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): July 13, 2015
ANTARES PHARMA, INC.
(Exact name of registrant specified in its charter)
Delaware | 1-32302 | 41-1350192 | ||
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation) |
(Commission File Number) |
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.) |
100 Princeton South, Suite 300, Ewing, NJ | 08628 | |
(Address of principal executive offices) | (Zip Code) |
Registrants telephone, including area code: (609) 359-3020
Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the Registrant under any of the following provisions (see General Instruction A.2. below):
¨ | Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425) |
¨ | Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12) |
¨ | Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b)) |
¨ | Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c)) |
Item 5.02. | Departure of Directors or Certain Officers; Election of Directors; Appointment of Certain Officers; Compensatory Arrangements of Certain Officers. |
(e)
On July 13, 2015, Antares Pharma, Inc. (Antares) entered into a Separation and Consulting Services Agreement (Separation Agreement) with Jennifer Evans Stacey, Senior Vice President, General Counsel, Human Resources and Secretary of Antares. Ms. Staceys last day of employment was July 13, 2015 (Separation Date).
The Company and Ms. Stacey are also parties to an Employment Agreement, dated April 25, 2014, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission as Exhibit 10.1 to Antares Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ending on June 30, 2014 (the Employment Agreement), which provides for certain severance payments and benefits subject to the execution and non-revocation by Ms. Stacey of a written release in a form acceptable to Antares. In consideration for the release provided by Ms. Stacey in the Separation Agreement, and for continuing compliance with the obligations contained in the Separation Agreement, Ms. Stacey will receive severance payments and benefits in accordance with terms of the Separation Agreement, which includes, among other severance payments and benefits, all severance payments and benefits that she is entitled to under the Employment Agreement.
Pursuant to the terms of the Separation Agreement, Ms. Stacey will receive the following:
| Twelve months of continued base salary, payable in monthly installments. |
| Reimbursement for the cost of continued health and dental benefits through COBRA, subject to the same cost-sharing as if Ms. Stacey were an employee, for the shorter of 12 months or until the date she obtains coverage from a new employer. |
| With respect to all outstanding equity grants held by Ms. Stacey immediately prior to the Separation Date which vest based upon Ms. Staceys continued service over time, the portion that would have become vested during the 12-month period following the Separation Date will accelerate, become fully vested and exercisable, as of the Separation Date. |
| The award, if any, under the Epi Bonus Plan approved by the Board of Directors of Antares on May 28, 2015 and disclosed in Antares Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Securities Exchange Commission on June 3, 2015, to the extent such award is earned pursuant to the terms of the Epi Bonus Plan. |
| An amount equal to $27,440, less applicable tax withholding taxes, which is the portion of Ms. Staceys 2015 annual bonus target that is subject to attainment of individual performance goals and will be paid at target. The portion of the 2015 annual bonus, if any, that is subject to attainment of company performance goals will be paid when 2015 annual bonuses are paid to other Antares executives by March 15, 2016, based on actual attainment of such goals. |
| The Company has waived Ms. Staceys obligations under the covenant not to compete set forth in the Employment Agreement. Ms. Stacey will continue to be bound by the confidentiality, non-solicitation of employees and customers and non-disparagement covenants in the Employment Agreement. |
| Ms. Stacey will continue to provide services to Antares as a consultant for 12 months following the Separation Date. The post-termination exercise periods applicable to Ms. Staceys stock |
options will commence as of the end of the consulting period and extend to the later of October 13, 2016 or the end of the post-termination exercise periods set out in the applicable stock option agreements. |
The foregoing is a summary description of certain terms of the Separation Agreement and, by its nature, is incomplete. The Separation Agreement is an exhibit to this Current Report on Form 8-K. All readers are encouraged to read the Separation Agreement.
Item 7.01 | Regulation FD Disclosure |
On July 14, 2015, Antares issued a press release announcing the appointment of Peter Graham as Senior Vice President, General Counsel, Human Resources and Secretary of Antares.
The full text of such press release is included as Exhibit 99.2 to this Current Report on Form 8-K.
Item 9.01 | Financial Statements and Exhibits |
(d) Exhibits.
Exhibit |
Description | |
99.1 | Separation and Consulting Services Agreement, dated July 13, 2015, by and between Antares Pharma, Inc. and Jennifer Evans Stacey | |
99.2 | Press Release, dated July 14, 2015, issued by Antares Pharma, Inc. |
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.
