UNITED STATES

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): December 29, 2016

 


 

Apollo Endosurgery, Inc.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 


 

Delaware

 

001-35706

 

16-1630142

(State or other jurisdiction
of incorporation)

 

(Commission
File Number)

 

(IRS Employer
Identification No.)

 

1120 S. Capital of Texas Highway

Building 1, Suite #300

Austin, Texas 78746

(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)

 

(512) 279-5100

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

 

Lpath, Inc.

4025 Sorrento Valley Blvd.

San Diego, California 92121

(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 obligations of the registrant under any of the following provisions:

 

o Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)

 

o Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)

 

o Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))

 

o Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))

 

 

 



 

Item 1.01 Entry into a Material Definitive Agreement.

 

On December 29, 2016, the Board of Directors of Apollo Endosurgery, Inc., formerly known as “Lpath, Inc.” (the “ Company ”), approved a new indemnity agreement to be entered into between the Company and its directors and executive officers. The indemnity agreement requires that the Company indemnify such persons to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law against certain expenses and other amounts incurred by any such person as a result of such person being, or threatened to be, made a party to or participant in certain actions, suits and proceedings by reason of the fact that such person is or was a director or officer of the Company. The indemnity agreement also requires that the Company indemnify such persons to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law against certain expenses if such person is, or is threatened to be made, a party to or participant in a proceeding by or in the right of the Company to procure a judgment in its favor. The rights of each person who is a party to an indemnity agreement are not exclusive of any other rights to which such person may be entitled under applicable law, the Company’s certificate of incorporation, the Company’s bylaws, any other agreement, a vote of the Company’s stockholders, a resolution adopted by the Company’s board of directors or otherwise.

 

The foregoing description of the indemnity agreement is not complete and is subject to and qualified in its entirety by reference to the indemnity agreement, a copy of which is attached as Exhibit 10.1 hereto and is incorporated herein by reference.

 

On December 29, 2016, immediately following the closing of the Merger (as defined in Item 2.01 of this Current Report on Form 8-K), the Company entered into indemnity agreements with each of its directors and select executive officers: Todd Newton, Richard J. Meelia, Rick Anderson, Matthew S. Crawford, John Creecy, William D. McClellan, Jr., R. Kent McGaughy, Jr., Jack Nielsen, Bruce Robertson, Ph.D., Dennis L. McWilliams, Stefanie Cavanaugh, Bret Schwartzhoff, Charles Tribié and Chrissy Citzler-Carr.

 

Item 2.01 Completion of Acquisition or Disposition of Assets.

 

On December 29, 2016, the Company completed its business combination with what was then known as “Apollo Endosurgery, Inc.” (“ Apollo ”) in accordance with the terms of the Agreement and Plan of Merger and Reorganization, dated as of September 8, 2016, by and among the Company, Lpath Merger Sub, Inc. (“ Merger Sub ”), and Apollo (the “ Merger Agreement ”), pursuant to which Merger Sub merged with and into Apollo, with Apollo surviving as a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company (the “ Merger ”). Also on December 29, 2016, in connection with, and immediately following the completion of, the Merger, the Company effected a reverse stock split at a ratio of one new share for every five and one half shares of its common stock outstanding (the “ 1:5.5 Reverse Stock Split ”), and immediately following the Merger, the Company changed its name to “Apollo Endosurgery, Inc.” Following the completion of the Merger, the business conducted by the Company became primarily the business conducted by Apollo, which is a medical device company focused on the development and global distribution of less invasive products used in the treatment of obesity and other gastrointestinal disorders.

 

Under the terms of the Merger Agreement, the Company issued shares of its common stock to Apollo’s stockholders, at an exchange rate of approximately 0.3163  shares of Company common stock in exchange for each share of Apollo common stock outstanding immediately prior to the Merger (which exchange rate does not reflect the 1:5.5 Reverse Stock Split). The exchange rate was determined pursuant to the terms of the Merger Agreement. The Company also assumed all of the stock options outstanding under the Apollo 2006 Stock Option Plan and the Apollo 2016 Equity Incentive Plan (collectively the “ Apollo Plans ”), with such stock options representing the right to purchase a number of shares of Company common stock equal to approximately 0.3163 multiplied by the number of shares of Apollo common stock previously represented by such options under the Apollo Plans. The Company also assumed the Apollo Plans.

 

Immediately after the Merger and the 1:5.5 Reverse Stock Split, there were approximately 10.7 million shares of the Company’s common stock outstanding.  Immediately after the Merger, the former Apollo stockholders, warrantholders and optionholders owned approximately 95.9% of the fully-diluted common stock of the Company, with the Company’s stockholders and optionholders immediately prior to the Merger, whose shares of the Company’s common stock remain outstanding after the Merger, owning approximately 4.1% of the fully-diluted common stock of the Company.

 

The issuance of the shares of the Company’s common stock to the former stockholders of Apollo was registered with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “ SEC ”) on a Registration Statement on Form S-4 (File No. 333-214059) (the “ Registration Statement ”). Immediately prior to the Merger, Apollo issued and sold an aggregate of approximately $29.0 million of shares of Apollo common stock (the “ Apollo Financing ”) to certain current stockholders of Apollo and entities affiliated with certain directors of Apollo.  Additionally, $22.2 million in aggregate principal amount outstanding under the unsecured subordinated convertible promissory notes of Apollo and all interest accrued thereon were converted into shares of Apollo common stock.

 

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The Company’s shares of common stock listed on The NASDAQ Capital Market, previously trading through the close of business on Thursday, December 29, 2016 under the ticker symbol “LPTN,” commenced trading on The NASDAQ Global Market, on a post-1:5.5 Reverse Stock Split adjusted basis, under the ticker symbol “APEN” on Friday, December 30, 2016. The Company’s common stock has a new CUSIP number, 03767D 108.

 

The Merger Agreement is attached as Exhibit 2.1 hereto and is incorporated herein by reference.

 

Item 2.03 Creation of a Direct Financial Obligation or an Obligation under an Off-Balance Sheet Arrangement of a Registrant.

 

On October 10, 2016 Apollo entered into the Fourth Amendment to Credit Agreement (the “ Credit Agreement ”) by and among Apollo, the financial institutions or entities from time to time parties to thereto (the “ Lenders ”) and Athyrium Opportunities II Acquisition LP (“ Athyrium ”) in its capacity as administrative agent for itself and the Lenders.  The Company became party to the Credit Agreement as an additional guarantor pursuant to a Joinder Agreement dated December 29, 2016.

 

The Credit Agreement provides for initial aggregate borrowings of $50.0 million. On February 27, 2015, all of the initial borrowings under these credit facilities were used to pay down the Company’s existing indebtedness, with the remainder to be used for general corporate purposes.

 

The credit facility with Athyrium (the “ Facility ”) provided for an initial $50 million aggregate principal amount of term loan. The Company may not request future advances under the Facility. The Facility will mature on February 27, 2020. Loans under the Facility bear interest at 10.5% per annum. The Facility is secured, subject to customary permitted liens and other agreed upon exceptions, by a perfected security interest in (i) all tangible and intangible assets of the Apollo and Company, except for certain customary excluded assets, and (ii) all of the capital stock owned by the Company (limited, in the case of the stock of certain non-U.S. subsidiaries of the borrowers, to 66% of the capital stock of such subsidiaries).   The Facility includes covenants and terms that place certain restrictions on the Company’s ability to incur additional indebtedness, incur additional liens, make investments, effect mergers, declare or pay dividends, sell assets, engage in transactions with affiliates or make capital expenditures. The facility also includes financial covenants including minimum consolidated quarterly revenue (ranging from $15.7 million to $25.0 million), and a consolidated debt to revenue ratio (decreasing from 0.8 to 0.4).  Apollo has not been in compliance with financial covenants in the past and received waivers or amendments from the lender in respect of these covenants.

 

The loans under the Facility may be prepaid in full or in part through February 27, 2017 with payment of a 5.0% prepayment premium, after which they may be prepaid in full or in part through February 27, 2018 with payment of a 2.0% prepayment premium, and may be freely prepaid in full or in part thereafter. An additional 2% of the outstanding amount will be due upon prepayment or repayment of the loans under the Facility in full.

 

The Credit Agreement provides for optional acceleration by Athyrium upon an event of default. The Credit Agreement contains customary events of default, including the breach of transfer prohibitions, principal or interest payment defaults, financial covenants defaults and bankruptcy-related defaults.  Upon an event of default under the Credit Agreement, payment of any unpaid amounts under the  Facility may be accelerated by Athyrium and Athyrium may exercise its rights with respect to the collateral securing the Athyrium Facility .

 

Pursuant to the Credit Agreement Amendment, Apollo issued Athyrium a new warrant to purchase 163,915 shares of Company common stock with an exercise price of $21.29  per share  (as adjusted for the 1:5.5 Reverse Stock Split), effective upon the consummation of the merger. The new warrant will replace a similar warrant previously issued to Athyrium for the same number of shares of common stock and the same exercise price per share. The new warrant does not contain prior anti-dilution provisions and the prior warrant has been cancelled.

 

The descriptions of the Credit Agreement included herein are not complete and are subject to and qualified in their entirety by reference to the Athyrium Agreement, a copy of which is attached as Exhibit 10.2 hereto and is incorporated herein by reference.

 

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Item 3.03 Material Modification to Rights of Security Holders.

 

At the special meeting of the Company’s stockholders held on December 27, 2016 (the “ Special Meeting ”), the Company’s stockholders approved the amended and restated certificate of incorporation of the Company to effect the 1:5.5 Reverse Stock Split of the Company’s common stock, and approved an amendment to the amended and restated certificate of incorporation of the Company to change the Company’s name from “Lpath, Inc.” to “Apollo Endosurgery, Inc.”

 

In connection with, and immediately following the completion of the Merger, the Company filed the amended and restated certificate of incorporation with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware to effect the 1:5.5 Reverse Stock Split, which became effective on December 29, 2016.  Immediately following the 1:5.5 Reverse Stock Split and the Merger, there were approximately 10.7 million shares of the Company’s common stock outstanding.

 

No fractional shares were issued in connection with the 1:5.5 Reverse Stock Split. In accordance with the amended and restated certificate of incorporation, any fractional shares resulting from the 1:5.5 Reverse Stock Split was rounded down to the nearest whole number and each stockholder who would otherwise be entitled to a fraction of a share of common stock upon the 1:5.5 Reverse Stock Split (after aggregating all fractions of a share to which such stockholder would otherwise be entitled) shall, in lieu thereof, be entitled to receive a cash payment, rounded to the nearest whole cent, in an amount equal to the fraction to which the stockholder would otherwise be entitled multiplied by the closing price of the Company’s common stock on The NASDAQ Capital Market on December 29, 2016.

 

Also in connection with, and immediately following the Merger, the Company filed an amendment to the amended and restated certificate of incorporation with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware to change the Company’s name from “Lpath, Inc.” to “Apollo Endosurgery, Inc.” which became effective on December 29, 2016.

 

The foregoing descriptions of the amended and restated certificate of incorporation and the amendment to the amended and restated certificate of incorporation are not complete and are subject to and qualified in their entirety by reference to the amended and restated certificate of incorporation and the amendment to the amended and restated certificate of incorporation, copies of which are attached as Exhibit 3.1 and Exhibit 3.2, respectively, hereto and are incorporated herein by reference.

 

Item 5.01 Changes in Control of Registrant.

 

The information set forth in Item 2.01 of this Current Report on Form 8-K is incorporated by reference into this Item 5.01.

 

Pursuant to the Merger Agreement, all of the directors of the Company prior to the Merger, resigned as directors immediately prior to the effective time of the Merger. Prior to such resignation, the directors of the Company prior to the Merger appointed, effective as of the effective time of the Merger, nine designees selected by Apollo, each to serve as members of the Company’s board of directors.

 

In accordance with the Merger Agreement, on December 29, 2016, immediately prior to the effective time of the Merger, Jeffrey Ferrell, Daniel L. Kisner, M.D., Charles A. Matthews, Daniel Petree, and Donald R. Swortwood (together, the “ Prior Directors ”) resigned from the Company’s board of directors and any respective committees of the board of directors to which they belonged. Also on December 29, 2016, the Prior Directors appointed Rick Anderson, Matthew S. Crawford, John Creecy, William D. McClellan, Jr., R. Kent McGaughy, Jr., Richard J. Meelia, Todd Newton, Jack B. Nielsen and Bruce Robertson, Ph.D. as members of the Company’s board of directors effective as of the effective time of the Merger.

 

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

 

(b) In accordance with the Merger Agreement, on December 29, 2016, immediately prior to the effective time of the Merger, Jeffrey Ferrell, Daniel L. Kisner, M.D., Charles A. Matthews, Daniel Petree, and Donald R. Swortwood resigned from the Company’s board of directors and any respective committees of the board of directors on which they served, which resignations were not the result of any disagreements with the Company relating to the Company’s operations, policies or practices.

 

Also on December 29, 2016, immediately prior to the effective time of the Merger, Gary J. G. Atkinson, the Company’s Interim Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, resigned as an officer of the Company.

 

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(c) On December 29, 2016, following the effective time of the Merger, the Company’s board of directors appointed Todd Newton as the Company’s Chief Executive Officer, Dennis L. McWilliams as the Company’s President and Chief Commercial Officer, Stefanie Cavanaugh as the Chief Financial Officer, Treasurer and Secretary, and Bret Schwartzhoff as Vice President, U.S. Sales and Marketing. There are no family relationships among any of the Company’s directors and executive officers.

 

Todd Newton

 

Todd Newton, 54, has served as Chief Executive Officer and as a member of the board of directors of Apollo since 2014. From 2009 to 2014, Mr. Newton served as Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer at ArthroCare Corporation, a medical device company. Prior to his leadership at ArthroCare, Mr. Newton served in a number of executive officer roles, including President and Chief Executive Officer, at Synenco Energy, Inc., a Canadian oilsands company. From 1994 to 2004, Mr. Newton was a Partner at Deloitte & Touche LLP. Mr. Newton holds a B.B.A. in accounting from The University of Texas at San Antonio.

 

In 2014, Apollo entered into an employment agreement with Mr. Newton which was amended in May 2016. The agreement is for an unspecified term, and entitles Mr. Newton to an initial annual base salary of $400,000. Mr. Newton is eligible to receive a target bonus of up to 50% of his base salary based upon the achievement of performance milestones. For performance years 2014 through 2017, Mr. Newton is eligible for a maximum bonus of 200% of his base salary based on the achievement of performance thresholds. In July of 2014 Mr. Newton was granted options which vested 25% in 2015, with the remainder vesting quarterly through 2018, and performance-based options which vest upon Apollo’s achievement of certain global revenue and EBITDA targets for calendar years 2016 and 2017. Pursuant to the terms of the agreement, Mr. Newton is subject to certain confidentiality obligations and was obligated to sign and comply with an agreement relating to proprietary information and inventions. Pursuant to the terms of the agreement, upon termination of his employment without cause or his resignation for good reason (each as defined in the agreement), Mr. Newton receives 12 months of base salary, any earned but unpaid bonus with respect to the prior year, and an extension of the period during which he is permitted to exercise his vested options. If the termination occurs within three months prior to or 12 months after a change in control (as defined in the agreement), 100% of his then unvested options will immediately vest and become exercisable. Upon the occurrence of a change in control without an associated termination of employment, 50% of Mr. Newton’s then unvested options will vest in full.

