EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT DATED DECEMBER 29, 2020 BETWEEN PRIME EXECUTIONS INC. AND ROBERT WOTCZAK
EXHIBIT 10.17
EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT DATED DECEMBER 29, 2020 BETWEEN PRIME EXECUTIONS INC. AND ▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇
Certain portions of this exhibit (indicated by “[***]”) have been omitted pursuant to Item 601(a)(6) of Regulation S-K.
This exhibit is an English translation of a foreign language document. The Company hereby agrees to furnish to the SEC, upon request, a copy of the foreign language document.
EMPLOYMENT CONTRACT
| Almaty | December 29, 2020 | ||||
This Employment Agreement (the "Agreement") is made and entered into as of December 29, 2020, by and between ▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ (the "Executive") and Prime Executions, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the "Company").
WHEREAS, the Company desires to employ the Executive on the terms and conditions set forth herein; and
WHEREAS, the Executive desires to be employed by the Company on such terms and conditions.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants, promises, and obligations set forth herein, the parties agree as follows:
1.Term. The Executive's employment hereunder shall be effective as of the date of the closing of the acquisition of Prime Executions, Inc. provided for in the Stock Purchase Agreement, dated October 9, 2020, between Freedom Holding Corp. (“FRHC”) and ▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ and ▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇ (the "Purchase Agreement") (the "Effective Date") and shall continue until thereafter, unless terminated earlier pursuant to Section 5 of this Agreement. If the Purchase Agreement terminates for any reason before the acquisition becomes effective, all of the provisions of this Agreement will terminate and there will be no liability of any kind under this Agreement. The period during which the Executive is employed by the Company hereunder is hereinafter referred to as the "Employment Term."
2.Position and Duties.
a.Position. During the Employment Term, the Executive shall serve as the President and chief executive officer of the Company, reporting to the Chairman of the Board. In such position, the Executive shall have such duties, authority, and responsibilities as shall be determined from time to time by the board of directors of the Company (the “Board”), which duties, authority, and responsibilities are consistent with the Executive's position as chief executive officer in charge of the Company’s current business and to design, implement, and manage the Company’s expansion to include capital markets activities consistent with the business plan to be prepared by the Executive and approved by the Board, as amended from time to time. The Executive shall, if requested, also serve as a member of the Board or as an officer or director of any affiliate of the Company for no additional compensation. For purposes of this Agreement the term affiliate or affiliates means the corporation, and its officers and directors, that owns the Company and each of that corporation’s subsidiary companies (the “Affiliate(s)”).
b.Duties. During the Employment Term, the Executive shall devote substantially all of Executive's business time and attention to the performance of the Executive's duties hereunder and will not engage in any other business, profession, or occupation for compensation or otherwise which would conflict or interfere with the performance of such services either directly or indirectly without the prior written consent of the Board. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Executive will be permitted to (a) with the prior written consent of the Board, which consent can be withheld by the Board in its discretion, act serve as a director, trustee, committee member, or principal of any type of business, civic, or charitable organization as long as such activities are disclosed in writing to the Company's Board in accordance with the Company's Management Policy and Code of Ethics, and (b) purchase
or own less than five percent (5%) of the publicly traded securities of any corporation; provided that, such ownership represents a passive investment and that the Executive is not a controlling person of, or a member of a group that controls, such corporation; provided further that, the activities described in clauses (a) and (b) do not interfere with the performance of the Executive's duties and responsibilities to the Company as provided hereunder, including, but not limited to, the obligations set forth in Section 2 hereof.
3.Place of Performance. The principal place of Executive's employment shall be the Company's principal executive office currently located in New York City, New York or during any pandemic restrictions from the home of the Executive; provided that, the Executive may be required to travel on Company business during the Employment Term.
4.Compensation.
4.1 Base Salary. The Company shall pay the Executive an annual base salary of $240,000 in periodic installments in accordance with the Company's customary payroll practices and applicable wage payment laws, but no less frequently than monthly. The Executive's base salary shall be reviewed at least annually by the Board and the Board may, but shall not be required to, increase the base salary during the Employment Term. However, the Executive's base salary may not be decreased during the Employment Term other than as part of an across-the-board salary reduction that applies in the same manner to all senior executives. The Executive's annual base salary, as in effect from time to time, is hereinafter referred to as "Base Salary".
4.2 Annual Bonus.
i.For each fiscal year of the Employment Term, the Executive shall be eligible to receive an annual bonus (the "Annual Bonus") equal to a percentage of the total annual net income of the Company determined as follows:
10% of annual net income if total net income is between $1-20,000,000;
9% of annual net income if total net income is between $20,000,001-25,000,000;
8% of annual net income if total net income is between $25,000,001-30,000,000;
7% of annual net income if total net income is between $30,000,001-35,000,000;
6% of annual net income if total net income is between $35,000,001-40,000,000;
5% of annual net income if total net income exceeds $40,000,000.
i.For the period beginning on the Effective Date and ending on the last day of the applicable fiscal year, the Executive shall be eligible to receive a prorated Annual Bonus (calculated as the Annual Bonus that would have been paid for the entire fiscal year multiplied by a fraction, the numerator of which is equal to the number of days the Executive worked in the applicable fiscal year, and the denominator of which is equal to the total number of days in such year).
ii.For purposes of this Agreement, if there is a dispute as to the amount of total annual net income, the total annual net income shall be determined in the sole discretion of the auditors of the Company appointed by FRHC determined in accordance with U.S. GAAP.
4.3 Equity Awards. During the Employment Term, the Executive shall be eligible to participate in any equity plan of the Company or the parent company of the Company, subject to the terms of the plan, as determined by the Board or the Compensation Committee, in its discretion.
4.4 Fringe Benefits and Perquisites. During the Employment Term, the Executive shall be entitled to fringe benefits and perquisites consistent with the practices of the Company and governing benefit plan requirements (including plan eligibility provisions), and to the extent the Company provides similar benefits or perquisites (or both) to similarly situated executives of the Company. Notwithstanding the foregoing, during the Employment Term, the Company shall provide the Executive with healthcare benefits on the same terms as made available to other employees of the Company.
