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): July 6, 2015

 

HARVARD APPARATUS REGENERATIVE TECHNOLOGY, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

Delaware 001-35853 45-5210462
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation)  (Commission File Number)  (IRS Employer Identification No.) 

 

84 October Hill Road, Suite 11, Holliston, MA 01746
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)

 

Registrant's telephone number, including area code:   (774) 233-7300

 

(Former name or former address, if changed since last report)

 

Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions:

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

 
 

 

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

 

On June 25, 2015, Harvard Apparatus Regenerative Technology, Inc. (the “Company”) announced that James McGorry, 59, has been appointed President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company, effective July 6, 2015. Mr. McGorry has served as a member of the Company’s Board of Directors (the “Board”) since February 25, 2013 and will continue to serve on the Board.

 

Mr. McGorry is a seasoned life science executive with over twenty-five years of leadership experience in both medical technology and biotechnology businesses. Prior to joining the Company as President and Chief Executive Officer, Mr. McGorry served as Executive Vice-President and General Manager of the Translational Oncology Solutions business of Champions Oncology, a personalized oncology firm, since September 2013. From 2011 to 2012, Mr. McGorry was Executive Vice-President of Accellent, a medical device contract-manufacturing firm. From 1998 to 2010, Mr. McGorry worked at Genzyme Corporation as a Senior Vice President in both BioSurgery and Oncology. At Genzyme Corporation, he was responsible for commercial operations resulting in global expansion, product extensions and profitable growth. From 1985 to 1996, Mr. McGorry worked at American Hospital Supply Corporation, which merged to form Baxter Healthcare. Mr. McGorry currently serves on the Board of Directors of ISTO Technologies, Inc. Mr. McGorry received his MBA from Duke University Fuqua School of Business and his B.A. from the United States Military Academy at West Point.

 

A copy of the press release issued by the Company announcing the appointment of Mr. McGorry is filed as Exhibit 99.1 to this Current Report on Form 8-K and is incorporated by reference.

 

Employment Agreement

 

The Company entered into an employment agreement (the “Employment Agreement”) with Mr. McGorry dated as of June 23, 2015 and effective as of July 6, 2015 (the “Commencement Date”), appointing Mr. McGorry as President and Chief Executive Officer. The Employment Agreement has a three-year term, and thereafter automatically renews for an additional one-year term on each anniversary of the Commencement Date unless either party provides notice of its intention to not renew the Employment Agreement. The Employment Agreement is subject to early termination upon certain conditions, including death, disability, voluntary termination or termination with or without Cause, as defined in the Employment Agreement.

 

Pursuant to the Employment Agreement, Mr. McGorry will receive an annual base salary of $375,000, subject to annual review beginning in 2016, provided that such base salary shall not be decreased without Mr. McGorry’s consent. In addition to his base salary, Mr. McGorry shall be eligible to receive cash incentive compensation as determined by the Board or a Committee thereof from time to time, and shall also be eligible to participate in such incentive compensation plans as the Board or a Committee thereof shall determine from time to time for employees of the same status within the hierarchy of the Company.

 

Mr. McGorry will also receive on the Commencement Date, a nonqualified stock option to purchase 671,400 shares of common stock of the Company (approximately 5% of the outstanding shares of common stock of the Company, including the shares of common stock underlying the outstanding shares of preferred stock on an as-converted basis). The option will have an exercise price equal to the closing price of the Company’s common stock on the date of grant. This option shall vest annually in four equal annual installments on January 1of each year for four consecutive years commencing with January 1, 2016, subject to continued employment through the applicable vesting dates. If, however, prior to the fourth anniversary of the date of grant, the Company terminates Mr. McGorry’s employment without Cause (and in the absence of any disability) or Mr. McGorry terminates his employment for Good Reason, all as defined in the Employment Agreement, then Mr. McGorry will become vested in the unvested stock options that would otherwise vest during the next twelve months. In addition, the stock options shall vest upon Mr. McGorry’s death or disability.

 

 
 

 

If the Company terminates Mr. McGorry’s employment without Cause, or if Mr. McGorry terminates his employment for Good Reason, in addition to any accrued and unpaid base salary through the date of his termination, and to the extent required by law, any accrued and unused vacation and any bonuses or other compensation actually earned for periods ended prior to the date of his termination, Mr. McGorry will be entitled to the following, subject to his execution of a release of claims in favor of the Company : (i) an amount equal to his average base salary during the three immediately preceding complete fiscal years (or such fewer complete fiscal years as Mr. McGorry may have been employed by the Company), or the amount of base salary for the immediately prior fiscal year, whichever is greater, plus (ii) an amount equal to his average annual cash incentive compensation during the three immediately preceding complete fiscal years (or such fewer complete fiscal years as Mr. McGorry may have been employed by the Company), or the amount of cash incentive compensation for the immediately prior fiscal year, whichever is greater, and (iii) medical benefits for twelve months. Mr. McGorry will be subject to twelve month non-competition and non-solicitation covenants.

 

If at any time within eighteen months of a change-in-control of the Company Mr. McGorry is terminated without Cause or he resigns for Good Reason, subject to his execution of a release of claims in favor of the Company, Mr. McGorry shall receive an amount equal to his current or most recent annual base salary plus his most recent annual cash incentive compensation for the most recent fiscal year. Additionally, Mr. McGorry would receive full vesting of any unvested stock options and other stock-based awards and medical benefits for twelve months.

 

The foregoing description of the Employment Agreement is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of the Employment Agreement, which is filed as Exhibit 10.1 to this Current Report on Form 8-K and is incorporated by reference herein.

 

Item 9.01. Financial Statements and Exhibits.

 

(d) Exhibits.

 

Exhibit    
Number   Title
10.1  

Employment Agreement, executed as of June 23, 2015 and effective as of July 6, 2015, between Harvard Apparatus Regenerative Technology, Inc. and James McGorry. 

99.1   Press release of Harvard Apparatus Regenerative Technology, Inc., issued on June 25, 2015.

 

 
 

 

SIGNATURE

 

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

 

    Harvard Apparatus Regenerative
Technology, INC.
    (Registrant)
     
July 6, 2015   /s/   Thomas McNaughton
(Date)   Thomas McNaughton
    Chief Financial Officer

 

 
 

 

INDEX TO EXHIBITS

 

Exhibit
Number
 
  Description of Exhibit
10.1 Employment Agreement, executed as of June 23, 2015 and effective as of July 6, 2015, between Harvard Apparatus Regenerative Technology, Inc. and James McGorry.
99.1 Press release of Harvard Apparatus Regenerative Technology, Inc., issued on June 25, 2015.

 

 

 

 

 

 

EXHIBIT 10.1

 

HARVARD APPARATUS REGENERATIVE TECHNOLOGY, INC.

EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT

 

This EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT (“Agreement”) is made as of the 23 rd day of June, 2015, to be effective as of the Commencement Date (as defined below), between Harvard Apparatus Regenerative Technology, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), and James McGorry (“Executive”). For purposes of this Agreement the “Company” shall refer to the Company and any of its predecessors.

 

WHEREAS , the Company desires to employ Executive and Executive desires to be employed by the Company on the terms contained herein.