 

The description of the employment agreement included herein is not complete and is subject to and qualified in its entirety by reference to the employment agreement, a copy of which is attached as Exhibit 10.4 hereto and is incorporated herein by reference.

 

During 2015, Apollo issued unsecured subordinated convertible promissory notes in the aggregate principal amount of approximately $22.2 million to certain investors, including existing stockholders and certain executive officers of Apollo (the “ 2015 Note Financing ”).  Mr. Newton purchased a note in the aggregate principal amount of $500,000 in the 2015 Note Financing.  The principal of the unsecured subordinated convertible promissory notes and accrued interest thereon were converted into shares of Apollo common stock in the Apollo Financing, and Mr. Newton was issued 498,059 shares of common stock of Apollo.  As a result of the Merger, Mr. Newton received 28,645 shares (as adjusted for the 1:5.5 Reverse Stock Split) of Company common stock in exchange for shares of Apollo common stock he held immediately prior to the Merger.

 

Dennis L. McWilliams

 

Dennis L. McWilliams, 45, has served as President and Chief Commercial Officer of Apollo since 2014. Mr. McWilliams co-founded Apollo in 2006 and served as President and Chief Executive Officer until 2014. From 2004 to 2006, Mr. McWilliams was an Entrepreneur in Residence at PTV Sciences LP‚ a venture capital fund focusing on life science and medical devices. Prior to this, Mr. McWilliams served as Chief Operating Officer at Chrysalis BioTechnology‚ Inc., a development stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing novel drug therapies for tissue regeneration, which he co-founded in 1996 and sold in 2003. Mr. McWilliams holds a B.S. with Honors in aerospace engineering from the University of Texas at Austin and a M.S. in engineering management from Stanford University.

 

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In 2005, Apollo entered into an employment agreement with Mr. McWilliams that was most recently amended in May 2016. The agreement is for an unspecified term and entitles Mr. McWilliams to an annual base salary of $350,000. The agreement also provides that he will be eligible to receive a target bonus of up to 60% of his base salary based upon the achievement of performance milestones. Pursuant to the terms of the original agreement, Mr. McWilliams was issued 500,000 shares of common stock of Apollo and, upon consummation of a corporate financing, a time-based option for 500,000 shares of common stock, which has fully vested. In 2014 Mr. McWilliams was granted (i) an option for common stock, which option vests monthly over four years commencing on January 1, 2014, and (ii) a performance-based option for common stock which option vests upon Apollo’s achievement of certain global revenue and EBITDA targets for calendar years 2016 and 2017. Mr. McWilliams is subject to certain confidentiality obligations and was obligated to sign and comply with an agreement relating to proprietary information and inventions. Upon the termination of his employment without cause or his resignation due to constructive termination (as defined in the agreement, as amended), Mr. McWilliams receives twelve months of base salary and six months of medical and dental premium reimbursement. Upon the occurrence of a change in control (as defined in the agreement, as amended), Mr. McWilliams’ then unvested options will vest in full.

 

The description of the employment agreement included herein is not complete and is subject to and qualified in its entirety by reference to the employment agreement, a copy of which is attached as Exhibit 10.3 hereto and is incorporated herein by reference.

 

Stefanie Cavanaugh

 

Stefanie Cavanaugh, 52, has served as Chief Financial Officer of Apollo since 2015. From 2014 to 2015 Ms. Cavanaugh provided advisory services to several healthcare companies. From 2010 to 2014, Ms. Cavanaugh served as Senior Vice President of Finance at Harden Healthcare, LLC, a provider of healthcare services for the long-term care industry, until its sale to Gentiva Health Services, Inc. She began her career with Ernst & Young before serving in executive management positions at The Cancer Therapy and Research Center, an affiliate of The University of Texas Health Science Center; Encore Medical Corporation, a medical device company; and Solis Women’s Health, a diagnostic imaging company. Ms. Cavanaugh holds a B.B.A. in accounting and finance from the University of Texas at Austin and is a Certified Public Accountant.

 

Pursuant to an offer letter executed by Apollo and Ms. Cavanaugh in March 2015, Ms. Cavanaugh’s employment by Apollo is for an unspecified term and entitles Ms. Cavanaugh to an initial annual base salary of $235,000. The offer letter also provides that Ms. Cavanaugh will be eligible to receive a bonus of up to 35% of base salary based upon her performance and the attainment of certain Apollo objectives. Pursuant to the terms of the offer letter, Ms. Cavanaugh was granted a time-based option which vested 25% in 2016, with the remainder vesting monthly through 2018.  Pursuant to the terms of the offer letter, Ms. Cavanaugh is subject to certain confidentiality obligations and was obligated to sign and comply with an agreement relating to proprietary information and inventions.  Pursuant to the terms of the offer letter, upon a change that results in a relocation of over 50 miles or results in a substantial reduction in her responsibilities or compensation, Ms. Cavanaugh will receive six months of base salary plus an amount equal to the annual bonus that would have been payable had she remained an employee of Apollo.  Upon a change of control (as defined in the offer letter), no less than 50% of Ms. Cavanaugh’s then unvested options will immediately vest in full, and if her employment shall terminate within twelve months after a change in control, 100% of her then unvested options shall immediately vest and become exercisable.

 

The description of the offer letter included herein is not complete and is subject to and qualified in its entirety by reference to the offer letter, a copy of which is attached as Exhibit 10.6 hereto and is incorporated herein by reference.

 

Bret Schwartzhoff

 

Bret Schwartzhoff, 44, has served as Vice President, U.S. Sales and Marketing of Apollo since December 2015 and from December 2014 to December 2015 served as Apollo’s Vice President U.S. Sales. From 2011 to 2014, Mr. Schwartzhoff served as Vice President of Marketing, Sports Medicine, and from 2013 to 2014 also served as Vice President of Sales and Marketing, Spine at ArthroCare Corporation and Smith & Nephew plc, which acquired ArthroCare, both medical device companies. Mr. Schwartzhoff holds a B.S. in business from Mankato State University and an M.B.A. from Wake Forest University.

 

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Pursuant to an offer letter executed in November 2014, Mr. Schwartzhoff’s employment by Apollo is for an unspecified term and entitles Mr. Schwartzhoff to an initial annual base salary of $255,000. The offer letter also provides that Mr. Schwartzhoff will be eligible to receive a target bonus of up to 35% of his base salary based upon the achievement of performance milestones and an additional bonus of up to $145,000 with respect to the 2015 through 2016 performance period based upon achievement of certain revenue targets. Pursuant to the terms of the offer letter, Mr. Schwartzhoff was granted a time-based option which vested 25% in 2015, with the remainder vesting monthly through 2018. Pursuant to the terms of the offer letter, Mr. Schwartzhoff is subject to certain confidentiality obligations and was obligated to sign and comply with an agreement relating to proprietary information and inventions.  Pursuant to the terms of the offer letter, upon a change in control (as defined in the offer letter), no less than 50% of Mr. Schwartzhoff’s then unvested options will vest in full.

 

The description of the offer letter included herein is not complete and is subject to and qualified in its entirety by reference to the offer letter, a copy of which is attached as Exhibit 10.5 hereto and is incorporated herein by reference.

 

As further described in Item 1.01 above, each of Todd Newton, Dennis L. McWilliams, Stefanie Cavanaugh, and Bret Schwartzhoff entered into the Company’s standard form of indemnity agreement with the Company on December 29, 2016, immediately following the Merger.

 

(d) The information set forth in Item 5.01 of this Current Report on Form 8-K with respect to the appointment of directors to the Company’s board of directors pursuant to and in accordance with the Merger Agreement is incorporated by reference into this Item 5.02(d).

 

Audit Committee

 

On December 29, 2016, Richard J. Meelia, William D. McClellan, Jr. and R. Kent McGaughy, Jr. were appointed to the audit committee of the Company’s board of directors, and William D. McClellan, Jr. was appointed as the chairman of the audit committee.

 

Compensation Committee

 

On December 29, 2016, Jack B. Nielsen, Matthew S. Crawford, and Bruce Robertson, Ph.D. were appointed to the compensation committee of the Company’s board of directors, and Jack B. Nielsen was appointed as the chairman of the compensation committee.

 

Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee

 

On December 29, 2016, Richard J. Meelia, John Creecy and Rick Anderson were appointed to the nominating and corporate governance committee of the Company’s board of directors, and Richard J. Meelia was appointed as the chairman of the nominating and corporate governance committee.

 

Rick Anderson and Matthew S. Crawford, each of whom served as a director of Apollo prior to the Merger, are Managing Director and Managing Partner, respectively, of PTV Healthcare Capital which is an affiliate of each of PTV IV, L.P., PTV Special Opportunities Fund I, L.P. and PTV Sciences II, L.P. (collectively, the “ PTV Entities ”) which, in the aggregate, currently hold more than 10% of the Company’s outstanding common stock.  As a result of the Merger, the PTV Entities received approximately 4.2 million shares (as adjusted for the 1:5.5 Reverse Stock Split) of Company common stock in exchange for shares of Apollo common stock the PTV Entities held immediately prior to the Merger.

 

Bruce Robertson, Ph.D. served as a director of Apollo prior to the Merger.  Dr. Robertson is a managing director of H.I.G. Capital, LLC, which is an affiliate of H.I.G. Ventures —Endosurgery, LLC which currently holds more than 10% of the Company’s outstanding common stock.  As a result of the Merger, H.I.G. Ventures—Endosurgery, LLC received approximately 1.5 million shares (as adjusted for the 1:5.5 Reverse Stock Split) of Company common stock in exchange for shares of Apollo common stock it held immediately prior to the Merger.

 

John Creecy served as a director of Apollo prior to the Merger.  Mr. Creecy is Chief Executive Officer and Director of Remeditex Ventures, LLC, which currently holds more than 10% of the Company’s outstanding common stock.  As a result of the Merger, Remeditex Ventures, LLC received approximately 1.3 million shares (as adjusted for the 1:5.5 Reverse Stock Split) of Company common stock in exchange for shares of Apollo common stock it held immediately prior to the Merger.

 

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R. Kent McGaughy, Jr. served as a director of Apollo prior to the Merger.  Mr. McGaughy is a Managing Director at CPMG, Inc., which is the general partner of Crested Crane Fund, LP, Curlew Fund, LP, Kestrel Fund, LP, Mallard Fund, LP and Roadrunner Fund, LP (collectively, the “ CPMG Entities ”) which, in the aggregated, currently hold more than 5% of the Company’s outstanding common stock.    As a result of the Merger, the CPMG Entities received approximately 0.8 million shares (as adjusted for the 1:5.5 Reverse Stock Split) of Company common stock in exchange for shares of Apollo common stock the CPMG Entities held immediately prior to the Merger.

 

As further described in Item 1.01 above, each of Rick Anderson, Matthew S. Crawford, John Creecy, William D. McClellan, Jr., R. Kent McGaughy, Jr., Richard J. Meelia, Todd Newton, Jack B. Nielsen and Bruce Robertson, Ph.D. entered into the Company’s standard form of indemnity agreement with the Company on December 29, 2016, immediately following the Merger.

 

The Company expects to review its non-employee director cash and equity compensation policies and such policies may be subject to change.

 

(e) On December 29, 2016, pursuant to the Merger Agreement, the Company assumed the Apollo Plans. Please see the sections of the Registration Statement titled “Management Following the Merger — Employment Benefits Plan — Apollo 2016 Equity Incentive Plan” and “Management Following the Merger — Employment Benefits Plan — Apollo 2006 Stock Plan” for information regarding the Apollo Plans, which such information is incorporated herein by reference.

 

Item 8.01 Other Events.

 

On December 29, 2016, the Company issued a press release announcing the completion of the Merger. A copy of the press release is attached hereto as Exhibit 99.1 and incorporated by reference herein.

 

Item 9.01 Financial Statements and Exhibits.

 

(a)   Financial Statements of Businesses Acquired.

 

The Company intends to file the financial statements of Apollo required by Item 9.01(a) as part of an amendment to this Current Report on Form 8-K not later than 71 calendar days after the date this Current Report on Form 8-K is required to be filed.

 

(b)   Pro Forma Financial Information.

 

The Company intends to file the pro forma financial information required by Item 9.01(b) as part of an amendment to this Current Report on Form 8-K not later than 71 calendar days after the date this Current Report on Form 8-K is required to be filed.

 

(d)   Exhibits

 

Reference is made to the Exhibit Index included with this Current Report on Form 8-K.

 

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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.

 

 

 

 

APOLLO ENDOSURGERY, INC.

 

 

 

Dated: December 30, 2016

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Todd Newton

 

 

Name:

Todd Newton

 

 

Title:

Chief Executive Officer

 

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EXHIBIT INDEX

 

Exhibit
No.

 

Description

 

 

 

2.1

 

Agreement and Plan of Merger and Reorganization, dated as of September 8, 2016, by and among Apollo Endosurgery, Inc., Lpath, Inc. and Lpath Merger Sub, Inc. (incorporated by reference from the Company Current Report on Form 8-K, Exhibit 2.1, filed with the SEC on September 8, 2016).

 

 

 

3.1

 

Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation.

 

 

 

3.2

 

Certificate of Amendment to Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation.

 

 

 

10.1

 

Form of Indemnity Agreement between Apollo Endosurgery, Inc. and its executive officers and directors.

 

 

 

10.2

 

Credit Agreement, dated February 27, 2015, by and among the Company, Athyrium Opportunities II Acquisition LP, as administrative agent, the guarantors party thereto, and the other lenders from time to time party thereto, as amended or supplemented on May 8, 2015, July 29, 2015, March 8, 2016 and October 10, 2016, together with the Exhibits, Schedules and Annexes thereto (incorporated by reference from the Registration Statement on S-4 (File No. 333-214059) filed with the SEC on October 11, 2016).

 

 

 

10.3

 

Employment Agreement, dated June 1, 2006 (effective September 1, 2005), as amended September 16, 2007, July 1, 2014 and May 19, 2016, between Apollo Endosurgery, Inc. and Dennis McWilliams (incorporated by reference from the Registration Statement on S-4 (File No. 333-214059) filed with the SEC on October 11, 2016).

 

 

 

10.4

 

Employment Agreement, dated June 1, 2014, as amended May 19, 2016, between Apollo Endosurgery, Inc. and Todd Newton (incorporated by reference from the Registration Statement on S-4 (File No. 333-214059) filed with the SEC on October 11, 2016).

 

 

 

10.5

 

Offer Letter, dated November 19, 2014, between Apollo Endosurgery, Inc. and Bret Schwartzhoff (incorporated by reference from the Registration Statement on S-4 (File No. 333-214059) filed with the SEC on October 11, 2016).

 

 

 

10.6

 

Offer Letter dated March 2, 2015 between Apollo Endosurgery, Inc. and Stefanie Cavanaugh.

 

 

 

99.1

 

Press release titled “Apollo Endosurgery Completes Merger with Lpath; Initiates Trading on NASDAQ as ‘APEN’” issued by Apollo Endosurgery, Inc. on December 29, 2016.

 

10


Exhibit 3.1

 

AMENDED AND RESTATED CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION
OF LPATH, INC.,

a Delaware Corporation

 

I, the undersigned, being the chief executive officer of Lpath, Inc., a corporation organized and existing under and by virtue of the General Corporation Law of Delaware,

 

DO HEREBY CERTIFY:

 

ONE :     The corporation was originally incorporated pursuant to the General Corporation Law of Delaware on July 17, 2014 under the name Lpath, Inc.

