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): March 24, 2016

 

 

EDGEWATER TECHNOLOGY, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

 

 

Delaware   000-20971   71-0788538

(State or other jurisdiction

of incorporation)

 

(Commission

File No.)

 

(IRS Employer

Identification No.)

200 Harvard Mill Square, Suite 210

Wakefield, Massachusetts 01880

(Address of Principal Executive Offices)(Zip Code)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (781) 246-3343

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

 

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

 

 


ITEM 1.01 ENTRY INTO A MATERIAL DEFINITVE AGREEMENT

Settlement Agreement

On March 24, 2016, Edgewater Technology, Inc. (the “Company”) entered into an Agreement (the “Agreement”) with Lone Star Value Investors, LP and others (collectively, “Lone Star Value”) in connection with the expansion of the Board of Directors of the Company (the “Board”) and the addition of two new independent directors—Stephen R. Bova, an independent business strategy consultant, and Timothy Whelan, a Co-Founder and Managing Director of Echo Financial Business Consulting—to fill the newly created directorships, effective March 24, 2016. On March 24, 2016, the Company issued a press release announcing the election of Messrs. Bova and Whelan, a copy of which release is filed as Exhibit 99.1 to this Current Report on Form 8-K and incorporated herein by reference.

Under the terms of the Agreement, the Company agreed, among other things, that it will take all necessary actions to increase the size of the Board from six to eight directors, elect Messrs. Bova and Whelan to fill the resulting vacancies and nominate Messrs. Bova and Whelan to be elected as directors at the Company’s 2016 Annual Meeting of Stockholders (the “2016 Annual Meeting”). Pursuant to the Agreement, Lone Star Value will vote all of the shares of the Company’s common stock (the “Common Stock”) that it beneficially owns for the election of the Board’s nominees for director at the 2016 Annual Meeting. Lone Star Value will also vote in accordance with the recommendation of the Board on all other matters submitted for stockholder vote at the 2016 Annual Meeting; provided, however, that to the extent the recommendation of both Institutional Shareholder Services Inc. (“ISS”) and Glass, Lewis & Co., LLC (“Glass Lewis”) differs from the Board’s recommendation with respect to any matter, other than nominees for election as directors to the Board, Lone Star Value shall have the right to vote in accordance with the recommendation of ISS and Glass Lewis with respect to such matters.

The Agreement further provides that Lone Star Value will not nominate any person for election at or submit any proposal for consideration at the 2016 Annual Meeting, nor will Lone Star Value initiate, encourage or participate in any “withhold” or similar campaign with respect to the 2016 Annual Meeting. Lone Star Value is also subject to standstill provisions under the Agreement. Such provisions generally remain in effect until the date that is 30 days prior to the expiration of the Company’s advance notice period for the nomination of directors at the Company’s 2017 Annual Meeting of Stockholders. These provisions restrict Lone Star Value’s ability to engage in certain proxy solicitations, make certain stockholder proposals, call meetings of stockholders, solicit consents from stockholders, obtain additional representation on the Board or seek to remove any of the Company’s directors.

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

 

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Indemnification Agreements

On March 24, 2016, the Company entered into an Indemnification Agreement with each of Stephen R. Bova and Timothy Whelan in connection with his election as a director of the Company (the “Indemnification Agreement”). The Indemnification Agreement provides indemnity, including the advancement of expenses, to the director against liabilities incurred in the performance of his duties to the fullest extent permitted by the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware. The foregoing description of the Indemnification Agreement is qualified in its entirety by reference to the form of Indemnification Agreement, a copy of which is filed as Exhibit 10.2 to this Current Report on Form 8-K and incorporated herein by reference.

ITEM 5.02 DEPARTURE OF DIRECTORS OR CERTAIN OFFICERS; ELECTION OF DIRECTORS; APPOINTMENT OF CERTAIN OFFICERS; COMPENSATORY ARRANGEMENTS OF CERTAIN OFFICERS

On March 24, 2016, pursuant to the terms of the Settlement Agreement, the Company increased the size of the Board from six to eight members and elected Stephen R. Bova and Timothy Whelan to fill the newly created vacancies. The Board did not appoint Messrs. Bova or Whelan to any committees of the Board at the time of their election. Each of Messrs. Bova and Whelan entered into an Indemnification Agreement in connection with his election and received a nonstatutory stock option to purchase 20,000 shares of Common Stock at an exercise price of $7.61 per share, which was the closing price of the Common Stock on the Nasdaq Stock Market on March 24, 2016. Each nonstatutory stock option has a term of five years and vests in three equal annual installments.

The information set forth in Item 1.01 of this Current Report on Form 8-K, including Exhibits 10.1, 10.2 and 99.1 to this Current Report on Form 8-K, is incorporated herein by reference.

 

ITEM 9.01 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND EXHIBITS

 

(d) Exhibits.

 

Exhibit Number

  

Description of Exhibit

10.1    Settlement Agreement by and between Edgewater Technology, Inc. and Lone Star Value Investors, LP and others, dated March 24, 2016.
10.2    Form of Indemnification Agreement between Edgewater Technology, Inc. and each of its directors and executive officers.
99.1    Press Release, dated March 24, 2016.

 

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SIGNATURES

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

Dated: March 25, 2016

 

EDGEWATER TECHNOLOGY, INC.
By:  

/s/ Timothy R. Oakes

Name:     Timothy R. Oakes
Title:     Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)

 

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Exhibit Index

 

Exhibit Number

  

Description of Exhibit

10.1    Settlement Agreement by and between Edgewater Technology, Inc. and Lone Star Value Investors, LP and others, dated March 24, 2016.
10.2    Form of Indemnification Agreement between Edgewater Technology, Inc. and each of its directors and executive officers.
99.1    Press Release, dated March 24, 2016.

 

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Exhibit 10.1

AGREEMENT

This Agreement (this “Agreement”) is made and entered into as of March 24, 2016 (the “Effective Date”), by and among Edgewater Technology, Inc. (the “Company”), on the one hand, and Lone Star Value Investors, LP and the entities and natural persons listed on Exhibit A hereto, on the other hand (collectively, the “Lone Star Value Stockholders”) (each of the Company and the Lone Star Value Stockholders, a “Party” to this Agreement, and collectively, the “Parties”).

RECITALS

WHEREAS, the Company and the Lone Star Value Stockholders have engaged in various discussions and communications concerning the Company;

WHEREAS, the Lone Star Value Stockholders are deemed to beneficially own shares of common stock, $0.01 par value, of the Company (the “Common Stock”); and

WHEREAS, the Company and the Lone Star Value Stockholders have determined to come to an agreement with respect to the appointment of members of the Company’s board of directors (the “Board”) as of the Effective Date and certain other matters, as provided in this Agreement.

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

1. Board Matters; Board Appointments; 2016 Annual Meeting.

(a) Effective as of the execution of this Agreement, each of the Lone Star Value Stockholders on behalf of itself and its respective Affiliates and Associates (as each is defined in Section 13, below) hereby severally and not jointly agrees that it will not, and that it will not permit any of its Affiliates or Associates to, (i) nominate or recommend for nomination any person for election at the 2016 annual meeting of the stockholders of the Company (the “2016 Annual Meeting”), directly or indirectly, (ii) submit any proposal for consideration at, or bring any other business before, the 2016 Annual Meeting, directly or indirectly, or (iii) initiate, encourage or participate in any “withhold” or similar campaign with respect to the 2016 Annual Meeting, directly or indirectly. Effective as of the execution of this Agreement, each of the Lone Star Value Stockholders on behalf of itself and its respective Affiliates and Associates hereby severally and not jointly agrees that it shall not publicly or privately encourage or support any other stockholder to take any of the actions described in this Section 1(a).

(b) During the term of this Agreement, the Board and all applicable committees of the Board shall not increase the size of the Board to more than eight directors.


(c) The Board and all applicable committees of the Board shall take all necessary actions, pursuant to the Bylaws and applicable law so that (i) the Board shall increase in size from six to eight members, effective on the Effective Date, (ii) Stephen R. Bova and Timothy Whelan (each, a “Lone Star Nominee” and collectively, the “Lone Star Nominees”), each of whom has consented to such appointment and has agreed to serve on the Board, shall be appointed to the Board to fill the resulting vacancies from the increase of the size of the Board, effective on the Effective Date, (iii) the Board shall nominate each of the Lone Star Nominees and each other incumbent member of the Board for election to the Board at the 2016 Annual Meeting (collectively, the “2016 Board Nominees”) and (iv) the Company shall recommend, support and solicit proxies at the 2016 Annual Meeting for each of the 2016 Board Nominees as the Company solicited proxies for each nominee at the annual meeting of stockholders of the Company in 2015.

