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): December 16, 2005
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HARVARD BIOSCIENCE, INC. |
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(Exact name of registrant as specified in charter)
Delaware |
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000-31923 |
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04-3306140 |
(State or Other Jurisdiction |
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(Commission File Number) |
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(IRS Employer |
84 October Hill Road, Holliston,
MA 01746
(Address of Principal
Executive Offices) (Zip Code)
(508) 893-9989
(Registrants telephone
number, including area code)
Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions (see General Instruction A.2. below):
o Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)
o Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)
o Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))
o Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))
Item 1.01 Entry into a Material Definitive Agreement.
On December 16, 2005, Harvard Bioscience, Inc. (the Company) entered into employment agreements with each of Susan M. Luscinski and Bryce Chicoyne, Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer, respectively. Each agreement is initially for a period of one year; however the agreements automatically extend for an additional year on each anniversary date unless either party has given notice, not less than 90 days prior to such date, that it does not wish to extend the agreement. The current terms of these agreements will expire in December 2006 unless extended automatically or otherwise. Each agreement provides for the payment of base salary and incentive compensation and for the provision of certain fringe benefits to the executive. Under their respective employment agreements, the initial annual salary for Ms. Luscinski is $235,000 and the initial annual salary for Mr. Chicoyne is $175,000. These salary amounts are re-determined annually by the Compensation Committee. The agreements require our executive officers to refrain from competing with the Company and from soliciting Company employees for a period of 12 months following termination for any reason. Each agreement also provides for certain payments and benefits for an executive officer should his or her employment with the Company be terminated because of death or disability, by the executive for good reason or by the Company without cause, as further defined in the agreements. In general, in the case of a termination by the executive officer for good reason, or by the Company without cause, the executive officer will receive up to one years salary and bonus, an extension of benefits for one year and an acceleration of vesting for stock options and restricted stock which otherwise would vest during the next 12 months. Upon a change of control, as defined in the agreements, the executive officer is eligible for payment of up to one years salary and bonus, an extension of benefits for one year and an acceleration of vesting for all outstanding stock options and restricted stock.
On December 16, 2005 Union Biometrica, Inc., a subsidiary of the Company, entered into a letter agreeement with its president, David Strack, relating to a change in control of Union Biometrica, which is part of the Companys Capital Equipment Business Segment. The letter agreement requires Union Biometrica to give the executive six-months notice of any termination of his employment without cause which occurs within twelve months of the effective date of the change of control of Union Biometrica and provides that all of his outstanding stock options will vest immediately upon a change of control of Union Biometrica; provided that he remains an employee until such change of control occurs.
Item 9.01. Financial Statements and Exhibits.
(c) Exhibits.
Exhibit No. |
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Description |
99.1 |
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Form of Employment Agreement with Susan M. Luscinski and Bryce Chicoyne |
99.2 |
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Summary of significant terms for each Employment Agreement filed as Exhibit 99.1 |
99.3 |
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Letter Agreement between Union Biometrica, Inc. and David Strack dated December 16, 2005 |
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SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.
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HARVARD BIOSCIENCE, INC. |
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Date: December 21, 2005 |
By: |
/s/ Bryce Chicoyne |
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Bryce Chicoyne |
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Chief Financial Officer |
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Exhibit 99.1
HARVARD BIOSCIENCE, INC.
FORM OF EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT
This EXECUTIVE EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT (Agreement) is made as of the __ day of _______________, 2005, between Harvard Bioscience, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the Company), and ______________________________ (Executive). For purposes of this Agreement the Company shall refer to the Company and any of its predecessors.
WHEREAS, the Company desires to employ Executive and Executive desires to be employed by the Company on the terms contained herein.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants and agreements herein contained and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which is hereby acknowledged, the parties agree as follows:
1. Employment. The term of this Agreement shall extend from _____________, 2005 (the Commencement Date) until the first anniversary of the Commencement Date; provided, however, that the term of this Agreement shall automatically be extended for an additional year on each anniversary of the Commencement Date unless, not less than 90 days prior to each such date, either party shall have given notice to the other that it does not wish to extend this Agreement; provided, further, that if a Change in Control occurs during the original or extended term of this Agreement, the term of this Agreement shall, notwithstanding anything in this sentence to the contrary, continue in effect for a period of not less than twelve (12) months beyond the month in which the Change in Control occurred. The term of this Agreement shall be subject to termination as provided in Paragraph 6 and may be referred to herein as the Period of Employment.