 

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants and agreements herein contained and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which is hereby acknowledged, the parties agree as follows:

 

1. Employment. The term of this Agreement shall automatically, without the requirement of any further action or notice, commence on July 6, 2015 (the “Commencement Date”) and shall extend until the third anniversary of the Commencement Date; provided, however, that the term of this Agreement shall automatically be extended for one additional year on the third anniversary of the Commencement Date and each anniversary thereafter unless, not less than 90 days prior to each such date, either party shall have given notice to the other that it does not wish to extend this Agreement; provided, further, that if a Change in Control occurs during the original or extended term of this Agreement, the term of this Agreement shall, notwithstanding anything in this sentence to the contrary, continue in effect for a period of not less than twelve (12) months beyond the month in which the Change in Control occurred. The term of this Agreement shall be subject to termination as provided in Paragraph 6 and may be referred to herein as the “Period of Employment.”

 

2. Position and Duties.  During the Period of Employment, Executive shall serve as the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company and shall have such powers and duties as may from time to time be prescribed by the Board of Directors (the “Board”) of the Company, provided that such duties are consistent with Executive’s position or other positions that he may hold from time to time. Executive shall also serve on the Board as a Director. Executive shall devote his full working time and efforts to the business and affairs of the Company. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Executive may serve on other boards of directors, with the approval of the Board as long as such service does not materially interfere with Executive’s performance of his duties to the Company as provided in this Agreement or otherwise breach any obligations of Executive to the Company.

 

3. Compensation and Related Matters.

 

(a)   Base Salary and Incentive Compensation. Executive’s initial annual base salary shall be $31,250 per month, which annualizes to Three Hundred Seventy Five Thousand Dollars ($375,000). Executive’s base salary shall be reviewed annually by the Board or a Committee thereof; provided, however that the annual base salary shall not be lower than $375,000 without the Executive’s consent. The base salary in effect at any given time is referred to herein as “Base Salary.” The Base Salary shall be payable in substantially equal installments on a bi-weekly or more frequent basis. In addition to Base Salary, Executive shall be eligible to receive cash incentive compensation as determined by the Board or a Committee thereof from time to time, and shall also be eligible to participate in such incentive compensation plans as the Board or a Committee thereof shall determine from time to time for employees of the same status within the hierarchy of the Company. The Board has discussed with Executive and agrees with Executive’s intention to recommend the establishment of an annual incentive compensation plan for Executive and other members of senior management.

 

(b) Expenses. Executive shall be entitled to receive prompt reimbursement for all reasonable expenses incurred by him in performing services hereunder during the Period of Employment, in accordance with the policies and procedures then in effect and established by the Company for its senior executive officers, provided that such reimbursement does not occur later than the end of the second calendar year after the calendar year in which such expense was incurred.

 

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(c) Other Benefits .   During the Period of Employment, Executive shall be entitled to continue to participate in or receive benefits under all of the Company’s Employee Benefit Plans, or under plans or arrangements that provide no less favorable treatment to the Executive than the Employee Benefit Plans provided to other, similarly situated, members of the Company’s senior management. As used herein, the term “Employee Benefit Plans” includes, without limitation, each pension and retirement plan; supplemental pension, retirement and deferred compensation plan; savings and profit-sharing plan; stock ownership plan; stock purchase plan; stock option plan; life insurance plan; medical insurance plan; disability plan; and health and accident plan or arrangement established and maintained by the Company on the date hereof or anytime hereafter.  The Executive’s participation in the Employee Benefit Plans will be subject to the terms and conditions of each such Employee Benefit Plans, including eligibility and compliance requirements, as well as any limitations imposed by applicable laws. To the extent that the scope or nature of benefits described in this section is determined under the policies of the Company based in whole or in part on the seniority or tenure of an employee’s service, Executive shall be deemed to have a tenure with the Company equal to the actual time of Executive’s service with the Company. During the Period of Employment, Executive shall be entitled to participate in or receive benefits under any Employee Benefit Plans which may, in the future, be made available by the Company to its executives and key management employees, subject to and on a basis consistent with the terms, conditions and overall administration of such Employee Benefit Plans. Any payments or benefits payable to Executive under an Employee Benefit Plan referred to in this Subparagraph 3(c) in respect of any calendar year during which Executive is employed by the Company for less than the whole of such year shall, unless otherwise provided in the applicable Employee Benefit Plan, be prorated in accordance with the number of days in such calendar year during which he is so employed. Should any such payments or benefits accrue on a fiscal (rather than calendar) year, then the proration in the preceding sentence shall be on the basis of a fiscal year rather than calendar year.

 

(d) Vacations.  Executive shall be entitled to twenty (20) paid vacation days in each calendar year, which shall be accrued ratably during the calendar year.  Unless otherwise expressly permitted by the Company, any accrued and unused vacation days at the end of the calendar year shall not carry forward and shall be forfeited unless pursuant to Company policy applicable to similarly situated, members of the Company’s senior management such vacation days are not forfeited at the end of the calendar year. Executive shall also be entitled to all paid holidays provided by the Company to its executives. To the extent that the scope or nature of benefits described in this section are determined under the policies of the Company based in whole or in part on the seniority or tenure of an employee’s service, Executive shall be deemed to have a tenure with the Company equal to the actual time of Executive’s service with Company. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, Executive shall be paid any accrued and unused vacation upon his severance of employment with the Company, if and as protected by applicable law.

 

(e) Directors and Officers Insurance and Indemnification . The Company shall also carry reasonable and customary D&O liability insurance coverage for the benefit of its officers and directors, including Executive, during the term of this Agreement and for a customary tail period following the termination of Executive’s employment. Executive shall be entitled to be indemnified by the Company to the fullest extent permitted by the applicable state law and consistent with Company’s Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation, as amended.

 

4. Unauthorized Disclosure.

 

(a) Confidential Information. Executive acknowledges that in the course of his employment with the Company (and, if applicable, its predecessors), he has been allowed to become, and will continue to be allowed to become, acquainted with the Company’s business affairs, information, trade secrets, and other matters which are of a proprietary or confidential nature, including but not limited to the Company’s and its affiliates’ and predecessors’ operations, business opportunities, price and cost information, finance, customer information, business plans, various sales techniques, manuals, letters, notebooks, procedures, reports, products, processes, services, and other confidential information and knowledge (collectively the “Confidential Information”) concerning the Company’s and its affiliates’ and predecessors’ business. The Company agrees to provide on an ongoing basis such Confidential Information as the Company deems necessary or desirable to aid Executive in the performance of his duties. Executive understands and acknowledges that such Confidential Information is confidential, and he agrees not to disclose such Confidential Information to anyone outside the Company except to the extent that (i) Executive deems such disclosure or use reasonably necessary or appropriate in connection with performing his duties on behalf of the Company; (ii) Executive is required by order of a court of competent jurisdiction (by subpoena or similar process) to disclose or discuss any Confidential Information, provided that in such case, Executive shall promptly inform the Company of such event, shall cooperate with the Company in attempting to obtain a protective order or to otherwise restrict such disclosure, and shall only disclose Confidential Information to the minimum extent necessary to comply with any such court order; (iii) such Confidential Information becomes generally known to and available for use in any industry in which the Company does business (the “Industry”) , including without limitation the regenerative medicine industry, other than as a result of any action or inaction by Executive; or (iv) such information has been rightfully received by a member of the Industry or has been published in a form generally available to the Industry prior to the date Executive proposes to disclose or use such information. Executive further agrees that he will not during employment and/or at any time thereafter use such Confidential Information in competing, directly or indirectly, with the Company. At such time as Executive shall cease to be employed by the Company, he will immediately turn over to the Company all Confidential Information, including papers, documents, writings, electronically stored information, other property, and all copies of them provided to or created by him during the course of his employment with the Company.

 

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(b) Heirs, successors, and legal representatives. The foregoing provisions of this Paragraph 4 shall be binding upon Executive’s heirs, successors, and legal representatives. The provisions of this Paragraph 4 shall survive the termination of this Agreement for any reason.