(d) All 2016 Board Nominees will be required to: (i) comply with all policies, procedures, processes, codes, rules, standards and guidelines applicable to members of the Board; (ii) keep confidential all Company confidential information and not disclose to any third parties discussions or matters considered in meetings of the Board or Board committees; and (iii) complete all reasonable and customary director onboarding documentation required by the Company in connection with the appointment or election of Board members.

(e) The Company agrees that if either Lone Star Nominee is unable to serve as a director, resigns as a director or is removed prior to the Termination Date (as defined in Section 2, below), then the Lone Star Value Stockholders shall have the ability to recommend a substitute person(s); provided that any substitute person recommended by the Lone Star Value Stockholders shall qualify as “independent” pursuant to Nasdaq Stock Market listing standards, and have relevant financial and business experience to fill the resulting vacancy. In the event the Governance and Nominating Committee of the Board (the “Nominating Committee”) does not accept a substitute person recommended by the Lone Star Value Stockholders, the Lone Star Value Stockholders will have the right to recommend additional substitute person(s) for consideration by the Nominating Committee. Upon the approval of a replacement director nominee by the Nominating Committee and by the Board acting in good faith, the Board will take such actions as to appoint such replacement director to the Board no later than five business days after the Nominating Committee recommendation of such replacement director, and if consistent with the Board’s fiduciary duties, the Board will take such actions as to appoint such replacement director to the Board.

(f) The Company agrees that the Lone Star Nominees shall be considered along with all other Board members for Board committee appointments in connection with the Board’s annual review of committee composition.

(g) The Company agrees that prior to the Termination Date, the Board will not establish an Executive Committee of the Board or delegate to an existing or new committee of the Board responsibilities substantially similar to those of an Executive Committee of the Board.

(h) Effective as of the execution of this Agreement, each of the Lone Star Value Stockholders on behalf of itself and its respective Affiliates and Associates hereby

 

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severally and not jointly agrees to appear in person or by proxy at the 2016 Annual Meeting and to vote all shares of Common Stock beneficially owned by such person and over which such person has voting power at the meeting (i) in favor of the 2016 Board Nominees and (ii) otherwise in accordance with the Board’s recommendation, including, without limitation, in favor of all other matters recommended for stockholder approval by the Board; provided , however, that to the extent that the recommendation of both Institutional Shareholder Services Inc. (“ISS”) and Glass Lewis & Co., LLC (“Glass Lewis”) differs from the Board’s recommendation with respect to any matter other than nominees for election as directors to the Board, the Lone Star Value Stockholders shall have the right to vote in accordance with the recommendation of ISS and Glass Lewis with respect to such matters.

(i) The Company shall use its reasonable best efforts to hold the 2016 Annual Meeting no later than July 3, 2016.

2. Standstill Provisions .

(a) Each of the Lone Star Value Stockholders on behalf of itself and its respective Affiliates and Associates severally and not jointly agrees that from the Effective Date until the termination of this Agreement in accordance with Section 5 of this Agreement (the “Termination Date”), neither it nor any of its Affiliates or Associates will, and it will cause each of its Affiliates and Associates not to, directly or indirectly, in any manner:

(i) solicit, or encourage or in any way engage in any solicitation of, any proxies or consents or become a “participant” in a “solicitation” as such terms are defined in Regulation 14A under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), of proxies or consents (including, without limitation, any solicitation of consents with respect to the call of a special meeting of stockholders), in each case, with respect to securities of the Company, or call or seek to call, or encourage, support or influence anyone with respect to the call of, a special meeting of stockholders;

(ii) advise, encourage, support or influence any person with respect to the voting of any securities of the Company at any annual or special meeting of stockholders, or seek to do so;

(iii) form, join or in any way participate in any “group” (within the meaning of Section 13(d)(3) of the Exchange Act) with respect to the securities of the Company (other than the “group” that includes all or some of the Lone Star Value Stockholders, but does not include any other entities or persons not signatory to this Agreement on the Effective Date);

(iv) deposit any securities of the Company in any voting trust or subject any securities of the Company to any arrangement or agreement with respect to the voting of any securities of the Company, other than any such voting trust, arrangement or agreement solely among the Lone Star Value Stockholders and otherwise in accordance with this Agreement;

(v) seek or encourage any person to submit nominations in furtherance of a “contested solicitation” for the election or removal of directors with respect to the Company

 

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or seek, encourage or take any other action with respect to the election or removal of any directors or with respect to the submission of any stockholder proposal;

(vi) (A) make any proposal for consideration by stockholders at any annual or special meeting of stockholders of the Company or (B) make any public suggestion or recommendation or make any public or unsolicited private offer or proposal (with or without conditions) in each case with respect to a share repurchase, dividend, self-tender or other change in capitalization, or with respect to any merger, acquisition, disposition, consolidation, recapitalization, restructuring, liquidation, dissolution, or other business combination or extraordinary transaction, in the case of any of the foregoing involving the Company or any subsidiary, business, division or Affiliate of the Company or encourage or assist any person or entity in connection therewith;

(vii) other than as provided in this Agreement, seek, alone or in concert with others, representation on the Board;

(viii) except for the receipt of equity compensation paid to a Lone Star Nominee as consideration for his service as a director of the Company (which equity compensation will be disregarded for purposes of this Section 2(a)(viii)), acquire, offer or propose to acquire, or agree to acquire (except by way of stock dividends, stock splits, reverse stock splits or other distributions or offerings made available to holders of any Voting Securities (as defined in Section 14, below) generally), directly or indirectly, whether by purchase, tender or exchange offer, through the acquisition of control of another person, by joining a partnership, limited partnership, syndicate or other group (as defined under Section 13(d) of the Exchange Act), settlement of any barrier option or otherwise, any Voting Securities if, as a result of such acquisition, the Lone Star Value Stockholders would beneficially own in the aggregate in excess of 10% of the then outstanding Voting Securities;

(ix) make a request for the stockholder list or other Company books and records in their capacity as stockholders (provided that this restriction will not apply to the Lone Star Nominees (or their replacements, as applicable) in their capacity as members of the Board);

(x) enter into any discussions, negotiations, arrangements or understandings with any third party with respect to the matters set forth in this Section 2; or

(xi) take any action challenging the validity or enforceability of this Section 2, or publicly make or in any way advance publicly any request or proposal that the Company or Board amend, modify or waive any provision of this Agreement ( provided , that the Lone Star Value Stockholders may make confidential requests to the Board to amend, modify or waive any provision of this Section 2, which the Board (excluding the Lone Star Nominees) may accept or reject in its sole discretion, so long as any such request is not publicly disclosed by the Lone Star Value Stockholders and is made by the Lone Star Value Stockholders in a manner that does not require the public disclosure thereof by the Company, the Lone Star Value Stockholders or any other person.

 

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(b) For the avoidance of doubt, nothing in this Section 2 or elsewhere in this Agreement shall prohibit or restrict the Lone Star Nominees (or their replacements, as applicable) from exercising their rights and fiduciary duties as directors of the Company, subject to the Company’s policies and procedures applicable to all directors of the Company, which rights include, but are not limited to, (1) taking any action or making any statement at any meeting of the Board or of any committee thereof or (2) making any statement to the Chief Executive Officer, the Chief Financial Officer or any other director of the Company in their capacity as directors.

(c) Furthermore, for the avoidance of doubt, nothing in this Section 2 or elsewhere in this Agreement shall restrict the ability of any Lone Star Value Stockholders from participating as a bidder in any bidding process as part of any strategic review process conducted by the Company or acting as a buyer in any negotiated transaction with the Company.

3. Representations and Warranties of the Company .

The Company represents and warrants to the Lone Star Value Stockholders that (a) the Company has the corporate power and authority to execute this Agreement and to bind it thereto, (b) this Agreement has been duly and validly authorized, executed and delivered by the Company, constitutes a valid and binding obligation and agreement of the Company, and is enforceable against the Company in accordance with its terms, except as enforcement thereof may be limited by applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium, fraudulent conveyance or similar laws generally affecting the rights of creditors and subject to general equity principles, (c) the execution of this Agreement, the consummation of any of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, and the fulfillment of the terms of this Agreement, in each case in accordance with the terms of this Agreement, will not conflict with, or result in a breach or violation of the organizational documents of the Company as currently in effect and (d) the execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement by the Company does not and will not violate or conflict with (i) any law, rule, regulation, order, judgment or decree applicable to the Company, or (ii) result in any breach or violation of or constitute a default (or an event which with notice or lapse of time or both could constitute such a breach, violation or default) under or pursuant to, or result in the loss of a material benefit under, or give any right of termination, amendment, acceleration or cancellation of, any organizational document, agreement, contract, commitment, understanding or arrangement to which the Company is a party or by which it is bound.

