EXHIBIT 10.1
EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT
This Employment Agreement ("Agreement") made on December___, 2001, is
between LANTRONIX, a California corporation ("Employer"), located at 15353
Barranca Parkway, Irvine, California 92616 and FRED THIEL, an individual
("Employee") residing at____________________________________________________ by
virtue of the following facts, events, circumstances and desires:
RECITALS
A. WHEREAS, Employee desires to continue to work for Employer and
receive compensation and Employer desires to continue to employ Employee;
B. WHEREAS, Employer is engaged in the business of developing network
attached technology;
C. WHEREAS, Employee, in the course of employment, will obtain or
develop confidential information and trade secrets;
D. WHEREAS, Employee recognizes and acknowledges that Employer must
maintain and preserve all such confidential information and trade secrets for
the protection of its business, competitive position and goodwill; and,
E. WHEREAS, Employer desires assurance that Employee will maintain
and preserve Employer's confidential information and trade secrets both during
and after employment and Employee is willing to provide same.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the promises and mutual covenants
contained in this Agreement and in consideration of Employee's employment and
continued employment by Employer, it is agreed as follows:
AGREEMENT
1. TERM. Subject to this Agreement's terms and conditions, Employer agrees
to employ Employee. The employment term shall commence on the date first written
above. The Employer shall employ the Employee until such time as either or both
parties choose to discontinue the employment. The employment
relationship shall be that of an Employee at-will.
2. DUTIES. While employed by Employer, Employee shall devote his entire
working time, skill and attention exclusively to the interests and business of
Employer, shall perform such duties as may be assigned to him from time to time
by Employer, shall comply to the best of his ability with all policies and
directives issued by the Employer's Board of Directors, and shall in all
respects do his utmost to further enhance and develop the best interests and
welfare of the Employer. Employee's specific title, responsibility, authority
and reporting shall be as detailed on Exhibit "1" attached hereto and
incorporated herein.
3. COMPENSATION
3.1 Base Salary. The Employer shall pay to Employee as base
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compensation the total sum of Three Hundred Twenty-Five Thousand Dollars
($325,000) per year, payable at those intervals as the Employer shall pay other
Executives. Said Base Salary shall be subject to annual review by the Employer's
Board of Directors.
3.2 Target Bonus. In addition to said Base Salary, Employee
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shall also receive a bonus of up to 50% of Employee's Base Salary via standard
management metrics ("Target Bonus"). The Target Bonus shall be calculated in
accordance with the Lantronix MBO Incentive Program, revision 0.2x, attached
hereto and incorporated herein as Exhibit "2." Bonus can be equal to 200% of
Target Bonus, if appropriate metrics are obtained. Said bonus amount shall be
paid quarterly.
3.3 Insurance Coverage. Employer shall make available to
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Employee and his dependents whatever coverage Employee shall elect under
Employer's standard corporate medical, dental, life and disability insurance
programs as each such respective benefit is made available to any other
Executive employee of Employer at a comparable level within the organization.
3.4 Expenses. Employer shall reimburse Employee for all
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reasonable entertainment, promotion or other expenses advanced by him in the
scope of his employment in connection with the business of Employer on behalf of
Employer. Each such expenditure shall be reimbursed only if it is of a nature
qualifying it as a proper deduction on the federal and state income tax return
of Employer. In addition, each such expenditure shall be reimbursable only if
Employee furnishes to Employer adequate records and other documentary evidence
required by federal and state statutes for the substantiation of each such
expenditure as an income tax deduction.
3.5 Signing Bonus. In addition to Base Salary, Employee shall also
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receive a signing bonus in an amount equal to $206,250 and earned, due and
payable January 2, 2002.
3.6 Car Allowance. Employee shall receive a car allowance of $1,000
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per month in addition to the expense reimbursements in section 3.4.
3.7 Other Incentives. Employee shall be entitled to participate in
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any other employee incentive programs offered by Employer, including but not
limited to such programs as a section 401(k) plan.
3.8 Vacation. Employee will be entitled to accrue twenty (20) vacation
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days each year in accordance with Employer's vacation policy.
3.9 Stock Options. Employer shall grant Employee substantially
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concurrent with the execution of this Agreement stock options as indicated in
the subparagraphs below:
3.9.1 300,000 Non-Qualified Stock Options to vest according to
the following schedule:
i. 50,000 options to vest on January 1, 2002.
ii. 150,000 options to vest ratably monthly over a period
of 36 months commencing February 1, 2002.
iii. 25,000 options to vest on July 1, 2002
iv. 75,000 options to vest ratably over a period of 36
months commencing August 1, 2002. The options shall be priced based on fair
market at date of grant.
v. Employee shall have the right to exercise vested
options for a period of ten years from the date
of grant.
vi. Employer agrees to lend Employee an amount equal to
the option exercise price and any tax liability associated with exercise of all
options listed above on a full recourse with a pledge of the shares and on such
other terms as are set forth on Exhibit 3C attached hereto and incorporated
herein by reference. Proceeds from the market sale of any pledged shares shall
be allocated to repayment of such loan proratably based on the number of shares
sold to total number of shares pledged.
3.9.2 The Non-Statutory Stock Option Agreement, Note and
Pledge Agreement are attached hereto and incorporated herewith as Exhibits "3A,
3B and 3C."
3.10 Provisions. The foregoing compensation provisions shall remain in
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effect until June 30, 2003, unless Employee is terminated earlier as provided in
section 4.
TERMINATION. The Employer shall have the right to terminate employment of
Employee at any time, with or without cause. Employee shall have the advantage
of certain severance benefits on termination provided in that certain Severance
Agreement executed substantially concurrent with this Agreement attached hereto
and incorporated herein as Exhibit "4."
CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION
5.1 Definition. "Confidential Information" means information that is
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proprietary to the Employer or proprietary to others and entrusted to the
Employer, whether or not trade secrets. Confidential Information includes, but
is not limited to, information relating to business plans and to business as
conducted or anticipated to be conducted, and to past, current or anticipated
products. Confidential Information also includes, without limitation, Employer
information concerning (a) price lists, (b) costs of production, and (c) raw
material costs, (d) selling costs, (e) delivery costs, (f) information
concerning new or proposed new products, including the nature and design of such
products and the plans for marketing such products, (g) international procedures
and policies, (h) customer lists, account names, contacts, addresses, buying
habits and sales activity; (i) names and addresses of suppliers and vendors, (j)
tax and financial information, (k) reserves,
(l) intellectual property owned or leased by the company, (m) banking
relationships and arrangements, (n) Employees, (o) management personnel and
policies, (p) quotation names, addresses, contacts and quote workups, (q) all
mailing lists, (r) company product training materials and courses, and (s)
company computer programs and printouts.
5.2 Prohibitions Against Use. During or subsequent to the
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termination of Employee's employment, whether termination is voluntary or
involuntary, Employee will not use or disclose, other than in connection with
employment with the company, any Confidential Information to any person not
employed by the company or not authorized by the company to receive such
Confidential Information without the prior written consent of the company.
Employee will use reasonable and prudent care to safeguard an protect and
prevent the unauthorized use and disclosure of Confidential Information. The
obligations contained in this paragraph will survive for as long as the company,
in its sole judgment, considers the information to be Confidential Information.
PROTECTIVE COVENANT. It is specifically agreed that for a period of two
years after cessation of employment (the "Protective Period"), Employee shall
not in any manner contact, solicit or cause to be solicited any of Employer's
customers, suppliers or clients or former or prospective customers or suppliers
for any purpose whatsoever, without the written consent of Employer. Employee
further agrees that during the Protective Period he will not directly or
indirectly, solicit any Employee of Employer to leave his employment with
Employer, unless expressly authorized or instructed to do so in writing by
Employer.
RETURN OF PROPERTY. All documents, drawings, lists, records or other
tangible or intangible thing relating to the business of Employer that Employee
originates or comes into the Employee's possession in any way during the
employment period shall remain the sole property of Employer. Any copies,
abstracts or summaries of such items are likewise the sole property of Employer.
Employee shall not make copies or prepare abstracts or summaries of such items
except for the sole use and account of Employer and with the consent and
instruction of Employer's management. Upon termination of employment of
Employee, he or she shall immediately return to Employer all such items in his
or her possession, as well as all of
Employer's property he or she has received for assistance in performing work
duties, including but not limited to those items outlined above, as well as any
of Employer's equipment or supplies. Employee shall be liable for damages to
Employer for any such property not so returned.
ARBITRATION. If any dispute hereafter arises between the parties hereto
and/or their agents or employees relating to the terms and provisions of this
Agreement or otherwise, including but not limited to any claim for breach of any
contract or covenant (express or implied), tort claims, claims for
discrimination or harassment (including but not limited to race, sex, religion,
national origin, age, handicap or disability), claims for compensation or
benefits (except where a benefit plan or pension plan or insurance policy
specifies a different claims procedure) and claims for violations of any federal
state or other governmental law, statute, regulation or ordinance (except for
claims involving worker's compensation benefits), then either party may initiate
arbitration proceedings in accordance with the Employment Rules of JAMS
ENDispute, as the exclusive remedy for such dispute and in lieu of any court
action, which is hereby consent to such arbitration, and any arbitration award
shall be final and binding. Neither party shall disclose the existence of any
dispute or the terms of any arbitration decision to any third party, other than
legal counsel, accountants and financial advisors, or as required by law. All
fees relating to the arbitration, exclusive of Employee's attorney's fees, shall
be borne by Employer.
ATTORNEY'S FEES. in the event of any arbitration arising out of the
subject matter hereof, the prevailing party shall be entitled to recover from
the non-prevailing party its fees, costs and expenses (including reasonable
attorney's fees) incurred in such arbitration.
REMEDY. Employee acknowledges and agrees that the confidential
information, trade secrets and special knowledge acquired by him during his
employment with Employer is valuable and unique, and that breach by him of the
provisions of this Agreement will cause Employer irreparable injury and damage.
It cannot be reasonably or adequately compensated by money damages. Employee,
therefore, expressly agrees that Employer shall be entitled to injunctive or
other equitable relief in order to prevent a breach of this Agreement or any
part thereof, in addition to such other remedies legally available to Employer
and notwithstanding the provisions of paragraph 8 above. Employee expressly
waives the claim or defense that Employer has an adequate remedy at law.
APPLICABLE LAW. This Agreement shall be governed, interpreted and
construed in accordance with the laws of the State of California.
SEVERABILITY. In the event that any portion of this Agreement shall be
deemed unenforceable or void, such invalidity or unenforceability shall not
affect the validity or enforceability of any other provision of this Agreement.
ENTIRE AGREEMENT. It is agreed that the provisions of this Agreement
contain the entire agreement on the subject covered between the parties, and
cannot be modified orally, and can only be modified by written agreement signed
by Employee and Employer. This Agreement shall be binding upon the parties and
their respective heirs, administrators and assigns.
VOLUNTARY AGREEMENT. Employee acknowledges he understands that he will
have access to Confidential Information and customer accounts while employed by
Employer. Employee further acknowledges that he understands the nature of the
burdens imposed by the restrictive covenants contained in this Agreement.
Employee acknowledges and represents that such covenants are reasonable and
proper in scope and effect. Employee acknowledges that Lantronix has provided
him adequate consideration for his agreements herein.
ADVICE OF COUNSEL. Employee acknowledges he has had the opportunity and
has consulted with independent counsel with respect to Employee's rights and
obligations hereunder.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Agreement as of the
date identified at the beginning of this Agreement.
