SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

 

FORM 8-K

 

CURRENT REPORT
Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934

 

Date of report (Date of earliest event reported): October 26, 2018
 
ULTRA CLEAN HOLDINGS, INC.
(Exact Name of Registrant
as Specified in Charter)
 
  Delaware  
  (State or Other Jurisdiction of Incorporation)  
 
000-50646   61-1430858
(Commission File Number)   (IRS Employer Identification No.)
 

26462 CORPORATE AVENUE 

HAYWARD, CA

  94545
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)   (Zip Code)
 
     
Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (510) 576-4400
 
n/a
(Former Name or Former Address, if Changed Since Last Report)
 
 

Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions (see General Instruction A.2. below):

 

  Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)
  Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)
  Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))
  Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an emerging growth company as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act of 1933 (§230.405 of this chapter) or Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (§240.12b-2 of this chapter).

 

Emerging growth company ☐

 

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐

 

 

 

 

 

 

Item 5.02 Departure of Directors or Certain Officers; Election of Directors; Appointment of Certain Officers; Compensatory Arrangements of Certain Officers

 

Management Organizational Structure

 

On October 26, 2018, the Compensation Committee (the “Compensation Committee”) of the Board of Directors (the “Board”) of Ultra Clean Holdings, Inc. (the “Company”) recommended to the Board, and on October 30, 2018, the Board approved, certain changes to the structure of its management team in connection with an organizational review of the Company following its acquisition of Quantum Global Technologies, LLC (“QGT”).

 

In connection with these changes, Joe Williams, the Company’s Senior Vice President of Customer Business Management, was promoted to Executive Vice President and President of the Company’s Semiconductor Products and Solutions business unit. In addition, Scott Nicholas, QGT’s chief executive officer prior to the acquisition, was promoted to Executive Vice President and President of the Company’s Semiconductor Services business unit.

 

Mr. Williams, 46, joined the Company in February 2015 with the Company’s acquisition of Marchi Thermal Systems, Inc. (“Marchi”) at a time when Mr. Williams was President of Marchi. Mr. Williams served as the Company’s Senior Vice President of Customer Business Management from October 2016 through the date of his promotion. From February 2015 to October 2016, Mr. Williams served the Company as Vice President of New Business Development. Mr. Williams was president of Marchi from April 2013 to its acquisition by the Company in 2015. Mr. Williams was Senior Vice President of Business Development & Engineering at American Integration Technologies LLC from 2007 to 2013. Prior to that, Mr. Williams co-founded Integrated Flow Systems LLC and served as vice president of engineering and operations and director of engineering and operations from 1997 to 2004. He worked at Watkins-Johnson Company as a mechanical design engineer from 1994 to 1997. Mr. Williams holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Mechanical Engineering from North Carolina State University.

 

From August 27, 2018, the date the Company acquired QGT, to the date of his promotion, Mr. Nicholas, 62, served as the Company’s Senior Vice President, Semiconductor Services Business. Prior to joining the Company, Mr. Nicholas served as QGT’s president, chief executive officer and chairman of the board of directors since 2000. Mr. Nicholas has more than 30 years of leadership experience in senior roles in manufacturing, service and distribution. Mr. Nicholas holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemical Engineering from Lehigh University and a Masters of Management degree from Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management with a concentration in marketing, finance and management policy.

 

In connection with his promotion, Mr. Williams received a grant of restricted stock units valued at $150,000 that will vest in three equal installments on each anniversary of the grant date, subject to the terms and conditions of the Company’s Stock Incentive Plan, and he received a base salary increase to $398,000. Mr. Nicholas’ compensation did not change as a result of his promotion.

 

In connection with the management organizational changes, the Board also determined, upon the recommendation of the Compensation Committee, that the Company’s executive officers for purposes of Rule 3b-7 of Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the Company’s officers for purposes of Section 16 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, are: James Scholhamer, President and Chief Executive Officer; Sheri Savage, Chief Financial Officer, Senior Vice President of Finance and Secretary; Mr. Williams; Mr. Nicholas; and Joan Sterling, Senior Vice President of Global Human Resources.

