-----BEGIN PRIVACY-ENHANCED MESSAGE----- Proc-Type: 2001,MIC-CLEAR Originator-Name: webmaster@www.sec.gov Originator-Key-Asymmetric: MFgwCgYEVQgBAQICAf8DSgAwRwJAW2sNKK9AVtBzYZmr6aGjlWyK3XmZv3dTINen TWSM7vrzLADbmYQaionwg5sDW3P6oaM5D3tdezXMm7z1T+B+twIDAQAB MIC-Info: RSA-MD5,RSA, VHnny4sP/frxxLO1uwTYvSrl97BdfCfvfMjNzWWouDQMIlAFa7r75jh/8oW80yk8 nKOXJ8FcsqNAo1Ysbi6DzQ== 0001144204-09-047638.txt : 20090909 0001144204-09-047638.hdr.sgml : 20090909 20090909132358 ACCESSION NUMBER: 0001144204-09-047638 CONFORMED SUBMISSION TYPE: 8-K PUBLIC DOCUMENT COUNT: 12 CONFORMED PERIOD OF REPORT: 20090902 ITEM INFORMATION: Entry into a Material Definitive Agreement ITEM INFORMATION: Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities ITEM INFORMATION: Departure of Directors or Certain Officers; Election of Directors; Appointment of Certain Officers: Compensatory Arrangements of Certain Officers ITEM INFORMATION: Financial Statements and Exhibits FILED AS OF DATE: 20090909 DATE AS OF CHANGE: 20090909 FILER: COMPANY DATA: COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: GENSPERA INC CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0001421204 STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION: PHARMACEUTICAL PREPARATIONS [2834] IRS NUMBER: 000000000 STATE OF INCORPORATION: DE FILING VALUES: FORM TYPE: 8-K SEC ACT: 1934 Act SEC FILE NUMBER: 333-153829 FILM NUMBER: 091059917 BUSINESS ADDRESS: STREET 1: 1223 WILSHIRE BLVD STREET 2: SUITE 1403 CITY: SANTA MONICA STATE: CA ZIP: 90403 BUSINESS PHONE: 310-773-1852 MAIL ADDRESS: STREET 1: 1223 WILSHIRE BLVD STREET 2: SUITE 1403 CITY: SANTA MONICA STATE: CA ZIP: 90403 8-K 1 v159947_8k.htm Unassociated Document

 
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
 

 
FORM 8-K
 
CURRENT REPORT
Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934
 
Date of report (Date of earliest event reported): September 9, 2009 (September 2, 2009)

 
GENSPERA, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in Charter)

 
Delaware
 
0001421204
 
20-0438951
 
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
 
(Commission File No.)
 
(IRS Employee Identification No.)
 
9901 IH 10 West, Suite 800
San Antonio, TX 78230
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)
 
210-477-8537
 (Issuer Telephone number)
 

 
 
 
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 September 2, 2009 GenSpera, Inc. (“Company”) entered a Securities Purchase Agreement with a number of accredited investors (“Investors”).  Pursuant to the terms of the agreement, the Company sold units in the aggregate of $240,000.  The price per unit was $1.50.  Each unit consists of: (i) one share of the Company’s common stock (“Shares”); and (ii) one half Common Stock Purchase Warrant (“Warrant”).  The Warrants have a term of five years and entitle the Investors to purchase the Company’s common shares at a price per share of $3.00.  The Warrants also contain provisions providing for an adjustment in the underlying number of shares and exercise price in the event of stock splits or stock dividends and fundamental transactions.  The provisions do not provide for any adjustment in the event of subsequent equity sales or transactions.  The Warrants are also callable by the Company in the event the Company’s common stock becomes publically traded and certain other conditions, as described in the Warrants, are met.  The Company paid a total of $23,100 in fees and expenses incurred in connection with the transaction.  The Company also  issued a warrants to purchase 12,267, common shares, with identical terms to the Warrant, as a partial finder’s fee in connection with the offering.

The Company also entered in a Registration Rights Agreement with regard to the registration of the Shares and the shares underlying the Warrants.  The Registration Rights Agreement provides for penalties to be paid in restricted shares in the event the Company: (i) fails to file a registration statement or have such registration statement declared effective within a certain period of time; or (ii) fails to maintain the registration statement effective until all the securities registered therein are sold or are eligible for resale pursuant to Rule 144 without manner of sale or volume restrictions.

The securities offered have not been registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an applicable exemption from registration requirements. This current report shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy, nor shall there be any sale of these securities in any state in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to the registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such state.
 
The foregoing summaries of each of the Securities Purchase Agreement, Common Stock Purchase Warrant, and the Registration Rights Agreement are qualified in their entirety by reference to the full text of each such document, a copy of the form of each is attached hereto as Exhibits 10.01, 10.02, and 10.03 respectively, and each of which is incorporated herein in its entirety by reference.
  

Item 3.02.
Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities. 

The information set forth above in Item 1.01 of this current report on Form 8-K is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.


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


On September 2, 2009, the Board of Directors (“Board”) of GenSpera, Inc. (“Company”)  approved the 2009 Executive Compensation Plan (“Plan”).  The Plan permits the granting of up to 1,775,000 shares of GenSpera’s common stock (“Common Stock”) through the issuance of Incentive Stock Options, Nonstatutory Stock Options, Restricted Stock, Stock Appreciation Rights, Restricted Stock Units, Performance Units, Performance Shares and Other Stock Based Awards to our executive officers.

The foregoing summary of the Plan is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of the Plan which is attached hereto as Exhibit 4.01 and which is incorporated herein, in its entirety, by reference.

Employment Contracts


Craig Dionne

In connection with Mr. Dionne’s employment, we entered into: (i) an employment agreement; (ii) a severance agreement; (iii) a proprietary information, inventions and competition agreement; and (iv) an indemnification agreement.



Employment Agreement

Pursuant to the terms of the employment agreement, the Company shall employ Craig Dionne as the Company’s Chief Executive Officer for a term of 5 years.  As compensation for his services, Mr. Dionne shall receive a base salary of $240,000 per year.  In addition, Mr. Dionne is eligible to receive annual and discretionary bonuses as determined by the Board.  Mr. Dionne is also entitled to receive certain payments and acceleration of outstanding equity awards in the event his employment is terminated.  As part of the agreement, Mr. Dionne was also granted options to purchase 1,000,000 shares of Common Stock with an exercise price of $1.65 per share.  The options were issued pursuant to the Plan and vest upon the achievement of certain milestones as more fully described in the agreement.  The options have a term of 7 years.

Severance Agreement

The severance agreement provides for certain payments, as described below, in the event Mr. Dionne’s employment is terminated in connection with a change in control.

Proprietary Information, Inventions and Competition Agreement

The proprietary information, inventions and competition agreement requires Mr. Dionne to maintain the confidentiality of the Company’s intellectual property as well as the assignment of any inventions made by Mr. Dionne during his employment.  The agreement also limits Mr. Dionne’s ability to compete within certain fields of interest, as defined in the agreement, for a period of 18 months following the end of his employment.

Indemnification Agreement

The indemnification agreement provides for the indemnification and defense of Mr. Dionne, in the event of litigation, to the fullest extent permitted by law.  The Company has also adopted the form of indemnification agreement for use with its other executive officers, employees and directors.

Potential Payments Upon Termination or Change-in-Control

As part of the agreements, Mr. Dionne shall be entitled to

                     
Accelerated Vesting of
       
Officer
 
Salary
   
Bonus
   
Health
   
Options*
   
Total
 
                               
                                         
Craig Dionne
                                       
Terminated without cause (1)
 
$
720,000
(2)
 
  $
0
(3)
 
$
54,000
  (4)
 
  $
0
  (5)
 
$
774,000
 
                                         
Terminated, change of control (6)
 
$
1,440,000
   
$
0
(3)
 
$
54,000
(4)
 
  $
0
(5)
 
$
1,494,000
 
                                         
Disability
 
$
240,000
     
--
     
--
     
--
   
$
240,000
 
                                         
Other
   
--
     
--
     
--
     
--
     
--
 

(1)
Also includes termination by Mr. Dionne with Good Reason
(2)
Represents 36 months of Mr. Dionne’s base salary.
(3)
There has been no bonus established for the current year.
(4)
Represents 36 months of Mr. Dionne’s monthly health care reimbursement of $1,500.
(5)
There does not presently exist a market for the Company’s securities.  In the event of termination, Mr. Dionne’s 1,000,000 common stock options would vest and would remain exercisable for their term.
(6)
Assumes termination without cause or good reason.


 
The foregoing summary of Mr. Dionne’s:  (i) employment agreement; (ii) severance agreement; (iii) proprietary information, inventions and competition agreement; and (iv) indemnification agreement  are qualified in their entirety by reference to the full text of the agreements which are attached hereto as Exhibits 10.04, 10.05, 10.06 and 10.07, respectively, and which are incorporated herein in their entirety by reference.


Russell Richerson

In connection with Mr. Richerson’s employment, we entered into: (i) an employment agreement; (ii) a proprietary information, inventions and competition agreement; and (iii) an indemnification agreement.

