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): April 4, 2012
Vermillion, Inc.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Commission File Number: 001-34810
Delaware | 33-059-5156 | |
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation) |
(IRS Employer
Identification No.) |
12117 Bee Caves Road Building Three, Suite 100, Austin, TX 78738
(Address of principal executive offices, including zip code)
512.519.0400
(Registrants telephone number, including area code)
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 4.01 | Changes in Registrants Certifying Accountant. |
On April 4, 2012, Vermillion, Inc. (the Company) dismissed PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP (PwC) as its independent registered public accounting firm, upon approval of the Audit Committee of the Companys Board of Directors.
The audit reports issued by PwC for the years ended December 31, 2010 and December 31, 2011 did not contain any adverse opinion or disclaimer of opinion, nor were the reports qualified or modified as to uncertainty, audit scope or accounting principles, except that the audit reports on the Companys financial statements for the years ended December 31, 2010 and December 31, 2011 included an explanatory paragraph noting that the Company voluntarily filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection on March 30, 2009 and subsequently emerged from bankruptcy on January 22, 2010, and the audit report on the Companys financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2011 also included an explanatory paragraph noting that there was substantial doubt about the Companys ability to continue as a going concern.
During the years ended December 31, 2010 and December 31, 2011 and through April 4, 2012, the Company did not have any disagreements (as defined in Item 304(a)(1)(iv) of Regulation S-K and the related instructions to Item 304 of Regulation S-K) with PwC on any matter of accounting principles or practices, financial statement disclosure or auditing scope or procedure, which disagreements, if not resolved to the satisfaction of PwC, would have caused PwC to make reference thereto in its report on the Companys financial statements for such years. Also, during the years ended December 31, 2010 and December 31, 2011 and through April 4, 2012, there have been no reportable events as that term is defined in Item 304(a)(1)(v) of Regulation S-K, except that, as disclosed in Item 4 of the Companys Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the quarters ended March 31, 2010, June 30, 2010 and September 30, 2010, management of the Company concluded that because the Company filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection on March 30, 2009, the Company did not maintain sufficient staff with the necessary experience in U.S. generally accepted accounting principles to timely perform its controls procedures relating to the accounting and reporting processes. Specifically, the Company did not have sufficient accounting and reporting expertise necessary to make estimates requiring significant judgment or to record complex transactions in a manner necessary to facilitate the timely filing of all Forms required by the Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and as a result, the Company was not able to timely file all Forms required by the Exchange Act. Therefore, management concluded that this control deficiency constituted a material weakness as of March 31, 2010, June 30, 2010 and September 30, 2010.
The Company has provided PwC with a copy of the above disclosures and requested that PwC furnish the Company with a letter addressed to the Securities and Exchange Commission stating whether or not it agrees with the above statements concerning PwC. A copy of such letter dated April 9, 2012 is attached as Exhibit 16.1 to this Form 8-K.
On April 4, 2012, the Audit Committee approved the engagement of BDO USA, LLP (BDO) as the Companys new independent registered public accounting firm to audit the Companys financial statements as of and for the year ending December 31, 2012. The Company will ask stockholders at the 2012 annual meeting of stockholders to ratify the appointment of BDO as the Companys independent registered public accounting firm for the year ending December 31, 2012.
During the years ended December 31, 2010 and December 31, 2011, and through April 4, 2012, the Company did not consult BDO with respect to either (i) the application of accounting principles to a specified transaction, either completed or proposed; or the type of audit opinion that might be rendered on the Companys financial statements, and no written report or oral advice was provided to the Company by BDO that was an important factor considered by the Company in reaching a decision as to the accounting, auditing or financial reporting issue; or (ii) any matter that was either the subject of a disagreement, as that term is defined in Item 304(a)(1)(iv) of Regulation S-K and the related instructions to Item 304 of Regulation S-K, or a reportable event, as that term is defined in Item 304(a)(2)(ii) of Regulation S-K.
Item 5.02 | Departure of Directors or Certain Officers; Election of Directors; Appointment of Certain Officers; Compensatory Arrangements of Certain Officers. |
On April 4, 2012, the Company entered into an employment agreement with Eric Schoen, the Companys Chief Accounting Officer. Pursuant to the terms of the employment agreement between the Company and Mr. Schoen, the Company will pay Mr. Schoen an annual base salary of $160,000. Mr. Schoen will be eligible for a bonus of up to 30% of his base salary for achievement of reasonable performance-related goals and milestones. In the event Mr. Schoen is terminated without cause or for good reason (as these terms are defined in the employment agreement), he is entitled to receive: (i) continued payment of his base salary as then in effect for a period of nine months following the date of termination; (ii) immediate vesting of 50% of any unvested options previously granted by the Company to him, in addition to a 24-month period after termination to exercise any and all of his vested options to purchase the Companys common stock; and (iii) continued health and dental benefits paid by the Company until the earlier of nine months after termination or the time that Mr. Schoen obtains employment with reasonably comparable or better health and dental benefits. Additionally, if Mr. Schoens employment is terminated without cause or for good reason with the 12-month period following a change of control (as the term is defined in the employment agreement), then, in addition to the severance obligations due to Mr. Schoen as described above, 50% of any then-unvested options previously granted by the Company will vest upon the date of such termination. The foregoing description of the employment agreement between the Company and Mr. Schoen 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 herein by reference.