4. Representations and Warranties of the Lone Star Value Stockholders .

Each of the Lone Star Value Stockholders jointly and severally represents and warrants to the Company that (a) the authorized signatory of such Lone Star Value Stockholder set forth on the signature page hereto has the power and authority to execute this Agreement and any other documents or agreements to be entered into in connection with this Agreement and to bind it thereto, (b) this Agreement has been duly authorized, executed and delivered by such Lone Star Value Stockholder, and is a valid and binding obligation of such Lone Star Value Stockholder, enforceable against such Lone Star Value Stockholder in accordance with its terms, except as enforcement thereof may be limited by applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium, fraudulent conveyance or similar laws generally affecting the rights of creditors and

 

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subject to general equity principles, (c) the execution of this Agreement, the consummation of any of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and the fulfillment of the terms of this Agreement, in each case in accordance with the terms of this Agreement, will not conflict with, or result in a breach or violation of the organizational documents of such Lone Star Value Stockholder as currently in effect and (d) the execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement by such Lone Star Value Stockholder does not and will not violate or conflict with (i) any law, rule, regulation, order, judgment or decree applicable to such Lone Star Value Stockholder, or (ii) result in any breach or violation of or constitute a default (or an event which with notice or lapse of time or both could constitute such a breach, violation or default) under or pursuant to, or result in the loss of a material benefit under, or give any right of termination, amendment, acceleration or cancellation of, any organizational document, agreement, contract, commitment, understanding or arrangement to which such member is a party or by which it is bound.

5. Termination .

This Agreement shall terminate on the date that is 30 days prior to the expiration of the Company’s advance notice period for the nomination of directors at the 2017 annual meeting of stockholders of the Company, which date shall only be deemed to refer to the notice period as established by the Company’s Bylaws and shall not, in any event, be deemed to refer to the date for submission of stockholder proposals as established by Rule 14a-8 of the Exchange Act.

6. Mutual Non-Disparagement .

Each Party covenants and agrees that, from the Effective Date until the Termination Date, or if earlier, until such time as the other Party or any of its agents, subsidiaries, affiliates, successors, assigns, officers, key employees or directors has breached this Section 6, neither it nor any of its agents, subsidiaries, affiliates, successors, assigns, officers, key employees or directors will in any way publicly disparage, call into disrepute, defame, slander or otherwise

 

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criticize the other Party or the other Party’s subsidiaries, affiliates, successors, assigns, officers (including any current officer of a Party or a Party’s subsidiaries who no longer serves in such capacity following the Effective Date), directors (including any current director of a Party or a Party’s subsidiaries who no longer serves in such capacity following the effective date of this Agreement), employees, stockholders, agents, attorneys or representatives, or any of their products or services, in any manner that would damage the business or reputation of such other Party, its products or services or its subsidiaries, affiliates, successors, assigns, officers (or former officers), directors (or former directors), employees, stockholders, agents, attorneys or representatives. Notwithstanding the foregoing, nothing shall prevent the making of any factual statement in any compelled testimony or production of information, whether by legal process, subpoena or as part of a response to a request for information from any governmental authority with jurisdiction over the Party from whom information is sought, or to defend against any legal claim from an independent claimant adverse to a Party.

7. Mutual Press Release .

Promptly following the execution of this Agreement, the Company and the Lone Star Value Stockholders shall jointly issue a mutually agreeable press release (the “Agreed Press Release”) announcing this Agreement, in the form attached hereto as Exhibit B . Neither the Company nor any Lone Star Value Stockholder shall make any public announcement or public statement that is inconsistent with or contrary to the statements made in the Agreed Press Release, except as required by law or the rules of any stock exchange or with the prior written consent of the other Party.

8. Specific Performance .

Each of the Lone Star Value Stockholders, on the one hand, and the Company, on the other hand, acknowledges and agrees that irreparable injury to the other Party would occur in the event any of the provisions of this Agreement were not performed in accordance with their specific terms or were otherwise breached and that such injury would not be adequately compensable by the remedies available at law (including the payment of money damages). It is accordingly agreed that each Lone Star Value Stockholder, on the one hand, and the Company, on the other hand (the “Moving Party”), shall each be entitled to specific enforcement of, and injunctive relief to prevent any violation of, the terms of this Agreement, and the other Party will not take action, directly or indirectly, in opposition to the Moving Party seeking such relief on the grounds that any other remedy or relief is available at law or in equity. This Section 8 is not the exclusive remedy for any violation of this Agreement.

9. Expenses .

Each Party shall each be responsible for its own fees and expenses incurred in connection with the negotiation, execution and effectuation of this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby and leading up to it, including, but not limited to, any matters related to the 2016 Annual Meeting; provided, however, that the Company shall reimburse the Lone Star Value Stockholders of the reasonable, documented fees and expenses of Olshan Frome Wolosky LLP and ICOM Advisors LLC (dba InvestorCom), as well as the out-of-pocket expenses of

 

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Messrs. Bova and Whelan in connection with their participation in the foregoing matters, all in an aggregate amount not to exceed $50,000.

10. Severability .

If any term, provision, covenant or restriction of this Agreement is held by a court of competent jurisdiction to be invalid, void or unenforceable, the remainder of the terms, provisions, covenants and restrictions of this Agreement shall remain in full force and effect and shall in no way be affected, impaired or invalidated. It is hereby stipulated and declared to be the intention of the Parties that the Parties would have executed the remaining terms, provisions, covenants and restrictions without including any of such which may be hereafter declared invalid, void or unenforceable. In addition, the Parties agree to use their best efforts to agree upon and substitute a valid and enforceable term, provision, covenant or restriction for any of such that is held invalid, void or enforceable by a court of competent jurisdiction.

11. Notices .

Any notices, consents, determinations, waivers or other communications required or permitted to be given under the terms of this Agreement must be in writing and will be deemed to have been delivered: (a) upon receipt, when delivered personally; (b) upon receipt, when sent by facsimile (provided confirmation of transmission is mechanically or electronically generated and kept on file by the sending Party); or (c) one business day after deposit with a nationally recognized overnight delivery service, in each case properly addressed to the Party to receive the same. The addresses and facsimile numbers for such communications shall be:

If to the Company:

 

    Edgewater Technology, Inc.
    200 Harvard Mill Square
    Suite 210
    Wakefield, MA 01880
    Facsimile No.: (781) 246-9301
    Attention: Timothy R. Oakes

With copies (which shall not constitute notice) to:

 

    Hinckley, Allen & Snyder LLP
    28 State Street
    Boston, MA 02109

 

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    Facsimile No.: (617) 378-4325
    Attention:     Aaron A. Gilman

If to any Lone Star Value Stockholder:

 

    Lone Star Value Management, LLC
    53 Forest Avenue, 1st Floor
    Old Greenwich, Connecticut 06870
    Facsimile No.: (203) 990-0727
    Attention:     Jeffrey E. Eberwein

With a copy (which shall not constitute notice) to:

 

    Olshan Frome Wolosky LLP
    Park Avenue Tower
    65 East 55th Street
    New York, New York 10022
    Facsimile No.: (212) 451-2222
    Attention:         Steve Wolosky
                             Aneliya S. Crawford

12. Applicable Law .

This Agreement shall be governed by and construed and enforced in accordance with the laws of the State of Delaware without reference to the conflict of laws principles thereof that would result in the application of the laws of another jurisdiction. Each of the Parties irrevocably agrees that any legal action or proceeding with respect to this Agreement and the rights and obligations arising hereunder, or for recognition and enforcement of any judgment in respect of this Agreement and the rights and obligations arising hereunder brought by the other Party or its successors or assigns, shall be brought and determined exclusively in the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware (or, if any such court declines to accept jurisdiction over a particular matter, any state or federal court within the State of Delaware) and any appellate court therefrom. Each of the Parties hereby irrevocably submits with regard to any such action or proceeding for itself and in respect of its property, generally and unconditionally, to the personal jurisdiction of the aforesaid courts and agrees that it will not bring any action relating to this Agreement in any court other than the aforesaid courts. Each of the Parties hereby irrevocably waives, and agrees not to assert in any action or proceeding with respect to this Agreement, (a) any claim that it is not personally subject to the jurisdiction of the above-named courts for any reason, (b) any claim that it or its property is exempt or immune from jurisdiction of any such court or from any legal process commenced in such courts (whether through service of notice, attachment prior to judgment, attachment in aid of execution of judgment, execution of judgment or otherwise) and (c) to the fullest extent permitted by applicable legal requirements, any claim that (i) the suit, action or proceeding in such court is brought in an inconvenient forum, (ii) the venue of such suit, action or proceeding is improper, or (iii) this Agreement, or the subject matter of this Agreement, may not be enforced in or by such courts.