4.5 Employee Benefits. During the Employment Term, the Executive shall be entitled to participate in all employee benefit plans, practices, and programs maintained by the Company, as in effect from time to time (collectively, "Employee Benefit Plans"), on a basis which is no less favorable than is provided to other similarly situated executives of the Company, to the extent consistent with applicable law and the terms of the applicable Employee Benefit Plans. The Company reserves the right to amend or terminate any Employee Benefit Plans at any time in its sole discretion, subject to the terms of such Employee Benefit Plan and applicable law.
4.6 Vacation; Paid Time Off. During the Employment Term, the Executive will be entitled to paid vacation on a basis that is at least as favorable as that provided to other similarly situated executives of the Company. The Executive shall receive other paid time off in accordance with the Company's policies for executive officers as such policies may exist from time to time.
4.7 Business Expenses. The Executive shall be entitled to reimbursement for all reasonable and necessary out-of-pocket business, entertainment, and travel expenses incurred by the Executive in connection with the performance of the Executive's duties hereunder in accordance with the Company's expense reimbursement policies and procedures.
4.8 Indemnification. In the event that the Executive is made a party or threatened to be made a party to any action, suit, or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative, or investigative (a "Proceeding"), other than any Proceeding initiated by the Executive or the Company related to any contest or dispute between the Executive and the Company or any of its affiliates with respect to this Agreement or the Executive's employment hereunder, by reason of the fact that the Executive is or was a director or officer of the Company, or any affiliate of the Company, or is or was serving at the request of the Company as a director, officer, member, employee, or agent of another corporation or a partnership, joint venture, trust, or other enterprise, the Executive shall be indemnified and held harmless by the Company to the fullest extent applicable to any other officer or director of the Company/to the maximum extent permitted under applicable law and the Company's bylaws from and against any liabilities, costs, claims, and expenses, including all costs and expenses incurred in defense of any Proceeding (including attorneys' fees). Costs and expenses incurred by the Executive in defense of such Proceeding (including attorneys' fees) shall be paid by the Company in advance of the final disposition of such litigation upon receipt by the Company of: (i) a written request for payment; (ii) appropriate documentation evidencing the incurrence, amount, and nature of the costs and expenses for which payment is being sought; and (iii) an undertaking adequate under applicable law made by or on behalf of the Executive to repay the amounts so paid if it shall ultimately be determined that the Executive is not entitled to be indemnified by the Company under this Agreement.
4.8 Clawback Provisions. Notwithstanding any other provisions in this Agreement to the contrary, any incentive-based or other compensation paid to the Executive under this Agreement or any other agreement or arrangement with the Company which is subject to recovery under any law, government regulation, or stock exchange listing requirement will be subject to such deductions and clawback as may be required to be made pursuant to such law, government regulation, or stock exchange listing requirement (or any policy adopted by the Company pursuant to any such law, government regulation or stock exchange listing requirement).
5.Termination of Employment. The Employment Term and the Executive's employment hereunder may be terminated by either the Company or the Executive at any time and for any reason; provided that, unless otherwise provided herein, either party shall be required to give the other party at least 45 days advance written notice of any termination of the Executive's employment. On termination of the Executive's employment during the Employment Term, the Executive shall be entitled to the compensation and benefits described in this Section 5 and shall have no further rights to any compensation or any other benefits from the Company or any of its affiliates.
5.1 For Cause or Without Good Reason.
i.The Executive's employment hereunder may be terminated by the Company for Cause, or by the Executive without Good Reason. If the Executive's employment is terminated by the Company for Cause, or by the Executive without Good Reason, the Executive shall be entitled to receive:
1.any accrued but unpaid Base Salary and accrued but unused vacation which shall be paid on the on the pay date immediately following the Termination Date (as defined below) in accordance with the Company's customary payroll procedures;
2.any earned but unpaid Annual Bonus with respect to any completed fiscal year immediately preceding the Termination Date, which shall be paid on the otherwise applicable payment date except to the extent payment is otherwise deferred pursuant to any applicable deferred compensation arrangement; provided that, if the Executive's employment is terminated by the Company for Cause, then any such accrued but unpaid Annual Bonus shall be forfeited;
3.reimbursement for unreimbursed business expenses properly incurred by the Executive, which shall be subject to and paid in accordance with the Company's expense reimbursement policy; and
4.such employee benefits (including equity compensation), if any, to which the Executive may be entitled under the Company's employee benefit plans as of the Termination Date; provided that, in no event shall the Executive be entitled to any payments in the nature of severance or termination payments except as specifically provided herein.
Items 5.1(a)(i) through 5.1(a)(iv) are referred to herein collectively as the "Accrued Amounts".
i.For purposes of this Agreement, "Cause" shall mean:
1.the Executive's failure to perform Executive's duties (other than any such failure resulting from incapacity due to physical or mental illness);
2.the Executive's failure to comply with any valid and legal directive of the Company’s Board;
3.the Executive's engagement in dishonesty, illegal conduct, or gross misconduct, which is, in each case, injurious to the Company or its affiliates;
4.the Executive's embezzlement, misappropriation, or fraud, whether or not related to the Executive's employment with the Company;
5.the Executive's conviction of or plea of guilty or nolo contendere to a crime that constitutes a felony (or state law equivalent) or a crime that constitutes a misdemeanor involving moral turpitude, if such felony or other crime is work-related, materially impairs the Executive's ability to perform services for the Company, or results in reputational or financial harm to the Company or its affiliates;
6.the Executive's violation of the Company's written policies or codes of conduct, including written policies related to discrimination, harassment, performance of illegal or unethical activities, and ethical misconduct;
7.the Executive's unauthorized disclosure of Confidential Information (as defined below);
8.the Executive's material breach of any material obligation under this Agreement or any other written agreement between the Executive and the Company; or
9.the Executive's engagement in conduct that brings or is reasonably likely to bring the Company or its affiliates negative publicity or into public disgrace, embarrassment, or disrepute.