Employment Agreement

Pursuant to the terms of the employment agreement, the Company shall employ Russell Richerson as the Company’s Chief Operating  Officer for a term of 3 years.  As compensation for his services, Mr. Richerson shall receive a base salary of $200,000 per year.  In addition, Mr. Richerson is eligible to receive annual and discretionary bonuses as determined by the Board.  Mr. Richerson is also entitled to receive certain payments and acceleration of outstanding equity awards in the event his employment is terminated and as described below.  As part of the agreement, Mr. Richerson was also granted options to purchase 775,000 shares of Common Stock with an exercise price of $1.50 per share.  The options were issued pursuant to the Plan and vest upon the achievement of certain milestones as more fully described in the agreement.  The options have a term of 7 years.

Proprietary Information, Inventions and Competition Agreement

The proprietary information, inventions and competition agreement requires Mr. Richerson to maintain the confidentiality of the Company’s intellectual property as well as the assignment of any inventions made by Mr. Richerson during his employment.  The agreement also limits Mr. Richerson’s ability to compete within certain fields of interest, as defined in the agreement, for a period of 18 months following end of his employment.

Indemnification Agreement

The indemnification agreement provides for the indemnification and defense of Mr. Richerson, in the event of litigation, to the fullest extent permitted by law.

Potential Payments Upon Termination or Change-in-Control

As part of the agreements, Mr. Richerson shall be entitled to

                     
Accelerated Vesting of
       
Officer
 
Salary
   
Bonus
   
Health
   
Options*
   
Total
 
                               
                                         
Russell Richerson
                                       
Terminated without cause (1)
 
$
300,000
(2)
 
  $
0
(3)
 
$
27,000
  (4)
 
  $
0
  (5)
 
$
327,000
 
                                         
Terminated, change of control
   
--
     
--
     
--
     
--
     
--
 
                                         
Disability
 
$
200,000
     
--
     
--
     
--
   
$
200,000
 
                                         
Other
   
--
     
--
     
--
     
--
     
--
 

(1)
Also includes termination by Mr. Richerson with Good Reason
(2)
Represents 18 months of Mr. Richerson’s base salary.
(3)
There has been no bonus established for the current year.
(4)
Represents 18 months of Mr. Richerson’s monthly health care reimbursement of $1,500.
(5)
There does not presently exist a market for the Company’s securities.  In the event of termination, Mr. Richerson’s 775,000 common stock options would vest and would remain exercisable for their term.



The foregoing summary of Mr. Richerson’s:  (i) employment agreement; (ii) proprietary information, inventions and competition agreement; and (iii) indemnification agreement  are qualified in their entirety by reference to the full text of the agreements which are attached hereto as Exhibits 10.08, 10.09, and 10.07, respectively, and which are incorporated herein in their entirety by reference.



Item 9.01
Financial Statement and Exhibits.

The exhibits listed in the accompanying index to exhibits are filed or incorporated by reference.
 

SIGNATURES
 
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this Report on Form 8-K to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.
 
 
 
 
GenSpera, Inc.
 
       
 
By:
/s/ Craig Dionne  
    Craig Dionne  
   
Chief Executive Officer
 
 
 Dated: September 9, 2009
 

 
INDEX OF EXHIBITS

   
     
  
 
Incorporated by Reference
Exhibit
No.
 
  
Description
 
  Filed
Herewith
 
 
Form
 
Exhibit
No. 
 
 
File No.
 
 
Filing Date
4.01**
 
2009 Executive Compensation Plan
 
*
               
                         
4.02**
 
Form of 2007 Equity Compensation Plan Grant and 2009 Executive Compensation Plan
 
*
               
                         
10.01
 
Form of Securities Purchase Agreement – September 2, 2009
 
*
               
                         
10.02
 
Form of Common Stock Purchase Warrant – September 2, 2009
 
*
               
                         
10.03
 
Form of Registration Rights Agreement—September 2, 2009
 
*
               
                         
10.04**
 
Craig Dionne Employment Agreement
 
*
               
                         
10.05**
 
Craig Dionne Severance Agreement
 
*
               
                         
10.06**
 
Craig Dionne Proprietary Information, Inventions And Competition Agreement
 
*
               
                         
10.07**
 
Form of Indemnification Agreement
 
*
               
                         
10.08**
 
Russell Richerson Employment Agreement
 
*
               
                         
10.09**
 
Russell Richerson Proprietary Information, Inventions And Competition Agreement
 
*
               
 
**Management contracts or compensation plans or arrangements in which directors or executive officers are eligible to participate.


 
 

EX-4.01 2 v159947_ex4-01.htm

GENSPERA, INC.

2009 EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION PLAN

1.             Purposes of the Plan. The purposes of this Plan are:

 •            to attract and retain the best available personnel for positions of substantial responsibility,

     •            to provide additional incentive to Executive Employees, and

     •            to promote the success of the Company’s business.

The Plan permits the grant of Incentive Stock Options, Nonstatutory Stock Options, Restricted Stock, Stock Appreciation Rights, Restricted Stock Units, Performance Units, Performance Shares and Other Stock Based Awards.

2.            Definitions. As used herein, the following definitions will apply:

(a)          “Administrator” means the Board or any of its Committees as will be administering the Plan, in accordance with Section 4 of the Plan.

(b)          “Applicable Laws” means the requirements relating to the administration of equity-based awards or equity compensation plans under U.S. state corporate laws, U.S. federal and state securities laws, the Code, any stock exchange or quotation system on which the Common Stock is listed or quoted and the applicable laws of any foreign country or jurisdiction where Awards are, or will be, granted under the Plan.

(c)          “Award” means, individually or collectively, a grant under the Plan of Options, SARs, Restricted Stock, Restricted Stock Units, Performance Units, Performance Shares or Other Stock Based Awards.

(d)          “Award Agreement” means the written or electronic agreement setting forth the terms and provisions applicable to each Award granted under the Plan. The Award Agreement is subject to the terms and conditions of the Plan.

(e)          “Award Transfer Program” means any program instituted by the Administrator which would permit Participants the opportunity to transfer any outstanding Awards to a financial institution or other person or entity selected by the Administrator.

(f)           “Awarded Stock” means the Common Stock subject to an Award.

(g)         “Board” means the Board of Directors of the Company.

(h)         “Change in Control” means the occurrence of any of the following events:

(i)           Any “person” (as such term is used in Sections 13(d) and 14(d) of the Exchange Act) becomes the “beneficial owner” (as defined in Rule 13d-3 of the Exchange Act), directly or indirectly, of securities of the Company representing fifty percent (50%) or more of the total voting power represented by the Company’s then outstanding voting securities and within three (3) years from the date of such acquisition, a merger or consolidation of the Company with or into the person (or affiliate thereof) holding such beneficial ownership of securities of the Company is consummated; or

(ii)           The consummation of the sale or disposition by the Company of all or substantially all of the Company’s assets;

 
1

 

(iii)           A change in the composition of the Board occurring within a two-year period, as a result of which fewer than a majority of the directors are Incumbent Directors. “Incumbent Directors” means directors who either (A) are Directors as of the effective date of the Plan, or (B) are elected, or nominated for election, to the Board with the affirmative votes of at least a majority of the Incumbent Directors at the time of such election or nomination (but will not include an individual whose election or nomination is in connection with an actual or threatened proxy contest relating to the election of directors to the Company); or

(iv)           The consummation of a merger or consolidation of the Company with any other corporation, other than a merger or consolidation which would result in the voting securities of the Company outstanding immediately prior thereto continuing to represent (either by remaining outstanding or by being converted into voting securities of the surviving entity or its parent) at least fifty percent (50%) of the total voting power represented by the voting securities of the Company or such surviving entity or its parent outstanding immediately after such merger or consolidation.

For purposes of this Section, “affiliate” will mean, with respect to any specified person, any other person that directly or indirectly, through one or more intermediaries, controls, is controlled by, or is under common control with, such specified person (“control,” “controlled by” and “under common control with” will mean the possession, directly or indirectly, of the power to direct or cause the direction of the management and policies of a person, whether through ownership of voting securities, by contact or credit arrangement, as trustee or executor, or otherwise).

(i)           “Code” means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. Any reference to a section of the Code herein will be a reference to any successor or amended section of the Code.

(j)           “Committee” means a committee of Directors or other individuals satisfying Applicable Laws appointed by the Board in accordance with Section 4 of the Plan.

(k)           “Common Stock” means the Common Stock of the Company, or in the case of Performance Units and certain Other Stock Based Awards, the cash equivalent thereof.

(l)           “Company” means GenSpera, Inc., a Delaware corporation, or any successor thereto.

(m)           [Intentionally Left Blank]

(n)           “Director” means a member of the Board.

(o)           “Disability” means total and permanent disability as defined in Section 22(e)(3) of the Code, provided that in the case of Awards other than Incentive Stock Options, the Administrator in its discretion may determine whether a permanent and total disability exists in accordance with uniform and non-discriminatory standards adopted by the Administrator from time to time.

(p)           “Dividend Equivalent” means a credit, made at the discretion of the Administrator, to the account of a Participant in an amount equal to the cash dividends paid on one Share for each Share represented by an Award held by such Participant.