 

5. Covenant Not to Compete or Solicit or Hire. In consideration for Executive’s employment by the Company under the terms provided in this Agreement and as a means to aid in the performance and enforcement of the terms of the provisions of Paragraph 4, Executive agrees that

 

(a)  during the term of Executive’s employment with the Company and for a period of twelve (12) months thereafter, regardless of the reason for termination of employment, Executive will not, directly or indirectly, as an owner, director, principal, agent, officer, employee, partner, consultant, servant, or otherwise, carry on, operate, manage, control, or become involved in any manner with any business, operation, corporation, partnership, association, agency, or other person or entity which is engaged in a business that produces or develops products that compete or may compete directly with any of the Company’s products which are produced or being developed by the Company or any affiliate of the Company or which the Company or any affiliate of the Company has active plans to produce or develop as of the date of Executive’s termination of employment with the Company, in any area or territory in which the Company or any affiliate of the Company conducts or has active plans to conduct operations as of the date of the Executive’s termination of employment with the Company; provided, however, that the foregoing shall not prohibit Executive from owning up to one percent (1%) of the outstanding stock of a publicly held company engaged in the Industry; and

 

(b)  during the term of Executive’s employment with the Company and for a period of twelve (12) months thereafter, regardless of the reason for termination of employment, Executive will not directly or indirectly solicit or induce any present or future employee of the Company or any affiliate of the Company to accept employment with Executive or with any business, operation, corporation, partnership, association, agency, or other person or entity with which Executive may be associated, and Executive will not hire or employ or cause any business, operation, corporation, partnership, association, agency, or other person or entity with which Executive may be associated to hire or employ any present or future employee of the Company.

 

Should Executive violate any of the provisions of this Paragraph, then in addition to all other rights and remedies available to the Company at law or in equity, the duration of this covenant shall automatically be extended for the period of time from which Executive began such violation until he permanently ceases such violation. Executive acknowledges and agrees that the terms and conditions of this Paragraph 5 are reasonable with respect to its duration, geographic area and scope.

 

5A.           Remedies. Executive acknowledges that full compliance with the terms of this Agreement is necessary to protect the significant value of the Confidential Information and the customer and business goodwill of the Company. Executive acknowledges that if he breaches this Agreement, the Company will be irreparably harmed and money damages will not be an adequate remedy. As a result, Executive agrees that, in the event Executive breaches or threatens to breach any of the terms or provisions of this Agreement, the Company shall be entitled to a preliminary or permanent injunction, without posting a bond or other security, in order to prevent the continuation of such harm. Executive acknowledges that nothing in this Agreement will prohibit the Company from also pursuing any other remedy and all remedies are cumulative.

 

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6.  Termination .  Executive’s employment hereunder may be terminated without any breach of this Agreement under the following circumstances:

 

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

 

(b) Disability. If, as a result of Executive’s incapacity due to physical or mental illness, Executive shall have been absent from his duties hereunder on a full-time basis for one hundred eighty (180) calendar days in the aggregate in any twelve (12) month period, the Company may terminate Executive’s employment hereunder.

 

(c) Termination by Company For Cause. At any time during the Period of Employment, the Company may terminate Executive’s employment hereunder for Cause if such termination is approved by not less than a majority of the Board at a meeting of the Board called and held for such purpose. For purposes of this Agreement, “Cause” shall mean: (A) conduct by Executive constituting a material act of willful misconduct in connection with the performance of his duties, including, without limitation, misappropriation of funds or property of the Company or any of its affiliates other than the occasional, customary and de minimis use of Company property for personal purposes; (B) criminal or civil conviction of Executive, a plea of nolo contendere by Executive or conduct by Executive that would reasonably be expected to result in material injury to the reputation of the Company if he were retained in his position with the Company, including, without limitation, conviction of a felony involving moral turpitude; (C) continued, willful and deliberate non-performance by Executive of his duties hereunder (other than by reason of Executive’s physical or mental illness, incapacity or disability) which has continued for more than thirty (30) days following written notice of such non-performance from the Board; (D) a breach by Executive of any of the provisions contained in Paragraphs 4 and 5 of this Agreement; or (E) a material violation by Executive of the Company’s employment policies which has continued following written notice of such violation from the Board.

 

(d) Termination Without Cause. At any time during the Period of Employment, the Company may terminate Executive’s employment hereunder without Cause if such termination is approved by a majority of the Board at a meeting of the Board called and held for such purpose. Any termination by the Company of Executive’s employment under this Agreement which does not constitute a termination for Cause under Subparagraph 6(c) or result from the death or disability of the Executive under Subparagraph 6(a) or (b) shall be deemed a termination without Cause. If the Company provides notice to Executive under Paragraph 1 that it does not wish to extend the Period of Employment, such action shall be deemed a termination without Cause.

 

(e) Termination by Executive. At any time during the Period of Employment, Executive may terminate his employment hereunder for any reason, including but not limited to Good Reason. If Executive provides notice to the Company under Paragraph 1 that he does not wish to extend the Period of Employment, such action shall be deemed a voluntary termination by Executive and one without Good Reason. For purposes of this Agreement, “Good Reason” shall mean that Executive has complied with the “Good Reason Process” (hereinafter defined) following the occurrence of any of the following events: (A) a substantial diminution or other substantive adverse change, not consented to by Executive, in the nature or scope of Executive’s responsibilities, authorities, powers, functions or duties; (B) any removal, during the Period of Employment, from Executive of his title of President and/or Chief Executive Officer; (C) an involuntary reduction in Executive’s Base Salary except for across-the-board reductions similarly affecting all or substantially all management employees; (D) a breach by the Company of any of its other material obligations under this Agreement and the failure of the Company to cure such breach within thirty (30) days after written notice thereof by Executive; (E) the involuntary relocation of the Company’s offices at which Executive is principally employed or the involuntary relocation of the offices of Executive’s primary workgroup to a location more than 30 miles from such offices, or the requirement by the Company that Executive be based anywhere other than the Company’s offices at such location on an extended basis, except for required travel on the Company’s business to an extent substantially consistent with Executive’s business travel obligations; or (F) the failure of the Company to obtain the agreement from any successor to the Company to assume and agree to perform this Agreement as required by Paragraph 11 (each of which is hereinafter referred to as a “Good Reason event”). “Good Reason Process” shall mean that (i) Executive reasonably determines in good faith that a “Good Reason” event has occurred; (ii) Executive notifies the Company in writing of the occurrence of the Good Reason event by no later than sixty (60) days after the initial occurrence of the event or condition constituting Good Reason; (iii) Executive cooperates in good faith with the Company’s efforts, for a period not less than ninety (90) days following such notice, to modify Executive’s employment situation in a manner acceptable to Executive and Company; and (iv) notwithstanding such efforts, one or more of the Good Reason events continues to exist and has not been modified in a manner acceptable to Executive. If the Company cures the Good Reason event in a manner acceptable to Executive during the ninety (90) day period, Good Reason shall be deemed not to have occurred.

 

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(f) Notice of Termination. Except for termination as specified in Subparagraph 6(a), any termination of Executive’s employment by the Company or any such termination by Executive shall be communicated by written Notice of Termination to the other party hereto and shall be effective on the Date of Termination (as defined below). For purposes of this Agreement, a “Notice of Termination” shall mean a notice which shall indicate the specific termination provision in this Agreement relied upon.