"Employee"
/s/ Fred Thiel
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Fred Thiel
"Employer"
Lantronix
By: /s/ Tom Burton
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Its: Chair - Compensation Committee Board of Directors
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Approved as to Form and Content:
/s/ Susan Roos
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Susan Roos
Attorney for Fred Thiel
/s/ Marla Merhab Robinson
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Marla Merhab Robinson
Attorney for Lantronix
EXHIBIT "1"
TITLE: President and Chief Executive Officer
RESPONSIBILITIES: The responsibilities of the President and Chief Executive
Officer are as follows:
. The responsibility of the President and CEO is to ensure
the (1) achievement of a reasonable interpretation of the
organizational results, beneficiaries, and cost of those
results as described in the Board's ends policies, and (2)
avoidance of a reasonable interpretation of the
unacceptable conditions and actions described in the
Board's executive limitation policies.
. Ends policies are Board policies that define the mission
of the company an the key priority result areas. These are
written as clearly measurable objectives with dates and
milestones.
. Executive limitations are Board policies that define
and/or limit activities and conditions for the operation
of the Company including budgets, financial conditions,
staff treatment, asset protection, staff compensation, and
board information.
AUTHORITY: The President and Chief Executive Officer is empowered to make
all decisions, create all policies, and authorize all
engagements that, upon Board request, he can demonstrate to be
consistent with a reasonable interpretation of the Board's
ends and executive limitations.
REPORTING: The President reports to the Board of Directors of the
Company as a whole and not to any individual member of the
Board.
EXHIBIT "2"
EXECUTIVE INCENTIVE COMPENSATION PROGRAM
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The purpose of the Executive Incentive Compensation Plan is to enhance and
reinforce the goals of Lantronix (the "Company") for profitable growth and
continuance of a sound overall condition by providing selected employees with
additional financial rewards for attainment of such growth and stable financial
an operating condition. Final approval of the payment of any awards made under
the Plan is subject to the discretion of the Board of Directors.
The Plan will take into account two major categories in determining incentive
compensation:
... Corporate Financial Goals
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... Individual Objectives
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The following is a matrix of the mix of annual incentive elements for selected
management levels:
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LEVEL FINANCIAL MBO'S % OF TOTAL COMP.
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President/CEO 60% 40% 23.1%
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The details of the MBO portion of the compensation plan are contained in the
LANTRONIX MBO INCENTIVE PROGRAM, Revision 0.2x, attached as Exhibit 2.
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EXHIBIT "2"
LANTRONIX MBO INCENTIVE PROGRAM
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Author: Fred Thiel
Date: October 1, 1999
Revision: 0.2x
Purpose
The purpose of the Lantronix MBO incentive program is to provide selected
employees with an incentive to focus their efforts on achieving designated
quarterly objectives which contribute to the achievement of overall departmental
and/or corporate goals.
Scope
The Lantronix MBO incentive program is applicable to any employee as a component
of their total compensation package upon recommendation by their supervising
manager. Employees must be approved by the President/CEO before they may
participate in the program.
Program Overview
The target incentive is paid quarterly as part of the employee's total target
compensation. It is targeted as a percentage of the employee's total target
compensation and consists of two components: the achievement of quarterly
corporate financial goals defined in the operating plan and individual
objectives determined by the employee and the supervising manager.
Prior to the start of each quarter, the employee and the supervising manager
agree on the individual objectives to be performed be the employee during the
quarter and submit an MBO worksheet to HR for approval by senior management.
Once approved, a copy of the worksheet is returned to the employee and
supervising manager.
After the close of the quarter, the MBO worksheet is updated with the employee's
results for the quarter and submitted to HR for approval by senior management
prior to being forwarded to Payroll for payment.
The incentive payment is considered supplemental income and is subject to
specific withholding requirements determined by state and federal tax law.
Senior management is defined as the Vice President responsible for the
functional area to whom both employee and supervisor report -- except in the
event that the Vice President is the supervisor of the employee, in which case
senior management will mean the President/CEO.
This program is subject to change, including revocation, at any time. This
program is offered at the sole discretion of the President/CEO.
LANTRONIX MBO INCENTIVE PROGRAM DETAILS
Target Incentive Amount
The target incentive amount is defined as a percentage of the employee's total
target compensation and is dependent on the employee's responsibilities and
impact on the Company's results.
Employees with greater responsibilities and whose efforts have a greater impact
on corporate financial results should have a higher percentage of their
compensation dependent on the achievement of corporate goals.
Examples of suggested percentages for different positions:
Database Programmer 10% of total target compensation
Product Manager 10% of total target compensation
Director Marcom 15% of total target compensation
Vice President 25% of total target compensation
HR will recommend a percentage to the supervising manager at the time when the
employee is recommended for inclusion in this program.
Incentive Composition
The Lantronix MBO incentive program consists of two components: corporate
financial goals (CFG), and individual objectives (IO). The relative weighting of
these two components is determined by the employee's direct responsibilities and
their impact on the Company's results.
Employees whose individual efforts primarily impact one department's objectives
have a higher weighting on individual objectives. Employees with more senior and
general responsibilities whose efforts have a great impact on corporate
financial results or many departments of the Company have a higher weighting on
corporate financial goals.
Examples of relative weightings for different positions:
Database Programmer 90% individual objectives / 10% corporate financial
goals
Product Manager 80% individual objectives / 20% corporate financial goals
Director Marcom 65% individual objectives / 35% corporate financial goals
Vice President 40% individual objectives / 60% corporate financial goals
HR will recommend the composition to the supervising manager at the time when
the employee is recommended for inclusion in this program.
Corporate Financial Goals
The corporate financial goals are based on the approved operating plan and any
periodic updates that may be made.
The corporate financial goals (CFG) component consists of three elements: gross
margin (50% of CFG), pre-tax profit (30% of CFG), and net revenue (20% of CFG).
Gross margin is weighted heavily because achievement of this objective has the
greatest impact on the Company's ability to fund operations and development
efforts. Gross margin is the fuel upon which the Company runs.
Pre-tax profit is an important factor in funding investments for long term
growth and increasing the value of the Company for the shareholders. Achieving
this objective is an indication of management's ability to operate within the
approved operating plan budgets and control spending relative to actual gross
margin contribution in order to achieve the pre-tax profit objective.
Net revenue is an indicator of business volume growth and market acceptance for
the Company's products.