13. Affiliates and Associates .

 

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The obligations of each Lone Star Value Stockholder herein shall be understood to apply to each of their respective Affiliates and Associates, and each Lone Star Value Stockholder agrees that it will cause its respective Affiliates and Associates to comply with the terms of this Agreement. As used in this Agreement, the terms “Affiliate” and “Associate” shall have the respective meanings set forth in Rule 12b-2 promulgated by the Securities and Exchange Commission under the Exchange Act, and shall include all persons or entities that at any time during the term of this Agreement become Affiliates or Associates of any person or entity referred to in this Agreement.

14. Voting Securities .

As used in this Agreement, the term “Voting Securities” means the Common Stock, and any other securities (including voting preferred stock) issued by the Company which are entitled to vote generally for the election of directors of the Company, whether currently outstanding or hereafter issued (other than securities having such powers only upon the occurrence of a contingency).

15. Counterparts .

This Agreement may be executed in two or more counterparts, each of which shall be considered one and the same agreement and shall become effective when counterparts have been signed by each of the Parties and delivered to the other Party (including by means of electronic delivery or facsimile).

16. Entire Agreement; Amendment and Waiver; Successors and Assigns; Third Party Beneficiaries .

This Agreement contains the entire understanding of the Parties with respect to its subject matter. There are no restrictions, agreements, promises, representations, warranties, covenants or undertakings between the Parties other than those expressly set forth herein. No modifications of this Agreement can be made except in writing signed by an authorized representative of each of the Company and the Lone Star Value Stockholders. No failure on the part of any Party to exercise, and no delay in exercising, any right, power or remedy hereunder shall operate as a waiver thereof, nor shall any single or partial exercise of such right, power or remedy by such Party preclude any other or further exercise thereof or the exercise of any other right, power or remedy. All remedies hereunder are cumulative and are not exclusive of any other remedies provided by law. The terms and conditions of this Agreement shall be binding upon, inure to the benefit of, and be enforceable by the Parties and their respective successors, heirs, executors, legal representatives, and permitted assigns. No Party shall assign this Agreement or any rights or obligations hereunder without, with respect to any member of the Lone Star Value Stockholders, the prior written consent of the Company, and with respect to the Company, the prior written consent of the Lone Star Value Stockholders. This Agreement is solely for the benefit of the Parties and is not enforceable by any other persons.

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, this Agreement has been duly executed and delivered by the duly authorized signatories of the Parties as of the Effective Date.

 

EDGEWATER TECHNOLOGY, INC.
By:  

/s/ Timothy R. Oakes

        Name:     Timothy R. Oakes
        Title:       CFO, Treasurer and Secretary
LONE STAR VALUE INVESTORS, LP
By:   Lone Star Value Investors GP, LLC, its General Partner
By:  

/s/ Jeffrey E. Eberwein

        Name: Jeffrey E. Eberwein
        Title: Manager
LONE STAR VALUE INVESTORS GP, LLC
By:  

/s/ Jeffrey E. Eberwein

        Name: Jeffrey E. Eberwein
        Title: Manager
LONE STAR VALUE MANAGEMENT, LLC
By:  

/s/ Jeffrey E. Eberwein

        Name: Jeffrey E. Eberwein
        Title: Sole Member
JEFFREY E. EBERWEIN
By:  

/s/ Jeffrey E. Eberwein

        Name:    Jeffrey E. Eberwein
AMERI HOLDINGS, INC.
By:  

/s/ Giri Devanur

Name: Giri Devanur
Title:   CEO

[ Signature Page to Settlement Agreement ]


AMERI & PARTNERS INC.
By:  

/s/ Giri Devanur

Name: Giri Devanur
Title:   CEO
LENNY ALUGAS
By:  

/s/ Lenny Alugas

Name: Lenny Alugas
STEPHEN R. BOVA
By:  

/s/ Stephen R. Bova

Name: Stephen R. Bova
ROBERT G. PEARSE
By:  

/s/ Robert G. Pearse

Name: Robert G. Pearse
DHRUWA N. RAI
By:  

/s/ Dhruwa N. Rai

Name: Dhruwa N. Rai
TIMOTHY WHELAN
By:  

/s/ Timothy Whelan

Name: Timothy Whelan
GIRI DEVANUR
By:  

/s/ Giri Devanur

Name: Giri Devanur
SRINIDHI “DEV” DEVANUR
By:  

/s/ Srinidhi “Dev” Devanur

Name: Srinidhi “Dev” Devanur

[ Signature Page to Settlement Agreement ]


DIMITRIOS J. ANGELIS
By:  

/s/ Dimitirios J. Angelis

Name: Dimitrios J. Angelis
DR. ARTHUR M. LANGER
By:  

/s/ Arthur M. Langer

Name: Dr. Arthur M. Langer
DR. ROBERT ROSENBERG
By:  

/s/ Dr. Robert Rosenberg

Name: Dr. Robert Rosenberg
BRUNDA JAGANNATH
By:  

/s/ Brunda Jagannath

Name: Brunda Jagannath
SRIRANGAN RAJAGOPAL
By:  

/s/ Srirangan Rajagopal

Name: Srirangan Rajagopal
CARLOS FERNANDEZ
By:  

/s/ Carlos Fernandez

Name: Carlos Fernandez

[ Signature Page to Settlement Agreement ]


EXHIBIT A

Lone Star Value Stockholders

LONE STAR VALUE INVESTORS, LP

LONE STAR VALUE INVESTORS GP, LLC

LONE STAR VALUE MANAGEMENT, LLC

JEFFREY E. EBERWEIN

AMERI HOLDINGS, INC.

AMERI & PARTNERS INC.

LENNY ALUGAS

STEPHEN R. BOVA

ROBERT G. PEARSE

DHRUWA N. RAI

TIMOTHY WHELAN

GIRI DEVANUR

SRINIDHI “DEV” DEVANUR

DIMITRIOS J. ANGELIS

DR. ARTHUR M. LANGER

DR. ROBERT ROSENBERG

BRUNDA JAGANNATH

SRIRANGAN RAJAGOPAL

CARLOS FERNANDEZ


EXHIBIT B

Agreed Press Release

Exhibit 10.2

INDEMNIFICATION AGREEMENT

This Indemnification Agreement ( “Agreement” ), dated as of [                ], is by and between Edgewater Technology, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company” ), and [                ] ( “Indemnitee” ).

WHEREAS, [Indemnitee is a director or officer of the Company/the Company expects Indemnitee to join the Company as a director or officer];

WHEREAS, both the Company and Indemnitee recognize the increased risk of litigation and other claims being asserted against directors and officers of public companies;

WHEREAS, the board of directors of the Company (the “Board” ) has determined that enhancing the ability of the Company to retain and attract as directors and officers the most capable persons is in the best interests of the Company and that the Company therefore should seek to assure such persons that indemnification and insurance coverage is available; [and]

WHEREAS, in recognition of the need to provide Indemnitee with substantial protection against personal liability, in order to procure Indemnitee’s [continued] service as a director or officer of the Company and to enhance Indemnitee’s ability to serve the Company in an effective manner, and in order to provide such protection pursuant to express contract rights (intended to be enforceable irrespective of, among other things, any amendment to the Company’s certificate of incorporation or bylaws (collectively, the “Constituent Documents” ) or any change in control or business combination transaction relating to the Company), the Company wishes to provide in this Agreement for the indemnification of, and the advancement of Expenses (as defined in Section 1(f) below) to, Indemnitee as set forth in this Agreement and for the continued coverage of Indemnitee under the Company’s directors’ and officers’ liability insurance policies[./; and]

[WHEREAS, the Company and Indemnitee are currently party to an Indemnity Agreement and wish to amend and restate such Indemnity Agreement in its entirety to reflect current practices with respect to indemnification as well as legal and other developments in connection therewith.]

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing and Indemnitee’s agreement to [continue to] provide services to the Company, the parties agree as follows:

1. Definitions . For purposes of this Agreement, the following terms shall have the following meanings:

(a) “Beneficial Owner” has the meaning given to the term “beneficial owner” in Rule 13d-3 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the Exchange Act” ).

(b) “ Change in Control ” means the occurrence after the date of this Agreement of any of the following events:

(i) any Person is or becomes the Beneficial Owner, directly or indirectly, of securities of the Company representing more than 50% of the Company’s then outstanding Voting Securities;


(ii) the consummation of a reorganization, merger or consolidation, unless immediately following such reorganization, merger or consolidation, all of the Beneficial Owners of the Voting Securities of the Company immediately prior to such transaction beneficially own, directly or indirectly, more than 50% of the combined voting power of the outstanding Voting Securities of the entity resulting from such transaction; or

(iii) the stockholders of the Company approve a plan of complete liquidation or dissolution of the Company or an agreement for the sale or disposition by the Company of all or substantially all of the Company’s assets.