On April 4, 2012, the Company entered into an employment agreement with William Creech, the Companys Vice President, Sales and Marketing. Pursuant to the terms of the employment agreement between the Company and Mr. Creech, the Company will pay Mr. Creech an annual base salary of $225,000. Mr. Creech will be eligible for a bonus of up to 40% of his base salary for achievement of reasonable performance-related goals and milestones. In the event Mr. Creech is terminated without cause or for good reason (as these terms are defined in the employment agreement), he is entitled to receive: (i) continued payment of his base salary as then in effect for a period of nine months following the date of termination; (ii) immediate vesting of 50% of any unvested options previously granted by the Company to him, in addition to a 24-month period after termination to exercise any and all of his vested options to purchase the Companys common stock; and (iii) continued health and dental benefits paid by the Company until the earlier of nine months after termination or the time that Mr. Creech obtains employment with reasonably comparable or better health and dental benefits. Additionally, if Mr. Creechs employment is terminated without cause or for good reason with the 12-month period following a change of control (as the term is defined in the employment agreement), then, in addition to the severance obligations due to Mr. Creech as described above, 50% of any then-unvested options previously granted by the Company will vest upon the date of such termination. The foregoing description of the employment agreement between the Company and Mr. Creech is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of the employment agreement, which is filed as Exhibit 10.2 to this Current Report on Form 8-K and is incorporated herein by reference.
Item 9.01 | Financial Statements and Exhibits. |
SIGNATURE
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.
Vermillion, Inc. | ||||
Date: April 10, 2012 | By: |
/s/ Eric Schoen |
||
Eric Schoen | ||||
Chief Accounting Officer |
EXHIBIT INDEX
Exhibit No. |
Description |
|
10.1 | Employment Agreement between Vermillion, Inc. and Eric Schoen, dated April 4, 2012, | |
10.2 | Employment Agreement between Vermillion, Inc. and William Creech, dated April 4, 2012 | |
16.1 | Letter from PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP to the Securities and Exchange Commission, dated April 9, 2012. |
Exhibit 10.1
EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT
THIS EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT (this Agreement) between Vermillion, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the Company), and Eric J. Schoen (Executive, and together with the Company, the Parties) is effective as of April 4, 2012 (the Effective Date).
WHEREAS, the Company and Executive desire to enter into a Employment Agreement;
NOW, THEREFORE, the Parties agree as follows:
1. Position . The Company will continue to employ Executive as its Chief Accounting Officer. In this position, Executive will be expected to devote Executives full business time, attention and energies to the performance of Executives duties with the Company. Executive may devote time to outside Board or advisory positions as pre-approved by the Companys Board of Directors. Executive will render such business and professional services in the performance of such duties, consistent with Executives position within the Company, as shall be reasonably assigned to Executive by the Companys CEO or Board of Directors.
2. Compensation . The Company will pay Executive a base salary of at least $160,000 on an annualized basis, payable in accordance with the Companys standard payroll policies, including compliance with applicable tax withholding requirements. In addition, Executive will be eligible for a bonus of up to 30% of Executives base salary for achievement of reasonable performance-related goals to be defined by the Companys CEO or Board of Directors. The exact payment terms of a bonus, if any, are to be set by the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors, in its sole discretion. Any such bonus will be payable to Executive within 30 days of receipt by the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors of the Companys final year-end financial statements.
3. Benefits . During the term of Executives employment, Executive will be entitled to the Companys standard benefits covering employees at Executives level, including the Companys group medical, dental, vision and term life insurance plans, section 125 plan, employee stock purchase plan and 401(k) plan, as such plans maybe in effect from time to time, subject to the Companys right to cancel or change the benefit plans and program it offers to its employees at any time.
4. At-Will Employment . Executives employment with the Company is for an unspecified duration and constitutes at will employment. This employment relationship may be terminated at any time, with or without good cause or for any or no cause, at the option either of the Company or Executive, with or without notice.
5. Termination without Cause or for Good Reason . In the event the Company terminates Executives employment for reasons other than for Cause (as defined below) or Executive terminates his employment for Good Reason (as defined below) and provided that Executive signs and does not revoke a standard separation agreement release of all claims against the Company, in a form reasonably satisfactory to the Company, does not breach any provision of
this Agreement (including but not limited to Section 10 and Section 11 hereof), and continues to comply with the PIIA, as hereinafter defined, Executive shall be entitled to receive, subject to Section 13 below:
(a) continued payment of Executives base salary as then in effect for a period of nine (9) months following the date of termination (the Severance Period), to be paid periodically in accordance with the Companys standard payroll practices, provided that you shall immediately repay to the Company any amounts that you receive hereunder if within sixty days following termination of your employment you either have failed to execute the standard release described above or have revoked the general release after you execute it;
(b) immediate, accelerated vesting of fifty percent (50%) of any then-unvested options previously granted by the Company to Executive; additionally, Executive will have a twenty-four (24) month period following the date of termination of employment to exercise any or all of his vested options, subject for each option to earlier expiration at the end of the options original term; and
(c) continuation of Company health and dental benefits through COBRA premiums paid by the Company directly to the COBRA administrator during the Severance Period; provided, however, that such premium payments shall cease prior to the end of the Severance Period if Executive commences other employment with reasonably comparable or greater health and dental benefits.
Executive will not be eligible for any bonus or other benefits not described above after termination, except as may be required by law.