2. Position and Duties. During the Period of Employment, Executive shall serve as the ________ of the Company and shall have such powers and duties as may from time to time be prescribed by the Board of Directors (the Board) or the Chief Executive Officer of the Company, provided that such duties are consistent with Executives position or other positions that [he]/[she] may hold from time to time. Executive shall devote [his]/[her] full working time and efforts to the business and affairs of the Company. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Executive may serve on other boards of directors, with the approval of the Board as long as such service does not materially interfere with Executives performance of [his]/[her] duties to the Company as provided in this Agreement.
(a) Base Salary and Incentive Compensation. Executives initial annual base salary shall be ___________________________ ($_______) Dollars. Executives base salary shall be redetermined annually by the Board or a Committee thereof. The base salary in effect at any given time is referred to herein as Base Salary. The Base Salary shall be payable in substantially equal installments on a bi-weekly or more frequent basis. In addition to Base
Salary, Executive shall be eligible to receive cash incentive compensation as determined by the Board or a Committee thereof from time to time, and shall also be eligible to participate in such incentive compensation plans as the Board or a Committee thereof shall determine from time to time for employees of the same status within the hierarchy of the Company.
(b) Expenses. Executive shall be entitled to receive prompt reimbursement for all reasonable expenses incurred by [him]/[her] in performing services hereunder during the Period of Employment, in accordance with the policies and procedures then in effect and established by the Company for its senior executive officers.
(c) Other Benefits. During the Period of Employment, Executive shall be entitled to continue to participate in or receive benefits under all of the Companys Employee Benefit Plans in effect on the date hereof, or under plans or arrangements that provide no less favorable treatment to the Executive then the Employee Benefit Plans provided to other members of the Companys senior management. As used herein, the term Employee Benefit Plans includes, without limitation, each pension and retirement plan; supplemental pension, retirement and deferred compensation plan; savings and profit-sharing plan; stock ownership plan; stock purchase plan; stock option plan; life insurance plan; medical insurance plan; disability plan; and health and accident plan or arrangement established and maintained by the Company on the date hereof for employees of the same status within the hierarchy of the Company. To the extent that the scope or nature of benefits described in this section is determined under the policies of the Company based in whole or in part on the seniority or tenure of an employees service, Executive shall be deemed to have a tenure with the Company equal to the actual time of Executives service with the Company. During the Period of Employment, Executive shall be entitled to participate in or receive benefits under any employee benefit plan or arrangement which may, in the future, be made available by the Company to its executives and key management employees, subject to and on a basis consistent with the terms, conditions and overall administration of such plan or arrangement. Any payments or benefits payable to Executive under a plan or arrangement referred to in this Subparagraph 3(c) in respect of any calendar year during which Executive is employed by the Company for less than the whole of such year shall, unless otherwise provided in the applicable plan or arrangement, be prorated in accordance with the number of days in such calendar year during which [he]/[she] is so employed. Should any such payments or benefits accrue on a fiscal (rather than calendar) year, then the proration in the preceding sentence shall be on the basis of a fiscal year rather than calendar year.
(d) Vacations. Executive shall be entitled to ____________ (___) paid vacation days in each calendar year, which shall be accrued ratably during the calendar year. Executive shall also be entitled to all paid holidays given by the Company to its executives. To the extent that the scope or nature of benefits described in this section are determined under the policies of the Company based in whole or in part on the seniority or tenure of an employees service, Executive shall be deemed to have a tenure with the Company equal to the actual time of Executives service with Company.