ANTARES PHARMA, INC. | ||||||||
Date: | July 16, 2015 |
By: | /s/ James E. Fickenscher | |||||
Name: | James E. Fickenscher | |||||||
Title: | Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer |
EXHIBIT INDEX
Exhibit
Exhibit |
Description | |
99.1 | Separation and Consulting Services Agreement, dated July 13, 2015, by and between Antares Pharma, Inc. and Jennifer Evans Stacey | |
99.2 | Press Release, dated July 14, 2015, issued by Antares Pharma, Inc. |
Exhibit 99.1
SEPARATION AND CONSULTING SERVICES AGREEMENT
This SEPARATION AND CONSULTING SERVICES AGREEMENT (this Agreement) is entered into as of July 13, 2015 to be effective on the Effective Date (as defined in Section 1 below), by and between Antares Pharma, Inc. (the Company) and Jennifer Evans Stacey (the Executive).
RECITALS
WHEREAS, pursuant to the terms of an Employment Agreement, effective as of May 19, 2014, entered into by and between the Company and Executive (the Employment Agreement), Executive has been employed as the Companys Senior Vice President, General Counsel, Human Resources and Secretary;
WHEREAS, the Company and Executive have come to a mutual agreement with respect to Executives termination from employment with the Company to be effective July 13, 2015 (the Termination Date);
WHEREAS, as consideration for Executives execution and non-revocation of a release of all claims against the Company and its affiliates contemporaneous with this Agreement, the Company is willing to enter into this Agreement pursuant to which Executive will provide certain services to the Company as a consultant following the Termination Date for the payments set forth herein; and
WHEREAS, as consideration for Executives execution and non-revocation of a release of all claims against the Company and its affiliates upon the Termination Date, the Company desires to pay Executive the severance payments set forth herein following the Termination Date.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual promises hereinafter set forth and intending to be legally bound hereby, the parties hereby agree as follows:
1. Termination from Employment. Executives termination from employment with the Company shall be effective on the Termination Date. Provided that the terms and conditions set forth herein are satisfied, Executive shall be entitled to the following:
(a) Severance Payments and Benefits. In consideration of the payments in this Section 1(a), Executive hereby agrees to execute and not revoke the General Release of Claims attached hereto as Exhibit A (the Release). Provided that the Release becomes effective in accordance with the terms set forth therein (such date the Release becomes effective, the Effective Date), and so long as Executive continues to comply with the provisions of the Confidential Information and Invention Assignment Agreement (defined in Section 6(a) of the Employment Agreement) and the restrictive covenants and representations in Section 6 of the Employment Agreement (with the exception of Section 6(b) of the Employment Agreement which the Company hereby agrees to waive any obligations of Executive thereunder pursuant to Section 4 of this Agreement), Executive will receive the following severance payments:
(i) Continued Base Salary. The Company will pay Executive a severance payment equal to twelve (12) months of base salary at the rate in effect immediately prior to the Termination Date, less applicable tax withholding, paid in equal monthly installments beginning within sixty (60) days following the Termination Date and each payroll date thereafter until fully paid, in accordance with the Companys regular payroll practices.
(ii) Health Benefits. For the twelve (12) month period following the Termination Date, provided that Executive timely elects COBRA, the Company will reimburse Executive for the monthly COBRA cost of continued medical and dental coverage for Executive and, where applicable, her spouse and dependents, at the level in effect as of the Termination Date, less the employee portion of the applicable premiums that Executive would have paid had she remained employed during the such twelve (12) month period (the COBRA continuation coverage period shall run concurrently with the twelve (12) month period that Executive is provided with medical and dental coverage under this subsection 1(c)(ii)). These reimbursements will commence within the sixty (60)-day period following the Termination Date and will be paid on the first payroll date of each month, provided that Executive demonstrates proof of payment of the applicable premiums prior to the applicable reimbursement payment date. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Companys reimbursement of the monthly COBRA premiums in accordance with this subsection 1(a)(ii) shall cease immediately upon the earlier of: (A) the end of twelve (12) month period following the Termination Date, or (B) the date that Executive is eligible for comparable coverage with a subsequent employer. Executive agrees to notify the Company in writing immediately if subsequent employment is accepted prior to the end of the twelve (12) month period following the Termination Date and Executive agrees to repay to the Company any COBRA reimbursement received during such period for any period of employment during which group health coverage is available through a subsequent employer. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Company reserves the right to restructure the foregoing COBRA premium reimbursement arrangement in any manner necessary or appropriate to avoid fines, penalties or negative tax consequences to the Company or Executive (including, without limitation, to avoid any penalty imposed for violation of the nondiscrimination requirements under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act or the guidance issued thereunder), as determined by the Company in its sole and absolute discretion.