(c) “Claim” means:

(i) any threatened, pending or completed action, suit, proceeding or alternative dispute resolution mechanism, whether civil, criminal, administrative, arbitrative, investigative or other, and whether made pursuant to federal, state or other law; or

(ii) any inquiry, hearing or investigation that Indemnitee determines might lead to the institution of any such action, suit, proceeding or alternative dispute resolution mechanism.

(d) “Delaware Court” shall have the meaning ascribed to it in Section 9(e) below.

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

(f) “Expenses” means any and all expenses, including attorneys’ and experts’ fees, court costs, transcript costs, travel expenses, duplicating, printing and binding costs, telephone charges, and all other costs and expenses incurred in connection with investigating, defending, being a witness in or participating in (including on appeal), or preparing to defend, be a witness or participate in, any Claim. Expenses also shall include (i) Expenses incurred in connection with any appeal resulting from any Claim, including without limitation the premium, security for, and other costs relating to any cost bond, supersedeas bond, or other appeal bond or its equivalent, and (ii) for purposes of Section 5 only, Expenses incurred by Indemnitee in connection with the interpretation, enforcement or defense of Indemnitee’s rights under this Agreement, by litigation or otherwise. Expenses, however, shall not include amounts paid in settlement by Indemnitee or the amount of judgments or fines against Indemnitee.

(g) “Expense Advance” means any payment of Expenses advanced to Indemnitee by the Company pursuant to Section 4 or Section 5 hereof.

(h) “Indemnifiable Event” means any event or occurrence, whether occurring before, on or after the date of this Agreement, related to the fact that Indemnitee is or was a director, officer, employee or agent of the Company or any

 

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subsidiary of the Company, or is or was serving at the request of the Company as a director, officer, employee, member, manager, trustee or agent of any other corporation, limited liability company, partnership, joint venture, trust or other entity or enterprise (collectively with the Company, “Enterprise” ) or by reason of an action or inaction by Indemnitee in any such capacity (whether or not serving in such capacity at the time any Loss is incurred for which indemnification can be provided under this Agreement).

(i) “Independent Counsel” means a law firm, or a member of a law firm, that is experienced in matters of corporation law and neither presently performs, nor in the past three years has performed, services for either: (i) the Company or Indemnitee (other than in connection with matters concerning Indemnitee under this Agreement or of other indemnitees under similar agreements) or (ii) any other party to the Claim giving rise to a claim for indemnification hereunder. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the term “Independent Counsel” shall not include any person who, under the applicable standards of professional conduct then prevailing, would have a conflict of interest in representing either the Company or Indemnitee in an action to determine Indemnitee’s rights under this Agreement.

(j) “Losses” means any and all Expenses, damages, losses, liabilities, judgments, fines, penalties (whether civil, criminal or other), ERISA excise taxes, amounts paid or payable in settlement, including any interest, assessments, any federal, state, local or foreign taxes imposed as a result of the actual or deemed receipt of any payments under this Agreement and all other charges paid or payable in connection with investigating, defending, being a witness in or participating in (including on appeal), or preparing to defend, be a witness or participate in, any Claim.

(k) “Person” means any individual, corporation, firm, partnership, joint venture, limited liability company, estate, trust, business association, organization, governmental entity or other entity and includes the meaning set forth in Sections 13(d) and 14(d) of the Exchange Act.

(l) “Standard of Conduct Determination” shall have the meaning ascribed to it in Section 9(b) below.

(m) “Voting Securities” means any securities of the Company that vote generally in the election of directors.

2. Services to the Company . Indemnitee agrees to [serve/continue to serve] as a director or officer of the Company for so long as Indemnitee is duly elected or appointed or until Indemnitee tenders his or her resignation or is no longer serving in such capacity. This Agreement shall not be deemed an employment agreement between the Company (or any of its subsidiaries or Enterprise) and Indemnitee. Indemnitee specifically acknowledges that his or her employment with or service to the Company or any of its subsidiaries or Enterprise is at will and Indemnitee may be discharged at any time for any reason, with or without cause, except as may be otherwise provided in any written employment agreement between Indemnitee and the Company (or any of its subsidiaries or Enterprise), other applicable formal severance policies duly adopted by the Board or, with respect to service as a director or officer of the Company, by

 

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the Company’s Constituent Documents or Delaware law. This Agreement shall continue in force after Indemnitee has ceased to serve as a director or officer of the Company or, at the request of the Company, of any of its subsidiaries or Enterprise, as provided in Section 12 hereof.

3. Indemnification . Subject to Section 9 and Section 10 of this Agreement, the Company shall indemnify Indemnitee, to the fullest extent permitted by the laws of the State of Delaware in effect on the date hereof, or as such laws may from time to time hereafter be amended to increase the scope of such permitted indemnification, against any and all Losses if Indemnitee was or is or becomes a party to or participant in, or is threatened to be made a party to or participant in, any Claim by reason of or arising in part out of an Indemnifiable Event, including, without limitation, Claims brought by or in the right of the Company, Claims brought by third parties, and Claims in which Indemnitee is solely a witness.

4. Advancement of Expenses . Indemnitee shall have the right to advancement by the Company, prior to the final disposition of any Claim by final adjudication to which there are no further rights of appeal, of any and all Expenses actually and reasonably paid or incurred by Indemnitee in connection with any Claim arising out of an Indemnifiable Event. Indemnitee’s right to such advancement is not subject to the satisfaction of any standard of conduct. Without limiting the generality or effect of the foregoing, within twenty (20) days after any request by Indemnitee, the Company shall, in accordance with such request, (a) pay such Expenses on behalf of Indemnitee, (b) advance to Indemnitee funds in an amount sufficient to pay such Expenses, or (c) reimburse Indemnitee for such Expenses. In connection with any request for Expense Advances, Indemnitee shall not be required to provide any documentation or information to the extent that the provision thereof would undermine or otherwise jeopardize attorney-client privilege. Execution and delivery to the Company of this Agreement by Indemnitee constitutes an undertaking by Indemnitee to repay any amounts paid, advanced or reimbursed by the Company pursuant to this Section 4 in respect of Expenses relating to, arising out of or resulting from any Claim in respect of which it shall be determined, pursuant to Section 9, following the final disposition of such Claim, that Indemnitee is not entitled to indemnification hereunder. No other form of undertaking shall be required other than the execution of this Agreement. Indemnitee’s obligation to reimburse the Company for Expense Advances shall be unsecured and no interest shall be charged thereon.

5. Indemnification for Expenses in Enforcing Rights . To the fullest extent allowable under applicable law, the Company shall also indemnify against, and, if requested by Indemnitee, shall advance to Indemnitee subject to and in accordance with Section 4, any Expenses actually and reasonably paid or incurred by Indemnitee in connection with any action or proceeding by Indemnitee for (a) indemnification or reimbursement or advance payment of Expenses by the Company under any provision of this Agreement, or under any other agreement or provision of the Constituent Documents now or hereafter in effect relating to Claims relating to Indemnifiable Events, and/or (b) recovery under any directors’ and officers’ liability insurance policies maintained by the Company, regardless of whether Indemnitee ultimately is determined to be entitled to such indemnification or insurance recovery, as the case may be. Indemnitee shall be required to reimburse the Company in the event that a final judicial determination is made that such action brought by Indemnitee was frivolous or not made in good faith.

 

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6. Partial Indemnity . If Indemnitee is entitled under any provision of this Agreement to indemnification by the Company for a portion of any Losses in respect of a Claim related to an Indemnifiable Event but not for the total amount thereof, the Company shall nevertheless indemnify Indemnitee for the portion thereof to which Indemnitee is entitled.

7. Notification and Defense of Claims .

(a) Notification of Claims . Indemnitee shall notify the Company in writing as soon as practicable of any Claim which could relate to an Indemnifiable Event or for which Indemnitee could seek Expense Advances, including a brief description (based upon information then available to Indemnitee) of the nature of, and the facts underlying, such Claim. If at the time of the receipt of such notice, the Company has directors’ and officers’ liability insurance in effect under which coverage for Claims related to Indemnifiable Events is potentially available, the Company shall give prompt written notice to the applicable insurers in accordance with the procedures set forth in the applicable policies. The Company shall provide to Indemnitee a copy of such notice delivered to the applicable insurers, and copies of all subsequent correspondence between the Company and such insurers regarding the Claim, in each case substantially concurrently with the delivery or receipt thereof by the Company.