6. Termination After Change of Control . If Executives employment is terminated by the Company for reasons other than for Cause (as defined below) or by Executive for Good Reason (as defined below) within the twelve (12) month period following a Change of Control (as defined below), then, in addition to the severance obligations due to Executive under Section 5 above, fifty percent (50%) of any then-unvested shares under Company stock options then held by Executive will vest upon the date of such termination and the period of time for their exercise will be at the discretion of the Company, provided that no option shall be exercisable after expiration of its original term. It may very well be necessary for the Executive to exercise such shares on the day of Change in Control, and the Company shall use its best efforts to provide Executive with a reasonable period of advance written notice in such event.
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7. Definitions . For purposes of this Agreement:
(a) Cause means termination of employment by reason of Executives:
(i) material breach of this Agreement, the Proprietary Information and Inventions Agreement entered into between Executive and the Company (the PIIA) or any other confidentiality, invention assignment or similar agreement with the Company;
(ii) repeated negligence in the performance of duties or nonperformance or misperformance of such duties that in the good faith judgment of the Board of Directors of the Company adversely affects the operations or reputation of the Company;
(iii) refusal to abide by or comply with the good faith directives of the Companys CEO or Board of Directors or the Companys standard policies and procedures, which actions continue for a period of at least ten (10) days after written notice from the Company;
(iv) violation or breach of the Companys Code of Ethics, Financial Information Integrity Policy, Insider Trading Compliance Program, or any other similar code or policy adopted by the Company and generally applicable to the Companys employees, as then in effect;
(v) willful dishonesty, fraud, or misappropriation of funds or property with respect to the business or affairs of the Company;
(vi) conviction by or entry of a plea of guilty or nolo contendere, in a court of competent and final jurisdiction, for any crime which constitutes a felony in the jurisdiction involved; or
(vii) abuse of alcohol or drugs (legal or illegal) that, in the Board of Directors reasonable judgment, materially impairs Executives ability to perform Executives duties.
(b) Change of Control means:
(i) after the date hereof, any person. (as such term is used in Sections 13(d) and 14(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the Exchange Act)) becomes the beneficial owner (as defined in Rule 13d-3 under the Exchange Act), directly or indirectly, of securities of the Company representing 50% or more of the total voting power represented by the Companys then outstanding voting securities; or
(ii) the date of the consummation of a merger or consolidation of the Company with any other corporation or entity that has been approved by the stockholders of the Company, other than a merger or consolidation that would result in the voting securities of the Company outstanding immediately prior thereto continuing to represent more than fifty percent
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(50%) of the total voting power represented by the voting securities of the Company or such surviving entity outstanding immediately after such merger or consolidation; or
(iii) the date of the consummation of the sale or disposition of all or substantially all of the Companys assets.
(c) Good Reason means, the occurrence of any one or more of the following events, without Executives consent, which continues uncured for a period of not less than thirty (30) days following written notice given by Executive to the Company within thirty (30) days following the occurrence of a material and adverse change in Executives title or duties (excluding any changes in such duties resulting from the Company becoming part of a larger entity pursuant to a Change of Control) or in Executives base salary.
In addition, Executive must actually terminate Executives employment with the Company within six months following the initial existence of the condition described above giving rise to Good Reason.
(d) Separation from Service or Separates from Service shall mean Executives termination of employment, as determined in accordance with Treas. Reg. § 1.409A-1(h). Executive shall be considered to have experienced a termination of employment when the facts and circumstances indicate that Executive and the Company reasonably anticipate that either (i) no further services will be performed for the Company after a certain date, or (ii) that the level of bona fide services Executive will perform for the Company after such date (whether as an employee or as an independent contractor) will permanently decrease to no more than 20% of the average level of bona fide services performed by Executive (whether as an employee or independent contractor) over the immediately preceding 36-month period (or the full period of services to the Company if Executive has been providing services to the Company for less than 36 months). If Executive is on military leave, sick leave, or other bona fide leave of absence, the employment relationship between Executive and the Company shall be treated as continuing intact, provided that the period of such leave does not exceed six months, or if longer, so long as Executive retains a right to reemployment with the Company under an applicable statute or by contract. If the period of a military leave, sick leave, or other bona fide leave of absence exceeds six months and Executive does not retain a right to reemployment under an applicable statute or by contract, the employment relationship shall be considered to be terminated for purposes of this Agreement as of the first day immediately following the end of such six-month period. In applying the provisions of this paragraph, a leave of absence shall be considered a bona fide leave of absence only if there is a reasonable expectation that Executive will return to perform services for the Company.
8. Employment, Confidential Information and Invention Assignment Agreement . As a condition of Executives employment, Executive shall complete, sign and return the Companys standard form of Proprietary Information and Inventions Agreement.
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9. Non Contravention . Executive represents to the Company that Executives signing of this Agreement, the PIIA, the issuance of stock options to Executive, and Executives commencement of employment with the Company does not violate any agreement Executive has with Executives previous employer and Executives signature confirms this representation.
10. Conflicting Employment . Executive agrees that, during the term of Executives employment with the Company and during the Severance Period, Executive will not engage in any other employment, occupation, consulting or other business activity competitive with or directly related to the business in which the Company is now involved or becomes involved during the term of Executives employment, nor will Executive engage in any other activities that conflict with Executives obligations to the Company. Executive acknowledges that compliance with the obligations of this paragraph is a condition to Executives right to receive the severance payments set forth in paragraph 5 above.
