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):

 

September 12, 2016

 

 

 

Internap Corporation

(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Charter)

 

 

 

Delaware

(State or Other Jurisdiction
of Incorporation)

 

001-31989

(Commission File Number)

 

91-2145721

(IRS Employer
Identification
Number

 

One Ravinia Drive, Suite 1300, Atlanta, Georgia

(Address of Principal Executive Offices)

 

30346

(Zip Code)

 

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (404) 302-9700

 

Not applicable

(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 Securities Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)

 

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

 

¨ Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Securities Act (17 CFR 240.13e-2(c))

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

Resignation of President and Chief Executive Officer

 

On September 13, 2016, Internap Corporation (the “Company”) announced the resignation of Michael A. Ruffolo from his positions as President and Chief Executive Officer effective as of September 19, 2016. Mr. Ruffolo also resigned as a director of the Company effective as of the same date.

 

Mr. Ruffolo will receive the benefits previously disclosed and provided in his offer letter (Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on August 4, 2015) and Employment Security Agreement (Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on August 4, 2015), both of which are incorporated by reference herein.

 

Appointment of President and Chief Executive Officer

 

On September 13, 2016, the Company announced the appointment of Peter D. Aquino as President and Chief Executive Officer, effective September 19, 2016 (the “Commencement Date”). The Board of Directors also appointed Mr. Aquino to serve as a director of the Company, effective on the Commencement Date. Mr. Aquino will be a Class II Director, with a term expiring at the Company’s 2019 annual meeting of stockholders.

 

Mr. Aquino, age 55, has over 30 years of telecom, media and technology experience. Mr. Aquino is the founder and, since 2013, has been President, Chairman and CEO of Broad Valley Capital, LLC, which provides advisory services and capital to improve business operations, productivity and asset value. In 2014, Mr. Aquino founded Broad Valley Micro Fiber Networks Inc., a Mid- Atlantic fiber and wireless infrastructure services provider and has served as its CEO since formation. Mr. Aquino served as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Primus Telecommunications Group, Inc. (“PTGi”) (NYSE: PTGI) from October 2010 to January 2013 and as Executive Chairman from January 2013 to April 2013. Under Mr. Aquino’s leadership, PTGi expanded into an integrated telecommunications company serving consumer and business customers with voice, data, high capacity fiber and datacenter services in several markets around the world. Prior to PTGi, Mr. Aquino was the President and CEO of RCN Corporation (Nasdaq: RCNI) from December 2004 until its sale in August 2010. Mr. Aquino led the company post-bankruptcy, and transformed RCN into an all-digital HDTV cable multiple-system operator in five major U.S. markets. Earlier in his career, Mr. Aquino led the construction and operation of Veninfoltel LLC of Venezuela (now branded NetUno), one of the first Triple Play companies in Latin America. Mr. Aquino serves on the Boards of Directors of Lumos Networks (Nasdaq: LMOS) and FairPoint Communications, Inc. (Nasdaq: FRP). Mr. Aquino also served on the Board of Directors of TiVo, Inc. (Nasdaq: TIVO) from 2010 until September 2016.

 

Pursuant to the terms of an Employment Agreement dated as of September 12, 2016 between the Company and Mr. Aquino, Mr. Aquino's employment will commence on the Commencement Date and continue until September 18, 2019, unless terminated earlier or renewed in accordance with the Employment Agreement. Under the Employment Agreement, Mr. Aquino will receive (1) an annual base salary of $505,000, (2) an inducement award of 1,585,000 shares of restricted stock subject to the terms of a Restricted Stock Inducement Award Agreement, described below, (3) an annual incentive bonus based upon criteria established by the Company’s Board of Directors, with a target level of 100% of base salary and a maximum level of 200% of base salary, with a guaranteed pro-rata bonus for 2016 performance based on Mr. Aquino's target bonus amount, (4) reimbursement for business, travel and meals expenses in accordance with Company policies and practices, and (5) customary benefits including paid time off.

 

 

 

 

As a material inducement to Mr. Aquino entering into employment with the Company, on the Commencement Date, Mr. Aquino will be awarded 1,585,000 restricted shares of the Company’s common stock under the terms of a Restricted Stock Inducement Award Agreement (the “Inducement Award Agreement”). This award was unanimously approved by the Compensation Committee of the Company’s Board of Directors as an inducement award pursuant to NASDAQ Listing Rule 5635(c)(4). A portion of the shares of restricted stock are subject to time-based vesting (with 100,000 shares vesting on each of the first, second and third anniversaries of Mr. Aquino’s start date), a portion are subject to performance-based vesting based on the Company achieving specified stock price targets and a portion are subject to vesting based on both the Company achieving specified performance targets based on the Company's stock price and time-based vesting following the Company’s achievement of those performance targets. Vesting of the shares of restricted stock is conditioned upon Mr. Aquino’s continued employment with the Company, and is subject to acceleration upon certain events as described below.

 

The Employment Agreement and Inducement Award Agreement entitle Mr. Aquino to certain benefits in the event that his employment is terminated under specified circumstances, subject to Mr. Aquino’s execution of a general release and compliance with certain restrictive covenants. Upon a qualifying termination (as defined in the Employment Agreement), other than during a protection period (as defined in the Employment Agreement), Mr. Aquino will receive severance equal to his then-current annual base salary plus his then-current target bonus amount. In addition, if a threshold performance target based on the Company’s stock price has been met, all shares of restricted stock subject to time-based vesting and all shares of restricted stock subject to performance-based vesting for which the applicable performance targets have been met will immediately vest. Upon a qualifying termination during a protection period, Mr. Aquino will receive severance equal to two times his then-current annual base salary plus two times his then-current target bonus amount, and all restricted shares granted under the Inducement Award Agreement subject to time-based vesting and all shares subject to performance-based vesting for which performance targets have been met will immediately vest. If Mr. Aquino’s employment is terminated on or prior to April 30, 2017, without regard to the reason for termination, Mr. Aquino will not be entitled to severance pay and all unvested shares of restricted stock will be forfeited.

 

The foregoing descriptions of the Employment Agreement and Inducement Award Agreement do not purport to be complete and are qualified in their entirety by reference to the Employment Agreement, the Inducement Award Agreement and the Notice of Award pursuant to the Inducement Award Agreement, which are attached to this Current Report as Exhibits 10.1, 10.2 and 10.3, respectively, and incorporated herein by reference. Mr. Aquino and the Company also entered into an Indemnity Agreement substantially in the form filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed May 29, 2009.

 

There are no family relationships between Mr. Aquino and any director or other executive officer, nor are there any transactions to which the Company was or is a participant and in which Mr. Aquino has a material interest subject to disclosure under Item 404(a) of Regulation S-K. There are no arrangements or understandings between Mr. Aquino and any other persons pursuant to which he was selected as an officer or director.

 

Appointment of Independent Director

 

The Board of Directors has appointed Peter J. Rogers, Jr. to the Board as a Class III Director, with a term expiring at the Company’s 2017 annual meeting of stockholders. Mr. Rogers was an executive with MICROS Systems, Inc. from 1987 until 2014, most recently as Executive Vice President of Investor Relations and Business Development from 2007 until his retirement in 2014. He currently serves as a Principal with The Stroudwater Group, providing strategic advisory services to growth-stage technology companies. The Board of Directors has not yet determined the committees of the Board, if any, to which Mr. Rogers will be appointed.

 

There are no family relationships between Mr. Rogers and any director or other executive officer, nor are there any transactions to which the Company was or is a participant and in which Mr. Rogers has a material interest subject to disclosure under Item 404(a) of Regulation S-K. There are no arrangements or understandings between Mr. Rogers and any other persons pursuant to which he was selected to be a director.

 

Item 7.01 Regulation FD Disclosure .

 

On September 13, 2016, the Company issued a press release, which is attached hereto as Exhibit 99.l. The information reported in this Item 7.01 (including the press release) is furnished to and not “filed” with the Commission for the purposes of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and it shall not be deemed incorporated by reference in any filing under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, except as shall be expressly set forth by specific reference in such a filing.

 

 

 

 

Item 9.01 Financial Statements and Exhibits .

 

(d) Exhibits

 

The following exhibits are furnished with this Current Report on Form 8-K:

 

Exhibit No.   Description
     
10.1   Employment Agreement, effective September 12, 2016.
10.2   Restricted Stock Inducement Award Agreement.
10.3   Notice of Award pursuant to Restricted Stock Inducement Award Agreement.
99.1   Press Release dated September 13, 2016.

 

 

 

 

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.

 

  INTERNAP CORPORATION
     
Date: September 13, 2016 By: /s/ Kevin M. Dotts
    Kevin M. Dotts
    Chief Financial Officer

 

 

 

 

EXHIBIT INDEX

 

Exhibit No.   Description
     
10.1   Employment Agreement, effective September 12, 2016.
10.2   Restricted Stock Inducement Award Agreement.
10.3   Notice of Award pursuant to Restricted Stock Inducement Award Agreement.
99.1   Press Release dated September 13, 2016.

 

 

 

 

Exhibit 10.1

 

EXECUTION COPY

 

EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT

 

This Employment Agreement (the “ Agreement ”) is made by and between Internap Corporation (“ Company ”) and Peter D. Aquino (“ Executive ”) this 12th day of September, 2016 (the “ Effective Date ”).

 

WHEREAS , Executive desires to serve as the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company in exchange for the protection and other consideration set forth in this Agreement.

 

NOW THEREFORE , in consideration of the promises and the mutual agreements contained herein, the Company and Executive hereby agree as follows:

 

ARTICLE I
EMPLOYMENT

 

1.1 Employment. Company agrees to employ Executive and Executive hereby accepts such employment with the Company upon the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement, for the three-year period (the “ Employment Period ”) beginning on September 19, 2016 (“ Start Date ”) and ending on September 18, 2019, unless earlier terminated by either party pursuant to ARTICLE II of this Agreement. At least ninety (90) days prior to the expiration of the Employment Period, the parties shall begin negotiations in good faith to renew this Agreement for a designated period of time. If this Agreement is renewed in accordance with this Section, each renewal period shall be included in the definition of “Employment Period” for purposes of this Agreement. If this Agreement is not renewed in accordance with this Section, (i) Executive’s employment shall terminate, and (ii) this Agreement shall no longer be in effect; provided, however, that the restrictive covenants and all post-termination obligations contained in this Agreement shall survive termination of this Agreement.

