Document:

Exhibit 10.5

 

AMENDED AND RESTATED EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT

 

This Amended and Restated Employment Agreement (this “Agreement”), effective as of July 23, 2012 (the “Effective Date”), is between Hyperdynamics Corporation (“Employer”), and Ray Leonard (“Executive”) (each a “Party” and together the “Parties”).

 

WHEREAS, Employer and Employee are parties to that certain Employment Agreement, effective July 22, 2009 (together with all amendments thereto the “2009  Employment Agreement”),

 

WHEREAS, Employer wishes to continue to employ Executive as its President, Chief Executive Officer, and Member of the Board of Directors, and Executive wishes to continue such employment; and

 

WHEREAS, the parties wish to amend and restate the terms and conditions of Executive’s employment as set forth in the 2009 Employment Agreement by entering into this Agreement;

 

NOW, THEREFORE, the parties hereto agree as follows:

 

1.                                       Definitions.  As used in this Agreement, the following terms have the following meanings:

 

(a)                                  “Affiliate” means, with respect to any entity, any other corporation, organization, association, partnership, sole proprietorship or other type of entity, whether incorporated or unincorporated, directly or indirectly controlling or controlled by or under direct or indirect common control with such entity.

 

(b)                                 “Annual Period” means the time period of each year beginning on the first day of the Employment Term and ending on the day before the anniversary of that date.

 

(c)                                  “Board” means the Board of Directors of Employer.

 

(d)                                 “Cause” means a finding by the Board of acts or omissions constituting, in the Board’s reasonable judgment, any of the following occurring during the Employment Term:

 

(i)            a material breach of duty by Executive in the course of his employment with Employer or its Affiliates involving fraud, acts of dishonesty (other than inadvertent acts or omissions), disloyalty to Employer or its Affiliates or moral turpitude constituting criminal felony;

 

(ii)           conduct by Executive that is materially detrimental to Employer or its Affiliates, monetarily or otherwise, or that reflects unfavorably on Employer or Executive to such an extent that Employer or its Affiliates have been materially harmed or would be materially harmed if Executive’s employment were not terminated;

 

 

(iii)          acts or omissions of Executive that are materially in violation of his obligations under this Agreement or at law and that have a material adverse effect on Employer or its Affiliates;

 

(iv)          Executive’s material failure to comply with or enforce the personnel policies of Employer or its Affiliates, specifically including those concerning equal employment opportunity and those related to harassing conduct;

 

(v)           Executive’s material insubordination to the Board;

 

(vi)          subject to the details of Paragraph 4(b), Executive’s failure to devote his full working time and best efforts to the performance of his responsibilities to Employer or its Affiliates;

 

(vii)         Executive’s conviction of, or entry of a plea agreement or consent decree or similar arrangement with respect to a felony or any material violation of federal or state securities laws, in either case, having a material adverse effect on Employer or its Affiliates; or

 

(viii)        Executive’s material failure to cooperate with any investigation or inquiry authorized by the Board or conducted by a governmental authority related to Employer’s or an Affiliate’s business or Executive’s conduct related to Employer or an Affiliate.

 

(e)                                  “Competitor” means any person or entity that is engaged in the acquisition, development, production and marketing of crude oil and natural gas, chemicals and other hydrocarbon commodities in competition with the activities of Employer or an Affiliate.

 

(f)                                    “Confidential Information” means, without limitation, all documents or information, in whatever form or medium, concerning or evidencing seismic data, geological data; geophysical data; energy exploration data; oil and gas production data; sales; costs; pricing; strategies; forecasts and long range plans; financial and tax information; personnel information; business, marketing and operational projections, plans and opportunities; customer, vendor, and supplier information; project and prospect locations and leads; and production information; but excluding any such information that is or becomes generally available to the public other than as a result of any breach of this Agreement or other unauthorized disclosure by Executive.

 

(g)                                 “Employment Termination Date” means the effective date of termination of Executive’s employment as established under Paragraph 6(g).

 

(h)                                 “Good Reason” means, with respect to Executive, any of the following actions or failures to act:

 

(i)            a material diminution in Executive’s authority, duties, or responsibilities in effect immediately prior to the effective date of such change, but excluding any such change that occurs in connection with Executive’s death, Inability to Perform or retirement;

 

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(ii)           a material reduction by the Employer of Executive’s compensation in effect immediately prior to the effective date of such reduction;

 

(iii)          any change of more than 75 miles in the location of Executive’s principal place of employment immediately prior to the effective date of such change; or

 

(iv)          any material breach by the Employer of this Agreement.

 

(i)                                     “Inability to Perform” means and shall be deemed to have occurred if Executive has been determined under Employer’s long-term disability plan, if any,  to be eligible for long-term disability benefits.  In the absence of Executive’s participation in, application for benefits under, or existence of such a plan, “Inability to Perform” means Executive’s inability to perform the essential functions of his position with the Employer because of an illness or injury for (i) a period of six-consecutive months or (ii) an aggregate of six months within any period of 12-consecutive months.

 

(j)                                     “Work Product” means all ideas, works of authorship, inventions, and other creations, whether or not patentable, copyrightable, or subject to other intellectual-property protection, that are made, conceived, developed or worked on in whole or in part by Executive while employed by Employer and/or any of its Affiliates, that relate in any manner whatsoever to the business, existing or then-proposed, of Employer and/or any of its Affiliates, or any other business or research or development effort in which Employer and/or any of its Affiliates engages during Executive’s employment.

 

2.                                       Employment.  Employer agrees to employ Executive (directly or through an Affiliate), and Executive agrees to be employed, for the Employment Term set forth in Paragraph 3.  Executive will be employed in the position and with the duties and responsibilities set forth in Paragraph 4(a) and upon the other terms and conditions set out in this Agreement.  Employer and Executive agree that such employment may be through a co-employment relationship with a professional employer organization, subject to the requirements of Paragraph 4(a).  Executive represents, covenants and warranties that his employment by the Employer does not and will not breach agreements that the Executive may have entered into with other companies.  For the avoidance of doubt, the Executive represents, covenants and warranties that his employment by the Employer will not breach any confidentiality agreements, non-competition agreements or non-solicitation agreements that the Executive may have entered into with others.

 

3.                                       Term.  Executive’s employment under this Agreement shall continue from the Effective Date for a term of one year (the “Employment Term”), unless sooner terminated as provided in this Agreement.  The Employment Term shall be extended automatically for an additional one-year period as of the last day of the initial Annual Period and each successive Annual Period thereafter on which the Executive remains employed by Employer; provided, however, that if, prior to May 31 during any such Annual Period, either party shall give written notice to the other that no such automatic extension shall occur, then Executive’s employment shall terminate on the last day of the Annual Period

 

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during which such notice is given unless sooner terminated as provided in this Agreement.

 

4.                                       Position and Duties.

 

(a)                                  During the Employment Term, Executive shall be employed as President and Chief Executive Officer of Employer, under the direction and subject to the control of the Board (which direction shall be such as is customarily exercised over a chief executive officer), and Executive shall be responsible for the business, affairs, properties and operations of Employer and shall have general executive charge, management and control of Employer, with all such powers and authority with respect to such business, affairs, properties and operations as may be reasonably incident to such duties and responsibilities.  In addition, Executive shall have such other duties, functions, responsibilities, and authority as are from time to time delegated to Executive by the Board; provided, however, that such duties, functions, responsibilities, and authority are reasonable and customary for a person serving in the same or similar capacity of an enterprise comparable to Employer.  The assignment to Executive of duties and/or responsibilities that are materially inconsistent with Executive’s status, positions, duties, responsibilities and functions with the Employer immediately prior to the effective date of such assignment or the removal of Executive from, or the failure to re-elect Executive to, any material corporate office of the Employer held by Executive immediately prior to such effective date shall constitute a material breach of this Agreement by the Employer.

 

(b)                                 During the Employment Term, Executive shall devote his full business time, skill, and attention and his best efforts to the business and affairs of Employer to the extent necessary to discharge fully, faithfully, and efficiently the duties and responsibilities delegated and assigned to Executive in or pursuant to this Agreement, except for usual, ordinary, and customary periods of vacation and absence due to illness or other disability and as otherwise specified in this paragraph.  Employer agrees that it shall not be a violation of this paragraph for Executive to (i) serve on corporate, civic or charitable boards or committees, (ii) deliver lectures, fulfill speaking engagements or teach at educational institutions, and (iii) manage personal investments, so long as in the case of (i), (ii) and (iii) above such activities do not significantly interfere or conflict with the performance of Executive’s responsibilities under this Agreement or the interests of Employer.  Executive shall not become a member of the board of directors or committees of any other for profit business organization without prior written consent of the Board.

 

(c)                                  In connection with Executive’s employment under this Agreement, Executive shall be based in Houston, Texas, or at any other place where the principal executive offices of Employer may be located during the Employment Term, subject to the provisions of Paragraph 1(h)(iii).  Executive also will engage in such travel as the performance of Executive’s duties in the business of Employer may require.