 

TWO :    This Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation was approved by the holders of the requisite number of shares of said corporation in accordance with Section 228 of the General Corporation Law of Delaware. This Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation has been duly adopted in accordance with the provisions of Sections 242 and 245 of the General Corporation Law of Delaware by the stockholders of the Corporation.

 

THREE :  The Certificate of Incorporation of this corporation is hereby amended and restated to read as follows:

 

ARTICLE FIRST: The name of this corporation is Lpath, Inc. (the “Corporation”).

 

ARTICLE SECOND: The address of the registered office of the Corporation in the State of Delaware is 160 Greentree Drive, Suite 101, in the City of Dover 19904, County of Kent. The name of the registered agent at such address is National Registered Agents, Inc.

 

ARTICLE THIRD: The purpose of the Corporation is to engage in any lawful act or activity for which a corporation may be organized under the General Corporation Law of Delaware, as it may be amended from time to time.

 

ARTICLE FOURTH:

 

A. The total number of shares of all classes of stock which the Corporation shall have authority to issue is 115,000,000 shares consisting of: (i) 100,000,000 shares of Common Stock, with a par value of $0.001 per share (the “Common Stock”) and (ii) 15,000,000 shares of Preferred Stock, with a par value of $0.001 per share (the “Preferred Stock”).

 

Immediately upon the filing of this Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware each five and one half (5 1/2) shares of the Corporation’s Common Stock outstanding immediately prior to such filing shall be automatically reclassified into one (1) share of the Corporation’s Common Stock. The aforementioned reclassification shall be referred to collectively as the “Reverse Split.”

 

The Reverse Split shall occur without any further action on the part of the Corporation or the holder thereof and whether or not certificates representing such holder’s shares prior to the Reverse Split are surrendered for cancellation. No fractional interest in a share of Common Stock shall be deliverable upon the Reverse Split. All shares of Common Stock (including fractions thereof) issuable upon the Reverse Split held by a holder prior to the Reverse Split shall be aggregated for purposes of determining whether the Reverse Split would result in the issuance of any fractional share. Each holder who would otherwise be entitled to a fraction of a share of Common Stock upon the Reverse Split (after aggregating all fractional shares to which such stockholder would otherwise be entitled) shall, in lieu thereof, be entitled to receive a cash payment (rounded to the nearest whole cent), without interest, in an amount equal to the fraction to which the stockholder would otherwise be entitled multiplied by the closing price of the Corporation’s Common Stock as reported on The NASDAQ Capital Market (or such other NASDAQ market on which the Corporation’s common stock then trades) on the date of filing of this Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware. The Corporation shall not be obliged to issue certificates evidencing the shares of Common Stock outstanding as a result of the Reverse Split unless and until the certificates evidencing the shares held by a holder prior to the Reverse Split are either delivered to the Corporation or its transfer agent, or the holder notifies the Corporation or its transfer agent that such certificates have been lost, stolen or destroyed and executes an agreement satisfactory to the Corporation to indemnify the Corporation from any loss incurred by it in connection with such certificates.

 

B. The designations, preferences, privileges, rights and voting powers and any limitations, restrictions or qualifications thereof, of the shares of each class are as follows:

 



 

(i) The holders of outstanding shares of Common Stock shall have the right to vote on all questions to the exclusion of all other stockholders, each holder of record of Common Stock being entitled to one vote for each share of Common Stock standing in the name of the stockholder on the books of the Corporation, except as may be provided in this Certificate of Incorporation, in a Preferred Stock Designation (as hereinafter defined), or as required by law.

 

(ii) The Preferred Stock may be issued from time to time in one or more series. The Board of Directors (or any committee to which it may duly delegate the authority granted in this Section (b) of Article Fourth) is hereby empowered to authorize the issuance from time to time of shares of Preferred Stock in one or more series, for such consideration and for such corporate purposes as the Board of Directors may from time to time determine, and by filing a certificate pursuant to applicable law of the State of Delaware (hereinafter referred to as a “Preferred Stock Designation”) as it presently exists or may hereafter be amended to establish from time to time for each such series the number of shares to be included in each such series and to fix the designations, powers, rights and preferences of the shares of each such series, and the qualifications, limitations and restrictions thereof to the fullest extent now or hereafter permitted by this Certificate of Incorporation and the laws of the State of Delaware, including, without limitation, voting rights (if any), dividend rights, dissolution rights, conversion rights, exchange rights and redemption rights thereof, as shall be stated and expressed in a resolution or resolutions adopted by the Board of Directors (or such committee thereof) providing for the issuance of such series of Preferred Stock. Each series of Preferred Stock shall be distinctly designated. The authority of the Board of Directors with respect to each series of Preferred Stock shall include, but not be limited to, determination of the following: (a) the designation of the series, which may be by distinguishing number, letter or title; (b) the number of shares of the series, which number the Board of Directors may thereafter (except where otherwise provided in the Preferred Stock Designation) increase or decrease (but not below the number of shares thereof then outstanding); (c) the amounts payable on, and the preferences, if any, of shares of the series in respect of dividends, and whether such dividends, if any, shall be cumulative or noncumulative; (d) dates at which dividends, if any, shall be payable; (e) the redemption rights and price or prices, if any, for shares of the series; (f) the terms and amount of any sinking fund provided for the purchase or redemption of shares of the series; (g) the amounts payable on, and the preferences, if any, of shares of the series in the event of any voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the affairs of the Corporation; (h) whether the shares of the series shall be convertible into or exchangeable for shares of any other class or series, or any other security, of the Corporation or any other corporation, and, if so, the specification of such other class or series or such other security, the conversion or exchange price or prices or rate or rates, any adjustments thereof, the date or dates at which such shares shall be convertible or exchangeable and all other terms and conditions upon which such conversion or exchange may be made; (i) restrictions on the issuance of shares of the same series or of any other class or series; and (j) the voting rights, if any, of the holders of shares of the series.

 

ARTICLE FIFTH:

 

A. The business and affairs of the Corporation shall be managed by or under the direction of the Board of Directors. In addition to the powers and authority expressly conferred upon them by statute or by this Certificate of Incorporation or the Bylaws of the Corporation, the directors are hereby empowered to exercise all such powers and do all such acts and things as may be exercised or done by the Corporation.

 

B. The directors of the Corporation need not be elected by written ballot unless the Bylaws so provide.

 

C. Any action required or permitted to be taken by the stockholders of the Corporation may be effected at a duly called annual or special meeting of stockholders of the Corporation. In addition, subject to the rights of the holders of any series of Preferred Stock with respect to such series of Preferred Stock, any action required or permitted to be taken by the stockholders may be taken without a meeting by written consent in accordance with the requirements set forth in the Corporation’s Bylaws.

 

D. Subject to the rights of the holders of any series of Preferred Stock with respect to such series of Preferred Stock, special meetings of stockholders for the transaction of such business as may properly come before the meeting may only be called by order of: (i) the Chairman of the Board of Directors, (ii) the Board of Directors (pursuant to a resolution adopted by a majority of the total number of directors that the Corporation would have if there were no vacancies), (iii) the Chief Executive Officer of the Corporation or (iv) the stockholders of the Corporation in accordance with the requirements set forth in the Corporation’s Bylaws, and shall be held at such date and time, within or without the State of Delaware, as may be specified by such order. If such order fails to fix such place, the meeting shall be held at the principal executive offices of the Corporation.

 

ARTICLE SIXTH:

 

A. The total number of directors that the Corporation shall be fixed from time to time exclusively by action of the Board of Directors pursuant to a resolution adopted by a majority vote of the directors then in office, though less than a quorum,

 



 

or by the sole remaining director, one of whom may be selected by the Board of Directors to be its Chairman.

 

B. Subject to the rights of the holders of any series of Preferred Stock then outstanding, all directors shall hold office until the expiration of the term for which elected, and until their respective successors are elected, except in the case of the death, incapacity, resignation or removal of any director. No decrease in the number of directors constituting the Board of Directors shall shorten the term of any incumbent director.

 

C. Subject to the rights of the holders of any series of Preferred Stock then outstanding, newly created directorships resulting from any increase in the authorized number of directors or any vacancies in the Board of Directors resulting from death, incapacity, resignation or other cause (including removal from office by a vote of the stockholders) may be filled only in accordance with the requirements of the Corporation’s Bylaws. The directors so chosen shall hold office for a term expiring at the next annual meeting of stockholders, and until their respective successors are elected, except in the case of the death, incapacity, resignation or removal of any director.

 

D. Subject to the rights of the holders of any series of Preferred Stock with respect to such series of Preferred Stock, a director or directors of the Corporation may only be removed in accordance with the requirements of the Corporation’s Bylaws. Vacancies in the Board of Directors resulting from such removal shall be filled in accordance with the requirements of the Corporation’s Bylaws.

 

ARTICLE SEVENTH: In furtherance and not in limitation of the powers conferred by the laws of the State of Delaware, the Board of Directors of the Corporation is expressly authorized to make, alter and repeal the Bylaws of the Corporation, subject to the power of the stockholders of the Corporation to alter or repeal the Bylaws under applicable law as it presently exists or may hereafter be amended. Any adoption, amendment, alteration or repeal of the Bylaws of the Corporation by the stockholders shall require, in addition to any vote of the holders of any class or series of stock of the Corporation required by law, by this Certificate of Incorporation or by the Bylaws as then in effect, the affirmative vote of the holders of at least a majority of the voting power of all of the then outstanding shares of the capital stock of the Corporation entitled to vote on such action.

 

ARTICLE EIGHTH:

 

A. The Corporation shall indemnify and hold harmless, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law as it presently exists or may hereafter be amended (but, in the case of any such amendment, only to the extent that such amendment permits the Corporation to provide broader indemnification rights than said law permitted the Corporation to provide prior to such amendment), any person (a “Covered Person”) who was or is a party or is threatened to be made a party to, or is otherwise involved in, any threatened, pending or completed action, suit or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative in nature (a “proceeding”), by reason of the fact that such Covered Person, or a person for whom he or she is the legal representative, is or was, at any time during which this Section A of Article Eighth is in effect (whether or not such Covered Person continues to serve in such capacity at the time any indemnification or payment of expenses pursuant hereto is sought or at the time any proceeding relating thereto exists or is brought), a director or officer of the Corporation, or has or had agreed to become a director of the Corporation, or is or was serving at the request of the Corporation as a director, officer, trustee, employee or agent of another corporation, limited liability company, partnership, joint venture, employee benefit plan, trust, nonprofit entity or other enterprise, whether the basis of such proceeding is alleged action in an official capacity as a director, officer, trustee, employee or agent or in any other capacity while serving as a director, officer, trustee, employee or agent, against all liability and loss suffered (including, without limitation, any judgments, fines, ERISA excise taxes or penalties and amounts paid in settlement) and expenses (including attorneys’ fees), actually and reasonably incurred by such Covered Person in connection with such proceeding to the fullest extent permitted by law, and such indemnification shall continue as to a person who has ceased to be a director, officer, trustee, employee or agent and shall inure to the benefit of his or her heirs, executors and administrators; provided however, that, except as provided in Section B of this Article Eighth, the Corporation shall be required to indemnify a person in connection with a proceeding (or part thereof) initiated by such person only if the proceeding (or part thereof) was authorized by the Board of Directors. The right to indemnification conferred in this Section A of Article Eighth and such rights as may be conferred in the Bylaws of the Corporation shall include the right to be paid by the Corporation the expenses (including attorneys’ fees) incurred by a Covered Person in defending any such proceeding in advance of its final disposition, in accordance with the Bylaws of the Corporation. The rights conferred upon Covered Persons in this Section A of Article Eighth shall be contract rights that vest at the time of such person’s service to or at the request of the Corporation and such rights shall continue as to a Covered Person who has ceased to be a director, officer, trustee, employee or agent and shall inure to the benefit of the indemnitee’s heirs, executors and administrators. The Corporation may, by action of the Board of Directors, provide indemnification to employees and agents of the Corporation with the same (or lesser) scope and effect as the foregoing indemnification of directors and officers.

 



 

B. In accordance with the Bylaws of the Corporation, if a claim for indemnification under Section A of this Article Eighth is not paid in full within sixty (60) days after a written claim has been received by the Corporation, the Covered Person making such claim may at any time thereafter file suit to recover the unpaid amount of such claim and, if successful in whole or in part, shall be entitled to be paid the expense of prosecuting such claim.

 

C. In accordance with the Bylaws of the Corporation, the right to indemnification and the payment of expenses incurred in defending a proceeding in advance of its final disposition conferred any Covered Person by Section A of this Article Eighth (i) shall not be exclusive of any other rights which such Covered Person may have or hereafter acquire under any statute, provision of this Certificate of Incorporation, the Bylaws, agreement, vote of stockholders or disinterested directors or otherwise and (ii) cannot be terminated by the Corporation, the Board of Directors or the stockholders of the Corporation with respect to a Covered Person’s service occurring prior to the date of such termination.

 

ARTICLE NINTH: The Corporation may purchase and maintain insurance, at its expense, on behalf of any person who is or was a director, officer, employee or agent of the Corporation, or is or was a director, officer, employee or agent of the Corporation serving at the request of the Corporation as a director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation, limited liability company, partnership, joint venture, trust, employee benefit plan or other enterprise against any liability, expense or loss asserted against such person and incurred by such person in any such capacity, or arising out of such person’s status as such, whether or not the Corporation would have the power or the obligation to indemnify such person against such liability, expense or loss under the provisions of the Bylaws of the Corporation or the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware. To the extent that the Corporation maintains any policy or policies providing such insurance, each such person shall be covered by such policy or policies in accordance with its or their terms to the maximum extent of the coverage thereunder for any such person.

 

ARTICLE TENTH: The Corporation reserves the right to amend or repeal any provision contained in this Certificate of Incorporation in any manner now or hereafter permitted by the laws of the State of Delaware and all rights of the stockholders of the Corporation are granted subject to this reservation; provided, however, that, notwithstanding any other provision of this Certificate of Incorporation or any provision of law which might otherwise permit a lesser vote or no vote, but in addition to any vote of the holders of any class or series of the stock of this Corporation required by law, by this Certificate of Incorporation or by a Preferred Stock Designation, the affirmative vote of the holders of at least a majority of the voting power of all of the then outstanding shares of the capital stock of the Corporation entitled to vote on such action shall be required to amend these Certificate of Incorporation; provided, further, that Sections C and D of Article Fifth, Sections A, C and D of Article Sixth, Article Eighth, Article Ninth and Article Tenth of this Certificate of Incorporation may not be amended by the stockholders of the Corporation without the affirmative vote of the stockholders holding no less than 66 2/3% of the voting power of all of the then outstanding shares of the capital stock of the Corporation entitled to vote on such action.

 

ARTICLE ELEVENTH: This Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation shall become effective at 4:10 p.m. Eastern Standard Time on December 29, 2016.

 

[ SIGNATURE PAGE FOLLOWS ]

 



 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF,  this Corporation has caused this Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation to be signed by its Chief Executive Officer as of December 29, 2016.

 

 

 

/s/ Todd Newton

 

Todd Newton

 

Chief Executive Officer

 


Exhibit 3.2

 

CERTIFICATE OF AMENDMENT OF

AMENDED AND RESTATED CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION

OF
LPATH, INC.