 

(g) Date of Termination. “Date of Termination” shall mean: (A) if Executive’s employment is terminated by his death, the date of his death; (B) if Executive’s employment is terminated on account of disability under Subparagraph 6(b) or by the Company for Cause under Subparagraph 6(c), the date on which Notice of Termination is given or such later date as the Company may specify in the Notice of Termination; (C) if Executive’s employment is terminated by the Company under Subparagraph 6(d), sixty (60) days after the date on which a Notice of Termination is given or such later date as the Company may specify in the Notice of Termination (or, if such termination occurs as a result of the Company providing notice to Executive under Paragraph 1 that it does not wish to extend the Period of Employment, the date of the expiration of the current term of this Agreement); and (D) if Executive’s employment is terminated by Executive under Subparagraph 6(e), thirty (30) days after the date on which a Notice of Termination is given or, if such termination is without Good Reason, such later date up to sixty (60) days after the date on which such Notice of Termination is given as Executive may specify in the Notice of Termination (or, if such termination occurs as a result of the Company providing notice to Executive under Paragraph 1 that it does not wish to extend the Period of Employment, the date of the expiration of the current term of this Agreement).

 

(h) Separation from Service . Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, to the extent necessary to comply with Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (“Code”), no event shall constitute a “termination of employment” in this Agreement, unless such event is also a “separation from service,” as that term is defined for purposes of Section 409A and Treasury Regulation §1.409A-3(a)(1).

 

(i) Resignation of All Other Positions . Upon termination of the Executive’s employment hereunder for any reason, the Executive shall be deemed to have resigned from all positions that the Executive holds as an officer or member of the board of directors (or a committee thereof) of the Company or any of its affiliates, and the Executive will execute any resignation that may be requested by the Company supplement this Agreement as evidence of such resignation.

 

7. Compensation Upon Termination or During Disability.

 

(a) Death. If Executive’s employment terminates by reason of his death, the Company shall, within ninety (90) days of death, pay in a lump sum to such person as Executive shall designate in a notice filed with the Company or, if no such person is designated, to Executive’s estate, Executive’s accrued and unpaid Base Salary to the date of his death, and if to the extent required by law, accrued and unused vacation, any bonuses or other compensation actually earned for periods ended prior to the date of Executive’s death (collectively, the “Accrued Obligations”). Upon the death of Executive, all unvested stock options shall immediately vest in full and become exercisable and Executive’s estate or other legal representatives may exercise the options in accordance with their terms. All other stock-based grants and awards held by Executive shall vest or be canceled upon the death of Executive in accordance with their terms. For a period of one (1) year following the Date of Termination, the Company shall pay such health insurance premiums as may be necessary to allow Executive’s spouse and dependents to receive health insurance coverage substantially similar to coverage they received prior to the Date of Termination. In addition to the foregoing, any payments to which Executive’s spouse, beneficiaries, or estate may be entitled under any employee benefit plan shall also be paid in accordance with the terms of such plan or arrangement. Such payments, in the aggregate, shall fully discharge the Company’s obligations hereunder.

 

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(b) Disability. During any period that Executive fails to perform his duties hereunder as a result of incapacity due to physical or mental illness, Executive shall continue to receive his Base Salary until Executive’s employment is terminated due to disability in accordance with Subparagraph 6(b) or until Executive terminates his employment in accordance with Subparagraph 6(e), whichever first occurs. If Executive’s employment is terminated due to disability in accordance with Subparagraph 6(b), then the Company shall pay Executive all Accrued Obligations through the Date of Termination in a lump-sum payment by no later than fifteen (15) days after the Date of Termination. Upon the Date of Termination by reason of Executive’s disability, all unvested stock options shall immediately vest and become exercisable. All other stock-based grants and awards held by Executive shall vest or be canceled upon the Date of Termination in accordance with their terms. For a period of one (1) year following the Date of Termination, the Company shall pay such health insurance premiums as may be necessary to allow Executive and Executive’s spouse and dependents to receive health insurance coverage substantially similar to coverage they received prior to the Date of Termination. Upon termination due to death prior to the termination first to occur as specified in the preceding sentence, Subparagraph 7(a) shall apply.

 

(c) Termination other than for Good Reason. If Executive’s voluntarily resigns from employment or employment is terminated by Executive, in either case, other than for Good Reason as provided in Subparagraph 6(e), then the Company shall pay the Executive all Accrued Obligations through the Date of Termination in a lump sum payment no later than fifteen (15) days after the Date of Termination. Thereafter, the Company shall have no further obligations to Executive except as otherwise expressly provided under this Agreement, provided any such termination shall not adversely affect or alter Executive’s rights under any employee benefit plan of the Company in which Executive, at the Date of Termination, has a vested interest, unless otherwise provided in such employee benefit plan or any agreement or other instrument attendant thereto.

 

(d) Termination by Executive for Good Reason or by the Company without Cause. Subject to the terms of section 18(a), and subject to the terms of this section, if the Executive’s employment is terminated for Good Reason as provided in Subparagraph 6(e) or without Cause as provided in Subparagraph 6(d), the Company shall pay the Executive all Accrued Obligations through the Date of Termination in a lump sum payment no later than fifteen (15) days after the Date of Termination.  In addition, subject to the Executive’s execution of a general release of claims in the form attached hereto as Exhibit A within 21 days after the Date of Termination and the expiration of the seven-day revocation period applicable thereto without the Executive revoking his acceptance of such general release, commencing on the later of (i) the last day of the period for signing and revoking the general release of claims in the form set forth in Exhibit A hereof (“Release”), or (ii) ninety (90) days (or such later period as may be required by law) after the Executive’s employment is terminated for Good Reason as provided in Subparagraph 6(e) or without Cause as provided in Subparagraph 6(d),

 

(i) the Company shall pay Executive an amount equal to the sum of (A) Executive’s Average Base Salary and (B) Executive’s Average Incentive Compensation (the “Severance Amount”). The Severance Amount shall be paid in cash in a single lump sum payment.  For purposes of this Agreement, “Average Base Salary” shall mean the greater of (X) the average of the annual Base Salary received by Executive during the three (3) immediately preceding complete fiscal years or such fewer number of complete fiscal years as Executive may have been employed by the Company or (Y) the amount of Base Salary for the immediately prior fiscal year. For purposes of this Agreement, “Average Incentive Compensation” shall mean the average of the annual cash incentive compensation under Subparagraph 3(a) received by Executive for the three (3) immediately preceding fiscal years or such fewer number of complete fiscal years as Executive may have been employed by the Company or the amount of cash incentive compensation for the prior fiscal year, whichever is higher. In no event shall “Average Incentive Compensation” include any sign-on bonus, retention bonus or any other special bonus. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if the Executive breaches any of the provisions contained in Paragraphs 4 and 5 of this Agreement, all payments of the Severance Amount shall immediately cease and the entire Severance Amount shall be forfeited and become repayable to the Company to the extent paid. Furthermore, in the event Executive terminates his employment for Good Reason as provided in Subparagraph 6(e), he shall be entitled to the Severance Amount only if he provides the Notice of Termination provided for in Subparagraph 6(f) within thirty (30) days after he has complied with the Good Reason Process; and

 

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(ii) upon the Date of Termination, each unvested stock option that would otherwise vest during the next twelve (12) months shall accelerate and immediately vest. All other stock-based grants and awards held by Executive that would otherwise vest during the next twelve (12) months shall accelerate and immediately vest upon the Date of Termination; and

 

(iii) in addition to any other benefits to which Executive may be entitled in accordance with the Company’s then existing severance policies, the Company shall, for a period of one (1) year commencing on the Date of Termination, pay such health insurance premiums as may be necessary to allow Executive and Executive’s spouse and dependents to continue to receive health insurance coverage substantially similar to coverage they received prior to the Date of Termination.