 

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(d)                                 All services that Executive may render to Employer or any of its Affiliates in any capacity during the Employment Term shall be deemed to be services required by this Agreement and the consideration for such services is that provided for in this Agreement.

 

(e)                                  Executive hereby acknowledges that he has read and is familiar with Employer’s policies regarding business ethics and conduct, and will comply with all such provisions, and any amendments thereto, during the Employment Term.

 

5.                                       Compensation and Related Matters.

 

(a)                                  Base Salary.  During each Annual Period of the Employment Term, Employer shall pay to Executive for his services under this Agreement an annual base salary (“Base Salary”).  The Base Salary on the Effective Date shall be $400,000.  The Base Salary is subject to adjustment, at the discretion of the Board, but in no event shall Employer pay Executive a Base Salary less than that set forth above, or than any increased Base Salary later in effect, without the consent of Executive.  The Base Salary is earned pro rata and shall be payable in installments in accordance with the general payroll practices of Employer, or as otherwise mutually agreed upon.

 

(b)                                 Annual Incentives.

 

(i)            Beginning with the Effective Date, Executive will participate in any incentive compensation plan (ICP) applicable to Executive’s position, as may be adopted by Employer from time to time and in accordance with the terms of such plan.  Executive’s annual cash target award opportunity under the ICP will be 100% of Executive’s Base Salary with a threshold of 50% and a 200% maximum, and shall be subject to such other terms, conditions and restrictions as may be established by the Board or the Compensation Committee of the Board (“ICP Bonus Award”).  Executive and the Board have agreed to a set of performance metrics for the ICP Bonus Award applicable to the present Annual Period.  With respect to any subsequent Annual Period(s), Executive will develop and submit to the Compensation Committee of the Board, for review and approval, proposed performance metrics by no later than May 1 of the then-current Annual Period, and the Board and Executive will strive to have the performance metrics finalized by no later than May 15.  Any ICP Bonus Award determined earned will be paid to Executive within 30 days after the end of the Annual Period to which it relates.

 

(ii)           In addition to any ICP Bonus Award that he earns under the ICP, Employer will also grant Executive an annual award of stock options under its equity incentive plan then in effect in an amount equal to 50% of the number of dollars of the cash award (e.g., if the cash award is $200,000, Executive would receive an award of options to purchase 100,000 shares of Employer’s common stock) (the “ICP Options”).  The ICP Options will have an exercise price equal to the fair market value of Employer’s common stock on the grant date, will have a five-year life, and will vest equally over a three-year period on each anniversary of the grant date.

 

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(c)                                  Employee Benefits.  During the Employment Term, Executive shall be entitled to participate in all employee benefit plans, programs, and arrangements that are generally made available by Employer to its senior executives, including without limitation Employer’s life insurance, long-term disability, and health plans.  Executive acknowledges and agrees that cooperation and participation in medical or physical examinations may be required by one or more insurance companies in connection with the applications for such life and/or disability insurance policies.

 

(d)                                 Expenses.  Executive shall be entitled to receive reimbursement for all reasonable expenses incurred by Executive during the Employment Term in performing his duties and responsibilities under this Agreement, consistent with Employer’s policies or practices for reimbursement of expenses incurred by other senior executives of Employer (“Business Expenses”).  Notwithstanding the foregoing, (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 must be made on or before the last day of the calendar year following the calendar year in which the expense was incurred and (iii) the right to reimbursement shall not be subject to liquidation or exchange for any other benefit.

 

(e)                                  Vacations.  During each Annual Period of the Employment Term, Executive shall be eligible for four weeks’ paid vacation, as well as sick pay and other paid and unpaid time off in accordance with the policies and practices of Employer.  Executive agrees to use his vacation and other paid time off at such times that are (i) consistent with the proper performance of his duties and responsibilities and (ii) mutually convenient for Employer and Executive.

 

(f)                                    Fringe Benefits.  During the Employment Term, Executive shall be entitled to the perquisites and other fringe benefits that are made available by Employer to its senior executives generally and to such perquisites and fringe benefits that are made available by Employer to Executive in particular, subject to any applicable terms and conditions of any specific perquisite or other fringe benefit.  However, the Executive shall NOT receive a fringe benefit for club memberships or non-profit organization memberships.

 

(g)                                 Directors and Officers (D&O) Liability Insurance.  Employer has obtained a D&O insurance policy and provided Executive a copy of the policy.

 

6.                                       Termination of Employment.

 

(a)                                  Death.  Executive’s employment shall terminate automatically upon his death.

 

(b)                                 Inability to Perform.  Employer may terminate Executive’s employment for Inability to Perform.

 

(c)                                  Termination by Employer for Cause.  Subject to the provisions of this Paragraph 6(c), Employer may terminate Executive’s employment for Cause by providing Executive with a Notice of Termination as set out in Paragraph 6(f).  If Employer

 

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notifies Executive of its intent to terminate Executive’s employment in whole or part under provisions (ii), (iii), (iv), (v), (vi) or (viii) of the definition of Cause, the Notice of Termination must first provide Executive with a reasonable period of time to correct those circumstances or events Employer contends give rise to the existence of Cause under such provision(s) (the “Correction Period”), but not to the extent the Board makes a reasonable, good faith determination that those circumstances or events cannot reasonably be corrected, in which case, the Notice of Termination must describe the basis for that determination.  A 30-day Correction Period shall be presumptively reasonable.  In all cases, Executive will be given the opportunity within 30 calendar days after his receipt of Employer’s Notice of Termination for Cause to defend himself with respect to the circumstances or events specified in such notice and in a manner and under such procedures as the Board may establish.  At a minimum, such procedures shall allow Executive to meet with the Board, with Executive’s attorney if desired by Executive.  Nothing in this Paragraph 6(c) precludes informal discussions between Executive and any member of the Board regarding such circumstances or events.

 

(d)                                 Termination by Executive for Good Reason.  Executive may terminate his employment for Good Reason.  To exercise his right to terminate for Good Reason, Executive must provide a Notice of Termination (subject to Employer’s opportunity to remedy as described below) within 90 days after the date he first becomes aware of the condition(s) giving rise to the Good Reason; otherwise, Executive is deemed to have accepted the condition(s), or Employer’s correction of such condition(s), that may have given rise to the existence of Good Reason.  Employer shall have 30 days to remedy the Good Reason condition(s).  If not remedied within that 30-day period, Executive may terminate for Good Reason in accordance with the Notice of Termination.

 

(e)                                  Termination by Either Party Without Cause or Without Good Reason.  Either Employer or Executive may terminate Executive’s employment without Cause or without Good Reason upon at least 30 days’ prior written notice to the other party.  Upon termination without Cause or upon receipt of a Notice of Termination from Executive without Good Reason, Employer may elect to relieve Executive of his duties, and pay his pro rata Base Salary and provide him his employment benefits for the notice period, and Executive shall resign from the Board, none of which shall constitute Good Reason.

 

(f)                                    Notice of Termination.  Any termination of Executive’s employment by Employer or by Executive (other than a termination pursuant to Paragraph 6(a)) shall be communicated by a written Notice of Termination.  A “Notice of Termination” is a written notice that must (i) indicate the specific termination provision in this Agreement relied upon; (ii) in the case of a termination for Inability to Perform, Cause, or Good Reason, set forth in reasonable detail the facts and circumstances claimed to provide a basis for termination of Executive’s employment under the provision invoked; and (iii) if the termination is by Executive under Paragraph 6(e), or by Employer for any reason, specify the Employment Termination Date.

 

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The failure by Employer or Executive to set forth in the Notice of Termination any fact or circumstance that contributes to a showing of Cause or Good Reason shall not waive any right of Employer or Executive or preclude either of them from asserting such fact or circumstance in enforcing or defending their rights.

 

(g)                                 Employment Termination Date.  The Employment Termination Date, whether occurring before or after a change of control of the Employer, shall be as follows: (i) if Executive’s employment is terminated by his death, the date of his death; (ii) if Executive’s employment is terminated by Employer because of his Inability to Perform the date specified in the Notice of Termination, which date shall be no earlier than the date such notice is given; (iii) if Executive’s employment is terminated by Employer for Cause, the date specified in the Notice of Termination, which date shall not be earlier than the last day of the Correction Period (if applicable); (iv) if Executive’s employment is terminated by Executive for Good Reason, the last day of the Employer’s remedy period, which date shall be 30 days after the date on which the Notice of Termination is given in accordance with Paragraph 6(d); (v) if the termination is under Paragraph 6(e), the date specified in the Notice of Termination, which date shall be no earlier than 30 days after the date such notice is given; or (vi) if Executive’s employment is terminated by expiration of the Employment Term, the date the Employment Term expires.