11. Nonsolicitation . From the date of this Agreement until 12 months after the termination of this Agreement (the Restricted Period), Executive will not, directly or indirectly, solicit or encourage any employee or contractor of the Company or its affiliates to terminate employment with, or cease providing services to, the Company or its affiliates. During the Restricted Period, Executive will not, whether for Executives own account or for the account of any other person, firm, corporation or other business organization, solicit or interfere with any person who is or during the period of Executives engagement by the Company was a collaborator, partner, licensor, licensee, vendor, supplier, customer or client of the Company or its affiliates to the Companys detriment. Executive acknowledges that compliance with the obligations of this paragraph is a condition to Executives right to receive the severance payments set forth in paragraph 5 above.
12. Arbitration and Equitable Relief .
(a) In consideration of Executives employment with the Company, its promise to arbitrate all employment related disputes and Executives receipt of the compensation and other benefits paid to Executive by the Company, at present and in the future, EXECUTIVE AGREES THAT ANY AND ALL CONTROVERSIES, CLAIMS, OR DISPUTES WITH ANYONE (INCLUDING THE COMPANY AND ANY EMPLOYEE, OFFICER, DIRECTOR, STOCKHOLDER OR. BENEFIT PLAN OF THE COMPANY IN THEIR CAPACITY AS SUCH OR OTHERWISE) ARISING OUT OF, RELATING TO, OR RESULTING FROM EXECUTIVES EMPLOYMENT WITH THE COMPANY OR THE TERMINATION OF EXECUTIVES EMPLOYMENT WITH THE COMPANY, INCLUDING ANY BREACH OF THIS AGREEMENT, SHALL BE SUBJECT TO BINDING ARBITRATION UNDER THE ARBITRATION RULES SET FORTH IN TEXAS CIVIL PRACTICE AND REMEDY CODE SECTION 171.001 THROUGH SECTION 171.098 (THE RULES) AND PURSUANT TO TEXAS LAW. Disputes which Executive agrees to arbitrate, and thereby agree to waive any right to a trial by jury, include any statutory claims under state or federal law, including, but not limited to, claims under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967, the Older Workers
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Benefit Protection Act, the California Fair Employment and Housing Act, the California Labor Code, claims of harassment, discrimination or wrongful termination and any statutory claims. Executive further understands that this agreement to arbitrate also applies to any disputes that the Company may have with Executive,
(b) Executive agrees that any arbitration will be administered by the American Arbitration Association (AAA) and that the neutral arbitrator will be selected in a manner consistent with its National Rules for the Resolution of Employment Disputes. Executive agrees that the arbitrator shall have the power to decide any motions brought by any party to the arbitration, including motions for summary judgment and/or adjudication and motions to dismiss and demurrers, prior to any arbitration hearing. Executive also agrees that the arbitrator shall have the power to award any remedies, including attorneys fees and costs, available under applicable law. Executive understands the Company will pay for any administrative or hearing fees charged by the arbitrator or AAA except that Executive shall pay the first $125.00 of any filing fees associated with any arbitration Executive initiates. Executive agrees that the arbitrator shall administer and conduct any arbitration in a mariner consistent with the Rules and that to the extent that the AAAs National Rules for the Resolution of Employment Disputes conflict with the Rules, the Rules shall take precedence. Executive agrees that the decision of the arbitrator shall be in writing.
(c) Except as provided by the Rules and this Agreement, arbitration shall be the sole, exclusive and final remedy for any dispute between Executive and the Company. Accordingly, except as provided for by the Rules and this Agreement, neither Executive nor the Company will be permitted to pursue court action regarding claims that are subject to arbitration. Notwithstanding, the arbitrator will not have the authority to disregard or refuse to enforce any lawful company policy, and the arbitrator shall not order or require the Company to adopt a policy not otherwise required by law which the Company has not adopted.
(d) In addition to the right under the Rules to petition the court for provisional relief, Executive agrees that any party may also petition the court for injunctive relief where either party alleges or claims a violation of the PIIA between Executive and the Company or any other agreement regarding trade secrets, confidential information, nonsolicitation or Labor Code §2870. Executive understands that any breach or threatened breach of such an agreement will cause irreparable injury and that money damages will not provide an adequate remedy therefor and both parties hereby consent to the issuance of an injunction. In the event either party seeks injunctive relief, the prevailing party shall be entitled to recover reasonable costs and attorneys fees.
(e) Executive understands that this Agreement does not prohibit Executive from pursuing an administrative claim with a local, state or federal administrative body such as the Department of Fair Employment and Housing, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission or the Workers Compensation Board. This Agreement does, however, preclude Executive from pursuing court action regarding any such claim.
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(f) Executive acknowledges and agrees that Executive is executing this Agreement voluntarily and without any duress or undue influence by the Company or anyone else. Executive further acknowledges and agrees that Executive has carefully read this Agreement and that Executive has asked any questions needed for Executive to understand the terms, consequences and binding effect of this Agreement and fully understand it, including that Executive is waiving Executives right to a jury trial. Finally, Executive agrees that Executive has been provided an opportunity to seek the advice of an attorney of Executives choice before signing this Agreement.