Furthermore, each element has a step function factor with thresholds, which has
the effect of accelerating the incentive. This acts as an additional incentive
by focusing employees on striving to achieve the next higher threshold which
results in greatly increased incentive payment. The thresholds and step
functions are as follows:
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Element Percent Achieved Factor
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Net Revenue (20%) *85% 0.0
85-95% 0.5
96-110% 1.0
**110% 2.0
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Gross Margin (50%) *80% 0.0
81-90% 0.5
91-115% 1.0
**115% 2.0
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Pre-tax Profit (30%) *60% 0.0
86-80% 0.5
81-120% 1.0
**120% 2.0
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* less than
** greater than
This step function factor with thresholds can result in an employee receiving an
incentive payment that is greater than the targeted amount when one or more of
the corporate financial goals are surpassed.
Individual Objectives
Individual objectives are negotiated and agreed upon between employee and
supervisor. They must be specifically defined, measurable and reasonably
achievable; can be subject to partial credit or not; and must support the
overall goals of the team and corporate operating plan.
Circumstances beyond the control of the employee, or not contemplated by the
parties when setting goals, should not negatively affect the incentive
compensation calculation. As such circumstances arise, expectations as to the
potential effect should be reviewed and negotiated by the employee and
supervisor. Any mid-quarter changes must be documented and forwarded to Human
Resources.
Any disputes are resolved solely at the discretion of the President/CEO.
MBO Worksheet
The MBO worksheet is an excel worksheet which is provided by HR. It is provided
with the corporate financial goals target numbers for the upcoming quarter.
The corporate financial goals are provided by Finance to HR 30 days prior to the
start of the quarter.
The actual corporate financial results are provided by Finance to HR 15 days
after the close of the quarter.
MBO Worksheets must be signed by both the employee and supervisor before
submittal to HR for executive approval.
Partial Quarters
If an employee is included in the program after the start of the quarter, the
total eligible incentive for the quarter will be prorated based on the
percentage of the quarter during which the employee was officially included. If
an employee is absent for an extended period of time during a quarter, the same
prorated calculation will be made.
Similarly, if a participating employee leaves the Company prior to the end of
the quarter, the employee will be eligible for a prorated bonus, based on the
percentage of the quarter during which the employee was officially included in
the Plan. An employee who leaves during the quarter will be entitled to a
prorated bonus based on individual objectives only. In order to receive a bonus
based on corporate financial goals, an employee must be an employee on the last
day of the applicable quarter.
Employees who work the entire quarter but leave prior to payment of the bonus
are entitled to receive the full bonus amount, subject to individual and Company
performance.
Upon separation from the Company, employees will be paid all wages due,
including the appropriate bonus amount. However, in the event that results of
the Company financial goals are not yet known at the time of the employee's
separation, the employee will receive payment based only upon completion of
individual objectives. Once corporate financial results are known, HR will be
responsible for submitting a check request for the remainder of the employee's
bonus. The secondary bonus payment shall be made within 35 days after the end of
a quarter.
RECOMMENDING AN EMPLOYEE FOR INCLUSION
The supervisor or hiring manager should discuss the appropriateness with HR
prior to submitting a recommendation for inclusion in this program.
A written recommendation for inclusion must be submitted to HR including the
following:
... employee name
... brief description of responsibilities and impact on department/corporate
goals
... supervisor's reasons for including the employee
HR will review the recommendation and resulting compensation package and submit
the recommendation to senior management for approval.
Upon senior management approval, HR will respond with recommendations for target
incentive amounts and composition.
Disputes regarding inclusion in this program are resolved solely at the
discretion of the President/CEO.
SUBMITTING MBO WORKSHEETS
Submitting Objectives
The supervisor will receive MBO worksheets for the upcoming quarter from HR with
the respective employee's name, title, target incentive amount, and composition
data, as well as corporate financial goals already entered, no later than 15
days before the start of the quarter.
Individual objectives are negotiated and agreed upon between employee and
supervisor. They must be specifically defined, measurable and reasonably
achievable; can be subject to partial credit or not; and must support the
overall goals of the team and corporate operating plan.
The supervisor will complete the individual objectives sections, noting
specifically if partial credit is not applicable, and set each objective's
weighting.
Once it has been approved by both the employee and supervisor, the worksheet
must be submitted to senior management for approval no later than seven days
before the start of the quarter. Senior management may request that objectives
be modified or eliminated, and may also recommend additional objectives. Any
changes must be agreed to by both the employee and supervisor. Senior management
will then forward the worksheet to HR for review. Once all approvals are
received, HR will return the worksheet to the supervisor and employee for later
submittal with results after the end of the quarter.
Submitting Results
After the close of the quarter, the supervisor will complete the results portion
of the individual objectives sections with complete details and enter the
percentage completion. Acceptable percentages are 0, 25, 75 or 100 percent. In
the event that an objective was not 100% completed, the supervisor must provide
sufficient justification for the partial credit. Both the employee and
supervisor should agree on the results, and the completed form must be submitted
to HR within 10 business days after the end of the quarter. HR will review the
form and update the actual results of the corporate financial goals before
submitting the worksheets to senior management for approval.
Senior management may request further clarification of results or proof of
completion before approval for payment.
Senior management may disapprove results and any disputes will be resolved
solely at the discretion of the President/CEO.
Approved worksheets are submitted to Payroll for payment and filed in the
employee's personnel file. A copy will be provided to the employee upon a
request to HR.
Incentives are targeted for payment within 30-45 days of the end of the quarter.
In the event that corporate financial results are not known within 30 days after
the end of the quarter, the Company may choose to pay the individual objective
portion of the bonus separately from the corporate financial results portion.
EXHIBIT "3A"
Lantronix Non-Statutory Stock Option Plan
[Incorporation By Reference To S-8]
EXHIBIT "3B"
NOTE
$___________ Irvine, California
___________
FOR VALUE RECEIVED, Frederick Thiel promises to pay to Lantronix, a
California corporation (the "Company"), or order, the principal sum of
_________________________, together with interest on the unpaid principal hereof
from the date hereof at the rate of ___% per annum, compounded annually.