 

(h)                                 Deemed Resignation.  In the event of termination of Executive’s employment, Executive agrees that if at such time he is a member of the Board or is an officer of Employer or a director or officer of any of its Affiliates, he shall be deemed to have resigned from such position(s) effective on the Employment Termination Date, unless the Board and Executive agree in writing prior to the Employment Termination Date that Executive shall remain a member of the Board, in which case Executive shall not be deemed to have resigned his position as a member of the Board merely by virtue of the termination of his employment.  Executive agrees to execute and deliver any documents evidencing his resignation from such positions that Employer may reasonably request; provided, however, that no such document shall affect the date that Executive ceased to be a Board member as described above such that Executive continues to have duties as a Board member beyond the date specified in the preceding sentence.

 

(i)                                     Investigation; Suspension.  Employer may suspend Executive with pay pending (a) an investigation as described in Paragraph 1(d)(viii), or (b) a determination by the Board whether Executive has engaged in acts or omissions constituting Cause.  Such a paid suspension shall not constitute a termination of Executive’s employment, or Good Reason.  Executive agrees to cooperate with Employer in connection with any such investigation.

 

7.                                       Compensation Upon Termination of Employment.

 

(a)                                  Death.  If Executive’s employment is terminated by reason of Executive’s death, Employer shall pay to such person as Executive shall designate in a written notice

 

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to Employer (or, if no such person is designated, to his estate) any unpaid portion of Executive’s Base Salary earned pro rata through the Employment Termination Date (the “Compensation Payment”), any earned but unused vacation (the “Vacation Payment”), and any unreimbursed Business Expenses, at the time and in the manner required by applicable law but in no event later than 30 business days after the Employment Termination Date.  In addition, all Employer stock options and restricted stock awards held by Executive as of the Employment Termination Date shall be fully and immediately vested, and Executive’s estate or other authorized representative or beneficiary will have twelve months after the Employment Termination Date, to exercise all Employer stock options, provided that in no event may such stock options be exercised after the latest date upon which the options would have expired by their original terms.

 

(b)                                 Inability to Perform.  If Executive’s employment is terminated by reason of Executive’s Inability to Perform, Employer shall pay to Executive the Compensation Payment, the Vacation Payment, and any unreimbursed Business Expenses at the time and in the manner required by applicable law but in no event later than 30 business days after the Employment Termination Date.  In addition, all Employer stock options and restricted stock awards held by Executive as of the Employment Termination Date shall be fully and immediately vested, and Executive will have twelve months after the Employment Termination Date, to exercise all Employer stock options, provided that in no event may such stock options be exercised after the latest date upon which the options would have expired by their original terms.

 

(c)                                  Termination by Executive Without Good Reason or Upon Expiration of Employment Term Due to Executive Notice.  If Executive’s employment is terminated by Executive pursuant to and in compliance with Paragraph 6(e) or if Executive notifies the Employer under Paragraph 3 of the discontinuance of automatic extensions of the Employment Term and as a result Executive’s employment ends upon the expiration of the Employment Term, Employer shall pay to Executive the Compensation Payment, the Vacation Payment, and any unreimbursed Business Expenses, at the time and in the manner required by applicable law but in no event later than 30 business days after the Employment Termination Date.

 

(d)                                 Termination for Cause.  If Executive’s employment is terminated by Employer for Cause, Employer shall pay to Executive the Compensation Payment, the Vacation Payment, and any unreimbursed Business Expenses, at the time and in the manner required by applicable law but in no event later than 30 business days after the Employment Termination Date.

 

(e)                                  Termination Without Cause or With Good Reason or Upon Expiration of Employment Term Due to Employer Notice.  If Executive’s employment is terminated by Employer for any reason other than death, Inability to Perform, or Cause; is terminated by Executive for Good Reason during the Employment Term; or ends upon the expiration of the Employment Term due to the Employer

 

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notifying Executive under Paragraph 3 of the discontinuance of automatic extensions of the Employment Term,

 

(i)            Employer shall pay to Executive the Compensation Payment, the Vacation Payment, and any unreimbursed Business Expenses, at the time and in the manner required by applicable law but in no event later than 30 business days after the Employment Termination Date.

 

(ii)           In addition but subject to subparagraph (iii) of this Paragraph 7(e), Employer shall pay or provide to Executive in lieu of any other severance or separation benefits (including, without limitation, those set forth in Employer’s Involuntary Termination Severance Plan), the following if, within 45 days (or within the expiration of such other applicable review and revocation period as may then be mandated by law) after the Employment Termination Date, Executive has signed a general release agreement and does not revoke such release:

 

(A)          An amount equal to Executive’s annual Base Salary as in effect on the Employment Termination Date;

 

(B)           An amount equal to Executive’s annual ICP Bonus Award at the target level for the performance period in effect on the Employment Termination Date;

 

(C)           Full and immediate vesting of all Employer stock options and restricted stock awards held by Executive as of the Employment Termination Date;

 

(D)          Executive will have twelve months after the Employment Termination Date, to exercise all Employer stock options, provided that in no event may such stock options be exercised after the latest date upon which the options would have expired by their original terms.

 

Amounts payable under Paragraphs 7(e)(ii)(A)-(B) shall be payable to Executive in a single lump sum payment in cash within 60 days after the Employment Termination Date; provided that if such 60-day period begins in one taxable year and ends in a subsequent taxable year, payment shall occur in the second taxable year.

 

(iii)          Employer’s obligation under Paragraph 7(e)(ii) is limited as follows:

 

(A)          If Executive engages in any conduct that materially violates Paragraph 8 or engages in any of the Restricted Activities described in Paragraph 9, Employer’s obligation to make payments to Executive under Paragraph 7(e)(ii), if any such obligation remains, shall end as of the date Employer so notifies Executive in writing; provided that such obligation shall not end if an arbitrator finally determines in accordance with Paragraph 28 that Executive

 

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did not materially violate Paragraph 8 or engage in any of the Restricted Activities described in Paragraph 9; and

 

(B)           If Executive is found guilty or enters into a plea agreement, consent decree, or similar arrangement with respect to any felony criminal offense or any material violation of federal or state securities laws, or has a cease-and-desist order, injunction, or other penalty or judgment issued or entered in any material civil enforcement action brought against him by any United States regulatory agency or by a court of competent jurisdiction in a proceeding commenced by such a regulatory agency (in either case, regardless of whether Executive admits or denies the substantive allegations, and in each case for actions or omissions related to his employment with Employer or any of its Affiliates), (1) Employer’s obligation to make payments to Executive under this Paragraph 7(e)(ii) shall end as of the date that Employer so notifies Executive in writing, and (2) Executive shall repay to Employer any amounts paid to him pursuant to this Paragraph 7(e)(ii) within 30 days after receipt of a written request to do so by Employer.

 

(f)                                    Parachute Payment Excise Tax Gross Up.  In the event that it is determined that any payment (other than the Gross-Up payment provided for in this Paragraph 7(f)) or distribution by Employer or any of its Affiliates to or for the benefit of Executive, whether paid or payable or distributed or distributable pursuant to the terms of this Agreement or otherwise pursuant to or by reason of any other agreement, policy, plan, program or arrangement, including without limitation any stock option or similar right, or the lapse or termination of any restriction on or the vesting or exercisability of any of the foregoing (a “Payment”), would be subject to the excise tax imposed by Section 4999 of the Code (or any successor provision thereto) by reason of being considered “contingent on a change in ownership or control” of Employer, within the meaning of Section 280G of the Code or any successor provision thereto (such tax being hereafter referred to as the “280G Excise Tax”), then Executive will be entitled to receive an additional payment or payments (a “280G Gross-Up Payment”).  The 280G Gross-Up Payment will be in an amount such that, after payment by Executive of all taxes, including any 280G Excise Tax imposed upon the 280G Gross-Up Payment, Executive retains an amount of the 280G Gross-Up Payment equal to the 280G Excise Tax imposed upon the Payment.  For purposes of determining the amount of the 280G Gross-Up Payment, Executive will be considered to pay (x) federal income taxes at the highest rate in effect in the year in which the 280G Gross-Up Payment will be made and (y) state and local income taxes at the highest rate in effect in the state or locality in which the 280G Gross-Up Payment would be subject to state or local tax, net of the maximum reduction in federal income tax that could be obtained from deduction of such state and local taxes.  The determination of whether the 280G Excise Tax would be imposed, the amount of such 280G Excise Tax, and the calculation of the amounts referred to in this

 

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Paragraph 7(f) will be made at the expense of Employer by Employer’s regular independent accounting firm (the “Accounting Firm”), which shall provide detailed supporting calculations.  Any determination by the Accounting Firm will be binding upon Employer and Executive.  The 280G Gross-Up Payment will be paid to Executive as soon as administratively practicable following, but no later than the end of the calendar year in which falls the date on which Executive remits the related taxes.