(q)           “Employee” means any person employed by the Company or any Parent or Subsidiary of the Company. Neither service as a Director nor payment of a director’s fee by the Company will be sufficient to constitute “employment” by the Company.

(r)           “Exchange Act” means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

 
2

 

(s)           “Exchange Program” means a program under which (i) outstanding Awards are surrendered or cancelled in exchange for Awards of the same type (which may have lower exercise prices and different terms), Awards of a different type, and/or cash, and/or (ii) the exercise price of an outstanding Award is reduced. The terms and conditions of any Exchange Program will be determined by the Administrator in its sole discretion.

(t)           “Fair Market Value” means, as of any date and unless the Administrator determines otherwise, the value of Common Stock determined as follows:

(i)          If the Common Stock is listed on any established stock exchange or a national market system, its Fair Market Value will be the closing sales price for such stock (or the closing bid, if no sales were reported) as quoted on such exchange or system for the day of determination, as reported in The Wall Street Journal  or such other source as the Administrator deems reliable;

(ii)          If the Common Stock is regularly quoted by a recognized securities dealer but selling prices are not reported, the Fair Market Value of a Share of Common Stock will be the mean between the high bid and low asked prices for the Common Stock for the day of determination, as reported in The Wall Street Journal  or such other source as the Administrator deems reliable; or

(iii)          In the absence of an established market for the Common Stock, the Fair Market Value will be determined in good faith by the Administrator.

(iv)          Notwithstanding the preceding, for federal, state, and local income tax reporting purposes and for such other purposes as the Administrator deems appropriate, the Fair Market Value shall be determined by the Administrator in accordance with uniform and nondiscriminatory standards adopted by it from time to time.

(u)           “Fiscal Year” means the fiscal year of the Company.

(v)           “Incentive Stock Option” means an Option intended to qualify as an incentive stock option within the meaning of Section 422 of the Code and the regulations promulgated thereunder.

(w)           “Individual Objectives” means as to a Participant, the objective and measurable goals set by a “management by objectives” process and approved by the Committee (in its discretion).

(x)           “Nonstatutory Stock Option” means an Option that by its terms does not qualify or is not intended to qualify as an Incentive Stock Option.

(y)          “Officer” means a person who is an officer of the Company within the meaning of Section 16 of the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.

(z)           “Option” means a stock option granted pursuant to the Plan.

(aa)        “Other Stock Based Awards” means any other awards not specifically described in the Plan that are valued in whole or in part by reference to, or are otherwise based on, Shares and are created by the Administrator pursuant to Section 12.

(bb)        “Outside Director” means a Director who is not an Employee.

(cc)        “Parent” means a “parent corporation,” whether now or hereafter existing, as defined in Section 424(e) of the Code.

 
3

 

(dd)        “Participant” means the holder of an outstanding Award granted under the Plan.

(ee)        “Performance Goals” means the goal(s) (or combined goal(s)) determined by the Committee (in its discretion) to be applicable to a Participant with respect to an Award. The Performance Goals may differ from Participant to Participant and from Award to Award. Any criteria used may be measured, as applicable, in absolute or relative terms (including passage of time and/or against another company or companies), on a per share basis, against the performance of the Company as a whole or any segment of the Company, and on a pre-tax or after-tax basis.

(ff)          “Performance Share” means an Award granted to a Service Provider pursuant to Section 10 of the Plan.

(gg)        “Performance Unit” means an Award granted to a Service Provider pursuant to Section 10 of the Plan.

(hh)        “Period of Restriction” means the period during which the transfer of Shares of Restricted Stock are subject to restrictions and therefore, the Shares are subject to a substantial risk of forfeiture. Such restrictions may be based on the passage of time, the achievement of target levels of performance, or the occurrence of other events as determined by the Administrator.

(ii)           “Plan” means this 2009 Executive Compensation Plan.

(jj)           “Restricted Stock” means shares of Common Stock issued pursuant to a Restricted Stock award under Section 8, Section 11 or Section 12 of the Plan or issued pursuant to the early exercise of an Option.

(kk)         “Restricted Stock Unit” means an Award that the Administrator permits to be paid in installments or on a deferred basis pursuant to Section 11 of the Plan.


(ll)           “Rule 16b-3” means Rule 16b-3 of the Exchange Act or any successor to Rule 16b-3, as in effect when discretion is being exercised with respect to the Plan.

(mm)       “Section 16(b)” means Section 16(b) of the Exchange Act.

(nn)         “Service Provider” means an executive Employee.

(oo)         “Share” means a share of the Common Stock, as adjusted in accordance with Section 15 of the Plan.

(pp)         “Stock Appreciation Right” or “SAR” means an Award, granted alone or in connection with an Option, that pursuant to Section 9 of the Plan is designated as a SAR.

(qq)         “Subsidiary” means a “subsidiary corporation”, whether now or hereafter existing, as defined in Section 424(f) of the Code.

(rr)           “Unvested Awards” means Options or Restricted Stock that (i) were granted to an individual in connection with such individual’s position as a Service Provider and (ii) are still subject to vesting or lapsing of Company repurchase rights or similar restrictions.

 
4

 

3.            Stock Subject to the Plan.

(a)           Stock Subject to the Plan.  The maximum number of Shares that may be issued under the Plan is 1,775,000. The Shares may be authorized, but unissued, or reacquired Common Stock. Shares shall not be deemed to have been issued pursuant to the Plan (i) with respect to any portion of an Award that is settled in cash, or (ii) to the extent such Shares are withheld in satisfaction of tax withholding obligations. Upon payment in Shares pursuant to the exercise of an Award, the number of Shares available for issuance under the Plan shall be reduced only by the number of Shares actually issued in such payment. If a Participant pays the exercise price (or purchase price, if applicable) of an Award through the tender of Shares, the number of Shares so tendered shall again be available for issuance pursuant to future Awards under the Plan. Notwithstanding anything in the Plan, or any Award Agreement to the contrary, Shares attributable to Awards transferred under any Award Transfer Program shall not be again available for grant under the Plan.


(b)           Lapsed Awards. If any outstanding Award expires or is terminated or canceled without having been exercised or settled in full, or if Shares acquired pursuant to an Award subject to forfeiture or repurchase are forfeited or repurchased by the Company, the Shares allocable to the terminated portion of such Award or such forfeited or repurchased Shares shall again be available for grant under the Plan.

4.            Administration of the Plan.

(a)            Procedure.

(i)           Section 162(m). To the extent that the Administrator determines it to be desirable and necessary to qualify Awards granted hereunder as “performance-based compensation” within the meaning of Section 162(m) of the Code, the Plan will be administered by a Committee of two or more “outside directors” within the meaning of Section 162(m) of the Code.

(ii)            Rule 16b-3. To the extent desirable to qualify transactions hereunder as exempt under Rule 16b-3, the transactions contemplated hereunder will be structured to satisfy the requirements for exemption under Rule 16b-3.

(iii)         Other Administration. Other than as provided above, the Plan will be administered by (A) the Board or (B) a Committee, which committee will be constituted to satisfy Applicable Laws.

(iv)        Delegation of Authority for Day-to-Day Administration. Except to the extent prohibited by Applicable Law, the Administrator may delegate to one or more individuals the day-to-day administration of the Plan and any of the functions assigned to it in this Plan. Such delegation may be revoked at any time.

(b)           Powers of the Administrator. Subject to the provisions of the Plan, and in the case of a Committee, subject to the specific duties delegated by the Board to such Committee, the Administrator will have the authority, in its discretion:

(i)           to determine the Fair Market Value;

(ii)          to select the Service Providers to whom Awards may be granted hereunder;

(iii)         to determine the number of Shares to be covered by each Award granted hereunder;

(iv)         to approve forms of agreement for use under the Plan;

(v)          to determine the terms and conditions, not inconsistent with the terms of the Plan, of any Award granted hereunder. Such terms and conditions include, but are not limited to, the exercise price, the time or times when Awards may be exercised (which may be based on performance criteria), any vesting acceleration or waiver of forfeiture or repurchase restrictions, and any restriction or limitation regarding any Award or the Shares relating thereto, based in each case on such factors as the Administrator, in its sole discretion, will determine;

 
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(vi)         to reduce the exercise price of any Award to the then current Fair Market Value if the Fair Market Value of the Common Stock covered by such Award shall have declined since the date the Award was granted;

(vii)        to institute an Exchange Program;

(viii)       to construe and interpret the terms of the Plan and Awards granted pursuant to the Plan;

(ix)          to prescribe, amend and rescind rules and regulations relating to the Plan, including rules and regulations relating to sub-plans established for the purpose of satisfying applicable foreign laws and/or qualifying for preferred tax treatment under applicable foreign tax laws;

(x)           to modify or amend each Award (subject to Section 18(c) of the Plan), including the discretionary authority to extend the post-termination exercisability period of Awards longer than is otherwise provided for in the Plan;

(xi)          to allow Participants to satisfy withholding tax obligations by electing to have the Company withhold from the Shares or cash to be issued upon exercise or vesting of an Award that number of Shares or cash having a Fair Market Value equal to the minimum amount required to be withheld. The Fair Market Value of any Shares to be withheld will be determined on the date that the amount of tax to be withheld is to be determined. All elections by a Participant to have Shares or cash withheld for this purpose will be made in such form and under such conditions as the Administrator may deem necessary or advisable;

(xii)         to authorize any person to execute on behalf of the Company any instrument required to effect the grant of an Award previously granted by the Administrator;

(xiii)        to allow a Participant to defer the receipt of the payment of cash or the delivery of Shares that would otherwise be due to such Participant under an Award;

(xiv)       to implement an Award Transfer Program;

(xv)        to determine whether Awards will be settled in Shares, cash or in any combination thereof;

(xvi)       to determine whether Awards will be adjusted for Dividend Equivalents;

(xvii)      to create Other Stock Based Awards for issuance under the Plan;

(xviii)     to establish a program whereby Service Providers designated by the Administrator can reduce compensation otherwise payable in cash in exchange for Awards under the Plan;

(xix)        to impose such restrictions, conditions or limitations as it determines appropriate as to the timing and manner of any resales by a Participant or other subsequent transfers by the Participant of any Shares issued as a result of or under an Award, including without limitation, (A) restrictions under an insider trading policy, and (B) restrictions as to the use of a specified brokerage firm for such resales or other transfers; and

(xx)         to make all other determinations deemed necessary or advisable for administering the Plan.