13. Taxes . All payments made pursuant to this Agreement will be subject to withholding of applicable taxes. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Executive is solely responsible and liable for the satisfaction of any federal, state, province or local taxes that may arise with respect to this Agreement (including any taxes arising under Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code (the IRC). Neither the Company nor any of its employees, officers, directors, or service providers shall have any obligation whatsoever to pay such taxes, to prevent Executive from incurring them, or to mitigate or protect Executive from any such tax liabilities. Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, if any amounts that become due under this Agreement on account of Executives termination of employment constitute nonqualified deferred compensation within the meaning of IRC Section 409A, payment of such amounts shall not commence until Executive incurs a Separation from Service. If, at the time of Executives termination of employment under this Agreement, Executive is a specified employee (within the meaning of IRC Section 409A), any amounts that constitute nonqualified deferred compensation within the meaning of IRC Section 409A that become payable to Executive on account of Executives Separation from Service (including any amounts payable pursuant to the preceding sentence) will not be paid until after the end of the sixth calendar month beginning after Executives Separation from Service (the 409A Suspension Period). Within 14 calendar days after the end of the 409A Suspension Period, Executive shall be paid a lump sum payment in cash equal to any payments delayed because of the preceding sentence. Thereafter, Executive shall receive any remaining benefits as if there had not been an earlier delay. Each payment due under this Agreement is treated as a separate payment for purposes of Treasury Regulations Sections 1.409A-1((b)(4)(F) and 1.409A-2(b)(2).
14. Successors of the Company . The rights and obligations of the Company under this Agreement shall inure to the benefit of, and shall be binding upon, the successors and assigns of the Company. This Agreement shall be assignable by the Company in the event of a merger or similar transaction in which the Company is not the surviving entity, or of a sale of all or substantially all of the Companys assets.
15. Enforceability; Severability . If any provision of this Agreement shall be invalid or unenforceable, in whole or in part, such provision shall be deemed to be modified or restricted to the extent and in the manner necessary to render the same valid and enforceable, or shall be deemed excised from this Agreement, as the case may require, and this Agreement shall be construed and enforced to the maximum extent permitted by law as if such provision had been
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originally incorporated herein as so modified or restricted, or as if such provision had not been originally incorporated herein, as the case may be.
16. Governing Law . This Agreement shall be construed and enforced in accordance with the laws of the State of Texas without giving effect to Texas choice of law rules. This Agreement is deemed to be entered into entirely in the State of Texas. This Agreement shall not be strictly construed for or against either party.
17. No Waiver . No waiver of any term of this Agreement constitutes a waiver of any other term of this Agreement.
18. Amendment To This Agreement . This Agreement may be amended only in writing by an agreement specifically referencing this Agreement, which is signed by both Executive and an executive officer or member of the Board of Directors of the Company authorized to do so by the Board by resolution.
19. Headings . Section headings in this Agreement are for convenience only and shall be given no effect in the construction or interpretation of this Agreement.
20. Notice . All notices made pursuant to this Agreement, shall be given in writing, delivered by a generally recognized overnight express delivery service, and shall be made to the following addresses, or such other addresses as the Parties may later designate in writing:
If to the Company:
Vermillion, Inc.
12117 Bee Caves Road, Building Three, Suite 100
Austin, Texas, 78738
If to Executive:
[Redacted]
21. Expense Reimbursement . The Company shall promptly reimburse Executive reasonable business expenses incurred by Executive in furtherance of or in connection with the performance of Executives duties hereunder, including expenditures for travel, in accordance with the Companys expense reimbursement policy as in effect from time to time; provided that any and all reimbursements hereunder shall be requested and made within one year after being incurred.
22. General; Conflict . This Agreement and the PIIA, when signed by Executive, set forth the terms of Executives employment with the Company and supersede any and all prior representations and agreements, whether written or oral.
[Signature Page Follows]
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VERMILLION, INC. | ||
a Delaware corporation | ||
By: |
/s/ Gail S. Page |
|
Name: | Gail S. Page | |
Title: | Chief Executive Officer |
ACCEPTED AND AGREED TO this |
4th day of April, 2012. |
/s/ Eric J. Schoen |
Eric J. Schoen |
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Exhibit 10.2
EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT
THIS EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT (this Agreement) between Vermillion, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the Company), and William Creech (Executive, and together with the Company, the Parties) is effective as of April 4, 2012 (the Effective Date).
WHEREAS, the Company and Executive desire to enter into a Employment Agreement;
NOW, THEREFORE, the Parties agree as follows:
1. Position . The Company will continue to employ Executive as its Vice President, Sales and Marketing. In this position, Executive will be expected to devote Executives full business time, attention and energies to the performance of Executives duties with the Company. Executive may devote time to outside Board or advisory positions as pre-approved by the Companys Board of Directors. Executive will render such business and professional services in the performance of such duties, consistent with Executives position within the Company, as shall be reasonably assigned to Executive by the Companys CEO or Board of Directors.
2. Compensation . The Company will pay Executive a base salary of at least $225,000 on an annualized basis, payable in accordance with the Companys standard payroll policies, including compliance with applicable tax withholding requirements. In addition, Executive will be eligible for a bonus of up to 40% of Executives base salary for achievement of reasonable performance-related goals to be defined by the Companys CEO or Board of Directors. The exact payment terms of a bonus, if any, are to be set by the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors, in its sole discretion. Any such bonus will be payable to Executive within 30 days of receipt by the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors of the Companys final year-end financial statements.
3. Benefits . During the term of Executives employment, Executive will be entitled to the Companys standard benefits covering employees at Executives level, including the Companys group medical, dental, vision and term life insurance plans, section 125 plan, employee stock purchase plan and 401(k) plan, as such plans maybe in effect from time to time, subject to the Companys right to cancel or change the benefit plans and program it offers to its employees at any time.
4. At-Will Employment . Executives employment with the Company is for an unspecified duration and constitutes at will employment. This employment relationship may be terminated at any time, with or without good cause or for any or no cause, at the option either of the Company or Executive, with or without notice.