 

(g)                                 Section 409A Excise Tax Gross Up.  Executive and Employer each acknowledges and agrees that (i) Executive’s employment did not end upon expiration of the Employment Term set forth in the 2009 Employment Agreement, but instead continued pursuant to this Agreement and, therefore, (ii) that Executive is due no payments or benefits under Paragraph 7(e) of the 2009 Employment Agreement.  Nevertheless, if the terms of this Agreement (as may be modified pursuant to Paragraph 7(j)) or the 2009 Employment Agreement or any action or omission by the Employer in its performance under this Agreement or the 2009 Agreement, causes any payment or benefit received or to be received by Executive from the Employer pursuant to this Agreement or the 2009 Agreement (the “Agreement Payments”) to be subject to the excise tax and additional interest imposed by Code Section 409A(a)(1)(B) (the “409A Excise Tax”), the Employer shall pay Executive, at the time specified below, an additional amount (the “409A Gross-Up Payment”) such that the net amount that Executive retains, after deduction of the 409A Excise Tax on the Agreement Payments; any federal, state, and local income and employment taxes upon the 409A Gross-Up Payment; any additional 409A Excise Taxes upon the 409A Gross-Up Payment; and any interest, penalties, or additions to tax payable by Executive with respect thereto, shall be equal to the total present value (using the applicable federal rate (as defined in section 1274(d) of the Code) in such calculation) of the Agreement Payments at the time such payments are to be made.  Payment of such additional amount shall occur on or before the earlier to occur of (i) the date which the Employer is required to withhold any such taxes and (ii) the date on which Executive remits such taxes to the Internal Revenue Service (to the extent not withheld).  For purposes of determining the amount of the 409A Gross-Up Payment, Executive shall be deemed to pay federal income taxes at the highest marginal rates of federal income taxation applicable to individuals in the calendar year in which the 409A Gross-Up Payment is to be made and state and local income taxes at the highest marginal rates of taxation applicable to individuals as are in effect in the state and locality of Executive’s residence in the calendar year in which the 409A Gross-Up Payment is to be made, net of the maximum reduction in federal income taxes that can be obtained from deduction of such state and local taxes, taking into account any limitations applicable to individuals subject to federal income tax at the highest marginal rates.  The 409A Gross-Up Payment is not intended to duplicate any payments that may be due under Section 7(e) of this Agreement and will not limit in any way Executive’s obligations with respect to executing and not revoking a general release as provided under Section 7(e).

 

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(h)                                 Health Insurance.  In addition, if Executive’s employment with Employer or an Affiliate or successor of Employer is terminated or ends under the circumstances set forth in Paragraph 7(e), Executive will receive, in addition to any other payments due under this Agreement, the following benefit: if, at the time of the Employment Termination Date, Executive participates in one or more health plans offered or made available by Employer and Executive is eligible for and elects to receive continued coverage under such plans in accordance with the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985 (“COBRA”) or any successor law, Employer will reimburse Executive during the 18-month period following the Employment Termination Date, for the difference between the total amount of the monthly COBRA premiums for the same coverage as in effect on the Employment Termination Date, that are actually paid by Executive for such continued health plan benefits and the total monthly amount of the same premiums charged to active senior executives of Employer for health insurance coverage.  Such reimbursement shall be made within the 90-day period following Executive’s payment of each monthly COBRA premium.  Provided, however, that Employer’s reimbursement obligation under this Paragraph 7(h) shall terminate upon the earlier of (i) the expiration of the time period described above or (ii) the date Executive becomes eligible for health insurance coverage under a subsequent employer’s plan without being subject to any preexisting-condition exclusion under that plan, which occurrence Executive shall promptly report to Employer.

 

(i)                                     Exclusive Compensation and Benefits.  The compensation and benefits described in this Paragraph 7, along with the associated terms for payment, constitute all of Employer’s obligations to Executive with respect to the ending of Executive’s employment with Employer and/or its Affiliates, subject to Paragraph 24 and the remainder of this Paragraph 7(i).  Accordingly, Executive and Employer expressly acknowledge and agree that, following the Employment Termination Date, Executive shall have no rights to any employment by Employer or its Affiliates (including employment as described in Paragraphs 2, 3 and 4 of this Agreement), and no rights to any further compensation or benefits under Paragraph 5 of this Agreement, provided that Executive shall remain eligible for coverage under Employer’s D&O insurance policy or policies to the extent provided by the terms of such policy or policies.  Executive and Employer further acknowledge and agree that nothing in this Agreement is intended to limit or terminate (i) any obligations of Employer or Executive under the other terms of this Agreement, including, but not limited to, with respect to Employer, its obligations under Paragraphs 12 and 20, and, with respect to Executive, his obligations under Paragraphs 6(h), 8, 9, 10, 13, 22, and 23, or (ii) any earned, vested benefits (other than any entitlement to severance or separation pay, if any) that Executive may have under the applicable provisions of any benefit plan of Employer in which Executive is participating at the time of the termination of employment.

 

(j)                                     Code Section 409A Matters.  This Agreement is intended to comply with Code Section 409A and any ambiguous provisions will be construed in a manner that is compliant with or exempt from the application of Code Section 409A.  If a provision of the Agreement would result in the imposition of an applicable tax

 

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under Code Section 409A, the parties agree that such provision shall be reformed to avoid imposition of the applicable tax, with such reformation effected in a manner that has the most favorable result to Executive.

 

For purposes of Code Section 409A, each payment or amount due under this Agreement shall be considered a separate payment, and Executive’s entitlement to a series of payments under this Agreement is to be treated as an entitlement to a series of separate payments.

 

If (i) Executive is a “specified employee,” as such term is defined in Code Section 409A and determined as described below in this Paragraph 7(j), and (ii) any payment due under this Agreement is subject to Code Section 409A and is required to be delayed under Code Section 409A because Executive is a specified employee, that payment shall be payable on the earlier of (A) the first business day that is six months after Executive’s separation from service, as such term is defined in Code Section 409A, (B) the date of Executive’s death, or (C) the date that otherwise complies with the requirements of Section 409A.  This Paragraph 7(j) shall be applied by accumulating all payments that otherwise would have been paid within six months after Executive’s separation and paying such accumulated amounts on the earliest business day which complies with the requirements of Code Section 409A.  For purposes of determining the identity of specified employees, the Board may establish procedures as it deems appropriate in accordance with Code Section 409A.

 

(k)                                  Payment after Executive’s Death.  In the event of Executive’s death after he becomes entitled to a payment or payments pursuant to this Paragraph 7, any remaining unpaid amounts shall be paid, at the time and in the manner such payments otherwise would have been paid to Executive, to such person as Executive shall designate in a written notice to Employer (or, if no such person is designated, to his estate).

 

(l)                                     Offset.  Executive agrees that Employer may set off against, and Executive authorizes Employer to deduct from, any payments due to Executive, or to his heirs, legal representatives, or successors, as a result of the termination of Executive’s employment any amounts which may be due and owing to Employer or any of its Affiliates by Executive, whether arising under this Agreement or otherwise; provided, however, that any such set off and deduction shall be made only to the extent it does not result in the imposition of any excise tax under Code Section 409A to the extent applicable.

 

8.                                       Confidential Information.

 

(a)                                  Executive acknowledges and agrees that (i) Employer and its Affiliates are engaged in a highly competitive business; (ii) Employer and its Affiliates have expended considerable time and resources to develop goodwill with their customers, vendors, and others, and to create, protect, and exploit Confidential Information; (iii) Employer must continue to prevent the dilution of its and its Affiliates’ goodwill and unauthorized use or disclosure of its Confidential Information to avoid harm to its legitimate business interests; (iv) in the acquisition, development and marketing of crude oil and natural gas, chemicals or

 

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other hydrocarbon products, his participation in or direction of Employer’s or its Affiliates’ day-to-day operations and strategic planning are an integral part of Employer’s continued success and goodwill; (v) given his position and responsibilities, he necessarily will be creating Confidential Information that belongs to Employer and enhances Employer’s goodwill, and in carrying out his responsibilities he in turn will be relying on Employer’s goodwill and the disclosure by Employer to him of Confidential Information; and (vi) he will have access to Confidential Information that could be used by any Competitor of Employer in a manner that would harm Employer’s competitive position in the marketplace and dilute its goodwill.  Employer acknowledges and agrees that nothing in this Agreement precludes Executive from accepting employment from any third party employer after termination of employment with Employer and its Affiliates for whatever reason, provided that Executive complies with his obligations under Paragraph 8(d) and at law with respect to the Confidential Information.

 

(b)                                 Employer acknowledges and agrees that Executive must have and continue to have throughout his employment the benefits and use of its and its Affiliates’ goodwill and Confidential Information in order to properly carry out his responsibilities.  Employer accordingly promises upon execution and delivery of this Agreement to provide Executive immediate and continuing access to Confidential Information and to authorize him to engage in activities that will create new and additional Confidential Information.

 

(c)                                  Employer and Executive thus acknowledge and agree that during Executive’s employment with Employer, and upon execution and delivery of this Agreement, he (i) will receive Confidential Information that is unique, proprietary, and valuable to Employer and/or its Affiliates; (ii) will create Confidential Information that is unique, proprietary, and valuable to Employer and/or its Affiliates; and (iii) will benefit, including without limitation by way of increased earnings and earning capacity, from the goodwill Employer and its Affiliates have generated and from the Confidential Information.