(c)           Effect of Administrator’s Decision. The Administrator’s decisions, determinations and interpretations will be final and binding on all Participants and any other holders of Awards.

 
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5.            Eligibility. Nonstatutory Stock Options, Restricted Stock, Stock Appreciation Rights, Performance Units, Performance Shares, Restricted Stock Units and Other Stock Based Awards may be granted to Service Providers. Incentive Stock Options may be granted only to Employees.

6.            Limitations.

(a)           ISO $100,000 Rule. Each Option will be designated in the Award Agreement as either an Incentive Stock Option or a Nonstatutory Stock Option. However, notwithstanding such designation, to the extent that the aggregate Fair Market Value of the Shares with respect to which Incentive Stock Options are exercisable for the first time by the Participant during any calendar year (under all plans of the Company and any Parent or Subsidiary) exceeds $100,000, such Options will be treated as Nonstatutory Stock Options. For purposes of this Section 6(a), Incentive Stock Options will be taken into account in the order in which they were granted. The Fair Market Value of the Shares will be determined as of the time the Option with respect to such Shares is granted.

(b)           No Rights as a Service Provider. Neither the Plan nor any Award shall confer upon a Participant any right with respect to continuing his or her relationship as a Service Provider, nor shall they interfere in any way with the right of the Participant or the right of the Company or its Parent or Subsidiaries to terminate such relationship at any time, with or without cause.

(c)           162(m) Limitation. For purposes of qualifying Awards as “performance-based compensation” under Section 162(m) of the Code, the Administrator, in its discretion, may set restrictions based upon the achievement of Performance Goals. The Performance Goals shall be set by the Administrator on or before the latest date permissible to enable the Award to qualify as “performance-based compensation” under Section 162(m) of the Code. In granting Awards which are intended to qualify under Section 162(m) of the Code, the Administrator shall follow any procedures determined by it from time to time to be necessary or appropriate to ensure qualification of the Award under Section 162(m) of the Code (e.g., in determining the Performance Goals).

7.           Stock Options.

(a)           Term of Option. The term of each Option will be stated in the Award Agreement. In the case of an Incentive Stock Option, the term will be ten (10) years from the date of grant or such shorter term as may be provided in the Award Agreement. Moreover, in the case of an Incentive Stock Option granted to a Participant who, at the time the Incentive Stock Option is granted, owns stock representing more than ten percent (10%) of the total combined voting power of all classes of stock of the Company or any Parent or Subsidiary, the term of the Incentive Stock Option will be five (5) years from the date of grant or such shorter term as may be provided in the Award Agreement.

(b)           Option Exercise Price and Consideration.

(i)           Exercise Price. The per Share exercise price for the Shares to be issued pursuant to exercise of an Option will be determined by the Administrator, subject to the following:

(1)           In the case of an Incentive Stock Option

(A)           granted to an Employee who, at the time the Incentive Stock Option is granted, owns stock representing more than ten percent (10%) of the voting power of all classes of stock of the Company or any Parent or Subsidiary, the per Share exercise price will be no less than 110% of the Fair Market Value per Share on the date of grant.

(B)           granted to any Employee other than an Employee described in paragraph (A) immediately above, the per Share exercise price will be no less than 100% of the Fair Market Value per Share on the date of grant.

 
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(2)           In the case of a Nonstatutory Stock Option, the per Share exercise price will be determined by the Administrator. In the case of a Nonstatutory Stock Option intended to qualify as “performance-based compensation” within the meaning of Section 162(m) of the Code, the per Share exercise price will be no less than 100% of the Fair Market Value per Share on the date of grant.

(3)           Notwithstanding the foregoing, Incentive Stock Options may be granted with a per Share exercise price of less than 100% of the Fair Market Value per Share on the date of grant pursuant to a merger or other corporate transaction.

(ii)           Waiting Period and Exercise Dates. At the time an Option is granted, the Administrator will fix the period within which the Option may be exercised and will determine any conditions that must be satisfied before the Option may be exercised.

(c)           Form of Consideration. The Administrator will determine the acceptable form of consideration for exercising an Option, including the method of payment. In the case of an Incentive Stock Option, the Administrator will determine the acceptable form of consideration at the time of grant. Such consideration to the extent permitted by Applicable Laws may consist entirely of:

(i)           cash;

(ii)          check;

(iii)         promissory note;

(iv)         other Shares which meet the conditions established by the Administrator to avoid adverse accounting consequences (as determined by the Administrator);

(v)          consideration received by the Company under a cashless exercise program implemented by the Company in connection with the Plan;

(vi)         a reduction in the amount of any Company liability to the Participant, including any liability attributable to the Participant’s participation in any Company-sponsored deferred compensation program or arrangement;

(vii)        any combination of the foregoing methods of payment; or

(viii)       such other consideration and method of payment for the issuance of Shares to the extent permitted by Applicable Laws.

(d)           Exercise of Option.

(i)           Procedure for Exercise; Rights as a Stockholder. Any Option granted hereunder will be exercisable according to the terms of the Plan and at such times and under such conditions as determined by the Administrator and set forth in the Award Agreement. An Option may not be exercised for a fraction of a Share.

 
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An Option will be deemed exercised when the Company receives: (x) written or electronic notice of exercise (in accordance with the Award Agreement) from the person entitled to exercise the Option, and (y) full payment for the Shares with respect to which the Option is exercised. Full payment may consist of any consideration and method of payment authorized by the Administrator and permitted by the Award Agreement and the Plan. Shares issued upon exercise of an Option will be issued in the name of the Participant or, if requested by the Participant, in the name of the Participant and his or her spouse. Until the Shares are issued (as evidenced by the appropriate entry on the books of the Company or of a duly authorized transfer agent of the Company), no right to vote or receive dividends or any other rights as a stockholder will exist with respect to the Awarded Stock, notwithstanding the exercise of the Option. The Company will issue (or cause to be issued) such Shares promptly after the Option is exercised. No adjustment will be made for a dividend or other right for which the record date is prior to the date the Shares are issued, except as provided in Section 15 of the Plan or the applicable Award Agreement.

Exercising an Option in any manner will decrease the number of Shares thereafter available for sale under the Option, by the number of Shares as to which the Option is exercised.

(ii)           Termination of Relationship as a Service Provider. If a Participant ceases to be a Service Provider, other than upon the Participant’s death or Disability, the Participant may exercise his or her Option within such period of time as is specified in the Award Agreement to the extent that the Option is vested on the date of termination (but in no event later than the expiration of the term of such Option as set forth in the Award Agreement). In the absence of a specified time in the Award Agreement, the Option will remain exercisable for three (3) months following the Participant’s termination. Unless otherwise provided by the Administrator, if on the date of termination the Participant is not vested as to his or her entire Option, the Shares covered by the unvested portion of the Option will revert to the Plan on the date one (1) month following the Participant’s termination. If after termination the Participant does not exercise his or her Option within the time specified by the Administrator, the Option will terminate, and the Shares covered by such Option will revert to the Plan.

(iii)          Disability of Participant. If a Participant ceases to be a Service Provider as a result of the Participant’s Disability, the Participant may exercise his or her Option within such period of time as is specified in the Award Agreement to the extent the Option is vested on the date of termination (but in no event later than the expiration of the term of such Option as set forth in the Award Agreement). In the absence of a specified time in the Award Agreement, the Option will remain exercisable for twelve (12) months following the Participant’s termination. Unless otherwise provided by the Administrator, if on the date of termination the Participant is not vested as to his or her entire Option, the Shares covered by the unvested portion of the Option will revert to the Plan on the date one (1) month following the Participant’s termination. If after termination the Participant does not exercise his or her Option within the time specified herein, the Option will terminate, and the Shares covered by such Option will revert to the Plan.

