executors and administrators of Indemnitee. This Agreement shall continue for the benefit of Indemnitee and such heirs, personal representatives, executors and administrators after Indemnitee has ceased to have Corporate Status.

 

17.                              Insurance; Subrogation.

 

(a)                              To the extent that Cardtronics Delaware and/or the Company (including any affiliates) maintain an insurance policy or policies providing liability insurance for directors, secretaries, officers, executives, managers, managing members, employees, agents or fiduciaries of Cardtronics Delaware and/or the Company (including any affiliates), Indemnitee shall be covered by such policy or policies in accordance with its or their terms to the maximum extent of the coverage available for any such director, partner, trustee, officer, secretary, executive, manager, managing member, employee, authorized agent or fiduciary under such policy or policies (notwithstanding any limitations regarding indemnification or advancement of Indemnifiable Expenses hereunder and, subject to applicable law,

 

11

 

whether or not Cardtronics Delaware and/or the Company would have the power to indemnify such person against such covered liability under this Agreement).  If, at the time of the receipt of a notice of a claim pursuant to the terms hereof, Cardtronics Delaware or the Company or any of their affiliates has such liability insurance in effect, Cardtronics Delaware shall provide prompt notice of the commencement of such proceeding to the insurers in accordance with the procedures set forth in the respective policies.  Cardtronics Delaware shall thereafter take all necessary or desirable action to cause such insurers to pay, on behalf of Indemnitee, all amounts payable as a result of such proceeding in accordance with the terms of such policies, including by bringing claims against the insurers.

 

(b)                              In the event of any payment of Indemnifiable Amounts under this Agreement, Cardtronics Delaware shall be subrogated to the extent of such payment to all of the rights of contribution or recovery of Indemnitee against other persons, and Indemnitee shall take, at the request of Cardtronics Delaware, all reasonable action necessary to secure such rights, including the execution of such documents as are necessary to enable Cardtronics Delaware to bring suit to enforce such rights.

 

(c)                               Cardtronics Delaware shall not be liable under this Agreement to make any payment of amounts otherwise indemnifiable hereunder or for which advancement of Indemnifiable Expenses is provided hereunder if and to the extent that Indemnitee has otherwise actually received (by way of payment to or to the order of Indemnitee) such payment under any insurance policy, indemnity provision, contract, agreement or otherwise.

 

(d)                              Cardtronics Delaware’s obligation to indemnify or advance Indemnifiable Amounts hereunder to Indemnitee who is or was serving as a director or officer of the Company or who is or was serving at the request of Cardtronics Delaware or the Company as a director, partner, trustee, officer, secretary, executive, manager, managing member, employee, authorized agent or fiduciary of any other Entity shall be reduced by any amount Indemnitee has actually received as indemnification or advancement of Indemnifiable Amounts from such other Entity, as applicable.

 

18.                              Governing Law; Change in Law.  This Agreement and any dispute or claim (including non-contractual disputes or claims) arising out of or in connection with it or its subject matter or formation shall be governed by and construed and enforced under the laws of the State of Delaware, without giving effect to the provisions thereof relating to conflicts of law (the “Governing Law”).  Each party hereby irrevocably and unconditionally (a) agrees that any action or proceeding arising out of or in connection with this Agreement shall be brought only in the courts of the State of Delaware, and not in any other state or federal court in the United States of America or any court in any other country, (b) consents to submit to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of the State of Delaware  for purposes of any action or proceeding arising out of or in connection with this Agreement, (c) appoints, to the extent such party is not otherwise subject to service of process in the State of Delaware, Capitol Services Inc., Dover, Delaware as its agent in the State of Delaware as such party’s agent for acceptance of legal process in connection with any such action or proceeding against such party with the same legal force and validity as if served upon such party personally within the State of Delaware, (d) waives any objection to the laying of venue of any such action or proceeding in the courts of the State of Delaware, and (e) waives, and agrees not to plead or to make, any claim that any such action or proceeding brought in the courts of the State of Delaware has been brought in an improper or inconvenient forum. To the extent that a change in the Governing Law (whether by statute or judicial decision) shall permit broader indemnification or advancement of expenses than is provided under the terms of the Organization Documents and this Agreement, Indemnitee shall be entitled to such broader indemnification and advancements, and this Agreement shall be deemed to be amended to such extent.