 

Lpath, Inc., a corporation organized and existing under and by virtue of the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware (the “ Corporation ”), hereby certifies that:

 

1.                                       The name of the Corporation is Lpath, Inc.

 

2.                                       The Certificate of Incorporation of the Corporation was originally filed with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware on July 17, 2014.

 

3.                                       The Board of Directors of the Corporation, acting in accordance with the provisions of  Sections 141 and 242 of the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware, adopted resolutions amending its Certificate of Incorporation as follows:

 

Article First of the Corporation’s Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation is amended and restated to read in its entirety as follows:

 

“I.

 

ARTICLE FIRST : The name by which the corporation is to be known is Apollo Endosurgery, Inc. (the “Corporation”).”

 

4.                                       The foregoing Certificate of Amendment has been duly adopted by the Company’s Board of Directors  and stockholders in accordance with the applicable provisions of Sections 228 and 242 of the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware.

 

5.                                       This Certificate of Amendment of Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation shall become effective at 4:15 p.m. Eastern Standard Time on December 29, 2016.

 

[ SIGNATURE PAGE FOLLOWS ]

 



 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF , the Corporation has caused this Certificate of Amendment to be signed by its Chief Executive Officer as of December 29, 2016.

 

LPATH, INC.

 

 

By:

/s/ Todd Newton

 

 

Todd Newton

 

 

Chief Executive Officer

 

 


Exhibit 10.1

 

 

FORM OF INDEMNITY AGREEMENT

 

THIS INDEMNITY AGREEMENT (the “ Agreement ”) is made and entered into as of [ date ], between Apollo Endosurgery, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “ Company ”), and [ Insert name of Indemnitee ] (“ Indemnitee ”).

 

RECITALS

 

A.             Highly competent persons have become more reluctant to serve corporations as directors or officers or in other capacities unless they are provided with adequate protection through insurance or adequate indemnification against inordinate risks of claims and actions against them arising out of their service to and activities on behalf of the corporation;

 

B.             Although the furnishing of such insurance to protect persons serving a corporation and its subsidiaries from certain liabilities has been a customary and widespread practice among United States-based corporations and other business enterprises, the Company believes that, given current market conditions and trends, such insurance may be available to it in the future only at higher premiums and with more exclusions.  At the same time, directors, officers, and other persons in service to corporations or business enterprises are being increasingly subjected to expensive and time-consuming litigation relating to, among other things, matters that traditionally would have been brought only against the Company or business enterprise itself.  The Bylaws and Certificate of Incorporation of the Company require indemnification of the officers and directors of the Company.  Indemnitee may also be entitled to indemnification pursuant to the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware (“ DGCL ”).  The Bylaws, Certificate of Incorporation and the DGCL expressly provide that the indemnification provisions set forth therein are not exclusive, and thereby contemplate that contracts may be entered into between the Company and members of the Board, officers and other persons with respect to indemnification;

 

C.             The uncertainties relating to such liability insurance and to indemnification have increased the difficulty of attracting and retaining such persons;

 

D.             The Board has determined that the increased difficulty in attracting and retaining such persons is detrimental to the best interests of the Company’s stockholders and that the Company should act to assure such persons that there will be increased certainty of such protection in the future;

 

E.             It is reasonable, prudent and necessary for the Company to contractually obligate itself to indemnify, and to advance expenses on behalf of, such persons to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law so that they will serve or continue to serve the Company free from undue concern that they will not be so indemnified;

 

F.             This Agreement is a supplement to and in furtherance of the Bylaws and Certificate of Incorporation of the Company and any resolutions adopted pursuant thereto and shall not be deemed a substitute therefor, nor to diminish or abrogate any rights of Indemnitee thereunder; and

 

G.             Indemnitee does not regard the protection available under the Company’s Bylaws and Certificate of Incorporation and insurance as adequate in the present circumstances, and may not be willing to serve as an officer or director without adequate protection, and the Company desires Indemnitee to serve in such capacity.  Indemnitee is willing to serve, continue to serve and to take on additional service for or on behalf of the Company on the condition that he or she be so indemnified; and

 

1



 

H.             Indemnitee may have certain rights to indemnification and/or insurance provided by other entities and/or organizations which Indemnitee and such other entities and/or organizations intend to be secondary to the primary obligation of the Company to indemnify Indemnitee as provided herein, with the Company’s acknowledgement and agreement to the foregoing being a material condition to Indemnitee’s willingness to serve on the Board.

 

I.              This Agreement supersedes and replaces in its entirety any previous Indemnification Agreement entered into between the Company and the Indemnitee.

 

NOW, THEREFORE , in consideration of Indemnitee’s agreement to serve as an officer or a director from and after the date hereof, the parties hereto agree as follows:

 

1.              Indemnity of Indemnitee .  The Company hereby agrees to hold harmless and indemnify Indemnitee to the fullest extent permitted by law, as such may be amended from time to time pursuant to, and in accordance with, the terms of this Agreement.  In furtherance of the foregoing indemnification, and without limiting the generality thereof:

 

(a)            Proceedings Other Than Proceedings by or in the Right of the Company .  Indemnitee shall be entitled to the rights of indemnification provided in this Section l(a) if, by reason of his or her Corporate Status, the Indemnitee is, or is threatened to be made, a party to or participant in any Proceeding other than a Proceeding by or in the right of the Company.  Pursuant to this Section 1(a), Indemnitee shall be indemnified against all Expenses, judgments, penalties, fines and amounts paid in settlement actually and reasonably incurred by him or her, or on his or her behalf, in connection with such Proceeding or any claim, issue or matter therein, if the Indemnitee acted in good faith and in a manner the Indemnitee reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the Company, and with respect to any criminal Proceeding, had no reasonable cause to believe the Indemnitee’s conduct was unlawful.

 

(b)            Proceedings by or in the Right of the Company .  Indemnitee shall be entitled to the rights of indemnification provided in this Section 1(b) if, by reason of his Corporate Status, the Indemnitee is, or is threatened to be made, a party to or participant in any Proceeding brought by or in the right of the Company.  Pursuant to this Section 1(b), Indemnitee shall be indemnified against all Expenses actually and reasonably incurred by the Indemnitee, or on the Indemnitee’s behalf, in connection with such Proceeding if the Indemnitee acted in good faith and in a manner the Indemnitee reasonably believed to be in, or not opposed to, the best interests of the Company; provided , however , if applicable law so provides, no indemnification against such Expenses shall be made in respect of any claim, issue or matter in such Proceeding as to which Indemnitee shall have been adjudged to be liable to the Company unless and to the extent that the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware shall determine that such indemnification may be made.

 

(c)            Indemnification for Expenses of a Party Who is Wholly or Partly Successful .  Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, to the extent that Indemnitee is, by reason of his or her Corporate Status, a party to and is successful, on the merits or otherwise, in any Proceeding, he or she shall be indemnified to the maximum extent permitted by law, as such may be amended from time to time, against all Expenses actually and reasonably incurred by him or her or on his or her behalf in connection therewith.  If Indemnitee is not wholly successful in such Proceeding but is successful, on the merits or otherwise, as to one or more but less than all claims, issues or matters in such Proceeding, the Company shall indemnify Indemnitee against all Expenses actually and reasonably incurred by him or her or on his or her behalf in connection with each successfully resolved claim, issue or matter.  For purposes of this Section and without limitation, the termination of any claim, issue or matter in such a Proceeding

 

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by dismissal, with or without prejudice, shall be deemed to be a successful result as to such claim, issue or matter.

 

2.              Additional Indemnity .  In addition to, and without regard to any limitations on, the indemnification provided for in Section 1 of this Agreement, the Company shall and hereby does indemnify and hold harmless Indemnitee against all Expenses, judgments, penalties, fines and amounts paid in settlement actually and reasonably incurred by him or her or on his or her behalf if, by reason of his or her Corporate Status, he or she is, or is threatened to be made, a party to or participant in any Proceeding (including a Proceeding by or in the right of the Company), including, without limitation, any and all liability arising out of the negligence or active or passive wrongdoing of Indemnitee.  The only limitation that shall exist upon the Company’s obligations pursuant to this Agreement shall be that the Company shall not be obligated to make any payment to Indemnitee that is finally determined (under the procedures, and subject to the presumptions, set forth in Sections 6 and 7 hereof) to be unlawful.

 

3.              Contribution .

 

(a)            Whether or not the indemnification provided in Sections 1 and 2 hereof is available, in respect of any threatened, pending or completed action, suit or proceeding in which the Company is jointly liable with Indemnitee (or would be if joined in such action, suit or proceeding), the Company shall pay, in the first instance, the entire amount of any judgment or settlement of such action, suit or proceeding without requiring Indemnitee to contribute to such payment, and the Company hereby waives and relinquishes any right of contribution it may have against Indemnitee.  The Company shall not enter into any settlement of any action, suit or proceeding in which the Company is jointly liable with Indemnitee (or would be if joined in such action, suit or proceeding) unless such settlement provides for a full and final release of all claims asserted against Indemnitee.  The Company shall not settle any action or claim in a manner that would impose any penalty or admission of guilt or liability on Indemnitee without Indemnitee’s written consent.

 

(b)            Without diminishing or impairing the obligations of the Company set forth in the preceding subparagraph, if, for any reason, Indemnitee shall elect or be required to pay all or any portion of any judgment or settlement in any threatened, pending or completed action, suit or proceeding in which the Company is jointly liable with Indemnitee (or would be if joined in such action, suit or proceeding), the Company shall contribute to the amount of Expenses, judgments, fines and amounts paid in settlement actually and reasonably incurred and paid or payable by Indemnitee in proportion to the relative benefits received by the Company and all officers, directors or employees of the Company, other than Indemnitee, who are jointly liable with Indemnitee (or would be if joined in such action, suit or proceeding), on the one hand, and Indemnitee, on the other hand, from the transaction from which such action, suit or proceeding arose; provided, however, that the proportion determined on the basis of relative benefit may, to the extent necessary to conform to law, be further adjusted by reference to the relative fault of the Company and all officers, directors or employees of the Company other than Indemnitee who are jointly liable with Indemnitee (or would be if joined in such action, suit or proceeding), on the one hand, and Indemnitee, on the other hand, in connection with the events that resulted in such expenses, judgments, fines or settlement amounts, as well as any other equitable considerations which the applicable law may require to be considered.  The relative fault of the Company and all officers, directors or employees of the Company, other than Indemnitee, who are jointly liable with Indemnitee (or would be if joined in such action, suit or proceeding), on the one hand, and Indemnitee, on the other hand, shall be determined by reference to, among other things, the degree to which their actions were motivated by intent to gain personal profit or advantage, the degree to which their liability is primary or secondary and the degree to which their respective conduct is active or passive.

 

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(c)            The Company hereby agrees to fully indemnify and hold Indemnitee harmless from any claims of contribution which may be brought by officers, directors or employees of the Company, other than Indemnitee, who may be jointly liable with Indemnitee.

 

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

 

4.              Indemnification for Expenses of a Witness .  Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, to the extent that Indemnitee is, by reason of his or her Corporate Status, a witness, or is made (or asked) to respond to discovery requests, in any Proceeding to which Indemnitee is not a party, he or she shall be indemnified against all Expenses actually and reasonably incurred by him or her or on his or her behalf in connection therewith.

 

5.              Advancement of Expenses .  Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, the Company shall advance all Expenses incurred by or on behalf of Indemnitee in connection with any Proceeding by reason of Indemnitee’s Corporate Status within 30 days after the receipt by the Company of a statement or statements from Indemnitee requesting such advance or advances from time to time, whether prior to or after final disposition of such Proceeding.  Such statement or statements shall reasonably evidence the Expenses incurred by Indemnitee and shall include or be preceded or accompanied by a written undertaking by or on behalf of Indemnitee to repay any Expenses advanced if it shall ultimately be determined that Indemnitee is not entitled to be indemnified against such Expenses.  Any advances and undertakings to repay pursuant to this Section 5 shall be unsecured and interest free.

 

6.              Procedures and Presumptions for Determination of Entitlement to Indemnification .  It is the intent of this Agreement to secure for Indemnitee rights of indemnity that are as favorable as may be permitted under the DGCL and public policy of the State of Delaware.  Accordingly, the parties agree that the following procedures and presumptions shall apply in the event of any question as to whether Indemnitee is entitled to indemnification under this Agreement:

 

(a)            To obtain indemnification under this Agreement, Indemnitee shall submit to the Company a written request, including therein or therewith such documentation and information as is reasonably available to Indemnitee and is reasonably necessary to determine whether and to what extent Indemnitee is entitled to indemnification.  The Secretary of the Company shall, promptly upon receipt of such a request for indemnification, advise the Board in writing that Indemnitee has requested indemnification.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, any failure of Indemnitee to provide such a request to the Company, or to provide such a request in a timely fashion, shall not relieve the Company of any liability that it may have to Indemnitee unless, and to the extent that, such failure actually and materially prejudices the interests of the Company.

 

(b)            Upon written request by Indemnitee for indemnification pursuant to the first sentence of Section 6(a) hereof, a determination with respect to Indemnitee’s entitlement thereto shall be made in the specific case by one of the following four methods, which shall be at the election of the

 

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Board:  (i) unless a Change in Control has occurred: (1) by a majority vote of the Disinterested Directors, even though less than a quorum, (2) by a committee of Disinterested Directors designated by a majority vote of the Disinterested Directors, even though less than a quorum, (3) if there are no Disinterested Directors or if the Disinterested Directors so direct, by Independent Counsel in a written opinion to the Board, a copy of which shall be delivered to the Indemnitee, or (4) if so directed by the Board, by the stockholders of the Company; and (ii) if a Change in Control has occurred, then by Independent Counsel in a written opinion to the Board, a copy of which shall be delivered to the Indemnitee.  For purposes hereof, Disinterested Directors are those members of the Board who are not parties to the action, suit or proceeding in respect of which indemnification is sought by Indemnitee.

 

(c)            If the determination of entitlement to indemnification is to be made by Independent Counsel pursuant to Section 6(b) hereof, the Independent Counsel shall be selected as provided in this Section 6(c).  The Independent Counsel shall be selected by the Board.  Indemnitee may, within 10 days after such written notice of selection shall have been given, deliver to the Company a written objection to such selection; provided, however, that such objection may be asserted only on the ground that the Independent Counsel so selected does not meet the requirements of “ Independent Counsel ” as defined in Section 13 of this Agreement, and the objection shall set forth with particularity the factual basis of such assertion.  Absent a proper and timely objection, the person so selected shall act as Independent Counsel.  If a written objection is made and substantiated, the Independent Counsel selected may not serve as Independent Counsel unless and until such objection is withdrawn or a court has determined that such objection is without merit.  If, within 20 days after submission by Indemnitee of a written request for indemnification pursuant to Section 6(a) hereof, no Independent Counsel shall have been selected and not objected to, either the Company or Indemnitee may petition the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware or other court of competent jurisdiction for resolution of any objection which shall have been made by the Indemnitee to the Company’s selection of Independent Counsel and/or for the appointment as Independent Counsel of a person selected by the court or by such other person as the court shall designate, and the person with respect to whom all objections are so resolved or the person so appointed shall act as Independent Counsel under Section 6(b) hereof.  The Company shall pay any and all reasonable fees and expenses of Independent Counsel incurred by such Independent Counsel in connection with acting pursuant to Section 6(b) hereof, and the Company shall pay all reasonable fees and expenses incident to the procedures of this Section 6(c), regardless of the manner in which such Independent Counsel was selected or appointed.  In no event shall Indemnitee be liable for fees and expenses incurred by such Independent Counsel, subject to the limitations on indemnification set forth herein.