 

Severance Benefits for Executive Officers

 

On October 26, 2018, the Compensation Committee approved an amendment (the “Amendment”) to the Company’s Severance Benefits for Executive Officers Policy (the “Policy”). Pursuant to the amendment, the Policy was modified to (i) remove accelerated vesting of equity awards upon a qualifying termination (provided that such benefits are grandfathered for the Company’s current Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer) and (ii) increase cash incentive severance benefits for eligible executive officers other than the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer from 50% to 75% of average annual cash incentive awards over the three years prior to a qualifying termination. The foregoing description of the Amendment and the Policy is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of the Policy, as amended by the Amendment,

 

 

 

 

attached as Exhibit 10.1 hereto, which is incorporated herein by reference.

 

Change in Control Severance Agreements

 

On October 26, 2018, the Compensation Committee approved a form of Change in Control Severance Agreement to be entered into with the Company’s executive officers (other than Jim Scholhamer and Sheri Savage, who have pre-existing Change in Control Severance Agreements with the Company).

 

Pursuant to the Change in Control Severance Agreements, if upon, or within 3 months prior to or 12 months following, a change in control, the applicable executive is terminated without cause or he or she resigns for good reason, he or she would be entitled to receive a specified percentage (“Compensation Percentage”) of his or her then-current salary, plus his or her average annual cash bonus over the prior three years, payment or reimbursement of health benefit continuation coverage under COBRA for a specified period of time (“Benefits Period”) (or, if earlier, until he or she becomes eligible for group health coverage with another employer) and accelerated vesting of 100% of his or her unvested outstanding equity awards (other than performance awards for which the performance criteria have not been met). Under the Change in Control Severance Agreements for all eligible executives (at this time all executive officers other than Jim Scholhamer and Sheri Savage, who have pre-existing Change in Control Severance Agreements), (i) the Compensation Percentage is 75% and (ii) the Benefits Period is 9 months. The foregoing description of the Change in Control Severance Agreements is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of the form of Change in Control Severance Agreement, attached as Exhibit 10.2 hereto, which is incorporated herein by reference.

 

Item 9.01 Financial Statements and Exhibits.

  

(d) Exhibits.

 

Exhibit  

No.

  Description
   
10.1   Severance Benefits for Executive Officers Policy (amended as of October 26, 2018).
10.2   Form of Change in Control Severance Agreement for Executive Officers.

 

 

 

SIGNATURES

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.

 

    ULTRA CLEAN HOLDINGS, INC.
     
     
Date: November 1, 2018   By: /s/ Sheri Savage
        Name: Sheri Savage
        Title: Chief Financial Officer, Senior Vice President of Finance and Secretary

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Exhibit 10.1

 

 

 

 

Severance Benefits for Executive Officers (as of October 26, 2018)

 

Ultra Clean Holdings, Inc. (together with its subsidiary Ultra Clean Technology Systems and Service, Inc., hereafter referred to as “Ultra Clean” or “the Company”) has adopted the policy set forth below regarding severance benefits for eligible Company executives upon certain events of termination of their employment (the “Policy”). This Policy may be amended or terminated by the Company at any time.

 

Eligible Executives . Executives of the Company may be eligible to receive severance benefits hereunder if(a)(i) they are employed in the role of an “executive officer” (as defined in Rule 3b-7 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) of the Company as determined by the Board of Directors or the Compensation Committee thereof from time to time, or (ii) they are determined by the Board of Directors or the Compensation Committee thereof from time to time as eligible to receive severance benefits pursuant to this Policy, due to their employment in key positions with the Company, and (b) they are notified in writing by the head of Human Resources that they are eligible to receive severance benefits pursuant to the terms and conditions of this Policy.