 

(e) Termination for Cause. If Executive’s employment is terminated by the Company for Cause as provided in Subparagraph 6(c), then the Company shall pay the Executive all Accrued Obligations through the Date of Termination in a lump-sum payment by no later than sixty (60) days after the Date of Termination. Thereafter, the Company shall have no further obligations to Executive except as otherwise expressly provided under this Agreement, provided any such termination shall not adversely affect or alter Executive’s rights under any employee benefit plan of the Company in which Executive, at the Date of Termination, has a vested interest, unless otherwise provided in such employee benefit plan or any agreement or other instrument attendant thereto. In addition, all stock options held by Executive as of the Date of Termination shall immediately terminate and be of no further force and effect, and all other stock-based grants and awards shall be canceled or terminated in accordance with their terms.

 

Nothing contained in the foregoing Subparagraphs 7(a) through 7(e) shall be construed so as to affect Executive’s rights or the Company’s obligations relating to agreements or benefits which are unrelated to termination of employment.

 

8. Change in Control Payment. The provisions of this Paragraph 8 set forth certain terms of an agreement reached between Executive and the Company regarding Executive’s rights and obligations upon the occurrence of a Change in Control of the Company. These provisions are intended to assure and encourage in advance Executive’s continued attention and dedication to his assigned duties and his objectivity during the pendency and after the occurrence of any such event.

 

(a) Change in Control.  If within eighteen (18) months after the occurrence of the first event constituting a Change in Control, Executive’s employment is terminated by the Company without Cause as provided in Subparagraph 6(d) or Executive terminates his employment for Good Reason as provided in Subparagraph 6(e), then, subject to the terms of section 19(a), and subject to the Executive’s executing a general release of claims in the form attached hereto as Exhibit A within 21 days after the Date of Termination and the expiration of the seven-day revocation period applicable thereto without the Executive revoking his acceptance of such general release, commencing on the later of (i) the last day of the period for signing and revoking the general release of claims in the form set forth in Exhibit A hereof (“Release”), or (ii) ninety (90) days after the Executive’s employment is terminated as provided above in this Section 8(a):

 

(i) In lieu of any amounts otherwise payable pursuant to Subparagraph 7(d)(i), the Company shall pay Executive a single lump sum in cash equal to the sum of (A) Executive’s current or most recent annual Base Salary plus (B) Executive’s most recent annual cash incentive compensation under Subparagraph 3(a) for the most recent fiscal year, excluding any sign-on bonus, retention bonus or any other special bonus;

 

(ii) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in any applicable option agreement or stock-based award agreement and in lieu of any acceleration of vesting that would otherwise occur pursuant to Subparagraph 7(d)(ii), upon a Change in Control, all stock options and other stock-based awards granted to Executive by the Company shall immediately accelerate and become exercisable or non-forfeitable as of the effective date of such Change in Control. Executive shall also be entitled to any other rights and benefits with respect to stock-related awards, to the extent and upon the terms provided in the employee stock option or incentive plan or any agreement or other instrument attendant thereto pursuant to which such options or awards were granted; and

 

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(iii) In lieu of the Company’s obligations to pay health insurance premiums pursuant to Subparagraph 7(d)(iii), the Company shall, for a period of one (1) year commencing on the Date of Termination, pay such health insurance premiums as may be necessary to allow Executive, Executive’s spouse and dependents to continue to receive health insurance coverage substantially similar to the coverage they received prior to the Date of Termination.

 

(b) Definitions. For purposes of this Paragraph 8, the following terms shall have the following meanings:

 

“Change in Control” shall mean any of the following:

 

(a) a change in effective control consistent with Regulation §1.409A-3(i)(5)(vi) such that any “person,” as such term is used in Sections 13(d) and 14(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Act”) (other than the Company, any of its subsidiaries, or any trustee, fiduciary or other person or entity holding securities under any employee benefit plan or trust of the Company or any of its subsidiaries), together with all “affiliates” and “associates” (as such terms are defined in Rule 12b-2 under the Act) of such person, shall become the “beneficial owner” (as such term is defined in Rule 13d-3 under the Act), directly or indirectly, of securities of the Company representing more than fifty percent (50%) of the combined voting power of the Company’s then outstanding securities having the right to vote in an election of the Company’s Board (“Voting Securities”) (other than as a result of an acquisition of securities directly from the Company); or

 

(b) a change in effective control consistent with Regulation §1.409A-3(i)(vi) such that persons who, as of the Commencement Date, constitute the Company’s Board (the “Incumbent Directors”) cease for any reason, including, without limitation, as a result of a tender offer, proxy contest, merger or similar transaction, to constitute at least a majority of the Board, provided that any person becoming a director of the Company subsequent to the Commencement Date shall be considered an Incumbent Director if such person’s election was approved by or such person was nominated for election by a vote of at least a majority of the Incumbent Directors; but provided further, that any such person whose initial assumption of office is in connection with an actual or threatened election contest relating to the election of members of the Board or other actual or threatened solicitation of proxies or consents by or on behalf of a person other than the Board, including by reason of agreement intended to avoid or settle any such actual or threatened contest or solicitation, shall not be considered an Incumbent Director; or

 

(c) a change in ownership consistent with Regulation §1.409A-3(i)(5)(v) and (vii) such that the stockholders of the Company shall approve (A) any consolidation or merger of the Company where the stockholders of the Company, immediately prior to the consolidation or merger, would not, immediately after the consolidation or merger, beneficially own (as such term is defined in Rule 13d-3 under the Act), directly or indirectly, shares representing in the aggregate more than fifty percent (50%) of the voting shares of the Company issuing cash or securities in the consolidation or merger (or of its ultimate parent corporation, if any), (B) any sale, lease, exchange or other transfer (in one transaction or a series of transactions contemplated or arranged by any party as a single plan) of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company or (C) any plan or proposal for the liquidation or dissolution of the Company.

 

9. Stock Options Grant/Vesting . Subject to your timely execution of a stock option agreement evidencing the option grant, the Company will grant you on the Commencement Date, an option to purchase 671, 400 shares of Common Stock (approximately 5% of the outstanding shares of Common Stock of the Company, including the shares of Common Stock underlying the outstanding shares of preferred stock on an as-converted basis). The option will be subject to the terms and conditions of the Company’s 2013 Equity Incentive Plan and have an exercise price equal to the closing price of the Company’s common stock on such date of grant. This option shall vest annually in four equal annual installments on January 1 of each year for four consecutive years commencing with January 1, 2016. The options shall be non-qualified stock options.

 

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10. Notice. For purposes of this Agreement, notices and all other communications provided for in the Agreement shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been duly given when delivered or mailed by United States certified mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid, addressed as follows:

 

if to the Executive:

 

At his home address as shown

in the Company’s personnel records;

 

if to the Company:

 

Harvard Apparatus Regenerative Technology, Inc.

84 October Hill Road, Suite 11

Holliston, Massachusetts 01746

Attention: Board of Directors of Harvard Apparatus Regenerative Technology, Inc.

 

with a copy to:

 

Josef B. Volman

Burns & Levinson LLP

125 Summer Street

Boston, MA 02110

 

or to such other address as either party may have furnished to the other in writing in accordance herewith, except that notices of change of address shall be effective only upon receipt.