 

(d)            In making a determination with respect to entitlement to indemnification hereunder, the person or persons or entity making such determination shall presume that Indemnitee is entitled to indemnification under this Agreement.  Anyone seeking to overcome this presumption shall have the burden of proof and the burden of persuasion by clear and convincing evidence.  Neither the failure of the Company (including by its Board or Independent Counsel) to have made a determination prior to the commencement of any action pursuant to this Agreement that indemnification is proper in the circumstances because Indemnitee has met the applicable standard of conduct, nor an actual determination by the Company (including by its Board or Independent Counsel) that Indemnitee has not met such applicable standard of conduct, shall be a defense to the action or create a presumption that Indemnitee has not met the applicable standard of conduct.

 

(e)            Indemnitee shall be deemed to have acted in good faith if Indemnitee’s action is based on the records or books of account of the Enterprise, including financial statements, or on information supplied to Indemnitee by the officers of the Enterprise in the course of their duties, or on the advice of legal counsel for the Enterprise or on information or records given or reports made to the

 

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Enterprise by an independent certified public accountant or by an appraiser or other expert selected with reasonable care by the Enterprise.  In addition, the knowledge and/or actions, or failure to act, of any director, officer, agent or employee of the Enterprise shall not be imputed to Indemnitee for purposes of determining the right to indemnification under this Agreement.  Whether or not the foregoing provisions of this Section 6(e) are satisfied, it shall in any event be presumed that Indemnitee has at all times acted in good faith and in a manner he reasonably believed to be in, or not opposed to, the best interests of the Company.  Anyone seeking to overcome this presumption shall have the burden of proof and the burden of persuasion by clear and convincing evidence.

 

(f)             If the person, persons or entity empowered or selected under Section 6 to determine whether Indemnitee is entitled to indemnification shall not have made a determination within 60 days after receipt by the Company of the request therefor, the requisite determination of entitlement to indemnification shall be deemed to have been made, and Indemnitee shall be entitled to such indemnification absent (i) a misstatement by Indemnitee of a material fact or an omission of a material fact necessary to make Indemnitee’s statement not materially misleading in connection with the request for indemnification or (ii) a prohibition of such indemnification under applicable law; provided, however, that such 60 day period may be extended for a reasonable time, not to exceed an additional 30 days, if the person, persons or entity making such determination with respect to entitlement to indemnification in good faith requires such additional time to obtain or evaluate documentation and/or information relating thereto; and provided, further, that the foregoing provisions of this Section 6(f) shall not apply if the determination of entitlement to indemnification is to be made by the stockholders pursuant to Section 6(b) of this Agreement and if (A) within 15 days after receipt by the Company of the request for such determination, the Board or the Disinterested Directors, if appropriate, resolve to submit such determination to the stockholders for their consideration at an annual meeting thereof to be held within 75 days after such receipt and such determination is made thereat, or (B) a special meeting of stockholders is called within 15 days after such receipt for the purpose of making such determination, such meeting is held for such purpose within 60 days after having been so called and such determination is made thereat.

 

(g)            Indemnitee shall cooperate with the person, persons or entity making such determination with respect to Indemnitee’s entitlement to indemnification, including providing to such person, persons or entity upon reasonable advance request any documentation or information which is not privileged or otherwise protected from disclosure and which is reasonably available to Indemnitee and reasonably necessary to such determination.  Any Independent Counsel, member of the Board or stockholder of the Company shall act reasonably and in good faith in making a determination regarding the Indemnitee’s entitlement to indemnification under this Agreement.  Any costs or expenses (including attorneys’ fees and disbursements) incurred by Indemnitee in so cooperating with the person, persons or entity making such determination shall be borne by the Company (irrespective of the determination as to Indemnitee’s entitlement to indemnification), and the Company hereby indemnifies and agrees to hold Indemnitee harmless therefrom.

 

(h)            The Company acknowledges that a settlement or other disposition short of final judgment may be successful if it permits a party to avoid expense, delay, distraction, disruption and uncertainty.  In the event that any action, claim or proceeding to which Indemnitee is a party is resolved in any manner other than by adverse judgment against Indemnitee (including, without limitation, settlement of such action, claim or proceeding with or without payment of money or other consideration) it shall be presumed that Indemnitee has been successful on the merits or otherwise in such action, suit or proceeding.  Anyone seeking to overcome this presumption shall have the burden of proof and the burden of persuasion by clear and convincing evidence.

 

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(i)             The termination of any Proceeding or of any claim, issue or matter therein, by judgment, order, settlement or conviction, or upon a plea of nolo contendere or its equivalent, shall not (except as otherwise expressly provided in this Agreement) of itself adversely affect the right of Indemnitee to indemnification or create a presumption that Indemnitee did not act in good faith and in a manner which he or she reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the Company or, with respect to any criminal Proceeding, that Indemnitee had reasonable cause to believe that his or her conduct was unlawful.

 

7.              Remedies of Indemnitee .

 

(a)            In the event that (i) a determination is made pursuant to Section 6 of this Agreement that Indemnitee is not entitled to indemnification under this Agreement, (ii) advancement of Expenses is not timely made pursuant to Section 5 of this Agreement, (iii) no determination of entitlement to indemnification is made pursuant to Section 6(b) of this Agreement within 90 days after receipt by the Company of the request for indemnification, (iv) payment of indemnification is not made pursuant to this Agreement within 10 days after receipt by the Company of a written request therefor or (v) payment of indemnification is not made within 10 days after a determination has been made that Indemnitee is entitled to indemnification or such determination is deemed to have been made pursuant to Section 6 of this Agreement, Indemnitee shall be entitled to an adjudication in an appropriate court of the State of Delaware, or in any other court of competent jurisdiction, of Indemnitee’s entitlement to such indemnification.  Indemnitee shall commence such proceeding seeking an adjudication within 1 year following the date on which Indemnitee first has the right to commence such proceeding pursuant to this Section 7(a).  The Company shall not oppose Indemnitee’s right to seek any such adjudication.

 

(b)            In the event that a determination shall have been made pursuant to Section 6(b) of this Agreement that Indemnitee is not entitled to indemnification, any judicial proceeding commenced pursuant to this Section 7 shall be conducted in all respects as a de novo trial on the merits, and Indemnitee shall not be prejudiced by reason of the adverse determination under Section 6(b).

 

(c)            If a determination shall have been made pursuant to Section 6(b) of this Agreement that Indemnitee is entitled to indemnification, the Company shall be bound by such determination in any judicial proceeding commenced pursuant to this Section 7, absent (i) a misstatement by Indemnitee of a material fact or an omission of a material fact necessary to make Indemnitee’s misstatement not materially misleading in connection with the application for indemnification or (ii) a prohibition of such indemnification under applicable law.

 

(d)            In the event that Indemnitee, pursuant to this Section 7, seeks a judicial adjudication of his or her rights under, or to recover damages for breach of, this Agreement, or to recover under any directors’ and officers’ liability insurance policies maintained by the Company, the Company shall pay on his or her behalf, in advance, any and all expenses (of the types described in the definition of Expenses in Section 13 of this Agreement) actually and reasonably incurred by him or her in such judicial adjudication, regardless of whether Indemnitee ultimately is determined to be entitled to such indemnification, advancement of expenses or insurance recovery.

 

(e)            The Company shall be precluded from asserting in any judicial proceeding commenced pursuant to this Section 7 that the procedures and presumptions of this Agreement are not valid, binding and enforceable and shall stipulate in any such court that the Company is bound by all the provisions of this Agreement.  The Company shall indemnify Indemnitee against any and all Expenses and, if requested by Indemnitee, shall (within 10 days after receipt by the Company of a written request therefore) advance, to the extent not prohibited by law, such expenses to Indemnitee, which are incurred

 

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by Indemnitee in connection with any action brought by Indemnitee for indemnification or advance of Expenses from the Company under this Agreement or under any directors’ and officers’ liability insurance policies maintained by the Company, regardless of whether Indemnitee ultimately is determined to be entitled to such indemnification, advancement of Expenses or insurance recovery, as the case may be.

 

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

 

8.              Non-Exclusivity; Survival of Rights; Insurance; Primacy of Indemnification; Subrogation .

 

(a)            The rights of indemnification as provided by this Agreement shall not be deemed exclusive of any other rights to which Indemnitee may at any time be entitled under applicable law, the Certificate of Incorporation, the Bylaws, any agreement, a vote of stockholders, a resolution of Board or otherwise.  No amendment, alteration or repeal of this Agreement or of any provision hereof shall limit or restrict any right of Indemnitee under this Agreement in respect of any action taken or omitted by such Indemnitee in his or her Corporate Status prior to such amendment, alteration or repeal.  To the extent that a change in the DGCL, whether by statute or judicial decision, permits greater indemnification than would be afforded currently under the Certificate of Incorporation, Bylaws and this Agreement, it is the intent of the parties hereto that Indemnitee shall enjoy all greater benefits so afforded by such change.  No right or remedy herein conferred is intended to be exclusive of any other right or remedy, and every other right and remedy shall be cumulative and in addition to every other right and remedy given hereunder or now or hereafter existing at law or in equity or otherwise.  The assertion or employment of any right or remedy hereunder, or otherwise, shall not prevent the concurrent assertion or employment of any other right or remedy.

 

(b)            To the extent that the Company maintains an insurance policy or policies providing liability insurance for directors, officers, employees, or agents or fiduciaries of the Company or of any other corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust, employee benefit plan or other enterprise that such person serves at the request of the Company, the Company shall procure such insurance policy or policies under which the Indemnitee shall be covered in accordance with its or their terms to the maximum extent of the coverage available for any director, officer, employee, agent or fiduciary under such policy or policies.  If, at the time of the receipt of a notice of a claim pursuant to the terms hereof, the Company has director and officer liability insurance in effect, the Company shall give prompt notice of the commencement of such proceeding to the insurers in accordance with the procedures set forth in the respective policies.  The Company shall thereafter take all necessary or desirable action to cause such insurers to pay, on behalf of the Indemnitee, all amounts payable as a result of such proceeding in accordance with the terms of such policies.

 

(c)            The Company hereby acknowledges that Indemnitee has or may have in the future certain rights to indemnification, advancement of expenses and/or insurance provided by other entities and/or organizations (collectively, the “ Secondary Indemnitors ”).  The Company hereby agrees (i) that it is the indemnitor of first resort (i.e., its obligations to Indemnitee are primary and any obligation of the Secondary Indemnitors to advance expenses or to provide indemnification for the same expenses or liabilities incurred by Indemnitee are secondary), (ii) that it shall be required to advance the full amount of expenses incurred by Indemnitee and shall be liable for the full amount of all Expenses, judgments, penalties, fines and amounts paid in settlement to the extent legally permitted and as required by the terms of this Agreement and the Certificate of Incorporation or Bylaws of the Company (or any other agreement between the Company and Indemnitee), without regard to any rights Indemnitee may have against the

 

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Secondary Indemnitors, and (iii)  that it irrevocably waives, relinquishes and releases the Secondary Indemnitors from any and all claims against the Secondary Indemnitors for contribution, subrogation or any other recovery of any kind in respect thereof.  The Company further agrees that no advancement or payment by the Secondary Indemnitors on behalf of Indemnitee with respect to any claim for which Indemnitee has sought indemnification from the Company shall affect the foregoing and the Secondary Indemnitors shall have a right of contribution and/or be subrogated to the extent of such advancement or payment to all of the rights of recovery of Indemnitee against the Company.  The Company and Indemnitee agree that the Secondary Indemnitors are express third party beneficiaries of the terms of this Section 8(c).

 

(d)            Except as provided in paragraph (c) above, in the event of any payment under this Agreement, the Company shall be subrogated to the extent of such payment to all of the rights of recovery of Indemnitee (other than against the Secondary Indemnitors), who shall execute all papers required and take all action necessary to secure such rights, including execution of such documents as are necessary to enable the Company to bring suit to enforce such rights.

 

(e)            Except as provided in paragraph (c) above, the Company shall not be liable under this Agreement to make any payment of amounts otherwise indemnifiable hereunder if and to the extent that Indemnitee has otherwise actually received such payment under any insurance policy, contract, agreement or otherwise.

 

(f)             Except as provided in paragraph (c) above, the Company’s obligation to indemnify or advance Expenses hereunder to Indemnitee who is or was serving at the request of the Company as a director, officer, employee or agent of any other corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust, employee benefit plan or other enterprise shall be reduced by any amount Indemnitee has actually received as indemnification or advancement of expenses from such other corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust, employee benefit plan or other enterprise.

 

9.              Exceptions to Right of Indemnification . Notwithstanding any provision in this Agreement, the Company shall not be obligated under this Agreement to make any indemnity in connection with any claim made against Indemnitee:

 

(a)            for which payment has actually been made to or on behalf of Indemnitee under any insurance policy or other indemnity provision, except with respect to any excess beyond the amount paid under any insurance policy or other indemnity provision, provided, that the foregoing shall not affect the rights of Indemnitee or the Secondary Indemnitors set forth in Section 8(c) above;

 

(b)            for an accounting of profits made from the purchase and sale (or sale and purchase) by Indemnitee of securities of the Company within the meaning of Section 16(b) of the Exchange Act, or similar provisions of state statutory law or common law;

 

(c)            in connection with any Proceeding (or any part of any Proceeding) initiated by Indemnitee, including any Proceeding (or any part of any Proceeding) initiated by Indemnitee against the Company or its directors, officers, employees or other indemnitees, unless (i) the Board authorized the Proceeding (or any part of any Proceeding) prior to its initiation or (ii) the Company provides the indemnification, in its sole discretion, pursuant to the powers vested in the Company under applicable law;

 

(d)            with respect to remuneration paid to Indemnitee if it is determined by final judgment or other final adjudication that such remuneration was in violation of law (and, in this respect,

 

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both the Company and Indemnitee have been advised that the Securities and Exchange Commission believes that indemnification for liabilities arising under the federal securities laws is against public policy and is, therefore, unenforceable and that claims for indemnification should be submitted to appropriate courts for adjudication, as indicated in the last paragraph of this Section 9 below);

 

(e)            a final judgment or other final adjudication is made that Indemnitee’s conduct was in bad faith, knowingly fraudulent or deliberately dishonest or constituted willful misconduct (but only to the extent of such specific determination);

 

(f)             in connection with any claim for reimbursement of the Company by Indemnitee of any bonus or other incentive-based or equity-based compensation or of any profits realized by Indemnitee from the sale of securities of the Company, as required in each case under the Exchange Act (including any such reimbursements that arise from an accounting restatement of the Company pursuant to Section 304 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, or the payment to the Company of profits arising from the purchase and sale by Indemnitee of securities in violation of Section 306 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act), if Indemnitee is held liable therefor (including pursuant to any settlement); or

 

(g)            on account of conduct that is established by a final judgment as constituting a breach of Indemnitee’s duty of loyalty to the Company or resulting in any personal profit or advantage to which Indemnitee is not legally entitled.

 

For purposes of this Section 9, a final judgment or other adjudication may be reached in either the underlying proceeding or action in connection with which indemnification is sought or a separate proceeding or action to establish rights and liabilities under this Agreement.