 

19.                              Nondisclosure of Payments.  Neither Cardtronics Delaware nor the Company shall disclose any payments under this Agreement without the prior written consent of Indemnitee, except as

 

12

 

required by applicable law (including in the Company’s proxy or information statements relating to special and/or annual meetings of the Company’s shareholders).  Cardtronics Delaware shall afford Indemnitee a reasonable opportunity to review all such disclosures and, if requested by Indemnitee, explain in such statement any mitigating circumstances regarding the events reported.

 

20.                              Severability.  Whenever possible, each provision (or clause thereof) of this Agreement shall be interpreted in such a manner as to be effective and valid under applicable law, but if any provision of this Agreement, or any clause thereof, shall be determined by a court of competent jurisdiction to be illegal, invalid or unenforceable, in whole or in part, such provision or clause shall be limited or modified in its application to the minimum extent necessary to make such provision or clause valid, legal and enforceable, and the remaining provisions and clauses of this Agreement shall remain fully enforceable and binding on the parties hereto.

 

21.                              Modifications and Waiver.  Except as provided in Section 18 with respect to changes in the Governing Law that broaden the right of Indemnitee to be indemnified by Cardtronics Delaware, no supplement, modification or amendment of this Agreement shall be binding unless executed in writing by each of the parties hereto. No waiver of any of the provisions of this Agreement shall be deemed or shall constitute a waiver of any other provisions of this Agreement (whether or not similar), nor shall such waiver constitute a continuing waiver.

 

22.                              General Notices.  All notices, requests, demands and other communications hereunder shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been duly given (a) when delivered by hand, messenger or courier, (b) when transmitted by facsimile and receipt is acknowledged, (c) if mailed by certified or registered mail with postage prepaid, on the third business day after the date on which it is so mailed to such address as may have been furnished by any party to the others, or (d) sent by e-mail or facsimile transmission, with receipt of confirmation that such transmission has been received:

 

(i)                                     if to Indemnitee, at such address as Indemnitee shall provide to Cardtronics Delaware; and

 

(ii)                                  if to Cardtronics Delaware, to:

 

Cardtronics, Inc.

3250 Briarpark Drive

Houston, Texas 77042

Attention: General Counsel

E-mail: CATM_Legal@cardtronics.com

 

23.                             Third Party Beneficiaries.  Nothing in this Agreement shall be construed for any equity holder or creditor of Cardtronics Delaware or the Company to be a third party beneficiary or to confer any such persons beneficiary rights or status.

 

24.                              Enforcement.

 

(a)                                Cardtronics Delaware expressly confirms and agrees that it has entered into this Agreement and assumed the obligations imposed on it hereby in order to induce Indemnitee to serve as a director or officer of the Company or continue to serve as a director or officer of Cardtronics Delaware, and Cardtronics Delaware acknowledges that Indemnitee is relying upon this Agreement in agreeing to serve as a director or officer of the Company or continuing to serve as a director or officer of Cardtronics Delaware.

 

13

 

(b)                                This Agreement, along with any other agreement or arrangement entered into between Indemnitee and the Company, constitutes the entire agreement between the parties hereto with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersedes all prior agreements and understandings, oral, written and implied, between the parties hereto with respect to the subject matter hereof; provided, however, that this Agreement is a supplement to and in furtherance of the Charter, the Bylaws and applicable law, and shall not be deemed a substitute therefor, nor to diminish or abrogate any rights of Indemnitee thereunder.

 

25.                              Contribution.                  To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, if the indemnification provided for in this Agreement is unavailable to Indemnitee for any reason whatsoever, Cardtronics Delaware, in lieu of indemnifying Indemnitee, shall contribute to the amount incurred by Indemnitee, whether for judgments, fines, penalties, excise taxes, amounts paid or to be paid in settlement and/or for Expenses, in connection with any claim relating to an indemnifiable event under this Agreement, in such proportion as is deemed fair and reasonable in light of all of the circumstances of such Proceeding in order to reflect (a) the relative benefits received by Cardtronics Delaware and Indemnitee as a result of the event(s) and/or transaction(s) giving cause to such Proceeding and/or (b) the relative fault of Cardtronics Delaware (and its directors, officers, employees and agents) and Indemnitee in connection with such event(s) and/or transaction(s).