(iv)          Death of Participant. If a Participant dies while a Service Provider, the Option may be exercised following the Participant’s death within such period of time as is specified in the Award Agreement to the extent that the Option is vested on the date of death (but in no event may the option be exercised later than the expiration of the term of such Option as set forth in the Award Agreement), by the Participant’s designated beneficiary, provided such beneficiary has been designated prior to Participant’s death in a form acceptable to the Administrator. If no such beneficiary has been designated by the Participant, then such Option may be exercised by the personal representative of the Participant’s estate or by the person(s) to whom the Option is transferred pursuant to the Participant’s will or in accordance with the laws of descent and distribution. In the absence of a specified time in the Award Agreement, the Option will remain exercisable for twelve (12) months following Participant’s death. Unless otherwise provided by the Administrator, if at the time of death Participant is not vested as to his or her entire Option, the Shares covered by the unvested portion of the Option will immediately revert to the Plan on the date one (1) month following the Participant’s death. If the Option is not so exercised within the time specified herein, the Option will terminate, and the Shares covered by such Option will revert to the Plan.

(e)           Buyout Provisions. The Administrator may at any time offer to buy out for a payment in cash or Shares an Option previously granted based on such terms and conditions as the Administrator shall establish and communicate to the Participant at the time that such offer is made.

 
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8.           Restricted Stock.

(a)           Grant of Restricted Stock. Subject to the terms and provisions of the Plan, the Administrator, at any time and from time to time, may grant Shares of Restricted Stock to Service Providers in such amounts as the Administrator, in its sole discretion, will determine. Subject to any restrictions specifically provided for in this Plan, the Administrator shall have complete discretion to determine (i) the number of Shares subject to a Restricted Stock award granted to any Participant, and (ii) the conditions, if any, that must be satisfied, which typically will be based principally or solely on continued provision of services but may include a performance-based component, upon which is conditioned the grant, vesting or issuance of Restricted Stock.

(b)           Restricted Stock Agreement. Each Award of Restricted Stock will be evidenced by an Award Agreement that will specify the Period of Restriction, the number of Shares granted, and such other terms and conditions as the Administrator, in its sole discretion, will determine. Unless the Administrator determines otherwise, Shares of Restricted Stock will be held by the Company as escrow agent until the restrictions on such Shares have lapsed.

(c)           Transferability. Except as provided in this Section 8, Shares of Restricted Stock may not be sold, transferred, pledged, assigned, or otherwise

(d)           Other Restrictions. The Administrator, in its sole discretion, may impose such other restrictions on Shares of Restricted Stock as it may deem advisable or appropriate.

(e)           Removal of Restrictions. Except as otherwise provided in this Section 8, Shares of Restricted Stock covered by each Restricted Stock grant made under the Plan will be released from escrow as soon as practicable after the last day of the Period of Restriction. The Administrator, in its discretion, may accelerate the time at which any restrictions will lapse or be removed.

(f)           Voting Rights. During the Period of Restriction, Service Providers holding Shares of Restricted Stock granted hereunder may exercise full voting rights with respect to those Shares, unless the Administrator determines otherwise.

(g)           Dividends and Other Distributions. During the Period of Restriction, Service Providers holding Shares of Restricted Stock will be entitled to receive all dividends and other distributions paid with respect to such Shares unless otherwise provided in the Award Agreement. If any such dividends or distributions are paid in Shares, the Shares will be subject to the same restrictions on transferability and forfeitability as the Shares of Restricted Stock with respect to which they were paid.

(h)           Return of Restricted Stock to Company. On the date set forth in the Award Agreement, the Restricted Stock for which restrictions have not lapsed will revert to the Company and again will become available for grant under the Plan.

9.           Stock Appreciation Rights.

(a)           Grant of SARs. Subject to the terms and conditions of the Plan, a SAR may be granted to Service Providers at any time and from time to time as will be determined by the Administrator, in its sole discretion.

(b)           Number of Shares. Subject to Section 6(c)(i) of the Plan, the Administrator will have complete discretion to determine the number of SARs granted to any Service Provider.

(c)           Exercise Price and Other Terms. The Administrator, subject to the provisions of the Plan, will have complete discretion to determine the terms and conditions of SARs granted under the Plan.

 
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(d)           Exercise of SARs. SARs will be exercisable on such terms and conditions as the Administrator, in its sole discretion, will determine.

(e)           SAR Agreement. Each SAR grant will be evidenced by an Award Agreement that will specify the exercise price, the term of the SAR, the conditions of exercise, and such other terms and conditions as the Administrator, in its sole discretion, will determine.

(f)           Expiration of SARs. An SAR granted under the Plan will expire upon the date determined by the Administrator, in its sole discretion, and set forth in the Award Agreement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the rules of Sections 7(d)(ii), 7(d)(iii) and 7(d)(iv) also will apply to SARs.

(g)           Payment of SAR Amount. Upon exercise of an SAR, a Participant will be entitled to receive payment from the Company in an amount determined by multiplying:

(i)           The difference between the Fair Market Value of a Share on the date of exercise over the exercise price; times

(ii)          The number of Shares with respect to which the SAR is exercised.

At the discretion of the Administrator, the payment upon SAR exercise may be in cash, in Shares of equivalent value, or in some combination thereof.

(h)           Buyout Provisions. The Administrator may at any time offer to buy out for a payment in cash or Shares a Stock Appreciation Right previously granted based on such terms and conditions as the Administrator shall establish and communicate to the Participant at the time that such offer is made.

10.           Performance Units and Performance Shares.

(a)           Grant of Performance Units/Shares. Subject to the terms and conditions of the Plan, Performance Units and Performance Shares may be granted to Service Providers at any time and from time to time, as will be determined by the Administrator, in its sole discretion. Subject to any restrictions specifically provided for in this Plan, the Administrator will have complete discretion in determining the number of Performance Units and Performance Shares granted to each Participant.

(b)           Value of Performance Units/Shares. Each Performance Unit will have an initial value that is established by the Administrator on or before the date of grant. Each Performance Share will have an initial value equal to the Fair Market Value of a Share on the date of grant.

(c)           Performance Objectives and Other Terms. The Administrator will set performance objectives in its discretion which, depending on the extent to which they are met, will determine the number or value of Performance Units/Shares that will be paid out to the Service Providers. The time period during which the performance objectives must be met will be called the “Performance Period.” Each Award of Performance Units/ Shares will be evidenced by an Award Agreement that will specify the Performance Period, and such other terms and conditions as the Administrator, in its sole discretion, will determine. The Administrator may set performance objectives based upon the achievement of Company-wide, divisional, or individual goals, applicable federal or state securities laws, or any other basis determined by the Administrator in its discretion.

(d)           Earning of Performance Units/Shares. After the applicable Performance Period has ended, the holder of Performance Units/Shares will be entitled to receive a payout of the number of Performance Units/Shares earned by the Participant over the Performance Period, to be determined as a function of the extent to which the corresponding performance objectives have been achieved. After the grant of a Performance Unit/Share, the Administrator, in its sole discretion, may reduce or waive any performance objectives for such Performance Unit/Share.

 
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(e)           Form and Timing of Payment of Performance Units/Shares. Payment of earned Performance Units/Shares will be made as soon after the expiration of the applicable Performance Period at the time determined by the Administrator. The Administrator, in its sole discretion, may pay earned Performance Units/Shares in the form of cash, in Shares (which have an aggregate Fair Market Value equal to the value of the earned Performance Units/Shares at the close of the applicable Performance Period) or in a combination thereof.

(f)            Cancellation of Performance Units/Shares. On the date set forth in the Award Agreement, all unearned or unvested Performance Units/Shares will be forfeited to the Company, and again will be available for grant under the Plan.

11.           Restricted Stock Units. Restricted Stock Units shall consist of a Restricted Stock, Performance Share or Performance Unit Award that the Administrator, in its sole discretion permits to be paid out in installments or on a deferred basis, in accordance with rules and procedures established by the Administrator.

12.           Other Stock Based Awards. Other Stock Based Awards may be granted either alone, in addition to, or in tandem with, other Awards granted under the Plan and/or cash awards made outside of the Plan. The Administrator shall have authority to determine the Service Providers to whom and the time or times at which Other Stock Based Awards shall be made, the amount of such Other Stock Based Awards, and all other conditions of the Other Stock Based Awards including any dividend and/or voting rights.

13.           Leaves of Absence. Unless the Administrator provides otherwise, vesting of Awards granted hereunder will be suspended during any unpaid leave of absence and will resume on the date the Participant returns to work on a regular schedule as determined by the Company; provided, however, that no vesting credit will be awarded for the time vesting has been suspended during such leave of absence. A Service Provider will not cease to be an Employee in the case of (i) any leave of absence approved by the Company or (ii) transfers between locations of the Company or between the Company, its Parent, or any Subsidiary.  For purposes of Incentive Stock Options, no such leave may exceed ninety (90) days, unless reemployment upon expiration of such leave is guaranteed by statute or contract. If reemployment upon expiration of a leave of absence approved by the Company is not so guaranteed, then three months following the 91 st  day of such leave any Incentive Stock Option held by the Participant will cease to be treated as an Incentive Stock Option and will be treated for tax purposes as a Nonstatutory Stock Option.

14.           Non-Transferability of Awards. Unless determined otherwise by the Administrator, an Award may not be sold, pledged, assigned, hypothecated, transferred, or disposed of in any manner other than by will or by the laws of descent or distribution and may be exercised, during the lifetime of the Participant, only by the Participant. If the Administrator makes an Award transferable, such Award will contain such additional terms and conditions as the Administrator deems appropriate.