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(a) Confidential Information. Executive acknowledges that in the course of [his]/[her] employment with the Company (and, if applicable, its predecessors), [he]/[she] has been allowed to become, and will continue to be allowed to become, acquainted with the Companys business affairs, information, trade secrets, and other matters which are of a proprietary or confidential nature, including but not limited to the Companys and its affiliates and predecessors operations, business opportunities, price and cost information, finance, customer information, business plans, various sales techniques, manuals, letters, notebooks, procedures, reports, products, processes, services, and other confidential information and knowledge (collectively the Confidential Information) concerning the Companys and its affiliates and predecessors business. The Company agrees to provide on an ongoing basis such Confidential Information as the Company deems necessary or desirable to aid Executive in the performance of [his]/[her] duties. Executive understands and acknowledges that such Confidential Information is confidential, and [he]/[she] agrees not to disclose such Confidential Information to anyone outside the Company except to the extent that (i) Executive deems such disclosure or use reasonably necessary or appropriate in connection with performing [his]/[her] duties on behalf of the Company; (ii) Executive is required by order of a court of competent jurisdiction (by subpoena or similar process) to disclose or discuss any Confidential Information, provided that in such case, Executive shall promptly inform the Company of such event, shall cooperate with the Company in attempting to obtain a protective order or to otherwise restrict such disclosure, and shall only disclose Confidential Information to the minimum extent necessary to comply with any such court order; (iii) such Confidential Information becomes generally known to and available for use in the Companys industry (the laboratory analytical instruments industry), other than as a result of any action or inaction by Executive; or (iv) such information has been rightfully received by a member of the laboratory analytical instruments industry or has been published in a form generally available to the laboratory analytical instruments industry prior to the date Executive proposes to disclose or use such information. Executive further agrees that [he]/[she] will not during employment and/or at any time thereafter use such Confidential Information in competing, directly or indirectly, with the Company. At such time as Executive shall cease to be employed by the Company, [he]/[she] will immediately turn over to the Company all Confidential Information, including papers, documents, writings, electronically stored information, other property, and all copies of them provided to or created by [him]/[her] during the course of [his]/[her] employment with the Company.
(b) Heirs, successors, and legal representatives. The foregoing provisions of this Paragraph 4 shall be binding upon Executives heirs, successors, and legal representatives. The provisions of this Paragraph 4 shall survive the termination of this Agreement for any reason.
5. Covenant Not to Compete or Solicit or Hire. In consideration for Executives employment by the Company under the terms provided in this Agreement and as a means to aid in the performance and enforcement of the terms of the provisions of Paragraph 4, Executive agrees that
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Should Executive violate any of the provisions of this Paragraph, then in addition to all other rights and remedies available to the Company at law or in equity, the duration of this covenant shall automatically be extended for the period of time from which Executive began such violation until [he]/[she] permanently ceases such violation.
6. Termination. Executives employment hereunder may be terminated without any breach of this Agreement under the following circumstances:
(a) Death. Executives employment hereunder shall terminate upon [his]/[her] death.
(b) Disability. If, as a result of Executives incapacity due to physical or mental illness, Executive shall have been absent from [his]/[her] duties hereunder on a full-time basis for one hundred eighty (180) calendar days in the aggregate in any twelve (12) month period, the Company may terminate Executives employment hereunder.
(c) Termination by Company For Cause. At any time during the Period of Employment, the Company may terminate Executives employment hereunder for Cause if such termination is approved by not less than a majority of the Board at a meeting of the Board called and held for such purpose. For purposes of this Agreement, Cause shall mean: (A) conduct by Executive constituting a material act of willful misconduct in connection with the performance
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of [his]/[her] duties, including, without limitation, misappropriation of funds or property of the Company or any of its affiliates other than the occasional, customary and de minimis use of Company property for personal purposes; (B) criminal or civil conviction of Executive, a plea of nolo contendere by Executive or conduct by Executive that would reasonably be expected to result in material injury to the reputation of the Company if [he]/[she] were retained in [his]/[her] position with the Company, including, without limitation, conviction of a felony involving moral turpitude; (C) continued, willful and deliberate non-performance by Executive of [his]/[her] duties hereunder (other than by reason of Executives physical or mental illness, incapacity or disability) which has continued for more than thirty (30) days following written notice of such non-performance from the Board; (D) a breach by Executive of any of the provisions contained in Paragraphs 4 and 5 of this Agreement; or (E) a violation by Executive of the Companys employment policies which has continued following written notice of such violation from the Board.