 

26.                              Duration of Agreement.  This Agreement shall continue until and terminate upon the later of (a) 10 years after the date that Indemnitee shall have ceased to serve as a director or officer of Cardtronics Delaware and/or the Company or, at the request of Cardtronics Delaware and/or the Company, as a director, partner, trustee, officer, secretary, executive, manager, managing member, employee, authorized agent or fiduciary of another Entity or (b) one year after the final termination of any Proceeding then pending in respect of which Indemnitee is granted rights of indemnification or advancement of Expenses hereunder and of any proceeding commenced by Indemnitee pursuant to Section 11 relating thereto.  The rights indemnification and advancement of expenses provided by or granted pursuant to this Agreement shall be binding upon and be enforceable by the parties hereto and their respective successors and assigns (including any direct or indirect successor by purchase, merger, consolidation or otherwise to all or substantially all of the business or assets of Cardtronics Delaware), shall continue as to an Indemnitee who has ceased to be a director, partner, trustee, officer, secretary, executive, manager, managing member, employee, authorized agent or fiduciary of Cardtronics Delaware, the Company or of any other Entity, and shall inure to the benefit of Indemnitee and Indemnitee’s spouse, assigns, heirs, devisees, executors and administrators and other legal representatives.

 

27.                             Counterparts.  This Agreement may be executed in one or more counterparts, each of which shall for all purposes be deemed to be an original but all of which together shall constitute one and the same Agreement. Only one such counterpart signed by the party against whom enforceability is sought needs to be produced to evidence the existence of this Agreement.

 

28.                             Headings.  The headings of the sections of this Agreement are inserted only for convenience and shall not be deemed to constitute part of this Agreement or to affect the construction thereof.

 

(Remainder of this page intentionally left blank)

 

14

 

The parties hereto have executed this Indemnification Agreement as of the day and year first above written.

 

	
 
    	
CARDTRONICS, INC.
    
	
 
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
By:
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
Name:
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
Title:
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
INDEMNITEE
    
	
 
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
By:
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
Name:
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
Address:EX-10.1

 Exhibit 10.1 

TRANSITION, SEPARATION AND RELEASE AGREEMENT 

This Transition, Separation and Release Agreement (this “Agreement”), dated as of June 29, 2016, is entered into
by and between JoAnn Kintzel (the “Executive”), Blucora, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), and TaxACT, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company (“TaxACT”).

 W I T N E S S E T H: 

WHEREAS, the Executive is employed by the Company as President of TaxACT, pursuant to the Amended and Restated Employment Agreement between
the Executive, the Company and TaxACT effective as of January 31, 2015 (the “Employment Agreement”). 

WHEREAS, the Company and the Executive have agreed to a transition period from the date of this Agreement through October 31, 2016, or
such earlier date that is mutually agreed upon by the Company and the Executive (the “Transition Period”) followed by a termination of the Executive’s employment (the “Termination of Employment”)
effective as of October 31, 2016, or such earlier date that is mutually agreed upon by the Company and the Executive (the “Separation Date”). 

WHEREAS, for the avoidance of doubt, the Executive’s Termination of Employment pursuant to this Agreement shall be considered a
termination in accordance with Section 6(c) of the Employment Agreement. 
 WHEREAS, the Company and the Executive desire to set forth
herein their mutual agreement with respect to the Executive’s duties and compensation and benefits during the Transition Period and the separation benefits payable upon the Executive’s Termination of Employment and the release of claims by
the Executive. 
 NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants set forth in this Agreement, it is hereby agreed as follows: 

1. Transition. 
 (a)
During the Transition Period, the Executive and the Company acknowledge and agree that the Employment Agreement shall remain in full force and effect, and that the Executive will continue to provide services to the Company pursuant to the Employment
Agreement. In addition to her normal duties as President of TaxACT, the Executive acknowledges and agrees that her duties during the Transition Period shall include using her best efforts to facilitate the transition of her responsibilities as
President of TaxACT to her successor. The Executive also acknowledges and agrees that notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement or the Employment Agreement, upon appointment of a new President of TaxACT as her successor, the Executive
will become a non-officer employee of TaxACT for the remainder of the Transition Period with such duties as the Chief Executive Officer shall determine. 

(b) During the Transition Period, all compensation and other benefits owed to the Executive pursuant to the Employment Agreement shall accrue
and be paid according to the Company’s normal payroll and benefits practices. 
 2. Payment upon Termination of Employment. 