 

1.2 Position and Duties.

 

(a) Commencing on the Start Date and continuing during the Employment Period, Executive shall serve as President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company. As President and Chief Executive Officer, Executive, subject to the control of the Board, shall have primary supervision and control over the business, property and affairs for the Company and perform such duties as may be assigned to him by the Board. The Company shall establish a Company Northern Virginia office at the Executive’s current office in Reston, Virginia as of the Effective Date. Such Northern Virginia office shall be the Executive’s primary work location and office. It is understood that the duties of the President and Chief Executive Officer include frequent travel not only to the Company’s headquarters in Atlanta, Georgia, but to its locations around the world, and representation of the Company in an official capacity wherever required for its business. As such, Executive shall use good judgment and act as a reasonable steward of Company resources in arranging for business travel and accommodations suitable for a President and Chief Executive Officer outside of the Company office in Northern Virginia, which shall be reimbursed in accordance with the Company’s travel policies, and as contemplated by Section 1.3(e).

 

EXECUTION COPY

 

(b) Executive shall be appointed to the Board upon commencement of Executive’s employment and shall serve in such capacity until his successor is duly appointed and qualified, or until his earlier death, resignation or removal.

 

(c) Executive may serve on no more than one (1) board of directors, other than the Board, with the Board’s consent to the extent such participation does not interfere with the Executive’s time and attention to the Company. As of the Effective Date, it is publically disclosed and known that the Executive participates as a director on two (2) outside public company boards. In conjunction with the execution of this Agreement, the Executive agrees to transition down to one (1) outside public company board in an orderly manner no later than the date of the respective annual meeting for each company to be held in 2017. The transition to one (1) outside directorship shall occur on or before the next annual meeting of shareholders of those companies. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, Executive shall not be prevented from: (i) managing his personal investments (including current business activities disclosed on Exhibit A hereto); or (ii) providing services to charitable and/or civic organizations; in each case, so long as such activity does not interfere with the Executive’s performance of services to the Company or violate Executive’s obligations under ARTICLE V.

 

1.3 Base Salary, Bonus and Benefits.

 

(a) During the Employment Period, the Company shall pay Executive an annual base salary (“ Base Salary ”) of Five Hundred and Five Thousand Dollars ($505,000.00) in accordance with the Company’s normal payroll practices, subject to deductions for required withholdings, including, without limitation, federal and state withholding taxes and social security taxes. Executive’s Base Salary may be increased (but not decreased) as recommended by the Compensation Committee of the Board (the “ Compensation Committee ”) and approved by the Board based upon Executive’s performance and the Company’s performance, as determined in the sole and absolute discretion of the Compensation Committee and the Board.

 

(b) Executive shall be entitled to the opportunity to earn annual calendar year performance bonuses, with a target cash bonus of 100% of Base Salary earned during a calendar year (“ Target Bonus Amount ”) in accordance with performance objectives recommended by the Compensation Committee and approved by the Board. Upon the recommendation of the Compensation Committee (in consultation with Executive) and the approval of the Board, the Executive will be able to achieve a maximum potential cash bonus of 200% of Base Salary for achievement of performance goals. It is agreed that the Executive shall receive a cash bonus prorated based on the Target Bonus Amount for 2016 of approximately One Hundred Forty Two Thousand Five Hundred Six Dollars and Eighty Four Cents ($142,506.84) no later than March 15, 2017. All bonus payments shall be subject to deductions for required withholdings, including, without limitation, federal and state withholding taxes and social security taxes. The bonus shall be payable in the calendar year following the calendar year in which the performance objectives for such bonus are measured, but no later than March 15 of such year.

 

Aquino Employment Agreement

EXECUTION COPY

 

(c) Executive shall be entitled, during the Employment Period, to participate in all retirement, disability, savings, health, medical, dental, insurance, paid time off, and other fringe benefits or plans of the Company, if any, generally available to senior executives. During the Employment Period, Executive shall initially accrue 6.15 hours of paid time off per pay period, for a total of 160 hours of paid time off per calendar year.

 

(d) The Company will reimburse the Executive for up to Twenty Thousand Dollars ($20,000.00) in out of pocket legal expenses for the negotiation of this Agreement. The reimbursement to be paid pursuant to this Section 1.3(d) shall be subject to the submission to the Company by the Executive of appropriate documentation and/or invoices in accordance with the customary procedures of the Company for expense reimbursement, as such procedures may be revised by the Company from time to time

 

(e) The Company shall reimburse Executive for reasonable business expenses and any other out of pocket business expenses incurred in connection with the performance of his duties hereunder subject to (i) such policies as the Company may from time to time establish, and (ii) Executive furnishing the Company with evidence in the form of receipts satisfactory to the Company substantiating the claimed expenditures. Executive shall be reimbursed for air travel and reasonable accommodations for business travel between Northern Virginia and Atlanta, Georgia, in accordance with Company policy.

 

1.4 Equity Awards, Incentive Compensation Plans, Special Bonuses.

 

(a) The Board has approved a grant (the “ Award ”) to the Executive, as of the Start Date, of an award of restricted stock with respect to 1,585,000 shares of common stock of the Company, par value $0.01 per share (“ Stock ”), which award shall be made and the restrictions shall lapse and the Award shall vest in accordance with the terms of the Executive’s Restricted Stock Inducement Award Agreement. The terms and conditions of the Award are set forth in, and subject to, that certain Executive’s Restricted Stock Inducement Award Agreement dated as of the date hereof between Executive and the Company. Executive shall not be entitled to any additional equity grants during the Employment Period, unless otherwise determined by the Board, in its sole and absolute discretion, or as required by Section 1.4(b).

 

(b) In the event that the number of shares of Stock increases or is reduced on account of a stock split, stock dividend, reverse split or similar corporate event, then the number of shares of Stock to which the Executive is entitled pursuant to any award under this Agreement shall be appropriately adjusted to prevent dilution or enlargement of the rights of the Executive pursuant to this Agreement.

 

(c) The Company shall register any shares of Stock underlying equity-based compensation awarded to the Executive on an SEC Form S-8.

 

Aquino Employment Agreement

EXECUTION COPY

 

ARTICLE II

TERMINATION

 

2.1 Termination . This Agreement and Executive’s employment may be terminated by any of the following events:

 

(a) Qualifying Termination other than during a Protection Period;

 

(b) Qualifying Termination during a Protection Period; or

 

(c) Termination other than a Qualifying Termination.

 

2.2 Resignation. Upon Termination of Employment for any reason, Executive shall deliver to the Company a written resignation from all offices, memberships on the Board, and fiduciary positions in which Executive serves.

 

ARTICLE III
TERMINATION BENEFITS

 

3.1 General Termination Benefits . If Executive incurs a Qualifying Termination other than during a Protection Period, Executive will receive the following termination benefits:

 

(a) Severance Pay . Subject to Sections 3.5 and ARTICLE IV, the Executive will receive Severance Pay in equal monthly installments payable over a twelve (12) month period, in accordance with the Company’s normal payroll schedule, beginning with the first such date that is at least sixty (60) days after the date of Executive’s Qualifying Termination (the “ Initial Payment Date ”), provided that the general release required pursuant to ARTICLE IV has been delivered to the Company and is fully executed and becomes irrevocable in accordance with its terms by the Initial Payment Date.

 

(b) Accrued Obligations . The Executive will be entitled to (i) payment of any earned and unpaid Base Salary as of Termination of Employment, and (ii) payment of any earned but unpaid other amounts due as of the Termination of Employment, including, but not limited to, any unpaid, earned bonus pursuant to the Company’s short-term incentive plan (“ STIP ”) for any prior fiscal year (the “ Accrued Obligations ”). Accrued Obligations described in clause (i) above will be paid as part of Executive’s final ordinary payroll payment from Company for active employment or contemporaneously with such payment, but in no event later than thirty (30) days after such Termination of Employment, and Accrued Obligations described in clause (ii) above will be paid in accordance with the terms of the plan under which they arose (including with respect to time of payment or distribution), and shall be paid at the same time as similar payments are made to other Company executives.

 

(c) Equity Compensation Adjustments . Any equity-based compensation awards granted to the Executive by Company under an Equity Agreement will be governed by the terms of such awards and such Equity Agreement. Following Executive’s Termination of Employment, Company will not grant the Executive any equity-based compensation awards.

   

Aquino Employment Agreement

EXECUTION COPY

 

(d) 401(k) Savings Plan . The terms of the 401(k) Savings Plan will govern the Executive’s account balance, if any, under such 401(k) Savings Plan.

 

Company’s obligations pursuant to this Section 3.1 shall survive Executive’s death.

 

3.2 Termination Benefits in Connection with a Change of Control . If Executive incurs a Qualifying Termination during a Protection Period, Executive will receive the following termination benefits:

 

(a) Severance Pay . Subject to Sections 3.5 and ARTICLE IV, Executive will receive Severance Pay in a single lump-sum on the first Company payroll date that is at least sixty (60) days after the later of (1) Executive’s Qualifying Termination, or (2) the date of the Change of Control, but only if the general release required pursuant to ARTICLE IV is executed and delivered to Company and becomes irrevocable in accordance with its terms by such date. The amount payable pursuant to this Section 3.2(a) will be reduced by the aggregate dollar amount to be paid under Section 3.1(a) above (whether such amount has already been paid or is to be paid in the future), and all amounts payable under Section 3.1(a) shall continue to be paid in the manner provided in, and at the time required by, Section 3.1(a) above with no changes.

 

(b) Accrued Obligations . The Executive will be entitled to payment of any Accrued Obligations in accordance with the provisions of Section 3.1(b) above.

 

(c) Equity Compensation Adjustments . Any equity-based compensation awards shall be treated in accordance with Section 3.1(c).

 

(d) 401(k) Savings Plan . The terms of the 401(k) Savings Plan will govern the Executive’s account balance, if any, under such 401(k) Savings Plan.

 

(e) Conditional Cap on Severance Pay . If the Executive is a “disqualified individual” (as defined in Section 280G of the Code), and if the payments to the Executive pursuant to this Agreement (when considered with all other payments made to Executive which are “parachute payments” as defined in Section 280G of the Code) (the amount of all such payments, collectively, the “ Parachute Payment ”) result in the Executive becoming liable for the payment of any excise taxes pursuant to Section 4999 of the Code (“ 280G Excise Tax ”), the Executive will receive the greater on an after-tax basis of (i) the severance benefits payable pursuant to this Section 3.2 or (ii) the severance benefits payable pursuant to this Section 3.2 as reduced to avoid imposition of the 280G Excise Tax (the “ Conditional Capped Amount ”).