Principal and interest shall be paid quarterly and the entire unpaid
principal and interest accrued thereon shall be due and payable on ________.
Payment of principal and interest shall be made in lawful money of the United
States of America.
The undersigned may at any time prepay all or any portion of the principal
or interest owing hereunder.
This Note is subject to the terms of the Option, dated as of _________.
This Note is secured by a pledge of the Company's Common Stock under the terms
of a Security Agreement of even date herewith and is subject to all the
provisions thereof.
The holder of this Note shall have full recourse against the undersigned,
and shall not be required to proceed against the collateral securing this Note
in the event of default.
In the event the undersigned shall cease to be an employee, director or
consultant of the Company for any reason, this Note shall, at the option of the
Company, be accelerated, and the whole unpaid balance on this Note of principal
and accrued interest shall be immediately due and payable.
Should any action be instituted for the collection of this Note, the
reasonable costs and attorneys' fees therein of the holder shall be paid by the
undersigned.
____________________________________
Frederick Thiel
EXHIBIT "3C"
SECURITY AGREEMENT
This Security Agreement is made as of __________ between Lantronix, a
California corporation ("Pledgee"), and Frederick Thiel ("Pledgor").
Recitals
Pursuant to Pledgor's election to purchase shares of Pledgee's Common Stock
(the "Shares"), under an Option Agreement dated __________ (the "Option"),
between Pledgor and Pledgee under Pledgee's ____ Incentive Stock Option Plan,
and Pledgor's election under the terms of the Option to pay for such Shares with
a promissory note (the "Note"), Pledgor has purchased _______ Shares, at a price
of $_____ per share, for a total purchase price of $_________. The Note and the
obligations thereunder are as set forth on Exhibit A to the Option.
NOW, THEREFORE, it is agreed as follows:
A. Creation and Description of Security Interest. In consideration of the
transfer of the Shares to Pledgor under the Option Agreement, Pledgor, pursuant
to the California Commercial Code, hereby pledges all of such Shares (herein
sometimes referred to as the "Collateral") represented by certificate number 71,
duly endorsed in blank or with executed stock powers, and herewith delivers said
certificate to the Secretary or Assistant Secretary of Pledgee ("Pledgeholder"),
who shall hold said certificate subject to the terms and conditions of this
Security Agreement.
The pledged stock (together with an executed blank stock assignment for use
in transferring all or a portion of the Shares to Pledgee if, as and when
required pursuant to this Security Agreement) shall be held by the Pledgeholder
as security for the repayment of the Note, and any extensions or renewals
thereof, to be executed by Pledgor pursuant to the terms of the Option, and the
Pledgeholder shall not encumber or dispose of such Shares except in accordance
with the provisions of this Security Agreement.
B. Pledgor's Representations and Covenants. To induce Pledgee to enter
into this Security Agreement, Pledgor represents and covenants to Pledgee, its
successors and assigns, as follows:
(A) Payment of Indebtedness. Pledgor will pay the principal sum of
the Note secured hereby, together with interest thereon, at the time and in the
manner provided in the Note.
(B) Encumbrances. The Shares are free of all other encumbrances,
defenses and liens, and Pledgor will not further encumber the Shares without the
prior written consent of Pledgee.
(C) Margin Regulations. In the event that Pledgee's Common Stock is
now or later becomes margin-listed by the Federal Reserve Board and Pledgee is
classified as a "lender" within the meaning of the regulations under Part 207 of
Title 12 of the Code of Federal Regulations ("Regulation G"), Pledgor agrees to
cooperate with Pledgee in making any amendments to the Note or providing any
additional collateral as may be necessary to comply with such regulations.
C. Voting Rights. During the term of this pledge and so long as all
payments of principal and interest are made as they become due under the terms
of the Note, Pledgor shall have the right to vote all of the Shares pledged
hereunder.
D. Stock Adjustments. In the event that during the term of the pledge any
stock dividend, reclassification, readjustment or other changes are declared or
made in the capital structure of Pledgee, all new, substituted and additional
shares or other securities issued by reason of any such change shall be
delivered to and held by the Pledgee under the terms of this Security Agreement
in the same manner as the Shares originally pledged hereunder. In the event of
substitution of such securities, Pledgor, Pledgee and Pledgeholder shall
cooperate and execute such documents as are reasonable so as to provide for the
substitution of such Collateral and, upon such substitution, references to
"Shares" in this Security Agreement shall include the substituted shares of
capital stock of Pledgor as a result thereof.
E. Options and Rights. In the event that, during the term of this pledge,
subscription options or other rights or options shall be issued in connection
with the pledged Shares, such rights and options shall be the property of
Pledgor and, if exercised by Pledgor, all new stock or other securities so
acquired by Pledgor as it relates to the pledged Shares then held by
Pledgeholder shall be immediately delivered to Pledgeholder, to be held under
the terms of this Security Agreement in the same manner as the Shares pledged.
F. Default. Pledgor shall be deemed to be in default of the Note and of
this Security Agreement in the event:
(A) Payment of principal or interest on the Note shall be delinquent
for a period of ten days or more; or
(B) Pledgor fails to perform any of the covenants set forth in the
Option or contained in this Security Agreement for a period of ten days after
written notice thereof from Pledgee.
In the case of an event of Default, as set forth above, Pledgee shall have
the right to accelerate payment of the Note upon notice to Pledgor, and Pledgee
shall thereafter be entitled to pursue its remedies under the California
Commercial Code.
G. Release of Collateral. Subject to any applicable contrary rules under
Regulation G, there shall be released from this pledge a portion of the pledged
Shares held by Pledgeholder hereunder upon payments of the principal of the
Note. The number of the pledged Shares which shall be released shall be that
number of full Shares which bears the same proportion to the initial number of
Shares pledged hereunder as the payment of principal bears to the initial full
principal amount of the Note.