 

Involuntary Termination . An eligible executive qualifies for severance benefits pursuant to this Policy only if Ultra Clean terminates his or her employment without Cause (as defined below) and the executive, within 28 days immediately following such termination or such longer period provided for by the Company, signs and does not revoke a general release of any claims that he or she may hold against Ultra Clean, its affiliated entities and the directors, officers, employees, representatives and agents of Ultra Clean and its affiliated entities (collectively, “Ultra Clean and its Affiliates”), in a form acceptable to Ultra Clean, including a provision that the executive will not make any statement or take any action that would disparage or harm Ultra Clean and its Affiliates. Executives who might otherwise be eligible for severance benefits pursuant to this Policy shall forfeit any rights to benefits hereunder if they resign their employment or are discharged for cause. For the purpose of this Policy, “cause” shall exist if (a) the executive is convicted of, or pleads guilty or no contest to, a criminal offense; (b) the executive engages in any act of fraud or dishonesty; (c) the executive breaches any agreement with Ultra Clean; (d) the executive commits any material violation of Ultra Clean policy; (e) executive fails, refuses or neglects to perform the services required of the executive in his position at the Company; or (f) the executive is terminated for “Cause” within the meaning of any agreement by and between the executive and the Company, pursuant to such agreement. Nothing in this Policy changes the at-will nature of employment of any eligible executive.

 

Severance Benefits . (a) An eligible executive in the position of Chief Executive Officer who qualifies for severance benefits pursuant to this Policy shall receive the following severance benefits:

 

Base Salary Multiple 

Bonus and Incentive Compensation Multiple 

Payment of COBRA Costs 

Equity Acceleration  

150% of the executive’s then-current annual base salary 150% of the executive’s average annual cash bonus and cash incentive compensation as determined by the Company over the prior three years (i.e.  [(Year 1 + Year 2 + Year 3) / 3] x 1.5) 18 months Immediate vesting of unvested and outstanding Equity Awards that would vest within 18 months*

 

*Any Chief Executive Officer hired after the date of this Policy will not be eligible for equity acceleration under this Policy. Equity acceleration benefits payable pursuant to this Policy will be paid as a cash equivalent value as determined by the Company on the date of payment; provided , that the Board of Directors or the Compensation Committee thereof may determine that the Company shall distribute such equity acceleration benefits in the form of shares of Company stock.

 

(b) An eligible executive in the position of Chief Financial Officer or Chief Operating Officer who qualifies for severance benefits pursuant to this Policy shall receive the following severance benefits:

 

Base Salary Multiple 

Bonus and Incentive Compensation Multiple 

Payment of COBRA Costs 

Equity Acceleration 

100% of the executive’s then-current annual base salary 100% of the executive’s average annual cash bonus and cash incentive compensation as determined by the Company over the prior three years (i.e.  [(Year 1 + Year 2 + Year 3) / 3]) 12 months Immediate vesting of unvested and outstanding Equity Awards that would vest within 12 months**

 

 

 

 

**Any Chief Financial Officer or Chief Operating Officer hired after the date of this Policy will not be eligible for equity acceleration under this Policy. Equity acceleration benefits payable pursuant to this Policy will be paid as a cash equivalent value as determined by the Company on the date of payment; provided , that the Board of Directors or the Compensation Committee thereof may determine that the Company shall distribute such equity acceleration benefits in the form of shares of Company stock.

 

For the purpose of clause (a) and (b) of this paragraph, “Equity Awards” means all options to purchase shares of Company common stock as well as any and all other stock-based awards granted to the executive, including but not limited to stock bonus awards, restricted stock, restricted stock units or stock appreciation rights, but excluding any performance stock awards which remain subject to performance criteria as of the executive’s termination date.

 

(c) Any other eligible “executive officer” of the Company not eligible for benefits under paragraphs (a) and (b) above, or any other key employee determined by the Board of Directors or the Compensation Committee thereof as eligible to receive severance benefits pursuant to this Policy, shall receive the following severance benefits:

 

Base Salary Multiple 

Bonus and Incentive
Compensation Multiple 

Payment of COBRA Costs  

75% of the executive’s then-current annual base salary 75% of the executive’s average annual cash bonus and cash incentive compensation as determined by the Company over the prior three years (i.e.  [(Year 1 + Year 2 + Year 3) / 3] 9 months

 

Payment of Benefits . Any severance payments (other than the COBRA costs) payable pursuant to this Policy shall be paid in a lump sum to the executive in cash as soon as administratively practicable after the termination date, and, in any event, no later than two and one-half (2-1/2) months after the end of the taxable year of the executive in which the termination date occurs. The COBRA costs shall be paid as incurred (by subsidizing or reimbursing the premium payments) but shall end if, prior to the end of the period of time set forth above, the executive commences alternative employment and becomes eligible for group medical coverage.