5. Termination without Cause or for Good Reason . In the event the Company terminates Executives employment for reasons other than for Cause (as defined below) or Executive terminates his employment for Good Reason (as defined below) and provided that Executive signs and does not revoke a standard separation agreement release of all claims against the Company, in a form reasonably satisfactory to the Company, does not breach any provision of
this Agreement (including but not limited to Section 10 and Section 11 hereof), and continues to comply with the PIIA, as hereinafter defined, Executive shall be entitled to receive, subject to Section 13 below:
(a) continued payment of Executives base salary as then in effect for a period of nine (9) months following the date of termination (the Severance Period), to be paid periodically in accordance with the Companys standard payroll practices, provided that you shall immediately repay to the Company any amounts that you receive hereunder if within sixty days following termination of your employment you either have failed to execute the standard release described above or have revoked the general release after you execute it;
(b) immediate, accelerated vesting of fifty percent (50%) of any then-unvested options previously granted by the Company to Executive; additionally, Executive will have a twenty-four (24) month period following the date of termination of employment to exercise any or all of his vested options, subject for each option to earlier expiration at the end of the options original term; and
(c) continuation of Company health and dental benefits through COBRA premiums paid by the Company directly to the COBRA administrator during the Severance Period; provided, however, that such premium payments shall cease prior to the end of the Severance Period if Executive commences other employment with reasonably comparable or greater health and dental benefits.
Executive will not be eligible for any bonus or other benefits not described above after termination, except as may be required by law.
6. Termination after Change of Control . If Executives employment is terminated by the Company for reasons other than for Cause (as defined below) or by Executive for Good Reason (as defined below) within the twelve (12) month period following a Change of Control (as defined below), then, in addition to the severance obligations due to Executive under Section 5 above, fifty percent (50%) of any then-unvested shares under Company stock options then held by Executive will vest upon the date of such termination and the period of time for their exercise will be at the discretion of the Company, provided that no option shall be exercisable after expiration of its original term. It may very well be necessary for the Executive to exercise such shares on the day of Change in Control, and the Company shall use its best efforts to provide Executive with a reasonable period of advance written notice in such event.
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7. Definitions . For purposes of this Agreement:
(a) Cause means termination of employment by reason of Executives:
(i) material breach of this Agreement, the Proprietary Information and Inventions Agreement entered into between Executive and the Company (the PIIA) or any other confidentiality, invention assignment or similar agreement with the Company;
(ii) repeated negligence in the performance of duties or nonperformance or misperformance of such duties that in the good faith judgment of the Board of Directors of the Company adversely affects the operations or reputation of the Company;
(iii) refusal to abide by or comply with the good faith directives of the Companys CEO or Board of Directors or the Companys standard policies and procedures, which actions continue for a period of at least ten (10) days after written notice from the Company;
(iv) violation or breach of the Companys Code of Ethics, Financial Information Integrity Policy, Insider Trading Compliance Program, or any other similar code or policy adopted by the Company and generally applicable to the Companys employees, as then in effect;
(v) willful dishonesty, fraud, or misappropriation of funds or property with respect to the business or affairs of the Company;
(vi) conviction by or entry of a plea of guilty or nolo contendere, in a court of competent and final jurisdiction, for any crime which constitutes a felony in the jurisdiction involved; or
(vii) abuse of alcohol or drugs (legal or illegal) that, in the Board of Directors reasonable judgment, materially impairs Executives ability to perform Executives duties.
(b) Change of Control means:
(i) after the date hereof, any person. (as such term is used in Sections 13(d) and 14(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the Exchange Act)) becomes the beneficial owner (as defined in Rule 13d-3 under the Exchange Act), directly or indirectly, of securities of the Company representing 50% or more of the total voting power represented by the Companys then outstanding voting securities; or
(ii) the date of the consummation of a merger or consolidation of the Company with any other corporation or entity that has been approved by the stockholders of the Company, other than a merger or consolidation that would result in the voting securities of the Company outstanding immediately prior thereto continuing to represent more than fifty percent
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(50%) of the total voting power represented by the voting securities of the Company or such surviving entity outstanding immediately after such merger or consolidation; or
(iii) the date of the consummation of the sale or disposition of all or substantially all of the Companys assets.
(c) Good Reason means, the occurrence of any one or more of the following events, without Executives consent, which continues uncured for a period of not less than thirty (30) days following written notice given by Executive to the Company within thirty (30) days following the occurrence of a material and adverse change in Executives title or duties (excluding any changes in such duties resulting from the Company becoming part of a larger entity pursuant to a Change of Control) or in Executives base salary.
In addition, Executive must actually terminate Executives employment with the Company within six months following the initial existence of the condition described above giving rise to Good Reason.
(d) Separation from Service or Separates from Service shall mean Executives termination of employment, as determined in accordance with Treas. Reg. § 1.409A-1(h). Executive shall be considered to have experienced a termination of employment when the facts and circumstances indicate that Executive and the Company reasonably anticipate that either (i) no further services will be performed for the Company after a certain date, or (ii) that the level of bona fide services Executive will perform for the Company after such date (whether as an employee or as an independent contractor) will permanently decrease to no more than 20% of the average level of bona fide services performed by Executive (whether as an employee or independent contractor) over the immediately preceding 36-month period (or the full period of services to the Company if Executive has been providing services to the Company for less than 36 months). If Executive is on military leave, sick leave, or other bona fide leave of absence, the employment relationship between Executive and the Company shall be treated as continuing intact, provided that the period of such leave does not exceed six months, or if longer, so long as Executive retains a right to reemployment with the Company under an applicable statute or by contract. If the period of a military leave, sick leave, or other bona fide leave of absence exceeds six months and Executive does not retain a right to reemployment under an applicable statute or by contract, the employment relationship shall be considered to be terminated for purposes of this Agreement as of the first day immediately following the end of such six-month period. In applying the provisions of this paragraph, a leave of absence shall be considered a bona fide leave of absence only if there is a reasonable expectation that Executive will return to perform services for the Company.