 

Any provision herein to the contrary notwithstanding, the Company shall not be obligated pursuant to the terms of this Agreement to indemnify Indemnitee or otherwise act in violation of any undertaking appearing in and required by the rules and regulations promulgated under the Securities Act, or in any registration statement filed with the SEC under the Securities Act.  Indemnitee acknowledges that paragraph (h) of Item 512 of Regulation S-K promulgated under the Securities Act currently generally requires the Company to undertake, in connection with any registration statement filed under the Securities Act, to submit the issue of the enforceability of Indemnitee’s rights under this Agreement in connection with any liability under the Securities Act on public policy grounds to a court of appropriate jurisdiction and to be governed by any final adjudication of such issue.  Indemnitee specifically agrees that any such undertaking shall supersede the provisions of this Agreement and to be bound by any such undertaking.

 

10.           Duration of Agreement .  All agreements and obligations of the Company contained herein shall continue during the period Indemnitee is an officer or director of the Company (or is or was serving at the request of the Company as a director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise) and shall continue thereafter so long as Indemnitee shall be subject to any Proceeding (or any proceeding commenced under Section 7 hereof) by reason of his or her Corporate Status, whether or not he or she is acting or serving in any such capacity at the time any liability or expense is incurred for which indemnification can be provided under this Agreement.  This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of and be enforceable by the parties hereto and their respective successors (including any direct or indirect successor by purchase, merger, consolidation or otherwise to all or substantially all of the business or assets of the Company), assigns, spouses, heirs, executors and personal and legal representatives.

 

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11.           Security .  To the extent requested by Indemnitee and approved by the Board, the Company may at any time and from time to time provide security to Indemnitee for the Company’s obligations hereunder through an irrevocable bank line of credit, funded trust or other collateral.  Any such security, once provided to Indemnitee, may not be revoked or released without the prior written consent of the Indemnitee.

 

12.           Enforcement .

 

(a)            The Company expressly confirms and agrees that it has entered into this Agreement and assumes the obligations imposed on it hereby in order to induce Indemnitee to serve as an officer or director of the Company, and the Company acknowledges that Indemnitee is relying upon this Agreement in serving as an officer or director of the Company.

 

(b)            Other than as provided herein, this Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between the parties hereto with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersedes all prior agreements and understandings, oral, written and implied, between the parties hereto with respect to the subject matter hereof.

 

13.           Definitions .  For purposes of this Agreement:

 

(a)            “ Beneficial Owner ” shall have the meaning given to such term in Rule 13d-3 under the Exchange Act; provided, however, that Beneficial Owner shall exclude any Person otherwise becoming a Beneficial Owner by reason of the stockholders of the Company approving a merger of the Company with another entity.

 

(b)            “ Board ” means the Board of Directors of the Company.

 

(c)            “ Change in Control ” means the earliest to occur after the date of this Agreement of any of the following events:

 

(i)             Acquisition of Stock by Third Party .  Any Person is or becomes the Beneficial Owner (as defined above), directly or indirectly, of securities of the Company representing 25% or more of the combined voting power of the Company’s then outstanding securities;

 

(ii)            Change in Board .  During any period of 2 consecutive years (not including any period prior to the execution of this Agreement), individuals who at the beginning of such period constitute the Board, and any new director (other than a director designated by a person who has entered into an agreement with the Company to effect a transaction described in clause (i), (ii) or (iv) of this definition of Change in control) whose election by the Board or nomination for election by the Company’s stockholders was approved by a vote of at least two-thirds of the directors then still in office who either were directors at the beginning of the period or whose election or nomination for election was previously so approved, cease for any reason to constitute a least a majority of the members of the Board;

 

(iii)          Corporate Transactions .  The effective date of a merger or consolidation of the Company with any other entity, other than a merger or consolidation which would result in the voting securities of the Company outstanding immediately prior to such merger or consolidation continuing to represent (either by remaining outstanding or by being converted into voting securities of the surviving entity) more than 51% of the combined voting power of the voting securities of the surviving entity outstanding immediately after such merger or consolidation and with the power to elect at least a majority of the Board or other governing body of such surviving entity;

 

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(iv)           Liquidation .  The approval by the stockholders of the Company of a complete liquidation of the Company or an agreement for the sale or disposition by the Company of all or substantially all of the Company’s assets; and

 

(v)            Other Events .  There occurs any other event of a nature that would be required to be reported in response to Item 6(e) of Schedule 14A of Regulation 14A (or a response to any similar item on any similar schedule or form) promulgated under the Exchange Act, whether or not the Company is then subject to such reporting requirement.

 

(d)            “ Corporate Status ” describes the status of a person who is or was a director, officer, employee, agent or fiduciary of the Company or of any other corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust, employee benefit plan or other enterprise that such person is or was serving at the express written request of the Company.

 

(e)            “ Disinterested Director ” means a non-executive director of the Company who is not and was not a party to the Proceeding in respect of which indemnification is sought by Indemnitee.

 

(f)             “ Enterprise ” shall mean the Company and any other corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust, employee benefit plan or other enterprise that Indemnitee is or was serving at the express written request of the Company as a director, officer, employee, agent or fiduciary.

 

(g)            “ Exchange Act ” shall mean the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

 

(h)            “ Expenses ” shall include all documented and reasonable attorneys’ fees, retainers, court costs, transcript costs, fees of experts, witness fees, travel expenses, duplicating costs, printing and binding costs, telephone charges, postage, delivery service fees and all other disbursements or expenses of the types customarily incurred in connection with prosecuting, defending, preparing to prosecute or defend, investigating, participating, or being or preparing to be a witness in a Proceeding, or responding to, or objecting to, a request to provide discovery in any Proceeding.  Expenses also shall include Expenses incurred in connection with any appeal resulting from any Proceeding and any federal, state, local or foreign taxes imposed on the Indemnitee as a result of the actual or deemed receipt of any payments under this Agreement, including without limitation the premium, security for, and other costs relating to any cost bond, supersede as bond, or other appeal bond or its equivalent.  Expenses, however, shall not include amounts paid in settlement by Indemnitee or the amount of judgments or fines against Indemnitee.

 

(i)             “ Independent Counsel ” means a law firm, or a member of a law firm, that is experienced in matters of corporation law and neither presently is, nor in the past five years has been, retained to represent:  (i) the Company or Indemnitee in any matter material to either such party (other than with respect to matters concerning Indemnitee under this Agreement, or of other indemnitees under similar indemnification agreements), or (ii) any other party to the Proceeding giving rise to a claim for indemnification hereunder.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, the term “Independent Counsel” shall not include any person who, under the applicable standards of professional conduct then prevailing, would have a conflict of interest in representing either the Company or Indemnitee in an action to determine Indemnitee’s rights under this Agreement.  The Company agrees to pay the reasonable fees of the Independent Counsel referred to above and to fully indemnify such counsel against any and all Expenses, claims, liabilities and damages arising out of or relating to this Agreement or its engagement pursuant hereto.

 

(j)             “ Person ” for purposes of the definition of Beneficial Owner and Change in Control set forth above, shall have the meaning as set forth in Sections 13(d) and 14(d) of the Exchange

 

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Act; provided, however, that Person shall exclude (i) the Company, (ii) any trustee or other fiduciary holding securities under an employee benefit plan of the Company, and (iii) any corporation owned, directly or indirectly, by the stockholders of the Company in substantially the same proportions as their ownership of stock of the Company.

 

(k)            “ Proceeding ” includes any threatened, pending or completed action, suit, arbitration, alternate dispute resolution mechanism, investigation, inquiry, administrative hearing or any other actual, threatened or completed proceeding, whether brought by or in the right of the Company or otherwise and whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative, in which Indemnitee was, is or will be involved as a party or otherwise, by reason of the fact that Indemnitee is or was an officer or director of the Company, by reason of any action taken by him or her or of any inaction on his or her part while acting as an officer or director of the Company, or by reason of the fact that he or she is or was serving at the request of the Company as a director, officer, employee, agent or fiduciary of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other Enterprise; in each case whether or not he or she is acting or serving in any such capacity at the time any liability or expense is incurred for which indemnification can be provided under this Agreement; including one pending on or before the date of this Agreement, but excluding one initiated by an Indemnitee pursuant to Section 7 of this Agreement to enforce his or her rights under this Agreement.

 

(l)             “ Sarbanes-Oxley Act ” shall mean the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, as amended.

 

(m)           “ SEC ” shall mean the Securities and Exchange Commission.

 

(n)            “ Securities Act ” shall mean the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

 

14.           Severability .  The invalidity or unenforceability of any provision hereof shall in no way affect the validity or enforceability of any other provision.  Further, the invalidity or unenforceability of any provision hereof as to the Indemnitee shall in no way affect the validity or enforceability of any provision hereof as to the other.  Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, this Agreement is intended to confer upon Indemnitee indemnification rights to the fullest extent permitted by applicable laws.  In the event any provision hereof conflicts with any applicable law, such provision shall be deemed modified, consistent with the aforementioned intent, to the extent necessary to resolve such conflict.

 

15.           Modification and Waiver .  No supplement, modification, termination or amendment of this Agreement shall be binding unless executed in writing by both of the parties hereto.  No waiver of any of the provisions of this Agreement shall be deemed or shall constitute a waiver of any other provisions hereof (whether or not similar) nor shall such waiver constitute a continuing waiver.

 

16.           Notice By Indemnitee .  Indemnitee agrees promptly to notify the Company in writing upon being served with or otherwise receiving any summons, citation, subpoena, complaint, indictment, information or other document relating to any Proceeding or matter which may be subject to indemnification covered hereunder.  The failure to so notify the Company shall not relieve the Company of any obligation which it may have to Indemnitee under this Agreement or otherwise unless and only to the extent that such failure or delay materially prejudices the Company.

 

17.           Notices .  All notices and other communications given or made pursuant to this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be deemed effectively given:  (a) upon personal delivery to the party to be notified, (b) when sent by confirmed electronic mail or facsimile if sent during normal business hours of the recipient, and if not so confirmed, then on the next business day, (c) 5 days after having been sent by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid, or (d) one (1)

 

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day after deposit with a nationally recognized overnight courier, specifying next day delivery, with written verification of receipt.  All communications shall be sent:

 

(a)            To Indemnitee at the address set forth below Indemnitee’s signature hereto.

 

(b)            To the Company at:

 

Apollo Endosurgery, Inc.
1120 S Capital of Texas Hwy #300
Austin, TX 78746
Attention: Legal Department

 

or to such other address as may have been furnished to Indemnitee by the Company or to the Company by Indemnitee, as the case may be.

 

18.           Counterparts .  This Agreement may be executed in two or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, but all of which together shall constitute one and the same Agreement.  This Agreement may also be executed and delivered by facsimile signature, electronic mail (including .pdf or any electronic signature complying with the U.S. Federal ESIGN Act of 2000, e.g., www.docusign.com) or other transmission method and in two or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, but all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument and be deemed to have been duly and validly delivered and be valid and effective for all purposes.

 

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

 

20.           Governing Law and Consent to Jurisdiction.   This Agreement and the legal relations among the parties shall be governed by, and construed and enforced in accordance with, the laws of the State of Delaware, without regard to its conflict of laws rules. The Company and Indemnitee hereby irrevocably and unconditionally (i) agree that any action or proceeding arising out of or in connection with this Agreement shall be brought only in the Chancery Court of the State of Delaware (the “ Delaware Court ”), and not in any other state or federal court in the United States of America or any court in any other country, (ii) consent to submit to the exclusive jurisdiction of the Delaware Court for purposes of any action or proceeding arising out of or in connection with this Agreement, (iii) appoint, to the extent such party is not otherwise subject to service of process in the State of Delaware, irrevocably Corporation Service Company as its agent in the State of Delaware for acceptance of legal process in connection with any such action or proceeding against such party with the same legal force and validity as if served upon such party personally within the State of Delaware, (iv) waive any objection to the laying of venue of any such action or proceeding in the Delaware Court, and (v) waive, and agree not to plead or to make, any claim that any such action or proceeding brought in the Delaware Court has been brought in an improper or inconvenient forum.

 

[SIGNATURE PAGE TO FOLLOW]

 

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

 

 

APOLLO ENDOSURGERY, INC.

 

 

 

 

 

By:

 

 

Name:

 

 

Title:

 

 

 

 

 

 

INDEMNITEE

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Name:  

 

 

 

Address:

 

 

 

c/o Apollo Endosurgery, Inc.

 

1120 S. Capital of Texas Hwy, Bldg. 1, Suite 300

 

Austin, TX 78746

 


Exhibit 10.6

 

EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT

 

Stefanie Cavanaugh

 

EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT (the “ Agreement ”), by and between Apollo Endosurgery, Inc. (the “ Company ”) and Stefanie Cavanaugh (“ Executive ”) and, together with the Company, the “ Parties ”).

 

WHEREAS , the Company desires to employ Executive pursuant to the terms, provisions and conditions set forth in this Agreement;

 

WHEREAS , Executive desires to be employed on the terms hereinafter set forth in this Agreement;

 

WHEREAS , Executive shall commence employment and this Agreement shall be effective on or about March 2, 2015 (the “ Effective Date ).

 

NOW, THEREFORE , in consideration of the promises and the mutual covenants herein contained, the Parties hereby agree as follows:

 

1.                                       At-Will Employment.  Executive shall be employed by the Company on an at-will basis, meaning either the Company or Executive may terminate Executive’s employment at any time, with or without Cause or advanced notice.  Any contrary representations that may have been made to Executive shall be superseded by this Agreement.  This Agreement shall constitute the full and complete agreement between Executive and the Company on the “at will” nature of Executive’s Employment, which may only be changed in an express written agreement signed by Executive and a duly authorized officer of the Company.  Executive’s rights to any compensation following a termination of employment shall be only as set forth in Section 9 below.

 

2.                                       Position and Duties.  Executive shall serve as the Company’s Chief Financial Officer.  Executive shall perform duties customary to such position, and as reasonably assigned to her, from time to time, by the Company’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO), to whom Executive shall report.  Executive will perform her services in Austin, Texas.  Executive shall devote Executive’s full business time and attention to the performance of Executive’s duties hereunder and shall comply with all legal, ethical and professional standards and adhere to Apollo’s quality systems.  Executive shall not engage in any other business, profession or occupation for compensation or otherwise which would conflict or interfere with the rendition of such services, either directly or indirectly; provided, that nothing herein shall preclude Executive from (i) with the prior written consent of the CEO, serving on the board of directors of other for-profit companies that do not compete with the Company, (ii) serving on civic or charitable boards or committees, and (iii) managing personal investments, so long as all such activities described in (i) through (iii) herein do not materially interfere with the performance of Executive’s duties and responsibilities under this Agreement.

 



 

3.                                       Compensation, Policies and Benefits.

 

(a)                                  Base Salary.  Executive’s initial base salary for services rendered under this Agreement shall be earned at an annualized rate of $235,000 (or $9,791.67 on a semi-monthly basis) (the “ Base Salary ”), less standard payroll deductions and withholdings.  Executive shall be paid in accordance with Company practice and policy. Executive’s Base Salary shall be reviewed and adjusted from time to time by the Board or a duly authorized committee.