 

(d)                                 Accordingly, Executive acknowledges and agrees that at all times during his employment by Employer and/or any of its Affiliates and thereafter:

 

(i)            all Confidential Information shall remain and be the sole and exclusive property of Employer and/or its Affiliates;

 

(ii)           he will protect and safeguard all Confidential Information;

 

(iii)          he will hold all Confidential Information in strictest confidence and not, directly or indirectly, disclose or divulge any Confidential Information to any person other than an officer, director, or employee of, or legal counsel for, Employer or its Affiliates, to the extent necessary for the proper performance of his responsibilities unless authorized to do so by Employer or compelled to do so by law or valid legal process;

 

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(iv)          if he believes he is compelled by law or valid legal process to disclose or divulge any Confidential Information, he will notify Employer in writing sufficiently in advance of any such disclosure to allow Employer the opportunity to defend, limit, or otherwise protect its interests against such disclosure;

 

(v)           at the end of his employment with Employer for any reason or at the request of Employer at any time, he will return to Employer all Confidential Information and all copies thereof, in whatever tangible form or medium, including electronic; and

 

(vi)          absent the promises and representations of Executive in this Paragraph 8 and in Paragraph 9, Employer would require him immediately to return any tangible Confidential Information in his possession, would not provide Executive with new and additional Confidential Information, would not authorize Executive to engage in activities that will create new and additional Confidential Information, and would not enter or have entered into this Agreement.

 

9.                                       Nonsolicitation Obligations.  In consideration of Employer’s promises to provide Executive with Confidential Information and to authorize him to engage in activities that will create new and additional Confidential Information upon execution and delivery of this Agreement, and the other promises and undertakings of Employer in this Agreement, Executive agrees that, while he is employed by Employer and/or any of its Affiliates and for a 2-year period following the end of that employment for any reason, he shall not engage in any of the following activities (the “Restricted Activities”):

 

(a)                                  He will not, whether on his own behalf or on behalf of any other individual, partnership, firm, corporation or business organization, either directly or indirectly solicit, induce, persuade, or entice, or endeavor to solicit, induce, persuade, or entice, any person who is then employed by or otherwise engaged to perform services for Employer or its Affiliates to leave that employment or cease performing those services; and

 

(b)                                 He will not, whether on his own behalf or on behalf of any other individual, partnership, firm, corporation or business organization, either directly or indirectly solicit, induce, persuade, or entice, or endeavor to solicit, induce, persuade, or entice, any person who is then a customer, supplier, or vendor of Employer or any of its Affiliates to cease being a customer, supplier, or vendor of Employer or any of its Affiliates or to divert all or any part of such person’s or entity’s business from Employer or any of its Affiliates.

 

Executive acknowledges and agrees that the restrictions contained in this Paragraph 9 are ancillary to an otherwise enforceable agreement, including without limitation the mutual promises and undertakings set forth in Paragraph 8; that Employer’s promises and undertakings set forth in Paragraph 8 and Executive’s position and responsibilities with Employer give rise to Employer’s interest in restricting Executive’s post-employment activities; that such restrictions are designed to enforce Executive’s promises and undertakings set forth in this Paragraph 9 and his common-law obligations and duties owed to Employer and its Affiliates; that the restrictions are reasonable and necessary, are valid and enforceable under Texas law, and do not impose a

 

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greater restraint than necessary to protect Employer’s goodwill, Confidential Information, and other legitimate business interests; that he will immediately notify Employer in writing should he believe or be advised that the restrictions are not, or likely are not, valid or enforceable under Texas law or the law of any other state that he contends or is advised is applicable; that the mutual promises and undertakings of Employer and Executive under Paragraphs 8 and 9 are not contingent on the duration of Executive’s employment with Employer; that absent the promises and representations made by Executive in this Paragraph 9 and Paragraph 8, Employer would require him to return any Confidential Information in his possession, would not provide Executive with new and additional Confidential Information, would not authorize Executive to engage in activities that will create new and additional Confidential Information, and would not enter or have entered into this Agreement; and that his obligations under Paragraphs 8 and 9 supplement, rather than supplant, his common-law duties of confidentiality and loyalty owed to Employer.

 

Employer agrees that any action that is undertaken by a subsequent employer of Executive will not be treated as an action by Executive for purposes of the foregoing provisions of this Paragraph 9 unless Executive personally engages in a Restricted Activity, whether directly or indirectly.

 

10.                                 Intellectual Property.

 

(a)                                  In consideration of Employer’s promises and undertakings in this Agreement, Executive agrees that all Work Product will be disclosed promptly by Executive to Employer, shall be the sole and exclusive property of Employer, and is hereby assigned to Employer, regardless of whether (i) such Work Product was conceived, made, developed or worked on during regular hours of his employment or his time away from his employment, (ii) the Work Product was made at the suggestion of Employer; or (iii) the Work Product was reduced to drawing, written description, documentation, models or other tangible form.  Without limiting the foregoing, Executive acknowledges that all original works of authorship that are made by Executive, solely or jointly with others, within the scope of his employment and that are protectable by copyright are “works made for hire,” as that term is defined in the United States Copyright Act (17 U.S.C., Section 101), and are therefore owned by Employer from the time of creation.

 

(b)                                 Executive agrees to assign, transfer, and set over, and Executive does hereby assign, transfer, and set over to Employer, all of his right, title and interest in and to all Work Product, without the necessity of any further compensation, and agrees that Employer is entitled to obtain and hold in its own name all patents, copyrights, and other rights in respect of all Work Product.  Executive agrees to (i) cooperate with Employer during and after his employment with Employer in obtaining patents or copyrights or other intellectual-property protection for all Work Product; (ii) execute, acknowledge, seal, and deliver all documents tendered by Employer to evidence its ownership thereof throughout the world; and (iii) cooperate with Employer in obtaining, defending, and enforcing its rights therein.

 

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(c)                                  Executive represents that there are no other contracts to assign inventions or other intellectual property that are now in existence between Executive and any other person or entity.  Executive further represents that he has no other employment or undertakings that might restrict or impair his performance of this Agreement.  Executive will not in connection with his employment by Employer, use or disclose to Employer any confidential, trade secret, or other proprietary information of any previous employer or other person that Executive is not lawfully entitled to disclose.

 

11.                                 Reformation.  If the provisions of Paragraphs 8, 9, or 10 are ever deemed by a court to exceed the limitations permitted by applicable law, Executive and Employer agree that such provisions shall be, and are, automatically reformed to the maximum limitations permitted by such law.

 

12.                                 Indemnification and Insurance.  Employer shall indemnify Executive both (i) to the fullest extent permitted by the laws of the State of Delaware, and (ii) in accordance with the more favorable of Employer’s certificate of incorporation, bylaws and standard indemnification agreement as in effect on the Effective Date or as in effect on the date as of which the indemnification is owed.  In addition, Employer shall provide Executive with coverage under directors’ and officers’ liability insurance policies on terms not less favorable than those provided to any of its other directors and officers as in effect from time to time.

 

13.                                 Assistance in Litigation.  During the Employment Term and thereafter for the lifetime of Executive, Executive shall, upon reasonable notice, furnish such information and proper assistance to Employer or any of its Affiliates as may reasonably be required by Employer in connection with any litigation, investigations, arbitrations, and/or any other fact-finding or adjudicative proceedings involving Employer or any of its Affiliates.  This obligation shall include, without limitation, to promptly upon request meet with counsel for Employer or any of its Affiliates and provide truthful testimony at the request of Employer or as otherwise required by law or valid legal process.  Following the Employment Term, Employer shall reimburse Executive for all reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred by Executive and approved in advance by Employer in rendering such assistance (such as travel, parking, and meals but not attorney’s fees), but shall have no obligation to compensate Executive for his time in providing information and assistance in accordance with this Paragraph 13, provided that such reimbursement shall be made on or before the last day of the calendar year following the calendar year in which the expense is incurred, and provided further that Executive’s obligations under this Paragraph 13 following the Employment Termination Date shall not unreasonably interfere with Executive’s employment or other activities and endeavors.

 

14.                                 No Obligation to Pay.  With regard to any payment due to Executive under this Agreement, it shall not be a breach of any provision of this Agreement for Employer to fail to make such payment to Executive if (i) Employer is prohibited from making the payment; (ii) Employer would be obligated to recover the payment if it was made; or (iii) Executive would be obligated to repay the payment if it was made; provided, however,

 

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that this Paragraph 14 shall only apply if such prohibition or obligation is legally imposed by statute or regulation.

 

15.                                 Deductions and Withholdings.  With respect to any payment to be made to Executive, Employer shall deduct, where applicable, any amounts authorized by Employee, and shall withhold and report all amounts required to be withheld and reported by applicable law.