 

Section 409A . The payments and benefits under this Policy are intended to qualify for the short-term deferral exception to Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code described in Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-1(b)(4) to the maximum extent possible and, to the extent they do not so qualify, are intended to qualify for the involuntary separation pay plan exception to Section 409A described in Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-1(b)(9)(iii) to the maximum extent possible. To the extent Section 409A is applicable to this Policy, notwithstanding any other provision of this Policy to the contrary, if an eligible executive is a “specified employee” within the meaning of Section 409A on the date of the executive’s “separation from service” within the meaning of Section 409A, to the extent required in order to comply with Section 409A, amounts that would otherwise be payable under this Policy during the six-month period immediately following the date of such separation from service shall instead be paid on the first business day after the date that is six months following that date.

 

Miscellaneous . This Policy shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the state of California, without reference to principles of conflict of laws. All amounts due hereunder shall be subject to applicable tax withholding. Effective as of the date first above written, this Policy supersedes in its entirety each prior policy of the Company regarding severance benefits for executive officers, including, without limitation, the Company’s “Severance Benefits for Executive Officers (as of July 24, 2008)”. Any severance benefits payable to an eligible executive under this Policy will be reduced by and not in addition to any severance benefits to which the eligible executive would otherwise be entitled under any general severance policy or severance plan maintained by the Company or any agreement between the Participant and the Company that provides for severance benefits (unless the policy, plan or agreement expressly provides for severance benefits to be in addition to those provided under this Policy); and (ii) any severance benefits payable to an eligible executive under this Policy will be reduced by any severance benefits to which the eligible executive is entitled by operation of a statute or government regulations. To the extent required by law, the Company shall furnish a summary plan description containing additional information.

 

 

Exhibit 10.2

 

CHANGE IN CONTROL SEVERANCE AGREEMENT

 

CHANGE IN CONTROL SEVERANCE AGREEMENT (“ Agreement ”), dated as of [date] (the “ Effective Date ”) by and between Ultra Clean Holdings, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “ Company ”), and [Name] (“ Employee ”).

 

WHEREAS, the Company and the Employee wish to enter into an agreement specifying the benefits the Employee will receive in certain circumstances relating to a Change in Control of the Company in order to induce Employee to remain in the employ of the Company in event of the possibility of a Change in Control;

 

NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing and of the mutual covenants and agreements of the parties set forth in this Agreement, and of other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the parties hereto, intending to be legally bound, agree as follows:

 

Article 1
Term and Nature of Agreement; Termination of Employment Agreement

 

Section 1.01 . Term. This Agreement shall be in force until the second anniversary of the Effective Date, and thereafter renew for automatic one year terms, unless the Company shall give the Employee written notice of termination at least 30 days before the expiration of the then current term provided that no Change in Control has occurred prior to such date. Notwithstanding the foregoing, this Agreement shall terminate (i) 12 months after a Change in Control (subject to satisfaction of any obligations hereunder as a result of a termination of employment prior to such expiration) and (ii) upon on any termination of employment that is no more than three (3) months prior to a Change in Control.

 

Section 1.02 . At-will Employment. Nothing in this Agreement shall change the at-will nature of Employee’s employment with the Company.

 

Article 2
Change in Control Termination

 

Section 2.01 . Severance Benefits.