(b) Defense of Claims . The Company shall be entitled to participate in the defense of any Claim relating to an Indemnifiable Event at its own expense and, except as otherwise provided below, to the extent the Company so wishes, it may assume the defense thereof with counsel reasonably satisfactory to Indemnitee. After notice from the Company to Indemnitee of its election to assume the defense of any such Claim, the Company shall not be liable to Indemnitee under this Agreement or otherwise for any Expenses subsequently directly incurred by Indemnitee in connection with Indemnitee’s defense of such Claim other than reasonable costs of investigation or as otherwise provided below. Indemnitee shall have the right to employ its own legal counsel in such Claim, but all Expenses related to such counsel incurred after notice from the Company of its assumption of the defense shall be at Indemnitee’s own expense; provided, however, that if (i) Indemnitee’s employment of its own legal counsel has been authorized by the Company, (ii) Indemnitee has reasonably determined that there may be a conflict of interest between Indemnitee and the Company in the defense of such Claim, (iii) after a Change in Control (or if Indemnitee is no longer a director or officer of the Company), Indemnitee’s employment of its own counsel has been approved by the Independent Counsel or (iv) the Company shall not in fact have employed counsel to assume the defense of such Claim, then Indemnitee shall be entitled to retain its own separate counsel (but not more than one law firm plus, if applicable, local counsel in respect of any such Claim) and all Expenses related to such separate counsel shall be borne by the Company.

8. Procedure upon Application for Indemnification . In order to obtain indemnification pursuant to this Agreement, Indemnitee shall submit to the Company a written request therefor, including in such request such documentation and information as is reasonably available to Indemnitee and is reasonably necessary to determine whether and to what extent Indemnitee is entitled to indemnification following the final disposition of the Claim.

 

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Indemnification shall be made insofar as the Company determines Indemnitee is entitled to indemnification in accordance with Section 9 below.

9. Determination of Right to Indemnification .

(a) Mandatory Indemnification; Indemnification as a Witness.

(i) To the extent that Indemnitee shall have been successful on the merits or otherwise in defense of any Claim relating to an Indemnifiable Event or any portion thereof or in defense of any issue or matter therein, including without limitation dismissal without prejudice, Indemnitee shall be indemnified against all Losses relating to such Claim in accordance with Section 3 to the fullest extent allowable by law, and no Standard of Conduct Determination (as defined in Section 9(b)) shall be required.

(ii) To the extent that Indemnitee’s involvement in a Claim relating to an Indemnifiable Event is to prepare to serve and serve as a witness, and not as a party, Indemnitee shall be indemnified against all Losses incurred in connection therewith to the fullest extent allowable by law and no Standard of Conduct Determination (as defined in Section 9(b)) shall be required.

(b) Standard of Conduct . To the extent that the provisions of Section 9(a) are inapplicable to a Claim related to an Indemnifiable Event that shall have been finally disposed of, any determination of whether Indemnitee has satisfied any applicable standard of conduct under Delaware law that is a legally required condition to indemnification of Indemnitee hereunder against Losses relating to such Claim and any determination that Expense Advances must be repaid to the Company (a “Standard of Conduct Determination” ) shall be made as follows:

(i) if no Change in Control has occurred (other than as provided in Section 9(b)(iii)), (A) by a majority vote of the Disinterested Directors, even if less than a quorum of the Board, (B) by a committee of Disinterested Directors designated by a majority vote of the Disinterested Directors, even though less than a quorum, or (C) if there are no such Disinterested Directors, by Independent Counsel in a written opinion addressed to the Board, a copy of which shall be delivered to Indemnitee;

(ii) if a Change in Control shall have occurred, (A) if Indemnitee so requests in writing, by a majority vote of the Disinterested Directors, even if less than a quorum of the Board, or (B) otherwise, by Independent Counsel in a written opinion addressed to the Board, a copy of which shall be delivered to Indemnitee; and

(iii) if no Change in Control has occurred and Indemnitee is no longer an officer or director of the Company (for whatever reason), (A) if Indemnitee so requests in writing, by a majority vote of the Disinterested Directors, even if less than a quorum of the Board, or (B) otherwise, by Independent Counsel in a

 

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written opinion addressed to the Board, a copy of which shall be delivered to Indemnitee.

The Company shall indemnify and hold harmless Indemnitee against and, if requested by Indemnitee, shall reimburse Indemnitee for, or advance to Indemnitee, within twenty (20) days of such request, any and all Expenses incurred by Indemnitee in cooperating with the person or persons making such Standard of Conduct Determination.

(c) Making the Standard of Conduct Determination . The Company shall use its reasonable best efforts to cause any Standard of Conduct Determination required under Section 9(b) to be made as promptly as practicable. If the person or persons designated to make the Standard of Conduct Determination under Section 9(b) shall not have made a determination within thirty (30) days after the later of (A) receipt by the Company of a written request from Indemnitee for indemnification pursuant to Section 8 (the date of such receipt being the “Notification Date” ) and (B) the selection of an Independent Counsel, if such determination is to be made by Independent Counsel, then Indemnitee shall be deemed to have satisfied the applicable standard of conduct; provided that such 30-day period may be extended for a reasonable time, not to exceed an additional thirty (30) days, if the person or persons making such determination in good faith requires such additional time to obtain or evaluate information relating thereto. Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, no determination as to entitlement of Indemnitee to indemnification under this Agreement shall be required to be made prior to the final disposition of any Claim.

(d) Payment of Indemnification . If, in regard to any Losses:

(i) Indemnitee shall be entitled to indemnification pursuant to Section 9(a);

(ii) no Standard Conduct Determination is legally required as a condition to indemnification of Indemnitee hereunder; or

(iii) Indemnitee has been determined or deemed pursuant to Section 9(b) or Section 9(c) to have satisfied the Standard of Conduct Determination,

then the Company shall pay to Indemnitee, within five (5) days after the later of (A) the Notification Date or (B) the earliest date on which the applicable criterion specified in clause (i), (ii) or (iii) is satisfied, an amount equal to such Losses.

(e) Selection of Independent Counsel for Standard of Conduct Determination . If a Standard of Conduct Determination is to be made by Independent Counsel pursuant to Section 9(b)(i), the Independent Counsel shall be selected by the Board of Directors, and the Company shall give written notice to Indemnitee advising him or her of the identity of the Independent Counsel so selected. If a Standard of Conduct Determination is to be made by Independent Counsel pursuant to Section 9(b)(ii) or Section 9(b)(iii), the

 

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Independent Counsel shall be selected by Indemnitee, and Indemnitee shall give written notice to the Company advising it of the identity of the Independent Counsel so selected. In either case, Indemnitee or the Company, as applicable, may, within five (5) days after receiving written notice of selection from the other, deliver to the other a written objection to such selection; provided, however, that such objection may be asserted only on the ground that the Independent Counsel so selected does not satisfy the criteria set forth in the definition of “Independent Counsel” in Section 1(i), and the objection shall set forth with particularity the factual basis of such assertion. Absent a proper and timely objection, the person or firm so selected shall act as Independent Counsel. If such written objection is properly and timely made and substantiated, (i) the Independent Counsel so selected may not serve as Independent Counsel unless and until such objection is withdrawn or a court has determined that such objection is without merit; and (ii) the non-objecting party may, at its option, select an alternative Independent Counsel and give written notice to the other party advising such other party of the identity of the alternative Independent Counsel so selected, in which case the provisions of the two immediately preceding sentences, the introductory clause of this sentence and numbered clause (i) of this sentence shall apply to such subsequent selection and notice. If applicable, the provisions of clause (ii) of the immediately preceding sentence shall apply to successive alternative selections. If no Independent Counsel that is permitted under the foregoing provisions of this Section 9(e) to make the Standard of Conduct Determination shall have been selected within twenty (20) days after the Company gives its initial notice pursuant to the first sentence of this Section 9(e) or Indemnitee gives its initial notice pursuant to the second sentence of this Section 9(e), as the case may be, either the Company or Indemnitee may petition the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware ( “Delaware Court” ) to resolve any objection which shall have been made by the Company or Indemnitee to the other’s selection of Independent Counsel and/or to appoint as Independent Counsel a person to be selected by the Court or such other person as the Court shall designate, and the person or firm with respect to whom all objections are so resolved or the person or firm so appointed will act as Independent Counsel. In all events, the Company shall pay all of the reasonable fees and expenses of the Independent Counsel incurred in connection with the Independent Counsel’s determination pursuant to Section 9(b).

(f) Presumptions and Defenses.

(i) Indemnitee’s Entitlement to Indemnification . In making any Standard of Conduct Determination, the person or persons making such determination shall presume that Indemnitee has satisfied the applicable standard of conduct and is entitled to indemnification, and the Company shall have the burden of proof to overcome that presumption and establish that Indemnitee is not so entitled. Any Standard of Conduct Determination that is adverse to Indemnitee may be challenged by Indemnitee in the Delaware Court. No determination by the Company (including by its directors or any Independent Counsel) that Indemnitee has not satisfied any applicable standard of conduct may be used as a defense to any legal proceedings brought by Indemnitee to secure indemnification or reimbursement or advance payment of Expenses by the Company hereunder or

 

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create a presumption that Indemnitee has not met any applicable standard of conduct.