 

16.                                 Notices.  All notices, requests, demands, and other communications required or permitted to be given or made by either party shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been duly given or made (a) when delivered personally, or (b) when deposited in the United States mail, first class registered or certified mail, postage prepaid, return receipt requested, to the party for which intended at the following addresses (or at such other addresses as shall be specified by the parties by like notice, except that notices of change of address shall be effective only upon receipt):

 

(i)                                     If to Employer, at:

 

Hyperdynamics Corporation

Attn: Chairman of the Board of Directors

12012 Wickchester Lane

Suite 475

Houston, Texas 77079

 

(ii)                                  If to Executive, at Executive’s then-current home address on file with Employer.

 

17.                                 Injunctive Relief.  Executive acknowledges and agrees that Employer would not have an adequate remedy at law and would be irreparably harmed in the event that any of the provisions of Paragraphs 8, 9, and 10 were not performed in accordance with their specific terms or were otherwise breached.  Accordingly, Executive agrees that Employer shall be entitled to equitable relief, including preliminary and permanent injunctions and specific performance, in the event Executive breaches or threatens to breach any of the provisions of such Paragraphs, without the necessity of posting any bond or proving special damages or irreparable injury.  Such remedies shall not be deemed to be the exclusive remedies for a breach or threatened breach of this Agreement by Executive, but shall be in addition to all other remedies available to Employer at law or equity.

 

18.                                 Mitigation.  Executive shall not be required to mitigate the amount of any payment provided for in this Agreement by seeking other employment or otherwise, nor shall the amount of any payment provided for in this Agreement be reduced by any compensation earned by Executive as the result of employment by another employer after the date of termination of Executive’s employment with Employer, or otherwise.

 

19.                                Binding Effect; No Assignment by Executive; No Third Party Benefit.  This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the parties and their respective heirs, legal representatives, successors, and assigns; provided, however, that Executive shall not assign or otherwise transfer this Agreement or any of his rights or obligations under this Agreement.  Subject to Paragraph 20, Employer is authorized to assign or otherwise transfer this Agreement or any of its rights or obligations under this Agreement only to an

 

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Affiliate of Employer.  Executive shall not have any right to pledge, hypothecate, anticipate, or in any way create a lien upon any payments or other benefits provided under this Agreement; and no benefits payable under this Agreement shall be assignable in anticipation of payment either by voluntary or involuntary acts, or by operation of law, except by will or pursuant to the laws of descent and distribution.  Nothing in this Agreement, express or implied, is intended to or shall confer upon any person other than the parties, and their respective heirs, legal representatives, successors, and permitted assigns, any rights, benefits, or remedies of any nature whatsoever under or by reason of this Agreement.

 

20.                                 Assumption by Successor.  Employer shall ensure that any successor or assignee (whether direct or indirect, by purchase, merger, consolidation, or otherwise) to all or substantially all the business and/or assets of Employer or the oil and gas acquisition, exploration, development and production business of Employer, either by operation of law or written agreement, assumes the obligations of this Agreement (the “Assumption Obligation”).  If Employer fails to fulfill the Assumption Obligation, such failure shall be considered a material breach of this Agreement for purposes of Paragraph 1(h)(iv); provided, however, that the compensation to which Executive would be entitled pursuant to Paragraph 7 upon a termination for Good Reason shall be the sole remedy of Executive for any failure by Employer to fulfill the Assumption Obligation.  As used in this Agreement, “Employer” shall include any successor or assignee (whether direct or indirect, by purchase, merger, consolidation, or otherwise) to all or substantially all the business and/or assets of Employer or the oil and gas exploration, development and production business of Employer that executes and delivers the agreement provided for in this Paragraph 20 or that otherwise becomes obligated under this Agreement by operation of law.

 

21.                                 Legal Fees and Expenses.  Employer will pay or reimburse Executive for all reasonable legal fees and expenses up to $10,000.00 incurred by Executive in connection with the preparation, review, and negotiation of this Agreement prior to its execution, provided that any such payment or reimbursement shall be made within the same calendar year in which falls the Effective Date.

 

22.                                 Governing Law.  This Agreement and the employment of Executive, as well as any arbitration proceedings hereunder, shall be governed by the laws of the State of Texas except for its laws with respect to conflict of laws

 

23.                                 Entire Agreement.  This Agreement contains the entire agreement between the parties concerning the subject matter expressly addressed herein and supersedes all prior agreements and understandings, written and oral, between the parties with respect to such subject matter.  However, nothing in this Paragraph 24 is intended to limit any obligations of the parties under any other agreement that Employer may enter into with Executive after the earlier of the Effective Date or the execution of this Agreement by Executive.  The provisions of this Agreement which provide for accelerated vesting and extended exercisability of stock options shall constitute amendments to any stock option agreements previously or hereafter entered into between Executive and Employer.

 

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24.                                 Modification; Waiver.  No person, other than pursuant to a resolution duly adopted by the members of the Board, shall have authority on behalf of Employer to agree to modify, amend, or waive any provision of this Agreement.  Further, this Agreement may not be changed orally, but only by a written agreement signed by the party against whom any waiver, change, amendment, modification or discharge is sought to be enforced.  Each party acknowledges and agrees that no breach by the other party of this Agreement or failure to enforce or insist on its rights under this Agreement shall constitute a waiver or abandonment of any such rights or defense to enforcement of such rights.

 

25.                                 Construction.  This Agreement is to be construed as a whole, according to its fair meaning, and not strictly for or against any of the parties.

 

26.                                 Severability.  If any provision of this Agreement shall be determined by a court to be invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provisions of this Agreement shall not be affected thereby, shall remain in full force and effect, and shall be enforceable to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law.

 

27.                                 Counterparts.  This Agreement may be executed by the parties in any number of counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, but all of which shall constitute one and the same agreement.

 

28.                                 ARBITRATION.  ALL DISPUTES RELATING TO OR ARISING OUT OF THIS AGREEMENT, INCLUDING WITHOUT LIMITATION THE SCOPE AND INTERPRETATION OF THIS ARBITRATION CLAUSE AND THE JURISDICTION OF THE ARBITRATOR, SHALL BE RESOLVED BY ARBITRATION USING THREE ARBITRATORS FOLLOWING THE RULES OF ARBITRATION OF THE AMERICAN ARBITRATION ASSOCIATION.  ALL COSTS OF THE ARBITRATION SHALL BE PAID BY EMPLOYER.  THE ARBITRATION PANEL SHALL BE SELECTED AS FOLLOWS:  THE EMPLOYER SHALL SELECT ONE ARBITRATOR, THE EXECUTIVE SHALL SELECT ONE ARBITRATOR, AND THE TWO ARBITRATORS THUS SELECTED SHALL SELECT THE THIRD ARBITRATOR.  THE ARBITRATOR SHALL HAVE THE DISCRETION TO MODIFY THE ARBITRATION PROVISIONS OF THIS AGREEMENT TO THE EXTENT NECESSARY TO AVOID A FINDING THAT SUCH ARBITRATION PROVISIONS ARE UNCONSCIONABLE OR UNENFORCEABLE.  SUCH ARBITRATION SHALL BE THE SOLE AND EXCLUSIVE REMEDY FOR ALL SUCH DISPUTES AND CONTROVERSIES RELATING TO OR ARISING OUT OF THIS AGREEMENT.  THE DECISION OF THE ARBITRATOR SHALL BE FINAL AND BINDING WITH REGARD TO EACH PARTY TO THE ARBITRATION.

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Employer has caused this Agreement to be executed on its behalf by its duly authorized officer, and Executive has executed this Agreement, effective as of the date first set forth above.

 

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EMPLOYER   
    	
 
    	
EXECUTIVE   
    
	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    
	
HYPERDYNAMICS   CORPORATION
    	
 
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    
	
By:   
    	
 
    	
 
    	
By:   
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
Robert   A. Solberg
    	
 
    	
 
    	
Ray   Leonard 
    
	
 
    	
Chairman   of the Board of Directors
    	
 
    	
 
    	
President   and Chief Executive Officer
    

 

22Exhibit 10.17

 

HYPERDYMANICS CORPORATION

 

2010 EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN, AS AMENDED

 

ARTICLE I

ESTABLISHMENT OF THE PLAN

 

Hyperdynamics Corporation (the “Company”) hereby establishes the Hyperdynamics Corporation 2010 Equity Incentive Plan (the “Plan”),as amended, upon the terms and conditions hereinafter stated.

 

ARTICLE II

DEFINITIONS

 

2.01        “Award” means any stock option, restricted stock or restricted stock unit award granted to a Participant under the Plan.

 

2.02        “Award Agreement” means the written agreement pursuant to Article VI hereof that sets forth the terms, conditions, restrictions and privileges for an Award and that incorporates the terms of the Plan.

 

2.03        “Board” means the Board of Directors of the Company.

 

2.04        “Code” means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.

 

2.05        “Committee” means the Compensation Committee consisting of three or more persons appointed by the Board pursuant to Section 3.01 hereof. If no Committee is appointed, the term “Committee” means the Board, except in those instances where the text clearly indicated otherwise.