 

(b)                                  Annual Bonus.  Subject to the achievement, as determined by the Board or a duly authorized committee thereof, of performance milestones agreed upon by Executive and the Company and based on such other criteria determined by the Board or a duly authorized committee thereof in its sole discretion and also based on Executive’s continued performance of services to the Company through the bonus payment date, Executive shall be eligible to earn an annual bonus in a target amount of thirty-five percent (35%) of Executive’s then-current Base Salary (“ Annual Bonus ”).  It will be in the Board’s discretion to determine the actual amount of Executive’s earned bonus for any year. For calendar year 2015, Executive’s bonus eligibility shall be prorated based on the percentage of the year she is employed.  If Executive leaves the employ of the Company prior to payment of any Annual Bonus, except as set forth in Sections 9(a) and (d)(ii)(1), Executive will not be eligible for an Annual Bonus, pro-rated or otherwise. The Annual Bonus earned for any given year will be paid to Executive on the date on which annual bonuses are paid to all other senior executives of the Company, but in no event later than March 31 of the year following the year in which Executive’s right to the Annual Bonus is no longer subject to a substantial risk of forfeiture, so as to comply with Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-1(b)(4).

 

(c)                                   Stock Option Grants.

 

(i)                                     Time-Based Vesting Option .  Subject to approval of the Board or a duly authorized committee thereof, Executive will be issued an option (the “ Time-Based Vesting Option ”) to purchase 650,000 shares of the Company’s common stock pursuant and subject to the Company’s 2006 Stock Option Plan (“ Plan ”) and the Company’s standard form of Stock Option Agreement between Executive and the Company. Subject to the approval of the Board or a designated committee thereof, the Option will vest and become exercisable according to the following schedule: 25% of the shares will vest as of one year from Executive’s initial date of employment, and the remaining 75% of the shares will vest thereafter in equal monthly installments over thirty-six (36) months, based on continued employment. The Time-Based Vesting Option will be an incentive stock option to the extent permissible under Section 422 of the Internal Revenue Code and will have an exercise price per share based upon the fair market value of the Company’s common stock on the date of grant.

 

(ii)                                 Acceleration .  In the event of a Change in Control (as defined in the Plan), fifty percent (50%) of the then unvested shares subject to the Options (and any other options subsequently granted to Executive) shall become vested and exercisable as of the date immediately prior to the effective date of the Change in Control.

 

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4.                                       Company Policies and Benefits.  The employment relationship between the parties shall also be subject to the Company’s personnel policies and procedures as they may be interpreted, adopted, revised or deleted from time to time in the Company’s sole discretion.  Executive shall be eligible to participate in the employee benefit plans of the Company on a basis no less favorable than such benefits are provided by the Company from time to time to the Company’s other senior executives.  All matters of eligibility for coverage or benefits under any benefit plan shall be determined in accordance with the provisions of such plan or program.  The Company reserves the right to change, alter, or terminate any benefit plan in its sole discretion. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the event that the terms of this Agreement differ from or are in conflict with the Company’s general employment policies or practices, this Agreement shall control.

 

5.                                       Vacation, Sick Leave and Holidays.  Executive shall be eligible to accrue paid vacation and sick days during each year in accordance with the Company’s vacation and sick leave policies and the restrictions on carry-over, payout and use contained therein.  Executive shall also be entitled to all paid holidays given by the Company to its senior executives, administered in accordance with the Company’s holiday policies.

 

6.                                       Expense Reimbursement.  Executive shall be eligible to receive prompt reimbursement for all travel and business expenses reasonably incurred and accounted for by Executive (in accordance with the policies and procedures established from time to time by the Company) in performing services hereunder. For the avoidance of doubt, to the extent that any reimbursements (including any taxable benefits reimbursements) are subject to the provisions of Section 409A of the Code: (a) to be eligible to obtain reimbursement for such expenses Executive must submit expense reports within 45 days after the expense is incurred, (b) any such reimbursements will be paid no later than December 31 of the year following the year in which the expense was incurred, (c) the amount of expenses reimbursed in one year will not affect the amount eligible for reimbursement in any subsequent year, and (d) the right to reimbursement under this Agreement will not be subject to liquidation or exchange for another benefit.

 

7.                                       Indemnification; D&O Coverage.  The Company, and its successors and/or assigns, will indemnify and defend Executive to the fullest extent permitted by the By-Laws and Certificate of Incorporation of the Company with respect to any claims that may be brought against Executive arising out of any action taken or not taken in Executive’s capacity as an officer or director or employee of any member of the Company.  In addition, Executive shall be covered as an insured in respect of Executive’s activities as an officer of the Company by the Company’s Directors and Officers liability policy or other comparable policies obtained by the Company’s successors, to the fullest extent permitted by such policies.  The Company’s indemnification obligations hereunder shall remain in effect following Executive’s termination of employment with the Company.

 

8.                                       Termination of Employment.  The parties acknowledge that as set forth in Section 1 of this Agreement, Executive’s employment relationship with the Company is at-will.  Either Executive or the Company may terminate the employment relationship at any time, with or without Cause.  The provisions in this Section govern the amount of compensation, if any, to be provided to Executive upon termination of employment and do not alter this at-will status.

 

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(a)                                  Death.    Upon any employment termination as a result of Executive’s death, Executive’s estate shall be entitled to receive his Base Salary through the date of termination, together with any compensation and benefits payable to Executive based on his participation in any compensation or benefit plan, program or arrangement through the date of termination (together, the “ Accrued Amounts ”).  Executive’s estate shall also be entitled to receive the Annual Bonus, if any, earned in connection with completion of the fiscal year prior to Executive’s Death that would have been payable to Executive under Section 3(b) had Executive remained an employee of the Company through the Annual Bonus payment date for that fiscal year. The Accrued Amounts shall be timely paid following the date of termination in accordance with applicable laws.  All other benefits, if any, due to Executive’s estate following Executive’s termination due to death shall be determined in accordance with the plans, policies and practices of the Company; provided , that Executive’s estate shall not be entitled to any payments or benefits under any severance plan, policy or program of the Company.  Executive’s estate shall not accrue any additional compensation (including any Base Salary or Annual Bonus) or other benefits under this Agreement following termination of employment due to Executive’s death.

 

(b)                                  Disability.  The Company may terminate Executive’s employment for Disability.  “ Disability ” shall mean Executive’s inability, due to physical or mental incapacity, to perform  the essential functions of her position for a period of ninety (90) consecutive days or one hundred twenty (120) days during any consecutive six (6) month period, or based on the written certification by two licensed physicians of the likely continuation of such condition for such period.  This definition shall be interpreted and applied consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Family and Medical Leave Act, and other applicable law.  In conjunction with determining Disability for purposes of this Agreement, Executive hereby (i) consents to any such examinations which are relevant to a determination of whether Executive is mentally and/or physically disabled, and (ii) agrees to furnish such medical information as may be reasonably requested.  Upon any such termination, Executive shall be entitled to receive payment of the Accrued Amounts.  All other benefits, if any, due to Executive following Executive’s termination by the Company for Disability shall be determined in accordance with the plans, policies and practices of the Company; provided , that Executive shall not be entitled to any payments or benefits under any severance plan, policy or program of the Company.  Executive shall not accrue any additional compensation (including any Base Salary or Annual Bonus) or other benefits under this Agreement following such termination of employment.

 

(c)                                   Termination for Cause; Termination by Executive without Good Reason.  At any time, (i) the Company may terminate Executive’s employment for Cause (as defined below) by Notice of Termination (as defined in Section 8(e)) or (ii) Executive may elect to terminate Executive’s employment other than for Good Reason (as defined below); provided , that Executive shall be required to give, at least thirty (30) days in advance, a Notice of Termination.  “ Cause ” for Executive’s termination will exist at any time after the happening of one or more of the following events, in each determined in good faith by the Board in its sole discretion: (i) Executive’s gross negligence or willful misconduct in performance of his duties hereunder where such gross negligence or willful misconduct has resulted in or is likely to result in substantial and material damage to the Company or any of its subsidiaries; (ii) Executive’s repeated and unjustified absence from the Company; (iii) Executive’s material and willful violation of any federal or state law; (iv)  the commission of any act of fraud by Executive with respect to the Company; (v) Executive’s conviction of a felony or a crime involving moral

 

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turpitude causing material harm to the standing and reputation of the Company; or (vi) Executive’s incurable material breach of any element of the Company’s Invention, Confidential Information and Non-Competition Agreement, including without limitation, Executive’s theft or other misappropriation of the Company’s proprietary information.   Upon the termination of Executive’s employment pursuant to this Section 8(c), Executive shall be entitled to receive payment of the Accrued Amounts.  All other benefits, if any, due to Executive following Executive’s termination of employment pursuant to this Section 8(c) shall be determined in accordance with the plans, policies and practices of the Company; provided , that Executive shall not be entitled to any payments or benefits under any severance plan, policy or program of the Company.  Executive shall not accrue any additional compensation (including any Base Salary or Annual Bonus) or other benefits under this Agreement following such termination of employment.

 

(d)                                  Termination for Good Reason or Without Cause.

 

(i)                                     Executive may terminate Executive’s employment for Good Reason (as defined below), provided the Company has not previously notified her of its intent to terminate his employment for Cause and the Company may terminate Executive’s employment without Cause (that is, other than by death, Disability or for Cause, in accordance with Section 8(a), 8(b) or 8(c), respectively).  “ Good Reason ” shall mean the occurrence, without Executive’s prior written consent, of either of the following events:  (a) a material reduction in the nature or scope of Executive’s responsibilities, duties and/or authority; provided, that a change in job position (including a change in title) shall not be deemed a “material reduction” in and of itself unless Executive’s responsibilities, duties and/or or authority are materially reduced; or (b) a material reduction in Executive’s then-current Base Salary, which the Company and Executive agree is at least 10% of Executive’s then-current Base Salary; provided, that a reduction in Base Salary shall not be “Good Reason” to the extent that the salary reduction is made as part of a broader salary reduction program of the Company affecting a majority of similarly situated employees; provided , that any such event described in (a) or (b) above shall not constitute Good Reason unless Executive delivers to the Company a Notice of Termination for Good Reason within ninety (90) days after the initial existence of the circumstances giving rise to Good Reason, within thirty (30) days following the receipt of such Notice of Termination for Good Reason the Company has failed to reasonably cure the circumstances giving rise to Good Reason, and Executive terminates his employment within thirty (30) days following the end of the cure period, or (c) a material change in the location at which Executive must perform her services; provided that in no event will the relocation of Executive to a facility or location of fifty (50) miles or less from Executive’s then current office location be deemed material for purposes of this Agreement and (d) a material breach of this Agreement by Company.

 

(ii)                                 Upon the termination of Executive’s employment hereunder pursuant to this Section 8(d), and provided such termination constitutes a “separation from service” (as defined under Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-1(h), without regard to any alternative definitions thereunder, a “ Separation from Service ”), Executive shall receive the Accrued Amounts, and, subject to Executive’s (a) returning all Company property; (b) complying with his post-termination obligations under this Agreement and the Non-Competition Agreement; (c) execution, delivery and non-revocation of an agreement that includes an effective release of all claims against the Company (the “ Release ”) within the sixty (60) day period

 

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following the date of Executive’s Separation from Service, and (d) complying with the Release including without limitation any non-disparagement and confidentiality provisions contained therein, Executive shall receive the following severance benefits (the “ Severance Benefits ”):

 

(1)                                  an amount equal to 6 months of Executive’s then-current Base Salary, ignoring any decrease in Base Salary that forms the basis for Good Reason, paid in equal installments on the Company’s normal payroll schedule over the 6 month period immediately following the date of Separation from Service, except as set forth below (the “ Salary Continuation ”), plus an amount equal to the Annual Bonus, if any, earned in connection with completion of the fiscal year prior to Executive’s Separation from Service that would have been payable to Executive under Section 3(b) had Executive remained an employee of the Company through the Annual Bonus payment date for that fiscal year;

 

(2)                                  if such Separation from Service occurs  in connection with or within twelve (12) months after a Change in Control, one hundred percent (100%) of the shares subject to the Options (and any other options subsequently granted to Executive) shall become vested and exercisable as of the date of Executive’s Separation from Service.

 

(iii)                             All of the Severance Benefits are subject to deductions for applicable tax withholdings.  No Severance Benefits will be paid prior to the day that is sixty (60) days following the date of Separation from Service. On the sixtieth (60th) day following the date of Separation from Service, the Company shall pay in a lump sum the aggregate amount of the Salary Continuation that the Company would have paid Executive through such date had the payments commenced on the Separation from Service through such sixtieth (60th) day, with the balance paid thereafter on the applicable schedules described above.

 

(iv)                              All other benefits, if any, due Executive following a termination pursuant to this Section 8(d) shall be determined in accordance with the plans, policies and practices of the Company; provided , that Executive shall not be entitled to any payments or benefits under any severance plan, policy or program of the Company.  Payments under this Agreement are intended to fulfill any statutory obligation to provide notice or pay in lieu of notice.  Executive shall not accrue any additional compensation (including any Base Salary or Annual Bonus) or other benefits under this Agreement following such termination of employment.

 

(e)                                   Notice of Termination.  Any termination of Executive’s employment by the Company or by Executive shall be communicated by written Notice of Termination to the other Party in accordance with the Notice requirements set forth in Section 11(e) of this Agreement.  For purposes of this Agreement, “ Notice of Termination ” shall mean a notice that shall indicate the specific termination provision in this Agreement relied upon and shall, to the extent applicable, set forth in reasonable detail the facts and circumstances claimed to provide a basis for termination of Executive’s employment under the provision so indicated.

 

(f)                                    Taxes.  Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement to the contrary, if payments made or benefits provided pursuant to this Section 9 or otherwise from the Company or any person or entity are considered “parachute payments” under Section 280G of the Code, then such parachute payments shall be limited to the greatest amount that may be paid

 

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to Executive under Section 280G of the Code without causing any loss of deduction to the Company under such section, but only if, by reason of such reduction, the net after tax benefit to Executive shall exceed the net after tax benefit if such reduction were not made.  “ Net after tax benefit ” for purposes of this Agreement shall mean the sum of (i) the total amounts payable to Executive under Section 8, plus (ii) all other payments and benefits which Executive receives or then is entitled to receive from the Company or otherwise  that would constitute a “parachute payment” within the meaning of Section 280G of the Code, less (iii) the amount of federal and state income taxes payable with respect to the foregoing calculated at the maximum marginal income tax rate for each year in which the foregoing shall be paid to Executive (based upon the rate in effect for such year as set forth in the Code at the time of termination of Executive’s employment), less (iv) the amount of excise taxes imposed with respect to the payments and benefits described in (i) and (ii) above by Section 4999 of the Code.  The determination as to whether and to what extent payments are required to be reduced in accordance with this Section 8(f) shall be made at the Company’s expense by a nationally recognized certified public accounting firm as may be designated by the Company prior to a change in control (the “ Accounting Firm ”) and the Company and Executive shall take all actions reasonably available to them in accordance with the law to minimize the amount of excise taxes imposed with respect to Section 4999 of the Code.  In the event of any mistaken underpayment or overpayment under this Agreement, as determined by the Accounting Firm, the amount of such underpayment or overpayment shall forthwith be paid to Executive or refunded to the Company, as the case may be, with interest at one hundred twenty (120%) of the applicable Federal rate provided for in Section 7872(f)(2) of the Code.  Any reduction in payments required by this Section 8(f) shall occur in the following order:  (1) any cash severance, (2) any other cash amount payable to Executive, (3) any benefit valued as a “parachute payment,” (4) the acceleration of vesting of any equity awards that are options, and (5) the acceleration of vesting of any other equity awards.  Within any such category of payments and benefits, a reduction shall occur first with respect to amounts that are not “deferred compensation” within the meaning of Section 409A and then with respect to amounts that are.  In the event that acceleration of compensation from equity awards is to be reduced, such acceleration of vesting shall be canceled, subject to the immediately preceding sentence, in the reverse order of the date of grant.