(ii) Reliance as a Safe Harbor . For purposes of this Agreement, and without creating any presumption as to a lack of good faith if the following circumstances do not exist, Indemnitee shall be deemed to have acted in good faith and in a manner he or she reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the Company if Indemnitee’s actions or omissions to act are taken in good faith reliance upon the records of the Company, including its financial statements, or upon information, opinions, reports or statements furnished to Indemnitee by the officers or employees of the Company or any of its subsidiaries in the course of their duties, or by committees of the Board or by any other Person (including legal counsel, accountants and financial advisors) as to matters Indemnitee reasonably believes are within such other Person’s professional or expert competence and who has been selected with reasonable care by or on behalf of the Company. In addition, the knowledge and/or actions, or failures to act, of any director, officer, agent or employee of the Company shall not be imputed to Indemnitee for purposes of determining the right to indemnity hereunder.

(iii) No Other Presumptions . For purposes of this Agreement, the termination of any Claim by judgment, order, settlement (whether with or without court approval) or conviction, or upon a plea of nolo contendere or its equivalent, will not create a presumption that Indemnitee did not meet any applicable standard of conduct or have any particular belief, or that indemnification hereunder is otherwise not permitted.

(iv) Defense to Indemnification and Burden of Proof . It shall be a defense to any action brought by Indemnitee against the Company to enforce this Agreement (other than an action brought to enforce a claim for Losses incurred in defending against a Claim related to an Indemnifiable Event in advance of its final disposition) that it is not permissible under applicable law for the Company to indemnify Indemnitee for the amount claimed. In connection with any such action or any related Standard of Conduct Determination, the burden of proving such a defense or that Indemnitee did not satisfy the applicable standard of conduct shall be on the Company.

(v) Resolution of Claims . The Company acknowledges that a settlement or other disposition short of final judgment may be successful on the merits or otherwise for purposes of Section 9(a)(i) if it permits a party to avoid expense, delay, distraction, disruption and uncertainty. In the event that any Claim relating to an Indemnifiable Event to which Indemnitee is a party is resolved in any manner other than by adverse judgment against Indemnitee (including, without limitation, settlement of such action, claim or proceeding with our without payment of money or other consideration) it shall be presumed that Indemnitee has been successful on the merits or otherwise for purposes of Section

 

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9(a)(i). The Company shall have the burden of proof to overcome this presumption.

10. Exclusions from Indemnification . Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, the Company shall not be obligated to:

(a) indemnify or advance funds to Indemnitee for Expenses or Losses with respect to proceedings initiated by Indemnitee, including any proceedings against the Company or its directors, officers, employees or other indemnitees and not by way of defense, except:

(i) proceedings referenced in Section 5 above (unless a court of competent jurisdiction determines that each of the material assertions made by Indemnitee in such proceeding was not made in good faith or was frivolous);

(ii) where the Company has joined in or the Board has consented to the initiation of such proceedings; or

(iii) indemnification for such proceedings is expressly required to be made by law.

(b) indemnify Indemnitee if a final decision by a court of competent jurisdiction determines that such indemnification is prohibited by applicable law.

(c) indemnify Indemnitee for the disgorgement of profits arising from the purchase or sale by Indemnitee of securities of the Company in violation of Section 16(b) of the Exchange Act, or any similar successor statute.

(d) indemnify or advance funds to Indemnitee for Indemnitee’s reimbursement to the Company of any bonus or other incentive-based or equity-based compensation previously received by Indemnitee or payment of any profits realized by Indemnitee from the sale of securities of the Company, as required in each case under the Exchange Act (including any such reimbursements under Section 304 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 in connection with an accounting restatement of the Company or the payment to the Company of profits arising from the purchase or sale by Indemnitee of securities in violation of Section 306 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act).

11. Settlement of Claims . The Company shall not be liable to Indemnitee under this Agreement for any amounts paid in settlement of any threatened or pending Claim related to an Indemnifiable Event effected without the Company’s prior written consent, which shall not be unreasonably withheld. The Company shall not settle any Claim related to an Indemnifiable Event in any manner that would impose any Losses on Indemnitee without Indemnitee’s prior written consent.

12. Duration . All agreements and obligations of the Company contained herein shall continue during the period that Indemnitee is a director or officer of the Company (or is serving at the request of the Company as a director, officer, employee, member, trustee or agent of another Enterprise) and shall continue thereafter (i) so long as Indemnitee may be subject to any

 

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possible Claim relating to an Indemnifiable Event (including any rights of appeal thereto) and (ii) throughout the pendency of any proceeding (including any rights of appeal thereto) commenced by Indemnitee to enforce or interpret his or her rights under this Agreement, even if, in either case, he or she may have ceased to serve in such capacity at the time of any such Claim or proceeding.

13. Non-Exclusivity . The rights of Indemnitee hereunder will be in addition to any other rights Indemnitee may have under the Constituent Documents, the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware, any other contract or otherwise (collectively, “Other Indemnity Provisions” ); provided, however, that (a) to the extent that Indemnitee otherwise would have any greater right to indemnification under any Other Indemnity Provision, Indemnitee will be deemed to have such greater right hereunder and (b) to the extent that any change is made to any Other Indemnity Provision which permits any greater right to indemnification than that provided under this Agreement as of the date hereof, Indemnitee will be deemed to have such greater right hereunder.

14. Liability Insurance . For the duration of Indemnitee’s service as a director or officer of the Company, and thereafter for so long as Indemnitee shall be subject to any pending Claim relating to an Indemnifiable Event, the Company shall use commercially reasonable efforts (taking into account the scope and amount of coverage available relative to the cost thereof) to continue to maintain in effect policies of directors’ and officers’ liability insurance providing coverage that is at least substantially comparable in scope and amount to that provided by the Company’s current policies of directors’ and officers’ liability insurance. In all policies of directors’ and officers’ liability insurance maintained by the Company, Indemnitee shall be named as an insured in such a manner as to provide Indemnitee the same rights and benefits as are provided to the most favorably insured of the Company’s directors, if Indemnitee is a director, or of the Company’s officers, if Indemnitee is an officer (and not a director) by such policy. Upon request, the Company will provide to Indemnitee copies of all directors’ and officers’ liability insurance applications, binders, policies, declarations, endorsements and other related materials.

15. No Duplication of Payments . The Company shall not be liable under this Agreement to make any payment to Indemnitee in respect of any Losses to the extent Indemnitee has otherwise received payment under any insurance policy, the Constituent Documents, Other Indemnity Provisions or otherwise of the amounts otherwise indemnifiable by the Company hereunder.

16. Subrogation . In the event of payment to Indemnitee under this Agreement, the Company shall be subrogated to the extent of such payment to all of the rights of recovery of Indemnitee. Indemnitee shall execute all papers required and shall do everything that may be necessary to secure such rights, including the execution of such documents necessary to enable the Company effectively to bring suit to enforce such rights.

17. Amendments . No supplement, modification or amendment of this Agreement shall be binding unless executed in writing by both of the parties hereto. No waiver of any of the provisions of this Agreement shall be binding unless in the form of a writing signed by the party against whom enforcement of the waiver is sought, and no such waiver shall operate as a waiver

 

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of any other provisions hereof (whether or not similar), nor shall such waiver constitute a continuing waiver. Except as specifically provided herein, no failure to exercise or any delay in exercising any right or remedy hereunder shall constitute a waiver thereof.

18. Binding Effect . This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of and be enforceable by the parties hereto and their respective successors (including any direct or indirect successor by purchase, merger, consolidation or otherwise to all or substantially all of the business and/or assets of the Company), assigns, spouses, heirs and personal and legal representatives. The Company shall require and cause any successor (whether direct or indirect by purchase, merger, consolidation or otherwise) to all, substantially all or a substantial part of the business and/or assets of the Company, by written agreement in form and substances satisfactory to Indemnitee, expressly to assume and agree to perform this Agreement in the same manner and to the same extent that the Company would be required to perform if no such succession had taken place.

19. Severability . The provisions of this Agreement shall be severable in the event that any of the provisions hereof (including any portion thereof) are held by a court of competent jurisdiction to be invalid, illegal, void or otherwise unenforceable, and the remaining provisions shall remain enforceable to the fullest extent permitted by law.

20. Notices . All notices, requests, demands and other communications hereunder shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been duly given if delivered by hand, against receipt, or mailed, by postage prepaid, certified or registered mail:

(a) if to Indemnitee, to the address set forth on the signature page hereto.

(b) if to the Company, to:

Edgewater Technology, Inc.

200 Harvard Mill Square, Suite 210

Wakefield, MA 01880

Attention: Chief Financial Officer

Notice of change of address shall be effective only when given in accordance with this Section. All notices complying with this Section shall be deemed to have been received on the date of hand delivery or on the third business day after mailing.