 

11. Successor to Company. The Company shall require any successor (whether direct or indirect, by purchase, merger, consolidation or otherwise) to all or substantially all of the business or assets of the Company expressly to assume and agree to perform this Agreement to the same extent that the Company would be required to perform it if no succession had taken place. Failure of the Company to obtain an assumption of this Agreement at or prior to the effectiveness of any succession shall be a breach of this Agreement and shall constitute Good Reason if the Executive elects to terminate employment.

 

12. Miscellaneous. No provisions of this Agreement may be modified, waived, or discharged unless such waiver, modification, or discharge is agreed to in writing and signed by Executive and such officer of the Company as may be specifically designated by the Board. No waiver by either party hereto of, or compliance with, any condition or provision of this Agreement to be performed by such other party shall be deemed a waiver of similar or dissimilar provisions or conditions at the same or at any prior or subsequent time. No agreements or representations, oral or otherwise, express or implied, unless specifically referred to herein, with respect to the subject matter hereof have been made by either party which are not set forth expressly in this Agreement. The validity, interpretation, construction, and performance of this Agreement shall be governed by the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts (without regard to principles of conflicts of laws).

 

13. Validity. 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. The invalid portion of this Agreement, if any, shall be modified by any court having jurisdiction to the extent necessary to render such portion enforceable.

 

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

 

15. Arbitration; Other Disputes. In the event of any dispute or controversy arising under or in connection with this Agreement, the parties shall first promptly try in good faith to settle such dispute or controversy by mediation under the applicable rules of the American Arbitration Association before resorting to arbitration. In the event such dispute or controversy remains unresolved in whole or in part for a period of thirty (30) days after it arises, the parties will settle any remaining dispute or controversy exclusively by final, binding, and confidential arbitration in Boston, Massachusetts, in accordance with the rules of the American Arbitration Association then in effect. Judgment may be entered on the arbitrator’s award in any court having jurisdiction. Notwithstanding the above, the Company shall be entitled to seek a restraining order or injunction without the need to post a bond or provide other security in any court of competent jurisdiction to prevent any continuation of any violation of Paragraph 4 or 5 hereof. Furthermore, should a dispute occur concerning Executive’s mental or physical capacity as described in Subparagraph 6(b), 6(c) or 7(b), a doctor selected by Executive and a doctor selected by the Company shall be entitled to examine Executive. If the opinion of the Company’s doctor and Executive’s doctor conflict, the Company’s doctor and Executive’s doctor shall together agree upon a third doctor, whose opinion shall be binding.

 

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16. Third-Party Agreements and Rights.  Executive represents to the Company that Executive’s execution of this Agreement, Executive’s employment with the Company and the performance of Executive’s proposed duties for the Company will not violate any obligations Executive may have to any employer or other party, and Executive will not bring to the premises of the Company any copies or other tangible embodiments of non-public information belonging to or obtained from any such previous employment or other party.

 

17. Litigation and Regulatory Cooperation. During and after Executive’s employment, Executive shall reasonably cooperate with the Company in the defense or prosecution of any claims or actions now in existence or which may be brought in the future against or on behalf of the Company which relate to events or occurrences that transpired while Executive was employed by the Company; provided, however, that such cooperation shall not materially and adversely affect Executive or expose Executive to an increased probability of civil or criminal litigation. Executive’s cooperation in connection with such claims or actions shall include, but not be limited to, being available to meet with counsel to prepare for discovery or trial and to act as a witness on behalf of the Company at mutually convenient times. During and after Executive’s employment, Executive also shall cooperate fully with the Company in connection with any investigation or review of any federal, state or local regulatory authority as any such investigation or review relates to events or occurrences that transpired while Executive was employed by the Company. The Company shall also provide Executive with compensation on an hourly basis at a rate equivalent to the hourly rate of the Executive’s last annual Base Salary calculated using a forty (40) hour week over fifty-two (52) weeks for requested litigation and regulatory cooperation that occurs after his termination of employment, and reimburse Executive for all costs and expenses incurred in connection with his performance under this Paragraph 17, including, but not limited to, reasonable attorneys’ fees and costs.

 

18. Section 409A of the Code .

 

(a) Anything in this Agreement to the contrary notwithstanding, if at the time of the Executive’s separation from service within the meaning of Section 409A of the Code, the Company determines that the Executive is a “specified employee” within the meaning of Section 409A(a)(2)(B)(i) of the Code, then to the extent any payment or benefit that the Executive becomes entitled to under this Agreement on account of the Executive’s separation from service would be considered deferred compensation subject to the 20 percent additional tax imposed pursuant to Section 409A(a) of the Code as a result of the application of Section 409A(a)(2)(B)(i) of the Code, such payment shall not be payable and such benefit shall not be provided until the date that is the earlier of (A) six months and one day after the Executive’s separation from service, or (B) the Executive’s death.

 

(b) The parties intend that this Agreement will be administered in accordance with Section 409A of the Code. To the extent that any provision of this Agreement is ambiguous as to its compliance with Section 409A of the Code, the provision shall be read in such a manner so that all payments hereunder comply with Section 409A of the Code. The parties agree that this Agreement may be amended, as reasonably requested by either party, and as may be necessary to fully comply with Section 409A of the Code and all related rules and regulations in order to preserve the payments and benefits provided hereunder without additional cost to either party.

 

(c) The determination of whether and when a separation from service has occurred shall be made in accordance with the presumptions set forth in Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-1(h).

 

(d) The Company makes no representation or warranty and shall have no liability to the Executive or any other person if any provisions of this Agreement are determined to constitute deferred compensation subject to Section 409A of the Code but do not satisfy an exemption from, or the conditions of, such Section.

 

(e) Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, no event shall constitute a “termination of employment” in this Agreement, unless such event is also a “separation from service,” as that term is defined for purposes of Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (“Code”), and Treasury Regulation §1.409A-3(a)(1).

 

 

10
 

 

19. Recoupment . Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, Executive may be required to forfeit or repay any or all compensation received by Executive under this Agreement pursuant to the terms of any compensation recovery, recoupment or claw-back policy that may be adopted by or applicable to the Company with respect to or under the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act.

 

20. Survival . Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, the provisions of Sections 4, 5, 5A, 7 and 8 of this Agreement, and any other Sections of this Agreement that must survive the termination of employment or expiration of the Agreement in order to effectuate the intent of the parties, shall survive termination of Executive’s employment or expiration of the Agreement.

 

[signatures on following page]

 

11
 

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF , the parties have executed this Agreement effective on the date and year first above written.

 

  HARVARD APPARATUS REGENERATIVE TECHNOLOGY, INC.
     
  By:   /s/ Thomas McNaughton
    Name: Thomas McNaughton
    Title: Chief Financial Officer
   
  EXECUTIVE
     
    /s/ James McGorry
    James McGorry

 

 
 

 

EXHIBIT A- FORM OF GENERAL RELEASE OF CLAIMS

 

This Release Agreement (the “ Release Agreement ”) is entered into by James McGorry (the “ Executive ”) in favor of Harvard Apparatus Regenerative Technology, Inc. (the “ Company ”). This is the Release Agreement referenced in the Agreement between the Executive and the Company dated June __, 2015 (the “ Employment Agreement ”). The consideration for the Executive’s agreement to this Release Agreement consists of certain termination benefits as set forth in the Employment Agreement and the terms of this Release Agreement.