 

9.                                       Invention, Confidential Information and Non-Competition Obligations; Non-Disparagement.

 

(a)                                  Invention, Confidential Information and Non-Competition Agreement. The parties hereto have entered into an Invention, Confidential Information and Non-Competition Agreement (the “Non-Competition Agreement”), which may be amended by the parties from time to time without regard to this Agreement.  The Proprietary Information Agreement contains provisions that are intended by the parties to survive and do survive termination or expiration of this Agreement.

 

(b)                                  Non-Disparagement. Executive agrees not to disparage the Company, any member thereof, and any of their officers, attorneys, directors, managers, partners, employees, agents and affiliates, in any manner likely to be harmful to them or their business, business reputation or personal reputation; provided that Executive will respond accurately and fully to any question, inquiry or request for information when required by legal process.  Company agrees not to disparage the Executive in any manner likely to be harmful to her or her

 

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business reputation or personal reputation; provided that Company will respond accurately and fully to any question, inquiry or request for information when required by legal process.

 

10.                                Miscellaneous.

 

(a)                                  Executive’s Representations.  Executive hereby represents and warrants to the Company that (i) Executive has read this Agreement in its entirety, fully understands the terms of this Agreement, has had the opportunity to consult with counsel prior to executing this Agreement, and is signing the Agreement voluntarily and with full knowledge of its significance, (ii) the execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement by Executive does not and shall not conflict with, breach, violate or cause a default under any contract, agreement, instrument, order, judgment or decree to which Executive is a party or by which she is bound, (iii) Executive is not a party to or bound by an employment agreement, non-compete agreement or confidentiality agreement with any other person or entity which would interfere in any material respect with the performance of his duties hereunder, and (iv) Executive shall not use any confidential information or trade secrets of any person or party other than the Company in connection with the performance of his duties hereunder.

 

(b)                                  Waiver.  No provision of this Agreement may be modified, waived or discharged unless such waiver, modification or discharge is agreed to in a writing signed by Executive and an officer of the Company (other than Executive) duly authorized by the Board to execute such amendment, waiver or discharge.  No waiver by either Party of any breach of the other Party of, or compliance with, any condition or provision of this Agreement shall be deemed a waiver of similar or dissimilar provisions or conditions at the same or at any prior or subsequent time.

 

(c)                                   Successors and Assigns.

 

(i)                                     This Agreement is personal to Executive and without the prior written consent of the Company shall not be assignable by Executive otherwise than by will or the laws of descent and distribution.  This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be enforceable by Executive’s legal representatives.

 

(ii)                                 This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be binding upon the Company and its successors and, other than as set forth in Section 10(c)(iii), shall not be assignable by the Company without the prior written consent of Executive (which shall not be unreasonably withheld).

 

(iii)                             The Agreement shall be assignable by the Company to any successor (whether direct or indirect, by purchase, merger, consolidation or otherwise) to all or substantially all of the business and/or assets of the Company; provided that , the Company shall require such successor to expressly assume and agree to perform this Agreement in the same manner and to the same extent that the Company would be required to perform it if no such succession had taken place.  As used in this Agreement, “Company” shall mean the Company as hereinbefore defined and any successor to its business and/or assets as aforesaid which assumes and agrees to perform this Agreement by operation of law or otherwise.

 

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(d)                                  Notice.  For the purpose of this Agreement, notices and all other communications provided for in this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been duly given if delivered personally, if delivered by overnight courier service, or if mailed by registered mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid, addressed to the respective addresses or sent via facsimile or email to the respective facsimile numbers and email addresses, as the case may be, as set forth below, or to such other address as either party may have furnished to the other in writing in accordance herewith, except that notice of change of address shall be effective only upon receipt; provided , however , that (i) notices sent by personal delivery, email or overnight courier shall be deemed given when delivered, (ii) notices sent by facsimile transmission shall be deemed given upon the sender’s receipt of confirmation of complete transmission, and (iii) notices sent by registered mail shall be deemed given two days after the date of deposit in the mail.

 

If to Executive, to such address (including Company email address) as shall most currently appear on the records of the Company.

 

If to the Company, to its primary business location

Attention:  Board of Directors

 

(e)                                   Governing Law; Consent to Jurisdiction.  THIS AGREEMENT WILL BE GOVERNED BY AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF TEXAS, WITHOUT GIVING EFFECT TO ANY CHOICE OF LAW OR CONFLICTING PROVISION OR RULE (WHETHER OF THE STATE OF TEXAS OR ANY OTHER JURISDICTION) THAT WOULD CAUSE THE LAWS OF ANY JURISDICTION OTHER THAN THE STATE OF TEXAS TO BE APPLIED.  IN FURTHERANCE OF THE FOREGOING, THE INTERNAL LAW OF THE STATE OF TEXAS WILL CONTROL THE INTERPRETATION AND CONSTRUCTION OF THIS AGREEMENT, EVEN IF UNDER SUCH JURISDICTION’S CHOICE OF LAW OR CONFLICT OF LAW ANALYSIS, THE SUBSTANTIVE LAW OF SOME OTHER JURISDICTION WOULD ORDINARILY APPLY.  ANY ACTION TO ENFORCE THIS AGREEMENT MUST BE BROUGHT IN, AND THE PARTIES HEREBY CONSENT TO THE JURISDICTION OF, A COURT SITUATED IN STATE OF TEXAS.  EACH PARTY HEREBY WAIVES THE RIGHTS TO CLAIM THAT ANY SUCH COURT IS AN INCONVENIENT FORUM FOR THE RESOLUTION OF ANY SUCH ACTION.

 

(f)                                    Resolution of Disputes.  The parties recognize that litigation in federal or state courts or before federal or state administrative agencies of disputes arising out of  Executive’s employment with the Company or out of this Agreement, or Executive’s termination of employment or termination of this Agreement, may not be in the best interests of either the Executive or the Company, and may result in unnecessary costs, delays, complexities, and uncertainty.  The parties agree that any dispute between the parties arising out of or relating to the negotiation, execution, performance or termination of this Agreement or Executive’s employment, including, but not limited to, any claim arising out of this Agreement, claims under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended, the Civil Rights Act of 1991, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, Section 1981 of the Civil Rights Act of 1966, as amended, the Family Medical Leave Act, the Employee Retirement Income Security Act, and any similar federal, state or local law, statute,

 

9



 

regulation, or any common law doctrine, whether that dispute arises during or after employment, shall be settled by binding arbitration in accordance with the National Rules for the Resolution of Employment Disputes of the American Arbitration Association; provided however, that this dispute resolution provision shall not apply to any separate agreements between the parties that do not themselves specify arbitration as an exclusive remedy. The location for the arbitration shall be the Austin, Texas metropolitan area.  Any award made by such panel shall be final, binding and conclusive on the parties for all purposes, and judgment upon the award rendered by the arbitrators may be entered in any court having jurisdiction thereof. The arbitrators’ fees and expenses and all administrative fees and expenses associated with the filing of the arbitration shall be borne by the Company; provided however, that at Executive’s option, Executive may voluntarily pay up to one-half the costs and fees. The parties acknowledge and agree that their obligations to arbitrate under this Section survive the termination of this Agreement and continue after the termination of the employment relationship between Executive and the Company. The parties each further agree that the arbitration provisions of this Agreement shall provide each party with its exclusive remedy, and each party expressly waives any right it might have to seek redress in any other forum, except as otherwise expressly provided in this Agreement.  By election arbitration as the means for final settlement of all claims, the parties hereby waive their respective rights to, and agree not to, sue each other in any action in a Federal, State or local court with respect to such claims, but may seek to enforce in court an arbitration award rendered pursuant to this Agreement.  The parties specifically agree to waive their respective rights to a trial by jury, and further agree that no demand, request or motion will be made for trial by jury.

 

(g)                                  Set Off.  The Company’s obligation to pay Executive the amounts and to make the arrangements provided hereunder shall be subject to set-off, counterclaim or recoupment of any amounts owed by Executive to the Company or any of its affiliates except to the extent any such set-off, counterclaim or recoupment would violate, or result in the imposition of tax under Section 409A of the Code, in which case such right shall be null and void.

 

(h)                                  Compliance with Code Section 409A.  It is intended that all of the payments payable under this Agreement satisfy, to the greatest extent possible, the exemptions from the application of Section 409A of the Code provided under Treasury Regulation Sections 1.409A-1(b)(4), 1.409A-1(b)(5) and 1.409A-1(b)(9), and this Agreement will be construed to the greatest extent possible as consistent with those provisions.  For purposes of Section 409A of the Code (including, without limitation, for purposes of Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-2(b)(2)(iii)), Executive’s right to receive any installment payments under this Agreement (whether Severance Benefits, expense reimbursements or otherwise) shall be treated as a right to receive a series of separate payments and, accordingly, each installment payment under this Agreement shall at all times be considered a separate and distinct payment.  Notwithstanding any provision to the contrary in this Agreement, if Executive is deemed by the Company at the time of his Separation from Service to be a “specified employee” for purposes of Section 409A(a)(2)(B)(i) of the Code, and if any of the payments, including the Severance Benefits, upon Separation From Service set forth herein and/or under any other agreement with the Company are deemed to be “deferred compensation” (including as a result of the terms of Offer Letter), then to the extent delayed commencement of any portion of such payments is required to avoid a prohibited distribution under Section 409A(a)(2)(B)(i) of the Code and the related adverse taxation under Section 409A of the Code, such payments shall not be provided to

 

10



 

Executive prior to the earliest of (i) the expiration of the six (6)-month period measured from the date of Executive’s Separation From Service with the Company, (ii) the date of Executive’s death or (iii) such earlier date as permitted under Section 409A of the Code without the imposition of adverse taxation.  Upon the first business day following the expiration of such applicable Code Section 409A(a)(2)(B)(i) period, all payments deferred pursuant to this paragraph shall be paid in a lump sum to Executive, and any remaining payments due shall be paid as otherwise provided in this Agreement or in the applicable agreement.  No interest shall be due on any amounts so deferred.

 

(i)                                     Severability of Invalid or Unenforceable Provisions.  The invalidity or unenforceability of any provision or provisions of this Agreement shall not affect the validity or enforceability of any other provision of this Agreement, which shall remain in full force and effect.

 

(j)                                     Advice of Counsel and Construction.  Each Party acknowledges that such Party had the opportunity to be represented by counsel in the negotiation and execution of this Agreement.  Accordingly, the rule of construction of contract language against the drafting party is hereby waived by each Party.

 

(k)                                  Entire Agreement.  This Agreement sets forth the entire agreement of the Parties in respect of the subject matter contained herein and supersedes all prior agreements, promises, covenants, arrangements, communications, representations or warranties, whether oral or written in respect of the subject matter contained herein.

 

(l)                                     Withholding Taxes.  The Company shall be entitled to withhold from any payment due to Executive hereunder any amounts required to be withheld by applicable tax laws or regulations.

 

(m)                              Section Headings.  The headings of the Sections hereof are provided for convenience only and are not to serve as a basis for interpretation or construction, and shall not constitute a part, of this Agreement.

 

(n)                                  Cooperation.  During the period of Executive’s employment and at any time thereafter, Executive agrees to cooperate (i) with the Company in the defense of any legal matter involving any matter that arose during Executive’s employment with the Company, and (ii) with all government authorities on matters pertaining to any investigation, litigation or administrative proceeding pertaining to the Company.  Following termination of Executive’s employment for any reason, Executive shall fully cooperate with the Company in all matters relating to the winding up of Executive’s pending work and the orderly transfer of any such pending work to such other employees as may be designated by the Company. The Company will reimburse Executive for any reasonable travel and out of pocket expenses incurred by Executive in providing such cooperation.  The Company shall further reimburse Executive for any reasonable legal fees and costs incurred in complying with this provision.

 

(o)                                  Survival.  Sections 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10 shall survive and continue in full force in accordance with their terms notwithstanding any termination of Executive’s employment with the Company.

 

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(p)                                  Counterparts.  This Agreement may be executed in one or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an original but all of which together will constitute one and the same instrument.

 

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

 

 

APOLLO ENDOSURGERY, INC.

 

 

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Todd Newton

 

 

Todd Newton

 

 

Chief Executive Officer

 

 

 

 

 

EXECUTIVE

 

 

 

 

 

/s/ Stefanie Cavanaugh

 

Stefanie Cavanaugh

 

12


Exhibit 99.1

 

Apollo Endosurgery Completes Merger with Lpath; Initiates Trading on NASDAQ as ‘APEN’

 

Austin, TX, December 29, 2016 — Apollo Endosurgery, Inc. (“Apollo”), a leader in less invasive medical devices for bariatric and gastrointestinal procedures, today announced that it has completed its merger transaction with Lpath, Inc. (“Lpath”, Nasdaq: LPTN).

 

With the completion of the merger today, Lpath was renamed Apollo Endosurgery, Inc. and will begin trading on the NASDAQ Global Market under the symbol ‘APEN’ on December 30, 2016.

 

Following the closing of the merger and a 1-for-5.5 reverse stock split, the combined company has approximately 10.7 million shares of common stock outstanding.  The stockholders of Apollo received common stock representing approximately 95.9% of the outstanding shares and the stockholders of Lpath retained approximately 4.1% of the combined company. Concurrent with the closing of the merger, certain stockholders of Apollo invested $29 million of new equity in the combined company, which is included in the 95.9% ownership of previous Apollo stockholders.

 

“Apollo has an exciting product and technology portfolio from which to advance the interventional treatment of obesity through less invasive procedures.  We are grateful for the continued confidence and support of Apollo’s stockholders as we take this next step in the development of our company,” commented Todd Newton, Chief Executive Officer of Apollo.

 

About Apollo Endosurgery, Inc. Apollo Endosurgery, Inc. is a medical device company focused on less invasive therapies for the treatment of obesity, a condition facing over 500 million people globally, as well as other gastrointestinal disorders. Our device based therapies are an alternative to invasive surgical procedures, thus lowering complication rates and reducing total healthcare costs. Apollo’s products are offered in over 80 countries today.  For more information regarding Apollo Endosurgery, go to: www.apolloendo.com.

 

Cautionary Note on Forward-Looking Statements Certain statements in this press release are forward-looking statements that are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause results to be materially different than expectations. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially include: the advancement of Apollo products; development of enhancements to Apollo’s existing product and technologies; market acceptance of Apollo’s products; and statements relating to the availability of cash for Apollo’s future operations,

 



 

Apollo’s ability to support the adoption of its endo-bariatric products and its ability to broaden its product portfolio as well as other factors detailed in Apollo’s Registration Statement on Form S-4 (file no. 333-214059) and Apollo’s periodic reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, or SEC. Copies of reports filed with the SEC are posted on Apollo’s website and are available from Apollo without charge. These forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and speak only as of the date hereof, and, except as required by law, Apollo disclaims any obligation to update these forward-looking statements to reflect future events or circumstances.

 

Apollo Endosurgery Contact:

 

Stefanie Cavanaugh

Chief Financial Officer

Apollo Endosurgery, Inc.

Phone:  512-270-5100

Email:  investor-relations@apolloendo.com