 

Aquino Employment Agreement

EXECUTION COPY

 

Not more than fourteen (14) days following the Termination of Employment, Company will notify the Executive in writing (A) whether the severance benefits payable pursuant to this Section 3.2 when added to any other Parachute Payments payable to the Executive exceed an amount equal to 299% (the “ 299% Amount ”) of the Executive’s “base amount” as defined in Section 280G(b)(3) of the Code, (B) the amount that is equal to the 299% Amount, (C) whether the severance benefit described in Section 3.2(e)(i) or the Conditional Capped Amount pursuant to section 3.2(e)(ii) is greater on an after-tax basis and (C) if the Conditional Capped Amount is the greater amount, the amount that the severance benefits payable pursuant to this Section 3.2 must be reduced to equal such amount. Such reduction order may be elected by the Executive at the time to the extent legally permitted and not a violation of Code Section 280G or 409A and, if it is or is not elected within ten (10) days of the notification, it shall be done in the following order: (a) all cash severance in the reverse order to be received, (b) all equity valued without regard to Treas. Reg. §1.280G-1, Q&A-24(c) in reverse order of vesting, and (c) all equity valued pursuant to Treas. Reg. §1.280G-1, Q&A-24(c) in reverse order of vesting.

 

The calculation of the 299% Amount, the determination of whether the termination benefits described in Section 3.2(e)(i) or the Conditional Capped Amount described in Section 3.2(e)(ii) is greater on an after-tax basis and, if the Conditional Capped Amount in Section 3.2(e)(ii) is the greater amount, the determination of how much the Executive’s termination benefits must be reduced in order to avoid application of the 280G Excise Tax will be made by Company’s public accounting firm in accordance with section 280G of the Code or any successor provision thereto. The costs of obtaining such determination will be borne by Company.

 

Company’s obligations pursuant to this Section 3.2 shall survive Executive’s death.

 

3.3 Termination Benefits in Connection With a Termination Other Than a Qualifying Termination . If Executive has a Termination of Employment that is not described in Section 3.1 or 3.2, including due to death, Disability, or expiration of the Employment Period, Executive will receive the following termination benefits:

 

(a) Severance Pay .  The Executive will not receive any Severance Pay.

 

(b) Accrued Obligations .  The Executive or the Executive’s estate, as applicable, will be entitled to payment of any Accrued Obligations in accordance with the provisions of Section 3.1(b).

 

(c) Equity Compensation Adjustments .  Any equity-based compensation awards shall be treated in accordance with Section 3.1(c).

 

(d) 401(k) Savings Plan . The terms of the 401(k) Savings Plan will govern the Executive’s account balance, if any, under such 401(k) Savings Plan.

 

Aquino Employment Agreement

EXECUTION COPY

 

3.4 Termination Prior to April 30, 2017 . Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, if the Executive has a Termination of Employment before April 30, 2017 for any reason, Executive will be entitled to payment of any Accrued Obligations in accordance with the provisions of Section 3.1(b). The Executive will not receive any Severance Pay. Any equity-based compensation awards shall be treated in accordance with Section 3.1(c).

 

3.5 Code Section 409A .

 

(a) It is the intention of Company and the Executive that the provisions of this Agreement either (i) provide compensation that is not deferred compensation, or (ii) provide compensation that is deferred compensation exempt from Section 409A of the Code, or (iii) provide deferred compensation that complies with Section 409A of the Code and the rules, regulations and other authorities promulgated thereunder (including the transition rules thereof) (collectively, “ 409A ”), and all provisions of this Agreement will be construed and interpreted in a manner consistent with this intent.

 

(b) To the extent Executive is a “specified employee,” as defined in Section 409A(a)(2)(B)(i) of the Code and as determined in good faith by Company, notwithstanding the timing of payment provided in any other Section of this Agreement, no payment, distribution or benefit under this Agreement that constitutes a distribution of deferred compensation (within the meaning of Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-1(b)) upon separation from service (within the meaning of Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-1(h)), after taking into account all available exemptions, that would otherwise be payable during the six-month period after separation from service will be made during such six-month period, and any such payment, distribution or benefit will instead be paid on the first business day after such six-month period.

 

(c) In the event that Company determines that any provision of this Agreement that is subject to 409A does not comply with 409A, Company, acting in good faith, will be entitled, without Executive’s consent, to amend or modify such provision to comply with 409A; provided, however , that such amendment or modification will, to the greatest extent commercially practicable, maintain the economic value to Executive of such provision.

 

(d) For purposes of 409A, each installment of Severance Pay under Section 3.1(a) will be deemed to be a separate payment as permitted under Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-2(b)(2)(iii).

 

(e) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Agreement, a Qualifying Termination shall occur only to the extent that the Executive incurs a “separation from service” with the Company within the meaning of Treasury Regulation Section 1.l409A-1(h).

 

Aquino Employment Agreement

EXECUTION COPY

 

ARTICLE IV
CONDITIONS TO PAYMENT OF TERMINATION BENEFITS

 

As a condition of obtaining benefits (other than the Accrued Obligations) under ARTICLE III of this Agreement, Executive will be required to (a) within twenty-one (21) days or forty-five (45) days (depending on the circumstances of the Termination of Employment) following Termination of Employment execute and deliver to Company a general release of claims against Company, at the Company’s election, in such form as the Company then is regularly using with respect to terminated employees, and (b) comply, subject to Section 5.1 below, with the covenants set forth in ARTICLE V below. In the event that Executive does not execute and deliver a general release as set forth above, or such release is revoked (but only to the extent revocation is permitted under the terms of such general release), then the Executive will forfeit all entitlement to any payment, benefit or other amount hereunder.

 

ARTICLE V
RESTRICTIVE COVENANTS

 

5.1 Restrictive Covenants .

 

(a) Executive acknowledges and agrees that: (i) Executive (1) will serve Company as a Key Executive; and/or (2) will serve Company as a Professional; and/or (3) will customarily and regularly solicit Customers and/or Prospective Customers for Company; and/or (4) will customarily and regularly engage in making sales or obtaining orders or contracts for products or services to be provided or performed by others in Company; and/or (5) (A) will have a primary duty of managing a department or subdivision of Company, (B) will customarily and regularly direct the work of two (2) or more other employees, and (C) will have the authority to hire or fire other employees; and/or (ii) Executive’s position is a position of trust and responsibility with access to (1) Confidential Information, (2) Trade Secrets, (3) information concerning Internap Employees, (4) information concerning Customers of Company, and/or (5) information concerning Prospective Customers of Company.

 

(b) Executive represents and warrants that: (i) Executive is not subject to any legal or contractual duty or agreement that would prevent or prohibit Executive from performing Executive’s duties for the Company or complying with this Agreement, and (ii) Executive is not in breach of any legal or contractual duty or agreement, including any agreement concerning trade secrets or confidential information, owned by any other person or entity.

 

(c) Executive further agrees that during Executive’s employment with the Company and in connection with the performance of Executive’s duties for the Company, Executive shall not breach any legal or contractual duty or agreement Executive entered into with any former employer or third party.

 

Aquino Employment Agreement

EXECUTION COPY

 

(d) Executive shall abide by the following both during and after Executive’s employment with Company for the periods specified below, whether or not Executive receives any benefits under this Agreement pursuant to ARTICLE III:

 

(i)           Trade Secrets and Confidential Information . Executive shall not: (A) both during and after Executive’s employment with Company, use, disclose, reverse engineer, divulge, sell, exchange, furnish, give away, or transfer in any way the Trade Secrets or the Confidential Information (regardless of when obtained) for any purpose other than Company’s Business, except as authorized in writing by Company; (B) during Executive’s employment with Company, use, disclose, reverse engineer, divulge, sell, exchange, furnish, give away, or transfer in any way (1) any confidential information or trade secrets of any former employer or third party, or (2) any works of authorship developed in whole or in part by Executive during any former employment or for any other party, unless authorized in writing by the former employer or third party; or (C) upon Termination of Employment for any reason: (1) retain Trade Secrets or Confidential Information, including any copies existing in any form (including electronic form) which are in Executive’s possession or control, or (2) destroy, delete or alter the Trade Secrets or Confidential Information without Company’s prior written consent. The obligations under this Agreement shall: (I) with regard to the Trade Secrets, remain in effect as long as the information constitutes a trade secret under applicable law; and (II) with regard to the Confidential Information, remain in effect for so long as such information constitutes Confidential Information as defined in this Agreement.

 

The confidentiality, property and proprietary rights protections available in this Agreement are in addition to, and not exclusive of, any and all other rights to which Company is entitled under federal and state law, including, but not limited to, rights provided under copyright laws, trade secret and confidential information laws, and laws concerning fiduciary duties.

 

Notwithstanding anything to the contrary set forth in this Agreement, (i) pursuant to the Defend Trade Secrets Act of 2016 (18 U.S.C § 1833(b)(1)), no individual shall be held criminally or civilly liable under federal or state law for the disclosure of a trade secret that: (1) is made (x) in confidence to a federal, state, or local government official, either directly or indirectly, or to an attorney; and (y) solely for the purpose of reporting or investigating a suspected violation of law; or (2) is made in a complaint or other document filed in a lawsuit or other proceeding, if such filing is made under seal, and (ii) Executive shall not be prohibited from (1) exercising Executive’s rights under federal, state, or local law (including, but not limited to, Section 7 of the National Labor Relations Act or in acting as or cooperating with a whistleblower), (2) cooperating in a government or administrative investigation, or (3) revealing alleged criminal wrongdoing to law enforcement.

 

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(ii)           Non-Solicitation of Customers . During the Restricted Period, Executive shall not, directly or indirectly, solicit any Customer of Company for the purpose of selling or providing any products or services competitive with the Business. The restrictions set forth in this subsection shall apply only to those Customers (a) with whom or which Executive dealt on behalf of the Company, (b) whose dealings with the Company were coordinated or supervised by Executive, (c) about whom Executive obtained Confidential Information in the ordinary course of business as a result of Executive’s association with the Company, or (d) who receive products or services authorized by the Company, the sale or provision of which results or resulted in compensation, commissions, or earnings for Executive within two (2) years prior to the Termination of Employment.

 

(iii)           Non-Solicitation of Prospective Customers . During the Restricted Period, Executive shall not, directly or indirectly, solicit any Prospective Customer of Company for the purpose of selling or providing any products or services competitive with the Business. The restrictions set forth in this subsection apply only to Prospective Customers (a) with whom or which Executive dealt on behalf of the Company, (b) whose dealings with the Company were coordinated or supervised by Executive, or (c) about whom Executive obtained Confidential Information in the ordinary course of business as a result of Executive’s association with the Company.