(iii) Time-Based Equity Award Acceleration. All outstanding equity awards held by Executive on the Termination Date granted under the Antares Pharma, Inc. 2008 Equity Incentive Plan, as amended from time to time (the 2008 Plan) immediately prior to Executives Termination Date which vest based on Executives continued services over time that would have become vested during the twelve (12) month period following the Termination Date had Executive remained employed during such twelve (12) month period following Executives Termination Date shall accelerate, become fully vested and exercisable as of the Termination Date. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary, the post-termination exercise periods applicable to Executives stock options will commence upon the termination of the Term (defined below) and will extend until the later of October 13, 2016 and the end of the post-termination exercise periods set forth in the applicable stock option agreements and the 2008 Plan.
(iv) Epi Bonus Plan Award. Notwithstanding the terms of the Epi Bonus Plan approved by the Board of Directors of the Company (the Board) on May 28, 2015 (Epi Bonus Plan), Executive shall continue to be eligible to receive payment of her award
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thereunder to the extent earned as determined by the Board. Such award, if any, will be paid by March 15, 2016 at the same time awards are paid to other executives eligible to participate in the Epi Bonus Plan.
(v) 2015 Annual Bonus. The Company will pay Executive an amount equal to $27,440, which is the individual performance portion of the bonus for fiscal year 2015 based on target performance under the Companys 2015 bonus plan, less applicable taxes, which will be paid within sixty (60) days following the Termination Date. The corporate performance portion of the bonus for fiscal year 2015, if any, will be determined in accordance with Section 2(b) of the Employment Agreement and will be paid to Executive at the same time as such bonus is paid to other executives of the Company who participate in the 2015 bonus plan.
(vi) Letter of Reference. The Company agrees to provide Executive with a positive letter of reference.
(vii) No Contest of Unemployment. The Company will not contest any claim by Executive before any governmental authority for unemployment benefits that is based upon her termination of employment with the Company.
(b) Payment in lieu of Notice. The Company will pay Executive an amount equal to $28,583.33, which equals thirty (30) days of base salary, in lieu of the Companys obligation to provide notice of termination pursuant to Section 3(c) of the Employment Agreement, less applicable tax withholding and normal deductions, without regard as to whether the Release becomes effective. Such amount will be paid to Executive on the Companys next regular payroll date after the Termination Date.
(c) Accrued Benefits. The Company will pay or provide Executive with any amounts earned, accrued and owing but not yet paid under Section 2 of the Employment Agreement and any benefits accrued and due under any applicable benefit plans and programs of the Company, without regard as to whether the Release becomes effective. The Company will pay Executive the amount of $7,476.00 based on forty-five and 34/100 (45.34) hours of accrued but unused vacation.
2. Consulting Period. For twelve (12) months following the Termination Date, Executive agrees to provide consulting services to the Company in accordance with this Section 2. The period commencing on the Termination Date and ending on the earlier of (i) the date on which Executive ceases to provide services in accordance with this Section 2 and (ii) July 13, 2016 is referred to herein as the Consulting Period, or the Term).
(a) Consulting Services to be Provided. During the Consulting Period, Executive shall perform consulting services for the Company. In connection therewith, Executive shall provide analyses, participate in meetings and provide other reasonable consulting services as reasonably assigned to Executive by Eamonn Hobbs and Peter Graham. The foregoing activities of Executive shall be referred to for purposes of this Agreement as the Consulting Services.
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(b) Compensation; No Benefits.
(i) Compensation. During the Consulting Period, the Company shall pay Executive compensation for the Consulting Services equal to $300 per hour (Consulting Fees). Executive shall make herself available to perform the Consulting Services, provided however, that the Company is under no obligation to request any Consulting Services during the Consulting Period and Executive will only be paid the Consulting Fees for Consulting Services actually performed for the Company at the Companys request. The Company and Executive agree that it is reasonably anticipated that the Consulting Services hereunder will require Executive to render Consulting Services at a level that will not exceed 20% of the average level of services that Executive rendered to the Company as an employee of the Company. The Company shall reimburse Executive for all reasonable expenses incurred by Executive in connection with the performance of the Consulting Services during the Consulting Period, in accordance with the Companys expense reimbursement policies.
(ii) Equity Participation. In accordance with the terms of Executives applicable performance stock unit agreement and the 2008 Plan, Executives performance stock unit award will continue to vest during the Consulting Period. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary, the post-termination exercise periods applicable to Executives stock options will commence upon the termination of the Term and will extend until the later of October 13, 2016 and the end of the post-termination exercise periods set forth in the applicable stock option agreements and the 2008 Plan.
(iii) No Benefits. As of the Termination Date, Executive shall not be an employee of the Company and under no circumstances shall she be entitled to participate in or receive any benefit or right as an employee under any Company employee benefit or executive compensation plan, including, without limitation, employee insurance, pension, savings, medical, health care, fringe benefit, stock option, equity compensation, deferred compensation or bonus plans, regardless of whether Executives status is re-characterized by a third party to constitute employee status during the Consulting Period.