(d) Termination Without Cause. At any time during the Period of Employment, the Company may terminate Executives employment hereunder without Cause if such termination is approved by a majority of the Board at a meeting of the Board called and held for such purpose. Any termination by the Company of Executives employment under this Agreement which does not constitute a termination for Cause under Subparagraph 6(c) or result from the death or disability of the Executive under Subparagraph 6(a) or (b) shall be deemed a termination without Cause. If the Company provides notice to Executive under Paragraph 1 that it does not wish to extend the Period of Employment, such action shall be deemed a termination without Cause.
(e) Termination by Executive. At any time during the Period of Employment, Executive may terminate [his]/[her] employment hereunder for any reason, including but not limited to Good Reason. If Executive provides notice to the Company under Paragraph 1 that [he]/[she] does not wish to extend the Period of Employment, such action shall be deemed a voluntary termination by Executive and one without Good Reason. For purposes of this Agreement, Good Reason shall mean that Executive has complied with the Good Reason Process (hereinafter defined) following the occurrence of any of the following events: (A) a substantial diminution or other substantive adverse change, not consented to by Executive, in the nature or scope of Executives responsibilities, authorities, powers, functions or duties; (B) any removal, during the Period of Employment, from Executive of [his]/[her] title of _____________; (C) an involuntary reduction in Executives Base Salary except for across-the-board reductions similarly affecting all or substantially all management employees; (D) a breach by the Company of any of its other material obligations under this Agreement and the failure of the Company to cure such breach within thirty (30) days after written notice thereof by Executive; (E) the involuntary relocation of the Companys offices at which Executive is principally employed or the involuntary relocation of the offices of Executives primary workgroup to a location more than 30 miles from such offices, or the requirement by the Company that Executive be based anywhere other than the Companys offices at such location on an extended basis, except for required travel on the Companys business to an extent substantially consistent with Executives business travel obligations; or (F) the failure of the Company to obtain the agreement from any successor to the Company to assume and agree to perform this Agreement as required by Paragraph 10 (each of which is hereinafter referred to as a
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Good Reason event). Good Reason Process shall mean that (i) Executive reasonably determines in good faith that a Good Reason event has occurred; (ii) Executive notifies the Company in writing of the occurrence of the Good Reason event; (iii) Executive cooperates in good faith with the Companys efforts, for a period not less than ninety (90) days following such notice, to modify Executives employment situation in a manner acceptable to Executive and Company; and (iv) notwithstanding such efforts, one or more of the Good Reason events continues to exist and has not been modified in a manner acceptable to Executive. If the Company cures the Good Reason event in a manner acceptable to Executive during the ninety (90) day period, Good Reason shall be deemed not to have occurred.
(f) Notice of Termination. Except for termination as specified in Subparagraph 6(a), any termination of Executives employment by the Company or any such termination by Executive shall be communicated by written Notice of Termination to the other party hereto and shall be effective on the Date of Termination (as defined below). For purposes of this Agreement, a Notice of Termination shall mean a notice which shall indicate the specific termination provision in this Agreement relied upon.
(g) Date of Termination. Date of Termination shall mean: (A) if Executives employment is terminated by [his]/[her] death, the date of [his]/[her] death; (B) if Executives employment is terminated on account of disability under Subparagraph 6(b) or by the Company for Cause under Subparagraph 6(c), the date on which Notice of Termination is given or such later date as the Company may specify in the Notice of Termination; (C) if Executives employment is terminated by the Company under Subparagraph 6(d), sixty (60) days after the date on which a Notice of Termination is given or such later date as the Company may specify in the Notice of Termination (or, if such termination occurs as a result of the Company providing notice to Executive under Paragraph 1 that it does not wish to extend the Period of Employment, the date of the expiration of the current term of this Agreement); and (D) if Executives employment is terminated by Executive under Subparagraph 6(e), thirty (30) days after the date on which a Notice of Termination is given or, if such termination is without Good Reason, such later date up to sixty (60) days after the date on which such Notice of Termination is given as Executive may specify in the Notice of Termination (or, if such termination occurs as a result of the Company providing notice to Executive under Paragraph 1 that it does not wish to extend the Period of Employment, the date of the expiration of the current term of this Agreement).