8. Employment, Confidential Information and Invention Assignment Agreement . As a condition of Executives employment, Executive shall complete, sign and return the Companys standard form of Proprietary Information and Inventions Agreement.
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9. Non Contravention . Executive represents to the Company that Executives signing of this Agreement, the PIIA, the issuance of stock options to Executive, and Executives commencement of employment with the Company does not violate any agreement Executive has with Executives previous employer and Executives signature confirms this representation.
10. Conflicting Employment . Executive agrees that, during the term of Executives employment with the Company and during the Severance Period, Executive will not engage in any other employment, occupation, consulting or other business activity competitive with or directly related to the business in which the Company is now involved or becomes involved during the term of Executives employment, nor will Executive engage in any other activities that conflict with Executives obligations to the Company. Executive acknowledges that compliance with the obligations of this paragraph is a condition to Executives right to receive the severance payments set forth in paragraph 5 above.
11. Nonsolicitation . From the date of this Agreement until 12 months after the termination of this Agreement (the Restricted Period), Executive will not, directly or indirectly, solicit or encourage any employee or contractor of the Company or its affiliates to terminate employment with, or cease providing services to, the Company or its affiliates. During the Restricted Period, Executive will not, whether for Executives own account or for the account of any other person, firm, corporation or other business organization, solicit or interfere with any person who is or during the period of Executives engagement by the Company was a collaborator, partner, licensor, licensee, vendor, supplier, customer or client of the Company or its affiliates to the Companys detriment. Executive acknowledges that compliance with the obligations of this paragraph is a condition to Executives right to receive the severance payments set forth in paragraph 5 above.
12. Arbitration and Equitable Relief .
(a) In consideration of Executives employment with the Company, its promise to arbitrate all employment related disputes and Executives receipt of the compensation and other benefits paid to Executive by the Company, at present and in the future, EXECUTIVE AGREES THAT ANY AND ALL CONTROVERSIES, CLAIMS, OR DISPUTES WITH ANYONE (INCLUDING THE COMPANY AND ANY EMPLOYEE, OFFICER, DIRECTOR, STOCKHOLDER OR. BENEFIT PLAN OF THE COMPANY IN THEIR CAPACITY AS SUCH OR OTHERWISE) ARISING OUT OF, RELATING TO, OR RESULTING FROM EXECUTIVES EMPLOYMENT WITH THE COMPANY OR THE TERMINATION OF EXECUTIVES EMPLOYMENT WITH THE COMPANY, INCLUDING ANY BREACH OF THIS AGREEMENT, SHALL BE SUBJECT TO BINDING ARBITRATION UNDER THE ARBITRATION RULES SET FORTH IN TEXAS CIVIL PRACTICE AND REMEDY CODE SECTION 171.001 THROUGH SECTION 171.098 (THE RULES) AND PURSUANT TO TEXAS LAW. Disputes which Executive agrees to arbitrate, and thereby agree to waive any right to a trial by jury, include any statutory claims under state or federal law, including, but not limited to, claims under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967, the Older Workers
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Benefit Protection Act, the California Fair Employment and Housing Act, the California Labor Code, claims of harassment, discrimination or wrongful termination and any statutory claims. Executive further understands that this agreement to arbitrate also applies to any disputes that the Company may have with Executive,
(b) Executive agrees that any arbitration will be administered by the American Arbitration Association (AAA) and that the neutral arbitrator will be selected in a manner consistent with its National Rules for the Resolution of Employment Disputes. Executive agrees that the arbitrator shall have the power to decide any motions brought by any party to the arbitration, including motions for summary judgment and/or adjudication and motions to dismiss and demurrers, prior to any arbitration hearing. Executive also agrees that the arbitrator shall have the power to award any remedies, including attorneys fees and costs, available under applicable law. Executive understands the Company will pay for any administrative or hearing fees charged by the arbitrator or AAA except that Executive shall pay the first $125.00 of any filing fees associated with any arbitration Executive initiates. Executive agrees that the arbitrator shall administer and conduct any arbitration in a mariner consistent with the Rules and that to the extent that the AAAs National Rules for the Resolution of Employment Disputes conflict with the Rules, the Rules shall take precedence. Executive agrees that the decision of the arbitrator shall be in writing.
(c) Except as provided by the Rules and this Agreement, arbitration shall be the sole, exclusive and final remedy for any dispute between Executive and the Company. Accordingly, except as provided for by the Rules and this Agreement, neither Executive nor the Company will be permitted to pursue court action regarding claims that are subject to arbitration. Notwithstanding, the arbitrator will not have the authority to disregard or refuse to enforce any lawful company policy, and the arbitrator shall not order or require the Company to adopt a policy not otherwise required by law which the Company has not adopted.
(d) In addition to the right under the Rules to petition the court for provisional relief, Executive agrees that any party may also petition the court for injunctive relief where either party alleges or claims a violation of the PIIA between Executive and the Company or any other agreement regarding trade secrets, confidential information, nonsolicitation or Labor Code §2870. Executive understands that any breach or threatened breach of such an agreement will cause irreparable injury and that money damages will not provide an adequate remedy therefor and both parties hereby consent to the issuance of an injunction. In the event either party seeks injunctive relief, the prevailing party shall be entitled to recover reasonable costs and attorneys fees.