15.           Adjustments; Dissolution or Liquidation; Merger or Change in Control.

(a)            Adjustments. In the event that any dividend (excluding an ordinary dividend) or other distribution (whether in the form of cash, Shares, other securities, or other property), recapitalization, stock split, reverse stock split, reorganization, merger, consolidation, split-up, spin-off, combination, repurchase, or exchange of Shares or other securities of the Company, or other change in the corporate structure of the Company affecting the Shares occurs, then the Administrator shall appropriately adjust the number and class of Shares which may be delivered under the Plan, the 162(m) annual share issuance limits under Section 6(c) of the Plan, and the number, class, and price of Shares subject to outstanding Awards. Notwithstanding the preceding, the number of Shares subject to any Award always shall be a whole number.

 
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(b)           Dissolution or Liquidation. In the event that any dividend (excluding an ordinary dividend) or other distribution (whether in the form of cash, Shares, other securities, or other property), recapitalization, stock split, reverse stock split, reorganization, merger, consolidation, split-up, spin-off, combination, repurchase, or exchange of Shares or other securities of the Company, or other change in the corporate structure of the Company affecting the Shares occurs then the Administrator shall appropriately adjust the number and class of Shares which may be delivered under the Plan, the 162(m) annual share issuance limits under Section 6(c) of the Plan, and the number, class, and price of Shares subject to outstanding Awards. Notwithstanding the preceding, the number of Shares subject to any Award always shall be a whole number.

(c)           Merger or Change in Control.

(i)           Stock Options and SARS. In the event of a merger or Change in Control, each outstanding Option and SAR shall be assumed or an equivalent option or SAR substituted by the successor corporation or a Parent or Subsidiary of the successor corporation. Unless determined otherwise by the Administrator, in the event that the successor corporation refuses to assume or substitute for the Option or SAR, the Participant shall fully vest in and have the right to exercise the Option or SAR as to all of the Awarded Stock, including Shares as to which it would not otherwise be vested or exercisable. If an Option or SAR is not assumed or substituted in the event of a merger or Change in Control, the Administrator shall notify the Participant in writing or electronically that the Option or SAR shall be exercisable, to the extent vested, for a period of up to fifteen (15) days from the date of such notice, and the Option or SAR shall terminate upon the expiration of such period. For the purposes of this paragraph, the Option or SAR shall be considered assumed if, following the merger or Change in Control, the option or stock appreciation right confers the right to purchase or receive, for each Share of Awarded Stock subject to the Option or SAR immediately prior to the merger or Change in Control, the consideration (whether stock, cash, or other securities or property) received in the merger or Change in Control by holders of Common Stock for each Share held on the effective date of the transaction (and if holders were offered a choice of consideration, the type of consideration chosen by the holders of a majority of the outstanding Shares); provided, however, that if such consideration received in the merger or Change in Control is not solely common stock of the successor corporation or its Parent, the Administrator may, with the consent of the successor corporation, provide for the consideration to be received upon the exercise of the Option or SAR, for each Share of Awarded Stock subject to the Option or SAR, to be solely common stock of the successor corporation or its Parent equal in fair market value to the per share consideration received by holders of Common Stock in the merger or Change in Control. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, an Award that vests, is earned or paid-out upon the satisfaction of one or more performance goals will not be considered assumed if the Company or its successor modifies any of such performance goals without the Participant’s consent; provided, however, a modification to such performance goals only to reflect the successor corporation’s post-merger or post-Change in Control corporate structure will not be deemed to invalidate an otherwise valid Award assumption.

(ii)           Restricted Stock, Performance Shares, Performance Units, Restricted Stock Units and Other Stock Based Awards. In the event of a merger or Change in Control, each outstanding Restricted Stock, Performance Share, Performance Unit, Other Stock Based Award and Restricted Stock Unit awards shall be assumed or an equivalent Restricted Stock, Performance Share, Performance Unit, Other Stock Based Award and Restricted Stock Unit award substituted by the successor corporation or a Parent or Subsidiary of the successor corporation.  Unless determined otherwise by the Administrator, in the event that the successor corporation refuses to assume or substitute for the Restricted Stock, Performance Share, Performance Unit, Other Stock Based Award or Restricted Stock Unit award, the Participant shall fully vest in the Restricted Stock, Performance Share, Performance Unit, Other Stock Based Award or Restricted Stock Unit including as to Shares which would not otherwise be vested. For the purposes of this paragraph, a Restricted Stock, Performance Share, Performance Unit, Other Stock Based Award and Restricted Stock Unit award shall be considered assumed if, following the merger or Change in Control, the award confers the right to purchase or receive, for each Share subject to the Award immediately prior to the merger or Change in Control, the consideration (whether stock, cash, or other securities or property) received in the merger or Change in Control by holders of Common Stock for each Share held on the effective date of the transaction (and if holders were offered a choice of consideration, the type of consideration chosen by the holders of a majority of the outstanding Shares); provided, however, that if such consideration received in the merger or Change in Control is not solely common stock of the successor corporation or its Parent, the Administrator may, with the consent of the successor corporation, provide for the consideration to be received, for each Share and each unit/right to acquire a Share subject to the Award, to be solely common stock of the successor corporation or its Parent equal in fair market value to the per share consideration received by holders of Common Stock in the merger or Change in Control. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, an Award that vests, is earned or paid-out upon the satisfaction of one or more performance goals will not be considered assumed if the Company or its successor modifies any of such performance goals without the Participant’s consent; provided, however, a modification to such performance goals only to reflect the successor corporation’s post-merger or post-Change in Control corporate structure will not be deemed to invalidate an otherwise valid Award assumption.

 
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16.           Date of Grant. The date of grant of an Award will be, for all purposes, the date on which the Administrator makes the determination granting such Award, or such other later date as is determined by the Administrator. Notice of the determination will be provided to each Participant within a reasonable time after the date of such grant.

17.           Term of Plan. Subject to Section 22 of the Plan, the Plan will become effective upon its adoption by the Board. The Plan will continue in effect for a term ending on the 10 year anniversary of the date the Plan is adopted, unless terminated earlier under Section 18 of the Plan.

18.           Amendment and Termination of the Plan.

(a)            Amendment and Termination. The Board may at any time amend, alter, suspend or terminate the Plan.

(b)            Stockholder Approval. The Company will obtain stockholder approval of any Plan amendment to the extent necessary and desirable to comply with Applicable Laws.

(c)            Effect of Amendment or Termination. Subject to Section 20 of the Plan, no amendment, alteration, suspension or termination of the Plan will impair the rights of any Participant, unless mutually agreed otherwise between the Participant and the Administrator, which agreement must be in writing and signed by the Participant and the Company. Termination of the Plan will not affect the Administrator’s ability to exercise the powers granted to it hereunder with respect to Awards granted under the Plan prior to the date of such termination.

19.           Conditions Upon Issuance of Shares.

(a)           Legal Compliance. Shares will not be issued pursuant to the exercise of an Award unless the exercise of such Award and the issuance and delivery of such Shares will comply with Applicable Laws and will be further subject to the approval of counsel for the Company with respect to such compliance.

(b)           Investment Representations. As a condition to the exercise or receipt of an Award, the Company may require the person exercising or receiving such Award to represent and warrant at the time of any such exercise or receipt that the Shares are being purchased only for investment and without any present intention to sell or distribute such Shares if, in the opinion of counsel for the Company, such a representation is required.

20.           Severability. Notwithstanding any contrary provision of the Plan or an Award to the contrary, if any one or more of the provisions (or any part thereof) of this Plan or the Awards shall be held invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any respect, such provision shall be modified so as to make it valid, legal and enforceable, and the validity, legality and enforceability of the remaining provisions (or any part thereof) of the Plan or Award, as applicable, shall not in any way be affected or impaired thereby.

21.           Inability to Obtain Authority. The inability of the Company to obtain authority from any regulatory body having jurisdiction, which authority is deemed by the Company’s counsel to be necessary to the lawful issuance and sale of any Shares hereunder, will relieve the Company of any liability in respect of the failure to issue or sell such Shares as to which such requisite authority will not have been obtained.

 
14

 
EX-4.02 3 v159947_ex4-02.htm Unassociated Document
GENSPERA
[2007 EQUITY COMPENSATION PLAN]
[2009 EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION PLAN]
STOCK OPTION AGREEMENT
 
Unless otherwise defined herein, the terms defined in the GenSpera, Inc. (“Company”) [2007 Equity Compensation Plan/2009 Executive Compensation Plan], as amended (“Plan”) shall have the same defined meanings in this Stock Option Agreement.