 

2.06        “Common Stock” means shares of the Common Stock, $.001 par value per share, of the Company.

 

2.07        “Disability” means any physical or mental impairment which qualifies an Employee for disability benefits under the applicable long-term disability plan maintained by the Company or, if no such plan applies, which would qualify such Employee for disability benefits under the Federal Social Security System.

 

2.08        “Effective Date” means the date on which the Company’s stockholders vote to approve the Plan on the Board’s approval and recommendation of the Plan.

 

2.09        “Employee” means any person employed on an hourly or salaried basis by the Company or any parent or subsidiary of the Company that now exists or hereafter is organized or acquired by or acquires the Company and whose wages are reported on a Form W-2.  The Company classification as to who is an Employee shall be determinative for purposes of an individual’s eligibility under the Plan.

 

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2.10        “Exchange Act” means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

 

2.11        “Fair Market Value” means the closing price of a share of Common Stock on the national securities exchange that is the principal market for the Common Stock of the date of grant (or on the last preceding trading date if shares were not traded on such date).  If the Common Stock is not listed on a securities exchange, Fair Market Value shall be the amount determined in good faith by the Committee.

 

2.12        “Incentive Stock Option” means any Award granted under this Plan which the Committee intends (at the time it is granted) to be an incentive stock option within the meaning of Section 422 of the Code.  All Incentive Stock Options issued under this Plan are intended to comply with the requirements of Section 422 of the Code, and the regulations thereunder, and all provisions hereunder shall be read, interpreted and applied with that purpose in mind.

 

2.13        “Non-Qualified Stock Option” means any Option Award granted under this Plan which is a stock option but is not an Incentive Stock Option.

 

2.14        “Officer” means any Employee of the Company or any of its subsidiaries who is designated by the Board as a corporate officer.

 

2.15        “Participant” means any Employee, Officer, director, consultant, independent contractor or other individual who is designated by the Committee or the Board pursuant to Article VI to participate in the Plan.

 

2.16        “Retirement” means a separation from service which constitutes a normal “retirement” under any applicable qualified retirement plan maintained by the Company or in the absence of a qualified retirement plan,  a separation from service which is determined by the Board to constitute a “retirement.”

 

2.17        “Restricted Stock”  means any Award granted under this Plan which the Committee intends (at the time it is granted) to be a restricted stock award within the meaning of Section 83 of the Code.

 

2.18        “Restricted Stock Unit” means any Award granted under this Plan which the Committee intends (at the time it is granted) to be a restricted stock unit settled in Common Stock, cash or a combination thereof at the end of a specified vesting period.

 

2.19        “Settlement” means the date on which the vesting requirements applicable to a Restricted Stock Unit are satisfied and the Company delivers to the Participant shares of Common Stock, cash or a combination of Common Stock and cash in satisfaction of such Restricted Stock Unit.

 

ARTICLE III

ADMINISTRATION OF THE PLAN AND MISCELLANEOUS

 

3.01        Plan Administration.  The Plan shall be administered by the Board unless the Board, in its discretion, appoints a Committee comprised of not fewer than three board members. If a Committee is not established, all references to “Committee” under the Plan shall be deemed 

 

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to refer to “Board” until such time as a Committee may be established.  A simple majority of the members of the Committee shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business.  The Committee shall be responsible to the Board for the day-to-day  operation of the Plan, although the Committee may, in its discretion, delegate to one or more Officers of the Company responsibility for certain ministerial actions associated with Plan administration.  The Committee  may make recommendations to the Board with respect to participation in the Plan by Employees, Officers, directors, consultants, independent contractors or other individuals of the Company or any of its subsidiaries.  The Committee may consider such factors as it deems pertinent in selecting Participants and in determining the type and amount of Awards, if any, to be given including, without limitation; (i) the financial condition of the Company or its Subsidiaries; (ii) expected profits for the current or future years; (iii) the contributions of a prospective Participants to the profitability and success of the Company or its Subsidiaries; and (iv) the adequacy of the prospective Participant’s other compensation.

 

3.02        Limitation on Liability.  No member of the Committee shall be liable for any action or determination made in good faith with respect to the Plan.  To the maximum extent allowed by law and the Company’s bylaws, the members of the Committee shall be indemnified by the Company in respect of all their activities under the Plan. The interpretation and construction of any provision of the Plan by the Committee shall be final, unless otherwise determined by the Board.

 

3.03        Compliance with Law and Regulations.  All Awards granted hereunder shall be subject to all applicable federal and state laws, rules and regulations and to such approvals by any government or regulatory agency as may be required.  The Company shall not be required to issue or deliver any certificates for shares of Common Stock prior to the completion of any registration or qualification of or obtaining of consents or approvals with respect to such shares under any Federal or state law or any rule or regulation of any government body, which the Company shall, in its sole discretion, determine to be necessary or advisable.

 

3.04        Restrictions on Transfer.  The Company shall place a legend upon any certificate representing shares acquired pursuant to an Award granted hereunder noting that the transfer of such shares may be restricted by applicable laws and regulations.

 

ARTICLE IV

ELIGIBILITY

 

Awards may be granted to such Employees, Officers, directors, consultants, independent contractors and other individuals as may be designated from time to time by the Committee, pursuant to guidelines, if any, which may be adopted by the Committee from time to time.

 

ARTICLE V

COMMON STOCK AVAILABLE FOR THE PLAN

 

The aggregate number of shares of Common Stock which may be issued pursuant to this Plan shall be 10,000,000.  If a reorganization, merger, consolidation, reclassification, 

 

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recapitalization, combination or exchange of shares, stock split, stock dividend, rights offering, or other expansion or contraction of the Common Stock of the Company occurs, the number and class of shares underlying shares authorized to be granted or granted under this Plan, and the price per share payable upon exercise of an Award as applicable shall be equitably adjusted by the Committee to reflect such changes. To the extent deemed equitable and appropriate by the Board, subject to any required action by stockholders, in any merger, consolidation, reorganization, liquidation or dissolution, any Award granted under the Plan shall pertain to the securities and other property to which a holder of the number of shares of stock covered by the Award would have been entitled to receive in connection with such event.

 

No shares shall be the subject of more than one Award at any time, but if an Award as to any shares is surrendered before exercise, or expires or terminates for any reason without having been exercised in full, or for any other reason ceases to be exercisable, the number of shares covered thereby shall again become available for grant under the Plan as if no Awards had been previously granted with respect to such shares.

 

ARTICLE VI

PARTICIPATION; AWARD AGREEMENT

 

The Committee  shall, in its discretion, determine from time to time which Employees, Officers, directors, consultants, independent contractors and other individuals  will participate in the Plan and receive Awards under the Plan.  In making all such determinations there shall be taken into account the duties, responsibilities and performance of each respective Employee, Officer, director, consultant, independent contractor, or other individual,  his present and potential contributions to the growth and success of the Company, his cash compensation and such other factors as the Committee shall deem relevant to accomplishing the purposes of the Plan.

 

Awards may be granted individually or in tandem with other Awards.  All Awards are subject to the terms, conditions, restrictions and privileges of the Plan in addition to the terms, conditions, restrictions and privileges for an Award contained in the Award Agreement.  No Award under this Plan shall be effective unless memorialized in writing by the Committee in an Award Agreement delivered to and signed by the Participant.

 

ARTICLE VII

AWARDS

 

7.01        Stock Options.  The Committee may from time to time grant to eligible participants Awards of Incentive Stock Options or Non-Qualified Stock Options, provided however that Awards of Incentive Stock Options shall be limited to Employees of the Company or any of its subsidiaries.  All Incentive Stock Options must have an exercise price at least equal to the Fair Market Value of a share of Common Stock at the time of grant, except as provided in Section 8.05.

 

7.02        Restricted Stock.  The Committee may from time to time grant restricted Stock Awards to eligible Participants in such amounts, on such terms and conditions, and for such consideration, including no consideration or such minimum consideration as may be required by law, as it shall determine.

 

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7.03        Restricted Stock Units.  The Committee may from time to time grant restricted Stock Unit Awards to eligible Participants in such amounts, on such terms and conditions, as it shall determine.

 

ARTICLE VIII

OPTION AWARDS

 

8.01        Vesting of Options

 

(a)           General Rules.  Incentive Stock Options and Non-Qualified Stock Options shall become vested and exercisable as determined in the sole discretion of the Committee as set forth in the applicable Award Agreement.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, no vesting shall occur on or after the date that a Participant’s employment with Company terminates for any reason.

 

(b)           Accelerated Vesting Upon Death, Disability or  Retirement. Notwithstanding the general rule described in subsection (a), only those Stock Options granted to a Participant under this Plan that are vested on the date of a Participant’s death, Disability or Retirement shall be exercisable by the Participant or the Participant’s representative. Upon a Participant’s death, Disability or Retirement, the Committee may elect to accelerate vesting with respect to all or a portion of an unvested Stock Option.