 

The Executive agrees as follows:

 

Release . The Executive voluntarily releases and forever discharges the Company and each of its subsidiaries, affiliates, predecessors, successors, assigns, and current and former directors, officers, employees, representatives, attorneys and agents (any and all of whom or which are hereinafter referred to as “ Company Parties ”), from any and all charges, complaints, claims, liabilities, obligations, promises, agreements, controversies, damages, actions, causes of action, suits, rights, demands, costs, losses, debts and expenses (including attorney’s fees and costs actually incurred), of any nature whatsoever, known or unknown (collectively, “ Claims ”) that the Executive now has, owns or holds, or claims to have, own, or hold, or that he at any time had, owned, or held, or claimed to have had, owned, or held against any Company Party or Parties. This general release of Claims includes, without implication of limitation, the release of all Claims:

  

    relating to the Executive’s employment by and termination from employment with the Company;

 

    of wrongful discharge;

 

    of breach of contract;

 

    of retaliation or discrimination under federal, state or local law (including, without limitation, Claims of age discrimination or retaliation under the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, Claims of disability discrimination or retaliation under the Americans with Disabilities Act, Claims of discrimination or retaliation under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and Claims of discrimination or retaliation under Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 151B);
       
    under the Massachusetts Weekly Payment of Wages Act, the Massachusetts Fair Employment Practice Act, and the Fair Labor Standards Act;

 

    under any other federal or state statute, to the fullest extent that Claims may be released;

 

    of defamation or other torts;

 

    of violation of public policy;

 

    for salary, bonuses, vacation pay or any other compensation or benefits; and

 

    for damages or other remedies of any sort, including, without limitation, compensatory damages, punitive damages, injunctive relief and attorney’s fees.

 

1. Limitations on Release .

 

(a) Employment Agreement . Nothing in this Release Agreement limits the Executive’s or the Company’s rights under the Employment Agreement.

 

(b) Benefit and Enforcement Rights . Nothing in this Release Agreement is intended to release or waive the Executive’s right to COBRA, unemployment insurance benefits or any accrued and vested retirement benefits, the right to seek enforcement of this Release Agreement or any rights referenced in this Section of this Release Agreement.

 

(c) Indemnification . It is further understood and agreed that the Executive’s rights to indemnification as provided in the Company’s certificate of incorporation, bylaws, each as amended, or any indemnification agreement between the Company and the Executive (it being acknowledged and agreed by the Executive that, as of the date of this Agreement, there are no amounts owing to the Executive pursuant to any such indemnification rights), remain fully binding and in full effect subsequent to the execution of this Release Agreement.

 

 
 

 

(d) Exceptions . This Release Agreement does not prohibit or restrict the Executive from communicating, providing relevant information to or otherwise cooperating with the EEOC or any other governmental authority with responsibility for the administration of fair employment practices laws regarding a possible violation of such laws or responding to any inquiry from such authority, including an inquiry about the existence of this Release Agreement or its underlying facts; provided that such interaction with EEOC or any other governmental authority shall not result in the Employee’s receipt of any monetary benefit or substantial equivalent thereof. This Release Agreement also does not preclude the Executive from benefiting from classwide injunctive relief awarded in any fair employment practices case brought by any governmental agency; provided that such relief does not result in the Executive’s receipt of any monetary benefit or substantial equivalent thereof.

 

2. No Assignment . The Executive represents that he or it has not assigned to any other person or entity any Claims against any Company Party.

 

3. No Disparagement . The Executive shall not make any disparaging statements about the Company, members of the Board of Directors, any officer of the Company or any other employee of the Company. The Executive shall direct his immediate family not to make any disparaging statements about any of the foregoing. Any statement by a member of his immediate family shall be deemed to be a statement by the Executive for purposes of this paragraph. The Executive shall be considered to represent that he has complied and shall continue to comply with he nondisparagement obligations under this paragraph from the Date of Termination (as defined in the Employment Agreement); provided that this representation shall have no effect if this Release Agreement does not become effective. Notwithstanding the foregoing, nothing in this paragraph shall be construed to apply to any statements made in the course of testimony in a legal proceeding or in any required written statements in any such proceeding.

 

4. Litigation and Regulatory Cooperation . The Executive shall reasonably cooperate with the Company in the defense or prosecution of any claims or actions now in existence or which may be brought in the future against or on behalf of the Company which relate to events or occurrences that transpired while Executive was employed by the Company; provided, however, that such cooperation shall not materially and adversely affect Executive or expose Executive to an increased probability of civil or criminal litigation. Executive’s cooperation in connection with such claims or actions shall include, but not be limited to, being available to meet with counsel to prepare for discovery or trial and to act as a witness on behalf of the Company at mutually convenient times. Executive also shall cooperate fully with the Company in connection with any investigation or review of any federal, state or local regulatory authority as any such investigation or review relates to events or occurrences that transpired while Executive was employed by the Company. The Company shall also provide Executive with compensation on an hourly basis at a rate equivalent to the hourly rate of the Executive’s last annual Base Salary (as defined in the Employment Agreement) calculated using a forty (40) hour week over fifty-two (52) weeks for requested litigation and regulatory cooperation that occurs after his termination of employment, and reimburse Executive for all costs and expenses incurred in connection with his performance under this Section 5, including, but not limited to, reasonable attorneys’ fees and costs.

 

5. Reaffirmation of Post-Employment Restrictive Covenants . The Executive reaffirms the restrictive covenants under the Employment Agreement to which he is subject as follows: [Insert as appropriate.]

 

6. Right to Consider and Revoke Release Agreement . This Release Agreement shall be considered to have been offered to the Executive on the Termination Date as defined in the Employment Agreement. The Executive acknowledges that he has been given the opportunity to consider this Release Agreement for a period ending twenty-one (21) days after the Termination Date. In the event that the Executive has executed this Release Agreement within less than twenty-one (21) days of the Termination Date, the Executive acknowledges that such decision was entirely voluntary and that he had the opportunity to consider this Release Agreement until the end of the twenty-one (21) day period. To accept this Release Agreement, the Executive shall deliver a signed Release Agreement to the Company’s Board of Directors within such twenty-one (21) day period. The Executive acknowledges that for a period of seven (7) days from the date when the Executive executes this Release Agreement (the “ Revocation Period ”), he shall retain the right to revoke this Release Agreement by written notice that is received by the Board of Directors of the Company before the end of the Revocation Period. This Release Agreement shall take effect only if it is executed by the Executive within the twenty-one (21) day period as set forth above and if it is not revoked pursuant to the preceding sentence. If those conditions are satisfied, this Release Agreement shall become effective and enforceable on the date immediately following the last day of the Revocation Period (the “ Effective Date ”).

 

 
 

 

7. Consideration Owed . Executive affirms and agrees that as of the date of this Release Agreement, you acknowledge that you will be or have been paid any and all wages (including all base compensation and, if applicable, any and all overtime, commissions, and bonuses) to which you are or were entitled as of the date of termination of employment, and that no other wages (including all base compensation and, if applicable, any and all incentive compensation and bonuses) are due to Executive. Executive acknowledges that Executive is unaware of any facts or circumstances indicating that Executive may have an outstanding claim for unpaid wages, improper deductions from pay, or any violation of the Massachusetts Weekly Payment of Wages Act (M.G.L. c. 149, s. 148) or the Fair Labor Standards Act or any other federal, state or local laws, rules, ordinances or regulations that are related to payment of wages.

 

8. Other Terms .

 

(a) Legal Representation; Review of Release Agreement . The Executive acknowledges that he has been advised to discuss all aspects of this Release Agreement with he attorney. The Executive represents that he has carefully read and fully understands all of the provisions of this Release Agreement and that he is voluntarily entering into this Release Agreement.

 

(b) Binding Nature of Release Agreement . This Release Agreement shall be binding upon the Executive and upon his heirs, administrators, representatives, executors, successors and assigns, and shall inure to the benefit of the Executive and the Company and to their heirs, administrators, representatives, executors, successors, and assigns.