(a) Subject to Section 3, on the first regularly scheduled payroll date that is at least 60 days following the Separation Date, the
Executive will receive a lump sum payment equal to the sum of the following, less applicable payroll deductions and withholdings: 
  

	 	i.	an amount equal to the Executive’s current gross annual salary of Three Hundred and Seven Thousand Five Hundred Dollars ($307,500.00); and 

	 	ii.	Eighteen Thousand Fifty Two Dollars and Thirty Two Cents ($18,052.32), which represents 12 times the monthly COBRA premium currently in effect under the Company’s group health plan. 

(b) Subject to Section 3, upon the Executive’s Termination of Employment and in accordance with the terms and conditions of the
Company’s 2016 Executive Bonus Plan (the “Bonus Plan”), the Executive will be entitled to receive the “accrued bonus” as set forth in the Bonus Plan, less all applicable payroll deductions and withholdings.
Payment of the amount due under this Section 2(b) shall be made at the same time as bonuses under the Bonus Plan are made to the Company’s other executives. 

(c) Subject to Section 3, on the first regularly scheduled payroll date that is at least 60 days following the Separation Date, the
Executive will receive a lump sum retention payment of One Hundred Thousand Dollars ($100,000.00) less applicable payroll deductions and withholdings, provided that the Executive performs her duties as set forth in Section 1(a) of this
Agreement. 
 3. Release of Claims. The payments and benefits described in Section 2 of this Agreement are expressly conditioned
on (i) the Executive (or, in the case of the Executive’s death, the Executive’s representative) signing and delivering (and not revoking thereafter) the Release of Claims attached to this Agreement as Exhibit A (the
“Release”), which Release is executed, delivered and effective no later than 60 days following the Separation Date and (ii) the Executive continuing to satisfy any obligations to the Company under this Agreement, the
Employment Agreement, the Additional Employee Agreements (as defined below) and the Release, which are incorporated herein by reference. In the event the Release is not executed, delivered and effective by the 60th day after the Separation Date,
none of such payments or benefits shall be provided to the Executive. 
 4. Nondisparagement. The Executive shall not make any
communications that are libelous, slanderous or defamatory with respect to the Company and its respective officers, managers, directors, employees, members, stockholders, administrators, affiliates, divisions, subsidiaries, predecessors, successors
and assigns. Notwithstanding the foregoing, nothing in this Agreement is intended to or will be used in any way to limit the Executive’s rights to communicate with a government agency, as provided for, protected under or warranted by applicable
law. 
 5. Existing Agreements. The Executive acknowledges that she has certain ongoing obligations under the Employment Agreement
and other agreements with the Company and TaxACT (the “Additional Employee Agreements”), including, without limitation, the Employee Noncompetition Agreement between the Executive and TaxACT entered into as of January 5,
2012 and the Confidentiality, Noncompetition and Nonsolicitation Agreement between Executive and TaxACT dated October 23, 2006, and that nothing in this Agreement affects, modifies, or terminates any such obligations. 

6. Return of Property. Effective as of the Separation Date, the Executive will return to the Company any and all property of the
Company in the Executive’s possession including, but not limited to, computers, credit cards, phones, keys, passwords, user names, documents, files, information, equipment and supplies. 

7. Miscellaneous. 
 (a)
Waiver. No provision of this Agreement shall be modified, waived or discharged unless the modification, waiver or discharge is agreed to in writing and signed by the Executive and by an authorized officer of the Company (other than the
Executive). No waiver by either party of any breach of, or of compliance with, any condition or provision of this Agreement by the other party shall be considered a waiver of any other condition or provision or of the same condition or provision at
another time. 
 (b) Entire Agreement. Except as otherwise noted herein, this Agreement, and any agreements referenced herein,
represent the entire agreement and understanding between the Executive and the Company regarding the subject matter hereof and supersede and replace any and all prior agreements and understandings between the Parties with respect thereto. This
Agreement may not be modified except expressly in a writing signed by both parties. 

  
 -2- 

 (c) Choice of Law. The validity, interpretation, construction and performance of this
Agreement shall be governed by the internal substantive laws of the State of Delaware without reference to any choice of law rules. 
 (d)
Severability. The invalidity or unenforceability of any provision or provisions of this Agreement shall not affect the validity or enforceability of any other provision hereof, which shall remain in full force and effect. 