(c) Independent Contractor; Performance. Executives employment with the Company shall cease as of the Termination Date. For purposes of this Agreement and all Consulting Services to be provided hereunder, during the Consulting Period, Executive shall not be considered an employee of the Company, but shall remain in all respects an independent contractor of the Company, and neither party to this Agreement shall have any right or authority to make or undertake any promise, warranty or representation, to execute any contract, or otherwise to assume any obligation or responsibility in the name of or on behalf of the other party. Executive shall direct the means, manner, and method by which she performs the Consulting Services during the Consulting Period. Executive shall perform all Consulting Services in a professional manner, consistent with industry standards and the Companys goals and ethical standards as communicated to Executive by the Company.
3. Indemnification.
(a) Indemnification of Executive. Except as set forth in Section 10 below, the Company shall indemnify, defend and hold harmless Executive and her heirs, successors and
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permitted assigns from and against any and all losses, claims, demands, suits, proceedings, damages, liabilities, losses, and expenses (including reasonable legal fees and costs) to which Executive may become subject to, arising out of, relating to or in connection with Executives performance of the Consulting Services hereunder during the Term, except in the case of Executives bad faith, willful misconduct or gross negligence.
(b) Indemnification of the Company. Executive shall indemnify, defend and hold harmless the Company and its affiliates from and against any losses, claims, demands, suits, proceedings, damages, liabilities, losses, and expenses (including reasonable legal fees and costs) to which the Company or its affiliates may become subject to, arising out of, relating to or in connection with, the Consulting Services hereunder during the Term, except in the case of bad faith, willful misconduct or gross negligence of the Company or its affiliates.
4. Restrictive Covenants. Executive agrees that Section 6 of the Employment Agreement continues to remain in full force and effect in accordance with the terms therein and are hereby incorporated by reference with the exceptions of (i) Section 6(b) of the Employment Agreement, which the Company agrees to waive Executives obligations thereunder and (ii) the requirement in Section 6(d) of the Employment Agreement that Executive return her Company-issued cellular phone which the Company agrees that Executive may keep along with the phone number which Company agrees to transfer to Executive.
5. Termination. Although it is the intention of the Company and Executive that the Consulting Services and this Agreement continue until the one (1) year anniversary of the Termination Date, either the Company or Executive may terminate the Consulting Services and this Agreement for any reason or no reason, provided that the terminating party gives the other party 30 days notice of termination in accordance with the requirements of Section 12 below. If Executive terminates the Consulting Services and this Agreement, Executive agrees, at the Companys reasonable request, to make herself available to assist in the completion of any projects with which Executive was assisting during the Term. Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, if the Company terminates the Consulting Services and this Agreement for Cause (as defined below), this Agreement and the Consulting Services hereunder shall terminate immediately upon notice of termination to Executive. Following the termination of this Agreement for any reason or no reason, Executive will receive any unreimbursed expenses through such date of termination not theretofore paid, and the Consulting Services to the Company shall be terminated. Within five (5) days after Executive ceases to provide any Consulting Services hereunder, Executive shall deliver to the Company all work product resulting from the performance of the Consulting Services. For purposes of this Agreement, Cause shall include the following: (i) Executives dishonesty, fraud or misrepresentation in connection with the performance of the Consulting Services pursuant to the terms hereof, (ii) theft, misappropriation or embezzlement by Executive of the Companys funds or resources, (iii) Executives conviction of, or a plea of guilty or nolo contendere (or a similar plea) in connection with, any felony, crime involving fraud or misrepresentation, or any other crime, and (iv) a breach by Executive of any material term hereof.
6. Section 409A. This Agreement is intended to comply with section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the Code) and its corresponding regulations, or an exemption, and payments may only be made under this Agreement upon an event and in a
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manner permitted by section 409A of the Code, to the extent applicable. For purposes of section 409A of the Code, all payments to be made upon a termination of employment under this Agreement may only be made upon a separation from service within the meaning of such term under section 409A of the Code, each payment made under this Agreement shall be treated as a separate payment and the right to a series of installment payments under this Agreement is to be treated as a right to a series of separate payments. In no event shall Executive, directly or indirectly, designate the calendar year of payment of any severance benefits. All reimbursements and in-kind benefits provided under this Agreement shall be made or provided in accordance with the requirements of section 409A of the Code.