(a) Death. If Executives employment terminates by reason of [his]/[her] death, the Company shall, within ninety (90) days of death, pay in a lump sum amount to such person as Executive shall designate in a notice filed with the Company or, if no such person is designated, to Executives estate, Executives accrued and unpaid Base Salary to the date of [his]/[her] death, plus [his]/[her] accrued and unpaid incentive compensation, if any, under Subparagraph 3(a). Upon the death of Executive, all unvested stock options shall immediately vest in Executives estate or other legal representatives and become exercisable. All other stock-based grants and awards held by Executive shall vest or be canceled upon the death of Executive in accordance with their terms. For a period of one (1) year following the Date of Termination,
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the Company shall pay such health insurance premiums as may be necessary to allow Executives spouse and dependents to receive health insurance coverage substantially similar to coverage they received prior to the Date of Termination. In addition to the foregoing, any payments to which Executives spouse, beneficiaries, or estate may be entitled under any employee benefit plan shall also be paid in accordance with the terms of such plan or arrangement. Such payments, in the aggregate, shall fully discharge the Companys obligations hereunder.
(b) Disability. During any period that Executive fails to perform [his]/[her] duties hereunder as a result of incapacity due to physical or mental illness, Executive shall continue to receive [his]/[her] accrued and unpaid Base Salary and accrued and unpaid incentive compensation, if any, under Subparagraph 3(a), until Executives employment is terminated due to disability in accordance with Subparagraph 6(b) or until Executive terminates his employment in accordance with Subparagraph 6(e), whichever first occurs. Upon the Date of Termination, all unvested stock options shall immediately vest and become exercisable. All other stock-based grants and awards held by Executive shall vest or be canceled upon the Date of Termination in accordance with their terms. For a period of one (1) year following the Date of Termination, the Company shall pay such health insurance premiums as may be necessary to allow Executive and Executives spouse and dependents to receive health insurance coverage substantially similar to coverage they received prior to the Date of Termination. Upon termination due to death prior to the termination first to occur as specified in the preceding sentence, Subparagraph 7(a) shall apply.
(c) Termination other than for Good Reason. If Executives employment is terminated by Executive other than for Good Reason as provided in Subparagraph 6(e), then the Company shall, through the Date of Termination, pay Executive [his]/[her] accrued and unpaid Base Salary at the rate in effect at the time Notice of Termination is given. Thereafter, the Company shall have no further obligations to Executive except as otherwise expressly provided under this Agreement, provided any such termination shall not adversely affect or alter Executives rights under any employee benefit plan of the Company in which Executive, at the Date of Termination, has a vested interest, unless otherwise provided in such employee benefit plan or any agreement or other instrument attendant thereto.
(d) Termination for Good Reason. If Executive terminates [his]/[her] employment for Good Reason as provided in Subparagraph 6(e) or if Executives employment is terminated by the Company without Cause as provided in Subparagraph 6(d), then the Company shall, through the Date of Termination, pay Executive [his]/[her] accrued and unpaid Base Salary at the rate in effect at the time Notice of Termination is given and [his]/[her] accrued and unpaid incentive compensation, if any, under Subparagraph 3(a). In addition, subject to signing by Executive of a general release of claims in a form and manner satisfactory to the Company,
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(e) Termination for Cause. If Executives employment is terminated by the Company for Cause as provided in Subparagraph 6(c), then the Company shall, through the Date of Termination, pay Executive [his]/[her] accrued and unpaid Base Salary at the rate in effect at the time Notice of Termination is given. Thereafter, the Company shall have no further obligations to Executive except as otherwise expressly provided under this Agreement, provided any such termination shall not adversely affect or alter Executives rights under any employee benefit plan of the Company in which Executive, at the Date of Termination, has a vested interest, unless otherwise provided in such employee benefit plan or any agreement or other instrument attendant thereto. In addition, all stock options held by Executive as of the Date of Termination shall immediately terminate and be of no further force and effect, and all other stock-based grants and awards shall be canceled or terminated in accordance with their terms.
Nothing contained in the foregoing Subparagraphs 7(a) through 7(e) shall be construed so as to affect Executives rights or the Companys obligations relating to agreements or benefits which are unrelated to termination of employment.
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8. Change in Control Payment. The provisions of this Paragraph 8 set forth certain terms of an agreement reached between Executive and the Company regarding Executives rights and obligations upon the occurrence of a Change in Control of the Company. These provisions are intended to assure and encourage in advance Executives continued attention and dedication to [his]/[her] assigned duties and [his]/[her] objectivity during the pendency and after the occurrence of any such event.