I.    NOTICE OF STOCK OPTION GRANT
 
[Optionee’s Name and Address]
 
You have been granted an option to purchase Common Stock of the Company, subject to the terms and conditions of the Plan and this Option Agreement, as follows:
 
     
Grant Number
  
 
   
Date of Grant
  
 
   
Vesting Commencement Date
  
 
   
Exercise Price per Share
  
 
   
Total Number of Shares Granted
  
 
   
Total Exercise Price
  
 
   
Type of Option:
  
         Incentive Stock Option
   
 
  
         Nonstatutory Stock Option
   
Term/Expiration Date:
  
 
 
Vesting Schedule:
 
This Option shall be exercisable, in whole or in part, in accordance with the following vesting schedule:
 
[__________________________]
 

Termination Period:
 
This Option may be exercised for [_______] months after Optionee ceases to be a Service Provider. Upon the death or Disability of the Optionee, this Option may be exercised for [______] months after Optionee ceases to be a Service Provider. In no event shall this Option be exercised later than the Term/Expiration Date as provided above.
 
II.    AGREEMENT
 
 
A.
Grant of Option.
 
The Plan Administrator of the Company hereby grants to the Optionee named in the Notice of Grant attached as Part I of this Agreement (the “Optionee”) an option (the “Option”) to purchase the number of Shares, as set forth in the Notice of Grant, at the exercise price per share set forth in the Notice of Grant (the “Exercise Price”), subject to the terms and conditions of the Plan, which is incorporated herein by reference. Subject to Section 18(c) of the Plan, in the event of a conflict between the terms and conditions of the Plan and the terms and conditions of this Option Agreement, the terms and conditions of the Plan shall prevail.

 
 

 
 
If designated in the Notice of Grant as an Incentive Stock Option (“ISO”), this Option is intended to qualify as an Incentive Stock Option under Section 422 of the Code. However, if this Option is intended to be an Incentive Stock Option, to the extent that it exceeds the $100,000 rule of Code Section 422(d) it shall be treated as a Nonstatutory Stock Option (“NSO”).
 
 
B.
Exercise of Option.
 
(a)          Right to Exercise. This Option is exercisable during its term in accordance with the Vesting Schedule set out in the Notice of Grant and the applicable provisions of the Plan and this Option Agreement.
 
(b)          Method of Exercise. This Option is exercisable by delivery of an exercise notice (the “Exercise Notice”), which shall state the election to exercise the Option, the number of Shares in respect of which the Option is being exercised (the “Exercised Shares”), and such other representations and agreements as may be required by the Company pursuant to the provisions of the Plan. The Exercise Notice shall be completed by the Optionee and delivered to the Stock Administration Team of the Company. The Exercise Notice shall be accompanied by payment of the aggregate Exercise Price as to all Exercised Shares. This Option shall be deemed to be exercised upon receipt by the Company of such fully executed Exercise Notice accompanied by such aggregate Exercise Price.
 
No Shares shall be issued pursuant to the exercise of this Option unless such issuance and exercise complies with Applicable Laws. Assuming such compliance, for income tax purposes the Exercised Shares shall be considered transferred to the Optionee on the date the Option is exercised with respect to such Exercised Shares.
 
Method of Payment.
 
Payment of the aggregate Exercise Price shall be by any of the following, or a combination thereof, at the election of the Optionee:
 
1.             cash; or
 
2.             check; or
 
3.             consideration received by the Company under a formal cashless exercise program implemented by the Company in connection with the Plan; or
 
4.              to the extent permitted by the Administrator, delivery of a properly executed exercise notice together with such other documentation as the Administrator and the broker, if applicable, shall require to effect an exercise of the Option and delivery to the Company of the sale proceeds required to pay the Exercise Price.
 

 
C.
Non-Transferability of Option.
 
This Option may not be transferred in any manner otherwise than by will or by the laws of descent or distribution and may be exercised during the lifetime of Optionee only by the Optionee. The terms of the Plan and this Option Agreement shall be binding upon the executors, administrators, heirs, successors and assigns of the Optionee.
 
D.
Term of Option.
 
This Option may be exercised only within the term set out in the Notice of Grant, and may be exercised during such term only in accordance with the Plan and the terms of this Option Agreement.


 
 

 
 
 
E.
Tax Obligations.
 
(a)        Withholding Taxes. Optionee agrees to make appropriate arrangements with the Company (or the Parent or Subsidiary employing or retaining Optionee) for the satisfaction of all Federal, state, local and foreign income and employment tax withholding requirements applicable to the Option exercise. Optionee acknowledges and agrees that the Company may refuse to honor the exercise and refuse to deliver Shares if such withholding amounts are not delivered at the time of exercise.
 
(b)        Notice of Disqualifying Disposition of ISO Shares. If the Option granted to Optionee herein is an ISO, and if Optionee sells or otherwise disposes of any of the Shares acquired pursuant to the ISO on or before the later of (1) the date two years after the Date of Grant, or (2) the date one year after the date of exercise, the Optionee shall immediately notify the Company in writing of such disposition. Optionee agrees that Optionee may be subject to income tax withholding by the Company on the compensation income recognized by the Optionee.
 
 
F.
Entire Agreement; Governing Law.
 
The Plan is incorporated herein by reference. The Plan and this Option Agreement constitute the entire agreement of the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersede in their entirety all prior undertakings and agreements of the Company and Optionee with respect to the subject matter hereof, and may not be modified adversely to the Optionee’s interest except by means of a writing signed by the Company and Optionee. This agreement is governed by the internal substantive laws, but not the choice of law rules, of California.
 
 
G.
NO GUARANTEE OF CONTINUED SERVICE.
 
OPTIONEE ACKNOWLEDGES AND AGREES THAT THE VESTING OF SHARES PURSUANT TO THE VESTING SCHEDULE HEREOF IS EARNED ONLY BY CONTINUING AS A SERVICE PROVIDER AT THE WILL OF THE COMPANY (AND NOT THROUGH THE ACT OF BEING HIRED, BEING GRANTED AN OPTION OR PURCHASING SHARES HEREUNDER). OPTIONEE FURTHER ACKNOWLEDGES AND AGREES THAT THIS AGREEMENT, THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED HEREUNDER AND THE VESTING SCHEDULE SET FORTH HEREIN DO NOT CONSTITUTE AN EXPRESS OR IMPLIED PROMISE OF CONTINUED ENGAGEMENT AS A SERVICE PROVIDER FOR THE VESTING PERIOD, FOR ANY PERIOD, OR AT ALL, AND SHALL NOT INTERFERE WITH OPTIONEE’S RIGHT OR THE COMPANY’S RIGHT TO TERMINATE OPTIONEE’S RELATIONSHIP AS A SERVICE PROVIDER AT ANY TIME, WITH OR WITHOUT CAUSE.
 
By your signature and the signature of the Company’s representative below, you and the Company agree that this Option is granted under and governed by the terms and conditions of the Plan and this Option Agreement. Optionee has reviewed the Plan and this Option Agreement in their entirety, has had an opportunity to obtain the advice of counsel prior to executing this Option Agreement and fully understands all provisions of the Plan and Option Agreement. Optionee hereby agrees to accept as binding, conclusive and final all decisions or interpretations of the Administrator upon any questions relating to the Plan and Option Agreement. Optionee further agrees to notify the Company upon any change in the residence address indicated below.
 


     
OPTIONEE:
 
 
GENSPERA, INC.
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
EX-10.01 4 v159947_ex10-01.htm
SECURITIES PURCHASE AGREEMENT
 
This Securities Purchase Agreement (this “Agreement”) is dated as of September ____, 2009, between GenSpera, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), and each purchaser identified on the signature pages hereto (each, including its successors and assigns, a “Purchaser” and collectively, the “Purchasers”).
 
WHEREAS, subject to the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement and pursuant to Section 4(2) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), and Rule 506 promulgated thereunder, the Company desires to issue and sell to each Purchaser, and each Purchaser, severally and not jointly, desires to purchase from the Company, securities of the Company as more fully described in this Agreement.
 
NOW, THEREFORE, IN CONSIDERATION of the mutual covenants contained in this Agreement, and for other good and valuable consideration the receipt and adequacy of which are hereby acknowledged, the Company and each Purchaser agree as follows:
 
ARTICLE I.
DEFINITIONS
 
1.1           Definitions. In addition to the terms defined elsewhere in this Agreement, for all purposes of this Agreement, the following terms have the meanings set forth in this Section 1.1:
 
Accounts Receivable” shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in Section 3.1(hh).
 
Acquiring Person” shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in Section 4.4.
 
Action” shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in Section 3.1(j).
 
Affiliate” means any Person that, directly or indirectly through one or more intermediaries, controls or is controlled by or is under common control with a Person as such terms are used in and construed under Rule 405 under the Securities Act.
 
Board of Directors” means the board of directors of the Company.
 
Business Day” means any day except Saturday, Sunday, any day which is a federal legal holiday in the United States or any day on which banking institutions in the State of New York are authorized or required by law or other governmental action to close and, upon the Company becoming listed or quoted on a Trading Market, except any day that the Common Stock is not trading on the Trading Market.
 
Closing” means the closing of the purchase and sale of the Securities pursuant to Section 2.1.
 
Closing Date” means the later of the Business Days when: (i) all of the Transaction Documents have been executed and delivered by the applicable parties thereto, and all conditions precedent to the Purchasers’ obligations to pay the Subscription Amount and the Company’s obligations to deliver the Securities have been satisfied or waived; or (ii) [_______].

 
1

 

Closing Statement” means the Closing Statement in the form Annex A attached hereto.
 
 “Commission” means the United States Securities and Exchange Commission.
 