7. No Conflicting Agreements; Non-Exclusive Engagement during the Consulting Period. Other than the Employment Agreement, which is replaced and superseded by this Agreement, Executive represents that she is not a party to any existing agreement which would prevent her from entering into and performing this Agreement. Executive shall not enter into any other agreement that is in conflict with her obligations under this Agreement. The Company acknowledges that Executive may enter into an employment agreement with a third party during the Consulting Period, subject to Section 4 hereof. With respect to the Consulting Services to be performed during the Consulting Period, the Company may from time to time engage other persons and entities to act as consultants to the Company and perform similar services for the Company, and enter into agreements similar to this Agreement with other persons or entities, in all cases without the necessity of obtaining approval from Executive.
8. Entire Agreement, Amendment and Assignment. Except as otherwise provided in a separate writing between the Company and Executive, this Agreement, including the attachments hereto, is the sole agreement between the Company and Executive with respect to the services to be performed hereunder and it supersedes all prior agreements and understandings with respect thereto, and all prior agreements and understandings with respect to her employment with the Company prior to the Termination Date, whether oral or written, including, but not limited to, the Employment Agreement (except for Section 6 therein as set forth in Section 4 above). No modification to any provision of this Agreement shall be binding unless in writing and signed by the Company and Executive. All of the terms and provisions of this Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of and be enforceable by the respective heirs, executors, administrators, legal representatives, successors and permitted assigns of the parties hereto, except that the duties and responsibilities of Executive hereunder are of a personal nature and shall not be assignable or delegable in whole or in part by Executive.
9. Waiver. No waiver of any rights under this Agreement shall be effective unless in writing signed by the party to be charged. A waiver by any of the parties hereto of a breach of any provision of this Agreement by another party shall not operate or be construed as a waiver of any subsequent breach.
10. Taxes. All payments under this Agreement shall be made subject to applicable tax withholding, and the Company shall withhold from any payments under this Agreement, all federal, state and local taxes as the Company is required to withhold pursuant to any law or governmental rule or regulation. Executive shall bear all expense of, and be solely responsible for, all federal, state and local taxes due with respect to any payment received under this Agreement.
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11. Governing Law; Venue. This Agreement shall be governed in accordance with the laws of the State of New Jersey, without regard to the conflicts of law or choice of law principles thereof. If any dispute between the parties leads to litigation, the parties agree that the courts of the State of New Jersey or the federal courts in New Jersey shall have the exclusive jurisdiction and venue over such litigation. All parties consent to personal jurisdiction in the State of New Jersey, and agree to accept service of process outside of the State of New Jersey as if service had been made in that state.
12. Notices. All notices, demands or other communications to be given or delivered under or by reason of the provisions of this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been given when delivered personally to the recipient, two business days after the date when sent to the recipient by reputable express courier service (charges prepaid) or four (4) business days after the date when mailed to the recipient by certified or registered mail, return receipt requested and postage prepaid. Such notices, demands and other communications shall be sent to Executive and to the Company at the addresses set forth below,
If to Executive: | The most recent address in the Companys files. | |
If to the Company: | Antares Pharma, Inc. 100 Princeton South Suite 300 Ewing, NJ 08628 Attn: Chief Executive Officer |
or to such other address or to the attention of such other person as the recipient party has specified by prior written notice to the sending party.
13. Confidentiality of this Agreement. Executive agrees not disclose to others the fact or terms of this Agreement, except Executive may disclose such information to her spouse or domestic/civil union partner and to her attorney or accountant (in order for such individuals to render professional services to Executive), so long as such individuals agree to keep such information confidential. Nothing in this Section 13, or elsewhere in this Agreement, is intended to prevent or prohibit Executive from (a) providing information regarding Executives former employment relationship with the Company, as may be required by law or legal process, or (b) cooperating, participating or assisting in any government entity investigation or proceeding.
14. Survivability. The respective rights and obligations of the parties under this Agreement shall survive termination of Executives services hereunder to the extent necessary to the intended preservation of such rights and obligations.
15. Counterparts. This Agreement shall become binding when any one or more counterparts hereof, individually or taken together, shall bear the signatures of Executive and the Company. This Agreement may be executed in two or more counterparts (including facsimile counterparts or as a pdf or similar attachment to an email), each of which shall be deemed to be an original as against any party whose signature appears thereon, but all of which together shall constitute but one and the same instrument.
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16. Severability. If any provision of this Agreement or application thereof to anyone or under any circumstances is adjudicated to be invalid or unenforceable in any jurisdiction, such invalidity or unenforceability shall not affect any other provision or application of this Agreement which can be given effect without the invalid or unenforceable provision or application and shall not invalidate or render unenforceable such provision or application in any other jurisdiction.
[Signature Page Follows]
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned, intending to be legally bound, have duly executed this Agreement as of the date first above written.