 

(a)             If upon, or within three (3) months prior to or 12 months following, the first Change in Control to occur during the term of this Agreement, Employee is terminated by the Company without Cause or Employee resigns for Good Reason, Employee shall be entitled to the following (“ Change in Control Severance Benefits ”), provided that Employee executes and lets become effective a release of claims in the form attached hereto as Exhibit A (the “ Release ”) within 45 days following the termination of employment:

 

 

 

 

(i)             a lump sum cash payment equal to [ ]% [1] of the sum of (x) Employee’s then-existing annual base salary and (y) the average annual cash bonus as determined by the Company over the prior three years, which shall be paid as soon as administratively practicable after the date on which the Release becomes effective, and, in any event, no later than two and one-half (2 1/2) months after the end of the taxable year of the Employee in which the termination of employment occurs;

 

(ii)             payment or reimbursement of health benefit continuation coverage under COBRA or otherwise from the termination date through the earlier of (A) [ ] [2] months following the termination date or (B) the date Employee becomes eligible for health benefits with another employer, which shall be paid no later than the month of such coverage, provided that if Employee is no longer eligible for COBRA continuation coverage, a lump sum payment calculated based on the monthly premiums immediately prior to the expiration of COBRA coverage; and

 

(iii)             100% of all of the Employee’s unvested and outstanding Equity Awards shall become vested.

 

(b)             Definitions. For purposes of this Agreement, the following definitions shall have the following meanings:

 

(i)             Cause ” shall exist if: (A) Employee is convicted of, or pleads guilty or no contest to, a criminal offense; (B) Employee engages in any act of fraud or dishonesty; (C) Employee breaches any agreement with the Company; (D) Employee commits any material violation of Company policy; or (E) Employee fails, refuses or neglects to perform the services required of Employee in his position at the Company.

 

(ii)             Change in Control ” means the occurrence of any one or more of the following:

 

(A)              the consummation of a merger or consolidation of the Company with or into any other entity (other than with any entity or group in which Executive has not less than a 5% beneficial interest) pursuant to which the holders of outstanding equity of the Company immediately prior to such merger or consolidation hold directly or indirectly 50% or less of the voting power of the equity securities of the surviving entity;

 

 

 

1 For any newly appointed CEO: 200%; for any newly appointed CFO/COO: 150%; for all others: 75%

 

2 For any newly appointed CEO: 24 months; for any newly appointed CFO/COO: 18 months; for all others: 9 months

 

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(B)              the sale or other disposition of all or substantially all of the Company’s assets (other than to any entity or group in which Executive has not less than a 5% beneficial interest); or

 

(C)              any acquisition by any person or persons (other than any entity or group in which Executive has not less than a 5% beneficial interest) of the beneficial ownership of more than 50% of the voting power of the Company’s equity securities in a single transaction or series of related transactions; provided, however , that an underwritten public offering of the Company’s securities shall not be considered a Change in Control;

 

provided, however , that a transaction shall not constitute a Change in Control if its sole purpose is to change the state of the Company’s incorporation or to create a holding company that will be owned in substantially the same proportions by the persons who directly or indirectly held the Company’s securities immediately before such transaction.

 

(iii)             Good Reason ” means:

 

(A)              a reduction of Employee’s then existing annual base salary by more than 10% (other than in collection with an action affecting a majority of the executive officers of the Company);

 

(B)              relocation of the principal place of Employee’s employment to a location that is more than 50 miles from the principal place of Employee’s employment immediately prior to the date of the Change in Control; or

 

(C)              a material reduction in the Employee’s authority, duties or responsibilities after the Change in Control when compared to Employee’s authority, duties and responsibilities prior to the Change in Control;

 

provided that notwithstanding the foregoing, an Employee’s termination will not be for Good Reason unless the Employee (x) notifies the Company in writing of the existence of the condition which the Employee believes constitutes Good Reason within 60 days of the initial existence of such condition (which notice specifically identifies such condition), (y) gives the Company at least 10 days following the date on which the Company receives such notice (and prior to termination) in which to remedy the condition, and (z) if the Company does not remedy such condition within such period, actually terminates employment within 15 days after the expiration of such remedy period (and before the Company remedies such condition).

 

(iv)             Equity Awards ” means all options to purchase shares of Company common stock as well as any and all other stock-based awards granted to the Employee, including but not limited to stock bonus awards, restricted stock, restricted stock units or stock appreciation rights, except for performance stock awards which remain subject to performance criteria as of the Effective Date.