 

(iv)           Non-Recruit of Employees . During the Restricted Period, Executive shall not, directly or indirectly, solicit, recruit or induce any Internap Employee to (i) terminate his or her employment relationship with Company, or (ii) work for any other person or entity engaged in the Business. For the avoidance of doubt, the foregoing restriction shall also include prohibiting Executive from disclosing to any third party the names, background information, or qualifications of any Internap Employee, or otherwise identifying any Internap Employee as a potential candidate for employment. The restrictions set forth in this subsection shall apply only to Internap Employees (a) with whom Executive had Material Interaction, or (b) that Executive, directly or indirectly, supervised.

 

(v)           Non-Competition . During the Restricted Period, Executive shall not, on Executive’s own behalf or on behalf of any person or entity, engage in the Business in the Territory. For purposes of this subsection, the term “engage in the Business” shall include: (a) performing or participating in any activities which are the same as, or substantially similar to, activities which Executive performed or in which Executive participated, in whole or in part, for or on behalf of the Company; (b) performing activities or services about which Executive obtained Confidential Information or Trade Secrets as a result of Executive’s association with the Company; and/or (c) interfering with or negatively impacting the business relationship between the Company and a Customer, Prospective Customer, or any other third party about whom Executive obtained Confidential Information or Trade Secrets as a result of Executive’s association with the Company.

 

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(vi)           Non-Disparagement . During Executive’s employment and following the termination of Executive’s employment with the Company for any reason, Executive shall not make any disparaging or defamatory statements, whether written or oral, regarding the Company, or any of its current or former officers, directors, shareholders, or employees, provided, however, that nothing in this Section shall prohibit Executive from making truthful oral or written statements (a) in the exercise of Executive’s rights under federal, state, or local law (including, but not limited to, Section 7 of the National Labor Relations Act or in acting as or cooperating with a whistleblower), (b) in connection with Executive’s cooperation in a government or administrative investigation, or (c) to reveal alleged criminal wrongdoing to law enforcement.

 

(vii)       Definitions . For purposes of this Section 5.1 only, capitalized terms shall be defined as follows:

 

(A)          “ Business ” means (1) those activities, products and services that are the same as or similar to the activities conducted and products and services offered and/or provided by Company within two (2) years prior to termination of Executive’s employment with Company, and (2) the business of providing information technology (IT) infrastructure services that enable businesses to securely store, host, access and deliver their online applications and media content through the Internet. Such services include, but are not limited to: (I) Internet connectivity, (II) colocation services, (III) hosting services, (IV) CDN services and (V) “Cloud” computing services.

 

(B)          “ Confidential Information ” means (1) information of Company, to the extent not considered a Trade Secret under applicable law, that (I) relates to the business of Company, (II) was disclosed to Executive or of which Executive became aware of as a consequence of Executive’s relationship with Company, (III) possesses an element of value to, and (IV) is not generally known to Company’s competitors, and (2) information of any third party provided to Company which Company is obligated to treat as confidential, including, but not limited to, information provided to Company by its licensors, suppliers or customers. Confidential Information includes, but is not limited to, (a) methods of operations, (b) price lists, (c) financial information and projections, (d) personnel data, (e) future business plans, (f) the composition, description, schematic or design of products, future products or equipment of Company or any third party, (g) advertising or marketing plans, and (h) information regarding independent contractors, employees, clients, licensors, suppliers, Customers, Prospective Customers or any third party, including, but not limited to, the names of Customers and Prospective Customers, Customer and Prospective Customer lists compiled by Company, and Customer and Prospective Customer information compiled by Company. Confidential Information shall not include any information that (x) is or becomes generally available to the public other than as a result of an unauthorized disclosure by Executive, (y) has been independently developed and disclosed by others without violating this Agreement or the legal rights of any party, or (z) otherwise enters the public domain other than through unlawful means by Executive.

 

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(C)          “ Customer ” means any person or entity to whom Company has sold its products or services.

 

(D)          “ Key Executive ” means that, by reason of Company’s investment of time, training, money, trust, exposure to the public or exposure to Customers, vendors or other business relationships during the course of Executive’s employment with Company, Executive will gain a high level of notoriety, fame, reputation or public persona as Company’s representative or spokesperson; will gain a high level of influence or credibility with Customers, vendors or other business relationships; or will be intimately involved in the planning for or direction of the business of Company or a defined unit of Company’s business. Such term also means that Executive possesses selective or specialized skills, learning or abilities or customer contacts or customer information by reason of having worked for Company.

 

(E)          “ Internap Employee ” means any person who (I) is employed by Company at the time of Executive’s Termination of Employment, or (II) was employed by Company during the last six (6) months of Executive’s employment with Company.

 

(F)          “ Material Interaction ” means any interaction with an Internap Employee which relates or related, directly or indirectly, to the performance of Executive’s or the Internap Employee’s duties for Company.

 

(G)          “ Professional ” means an employee who has as a primary duty the performance of work requiring knowledge of an advanced type in a field of science or learning customarily acquired by a prolonged course of specialized intellectual instruction or requiring invention, imagination, originality or talent in a recognized field of artistic or creative endeavor. Such term shall not include employees performing technician work using knowledge acquired through on-the-job and classroom training, rather than by acquiring the knowledge through prolonged academic study, such as might be performed, without limitation, by a mechanic, a manual laborer or a ministerial employee.

 

(H)          “ Prospective Customer ” means any person or entity to whom Company has solicited to sell its products or services.

 

(I)           “ Restricted Period ” means the time period during Executive’s employment with Company, and (1) for twelve (12) months following Executive’s termination of employment with the Company if such termination is a Qualifying Termination, or (2) if Executive’s employment is terminated for any reason other than a Qualifying Termination, for nine (9) months following Executive’s termination of employment with the Company.

 

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(J)        “ Territory ” means within each of the following discrete, severable, geographic areas:

 

(1)          the countries of the countries of Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Amsterdam, Andorra, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Armenia, Australia, Bahamas, Bangladesh, Belgium, Belize, Bolivia, Bosnia, Brazil, Bulgaria, Canada, Canary Islands, Chile, China, Columbia, Costa Rica, Cote de Ivories’, Croatia, Curacao, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Estonia, Ethiopia, Fiji, France, Finland, Gaza, Great Britain, Germany, Greece, Guatemala, Guyana, Hong Kong, Honduras, Hungary, Ireland, India, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Jordan, Kenya, Korea, Kosovo, Kuwait, Lagos, Latvia, Lebanon, Luxemburg, Macao, Macedonia, Malaysia, Malta, Martinique, Mauritius, Mexico, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Nigeria, Norway, Oman, Pakistan, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Puerto Rico, Qatar, Romania, Russia, Russian Federation, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Serbia, Singapore, Slovakia, South Africa, Spain, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Sumatra, Suriname, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Thailand, The Netherlands, Trinidad & Tobago, Tunisia, Turkey, Taiwan, Uganda, United Kingdom, United Arab Emirates and Ukraine; and

 

(2)          the continental United States; and

 

(3)          the states of the states of Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin and Wyoming; and

 

(4)          the counties of Cherokee, Clayton, Cobb, Coweta, Dekalb, Douglas, Fayette, Forsyth, Fulton, Gwinnett, Hall, Henry, Paulding and Rockdale, Georgia; and

 

(5)          the counties of Calvert, Charles, Frederick, Montgomery, and Prince George’s, Maryland; the counties and/or independent cities of Alexandria, Arlington, Clarke, Culpeper, Fairfax, Falls Church, Fauquier, Loudoun, Manassas, Manassas Park, Prince William, Rappahannock, Spotsylvania, Stafford, Fredicksburg, and Warren, Virginia; the county of Jefferson, West Virginia; and the District of Columbia.

 

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(6)          the city of Atlanta, Georgia; and

 

(7)          the city of Reston, Virginia; and

 

(8)          a fifteen (15) air mile radius of Company’s then-current corporate headquarters; and

 

(9)          a fifteen (15) air mile radius of Company’s then-current Northern Virginia office; and

 

(10)        a fifty (50) air mile radius of Executive’s then-current primary residence.

 

(K)      “ Trade Secrets ” means information of Company, and its licensors, suppliers, clients and customers, without regard to form, including, but not limited to, technical or nontechnical data, a formula, a pattern, a compilation, a program, a device, a method, a technique, a drawing, a process, financial data, financial plans, product plans, a list of actual customers, clients, licensors or suppliers, or a list of potential customers, clients, licensors or suppliers which is not commonly known by or available to the public and which information (I) derives economic value, actual or potential, from not being generally known to, and not being readily ascertainable by proper means by, other persons who can obtain economic value from its disclosure or use, and (II) is the subject of efforts that are reasonable under the circumstances to maintain its secrecy.

 

5.2 Enforcement . Upon Executive’s employment with an entity that is not an Affiliate of Company (a “ Successor Employer ”) during the period that the provisions of this ARTICLE V remain in effect, Executive will provide such Successor Employer with a copy of this Agreement and will notify Company of such employment within thirty (30) days thereof. Upon the material, uncured, violation of any of the provisions of this ARTICLE V the payment of all severance benefits will cease, as applicable. Such relief will apply regardless of when such violation is discovered. Without by implication limiting the generality of the foregoing, Company may suspend any payments due under this Agreement pending the outcome of litigation regarding a breach of any provision of this Agreement or regarding a dispute arising from the subject matter of this Agreement.

 

5.3 Independent Covenants . Each of the covenants set forth in this ARTICLE V shall be construed as an agreement independent of (a) each of the other covenants set forth in this ARTICLE V, (b) any other agreements, or (c) any other provision in this Agreement, and the existence of any claim or cause of action by Executive against Company, whether predicated on this Agreement or otherwise, regardless of who was at fault and regardless of any claims that either Executive or Company may have against the other, shall not constitute a defense to the enforcement by Company of any of the covenants set forth in this ARTICLE V. Company shall not be barred from enforcing any of the covenants set forth in this ARTICLE V by reason of any breach of any other part of this Agreement or any other agreement with Executive.

 

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5.4 Right of Offset . If Executive is at any time indebted to Company, or otherwise obligated to pay money to Company for any reason, Company, at its election, may offset amounts otherwise payable to Executive under this Agreement against any such indebtedness or amounts due from Executive to Company, to the extent permitted by law, except that no offset may be applied to any deferred compensation that is not exempt from Section 409A of the Code.

 

ARTICLE VI
DISPUTE RESOLUTION

 

6.1 Venue and Jurisdiction . Executive and Company agree that any and all claims arising out of or relating to this Agreement shall be (a) brought in the Superior Court of Fulton County, Georgia, or (b) brought in or removed to the United States District Court for the Northern District of Georgia, Atlanta Division. Executive consents to the personal jurisdiction of the courts identified above. Executive waives (a) any objection to jurisdiction or venue, or (b) any defense claiming lack of jurisdiction or venue, in any action brought in such courts.