 

(c) Modification of Release Agreement; Waiver . This Release Agreement may be amended, revoked, changed, or modified only upon a written agreement executed by the Executive and the Company. No modification waiver of any provision of this Release Agreement will be valid unless it is in writing and signed by the party against whom such waiver is charged. The failure of the Company to require the performance of any term or obligation of this Release Agreement, or the waiver by the Company of any breach of this Release Agreement, shall not prevent any subsequent enforcement of such term or obligation or be deemed a waiver of any subsequent breach.

 

(d) Severability . In the event that at any future time it is determined by a court of competent jurisdiction that any covenant, clause, provision or term of this Release Agreement is illegal, invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provisions and terms of this Release Agreement shall not be affected thereby and the illegal, invalid or unenforceable term or provision shall be severed from the remainder of this Release Agreement. In the event of such severance, the remaining covenants shall be binding and enforceable.

 

(e) Enforcement . Sections 4, 5 and 6 of this Release Agreement shall be subject to enforcement pursuant to the same procedures that apply to a breach of Paragraphs 4 or 5 of the Employment Agreement (as further detailed in Paragraph 15 of the Employment Agreement). Any other disputes concerning this Release Agreement shall be subject to resolution pursuant to Section 15 of the Employment Agreement.

 

(f) Governing Law and Interpretation . This Release Agreement shall be deemed to be made and entered into in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, and shall in all respects be interpreted, enforced and governed under the laws of Massachusetts, without giving effect to the conflict of laws provisions of Massachusetts law. The language of all parts of this Release Agreement shall in all cases be construed as a whole, according to its fair meaning, and not strictly for or against either the Executive or the Company.

 

(g) Entire Agreement; Absence of Reliance . This Release Agreement constitutes the entire agreement of the Executive concerning any subject matter of this Release Agreement and supersedes all prior agreements between the Executive and the Company with respect to any related subject matter, except the Employment Agreement. The Executive acknowledges that he is not relying on any promises or representations by the Company or its agents, representatives or attorneys regarding any subject matter addressed in this Release Agreement, other than the provision of the Employment Agreement pursuant to which Employee is to receive certain consideration in return for signing this Release Agreement and allowing it to become effective.

 

So agreed by the Executive.

  

     
Executive     James McGorry   Date

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

EXHIBIT 99.1

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 

Harvard Apparatus Regenerative Technology Appoints James McGorry as New Chief Executive Officer

 

-Mr. McGorry brings extensive management and commercialization experience in biologics, personalized medicine and medical device spaces-

-HART plans to provide a corporate update on its second quarter financial call in August 2015-

 

 

Holliston, MA, June 25, 2015 - Harvard Apparatus Regenerative Technology, Inc. (Nasdaq: HART), or HART, a biotechnology company developing bioengineered organs for clinical use, today announced the appointment of James McGorry, MBA, as Chief Executive Officer, effective July 6, 2015. Mr. McGorry has more than 25 years of experience as a life science business leader in biologics, personalized medicine and medical devices, including multiple product launches. He also has been a member of the HART Board of Directors since February 2013.

 

“Jim is the ideal person to lead HART at this time,” said John F. Kennedy, Chairman of the Board of Directors at HART. “Jim brings his extensive experience developing, leading and growing life science businesses to our company. He spent 12 years in senior management roles at Genzyme, and as a key leader of the Bio Surgery business there Jim led the commercial development and launch of innovative tissue engineered products. He also brings extensive experience in the fields of personalized medicine and medical devices. For the past two years, Jim has provided invaluable insights as a member of our board, and we expect that HART will benefit greatly from his dedicated guidance as CEO.”

 

 
 

 

Mr. Kennedy continued, “We also thank Tom McNaughton, our Chief Financial Officer, for the great work he has done as interim CEO. He and Saverio La Francesca, our Chief Medical Officer, have continued to drive forward our programs and collaborations that are crucial to our success.”

 

“I’m eager to work more closely with the entire HART team to make bioengineered organs for the airways and esophagus available to patients,” said Mr. McGorry. “HART has the potential to change the way patients are treated with organ implants that the body integrates as its own. I look forward to working with the team and HART’s collaborators to make these goals a reality.”

 

Mr. McGorry most recently served as Executive Vice President and General Manager, Translational Oncology Solutions for Champions Oncology and previously was Executive Vice President of Commercial Operations at Accellent. During his 12-year tenure at Genzyme, he held leadership positions across several therapeutic areas, including Bio Surgery, Cardiac Surgery, Oncology and Transplant. Mr. McGorry also was President of Clineffect Systems, an electronic medical records company. He began his life sciences career with Baxter Healthcare Corporation, where he spent 11 years in positions of increasing responsibility. Mr. McGorry also served as an officer in the United States Army for six years, including commanding a special operations Green Beret SCUBA detachment.

 

Mr. McGorry has an MBA with a concentration in healthcare from Duke University, Fuqua School of Business, and a B.S. in engineering from the United States Military Academy at West Point where he was the president of his class.

 

HART plans to provide a corporate update on its second quarter financial call in August following a business review by Mr. McGorry and the management team.

 

About Harvard Apparatus Regenerative Technology

Harvard Apparatus Regenerative Technology (HART) is a biotechnology company developing bioengineered organs for clinical use. Our first product, the HART-Trachea, is intended to replace or repair a trachea that has been severely damaged by either physical trauma or trachea cancer. The HART-Trachea technology has been used in several human trachea transplants to date approved under compassionate use exemptions, but none of the Company’s products are yet approved by a government regulatory authority for marketing. The trademark “Harvard Apparatus” is used under a sublicense agreement with Harvard Bioscience, which has licensed the right to use such trademark from Harvard University.

 

Forward-Looking Statements

 

Some of the statements in this press release are "forward-looking" and are made pursuant to the safe harbor provision of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These "forward-looking" statements in this press release include, but are not limited to, statements relating to the availability and approval of the HART-Trachea or any other HART product candidates, such as the esophagus and bronchus, for patients and related surgeries; regulatory approval of the HART-Trachea or any other HART product candidates, including the esophagus and bronchus, by the FDA, EMA, MHRA or otherwise, which such approvals may not be obtained on a timely basis or at all; success with respect to any clinical trials and other regulatory approval efforts, commercialization efforts and marketing approvals of HART’s product candidates, including our HART-Trachea product, and the continued availability of a market for the HART securities. These statements involve risks and uncertainties that may cause results to differ materially from the statements set forth in this press release, including, among other things, our ability to obtain and maintain regulatory approval for the biologic products, scaffolds, bioreactors and other devices and product candidates we pursue; the success of our clinical trials and products; our inability to operate effectively as a stand-alone, publicly traded company; plus other factors described under the heading “Item 1A. Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2014 or described in our other public filings. Our results may also be affected by factors of which we are not currently aware. The forward-looking statements in this press release speak only as of the date of this press release. Harvard Apparatus Regenerative Technology expressly disclaims any obligation or undertaking to release publicly any updates or revisions to such statements to reflect any change in its expectations with regard thereto or any changes in the events, conditions or circumstances on which any such statement is based.

 

 
 

 

Contacts:

 

Corporate:

Tom McNaughton

CFO & Interim CEO

tmcnaughton@hartregen.com

 

Saverio La Francesca, M.D.

CMO

slafrancesca@hartregen.com

 

Tel: 774-233-7321

Fax: 774-233-7302

 

Investors and Media:

Kristina Coppola
LaVoieHealthScience

617-374-8800, ext. 105

kcoppola@lavoiehealthscience.com