Any act, or failure to act, based on authority given pursuant to a resolution duly adopted by the Board or on the advice of counsel for the Company shall be conclusively presumed to be done, or omitted to be done, by the Executive in good faith and in the best interests of the Company.
Termination of the Executive's employment shall not be deemed to be for Cause unless and until the Company delivers to the Executive a copy of a resolution duly adopted by the affirmative vote of not less than a majority of the Board. Except for a failure, breach, or refusal which, by its nature, cannot reasonably be expected to be cured, the Executive shall have ten (10) business days from the delivery of written notice by the Company within which to cure any acts constituting Cause; provided however, that, if the Company reasonably expects irreparable injury from a delay of ten (10) business days, the Company may give the Executive notice of such shorter period within which to cure as is reasonable under the circumstances, which may include the termination of the Executive's employment without notice and with immediate effect. The Company may place the Executive on paid leave for up to 60 days while it is determining whether there is a basis to terminate the Executive's employment for Cause. Any such action by the Company will not constitute Good Reason.
i.For purposes of this Agreement, "Good Reason" shall mean the occurrence of any of the following, in each case during the Employment Term without the Executive's written consent:
1.a material reduction in the Executive's Base Salary other than a general reduction in Base Salary that affects all similarly situated executives in substantially the same proportions;
2.a relocation of the Executive's principal place of employment by more than 50 miles;
3.any material breach by the Company of any material provision of this Agreement or any material provision of any other agreement between the Executive and the Company;
4.the Company's failure to obtain an agreement from any successor to the Company to assume and agree to perform this Agreement in the same manner and to the same extent that the Company would be required to perform if no succession had taken place, except where such assumption occurs by operation of law;
5.a material, adverse change in the Executive's title, authority, duties, or responsibilities (other than temporarily while the Executive is physically or mentally incapacitated or as required by applicable law); or
6.a material adverse change in the reporting structure applicable to the Executive.
The Executive cannot terminate employment for Good Reason unless the Executive has provided written notice to the Company of the existence of the circumstances providing grounds for termination for Good Reason within 30 days of the initial existence of such grounds and the Company has had at least 30 days from the date on which such notice is provided to cure such circumstances. If the Executive does not terminate employment for Good Reason within 30 days after the first occurrence of the applicable grounds, then the Executive will be deemed to have waived the right to terminate for Good Reason with respect to such grounds.
5.2 Without Cause, or for Good Reason. The Employment Term and the Executive's employment hereunder may be terminated by the Executive for Good Reason or by the Company without Cause. In the event of such termination, the Executive shall be entitled to receive the Accrued Amounts and subject to the Executive's compliance with Section 6, Section 7, Section 8, and Section 9 of this Agreement and the Executive's execution of a release of claims in favor of the Company, its affiliates and their respective officers and directors in a form satisfactory to the Company (the "Release") and such Release becoming effective within 7 days following the Termination Date (such 7-day period, the "Release Execution Period"), the Executive shall be entitled to receive the following:
ii.continued Base Salary for one year following the Termination Date payable in equal installments in accordance with the Company's normal payroll practices, but no less frequently than monthly, which shall commence within 30 days following the Termination Date;
iii.a payment equal to the product of (i) the Annual Bonus, if any, that the Executive would have earned for the fiscal year in which the Termination Date (as determined in accordance with Section 5.6) occurs based on achievement of the applicable performance goals for such year and (ii) a fraction, the numerator of which is the number of days the Executive was employed by the Company during the year of termination and the denominator of which is the number of days in such year (the "Pro-Rata Bonus"). This amount shall be paid on the date that annual bonuses are paid to similarly situated executives, but in no event later than two-and-a-half (2 1/2) months following the end of the Calendar year in which the Termination Date occurs;
iv.If the Executive timely and properly elects health continuation coverage under the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985 ("COBRA"), the Company shall reimburse the Executive for the monthly COBRA premium paid by the Executive for the Executive and the Executive's dependents. Such reimbursement shall be paid to the Executive on the 10th day of the month immediately following the month in which the Executive timely remits the premium payment. The Executive shall be eligible to receive such reimbursement until the earliest of: (i) the eighteen-month anniversary of the Termination Date; (ii) the date the Executive is no longer eligible to receive COBRA continuation coverage; and (iii) the date on which the Executive becomes eligible to receive substantially similar coverage from another employer or other source. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if the Company's making payments under this Section 5.2(c) would violate the nondiscrimination rules applicable to non-grandfathered plans under the Affordable Care Act (the "ACA"), or result in the imposition of penalties under the ACA and the related regulations and guidance promulgated thereunder), the parties agree to reform this Section 5.2(c) in a manner as is necessary to comply with the ACA.
v.The treatment of any outstanding equity awards shall be determined in accordance with the terms of the equity plan under which the awards are granted and the applicable award agreements.
vi.Notwithstanding the terms of the equity plan under which the equity awards are granted or any applicable award agreements:
1.all outstanding unvested stock options granted to the Executive during the Employment Term shall become fully vested and exercisable for the remainder of their full term;
2.all outstanding equity-based compensation awards that do not vest based on the attainment of performance goals, shall become fully vested and the restrictions thereon shall lapse; provided that, any delays in the settlement or payment of such awards that are set forth in the applicable award agreement and that are required under Section 409A ("Section 409A") of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code") shall remain in effect; and
3.all outstanding equity-based compensation awards, that vest based on the attainment of performance goals shall remain outstanding and shall vest or be forfeited in accordance with the terms of the applicable award agreements, if the applicable performance goals are satisfied.