 

6.2 Entitlement to Injunctive Relief . If Executive breaches any of the restrictions set forth in ARTICLE V, Executive agrees that: (a) Company would suffer irreparable harm; (b) it would be difficult to determine damages, and money damages alone would be an inadequate remedy for the injuries suffered by Company; and (c) if Company seeks injunctive relief to enforce this Agreement, Executive shall waive and shall not (i) assert any defense that Company has an adequate remedy at law with respect to the breach, (ii) require that Company submit proof of the economic value of any Trade Secret or Confidential Information, or (iii) require Company to post a bond or any other security. Nothing contained in this Agreement shall limit Company’s right to any other remedies at law or in equity.

 

6.3 Fees and Expenses .

 

(a) Except as provided in Section 6.3(b) below, if Company or Executive sues in court against the other for a breach of any provision of this Agreement or regarding any dispute arising from the subject matter of this Agreement, the prevailing party will be entitled to recover its attorneys’ fees, and court costs, regardless of which party initiated the proceedings. If there is no prevailing party, Company and Executive will each bear their own costs and attorneys’ fees incurred.

 

(b) If, subsequent to a Change of Control, (i) Company or Executive sues in court, or (ii) Company contests the validity, enforceability or the Executive’s interpretation of, or determinations under, this Agreement, Company will pay all legal fees, expenses and damages which the Executive may incur as a result of the Executive’s instituting legal action to enforce the rights hereunder. If the Executive is the prevailing party or recovers any damages in such action, the Executive will be entitled to receive in addition thereto pre-judgment and post-judgment interest on the amount of such damages.

 

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ARTICLE VII
MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS

 

7.1 Executive Acknowledgement . Executive is entering into this Agreement of Executive’s own free will. Executive acknowledges that Executive has had adequate opportunity to review this Agreement and consult with counsel of Executive’s own choosing. Executive represents that Executive has read and understands this Agreement, Executive is fully aware of this Agreement’s legal effect and has not acted in reliance upon any statements made by Company other than those set forth in writing in the Agreement.

 

7.2 Cooperation . Following termination of Executive’s employment for any reason, Executive shall cooperate with Company (including its employees, officers, directors, attorneys and representatives) and furnish complete and truthful information, testimony or affidavits in connection with any matters, including, but not limited to, any litigation, investigation or other dispute, about which Executive has knowledge or information. If Executive has any contact with any party adverse to Company in any investigation, lawsuit or dispute, Executive agrees to immediately notify the Company’s SVP, General Counsel first by telephone and as soon as possible thereafter in writing, provided that the foregoing shall not apply to any contact with a potential “whistleblower” or if Executive is a “whistleblower.”

 

7.3 Successors and Assigns . The rights and obligations of Company under this Agreement will inure to the benefit of and will be binding upon the successors and assigns of Company. Company will require any successor (whether direct or indirect, by purchase, merger, consolidation, sale of assets or otherwise) to all or substantially all of the business and/or assets of Company, by a written agreement in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to Executive, to assume expressly and agree to perform this Agreement in the same manner and to the same extent that Company would be required to perform it if no such succession had taken place. This Agreement is personal to Executive and without the prior written consent of Company is not assignable by Executive otherwise than by will or the laws of descent and distribution. This Agreement will inure to the benefit of and be enforceable by Executive’s personal and legal representatives, executors, administrators, heirs, distributes, devisees and legatees.

 

7.4 Amendment. Except as provided in Section 3.5, this Agreement will not be modified, changed or in any way amended except by an instrument in writing signed by Company and the Executive.

 

7.5 Severability. The provisions of this Agreement are severable. If any provision of this Agreement is determined to be unenforceable, in whole or in part, then such provision shall be modified so as to be enforceable to the maximum extent permitted by law. If such provision cannot be modified to be enforceable, the provision shall be severed from this Agreement to the extent unenforceable. The remaining provisions and any partially enforceable provisions shall remain in full force and effect.

 

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7.6 Integration . The provisions of this Agreement, the Indemnity Agreement, the Restricted Stock Inducement Award Agreement, and the Notice of Grant of Restricted Stock, and any exhibits hereto constitute the entire and complete understanding and agreement between the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof, and supersede all prior and contemporaneous oral and written agreements, representations and understandings of the parties, including without limitation Company’s severance policy, any change of control agreement and employment agreement (including any offer letter) between Executive and Company, which are hereby terminated with respect to Executive.

 

7.7 Choice of Law. THIS PLAN WILL BE GOVERNED BY AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF GEORGIA WITHOUT REFERENCE TO PRINCIPLES OF CONFLICTS OF LAWS OF GEORGIA OR ANY OTHER JURISDICTION, AND, WHERE APPLICABLE, THE LAWS OF THE UNITED STATES.

 

7.8 Survival. The provisions of ARTICLE IV, ARTICLE V, ARTICLE VI, ARTICLE VII and ARTICLE VIII will survive the termination of this Agreement. The existence of any claim or cause of action of Executive against the Company, whether predicated on this Agreement or otherwise, will not constitute a defense to the enforcement by the Company of the covenants of the Executive contained in this Agreement, including but not limited to those contained in ARTICLE IV.

 

7.9 No Waiver . No waiver by either party at any time of any breach by the other party of, or compliance with, any condition or provision of this Agreement to be performed by the other party will be deemed a waiver of similar or dissimilar provisions or conditions at any time.

 

7.10 Notice. For all purposes of this Agreement, all communications required or permitted to be given under this Agreement will be in writing and will be deemed to have been duly given when hand delivered or dispatched by electronic facsimile transmission (with receipt thereof confirmed), or five business days after having been mailed by United States registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid, or two business days after having been sent by a nationally recognized overnight courier service, addressed to Company at its principal executive office, to Company’s SVP, General Counsel, and to Executive at the Executive’s principal residence, or to such other address as any party may have furnished to the other in writing, except that notices of change of address will be effective only upon receipt.

 

7.11 Counterparts . This Agreement shall be executed by Company and Executive in one or more counterparts which, taken together, shall constitute one original.

 

7.12 Construction. This Agreement is deemed to be drafted equally by both Executive and Company and will be construed as a whole and according to its fair meaning. Any presumption or principle that the language of this Agreement is to be construed against any party will not apply. The headings in this Agreement are only for convenience and are not intended to affect construction or interpretation. Any references to paragraphs, subparagraphs, sections, subsections or clauses are to those parts of this Agreement, unless the context clearly indicates to the contrary.

 

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7.13 No Mitigation . In no event will Executive be obligated to seek other employment or take any other action by way of mitigation of the amounts payable to Executive under any of the provisions of this Agreement and such amounts will not be reduced whether or not the Executive obtains other employment.

 

7.14 Withholding. Company may deduct and withhold from any amounts payable under this Agreement such Federal, state, local, foreign or other taxes as are required to be withheld pursuant to any applicable law or regulation.

 

ARTICLE VIII
DEFINITIONS

 

8.1 Affiliate ” means a corporation that is a member of a controlled group of corporations (as defined in section 414(b) of the Code) that includes Company, any trade or business (whether or not incorporated) that is in common control (as defined in section 414(c) of the Code) with Company, or any entity that is a member of the same affiliated service group (as defined in section 414(m) of the Code) as Company.

 

8.2 Board ” means the board of directors of the Company.

 

8.3 Cause ” means: the occurrence of any of the following: (i) the willful and continued failure by the Executive to substantially perform his material duties to the Company (other than due to Executive’s Disability or any such actual or anticipated failure after Executive’s issuance of a Notice of Termination (as defined below) for Good Reason) after written demand for substantial performance is delivered to the Executive by the Board, which demand specifically identifies the manner in which the Board believes that Executive has not substantially performed his duties (ii) Executive’s willful and continued failure to substantially follow and comply with such specific and lawful directives of the Board that are not inconsistent with Executive’s position as President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company (other than any such failure resulting from Executive’s incapacity due to physical or mental illness or any such actual or anticipated failure after Executive’s issuance of a Notice of Termination for Good Reason, after a written demand for substantial performance is delivered to Executive by the Board, which demand specifically identifies the manner in which the Board believes that Executive has not substantially performed his duties), (iii) the Executive has been convicted of, or pleaded nolo contendere to a felony involving moral turpitude, or (iv) the Executive has engaged in fraud against the Company or misappropriated Company property or the property of the Company’s Affiliates (other than incidental property) resulting in a material economic or financial injury to the Company or any Affiliate.

 

8.4 Change of Control ” means any of the following occurrences which is also a change in the ownership or effective ownership of the Company or of a substantial portion of its assets within the meaning of Treas. Reg. §1.409A-3(i)(5):

 

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(a) any “person,” as such term is used in Sections 3(a)(9) and 13(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (“ Person ”), becomes a “beneficial owner,” as such term is used in Rule 13d-3 promulgated under that Act, of 30% or more of the voting stock of Company;

 

(b) the majority of the Board of Directors of Company consists of individuals other than “incumbent” directors, which term means the members of the Board of Directors on the date hereof; provided that any person becoming a director subsequent to such date whose election or nomination for election was supported by two-thirds of the directors who then comprised the incumbent directors will be considered to be an incumbent director;

 

(c) Company adopts any plan of liquidation providing for the distribution of all or substantially all of its assets;

 

(d) all or substantially all of the assets or business of Company is disposed of pursuant to a merger, consolidation or other transaction (unless the stockholders of Company immediately prior to such merger, consolidation or other transaction beneficially own, directly or indirectly, in substantially the same proportion as they owned the voting stock of Company, all of the voting stock or other ownership interests of the entity or entities, if any, that succeed to the business of Company); or

 

(e) Company combines with another company and is the surviving corporation but, immediately after the combination, the stockholders of Company immediately prior to the combination hold, directly or indirectly, 50% or less of the voting stock of the combined company (there being excluded from the number of shares held by such stockholders, but not from the voting stock of the combined company, any shares received by affiliates of such, other company in exchange for stock of such other company).

 

For purposes of the Change of Control definition, “Company” will include any entity that succeeds to all or substantially all, of the business of Company and “voting stock” will mean securities of any class or classes having general voting power under ordinary circumstances, in the absence of contingencies, to elect the directors of a corporation.

 

8.5 Code ” means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.

 

8.6 Disability ” means, in Company’s sole discretion, Executive becomes mentally or physically impaired or disabled such that Executive is unable to perform Executive’s duties and responsibilities hereunder for a period of at least one hundred twenty (120) days in the aggregate during any one hundred fifty (150) consecutive day period.

 

8.7 Equity Agreement ” means any equity plan, agreement or arrangement maintained or sponsored by Company in which Executive is a participant.