ANTARES PHARMA, INC. | ||
By: | /s/ Eamonn P. Hobbs | |
Name: | Eamonn P. Hobbs | |
Title: | President and Chief Executive Officer | |
JENNIFER EVANS STACEY | ||
/s/ Jennifer Evans Stacey |
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Exhibit A
RELEASE
In consideration of the severance benefits payable to Jennifer Evans Staceys (Executive) under Section 1(a) of the attached Separation and Consulting Services Agreement dated as of July 13, 2015, by and between Antares Pharma, Inc. (the Company) and Executive (the Agreement), the terms of which are incorporated by reference to this General Release of Claims (Release)), the consulting services provided thereafter, and the potential Consulting Fees (as defined in the Agreement) provided to Executive in accordance with Section 2(b) of the Agreement, Executive hereby executes this Release on her own behalf and also on behalf of any heirs, agents, representatives, successors and assigns that she has now or may have in the future.
1. General Waiver & Release. Executive hereby waives and releases any and all claims, subject to and without waiving any rights identified in Section 1(c), whether or not now known to Executive, whether legal, equitable or otherwise, against the Company, its parent, subsidiary and affiliated companies, and all of their past and present officers, directors, employees, agents and assigns (collectively, Releasees), arising from or relating to any and all acts, events and omissions occurring prior to the date Executive signs this Release.
(a) Included Claims. The claims being waived and released include, without limitation:
(i) any and all claims arising from or relating to Executives recruitment, hire, employment and termination of employment with the Company;
(ii) any and all claims of wrongful discharge, emotional distress, defamation, misrepresentation, fraud, detrimental reliance, breach of contractual obligations, promissory estoppel, negligence, assault and battery, violation of public policy;
(iii) any and all claims for monetary damages arising under the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967 (ADEA) as amended, the Older Workers Benefit Protection Act of 1990 (OWBPA), Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 as amended, and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 as amended;
(iv) any and all claims, outside of those identified in Section (1)(a)(iii), of unlawful discrimination, harassment and retaliation under applicable federal, state and local laws and regulations;
(v) any and all claims, outside of those identified in Section (1)(a)(iii), of violation of any federal, state and local law relating to recruitment, hiring, terms and conditions of employment, and termination of employment; and
(vi) any and all claims for monetary damages and any other form of personal relief.
(b) Unknown Claims. In waiving and releasing any and all claims, subject to and without waiving any rights identified in Section 1(c), against the Releasees, whether or not now
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known to Executive, Executive understands that this means that, if Executive later discovers facts different from or in addition to those facts currently known by Executive, or believed by Executive to be true, the waivers and releases of this Release shall remain effective in all respects despite such different or additional facts and Executives later discovery of such facts, even if Executive would not have agreed to this Release if Executive had prior knowledge of such facts.
(c) Exceptions. The foregoing shall in no event apply to any claims that, as a matter of applicable law, are not waivable. Executive and the Company agree that nothing in this Agreement prevents or prohibits Executive from: (i) making any disclosure of relevant and necessary information or documents in connection with any charge, action, investigation, or proceeding relating to this Agreement, or as required by law or legal process; (ii) participating, cooperating, or testifying in any charge, action, investigation, or proceeding with, or providing information to, any self-regulatory organization, governmental agency or legislative body, and/or pursuant to the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, (iii) filing, testifying, participating in or otherwise assisting in a proceeding relating to an alleged violation of any federal, state or municipal law relating to fraud, or any rule or regulation of the Securities and Exchange Commission or any self-regulatory organization or (iv) challenging the knowing and voluntary nature of the release of ADEA claims pursuant to the OWBPA. To the extent permitted by law, upon receipt of any subpoena, court order or other legal process compelling the disclosure of any such information or documents, Executive agrees to give prompt written notice to the Company so as to permit the Company to protect their interests in confidentiality to the fullest extent possible. To the fullest extent provided by law, Executive acknowledges and agrees, however, Executive is waiving any right to recover monetary damages in connection with any such charge, action, investigation or proceeding. To the extent Executive receives any monetary relief in connection with any such charge, action, investigation or proceeding, the Company will be entitled to an offset for the benefits made pursuant to this Agreement, to the fullest extent provided by law.
Executive and the Company further agree that the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) and comparable state or local agencies have the authority to carry out their statutory duties by investigating charges, issuing determinations, and filing lawsuits in Federal or state court in their own name, or taking any action authorized by the EEOC or comparable state or local agencies. Executive retains the right to participate in any such action and to seek any appropriate non-monetary relief. Executive retains the right to communicate with the EEOC and comparable state or local agencies and such communication can be initiated by Executive or in response to the government and such right is not limited by any non-disparagement claims. Executive and the Company agree that communication with employees plays a critical role in the EEOCs enforcement process because employees inform the agency of employer practices that might violate the law. For this reason, the right to communicate with the EEOC is a right that is protected by federal law and this Agreement does not prohibit or interfere with those rights. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Executive agrees to waive her right to recover monetary damages in any charge, complaint or lawsuit filed by her or by anyone else on her behalf.