5.3 Death or Disability.
i.The Executive's employment hereunder shall terminate automatically on the Executive's death during the Employment Term, and the Company may terminate the Executive's employment on account of the Executive's Disability.
ii.If the Executive's employment is terminated during the Employment Term on account of the Executive's death or Disability, the Executive (or the Executive's estate and/or beneficiaries, as the case may be) shall be entitled to receive the following:
1.the Accrued Amounts; and
2.a lump sum payment equal to the Annual Bonus, if any, that the Executive would have earned for the fiscal year in which the Termination Date occurs based on the achievement of applicable performance goals for such year, which shall be payable on the date that annual bonuses are paid to the Company's similarly situated executives, but in no event later than two-and-a- half (2 1/2) months following the end of the fiscal year in which the Termination Date occurs.
Notwithstanding any other provision contained herein, all payments made in connection with the Executive's Disability shall be provided in a manner which is consistent with federal and state law.
i.For purposes of this Agreement, "Disability" shall mean the Executive's inability, due to physical or mental incapacity, to perform the essential functions of the Executive's job, for one hundred eighty (180) days out of any three hundred sixty-five (365) day period or one hundred twenty (120) consecutive days. Any question as to the existence of the Executive's Disability as to which the Executive and the Company cannot agree shall be determined in writing by a qualified independent physician mutually acceptable to the Executive and the Company. If the Executive and the Company cannot agree as to a qualified independent physician, each shall appoint such a physician and those two physicians shall select a third who shall make such determination in writing. The determination of Disability made in writing to the Company and the Executive shall be final and conclusive for all purposes of this Agreement.
5.4 Change in Control Termination.
a.Notwithstanding any other provision contained herein, if the Executive's employment hereunder is terminated by the Executive for Good Reason or by the Company without Cause (other than on account of the Executive's death or Disability), in each case within twelve (12) months following a Change in Control, the Executive shall be entitled to receive the Accrued Amounts and subject to the Executive's compliance with Section 6, Section 7, Section 8 and Section 9 of this Agreement and the Executive's execution of a Release which becomes effective within 7 days following the Termination Date, the Executive shall be entitled to receive the following:
i.a lump sum payment equal to two (2) times the sum of the Executive's Base Salary for the year in which the Termination Date occurs (or if greater, the year immediately preceding the year in which the Change in Control occurs), which shall be paid within 45 days following the Termination Date; provided that, if the Release Execution Period begins in one taxable year and ends in another
taxable year, payment shall not be made until the beginning of the second taxable year;
b.If the Executive timely and properly elects health plan continuation coverage under COBRA, the Company shall reimburse the Executive for the monthly COBRA premium paid by the Executive for the Executive and the Executive's dependents. Such reimbursement shall be paid to the Executive on the 10th of the month immediately following the month in which the Executive timely remits the premium payment. The Executive shall be eligible to receive such reimbursement until the earliest of: (i) the eighteen-month anniversary of the Termination Date; (ii) the date the Executive is no longer eligible to receive COBRA continuation coverage; and (iii) the date on which the Executive becomes eligible to receive substantially similar coverage from another employer or other source. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if the Company's payments under this Section 5.4(b) would violate the nondiscrimination rules applicable to non-grandfathered, insured group plans under the ACA, or result in the imposition of penalties under the ACA, the parties agree to reform this Section 5.4(b) in a manner as is necessary to comply with the ACA.
c.Notwithstanding the terms of any equity incentive plan or award agreements, as applicable:
i.all outstanding unvested stock options/stock appreciation rights granted to the Executive during the Employment Term shall become fully vested and exercisable for the remainder of their full term;
ii.all outstanding equity-based compensation awards that do not vest based on the attainment of performance goals shall become fully vested and the restrictions thereon shall lapse; provided that, any delays in the settlement or payment of such awards that are set forth in the applicable award agreement and that are required under Section 409A shall remain in effect; and
iii.all outstanding equity-based compensation awards that vest based on the attainment of performance goals shall remain outstanding and shall vest or be forfeited in accordance with the terms of the applicable award agreements, if the applicable performance goals are satisfied.
d.For purposes of this Agreement, "Change in Control" shall mean the occurrence of any of the following after the Effective Date:
i.one person (or more than one person acting as a group) acquires ownership of stock of the Company that, together with the stock held by such person or group, constitutes more than 50% of the total fair market value or total voting power of the stock of such corporation; provided that, a Change in Control shall not occur if any person (or more than one person acting as a group) owns more than 50% of the total fair market value or total voting power of the Company's stock and acquires additional stock;
ii.one person (or more than one person acting as a group) acquires (or has acquired during the twelve-month period ending on the date of the most recent acquisition) ownership of the Company's stock possessing 30% or more of the total voting power of the Company's stock;
iii.a majority of the members of the Board are replaced during any twelve-month period by directors whose appointment or election is not endorsed by a majority of the Board before the date of appointment or election; or
iv.the sale of all or substantially all of the Company's assets.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, a Change in Control shall not occur unless such transaction constitutes a change in the ownership of the Company, a change in effective control of the Company, or a change in the ownership of a substantial portion of the Company's assets under Section 409A.
5.5 Notice of Termination. Any termination of the Executive's employment hereunder by the Company or by the Executive during the Employment Term (other than termination pursuant to Section 5.3(a) on account of the Executive's death) shall be communicated by written notice of termination ("Notice of Termination") to the other party hereto in accordance with Section 27. The Notice of Termination shall specify:
i.The termination provision of this Agreement relied upon;
ii.To the extent applicable, the facts and circumstances claimed to provide a basis for termination of the Executive's employment under the provision so indicated; and
iii.The applicable Termination Date.