 

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Section 2.02 . Resignation of Corporate Offices. In connection with any termination of employment following a Change in Control, Employee will resign Employee’s office, if any, as a director, officer or trustee of the Company, its subsidiaries or affiliates and of any other corporation or trust of which Employee serves as such at the request of the Company, effective as of the date of termination of employment.

 

Section 2.03 . Accrued Compensation and Benefits. In connection with any termination of employment upon or following a Change in Control (whether or not under Section 2.01 above), the Company shall pay Employee’s earned but unpaid base salary and other vested but unpaid cash entitlements for the period through and including the termination of employment, including unused earned vacation pay and unreimbursed documented business expenses incurred by Employee prior to the date of termination (collectively “ Accrued Compensation and Expenses ”), as required by law and the applicable Company plan or policy. In addition, Employee shall be entitled to any other vested benefits earned by Employee for the period through and including the termination date of Employee’s employment under any other employee benefit plans and arrangements maintained by the Company, in accordance with the terms of such plans and arrangements, except as modified herein (collectively “ Accrued Benefits ”). Any Accrued Compensation and Expenses to which the Employee is entitled shall be paid to the Employee in cash as soon as administratively practicable after the termination, and, in any event, no later than two and one-half (2-1/2) months after the end of the taxable year of the Employee in which the termination occurs. Any Accrued Benefits to which the Employee is entitled shall be paid to the Employee as provided in the relevant plans and arrangement.

 

Section 2.04 . Continuing Obligations. Employee acknowledges his or her continuing obligations under the Confidential and Non-Disclosure Agreement with the Company, including but not limited to Employee’s obligations not to use or disclose, at any time, any trade secret, confidential or proprietary information of the Company.

 

Section 2.05. Limitation on Payments.

 

(a)             If the Change in Control Severance Benefits together with any other payment or benefit Employee would receive pursuant to a Change in Control (collectively, “ Payment ”) would (i) constitute a “parachute payment” within the meaning of Section 280G of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “ Code ”), and (ii) but for this sentence, be subject to the excise tax imposed by Section 4999 of the Code (the “ Excise Tax” ), then such Payment shall be equal to the Reduced Amount. The “ Reduced Amount ” shall be either (x) the largest portion of the Payment that would result in no portion of the Payment being subject to the Excise Tax or (y) the largest portion, up to and including the total, of the Payment, whichever amount, after taking into account all applicable federal, state and local employment taxes, income taxes, and the Excise Tax (all computed at the highest applicable marginal rate), results in Employee’s receipt, on an after-tax basis, of the greater amount of the Payment notwithstanding that

 

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all or some portion of the Payment maybe subject to the Excise Tax. If a reduction in payments or benefits constituting “parachute payments” is necessary so that the Payment equals the Reduced Amount, reduction shall occur in the following order unless Employee elects in writing a different order: reduction of cash payments; cancellation of acceleration of vesting; reduction of employee benefits. In the event that acceleration of vesting is to be reduced, it shall be cancelled in the reverse order of the date of grant of the Equity Awards unless Employee elects in writing a different order for cancellation.

 

(b)             The Company may engage the accounting firm engaged by the Company for general audit purposes as of the day prior to the effective date of the Change in Control or another firm to perform the foregoing calculations. The Company shall bear all expenses with respect to the determinations by such firm required to be made hereunder.

 

(c)             The accounting firm engaged to make the determinations hereunder shall provide its calculations, together with detailed supporting documentation, to Employee and the Company within fifteen (15) calendar days after the date on which Employee’s right to a Payment is triggered (if requested at that time by Employee or the Company) or such other time as requested by Employee or the Company.

 

Article 3
Miscellaneous

 

Section 3.01 . Assignment; Successors and Assigns. This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be enforceable by Employee’s personal or legal representatives, executors, administrators, successors, heirs, distributees, devisees, and legatees. If Employee should die or become subject to a permanent disability while any amount is owed but unpaid to Employee hereunder, all such amounts, unless otherwise provided herein, shall be paid to Employee’s devisee, legatee, legal guardian or other designee, or if there is no such designee, to Employee’s estate. Employee’s rights hereunder shall not otherwise be assignable. This Agreement shall be binding on the Company’s successors and assigns.