(e) No Assignment of Benefits. The rights of any person to payments or benefits under this Agreement shall not be made subject to
option or assignment, either by voluntary or involuntary assignment or by operation of law, in respect of bankruptcy, garnishment, attachment or other creditor’s process, and any action in violation of this Section 10(e) shall be void.

 (f) No Duty to Mitigate. The Executive shall not be required to mitigate the amount of any payment contemplated by this Agreement,
nor shall any such payment be reduced by any earnings that the Executive may receive from any other source. 
 (g) Employment Taxes.
All payments made pursuant to this Agreement will be subject to withholding of all applicable income, employment and other taxes. 
 (h)
Assignment by Company. The Company may assign its rights under this Agreement to an affiliate (as defined under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934), and an affiliate may assign its rights under this Agreement to another affiliate of the
Company or to the Company. In the case of any such assignment, the term “Company” when used in a section of this Agreement shall mean the corporation that actually employs the Executive. 

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

  
 -3- 

			
	BLUCORA, INC.
		
	By:	 	/s/ John S. Clendening
	John S. Clendening
	President and Chief Executive Officer

  

			
	TaxACT, INC.
		
	By:	 	/s/ John S. Clendening
	John S. Clendening
	Chief Executive Officer

  

			
	EXECUTIVE:
	
	 /s/ JoAnn Kintzel

	JoAnn Kintzel

 EXHIBIT A 

GENERAL RELEASE OF ALL CLAIMS 

This General Release and Waiver of Claims (this “Release”) is executed by JoAnn Kintzel
(“Executive”) as of the date set forth below, and will become effective as of the “Effective Date” as defined below. This Release is in consideration of severance benefits to be paid to Executive by
Blucora, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”) pursuant to the Amended and Restated Employment Agreement between Executive and the Company effective as of January 31, 2015 (the “Employment
Agreement”) and the Transition, Severance and Release Agreement entered into between the Executive, the Company, and TaxACT, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, effective as of June 29, 2016 (the “Transition
Agreement” and together with the Employment Agreement, the “Agreements”). Execution of this Release without revocation by Executive will satisfy the requirement, set forth in Section 6(g) of the Employment
Agreement and Section 3 of the Transition Agreement, that Executive execute a general release and waiver of claims in order to receive severance benefits pursuant to the Agreements. 

1. Termination of Employment 

Executive acknowledges that her employment with the Company and any of its subsidiaries (collectively, the “Company
Group”) and any and all appointments she held with any member of the Company Group, whether as officer, director, employee, consultant, agent or otherwise, terminated as of (the “Termination Date”). Effective as
of the Termination Date, Executive has not had or exercised or purported to have or exercise any authority to act on behalf of the Company or any other member of the Company Group, nor will Executive have or exercise or purport to have or exercise
such authority in the future. 
 2. Waiver and Release 
  

	 	(a)	Executive, for and on behalf of herself and her heirs and assigns, hereby waives and releases any common law, statutory or other complaints, claims, charges or causes of action arising out of or relating to
Executive’s employment or termination of employment with, or Executive’s serving in any capacity in respect of any member of the Company Group (collectively, “Claims”). The Claims waived and released by this Release
include any and all Claims, whether known or unknown, whether in law or in equity, which Executive may now have or ever had against any member of the Company Group or any stockholder, employee, officer, director, agent, attorney, representative,
trustee, administrator or fiduciary of any member of the Company Group (collectively, the “Company Releasees”) up to and including the date of Executive’s execution of this Agreement. The Claims waived and released by
this Release include, without limitation, any and all Claims arising out of Executive’s employment with the Company Group under, by way of example and not limitation, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967 (a law which prohibits
discrimination on the basis of age against persons age 40 and older), the National Labor Relations Act, the Civil Rights Act of 1991, the Americans With Disabilities Act of 1990, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Employee Retirement
Income Security Act of 1974, the Family Medical Leave Act, the Securities Act of 1933, the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and the Washington Law Against Discrimination, all as amended, and all other federal, state and local statutes, ordinances,
regulations and the common law, and any and all Claims arising out of any express or implied contract, except as described in Paragraphs 2(b) and 2(c) below. 