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In addition to actions specifically identified above, Executive may also still bring claims:
(i) for unemployment, state disability and/or paid family leave insurance benefits pursuant to the terms of applicable state law;
(ii) for continuation of existing participation in Company-sponsored group health benefit plans, at Executives full expense, under the federal law known as COBRA and/or under an applicable state counterpart law;
(iii) for any benefit entitlements that are vested as of the Termination Date pursuant to the terms of a Company-sponsored benefit plan governed by the federal law known as ERISA;
(iv) for any vested stock and/or vested option shares pursuant to the written terms and conditions of Executives existing stock and stock option grants and agreements, existing as of the Termination Date and for all such rights that are granted in and survive the Agreement, including accelerated vesting and post-termination exercise rights;
(v) for violation of any federal, state or local statutory and/or public policy right or entitlement that, by applicable law, is not waivable;
(vi) for any wrongful act or omission occurring after the date Executive signs this Release;
(vii) for any continuing rights to indemnification and defense under Section 13 of the Employment Agreement and under the Companys governing documents, by-laws, policies and insurance policies; and
(viii) in her capacity as a stockholder of the Company.
2. Entire Agreement. This Release and the Agreement contain the entire agreement of Executive and the Company with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersede and render null and void any and all prior or contemporaneous oral or written understandings, statements, representations or promises pertaining to the matters set forth herein and in the Agreement.
3. Severability. If any term or provision of this Release shall be held to be invalid or unenforceable for any reason, then such term or provision shall be ineffective to the extent of such invalidity or unenforceability without invalidating the remaining terms or provisions hereof, and such term or provision shall be deemed modified to the extent necessary to make it enforceable. The unenforceability or invalidity of a provision of this Release in one jurisdiction shall not invalidate or render that provision unenforceable in any other jurisdiction.
4. Governing Law; Venue. This Release shall be governed in accordance with the laws of the State of New Jersey, without regard to the conflicts of law or choice of law principles thereof. If any dispute between the parties leads to litigation, the parties agree that the courts of the State of New Jersey or the federal courts in New Jersey shall have the exclusive jurisdiction and venue over such litigation. All parties consent to personal jurisdiction in the State of New Jersey, and agree to accept service of process outside of the State of New Jersey as if service had been made in that state.
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5. Further Acknowledgements. Executive acknowledges that:
(a) Executive has been offered a period of at least twenty-one (21) calendar days from the date she received this Release within which to review and consider its terms before signing it;
(b) Executive is hereby advised in writing to consult with an attorney prior to executing this Release, and she fully understands this right;
(c) Executive has carefully read and understands all of the provisions of this Release and that she is entering into this Release freely, knowingly, and voluntarily;
(d) Executive is not waiving any rights or claims that may arise after this Release is executed or any other claims that cannot be waived as a matter of law;
(e) The consideration provided to Executive in consideration for her execution of this Release is greater than any benefits to which Executive would have been entitled had she not executed this Release;
(f) Any changes made to this Release before Executive signs it will not entitle her to an additional twenty-one (21) calendar days to review the new version of this Release;
(g) Executive is not entitled to the severance benefits set forth in Section 1 of the Agreement or the Consulting Fees set forth in Section 2(b) of the Agreement, unless she signs and does not revoke this Release;
(h) Executive may revoke this Release within seven (7) calendar days following its execution (the Revocation Period) by notifying the Company in writing, by certified letter delivered to the attention of Chief Executive Officer, Antares Pharma, Inc., 100 Princeton South, Suite 300, Ewing, NJ 08628, and the terms of this Release shall not become effective or enforceable until the day after the expiration of the Revocation Period; and
(i) Executive is not relying upon any promises, inducements, representations, or statements that are not expressly set forth in this Release or the Agreement.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Executive, acknowledging that she is acting of her own free will after receiving a reasonable period of time to consider the terms of this Release, has caused the execution of this Release as of this day and year written below.
Agreed and Accepted: | ||||
/s/ Jennifer Evans Stacey |
July 13. 2015 | |||
Jennifer Evans Stacey | Date |
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Exhibit 99.2
ANTARES PHARMA APPOINTS PETER J. GRAHAM ESQ., SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT, GENERAL COUNSEL, HUMAN RESOURCES, CHIEF COMPLIANCE OFFICER AND CORPORATE SECRETARY
EWING, NJ, July 14, 2015 Antares Pharma, Inc. (NASDAQ: ATRS) today announced the appointment of Peter J. Graham Esq., to the position of Senior Vice President, General Counsel, Human Resources, Chief Compliance Officer and Corporate Secretary. Mr. Graham will report to Eamonn P. Hobbs, President and Chief Executive Officer.