H. Withdrawal or Substitution of Collateral. Pledgor shall not sell,
withdraw, pledge, substitute or otherwise dispose of all or any part of the
Collateral without the prior written consent of Pledgee.
I. Term. The pledge of Shares shall continue until the payment of all
indebtedness secured hereby, at which time the remaining pledged stock shall be
promptly delivered to Pledgor, subject to the provisions for prior release of a
portion of the Collateral as provided in paragraph G above.
J. Insolvency. Pledgor agrees that if a bankruptcy or insolvency
proceeding is instituted by or against it, or if a receiver is appointed for the
property of Pledgor, or if Pledgor makes an assignment for the benefit of
creditors, the entire amount unpaid on the Note shall become immediately due and
payable, and Pledgee may proceed as provided in the case of default.
K. Pledgeholder Liability. In the absence of willful or gross negligence,
Pledgeholder shall not be liable to any party for any of his or her acts, or
omissions to act, as Pledgeholder.
L. Invalidity of Particular Provisions. Pledgor and Pledgee agree that
the enforceability or invalidity of any provision or provisions of this Security
Agreement shall not render any other provision or provisions herein contained
unenforceable or invalid.
M. Successors or Assigns. Pledgor and Pledgee agree that all of the terms
of this Security Agreement shall be binding on their respective successors and
assigns, and that the term "Pledgor" and the term "Pledgee" as used herein shall
be deemed to include, for all purposes, the respective designees, successors,
assigns, heirs, executors and administrators.
N. Governing Law. This Security Agreement shall be interpreted and
governed under the internal substantive laws, but not the choice of law rules,
of California.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Agreement as of
the day and year first above written.
"PLEDGOR"
_______________________________________
Signature
_______________________________________
Print Name
Address:
_______________________________
_______________________________
"PLEDGEE" Lantronix
a California corporation
_______________________________________
Signature
_______________________________________
Print Name
_______________________________________
Title
"PLEDGEHOLDER" _______________________________________
Secretary or Assistant Secretary of Lantronix
EXHIBIT "4"
SEVERANCE AGREEMENT
This Severance Agreement ("Agreement") is made and entered into by
LANTRONIX, a California corporation ("Company") and FRED THIEL ("Employee").
RECITALS
WHEREAS, Employee is employed as President and Chief Executive Officer of
the Company; and,
WHEREAS, the Company desires to provide certain benefits to Employee as
described herein as an incentive for Employee to continue to serve as an officer
of the Company.
AGREEMENT
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the promises and covenants set forth in
this Agreement and for other valuable consideration, the parties agree as
follows:
1. Termination or Resignation following a Change in Control. If a "Change in
--------------------------------------------------------
Control" (as hereinafter defined) of the Company occurs after the date hereof
and after such Change in Control either (i) the Company terminates Employee
without "Cause" (as hereinafter defined) on or before the two year anniversary
of the date of the Change in Control or, (ii) Employee resigns with "Good
Reason" (as hereinafter defined) on or before the two year anniversary of the
date of the Change in Control, then as a severance benefit and in lieu of all
other compensation or damages (except as set forth in section 4 hereof) the
Company shall:
a. Continue to pay Employee his current base salary as in effect on the date
of such termination or resignation through the end of the month in which the
applicable termination or resignation occurred and continuing for a period of
twenty-four months, payable monthly in accordance with Employer's then payroll
practice.
b. Pay Employee to Employee's Target Bonus. Such amount shall be calculated
based on the two full months prior to
1
cessation of employment compared to the MBO Incentive Plan projected forward for
a period of twenty-four months. Said amount shall be paid quarterly.
c. Continue to provide Employee, at Company's expense, all medical, disability
and life insurance benefits provided to him immediately prior to the date of
such termination or resignation (or at the option of Employee, immediately prior
to the date of the Change in Control) for a period of twenty-four months
following the date of such termination or resignation, or, if any of such
benefits cannot be provided to Employee for such twenty-four month period under
the Company's policies as then in effect or under applicable law, then the
Company shall pay Employee an amount equal to the monthly premiums paid on
behalf of Employee for such benefits at the time of such termination or
resignation for a period beginning on the date the Employee's participation in
such benefits is prohibited and ending on the date that is twenty-four months
following the date of such termination or resignation, payable in monthly
installments within five days after the end of each month.
d. Accelerate the vesting of all unvested stock options granted to Employee
under the Company's stock option or other benefit plan; and,
e. Reimburse Employee for third party out placement services actually incurred
by Employee in an amount not to exceed $10,000 provided such expenses are
accounted for by Employee in accordance with the policies and procedures of the
Company.
f. In the event of the imposition of an excise tax on Employee, Employer
agrees to gross-up the above compensation to cover such tax liability.
2. Termination For Reasons Not associated with a "Change in Control." If the
----------------------------------------------------------------
Company terminates Employee without "Cause," or for reasons not associated with
a "Change on Control," or Employee resigns with "Good Reason" (as hereinafter
defined) then as a severance benefit and in lieu of all other compensation or
damages (except as set forth in section 4 hereof) the Company shall:
a. Continue to pay employee his current Base Salary as in effect on the date
of such termination or resignation through
the end of the month in which the applicable termination or resignation occurred
and continuing for a period of twelve months, payable monthly in accordance with
Employer's then payroll practice.
b. Pay Employee to Employee's Target Bonus. Such amount shall be calculated
based on the two full months prior to cessation of employment compared to the
MBO Incentive Plan projected forward for a period of twenty-four months. Said
amount shall be paid quarterly.
c. Continue to provide Employee, at Company's expense, all medical, disability
and life insurance benefits provided to him immediately prior to the date of
such termination or resignation (or at the option of Employee, immediately prior
to the date of the Change in Control) for a period of twelve months following
the date of such termination or resignation, or, if any of such benefits cannot
be provided to Employee for such twelve month period under the Company's
policies as then in effect or under applicable law, then the Company shall pay
Employee an amount equal to the monthly premiums paid on behalf of Employee for
such benefits at the time of such termination or resignation for a period
beginning on the date the Employee's participation in such benefits is
prohibited and ending on the date that is twelve months following the date of
such termination or resignation, payable in monthly installments within five
days after the end of each month; and
d. Accelerate the vesting of all unvested stock options granted to Employee
under the Company's stock option and other benefit plan.
e. Reimburse Employee for third party out placement services actually incurred
by Employee in an amount not to exceed $10,000, provided such expenses are
accounted for by Employee in accordance with the policies and procedures of the
Company.