5.6 Termination Date. The Executive's "Termination Date" shall be:
i.If the Executive's employment hereunder terminates on account of the Executive's death, the date of the Executive's death;
ii.If the Executive's employment hereunder is terminated on account of the Executive's Disability, the date that it is determined that the Executive has a Disability;
iii.If the Company terminates the Executive's employment hereunder for Cause, the date the Notice of Termination is delivered to the Executive;
iv.If the Company terminates the Executive's employment hereunder without Cause, the date specified in the Notice of Termination, which shall be no less than 7 days following the date on which the Notice of Termination is delivered; provided that, the Company shall have the option to provide the Executive with a lump sum payment equal to 7 days' Base Salary in lieu of such notice, which shall be paid in a lump sum on the Executive's Termination Date and for all purposes of this Agreement, the Executive's Termination Date shall be the date on which such Notice of Termination is delivered;
v.If the Executive terminates his employment hereunder with or without Good Reason, the date specified in the Executive's Notice of Termination, which shall be no less than 30 days following the date on which the Notice of Termination is delivered; provided that, the Company may waive all or any part of the 30 day notice period for no consideration by giving written notice to the Executive and for all purposes of this Agreement, the Executive's Termination Date shall be the date determined by the Company; and
Notwithstanding anything contained herein, the Termination Date shall not occur until the date on which the Executive incurs a "separation from service" within the meaning of Section 409A.
5.7 Mitigation. In no event shall the Executive be obligated to seek other employment or take any other action by way of mitigation of the amounts payable to the Executive under any of the provisions of this Agreement and except as provided in Section 5.2(c), any amounts payable pursuant to this Section 5 shall not be reduced by compensation the Executive earns on account of employment with another employer.
5.8 Resignation of All Other Positions. On termination of the Executive's employment hereunder for any reason, the Executive shall be deemed to have resigned from all positions that the Executive holds as an officer or member of the Board (or a committee thereof) of the Company or any of its affiliates.
5.9 Section 280G.
a.If any of the payments or benefits received or to be received by the Executive (including, without limitation, any payment or benefits received in connection with a Change in Control or the Executive’s termination of employment, whether pursuant to the terms of this Agreement or any other plan, arrangement, or agreement, or otherwise) (all such payments collectively referred to herein as the "280G Payments") constitute "parachute payments" within the meaning of Section 280G of the Code and would, but for this Error! Bookmark not defined.(a), be subject to the excise tax imposed under Section 4999 of the Code (the "Excise Tax"), then such 280G Payments shall be reduced in a manner determined by the Company (by the minimum possible amounts) that is consistent with the requirements of Section 409A until no amount payable to the Executive will be subject to the Excise Tax. If two economically equivalent amounts are subject to reduction but are payable at different times, the amounts shall be reduced (but not below zero) on a pro rata basis.
b.All calculations and determinations under this Error! Bookmark not defined.(a) shall be made by an independent accounting firm or independent tax counsel appointed by the Company (the "Tax Counsel") whose determinations shall be conclusive and binding on the Company and the Executive for all purposes. For purposes of making the calculations and determinations required by this Error! Bookmark not defined.(a), the Tax Counsel may rely on reasonable, good faith assumptions and approximations concerning the application of Section 280G and Section 4999 of the Code. The Company and the Executive shall furnish the Tax Counsel with such information and documents as the Tax Counsel may reasonably request in order to make its determinations under this Error! Bookmark not defined.(a). The Company shall bear all costs the Tax Counsel may reasonably incur in connection with its services.
6.Cooperation. The parties agree that certain matters in which the Executive will be involved during the Employment Term may necessitate the Executive's cooperation in the future. Accordingly, following the termination of the Executive's employment for any reason, to the extent reasonably requested by the Board, the Executive shall cooperate with the Company in connection with matters arising out of the Executive's service to the Company; provided that, the Company shall make reasonable efforts to minimize disruption of the Executive's other activities. The Company shall reimburse the Executive for reasonable expenses incurred in connection with such cooperation and, to the extent that the Executive is required to spend substantial time on such matters, the Company shall compensate the Executive at an hourly rate based on the Executive's Base Salary on the Termination Date.
7.Confidential Information. The Executive understands and acknowledges that during the Employment Term, the Executive will have access to and learn about Confidential Information, as defined below.
7.1Confidential Information Defined.
a.Definition.
For purposes of this Agreement, "Confidential Information" includes, but is not limited to, all information not generally known to the public, in spoken, printed, electronic or any other form or medium, relating directly or indirectly to: business processes, practices, methods, policies, plans, documents, research, operations, services, strategies, techniques, agreements, contracts, terms of agreements, transactions, potential transactions, negotiations, pending negotiations, know-how, trade secrets, supplier information, vendor information, financial information, results, accounting information, accounting records, legal information, marketing information, advertising information, pricing information, credit information, payroll information, staffing information, personnel information, employee lists, internal controls, security procedures, market studies, sales information, revenue, costs, formulae, notes, communications, algorithms, product plans, customer information, customer lists, client information, client lists, of the Company and its affiliates or its businesses or any existing or prospective customer, supplier, investor or other associated third party, or of any other person or entity that has entrusted information to the Company and its affiliates in confidence.
The Executive understands that the above list is not exhaustive, and that Confidential Information also includes other information that is marked or otherwise identified as confidential or proprietary, or that would otherwise appear to a reasonable person to be confidential or proprietary in the context and circumstances in which the information is known or used.
The Executive understands and agrees that Confidential Information includes information developed by Executive in the course of employment by the Company as if the Company furnished the same Confidential Information to the Executive in the first instance. Confidential Information shall not include information that is generally available to and known by the public at the time of disclosure to the Executive; provided that, such disclosure is through no direct or indirect fault of the Executive or person(s) acting on the Executive's behalf.
b.Company Creation and Use of Confidential Information.
The Executive understands and acknowledges that the Company and its affiliates have invested, and continue to invest, substantial time, money, and specialized knowledge into developing its resources, creating a customer base, generating customer and potential customer lists, training its employees, and improving its offerings in the field of financial services and capital markets. The Executive understands and acknowledges that as a result of these efforts, the Company and its affiliates have created, and continues to use and create Confidential Information. This Confidential Information provides the Company and its affiliates with a competitive advantage over others in the marketplace.
c.Disclosure and Use Restrictions.