(a) Change in Control. If within eighteen (18) months after the occurrence of the first event constituting a Change in Control, Executives employment is terminated by the Company without Cause as provided in Subparagraph 6(d) or Executive terminates [his]/[her] employment for Good Reason as provided in Subparagraph 6(e), then, subject to signing by Executive of a general release of claims in a form and manner satisfactory to the Company:
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(c) Definitions. For purposes of this Paragraph 8, the following terms shall have the following meanings:
Change in Control shall mean any of the following:
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Notwithstanding the foregoing, a Change of Control shall not be deemed to have occurred for purposes of the foregoing clause (a) solely as the result of an acquisition of securities by the Company which, by reducing the number of shares of Common Stock or other Voting Securities outstanding, increases the proportionate number of shares beneficially owned by any person to twenty-five percent (25%) or more of either (A) the combined voting power of all of the then outstanding Voting Securities or (B) Common Stock; provided, however, that if any person referred to in this sentence shall thereafter become the beneficial owner of any additional shares of Voting Securities or Common Stock (other than pursuant to a stock split, stock dividend, or similar transaction or as a result of an acquisition of securities directly from the Company) and immediately thereafter beneficially owns twenty-five percent (25%) or more of either (A) the combined voting power of all of the then outstanding Voting Securities or (B) Common Stock, then a Change of Control shall be deemed to have occurred for purposes of the foregoing clause (a).
9. Notice. For purposes of this Agreement, notices and all other communications provided for in the Agreement shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been duly given when delivered or mailed by United States certified mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid, addressed as follows:
if to the Executive: |
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At [his]/[her] home address as shown |
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in the Companys personnel records; |
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if to the Company: |
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Harvard
Bioscience, Inc. |
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with a copy to: |
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H.
David Henken |
or to such other address as either party may have furnished to the other in writing in accordance herewith, except that notices of change of address shall be effective only upon receipt.
10. Successor to Company. The Company shall require any successor (whether direct or indirect, by purchase, merger, consolidation or otherwise) to all or substantially all of the business or assets of the Company expressly to assume and agree to perform this Agreement to the same extent that the Company would be required to perform it if no succession had taken place. Failure of the Company to obtain an assumption of this Agreement at or prior to the effectiveness of any succession shall be a breach of this Agreement and shall constitute Good Reason if the Executive elects to terminate employment.
11. Miscellaneous. No provisions of this Agreement may be modified, waived, or discharged unless such waiver, modification, or discharge is agreed to in writing and signed by Executive and such officer of the Company as may be specifically designated by the Board. No waiver by either party hereto of, or compliance with, any condition or provision of this Agreement to be performed by such other party shall be deemed a waiver of similar or dissimilar provisions or conditions at the same or at any prior or subsequent time. No agreements or representations, oral or otherwise, express or implied, unless specifically referred to herein, with respect to the subject matter hereof have been made by either party which are not set forth expressly in this Agreement. The validity, interpretation, construction, and performance of this Agreement shall be governed by the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts (without regard to principles of conflicts of laws).
12. Validity. The invalidity or unenforceability of any provision or provisions of this Agreement shall not affect the validity or enforceability of any other provision of this Agreement, which shall remain in full force and effect. The invalid portion of this Agreement, if any, shall be modified by any court having jurisdiction to the extent necessary to render such portion enforceable.
13. Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in several counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an original but all of which together will constitute one and the same instrument.
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14. Arbitration; Other Disputes. In the event of any dispute or controversy arising under or in connection with this Agreement, the parties shall first promptly try in good faith to settle such dispute or controversy by mediation under the applicable rules of the American Arbitration Association before resorting to arbitration. In the event such dispute or controversy remains unresolved in whole or in part for a period of thirty (30) days after it arises, the parties will settle any remaining dispute or controversy exclusively by arbitration in Boston, Massachusetts, in accordance with the rules of the American Arbitration Association then in effect. Judgment may be entered on the arbitrators award in any court having jurisdiction. Notwithstanding the above, the Company shall be entitled to seek a restraining order or injunction in any court of competent jurisdiction to prevent any continuation of any violation of Paragraph 4 or 5 hereof. Furthermore, should a dispute occur concerning Executives mental or physical capacity as described in Subparagraph 6(b), 6(c) or 7(b), a doctor selected by Executive and a doctor selected by the Company shall be entitled to examine Executive. If the opinion of the Companys doctor and Executives doctor conflict, the Companys doctor and Executives doctor shall together agree upon a third doctor, whose opinion shall be binding.