3. Definitions
-----------
a. Change in Control. For purposes of this Agreement, the term" Change in
-----------------
Control" shall be deemed to have occurred if (i) any transaction (or series of
transactions) is consummated whereby all, or substantially all, of the assets of
the Company are sold, leased, exchanged or transferred, (ii) any person or
entity, or group or affiliated persons or entities (other than any person who on
the date of this Agreement is a director or officer of the Company, or their
heirs, family members or trusts) becomes, directly or indirectly, the owner of
securities of the Company which represent 50% or more of the combined voting
power or equity of the Company's then outstanding securities, (iii) any
transaction is consummated whereby the Company merges or consolidates with or
into another entity and the owners of the Company immediately prior to such
merger or consolidation do not own, directly or indirectly, 50% or more of the
combined voting power and equity of the surviving entity, or (iv) the
shareholders of the Company approve the dissolution or liquidation of the
Company.
b. Termination Without Cause. The Company, in its sole discretion, may
-------------------------
terminate Employee's employment at any time, with or without Cause. For purposes
of this Agreement, the Company shall be deemed to have terminated Employee's
employment without "Cause" if Employee's employment is terminated for other than
just and reasonable cause including, without limitation, the following: (i)
Employee commits a felony or possesses, uses or sells illegal drugs; (ii)
Employee significantly neglects or materially inadequately performs his duties
as an employee of the Company; (iii) Employee breaches a fiduciary duty to the
Company, or its shareholders, involving personal profit to Employee; (iv)
Employee is deceased; or (v) Employee is disabled. Notwithstanding the
foregoing, Employee shall be deemed to have been terminated without Cause
(except in the case of death) unless the Company delivers to the Employee a copy
of a resolution duly adopted by the affirmative vote of not less than a majority
of the entire membership of the Company's Board of Directors finding that, in
the opinion of the Board, Employee engaged in the applicable conduct set forth
in subjection (i), (ii) or (iii) above or Employee is disabled. For purposes of
this Agreement, Employee shall be considered disabled if he has been physically
or mentally incapable of performing his essential job duties hereunder for (i) a
continuous period of at least ninety days, or (ii) a total of one hundred twenty
(120) days during any one hundred and fifty (150) day period.
c. Resignation With Good Reason. Employee may resign at any time, with or
----------------------------
without Good Reason. For purposes of this Agreement, Employee shall be deemed to
have resigned with "Good Reason" following a Change in Control if he resigns
within ninety days after the Company has taken any of the following
actions without Employee's express written consent: (i) The Company
"Substantially Lessens Employee's Title" (as defined on Exhibit 4A attached
hereto); (ii) The Company has substantially reduced Employee's Senior Authority
(as defined on Exhibit 4A attached hereto); (iii) The Company assigns material
duties to Employee which are materially inconsistent with Employee's status as
an officer of the Company; (iv) the Company reduces Employee's base salary or
benefits from that in effect at the time of the Change in Control (unless such
reduction is in connection with a salary or benefit reduction program of general
application to officers of the Company); (v) The Company requires Employee to be
based more than fifty (50) miles from his present office location, except for
required travel consistent with Employee's business travel obligations; or (vi)
the Company fails to obtain the assumption of this Agreement by any successor or
assign of the Company.
4. The Company's Obligations Under This Agreement. Employee shall not be
----------------------------------------------
entitled to any of the benefits of sections 1 and 2 if the Company terminated
Employee's employment with Cause or if Employee resigns under circumstances
other than as specifically set forth in sections 1 and 2. The Benefits set forth
in sections 1 and 2 constitute the sole obligations of the Company to Employee
upon any termination or resignation and are in lieu of any damages or other
compensation that Employee may claim under other Company policies or otherwise
except for Employee's salary which has been earned up the date of termination or
resignation, compensation for any accrued and unused vacation up to the date of
termination or resignation, reimbursement for business expenses incurred up to
the date of termination or resignation (in accordance with the customary
policies of the Company), and any benefits that the Company is required to
provide to Employee after the date of termination or resignation under COBRA or
pursuant to any ERISA plans of the Company. The benefits on termination or
resignation provided in this Agreement are in substitution for any severance or
termination benefits otherwise available under Company policies of general
application. The benefits on termination or resignation provided in this
Agreement shall not be reduced by any compensation or benefits received by
Employee from any subsequent employer or any other third party.
5. Withholding of Taxes; Tax Reporting. The Company may withhold from any
-----------------------------------
amounts payable under this Agreement all such federal, state, city and other
taxes and may file with
appropriate governmental authorities all such information, returns or other
reports with respect to the tax consequences of any amounts payable under this
Agreement, as may, in its judgment be required by laws.
6. Payment-Timing. The Company will not be obligated to make any payment to
--------------
Employee hereunder until such time as the Company has received a signed release
from Employee in the form of Exhibit "B" attached hereto and incorporated herein
by reference.
7. Assignment. This Agreement may not be assigned by Employee. The Company
----------
shall be entitled to assign this Agreement to any successor-in-interest to its
business. The Company will obtain an assumption of this Agreement by any
successor or assign to all or substantially all of the business and/or assets of
the Company (whether direct or indirect, by acquisition, merger, consolidation
or otherwise), but the failure to obtain such assumption shall not prevent or
delay such acquisition, merger, consolidation or other transaction or relieve
the Company of its obligations under the Agreement. This Agreement shall bind
and inure to the benefit of the Company's successors and assigns, as well as
Employee's heirs, executors, administrators and legal representatives.