  

	 	(b)	The waiver and release set forth in this Section 2 is intended to be construed as broadly and comprehensively as applicable law permits. The waiver and release shall not be construed as waiving or releasing any
claim or right that as a matter of law cannot be waived or released, including Executive’s right to file a charge with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission or other government agency; however, Executive waives any right to recover
monetary remedies and agrees that she will not accept any monetary remedy as a result of any such charge or as a result of any legal action taken against the Company by any such agency. 

	 	(c)	Notwithstanding anything else in this Release, Executive does not waive or release claims with respect to: 

  

	 	(i)	Executive’s entitlement, if any, to severance benefits pursuant to the Agreements; 

  

	 	(ii)	vested benefits or payments specifically to be provided to the Executive pursuant to the Agreements or any Company employee benefit plans or policies; 

 

	 	(iii)	indemnification pursuant to any applicable provision of the Company’s Bylaws or Certificate of Incorporation, as amended, pursuant to any written indemnification agreement between the Executive and the Company, or
pursuant to applicable law; 

  

	 	(iv)	any claims which the Executive may have solely by virtue of the Executive’s status as a stockholder of the Company; or 

  

	 	(v)	unemployment compensation to which Executive may be entitled under applicable law. 

  

	 	(d)	Executive represents and warrants that she is the sole owner of the actual or alleged Claims that are released hereby, that the same have not been assigned, transferred, or disposed of in fact, by operation of law, or
in any manner, and that she has the full right and power to grant, execute and deliver the releases, undertakings, and agreements contained herein. 

  

	 	(e)	Executive represents that she has not filed any complaints, charges or lawsuits against the Company with any governmental agency or any court based on Claims that are released and waived by this Release.

 3. No Admission of Wrongdoing 

This Release shall not be construed as an admission by either party of any wrongful or unlawful act or breach of contract. 

4. Binding Agreement; Successors and Assigns 

This Release binds Executive’s heirs, administrators, representatives, executors, successors, and assigns, and will inure to the benefit
of the respective heirs, administrators, representatives, executors, successors, and assigns of any person or entity as to whom the waiver and release set forth in Section 2 applies. 

5. Other Agreements 

This Release does not supersede or modify in any way Executive’s continuing obligations pursuant to the Agreements and other agreements
between the Executive, the Company and TaxACT (including, without limitation, the Employee Noncompetition Agreement between the Executive and TaxACT entered into as of January 5, 2012 and the Confidentiality, Noncompetition and Nonsolicitation
Agreement between Executive and TaxACT dated October 23, 2006) (the “Additional Employee Agreements”) or the dispute resolution provisions of the Agreements and the Additional Employee Agreements. 

6. Knowing and Voluntary Agreement; Consideration and Revocation Periods 

 

	 	(a)	Executive acknowledges that she has been given 21 calendar days from the date of receipt of this Release to consider all of the provisions of this Release and that if she signs this Release before the 21-day period has
ended she knowingly and voluntarily waives some or all of such 21-day period. 

	 	(b)	Executive represents that (i) she has read this Release carefully, (ii) she has hereby been advised by the Company to consult an attorney of her choice and has either done so or voluntarily chosen not to do
so, (iii) she fully understands that by signing below she is giving up certain rights which she might otherwise have to sue or assert a claim against any of the Company Releasees, and (iv) she has not been forced or pressured in any manner
whatsoever to sign this Release, and agrees to all of its terms voluntarily. 

  

	 	(c)	Executive shall have seven calendar days from the date of her execution of this Release (the “Revocation Period”) in which she may revoke this Release. Such revocation must be in writing and
delivered, prior to the expiration of the Revocation Period, to the attention of the Company’s Chief Executive Officer at the Company’s then-current headquarters address. If Executive revokes this Release during the Revocation Period, then
the Release shall be null and void and without effect. 

 7. Effective Date 

The Effective Date of this Release will be day after the Revocation Period expires without revocation by Executive. 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Executive has executed this Release as of the date indicated below. 

 

							
		  	  
	  	Dated:	  	  

		  	JoAnn Kintzel

Source: [{"source": "alea-institute/alea-institute/kl3m-data-edgar-agreements/train-00259-of-00352.parquet"}, [{"source": "alea-institute/alea-institute/kl3m-data-edgar-agreements/train-00259-of-00352.parquet"}]]