 

8.8 Good Reason ” shall mean a termination pursuant to Section 8.12(a)(ii).

 

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8.9 401(k) Savings Plan ” means the Internap 401(k) Savings Plan or any other qualified retirement plan with a cash or deferred arrangement that is maintained or sponsored by Company or any Affiliate in which Executive is a participant.

 

8.10 Notice of Termination ” means a notice that shall indicate the specific termination provision in this Agreement (if any) relied upon and shall set forth in reasonable detail the facts and circumstances claimed to provide a basis for termination of Executive’s employment under the provision so indicated. Any purported termination of Executive’s employment by the Company or by Executive (other than termination due to Executive’s death, which shall terminate Executive’s employment automatically) shall be communicated by a written Notice of Termination to the other party hereto in accordance with Section 7.10.

 

8.11 Protection Period ” means the period beginning on the date that is one hundred twenty (120) days prior to the occurrence of a Change of Control, provided that the Change of Control involves a strategic or financial buyer who had been in communication and/or negotiations with the Company prior to the termination of Executive’s employment, and ending twenty-four (24) months following the occurrence of a Change of Control.

 

8.12 Qualifying Termination ” means

 

(a) In the case of any Termination of Employment other than during a Protection Period, “Qualifying Termination” shall mean:

 

(i) the Termination of Employment by Company for any reason other than Cause, Disability or death; or

 

(ii) the Termination of Employment by Executive for any of the following reasons:

 

(A) a material reduction in the Executive’s Base Salary as in effect on the date hereof, or as the same may be increased from time to time, during the Employment Period;

 

(B) a material change in the geographic location at which Executive must perform services for the Company,

 

(C) a material reduction in Executive’s, responsibilities or duties during the Employment Period; or

 

(D) a material breach of the Agreement by the Company;

 

provided, in each case, that the Executive has not consented to or waived compliance with, as applicable, any of the foregoing. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Executive’s resignation shall not be considered a Qualifying Termination unless the Executive provides the Company with at least thirty (30) days’ prior written notice of his intent to resign for one of the reasons enumerated above within ninety (90) days of the existence of such reason, and the Company does not remedy the alleged violation(s) within such thirty (30)-day period.

 

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(b) In the case of any Termination of Employment during a Protection Period, “Qualifying Termination” shall mean:

 

(iii) the Termination of Employment by Company for any reason other than Cause, Disability or death; or

 

(iv) the Termination of Employment by Executive for any of the following reasons:

 

(A) a material reduction in the Executive’s Base Salary as in effect on the date hereof, or as the same may be increased from time to time, during the Employment Period;

 

(B) a material change in the geographic location at which Executive must perform services for the Company,

 

(C) a material reduction in Executive’s, responsibilities or duties during the Employment Period; or

 

(D) a material breach of the Agreement by the Company;

 

provided, in each case, that the Executive has not consented to or waived compliance with, as applicable, any of the foregoing. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Executive’s resignation shall not be considered a Qualifying Termination unless the Executive provides the Company with at least thirty (30) days’ prior written notice of his intent to resign for one of the reasons enumerated above within ninety (90) days of the existence of such reason, and the Company does not remedy the alleged violation(s) within such thirty (30)-day period.

 

(c) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, any amounts or benefits payable upon a Qualifying Termination that would constitute non-exempt “deferred compensation” for purposes of Section 409A of the Code and applicable regulations will not be payable or distributable to Executive by reason of such circumstance unless the circumstances giving rise to such Qualifying Termination meet any description or definition of “separation from service” in Section 409A of the Code and applicable regulations (without giving effect to any elective provisions that may be available under such definition). If this provision prevents the payment or distribution of any amount or benefit, such payment or distribution shall be made on the date, if any, on which an event occurs that constitutes a Section 409A-compliant “separation from service.”

 

Aquino Employment Agreement

EXECUTION COPY

 

(d) In the event that Executive is employed by a subsidiary of Company and not Company, for purposes of the term “Qualifying Termination,” “Company” will include such subsidiary.

 

8.13 Severance Pay” (a) in the event that Section 3.1 is applicable, means cash severance payments in an amount equal to the Executive’s Base Salary as of Termination of Employment, plus Executive’s annual Target Bonus Amount under the Company’s STIP, or other applicable short term bonus plan in effect as of Executive’s Termination of Employment, or (b) in the event that Section 3.2 is applicable, means cash severance payments in an amount equal to two (2) times the sum in the preceding clause (a).

 

8.14 Termination of Employment ” means the date on which Executive ceases to perform duties for Company and its Affiliates. If Executive ceases to perform duties for Company or an Affiliate, but continues to perform services for another Affiliate (including Company), then Executive will not be considered to have had a “Termination of Employment” even if the two entities are no longer related through stock ownership.

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF , the parties have executed this Agreement as of the Effective Date.

 

INTERNAP CORPORATION   EXECUTIVE
       
By:  /s/ Daniel C. Stanzione   /s/ Peter D. Aquino
Name: Daniel C. Stanzione   Name: Peter D. Aquino
Title: Chairman of the Board of Directors    

 

Aquino Employment Agreement

EXECUTION COPY

 

EXHIBIT A

 

Broad Valley Capital LLC

Broad Valley Micro Fiber Networks Inc.

FairPoint Communications, Inc.

Lumos Networks Corp.

 

Aquino Employment Agreement

 

 

Exhibit 10.2

 

INTERNAP CORPORATION

 

RESTRICTED STOCK INDUCEMENT AWARD AGREEMENT

 

1.           Award of Restricted Stock . Internap Corporation (the “ Company ”) hereby awards to the employee or director (“ Recipient ”) named in the Notice of Grant of Restricted Stock (“ Notice ”), a grant of Restricted Stock (“ Stock ”) for the total number of shares set forth on the Notice (the “ Award ”), subject to the terms, definitions and provisions of the Internap Corporation 2014 Stock Incentive Plan (the “ Plan ”), which is incorporated herein by reference, and the terms of this Restricted Stock Inducement Award Agreement (the “ Agreement ”) and Plan Prospectus, although this Award is issued as an inducement award pursuant to NASDAQ Listing Rule 5635(c)(4), is not issued under the Plan and the shares of Stock issued pursuant to this Award shall not be considered as issued under the Plan . Unless otherwise defined herein, terms not defined in this Agreement shall have the meanings ascribed to them in the Plan. In the event of a conflict between the terms and conditions of the Plan and those of this Agreement, the terms and conditions of this Agreement shall prevail.

 

2.           Terms of Award .

 

2.1            Lapsing of Restrictions .   Subject to the limitations contained herein, the restrictions on the Award shall lapse, and the Award shall vest, as provided in the Notice, provided that vesting shall cease upon the termination of Recipient’s status as an Eligible Employee or a Director, except to the extent expressly provided in the Notice. The period during which the Stock is subject to restrictions imposed by the Plan and this Agreement shall be known as the “ Restricted Period .”

 

2.2            Forfeiture . Simultaneously with termination of Recipient’s status as an Eligible Employee or a Director, Recipient shall automatically forfeit any remaining unvested shares of Stock, except to the extent expressly provided in the Notice.

 

2.3            Number of Shares of Stock .   The number of shares of Stock subject to the Award may be adjusted from time-to-time as provided in Section 13 of the Plan.

 

2.3            Restrictive Legends . The shares issued under the Award shall be endorsed with appropriate legends determined by the Company.

 

3.           Registration and Listing; Securities Laws .

 

3.1            Registration and Listing . The Award is conditional upon (a) the effective registration or exemption of the Stock granted thereunder under the Securities Act of 1933 and applicable state or foreign securities laws, and (b) the effective listing of the stock on The Nasdaq Stock Market, or the Company’s then-current exchange of listing.

 

3.2            Securities Laws . By accepting the Award, Recipient represents and warrants that Recipient is acquiring the shares of restricted Stock awarded under the Notice and this Agreement for Recipient’s own account and investment and without any intent to resell or distribute the Stock.

 

4.           Reacquisition of Unvested Shares . The Company shall automatically reacquire (“ Reacquisition Right ”) all or any part of the shares of Stock received pursuant to Recipient’s Award that have not as yet vested in accordance with the vesting schedule on the Notice (“ Unvested Shares ”) on the following terms and conditions:

 

  - 1 -  

 

 

4.1            Escrow of Shares . The Company will hold each share of Stock issued under the Award in escrow on Recipient’s behalf until such time as the share of Stock vests, at which time such share of Stock shall be released to the Recipient’s account.

 

4.2            Termination of Status . Except to the extent expressly provided in the Notice, the Company shall, simultaneously with termination of Recipient’s status as an Eligible Employee or a Director, automatically reacquire for no consideration all of the Unvested Shares, and Recipient shall automatically forfeit the Unvested Shares to the Company and relinquish any rights in the Unvested Shares to the Company.

 

4.3            Adjustment of Shares . If, from time-to-time, there is any stock dividend, stock split or other change in the character or amount of any of the outstanding Stock of the Company the Stock of which is subject to the provisions of the Award, then in such event any and all new, substituted or additional securities to which Recipient is entitled by reason of ownership of the shares acquired under the Award will be immediately subject to the Reacquisition Right with the same force and effect as the shares subject to this Reacquisition Right immediately before such event.

 

5.           Rights as a Stockholder . During the Restricted Period, Recipient shall have all voting, dividend, liquidation and other rights with respect to the Stock held of record by Recipient as if Recipient held unrestricted Stock; provided, however , that the Unvested Shares shall be subject to any restrictions on transferability or risks of forfeiture imposed pursuant to the Plan, the Notice or this Agreement. Any noncash dividends or distributions paid with respect to Unvested Shares shall be subject to the same restrictions as those relating to the Stock awarded under this Agreement. After the restrictions applicable to the Stock lapse, Recipient shall have all stockholder rights, including the right to transfer the shares, subject to such conditions as the Company may reasonably specify to ensure compliance with federal and state securities laws.

 

6.           No Obligation to Employ . Nothing in this Agreement or the Plan shall confer on Recipient any right to continue in the employ of, or other relationship with, the Company, or limit in any way the right of the Company to terminate Recipient’s employment or other relationship at any time, with or without cause. By accepting this Award, Participant acknowledges and agrees that Participant’s acceptance of this Award is voluntary.