The Executive agrees and covenants: (i) to treat all Confidential Information as strictly confidential; (ii) not to directly or indirectly disclose, publish, communicate, or make available Confidential Information, or allow it to be disclosed, published, communicated, or made available, in whole or part, to any entity or person whatsoever (including other employees of the Company not having a need to know and authority to know and use the Confidential Information in connection with the business of the Company and, in any event, not to anyone outside of the direct employ of the Company except as required in the
performance of the Executive's authorized employment duties to the Company; and (iii) not to access or use any Confidential Information, and not to copy any documents, records, files, media, or other resources containing any Confidential Information, or remove any such documents, records, files, media, or other resources from the premises or control of the Company, except as required in the performance of the Executive's authorized employment duties to the Company.
d.Permitted disclosures. Nothing herein shall be construed to prevent disclosure of Confidential Information as may be required by applicable law or regulation, or pursuant to the valid order of a court of competent jurisdiction or an authorized government agency, provided that the disclosure does not exceed the extent of disclosure required by such law, regulation, or order. The Executive shall promptly provide written notice of any such order to the legal counsel of the Company.
e.Permitted Communications. Nothing herein prohibits or restricts the Executive (or the Executive's attorney) from initiating communications directly with, responding to an inquiry from, or providing testimony before the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA), any other self- regulatory organization, or any other federal or state regulatory authority regarding a possible securities law violation.
f.Notice of Immunity Under the Economic Espionage Act of 1996, as amended by the Defend Trade Secrets Act of 2016 ("DTSA"). Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement:
i.The Executive will not be held criminally or civilly liable under any federal or state trade secret law for any disclosure of a trade secret that:
1.is made (1) in confidence to a federal, state, or local government official, either directly or indirectly, or to an attorney; and (2) solely for the purpose of reporting or investigating a suspected violation of law; or
2.is made in a complaint or other document filed under seal in a lawsuit or other proceeding.
ii.If the Executive files a lawsuit for retaliation by the Company for reporting a suspected violation of law, the Executive may disclose the Company's trade secrets to the Executive's attorney and use the trade secret information in the court proceeding if the Executive:
a.files any document containing trade secrets under seal
and
b.does not disclose trade secrets, except pursuant to court order.
8. Restrictive Covenants.
a.Acknowledgement. The Executive understands that the nature of the Executive's position gives the Executive access to and knowledge of Confidential Information and places the Executive in a position of trust and confidence with the Company and with its affiliates. The Executive understands and acknowledges that the intellectual services the Executive provides to the Company are unique, special, or extraordinary because of the Executives knowledge of the Company, its parent company and the Executive’s charge to develop and implement a business plan complimentary to the needs of the Company and its parent.
The Executive further understands and acknowledges that the Company ability to reserve these for the exclusive knowledge and use of the Company and its affiliates is of great competitive importance and commercial value to the Company and its affiliates, and that improper use or disclosure by the Executive is likely to result in unfair or unlawful competitive activity.
b.Non-Competition. Because of the Company's legitimate business interest as described herein and the good and valuable consideration offered to the Executive, during the Employment Term and for the term of one year, to run consecutively, beginning on the last day of the Executive's employment with the Company, the Executive agrees and covenants not to engage in Prohibited Activity within the boroughs of New York City, New York.
For purposes of this Section 8, "Prohibited Activity" is activity in which the Executive contributes the Executive's knowledge, directly or indirectly, in whole or in part, as an employee, employer, owner, operator, manager, advisor, consultant, agent, employee, partner, director, stockholder, officer, volunteer, intern, or any other similar capacity to an entity engaged in the same or similar business as the Company, including those engaged in the business of a broker dealer or investment banker. Prohibited Activity also includes activity that may require or inevitably requires disclosure of trade secrets, proprietary information, or Confidential Information.
Nothing herein shall prohibit the Executive from purchasing or owning less than five percent (5%) of the publicly traded securities of any corporation, provided that such ownership represents a passive investment and that the Executive is not a controlling person of, or a member of a group that controls, such corporation.
This Section 8 does not, in any way, restrict or impede the Executive from exercising protected rights to the extent that such rights cannot be waived by agreement or from complying with any applicable law or regulation or a valid order of a court of competent jurisdiction or an authorized government agency, provided that such compliance does not exceed that required by the law, regulation, or order.
c.Non-Solicitation of Employees. The Executive agrees and covenants not to directly or indirectly solicit, hire, recruit, attempt to hire or recruit, or induce the termination of employment of any employee of the Company, or attempt to do so, for twelve months beginning on the last day of the Executive's employment with the Company.
d.Non-Solicitation of Customers. The Executive understands and acknowledges that because of the Executive's experience with and relationship to the Company, the Executive will have access to and learn about much or all of the Company’s customer information. "Customer Information" includes, but is not limited to, names, phone numbers, addresses, email addresses, order history, order preferences, chain of command, decision makers, pricing information, and other information identifying facts and circumstances specific to the customer and relevant to sales.
The Executive understands and acknowledges that loss of this customer relationship and/or goodwill will cause significant and irreparable harm.
The Executive agrees and covenants, for a period of twenty-four months, beginning on the last day of the Executive's employment with the Company, not to directly or indirectly solicit, contact (including but not limited to email, regular mail, express mail, telephone, fax, instant message, or social media), attempt to contact, or meet with the Company's current customers for purposes of offering or accepting services similar to or competitive with those offered by the Company.
This restriction shall only apply to:
i.Customers or prospective customers the Executive contacted in any way during the past six months;
ii.Customers about whom the Executive has trade secret or confidential information;
iii.Customers who became customers during the Executive's employment with the Company; and
iv.Customers about whom the Executive has information that is not available publicly.
9. Non-Disparagement.
The Executive agrees and covenants that the Executive will not at any time make, publish, or communicate to any person or entity or in any public forum any defamatory or disparaging remarks, comments, or statements concerning the Company or its affiliates or its businesses, or any of its employees, officers, and existing and prospective customers, suppliers, investors and other associated third parties.
This Section 9 does not, in any way, restrict or impede the Executive from exercising protected rights to the extent that such rights cannot be waived by agreement or from complying with any applicable law or regulation or a valid order of a court of competent jurisdiction or an authorized government agency, provided that such compliance does not exceed that required by the law, regulation, or order.