With an extensive background of legal health care experience in contract negotiations, mergers and acquisitions, SEC reporting, compliance and general corporate matters, I believe Peter will add value to Antares Pharma, said Eamonn P. Hobbs. His legal expertise and proven global strategy management of both publicly and privately held pharmaceutical and medical device companies will be an added asset to the Company. We are excited to welcome Peter to the Antares team.
The Company also announced the departure of Jennifer Evans Stacey, Esq., the Companys Senior Vice President, General Counsel, Human Resources and Secretary and Chief Compliance Officer.
On behalf of the Antares Board of Directors and Executive Leadership Team, I would like to thank Ms. Stacey for her many contributions to the Company, continued Mr. Hobbs. Jennifer played an important role in the settlement of the Medac litigation and was integral to the successful integration of the Companys first in-house salesforce. Id like to personally wish Jennifer well in all future endeavors.
Mr. Graham was most recently Executive Vice President, General Counsel, Chief Compliance Officer and Global Human Resources of Delcath Systems, Inc., where he directed the global legal, compliance and human resource functions. Prior to Delcath, Mr. Graham was Vice President, General Counsel and a member of the Executive Committee of ACIST Medical Systems, Inc., a global company specializing in diagnostic and therapeutic medical devices for cardiology and radiology. There, he led the corporate accounts and global legal affairs of the company, playing a significant role in helping to expand the companys corporate contract business and international distribution network and the $80 million acquisition of HLT, Inc. Prior to that, Mr. Graham spent 11 years at E-Z-EM, Inc., a global medical device and pharmaceutical company specializing in CT and MR imaging solutions. During his tenure at E-Z-EM, Mr. Graham held various senior management positions serving as its Senior Vice President, Chief Legal Officer, Global Human Resources and Secretary from 2005 until 2008. Mr. Graham played a key role in the sale of E-Z-EM in 2008 leading and coordinating the legal and investment banking activities associated with the sale. He also managed the legal affairs of AngioDynamics, Inc., then a wholly owned subsidiary of E-Z-EM from 1997 until its initial public offering and tax free spin off in 2004.
Mr. Graham was on the Board of Directors of AngioDynamics from 2006 to 2007, and was instrumental in the companys successful $75 million follow-on offering, and its acquisition of Rita Medical Systems, Inc. for $220 million during that time frame.
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Before his time with E-Z-EM, Mr. Graham was an associate at Segal and Lax, P.C. He earned his J.D. at Yeshiva Universitys Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law in 1995, and his B.A. at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
About Antares Pharma
Antares Pharma focuses on self-administered parenteral pharmaceutical products. The Companys product, OTREXUP (methotrexate) injection for subcutaneous use, is approved in the U.S. for the treatment of adults with severe active rheumatoid arthritis, children with active polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis and adults with severe recalcitrant psoriasis. Antares Pharma is also developing QuickShot® Testosterone for testosterone replacement therapy, and VIBEX® Sumatriptan for the acute treatment of migraines. The Companys technology platforms include VIBEX® disposable auto injectors, disposable multi-use pen injectors and reusable needle-free injectors. Antares Pharma has a multi-product deal with Teva Pharmaceutical Industries, Ltd. that includes VIBEX® epinephrine, exenatide multi-dose pen, and another undisclosed multi-dose pen. Our reusable needle-free injector for use with human growth hormone (hGH) is sold worldwide by Ferring B.V.
SAFE HARBOR STATEMENT UNDER THE PRIVATE SECURITIES LITIGATION REFORM ACT OF 1995
This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including statements made with respect to the value added by Peter Graham; development of products for the Company and for alliance partners; and other statements regarding matters that are not historical facts, and involve predictions. These statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results, performance, achievements or prospects to be materially different from any future results, performance, achievements or prospects expressed in or implied by such forward-looking statements. In some cases you can identify forward-looking statements by terminology such as may, will, should, would, expect, intend, plan, anticipate, believe, estimate, predict, potential, seem, seek, future, continue, or appear or the negative of these terms or similar expressions, although not all forward-looking statements contain these identifying words. Such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated by the forward-looking statements. Additional information concerning these and other factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated in the forward-looking statements is contained in the Risk Factors section of the Companys Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014, and in the Companys other periodic reports and filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The Company cautions investors not to place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements contained in this press release. All forward-looking statements are based on information currently available to the Company on the date hereof, and the Company undertakes no obligation to revise or update these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this press release, except as required by law.
Investor Contacts:
Jack Howarth
Vice President, Corporate Affairs
(609) 359-3016
jhowarth@antarespharma.com
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