 

7.           Withholding . The Company shall be entitled to (a) withhold and deduct from Recipient’s future wages (or from other amounts that may be due and owing to Recipient from the Company), or make other arrangement for the collection of, all legally required amounts necessary to satisfy any and all federal, state and local withholding and employment-related tax requirements attributable to the Stock awarded under this Agreement, including, without limitation, the award or vesting of, or payments of dividends with respect to, the Stock; or (b) allow Recipient promptly to remit the amount of such withholding to the Company before taking any action with respect to the Stock, or (c) subject to applicable securities laws, allow Recipient to elect in writing, at least six months in advance of a vesting event, that the Recipient desires to satisfy Recipient’s withholding requirements by allowing the Company to withhold common stock to be received or by delivery to the Company of previously-owned common stock of the Company. Unless the tax withholding obligations of the Company are satisfied, the Company shall have no obligation to issue a certificate for such shares or release such shares from any escrow provided for herein.

 

8.           Transferability . Until the restrictions lapse as set forth herein, the Stock granted under this Agreement may not be transferred in any manner otherwise than by will or by the laws of descent and distribution. All rights with respect to the Stock are exercisable during Recipient’s lifetime only by Recipient.

 

  - 2 -  

 

 

9.           Interpretation . Any dispute regarding the interpretation of this Agreement shall be submitted by Recipient or the Company to the Compensation Committee for review. The resolution of such a dispute by the Compensation Committee shall be final and binding on the Company and Recipient.

 

10.          Governing Law .  This Agreement shall be governed by and construed according to the laws of the State of Delaware without regard to its principles of conflict of laws.

 

11.          Entire Agreement .  The Plan, Notice and Prospectus are hereby incorporated by reference and made a part hereof. This Agreement, Plan, Notice and Prospectus constitute the entire agreement of the parties and supersede all prior undertakings and agreements with respect to the subject matter hereof.

 

12.          Successors and Assigns . The Company may assign any of its rights under this Agreement. This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the successors and assigns of the Company. Subject to the restrictions on transfer set forth herein, this Agreement shall be binding upon Recipient and Recipient’s heirs, executors, administrators, legal representatives, successors and assigns.

 

13.          Amendments .  This Agreement may be amended or modified at any time only by an instrument in writing signed by each of the parties hereto.

 

14.          Acceptance . By executing the Notice, Recipient acknowledges receipt of a copy of the Plan, Notice and Prospectus and this Agreement and that Recipient has read and understands the terms and provisions hereof and thereof, that the Recipient accepts the Award subject to all the terms, definitions, provisions and conditions of the Plan, Notice and Prospectus and this Agreement, and that the Recipient understands and acknowledges that, notwithstanding the foregoing, the Award is not being issued under the Plan. Recipient acknowledges that there may be adverse tax consequences upon acceptance of the Award and that Recipient should consult a tax adviser prior to such exercise or disposition.

 

  - 3 -  

 

 

 

Exhibit 10.3

 

Notice of Grant of Restricted Stock Internap Corporation
  Employer ID: XXXXX
  One Ravinia Drive, Suite 1300
  Atlanta, GA 30346

 

         
  Participant: Peter D. Aquino   Employee ID:  
  [Address]   [INSERT]  
         

You have been granted an Award of Internap Corporation (the “ Corporation ”) restricted Common Stock (the “ Award ”) as follows. The Award is granted as an inducement award pursuant to NASDAQ Listing Rule 5635(c)(4):

 

Type of Award : Restricted Stock
Grant No .: [INSERT]
Date of Award : [INSERT]
Total Number of Shares Awarded : 1,585,000

 

Vesting Dates and Restrictions   Shares Vesting
Performance Based Award:    
The date on which the First Stock Price Target (as defined below) has been attained if You have remained in the employment of the Corporation through such date.   200,000
The date on which the Second Stock Price Target (as defined below) has been attained if You have remained in the employment of the Corporation through such date.   250,000
The date on which the Third Stock Price Target (as defined below) has been attained if You have remained in the employment of the Corporation through such date.   250,000
Time Based Award:    
First Anniversary of the Date of Award, if You have remained in the employment of the Corporation through such date.   100,000
Second Anniversary of the Date of Award, if You have remained in the employment of the Corporation through such date.   100,000
Third Anniversary of the Date of Award, if You have remained in the employment of the Corporation through such date.   100,000
Hybrid Time-Performance Based Award    
The date on which the First Stock Price Target has been attained if You have remained in the employment of the Corporation through such date, and then subject to the Time Restrictions.   350,000
The date on which the Second Stock Price Target has been attained if You have remained in the employment of the Corporation through such date, and then subject to the Time Restrictions.   235,000

 

The First Stock Price Target shall be attained on either (i) the date on which the Corporation’s common stock has traded with a closing per share price of at least $5.00 for at least five (5) (not necessarily consecutive) business days on which the markets are open, or (ii) in the event of a Qualifying Termination during a Protection Period, the date a Change of Control is consummated if the price per share in the Change of Control is at least $5.00; provided, that such date in (i) or (ii) must occur no later than the third anniversary of Your date of hire.

 

The Second Stock Price Target shall be attained on either (i) the date on which the Corporation’s common stock has traded with a closing per share price of at least $7.50 for at least five (5) (not necessarily consecutive) business days on which the markets are open, or (ii) in the event of a Qualifying Termination during a Protection Period, the date a Change of Control is consummated if the price per share in the Change of Control is at least $7.50; provided, that such date in (i) or (ii) must occur no later than the third anniversary of Your date of hire.

 

The Third Stock Price Target shall be attained on the date on which the Corporation’s common stock has traded with a closing per share price of at least $10.00 for at least five (5) (not necessarily consecutive) business days on which the markets are open; provided, that such date must occur no later than the third anniversary of Your date of hire.

 

The First Stock Price Target, the Second Stock Price Target and the Third Stock Price Target, each a “ Stock Price Target .”

 

Time Restrictions: The time restrictions on one-third (1/3) of the shares of the Hybrid Time-Performance Based Award subject to the applicable Stock Price Target shall lapse and the shares shall vest annually from the date such Stock Price Target has been attained for such shares.

 

Forfeiture of Award Shares: Any shares of the Performance Based Award and the Time Based Award that are restricted as of the earlier of (i) Your date of termination, or (ii) the third anniversary of Your date of hire, shall be immediately forfeited as of such date, subject to the “Qualifying Termination Outside of a Protection Period” provision and “Acceleration” provisions noted below. The Time Restrictions on any shares of the Hybrid Time-Performance Based Award for which the applicable Stock Price Target has been attained shall continue to lapse and such shares shall continue to vest for so long as You remain continuously employed by the Corporation. Any shares of the Hybrid Time-Performance Based Award that are restricted as of Your date of termination shall be immediately forfeited as such date, subject to the “Qualifying Termination Outside of a Protection Period” provision and “Acceleration” provisions noted below.

 

 

 

 

Qualifying Termination Outside of a Protection Period: In the event of Your Qualifying Termination within the one hundred twenty (120) day period immediately preceding a Change of Control that involves a strategic or financial buyer who has been in communication and/or negotiations with the Corporation prior to the termination of Your employment, You will be deemed to have remained in the employment of the Corporation through the date of such Change of Control for purposes of determining whether the restrictions applicable to Your shares of this Award have lapsed and such shares have vested as noted above; accordingly, no forfeiture of the shares of this Award shall occur upon Your termination during the one hundred twenty (120) day period following Your termination, and the forfeiture of the shares of this Award shall instead occur at the end of such one hundred twenty (120) day period if no such Change of Control has occurred by that time.

 

COC Acceleration : (a) If You incur a Qualifying Termination within the one hundred twenty (120) day period immediately preceding a Change of Control that involves a strategic or financial buyer who has been in communication and/or negotiations with the Corporation prior to the termination of Your employment, (b) If You have remained employed through the date of a Change of Control and You incur a Qualifying Termination during a Protection Period thereafter, or (c) In the event You have remained employed through the date of a Change of Control whereby the resulting successor or surviving company is not publicly traded, then as of such Qualifying Termination (for clauses (a) or (b) above) or Change of Control (for clause (c) above): (i) all restrictions on unvested shares of the Time Based Award and Performance Based Award that have not been previously forfeited shall immediately lapse for all such shares and such shares shall vest; provided, however, the restrictions on the shares of the Time Based Award and Performance Based Award shall only lapse, and such shares shall only vest if the First Stock Price Target has been attained, and (ii) all Time Restrictions on unvested shares of the Hybrid Time-Performance Based Award that have not been previously forfeited shall immediately lapse and such shares shall vest for all shares of the Hybrid Time-Performance Based Award; provided, however, the Time Restrictions on shares of the Hybrid Time-Performance Based Award shall only lapse and such shares shall vest if the applicable Stock Price Target has been attained. If You are entitled to benefits in accordance with this paragraph, the Corporation may, in its sole and absolute discretion, in lieu of lapsing the restrictions on shares of this Award as described in the preceding sentences, pay You an amount equal to the number of shares whose restrictions were to lapse multiplied by the fair market value of such shares at the time of the Change of Control (for clause (a) and (c) above) or Qualifying Termination (for clause (b) above).

 

Non-COC Acceleration: If You incur a Qualifying Termination other than during a Protection Period, then as of such Qualifying Termination, (i) if the First Stock Price Target has been attained, all restrictions on unvested shares of the Time-Based Award that have not been previously forfeited shall immediately lapse and such shares shall vest, and (ii) all Time Restrictions on unvested shares of the Hybrid Time-Performance Based Award that have not been previously forfeited shall immediately lapse and such shares shall vest for all shares of the Hybrid Time-Performance Based Award; provided, however, the Time Restrictions on shares of the Hybrid Time-Performance Based Award shall only lapse and such shares shall vest if the applicable Stock Price Target has been attained.

 

Non-Renewal Acceleration: If Your employment terminates because the Corporation elects not to renew the Employment Agreement, the Time Restrictions on all shares of the Hybrid Time-Performance Based Award for which the applicable Stock Price Target has been attained shall lapse and such unrestricted shares shall immediately vest.

 

Termination Upon Death Acceleration: In the event Your employment terminates because of Your death, (i) the restrictions on the Time Based Award shall lapse and such unrestricted shares shall immediately vest on a pro rata basis, calculated by multiplying 300,000 by a fraction, the numerator of which is the number of days that You were employed by the Corporation, and the denominator of which is 1095, rounded to the nearest whole number, and then reduced by the number of shares of the Time Based Award that have already vested, and (ii) The Time Restrictions on any shares of the Hybrid Time-Performance Based Award for which the applicable Stock Price Target has been attained shall lapse and such unrestricted shares shall immediately vest on a pro rata basis, calculated by multiplying 585,000 by a fraction, the numerator of which is the number of days that You were employed by the Corporation from the date the applicable Stock Price Target was achieved, and the denominator of which is 1095, rounded to the nearest whole number, and then reduced by the number of shares of the Hybrid Time-Performance Based Award that have already vested.