The Company agrees and covenants that it shall direct its officers and directors to refrain from making any defamatory or disparaging remarks, comments, or statements concerning the Executive to any third parties.
10. Acknowledgement. The Executive acknowledges and agrees that the services to be rendered by the Executive to the Company are of a special and unique character; that the Executive will obtain knowledge and skill relevant to the Company's industry, methods of doing business and marketing strategies by virtue of the Executive's employment; and that the restrictive covenants and other terms and conditions of this Agreement are reasonable and reasonably necessary to protect the legitimate business interest of the Company.
The Executive further acknowledges that the benefits provided to the Executive under this Agreement, including the amount of the Executive's compensation, reflects, in part, the Executive's obligations and the
Company's rights under Section 7, Section 8, and Section 9 of this Agreement; that the Executive has no expectation of any additional compensation, royalties, or other payment of any kind not otherwise referenced herein in connection herewith; and that the Executive will not suffer undue hardship by reason of full compliance with the terms and conditions of Section 7, Section 8, and Section 9 of this Agreement or the Company's enforcement thereof.
11. Remedies. In the event of a breach or threatened breach by the Executive of Section 7, Section 8, or Section 9 of this Agreement, the Executive hereby consents and agrees that the Company shall be entitled to seek, in addition to other available remedies, a temporary or permanent injunction or other equitable relief against such breach or threatened breach from any court of competent jurisdiction, and that money damages would not afford an adequate remedy, without the necessity of showing any actual damages, and without the necessity of posting any bond or other security. The aforementioned equitable relief shall be in addition to, not in lieu of, legal remedies, monetary damages, or other available forms of relief.
12. Security.
a.Security and Access. The Executive agrees and covenants (a) to comply with all Company security policies and procedures as in force from time to time including without limitation those regarding computer equipment, telephone systems, facilities access, computer systems, computer networks, data security, and any and all other Company facilities, IT resources and communication technologies ("Facilities and Information Technology Resources"); (b) not to access or use any Facilities and Information Technology Resources except as authorized by the Company; and (iii) not to access or use any Facilities and Information Technology Resources in any manner after the termination of the Executive's employment by the Company, whether termination is voluntary or involuntary. The Executive agrees to notify the Company promptly in the event the Executive learns of any violation of the foregoing by others, or of any other misappropriation or unauthorized access, use, reproduction, or reverse engineering of, or tampering with any Facilities and Information Technology Resources or other Company property or materials by others.
b.Exit Obligations. Upon (a) voluntary or involuntary termination of the Executive's employment or (b) the Company's request at any time during the Executive's employment, the Executive shall (i) provide or return to the Company any and all Company or affiliate of the Company property and all Company or affiliate’s documents and materials belonging to the Company and stored in any fashion, including but not limited to those that constitute or contain any Confidential Information that are in the possession or control of the Executive, whether they were provided to the Executive by the Company or any of its business associates or created by the Executive in connection with the Executive's employment by the Company; and (ii) delete or destroy all copies of any such documents and materials not returned to the Company that remain in the Executive's possession or control, including those stored on any non-Company devices, networks, storage locations, and media in the Executive's possession or control.
13. Publicity. The Executive hereby irrevocably consents to any and all uses and displays, by the Company and its agents, representatives and licensees, of the Executive's name, voice, likeness, image, appearance, and biographical information in, on or in connection with any pictures, photographs, audio and video recordings, digital images, websites, television programs and advertising, other advertising and publicity, sales and marketing brochures, books, magazines, other publications, and all other printed and electronic forms and media throughout the world, at any time during or after the Employment Term, for all legitimate commercial and business purposes of the Company and its affiliates ("Permitted Uses") without further consent from or royalty, payment, or other compensation to the Executive. The Executive hereby forever waives and releases the Company and its directors, officers, employees, and agents from any and all claims, actions, damages, losses, costs, expenses, and liability of any kind, arising under any legal or equitable theory whatsoever at any time during or after the Employment Term, arising directly or indirectly from the Company and its agents', representatives', and licensees' exercise of their rights in connection with any Permitted Uses.
14. Governing Law: Jurisdiction and Venue. This Agreement, for all purposes, shall be construed in accordance with the laws of New York without regard to conflicts of law principles. Any action or proceeding by either of the parties to enforce this Agreement shall be brought only in a state or federal court located in the state of New York, Borough of Manhattan. The parties hereby irrevocably submit to the non-exclusive jurisdiction of such courts and waive the defense of inconvenient forum to the maintenance of any such action or proceeding in such venue.
15. Entire Agreement. Unless specifically provided herein, this Agreement contains all of the understandings and representations between the Executive and the Company pertaining to the subject matter hereof and supersedes all prior and contemporaneous understandings, agreements, representations, and warranties, both written and oral, with respect to such subject matter. The parties mutually agree that the Agreement can be specifically enforced in court and can be cited as evidence in legal proceedings alleging breach of the Agreement.
16. Modification and Waiver. No provision of this Agreement may be amended or modified unless such amendment or modification is agreed to in writing and signed by the Executive and by Chairman of the Board of the Company. No waiver by either of the parties of any breach by the other party hereto of any condition or provision of this Agreement to be performed by the other party hereto shall be deemed a waiver of any similar or dissimilar provision or condition at the same or any prior or subsequent time, nor shall the failure of or delay by either of the parties in exercising any right, power, or privilege hereunder operate as a waiver thereof to preclude any other or further exercise thereof or the exercise of any other such right, power, or privilege.
17. Severability. Should any provision of this Agreement be held by a court of competent jurisdiction to be enforceable only if modified, or if any portion of this Agreement shall be held as unenforceable and thus stricken, such holding shall not affect the validity of the remainder of this Agreement, the balance of which shall continue to be binding upon the parties with any such modification to become a part hereof and treated as though originally set forth in this Agreement.