(e) Executive understands that this Agreement does not prohibit Executive from pursuing an administrative claim with a local, state or federal administrative body such as the Department of Fair Employment and Housing, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission or the Workers Compensation Board. This Agreement does, however, preclude Executive from pursuing court action regarding any such claim.
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(f) Executive acknowledges and agrees that Executive is executing this Agreement voluntarily and without any duress or undue influence by the Company or anyone else. Executive further acknowledges and agrees that Executive has carefully read this Agreement and that Executive has asked any questions needed for Executive to understand the terms, consequences and binding effect of this Agreement and fully understand it, including that Executive is waiving Executives right to a jury trial. Finally, Executive agrees that Executive has been provided an opportunity to seek the advice of an attorney of Executives choice before signing this Agreement.
13. Taxes . All payments made pursuant to this Agreement will be subject to withholding of applicable taxes. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Executive is solely responsible and liable for the satisfaction of any federal, state, province or local taxes that may arise with respect to this Agreement (including any taxes arising under Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code (the IRC). Neither the Company nor any of its employees, officers, directors, or service providers shall have any obligation whatsoever to pay such taxes, to prevent Executive from incurring them, or to mitigate or protect Executive from any such tax liabilities. Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, if any amounts that become due under this Agreement on account of Executives termination of employment constitute nonqualified deferred compensation within the meaning of IRC Section 409A, payment of such amounts shall not commence until Executive incurs a Separation from Service. If, at the time of Executives termination of employment under this Agreement, Executive is a specified employee (within the meaning of IRC Section 409A), any amounts that constitute nonqualified deferred compensation within the meaning of IRC Section 409A that become payable to Executive on account of Executives Separation from Service (including any amounts payable pursuant to the preceding sentence) will not be paid until after the end of the sixth calendar month beginning after Executives Separation from Service (the 409A Suspension Period). Within 14 calendar days after the end of the 409A Suspension Period, Executive shall be paid a lump sum payment in cash equal to any payments delayed because of the preceding sentence. Thereafter, Executive shall receive any remaining benefits as if there had not been an earlier delay. Each payment due under this Agreement is treated as a separate payment for purposes of Treasury Regulations Sections 1.409A-1((b)(4)(F) and 1.409A-2(b)(2).
14. Successors of the Company . The rights and obligations of the Company under this Agreement shall inure to the benefit of, and shall be binding upon, the successors and assigns of the Company. This Agreement shall be assignable by the Company in the event of a merger or similar transaction in which the Company is not the surviving entity, or of a sale of all or substantially all of the Companys assets.
15. Enforceability; Severability . If any provision of this Agreement shall be invalid or unenforceable, in whole or in part, such provision shall be deemed to be modified or restricted to the extent and in the manner necessary to render the same valid and enforceable, or shall be deemed excised from this Agreement, as the case may require, and this Agreement shall be construed and enforced to the maximum extent permitted by law as if such provision had been
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originally incorporated herein as so modified or restricted, or as if such provision had not been originally incorporated herein, as the case may be.
16. Governing Law . This Agreement shall be construed and enforced in accordance with the laws of the State of Texas without giving effect to Texas choice of law rules. This Agreement is deemed to be entered into entirely in the State of Texas. This Agreement shall not be strictly construed for or against either party.
17. No Waiver . No waiver of any term of this Agreement constitutes a waiver of any other term of this Agreement.
18. Amendment To This Agreement . This Agreement may be amended only in writing by an agreement specifically referencing this Agreement, which is signed by both Executive and an executive officer or member of the Board of Directors of the Company authorized to do so by the Board by resolution.
19. Headings . Section headings in this Agreement are for convenience only and shall be given no effect in the construction or interpretation of this Agreement.
20. Notice . All notices made pursuant to this Agreement, shall be given in writing, delivered by a generally recognized overnight express delivery service, and shall be made to the following addresses, or such other addresses as the Parties may later designate in writing:
If to the Company:
Vermillion, Inc.
12117 Bee Caves Road, Building Three, Suite 100
Austin, Texas, 78738
If to Executive:
[Redacted]
21. Expense Reimbursement . The Company shall promptly reimburse Executive reasonable business expenses incurred by Executive in furtherance of or in connection with the performance of Executives duties hereunder, including expenditures for travel, in accordance with the Companys expense reimbursement policy as in effect from time to time; provided that any and all reimbursements hereunder shall be requested and made within one year after being incurred.
22. General; Conflict . This Agreement and the PIIA, when signed by Executive, set forth the terms of Executives employment with the Company and supersede any and all prior representations and agreements, whether written or oral.
[Signature Page Follows]
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VERMILLION, INC. | ||
a Delaware corporation | ||
By: |
/s/ Gail S. Page |
|
Name: | Gail S. Page | |
Title: | Chief Executive Officer |
ACCEPTED AND AGREED TO this |
4th day of April, 2012. |
/s/ William Creech |
William Creech |
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Exhibit 16.1
April 09, 2012
Securities and Exchange Commission
100 F Street, N.E.
Washington, DC 20549
Commissioners:
We have read the statements made by Vermillion, Inc. (copy attached), which we understand will be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, pursuant to Item 4.01 of Form 8-K, as part of the Form 8-K of Vermillion, Inc. dated April 04, 2012. We agree with the statements concerning our Firm in such Form 8-K.
Very truly yours,
/s/ PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
Austin, Texas