15. Third-Party Agreements and Rights. Executive represents to the Company that Executives execution of this Agreement, Executives employment with the Company and the performance of Executives proposed duties for the Company will not violate any obligations Executive may have to any employer or other party, and Executive will not bring to the premises of the Company any copies or other tangible embodiments of non-public information belonging to or obtained from any such previous employment or other party.
16. Litigation and Regulatory Cooperation. During and after Executives employment, Executive shall reasonably cooperate with the Company in the defense or prosecution of any claims or actions now in existence or which may be brought in the future against or on behalf of the Company which relate to events or occurrences that transpired while Executive was employed by the Company; provided, however, that such cooperation shall not materially and adversely affect Executive or expose Executive to an increased probability of civil or criminal litigation. Executives cooperation in connection with such claims or actions shall include, but not be limited to, being available to meet with counsel to prepare for discovery or trial and to act as a witness on behalf of the Company at mutually convenient times. During and after Executives employment, Executive also shall cooperate fully with the Company in connection with any investigation or review of any federal, state or local regulatory authority as any such investigation or review relates to events or occurrences that transpired while Executive was employed by the Company. The Company shall also provide Executive with compensation on an hourly basis at a rate equivalent to the hourly rate of the Executives last annual Base Salary calculated using a forty (40) hour week over fifty-two (52) weeks for requested litigation and regulatory cooperation that occurs after [his]/[her] termination of employment, and reimburse Executive for all costs and expenses incurred in connection with [his]/[her] performance under this Paragraph 16, including, but not limited to, reasonable attorneys fees and costs.
17. Gender Neutral. Wherever used herein, a pronoun in the masculine gender shall be considered as including the feminine gender unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, and vice versa.
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Agreement effective on the date and year first above written.
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HARVARD BIOSCIENCE, INC. |
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By: |
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Name: |
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Title: |
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EXECUTIVE |
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Exhibit 99.2
The following Executive Officers are parties to an Employment Agreement in the form of Exhibit 99.1, which Employment Agreements differ with respect to the terms indicated:
EXECUTIVE OFFICER |
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POSITION |
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Date/Commencement Date |
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SALARY |
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VACATION |
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Susan M. Luscinski |
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Chief Operating Officer |
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December 16, 2005 |
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$235,000 |
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20 days |
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Bryce Chicoyne |
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Chief Financial Officer |
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December 16, 2005 |
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$175,000 |
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15 days |
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Exhibit 99.3
December 16, 2005
Dear David,
As you are aware, you are employed at will and are subject to termination by Union Biometrica Inc. at any time for any reason. Nevertheless, in light of present circumstances, Union Biometrica would like to provide you with certain protections which would take effect should Union Biometrica undergo what is called a Change of Control. Change of Control means either of the following:
(a) a sale of Union Biometricas securities by its parent company, Harvard Bioscience (HBIO), in other than a merger, consolidation or similar transaction of HBIO or
(b) a sale of the assets of Union Biometrica.
In the event of a Change of Control of Union Biometrica, the company will be obligated to provide you with six months notice of any termination of your employment without cause which occurs within twelve months of the effective date of the Change of Control. In addition, Union Biometrica will require that any successor company be bound by that obligation.
Additionally, all unvested options you have been granted by HBIO will accelerate and become vested immediately upon Change of Control of Union Biometrica..
Obviously, in order to receive these benefits, you must be employed by Union Biometrica at the time of any Change of Control. And, in order to receive the above additional notice period and benefits, you will be required to sign a general release of all claims concerning employment, as is typical in employment arrangements such as this.
Please sign below as an acknowledgment of the above revision to your employment at will agreement with Union Biometrica. All other terms and conditions of your employment with the company remain unchanged.
Sincerely, |
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/s/ Chane Graziano |
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/s/ David Strack |
Chane Graziano, Director |
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David Strack, President |
Union Biometrica, Inc. |
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Union Biometrica, Inc. |
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