 

Qualifying Termination Prior to April 30, 2017 : Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Notice, the Plan, the Employment Agreement, or any other agreement between You and the Corporation, in the event Your employment is terminated on or prior to April 30, 2017, You will forfeit all unvested shares of this Award, and none of the “Acceleration” provisions above shall apply.

 

For all purposes of this Notice, the terms “Change of Control,” “Protection Period,” and “Qualifying Termination” shall be as defined in Your Employment Agreement dated September 12, 2016 (the “ Employment Agreement ”).

 

This Award is intended to be an inducement material to Your entering into employment with the Corporation under NASDAQ Marketplace Rules.

 

By Your acceptance of this Award through the E*Trade website, You agree that this Award is subject to all the terms, definitions and conditions of the Internap Corporation 2014 Stock Incentive Plan (as amended from time to time) (the “ Plan ”), and by the terms and conditions of the Restricted Stock Inducement Award Agreement and related Prospectus, which is attached hereto and made a part of this document. However, You also agree that this Award has not been granted under the Plan and any shares of the Corporation’s Common Stock issued to You pursuant to this Award shall not be considered to be granted under the Plan.

 

 

 

Exhibit 99.1

 

 

 

Internap Announces Leadership Transition to Support Next Stage of Business Evolution

 

Peter D. Aquino appointed president and chief executive officer;

Peter J. Rogers, Jr. joins board as new independent director

 

ATLANTA – September 13, 2016 – Internap Corporation (NASDAQ: INAP), a provider of high-performance internet infrastructure services, today announced that Peter Aquino, a 30-year technology, media and telecommunications (TMT) industry veteran, has been appointed president and chief executive officer and a member of the company’s board of directors, effective on September 19, 2016. Mr. Aquino succeeds Michael Ruffolo, a board member who stepped in as CEO during 2015 to lead the company's customer-focused transformation. In addition, Peter J. Rogers, Jr. has been appointed to the board of directors. Following these changes, Internap’s board now comprises seven directors, six of whom will be non-employee, independent directors.

 

Mr. Aquino joins Internap with a strong track record overseeing major expansion efforts, turnarounds and strategic partnerships and transactions at other companies in the TMT industry. Previously, he served as chairman and chief executive officer, and later as executive chairman, of Primus Telecommunications Group, Inc. (PTGi) (NYSE: PTGI). Under Mr. Aquino’s leadership, PTGi expanded into an integrated telecommunications company serving consumer and business customers with voice, data, high capacity fiber and data center services in several markets around the world. PTGi’s collection of global assets reached approximately $1 billion in revenue before the company achieved a successful liquidity event following several divestitures.

 

Prior to PTGi, Mr. Aquino was president and chief executive officer of RCN Corporation (NASDAQ: RCNI) from 2004 until it was successfully taken private in 2010 for $1.2 billion. During his tenure at RCN, Mr. Aquino transformed RCN into an all-digital HDTV cable MSO in five major U.S. markets, including New York City, Boston, Chicago, Washington, D.C. and eastern Pennsylvania. While at RCN, Mr. Aquino also created RCN Metro Fiber Inc. (now part of Lightower Fiber Networks), an advanced fiber infrastructure company.

 

“We are delighted to welcome Pete to Internap. We believe his experience transforming and driving growth at other companies in the TMT industry is ideal for Internap. Pete’s compensation will be closely tied to Internap’s performance as we look to capitalize on the opportunities in our markets,” said Dan Stanzione, chairman of the Internap board of directors. "On behalf of the board, we want to thank Mike for his tireless dedication and countless contributions to Internap both as a director and as our CEO. Mike stepped in during a challenging period and stabilized the business, re-engaged employees across geographies and functions and focused the global company on its customers. Pete is grateful for the contributions that Mike has made, values his insight into both the industry and the company, and has asked Mike to help drive a smooth and effective transition. With this foundation in place, we are confident that Pete’s leadership will help accelerate our growth and enhance shareholder value.”

 

“I am excited to lead Internap at such an important time,” said Mr. Aquino. “Internap is uniquely positioned to provide customers with fast, powerful and scalable internet infrastructure that offers all of the possibilities of cloud-hosted computing anchored by a global network of data centers. I believe that Internap is well-positioned to compete, and I look forward to working with the team to leverage Internap’s reputation for putting customers first. I am honored to have the opportunity to continue the company’s transformation efforts, and I am confident in our ability to drive enhanced efficiency, profitability and growth and generate value for both customers and shareholders.”

 

 

 

 

Internap also announced today that Peter J. Rogers, Jr., a former 27-year veteran of MICROS Systems, Inc., has joined the Internap board as a new independent director. Mr. Rogers is currently a principal of the Stroudwater Group, a Washington, D.C.-based strategic consulting firm, where he specializes in advising technology companies on a wide range of business functions. Mr. Rogers’ appointment follows a search for new independent directors begun by Internap’s board of directors.

 

“We are pleased to welcome Peter Rogers to the board as our newest independent director,” said Dr. Stanzione. “Peter brings decades of technology industry experience in a number of key areas critical to Internap’s business, including business development, marketing, product management, finance and investor relations. We look forward to benefiting from Peter’s fresh perspective in the boardroom.”

 

In connection with today’s appointments, Internap affirmed that while the company remains open to value-maximizing opportunities that are in the best interests of all shareholders, the company is not engaged at this time in discussions with any party and is not actively pursuing transaction alternatives to organic growth.

 

As a material inducement to entering into employment with the company, Mr. Aquino will be awarded 1,585,000 restricted shares of the company’s common stock on his first date of employment under the terms of an award agreement. This award was unanimously approved by the Compensation Committee of the company’s board of directors as an inducement award pursuant to NASDAQ Listing Rule 5635(c)(4). Of the total grant, 300,000 shares of restricted stock are subject to time-based vesting (in three year annual increments), 700,000 shares of restricted stock are subject to performance-based vesting based on the company achieving specified stock price targets and the remaining 585,000 shares of restricted stock are subject to vesting based on both the company achieving specified stock price targets and time-based vesting following the company’s achievement of those stock price targets. Vesting of the shares of restricted stock is conditioned upon Mr. Aquino’s continued employment with the company, and is subject to acceleration upon certain events (including a change of control of the company as defined in the award agreement).

 

About Peter D. Aquino

Mr. Aquino, 55, began his career at Bell Atlantic (now Verizon) and has over 30 years of TMT experience. Mr. Aquino was the executive chairman of Primus Telecommunications Group, Inc. (NYSE: PTGI) until April 2013, transitioning to that role after serving as chairman and chief executive officer from October 2010 to January 2013. Prior to PTGi, Mr. Aquino was the president and chief executive officer of RCN Corporation (Nasdaq: RCNI) from December 2004 until August 2010. Mr. Aquino has held leadership positions in both public and private companies, specializing in expansion efforts, turnarounds, M&A, and emerging markets. He is the founder of Broad Valley Capital, LLC, providing advisory services and capital to improve business operations, productivity and asset value. In his role as a consultant, Mr. Aquino has led several operating and financial teams through reorganizations and M&A opportunities at companies such as Leap Wireless, XO Communications, Allegiance Telecom, Northeast Optical Networks (NEON), Lumos Networks and others. Mr. Aquino is also the founder of Broad Valley Micro Fiber Networks Inc., a Mid-Atlantic fiber and wireless infrastructure services provider founded in 2014.

 

Mr. Aquino is a graduate of Montclair State College in New Jersey, and holds an MBA from George Washington University.

 

 

 

 

About Peter J. Rogers, Jr.

Mr. Rogers, 61, is a principal of the Stroudwater Group, providing strategic advisory services and board of directors services to growth stage technology companies. Over a 27-year career at MICROS Systems, Inc., he served in a variety of roles as a key member of an executive team that built the technology company from $18 million in revenue to $1.4 billion, and grew its market cap from $3 million to $5.3 billion.

 

Mr. Rogers has extensive C-level executive experience in strategy, investor relations, operations, marketing and management. He has more than 20 years of global experience with the financial community as an investor relations and business development executive. He has also demonstrated broad experience in managing people across multiple disciplines, building teams, strategic planning, developing and managing external relationships and executing business plans. He currently serves on the boards of several technology companies, including as chairman of B4Checkin, Ltd. and as a director of Gusto POS Systems, Inc. and StayNTouch, Inc.

 

Mr. Rogers received an MBA from New York University Stern School of Business and a BA from the University of Pennsylvania.

 

About Internap

Internap is the high-performance internet infrastructure provider that powers the applications shaping the way we live, work and play. Our hybrid infrastructure delivers performance without compromise – blending virtual and bare-metal cloud, hosting and colocation services across a global network of data centers, optimized from the application to the end user and backed by rock-solid customer support and a 100% uptime guarantee. Since 1996, the most innovative companies have relied on Internap to make their applications faster and more scalable. For more information, visit www.internap.com.

 

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements include statements related to our expectations for the leadership transition and its impact on our ability to accelerate growth, enhance shareholder value and continue the company’s transformation efforts, our competitive position and our ability to drive enhanced efficiency, profitability and growth. Our ability to achieve these forward-looking statements is based on certain assumptions, including our ability, under new leadership, to execute on our business strategy, our ability to successfully and efficiently leverage multiple routes to market, expanded brand awareness for high-performance internet infrastructure services and bookings and customer churn levels. These assumptions may prove to be inaccurate in the future. Because such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks and uncertainties, there are important factors that could cause Internap’s actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. These factors include our ability to execute on our business strategy and drive growth; our ability to maintain current customers and obtain new ones, whether in a cost-effective manner or at all; the robustness of the IT infrastructure services market; our ability to achieve or sustain profitability; our ability to expand margins and drive higher returns on investment; our ability to sell into new and existing data center space; the actual performance of our IT infrastructure services; our ability to correctly forecast capital needs, demand planning and space utilization; our ability to respond successfully to technological change and the resulting competition; the availability of services from internet network service providers or network service providers providing network access loops and local loops on favorable terms, or at all; failure of third party suppliers to deliver their products and services on favorable terms, or at all; failures in our network operations centers, data centers, network access points or computer systems; our ability to provide or improve internet infrastructure services to our customers; and our ability to protect our intellectual property, as well as other factors discussed in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Given these risks and uncertainties, investors should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements as a prediction of actual results. We undertake no obligation to update, amend or clarify any forward-looking statement for any reason.

 

Press Contact: Investor Contact:
Mariah Torpey Mary Ann Arico
781-418-2404 404-302-9982
internap@teamlewis.com ir@internap.com