21. Governing Law and Forum . This Agreement shall be governed by and construed and enforced in accordance with the laws of the State of Delaware applicable to contracts made and to be performed in such state without giving effect to its principles of conflicts of laws. The Company and Indemnitee hereby irrevocably and unconditionally: (a) agree that any action or proceeding arising out of or in connection with this Agreement shall be brought only in the Delaware Court and not in any other state or federal court in the United States, (b) consent to submit to the exclusive jurisdiction of the Delaware Court for purposes of any action or proceeding arising out of or in connection with this Agreement, (c) appoint, to the extent such party is not otherwise subject to service of process in the State of Delaware, the Company’s registered agent as its agent in the State of Delaware for acceptance of legal process in connection with any such action or proceeding against such party with the same legal force and

 

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validity as if served upon such party personally within the State of Delaware and (d) waive, and agree not to plead or make, any claim that the Delaware Court lacks venue or that any such action or proceeding brought in the Delaware Court has been brought in an improper or inconvenient forum.

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

23. Counterparts . This Agreement may be executed in one or more counterparts, each of which shall for all purposes be deemed to be an original, but all of which together shall constitute one and the same Agreement.

24. [Prior Indemnity Agreement . This Agreement amends and restates in its entirety the Indemnity Agreement, dated [            ], between the Company and Indemnitee.]

[SIGNATURE PAGE FOLLOWS]

 

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

 

EDGEWATER TECHNOLOGY, INC.

By:  

 

Name:
Title:
INDEMNITEE

 

Name:
Address:  

 

 

 

 

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Schedule of Omitted Information

 

Name of Indemnitee

  

Date of Agreement

  

Person Signing on Behalf of

the Company

  

Date of Prior

Indemnity

Agreement (§ 24)

Shirley Singleton

   March 15, 2016    Timothy R. Oakes, Treasurer and Secretary    June 6, 2001

Paul Flynn

   March 15, 2016    Timothy R. Oakes, Treasurer and Secretary    July 21, 2005

Paul Guzzi

   March 15, 2016    Timothy R. Oakes, Treasurer and Secretary    April 1, 2004

Nancy Leaming

   March 15, 2016    Timothy R. Oakes, Treasurer and Secretary    December 1, 2005

Michael R. Loeb

   March 15, 2016    Timothy R. Oakes, Treasurer and Secretary    March 30, 2000

Wayne Wilson

   March 15, 2016    Timothy R. Oakes, Treasurer and Secretary    May 22, 2003

David A. Clancey

   March 15, 2016    Timothy R. Oakes, Treasurer and Secretary    June 6, 2001

Timothy R. Oakes

   March 15, 2016    Shirley Singleton, CEO    July 21, 2008

Robin Ranzal-Knowles

   March 15, 2016    Timothy R. Oakes, Treasurer and Secretary    March 9, 2012

Kristin L. Zaepfel

   March 15, 2016    Timothy R. Oakes, Treasurer and Secretary    June 2, 2004

Stephen R. Bova

   March 24, 2016    Timothy R. Oakes, Treasurer and Secretary    N/A

Timothy Whelan

   March 24, 2016    Timothy R. Oakes, Treasurer and Secretary    N/A

 

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Exhibit 99.1

 

LOGO

Edgewater Announces Agreement with Lone Star Value and Appointment of New Independent Directors

 

 

Wakefield, MA – March 24, 2016 – Edgewater Technology, Inc. (NASDAQ:EDGW) (“Edgewater”), a leading consulting firm that brings a blend of classic and product-based consulting services to its clients, announced today that it has reached an agreement with Lone Star Value Management, LLC and others (“Lone Star Value”) relating to the appointment of new members to the Edgewater Board of Directors (the “Board”).

Pursuant to the terms of the agreement, Edgewater has expanded the size of the Board from six to eight directors and the Board has appointed two new independent directors—Timothy Whelan, a Co-Founder and Managing Director of Echo Financial Business Consulting, and Stephen R. Bova, an independent business strategy consultant—to fill the newly created directorships, effective March 24, 2016.

“We are pleased to welcome Tim and Steve to Edgewater’s Board,” commented Shirley Singleton, Edgewater’s Chairman, President and CEO. “Edgewater has long had a strong and experienced Board, focused on growing the Company. While Edgewater has greatly benefited from the diverse backgrounds and expertise of our existing Board members, we anticipate that the addition of Tim and Steve to the Board will provide Edgewater with new perspectives and ideas as we work collectively to drive stockholder value.”

Jeffrey E. Eberwein of Lone Star Value stated, “We are encouraged by Edgewater’s commitment to exploring strategic alternatives, and we are pleased to have worked together with the Board and management team to reach an agreement to expand the Edgewater Board. We believe the addition of Tim and Steve will help the Board and management team maximize value for all Edgewater stockholders.”

Pursuant to its agreement with Edgewater, Lone Star Value has agreed to certain customary standstill and voting provisions. The agreement will be filed on a Current Report on Form 8-K with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

About Timothy Whelan

Timothy Whelan, age 49, is a Co-Founder and Managing Director of Echo Financial Business Consulting, a privately held financial and operational consulting firm that he co-founded in February 2014. Mr. Whelan also serves as a director of Wireless Telecom Group, Inc. (NYSE MKT:WTT), a global designer and manufacturer of radio frequency and microwave-based products, since March 2015, where he is the Chair of its Compensation Committee and a member of its Audit Committee. From June 2009 to August 2013, Mr. Whelan served as the Chief Operating Officer of IPC Systems, Inc. (“IPC Systems”), a global leading provider of communications networks, systems and solutions to the financial services industry. Mr. Whelan previously served as the Chief Financial Officer of IPC Systems from December 2001 to June 2009. From July 2000 to December 2001, Mr. Whelan served as Divisional Chief Financial Officer of Global Crossing’s Financial Markets division. From May 1999 to June 2000, he was Vice President of Finance at IPC Information Systems, Inc. and IXnet, Inc. Mr. Whelan is a certified public accountant and previously worked for Ernst & Young from 1992 to 1999. He also previously served four years as a U.S. Naval Officer. He has a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting from Villanova University.


About Stephen R. Bova

Stephen R. Bova, age 69, has served as an independent consultant, offering business strategy advice, organization analysis and CEO mentoring, since January 2014. Mr. Bova has also served as a director of each of OPTOMI, LLC, a nationwide IT staffing company, since October 2012; Lindsey Software Systems, Inc., a public housing software developer, since November 2010; and BlueInGreen, LLC, a technology-based water quality improvement company, since November 2010. From January 2010 to December 2013, Mr. Bova served as a Partner of the Clark Bova Group, LLC, a management consulting firm. He also previously served as a Member of the Investment Committee of the Fund for Arkansas’ Future (FAF), an angel investor fund focused on Arkansas-based start-up companies, from January 2008 to December 2013. Mr. Bova previously served as the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Technisource, Inc. (f/k/a IntelliMark IT Business Solutions), an IT staffing company, from 2000 until it was successfully sold to Spherion Corporation in 2007. Technisource, Inc. was formerly a wholly owned subsidiary of Edgewater (formerly StaffMark, Inc.) until it was spun out as an independent company in 2000. Mr. Bova served as the President and Chief Operating Officer of Edgewater from 1999 to 2000, and as a director from 1999 to 2001. Mr. Bova also served as a director of Vestcom International, Inc., a leading provider of shelf-edge communications and specialized marketing services, from 1997 to 2002. From 1998 to 1999, he served as the Director of International Operations of Intelligroup, Inc., a leading provider of IT and consulting services. Mr. Bova’s professional experience also includes prior service as the President of the Global Banking Division of Systematics, Inc. and later Alltel Information Services following its acquisition of Systematics (now Fidelity National Information Services, Inc.). He also previously served as the President of the Global Banking Division of Electronic Data Systems Corporation. Mr. Bova’s professional career began as a software technician in 1970 and progressed to executive management roles beginning in 1983.

About Edgewater

Edgewater Technology, Inc. (NASDAQ:EDGW) is a strategic consulting firm delivering a blend of classic and product-based consulting services. Edgewater addresses the market both vertically by industry and horizontally by product and technology specialty, providing its client base with a wide range of business and technology solutions. As one of the largest IT consulting firms based in New England, the company works with clients to reduce costs, improve processes and increase revenue through the judicious use of technology. Edgewater’s brand names include Edgewater Technology, Edgewater Ranzal and Edgewater Fullscope. To learn more, please visit www.edgewater.com.

Company Contact:

Timothy R. Oakes, Chief Financial Officer

1-781-246-3343

Investor Relations Contact:

Three Part Advisors, LLC

Steven Hooser / Matt Selinger

1-817-778-8423