The parties further agree that any such court is expressly authorized to modify any such unenforceable provision of this Agreement in lieu of severing such unenforceable provision from this Agreement in its entirety, whether by rewriting the offending provision, deleting any or all of the offending provision, adding additional language to this Agreement, or by making such other modifications as it deems warranted to carry out the intent and agreement of the parties as embodied herein to the maximum extent permitted by law.
The parties expressly agree that this Agreement as so modified by the court shall be binding upon and enforceable against each of them. In any event, should one or more of the provisions of this Agreement be held to be invalid, illegal, or unenforceable in any respect, such invalidity, illegality, or unenforceability shall not affect any other provisions hereof, and if such provision or provisions are not modified as provided above, this Agreement shall be construed as if such invalid, illegal, or unenforceable provisions had not been set forth herein.
18. Captions. Captions and headings of the sections and paragraphs of this Agreement are intended solely for convenience and no provision of this Agreement is to be construed by reference to the caption or heading of any section or paragraph.
19. Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in separate counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, but all of which taken together shall constitute one and the same instrument.
20. Tolling. Should the Executive violate any of the terms of the restrictive covenant obligations articulated herein, the obligation at issue will run from the first date on which the Executive ceases to be in violation of such obligation.
21. Section 409A.
1.General Compliance. This Agreement is intended to comply with Section 409A or an exemption thereunder and shall be construed and administered in accordance with Section 409A. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, payments provided under this Agreement may only be made upon an event and in a manner that complies with Section 409A or an applicable exemption. Any payments under this Agreement that may be excluded from Section 409A either as separation pay due to an involuntary separation from service or as a short-term deferral shall be excluded from Section 409A to the maximum extent possible. For purposes of Section 409A, each installment payment provided under this Agreement shall be treated as a separate payment. Any payments to be made under this Agreement upon a termination of employment shall only be made upon a "separation from service" under Section 409A. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Company makes no representations that the payments and benefits provided under this Agreement comply with Section 409A, and in no event shall the Company be liable for all or any portion of any taxes, penalties, interest, or other expenses that may be incurred by the Executive on account of non-compliance with Section 409A.
2.Specified Employees. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, if any payment or benefit provided to the Executive in connection with the Executive's termination of employment is determined to constitute "nonqualified deferred compensation" within the meaning of Section 409A and the Executive is determined to be a "specified employee" as defined in Section 409A(a)(2)(b)(i), then such payment or
benefit shall not be paid until the first payroll date following the six-month anniversary of the Termination Date or, if earlier, on the Executive's death (the "Specified Employee Payment Date"). The aggregate of any payments that would otherwise have been paid before the Specified Employee Payment Date shall be paid to the Executive in a lump sum on the Specified Employee Payment Date and thereafter, any remaining payments shall be paid without delay in accordance with their original schedule.
3.Reimbursements. To the extent required by Section 409A, each reimbursement or in-kind benefit provided under this Agreement shall be provided in accordance with the following:
i.the amount of expenses eligible for reimbursement, or in-kind benefits provided, during each calendar year cannot affect the expenses eligible for reimbursement, or in-kind benefits to be provided, in any other calendar year;
ii.any reimbursement of an eligible expense shall be paid to the Executive on or before the last day of the calendar year following the calendar year in which the expense was incurred; and
iii.any right to reimbursements or in-kind benefits under this Agreement shall not be subject to liquidation or exchange for another benefit.
4.Tax Gross-ups. Any tax gross-up payments provided under this Agreement shall be paid to the Executive on or before December 31 of the calendar year immediately following the calendar year in which the Executive remits the related taxes.
22. Notification to Subsequent Employer. When the Executive's employment with the Company terminates, the Executive agrees to notify any subsequent employer of the restrictive covenants sections contained in this Agreement. The Executive will also deliver a copy of such notice to the Company before the Executive commences employment with any subsequent employer. In addition, the Executive authorizes the Company to provide a copy of the restrictive covenants sections of this Agreement to third parties, including but not limited to, the Executive's subsequent, anticipated, or possible future employer.
23. Successors and Assigns. This Agreement is personal to the Executive and shall not be assigned by the Executive. Any purported assignment by the Executive shall be null and void from the initial date of the purported assignment. The Company may assign this Agreement to any successor or assign (whether direct or indirect, by purchase, merger, consolidation, or otherwise) to all or substantially all of the business or assets of the Company. This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of the Company and permitted successors and assigns.
24. Notice. Notices and all other communications provided for in this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be delivered personally or sent by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, or by overnight carrier to the parties at the addresses set forth below (or such other addresses as specified by the parties by like notice):
If to the Company:
Prime Executions, Inc.
▇▇ ▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇, ▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇, ▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇ Attn: ▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇, COO
With a copy to:
▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇. ▇▇▇▇▇▇, Esq.
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If to the Executive:
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25. Representations of the Executive. The Executive represents and warrants to the Company that:
a.The Executive's acceptance of employment with the Company and the performance of duties hereunder will not conflict with or result in a violation of, a breach of, or a default under any contract, agreement, or understanding to which the Executive is a party or is otherwise bound.
b.The Executive's acceptance of employment with the Company and the performance of duties hereunder will not violate any non-solicitation, non- competition, or other similar covenant or agreement of a prior employer.
26. Withholding. The Company shall have the right to withhold from any amount payable hereunder any Federal, state, and local taxes in order for the Company to satisfy any withholding tax obligation it may have under any applicable law or regulation.
27. Survival. Upon the expiration or other termination of this Agreement, the respective rights and obligations of the parties hereto shall survive such expiration or other termination to the extent necessary to carry out the intentions of the parties under this Agreement.
28. Acknowledgement of Full Understanding. The executive acknowledges and agrees that the executive has fully read, understands and voluntarily enters into this agreement. The executive acknowledges and agrees that the executive has had an opportunity to ask questions and consult with an attorney of the executive’s choice before signing this agreement.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Agreement as of the date first above written.
COMPANY: EMPLOYEE:
Prime Executions, Inc. ▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER
/s/ ▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ /s/ ▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇
Date: 12/29/24