 

8.02        Duration of Options. Each Stock Option granted to a Participant shall be exercisable at any time on or after it vests until the earlier of (i) a date specified in the Award Agreement that shall be no later than ten (10) years after its date of grant or (ii) a date specified in the Award Agreement that shall be no later than  one year from  the date that the Participant ceases to be employed by (or act as a consultant to) the Company or any of its subsidiaries.

 

8.03        Notice of Disposition; Withholding; Escrow.  A Participant shall immediately notify the Company in writing of any sale, transfer, assignment or other disposition (or action constituting a disqualifying disposition within the meaning of Section 421 of the Code) of any shares of Common Stock acquired through exercise of an Incentive Stock Option, within two (2) years after the grant of such Incentive Stock Option or within one (1) year after the acquisition of such shares, setting forth the date and manner of disposition, the number of shares disposed of and the price at which such shares were disposed.  The Company shall be entitled to withhold from any compensation or other payments then or thereafter due to the Participant such amounts as may be necessary to satisfy any withholding requirements of Federal or state law or regulation and, further, to collect from the Participant any additional amounts which may be required for such purpose.  The Committee may, in its discretion, require shares of Common Stock acquired by a Participant upon exercise of an Incentive Stock Option to be held in an escrow arrangement for the purpose of enabling compliance with the provisions of this Section 8.03.

 

8.04        Manner of Exercise.  To the extent vested and exercisable, Awards may be exercised in part or in whole from time to time by execution of a written notice directed to the Committee, at the Company’ principal place of business, accompanied by a check in payment of the exercise price for the number of shares specified and paid for.

 

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8.05        $100,000 Limitation.  Notwithstanding any contrary provisions contained elsewhere in this Plan and as long as required by Section 422 of the Code, the aggregate Fair Market Value, determined as of the time an Incentive Stock Option is granted, of the Common Stock with respect to which Incentive Stock Options are exercisable for the first time by the Participant during any calendar year, under this Plan and stock options that satisfy the requirements of Section 422 of the Code under any other stock option plan or plans maintained by the Company, shall not exceed $100,000.

 

8.06        Limitation on Ten Percent Stockholders.  The price at which shares of Common Stock may be purchased upon exercise of an Incentive Stock Option granted to an individual who, at the time such Incentive Stock Option is granted, owns, directly or indirectly, more than ten percent (10%) of the total combined voting power of all classes of stock issued to stockholders of the Company, shall be no less than one hundred and ten percent (110%) of the Fair Market Value of a share of the Common Stock of the Company at the time of grant, and such Incentive Stock Option shall by its terms not be exercisable after the expiration of five (5) years from the date such Incentive Stock Option is granted.

 

ARTICLE IX

RESTRICTED STOCK UNITS

 

Section 9.01         Award and Restrictions.  A Restricted Stock Unit Award is an Award determined by reference to a number of shares of the Company’s Common Stock subject to such restrictions and conditions as the Committee shall determine at the time of grant.  Restricted Stock Units shall be satisfied at Settlement by the delivery of cash and/or Common Stock in the amount equal to the Fair Market Value for the specified number of shares of Common Stock covered by the Restricted Stock Units, as set forth in the Award Agreement.  Settlement of an Award of Restricted Stock Units shall occur upon expiration of the vesting period specified for such Restricted Stock Unit by the Committee.  Vesting restrictions shall be based on continuing employment and/or achievement of pre-established performance goals and objectives as the Committee shall set forth in the Award Agreement.

 

Section 9.02         Dividend Equivalents.  Unless otherwise determined by the Committee at grant, Dividend Equivalents on the specified number of shares of Common Stock covered by an Award of Restricted Stock Units shall be either (a) paid with respect to such unvested Restricted Stock Units on the dividend payment date in cash or in shares of unrestricted Common Stock having a Fair Market Value equal to the amount of such dividends, or (b) deferred with respect to such unvested Restricted Stock Units and the amount or value thereof automatically deemed reinvested in additional unvested Restricted Stock Units, respectively, as the Committee shall determine.

 

ARTICLE X

RESTRICTED STOCK

 

Section 10.01       Award and Restrictions.  A Restricted Stock Award is an Award pursuant to which the Company may, grant or sell, at par value or such other higher purchase price determined by the Committee, in its sole discretion, shares of Stock subject to such 

 

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restrictions and conditions as the Committee shall determine at the time of grant, which purchase price shall be payable in cash or by promissory note as determined by the Committee in its sole discretion.  Vesting restrictions shall be based on continuing employment and/or achievement of pre-established performance goals and objectives.  The terms and conditions of each such agreement shall be determined by the Committee, and such terms and conditions may differ among individual Awards and Participants.

 

Section 10.02       Rights as a Stockholder.  Unless otherwise determined by the Committee at grant, a Participant shall have the rights of a stockholder of the Company holding Common Stock, including the right to vote the shares of Common stock covered by the Award of Restricted Stock.  Unless the Committee shall otherwise determine, certificates evidencing the Restricted Stock shall remain in the possession of the Company until such Restricted Stock is vested.

 

Section 10.03       Vesting of Restricted Stock.  The Committee at the time of grant shall specify the date or dates and/or the attainment of pre-established performance goals, objectives and other conditions under which Restricted Stock shall become vested, subject to such further rights of the Company as may be specified in Award Agreement evidencing the Restricted Stock Award.

 

Section 10.04       Dividends.  Unless otherwise determined by the Committee at grant, Dividends on the specified number of shares of Common Stock covered by an Award of Restricted Stock shall be either (a) paid with respect to such unvested Restricted Stock on the dividend payment date in cash or in shares of unrestricted Common Stock having a Fair Market Value equal to the amount of such dividends, or (b) deferred with respect to such unvested Restricted Stock and the amount or value thereof automatically deemed reinvested in additional unvested Restricted Stock, respectively, as the Committee shall determine.

 

ARTICLE XI

NONASSIGNABILITY

 

Awards shall not be transferable by a Participant except by will or the laws of descent or distribution, and during a Participant’s lifetime shall be exercisable only by such Participant or the Participant’s guardian or legal representative.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, or any other provision of this Plan, a Participant who holds Non-Qualified Stock Options may transfer such Awards to his or her spouse, lineal ascendants, lineal descendants, or to a duly established trust for the benefit of one or more of these individuals.  Awards so transferred may thereafter be transferred only to the Participant who originally received the grant or to an individual or trust to whom the Participant would have initially transferred the Award pursuant to this Article XI.  Awards which are transferred pursuant to this Article XI shall be exercisable by the transferee according to the same terms and conditions as applied to the Participant.

 

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ARTICLE XII

AMENDMENT AND TERMINATION OF THE PLAN

 

The Board may, by resolution, at any time terminate or amend the Plan with respect to any shares of Common Stock or Awards which have not been granted.

 

ARTICLE XIII

EMPLOYMENT RIGHTS

 

Neither the Plan nor any Award hereunder shall create any right on the part of any Employee of the Company or any of its subsidiaries to continue in such capacity, or shall make anyone an employee.

 

ARTICLE XIV

WITHHOLDING

 

The Company may withhold from any cash payment made under this Plan sufficient amounts to cover any applicable withholding and employment taxes, and if the amount of such cash payment is insufficient, the Company may require the Participant to pay to the Company the amount required to be withheld as a condition to delivering the shares acquired pursuant to an Award.  The Company also may withhold or collect amounts with respect to a disqualifying disposition of shares of Common Stock acquired pursuant to exercise of an Incentive Stock Option.

 

The Committee is authorized to adopt rules, regulations or procedures which provide for the satisfaction of a Participant’s tax withholding obligation by the retention of shares of Common Stock to which he otherwise would be entitled pursuant to an Award or by the Participant’s delivery of previously-owned shares of Common Stock or other property.  However, if the Company adopts rules, regulations or procedures which permit withholding obligations to be met by the retention of Common Stock to which a Participant otherwise would be entitled pursuant to an Award, the fair market value of the Common Stock retained for such purpose shall not exceed the minimum required Federal, state and local tax withholding due upon exercise of the Award.

 

ARTICLE XV

EFFECTIVE DATE OF THE PLAN; TERM

 

15.01      Effective Date of the Plan.  This Plan shall become effective on the Effective Date, and Awards may be granted hereunder as of or after the Effective Date and prior to the termination of the Plan.

 

15.02      Term of Plan.  Unless sooner terminated, this Plan shall remain in effect for a period of ten (10) years ending on the tenth anniversary of the Effective Date.  Termination of the Plan shall not affect any Awards previously granted and such Awards shall remain valid and in effect until they have been fully exercised or earned, are surrendered or by their terms expire or are forfeited.

 

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ARTICLE XVI

GOVERNING LAW

 

To the extent not governed by Federal law, this Plan shall be construed under the laws of the State of Delaware.

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Company has caused a duly authorized officer to execute this Plan, and to apply the Corporate seal hereto as of the 25th day of June, 2012.

 

 

	
 
    	
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Name:
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
Title:
    	
 
    

 

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