 

Section 3.02 . Dispute Resolution. To ensure rapid and economical resolution of any and all disputes that might arise in connection with this Agreement, Employee and the Company agree that any and all disputes, claims, and causes of action, in law or equity, arising from or relating to this Agreement or its enforcement, performance, breach, or interpretation, will be resolved solely and exclusively by final, binding, and confidential arbitration, by a single arbitrator, in San Francisco, California, and conducted by Judicial Arbitration & Mediation Services, Inc. (“ JAMS ”) under its then existing employment rules and procedures. Nothing in this section, however, is intended to prevent either party from obtaining injunctive relief in court to prevent irreparable harm pending the conclusion of any such arbitration. Each party to an arbitration or litigation hereunder shall be responsible for the payment of its own attorneys’ fees.

 

Section 3.03 . Unfunded Agreement. The obligations of the Company under this Agreement represent an unsecured, unfunded promise to pay benefits to Employee and/or Employee’s beneficiaries, and shall not entitle Employee or such beneficiaries to a preferential claim to any asset of the Company.

 

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Section 3.04 . Non-exclusivity of Benefits. Unless specifically provided herein, neither the provisions of this Agreement nor the benefits provided hereunder shall reduce any amounts otherwise payable, or in any way diminish Employee’s rights as an employee of the Company, whether existing now or hereafter, under any compensation and/or benefit plans (qualified or nonqualified), programs, policies, or practices provided by the Company, for which Employee may qualify; provided that the Change in Control Severance Benefits shall not be duplicative of any severance benefits under any such plans, programs, policies or practices. Vested benefits or other amounts which Employee is otherwise entitled to receive under any plan, policy, practice, or program of the Company (i.e., including, but not limited to, vested benefits under any qualified or nonqualified retirement plan), at or subsequent to the termination date shall be payable in accordance with such plan., policy, practice, or program except as expressly modified by this Agreement.

 

Section 3.05 . Mitigation. In no event shall Employee be obligated to seek other employment or take any other action by way of mitigation of the amounts payable to Employee under any of the provisions of this Agreement nor shall the amount of any payment or benefit hereunder be reduced by any compensation earned by Employee as a result of employment by another employer.

 

Section 3.06 . Entire Agreement. This Agreement represents the entire agreement between Employee and the Company and its affiliates with respect to Employee’s severance rights in a Change in Control situation, and supersedes all prior and contemporaneous discussions, negotiations, and agreements concerning such rights, provided, however, that any amounts payable to Employee hereunder shall be reduced by any amounts paid to Employee as required by any applicable federal, state or local law (including without limitation the WARN Act) in connection with any termination of Employee’s employment.

 

Section 3.07 . Tax Withholding. Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, the Company shall withhold from any amounts payable under this Agreement all federal, state, city, or other taxes as are legally required to be withheld.

 

Section 3.08 . Waiver of Rights. The waiver by either party of a breach of any provision of this Agreement shall not operate or be construed as a continuing waiver or as a consent to or waiver of any subsequent breach hereof.

 

Section 3.09 . Severability. In the event any provision of the Agreement shall be held illegal or invalid for any reason, the illegality or invalidity shall not affect the remaining parts of the Agreement, and the Agreement shall be construed and enforced as if the illegal or invalid provision had not been included.

 

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Section 3.10 . Governing Law. This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of California without reference to principles of conflict of laws.

 

Section 3.11 . Counterparts. This Agreement may be signed in several counterparts, each of which shall be an original, with the same effect as if the signatures thereto and hereto were on the same instrument.