8. Notices. Any notice, request, demand or other communication required or
-------
permitted hereunder shall be deemed to be properly given when personally served
or three (3) days after deposit in the United States mail, registered or
certified, postage prepaid, return receipt requested, addressed to the Company
at its principal office or to Employee at his last known address.
9. Entire Agreement. This Agreement, together with the documents referenced
----------------
herein, contain the entire agreement of the parties hereto with respect to the
subject matter hereof, it supersedes any and all other agreements, either oral
or in writing, between the parties hereto with respect to the subject matter
hereof. Each party to this Agreement acknowledges that no representations,
inducements, promises or agreements, written, oral or otherwise, have been made
by any party, or anyone acting on behalf of any party, which are not embodied
herein, and that no other agreement, statement or promise not contained in this
Agreement shall be valid or binding. This Agreement may not be modified or
amended by oral agreement but
only by an agreement in writing signed by the Company and Employee.
10. Attorney's Fees. In the event of any arbitration arising out of
---------------
the subject matter hereof, the prevailing party shall be entitled to recover
from the non-prevailing party, its costs and expenses, (including reasonable
attorney's fees) incurred in such arbitration.
11. Arbitration. If any dispute hereafter arises between the parties
-----------
hereto and/or their agents or employees relating to the terms and provisions of
this Agreement or otherwise, including but not limited to any claim for breach
of any contract or covenant (express or implied), tort claims, claims for
discrimination or harassment (including but not limited to race, sex, religion,
national origin, age, handicap or disability), claims for compensation or
benefits (except where a benefit plan or pension plan or insurance policy
specifies a different claims procedure) and claims for violations of any federal
state or other governmental law, statute, regulation or ordinance (except for
claims involving worker's compensation benefits), then either party may initiate
arbitration proceedings in accordance with the Employment Rules of JAMS
ENDispute, as the exclusive remedy for such dispute and in lieu of any court
action, which is hereby consent to such arbitration, and any arbitration award
shall be final and binding. Neither party shall disclose the existence of any
dispute or the terms of any arbitration decision to any third party, other than
legal counsel, accountants and financial advisors, or as required by law.
12. Advice of Counsel. Employee acknowledges he has had the
-----------------
opportunity and has consulted with independent counsel with respect to
Employee's rights and obligations hereunder.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Agreement as of the
date identified at the beginning of the Employment Agreement.
"Employee"
-----------------------------------
Fred Thiel
"Company"
Lantronix
By: ______________________________
Its: _______________________________
Approved as to Form and Content:
_______________________________
Susan Roos
Attorney for Fred Thiel
_______________________________
Marla Merhab Robinson
Attorney for Lantronix
EXHIBIT "4A"
(Fred Thiel)
"Substantially Lessens Employee's Title" shall mean that the Employee
does not have the title of President and Chief Executive Officer, or some equal
or higher title.
The Company will be deemed to have Substantially Reduced Employee's
Senior Authority if Employee no longer has authority for directing the business
and executive employees of the Company on a day-to-day basis.
EXHIBIT "B"
Release. In consideration of the payments to be made under that certain
-------
Severance Agreement dated December ___ 2001, Employee, for Employee, and
Employee's heirs, legal representatives, successors and assigns, hereby
releases, acquits and forever discharges Employer and all of Employer's
affiliate and subsidiary corporations, and their present and former, principals,
officers, agents, associates, representatives, directors, employees,
predecessors, successors and assigns and all persons acting by, through, under
or in concert with them, or any of them, jointly and individually, of and from
any and all claims, demands, causes of action, obligations, damages and
liabilities, whether known or unknown, which Employee has or may hereafter
obtain or accrue on account of Employee's employment, the termination of
employment and/or any fact, matter, incident, claim, injury, event,
circumstance, happening, occurrence and/or thing of any kind or nature
whatsoever which arose or occurred at any time prior to the date of Employee`s
execution of this Agreement, including but not limited to emotional distress;
any and all claims for wrongful discharge; breach of any implied or expressed
employment contract; negligent or intentional infliction of emotional distress;
defamation; fraud; unlawful discrimination based upon age, race, sex, marital
status, religion, national origin, medical condition, disability, handicap or
otherwise; breach of any implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing;
violation of any section of the Labor Code of the State of California, the
-------------------------------------
California Fair Employment and Housing Act ("FEHA"), Title VII of the Civil
- ------------------------------------------ ---- ----------------------
Rights Act of 1964 ("Title VII"), the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of
- ------------------ --------- ---------------------------------------
1967, as amended ("ADEA"), the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA), or any
- ---------------- ---- ------------------------------- ---
other federal, state or local law(s) or regulation(s); unpaid wages, salary,
bonuses, commissions or other compensation of any sort; damages of any nature,
including compensatory, general, special or punitive; and/or costs, fees or
other expenses, including attorney's fees, incurred in any of these matters.
Employee understands and expressly waives any and all rights and
benefits conferred by the provisions of Section 1542 of the Civil Code of the
State of California, which reads as follows:
"A GENERAL RELEASE DOES NOT EXTEND TO CLAIMS WHICH THE
CREDITOR DOES NOT KNOW OR SUSPECT TO EXIST IN HIS FAVOR AT THE TIME OF
EXECUTING THE RELEASE, WHICH, IF KNOWN BY HIM, MUST HAVE MATERIALLY
AFFECTED HIS SETTLEMENT WITH THE DEBTOR."
Employee understands and acknowledges that the significance and
consequence of the foregoing waiver of Section 1542 of the Civil Code is that
even if Employee should eventually suffer additional damages arising out of his
employment with Employer, he will not be permitted to make any claim for those
damages. Furthermore, Employee acknowledges that Employee intends these
consequences even as to claims for injury or damages that may exist as of the
date of the Agreement but which Employee does not know exists, and which, if
known, would materially affect Employee's decision to execute the Agreement,
regardless of whether Employee's lack of knowledge is a result of ignorance,
oversight, error, negligence, or any other Employee cause.
"Employee"
__________________________________________
Dated: December __, 2001 Fred Thiel