 

Section 3.12 . Code Section 409A. This Agreement and the payments and benefits hereunder are intended to qualify for the short-term deferral exception to Section 409A of the Code, and all regulations, rulings and other guidance issued thereunder, all as amended and in effect from time to time (“ Section 409A ”), described in Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-l(b)(4) to the maximum extent possible, and to the extent they do not so qualify, they are intended to qualify for the involuntary separation pay plan exception to Section 409A described in Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-l(b)(9)(iii) to the maximum extent possible. To the extent Section 409A is applicable to this Agreement, this Agreement is intended to comply with Section 409A. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, if on the date of termination of employment Employee is a “specified employee” within the meaning of Section 409A as determined in accordance with the Company’s procedures for making such determination, to the extent required in order to comply with Section 409A, amounts that would otherwise be payable under this Agreement during the six-month period immediately following the termination date shall instead be paid on the first business day after the date that is six months following the termination date. All references herein to “termination date” or “termination of employment” shall mean separation from service as an employee within the meaning of Section 409A.

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF , the Company and the Employee have executed this Agreement, to be effective as of the date and year first written above.

 

  ULTRA CLEAN HOLDING, INC.
   
   
 

By:

    Name:
    Title:
 

 

 

EMPLOYEE:

   
 

 

 

 

8  

 

Exhibit A-Form of Release

 

Reference is made in this Release (the “ Release ”) to the terms set forth in the Change in Control Severance Agreement dated (_______) (the “ Agreement ”) between Ultra Clean Holdings, Inc. (together with its successors and assigns, the “ Company ”) and the undersigned Ginetto Addiego (“ Employee ”).

 

1.        Release . In consideration for the benefits outlined in the Agreement (the “ Severance Benefits ”), to which I am not otherwise entitled, I hereby generally and completely release the Company and its affiliated entities (collectively “ Company Entities ”) and their directors, officers, employees, shareholders, partners, agents, attorneys, predecessors, successors, parent and subsidiary entities, insurers, affiliates, and assigns from any and all claims, liabilities and obligations, both known and unknown, that arise out of or are in any way related to events, acts, conduct or omissions occurring prior to the time I sign this Release. This general release includes, but is not limited to: (1) all claims arising out of or in any way related to my employment with the Company or the termination of that employment; (2) all claims related to my compensation or benefits from the Company, including salary, bonuses, commissions, vacation pay, expense reimbursements, severance pay, fringe benefits, stock, stock options, or any other ownership interests in the Company; (3) all claims for breach of contract, wrongful termination or breach of the implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing; (4) all tort claims, including claims for fraud, defamation, emotional distress, and discharge in violation of public policy; and (5) all federal, state, and local statutory claims, including claims for discrimination, harassment, retaliation, attorneys’ fees, or other claims arising under the federal Civil Rights Act of 1964 (as amended), the federal Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, the federal Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967 (as amended) (“ ADEA ”), or the California Fair Employment and Housing Act (as amended). This Release does not apply to (x) claims which cannot be released as a matter of law, (y) any right I may have to enforce the Agreement or (z) my eligibility for indemnification in accordance with applicable laws, the charter and bylaws of the Company or any indemnification agreement I have with the company.

 

2.        ADEA Waiver . I acknowledge that I am knowingly and voluntarily waiving and releasing any rights you have under the ADEA and that the consideration given for the waiver and release is in addition to anything of value to which I was already entitled. I further acknowledge that I have been advised by this writing, as required by the ADEA, that:

 

(a)       my waiver and release specified in this paragraph do not apply to any rights or claims that arise after the date I sign this Release;

 

(b)       I have the right to consult with an attorney prior to signing this Release;

 

(c)       I have 45 days to consider this Release (although I may choose voluntarily to sign this Release earlier);

 

(d)       I have seven (7) days after I sign this Release to revoke the Release; and

 

 

 

(e)       this Release will not be effective until the date on which the revocation period has expired, which will be the eighth day after I sign this Release, assuming I have returned it to the Company by such date.

 

3.        Waiver of Unknown Claims . In granting the general release herein, I acknowledge that I have read and understand California Civil Code section 1542, which states:

 

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

 

I expressly waive and relinquish all rights and benefits under that section and any law of any jurisdiction of similar effect.

 

This Release, together with the Agreement, constitutes the entire understanding of the parties on the subjects covered.

 

 

 

EMPLOYEE:

 

 

 

 

 

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