Common Stock” means the common stock of the Company, par value $0.001 per share, and any other class of securities into which such securities may hereafter be reclassified or changed into.
 
Common Stock Equivalents” means any securities of the Company or the Subsidiaries which would entitle the holder thereof to acquire at any time Common Stock, including, without limitation, any debt, preferred stock, rights, options, warrants or other instrument that is at any time convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for, or otherwise entitles the holder thereof to receive, Common Stock.
 
Company Counsel” means the Silvestre Law Group, P.C.
 
Disclosure Schedules” means the Disclosure Schedules of the Company delivered concurrently herewith.
 
Discussion Time”  shall have the mean ascribed to such term in Section 4.10.
 
Effective Date” means the date that the initial Registration Statement filed by the Company pursuant to the Registration Rights Agreement is first declared effective by the Commission.
 
Escrow Agent” means Signature Bank, a New York State chartered bank and having an office at, 261 Madison Avenue, New York, New York 10016.
 
Escrow Agreement” means the escrow agreement entered into prior to the date hereof, by and among the Company and the Escrow Agent pursuant to which the Purchasers, shall deposit Subscription Amounts with the Escrow Agent to be applied to the transactions contemplated hereunder.
 
Exchange Act” means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.

 
2

 

Exempt Issuance” means the issuance of (a) shares of Common Stock or options to employees, officers, directors or consultants of the Company pursuant to any stock or option plan duly adopted for such purpose, by a majority of the non-employee members of the Board of Directors or a majority of the members of a committee of non-employee directors established for such purpose, (b) securities upon the exercise or exchange of or conversion of any Securities issued hereunder and/or other securities exercisable or exchangeable for or convertible into shares of Common Stock issued and outstanding on the date of this Agreement, provided that such securities have not been amended since the date of this Agreement to increase the number of such securities or to decrease the exercise, exchange or conversion price of such securities, (c)  securities issued pursuant to a private placement with materially similar terms, including pricing, and (d) securities issued pursuant to acquisitions or strategic transactions approved by a majority of the disinterested directors of the Company, provided that any such issuance shall only be to a Person which is, itself or through its subsidiaries, an operating company in a business synergistic with the business of the Company and in which the Company receives benefits in addition to the investment of funds, but shall not include a transaction in which the Company is issuing securities primarily for the purpose of raising capital or to an entity whose primary business is investing in securities.
 
FDA” shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in Section 3.1(ii).
 
FDCA” shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in Section 3.1(ii).
 
 “GAAP” shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in Section 3.1(h).
 
Indebtedness” shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in Section 3.1(v).
 
 “Intellectual Property Rights” shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in Section 3.1(o).
 
IND” means an Investigational New Drug application.
 
IND Submission”  means the submission by the Company of its first IND for G-202 as confirmed by the assignment of an IND number by the FDA.
 
Legend Removal Date” shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in Section 4.1(c).
 
Liens” means a lien, charge, security interest, encumbrance, right of first refusal, preemptive right or other restriction.
 
Material Adverse Effect” shall have the meaning assigned to such term in Section 3.1(b).
 
Material Permits” shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in Section 3.1(m).
 
Per Share Purchase Price” equals $1.50, subject to adjustment for reverse and forward stock splits, stock dividends, stock combinations and other similar transactions of the Common Stock that occur after the date of this Agreement.
 
Person” means an individual or corporation, partnership, trust, incorporated or unincorporated association, joint venture, limited liability company, joint stock company, government (or an agency or subdivision thereof) or other entity of any kind.

 
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Pharmaceutical Product” shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in Section 3.1(mm).
 
Proceeding” means an action, claim, suit, investigation or proceeding (including, without limitation, an informal investigation or partial proceeding, such as a deposition), whether commenced or threatened.
 
Purchaser Party” shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in Section 4.7.
 
Registration Rights Agreement” means the Registration Rights Agreement, dated the date hereof, among the Company and the Purchasers, in the form of Exhibit A attached hereto.
 
Registration Statement” means a registration statement meeting the requirements set forth in the Registration Rights Agreement and covering the resale by the Purchasers of the Shares and the Warrant Shares.
 
Required Approvals” shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in Section 3.1(e).
 
Rule 144” means Rule 144 promulgated by the Commission pursuant to the Securities Act, as such Rule may be amended from time to time, or any similar rule or regulation hereafter adopted by the Commission having substantially the same effect as such Rule.
 
SEC Reports” shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in Section 3.1(h).
 
Securities” means the Shares, the Warrants and the Warrant Shares.
 
Securities Act” means the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.
 
Shares” means the shares of Common Stock issued or issuable to each Purchaser pursuant to this Agreement.
 
Short Sales” means all “short sales” as defined in Rule 200 of Regulation SHO under the Exchange Act (but shall not be deemed to include the location and/or reservation of borrowable shares of Common Stock). 
 
 “Subscription Amount” means, as to each Purchaser, the aggregate amount to be paid for Shares and Warrants purchased hereunder as specified below such Purchaser’s name on the signature page of this Agreement and next to the heading “Subscription Amount,” in United States dollars and in immediately available funds.
 
Subscription Deadline”  means [______], 2009.

 
4

 

Subsequent Financing” means any issuance by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries of Common Stock, Common Stock Equivalents for cash consideration (or a combination of units hereof).
 
Subsidiary” means any subsidiary of the Company as set forth on Schedule 3.1(a), and shall, where applicable, also include any direct or indirect subsidiary of the Company formed or acquired after the date hereof.
 
 “Trading Market” means the following markets or exchanges on which the Common Stock is listed or quoted for trading on the date in question: the American Stock Exchange, the Nasdaq Capital Market, the Nasdaq Global Market, the Nasdaq Global Select Market, the New York Stock Exchange, the OTC Bulletin Board, or the Pink Sheets.
 
Transaction Documents” means this Agreement, the Warrants, the Escrow Agreement, the Registration Rights Agreement and any other documents or agreements executed in connection with the transactions contemplated hereunder.
 
VWAP” means, for any date, the price determined by the first of the following clauses that applies: (a) if the Common Stock is then listed or quoted on a Trading Market, the daily volume weighted average price of the Common Stock for such date (or the nearest preceding date) on the Trading Market on which the Common Stock is then listed or quoted for trading as reported by Bloomberg L.P. (based on a Business Day from 9:30 a.m. (New York City time) to 4:02 p.m. (New York City time); (b)  if the OTC Bulletin Board is not a Trading Market, the volume weighted average price of the Common Stock for such date (or the nearest preceding date) on the OTC Bulletin Board; (c) if the Common Stock is not then listed or quoted for trading on the OTC Bulletin Board and if prices for the Common Stock are then reported in the “Pink Sheets” published by Pink Sheets, LLC (or a similar organization or agency succeeding to its functions of reporting prices), the most recent bid price per share of the Common Stock so reported; or (d) in all other cases, the fair market value of a share of Common Stock as determined by an independent appraiser selected in good faith by the Purchasers of a majority in interest of the Shares then outstanding and reasonably acceptable to the Company, the fees and expenses of which shall be paid by the Company.
 
Warrants” means, collectively, the Common Stock purchase warrants delivered to the Purchasers at the Closing in accordance with Section 2.2(a) hereof, which Warrants shall be exercisable immediately and have a term of exercise equal to five years, in the form of Exhibit B attached hereto.
 
Warrant Shares” means the shares of Common Stock issuable upon exercise of the Warrants.

 
5

 

ARTICLE II.
PURCHASE AND SALE
 
2.1           Closing.  On the Closing Date, upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth herein, the Company agrees to sell, and the Purchasers, severally and not jointly, agree to purchase, up to an aggregate of $4,000,000 of Shares and Warrants.   Each Purchaser shall deliver to the Escrow Agent funds, via wire transfer, cash or a certified check immediately available funds, equal to its Subscription Amount on or before the earlier of: (i) the Closing Date, or (ii) the Subscription Deadline.  At the Closing the Escrow Agent shall release each respective Purchaser’s Subscription Amount to the Company and the Company shall deliver to each Purchaser its respective Shares and a Warrant as determined pursuant to Section 2.2(a), and the Company and each Purchaser shall deliver the other items set forth in Section 2.2 deliverable at the Closing.  Upon satisfaction of the covenants and conditions set forth in Sections 2.2 and 2.3, the Closing shall occur at the offices of Company Counsel or such other location as the parties shall mutually agree.
 
2.2           Deliveries.
 
 (a)           On or prior to the Closing Date, the Company shall deliver or cause to be delivered to each Purchaser the following:
 
  (i)           this Agreement duly executed by the Company;
 
  (ii)          a certificate evidencing a number of Shares equal to such Purchaser’s Subscription Amount divided by the Per Share Purchase Price, registered in the name of such Purchaser;
 
  (iii)         a Warrant registered in the name of such Purchaser to purchase up to a number of shares of Common Stock equal to 50% of such Purchaser’s Subscription Amount divided by the Per Share Purchase Price, with an exercise price equal to $3.00, subject to adjustment therein; and
 
  (iv)         the Registration Rights Agreement duly executed by the Company.
 
 (b)           On or prior to the Closing Date, each Purchaser shall deliver or cause to be delivered to the Company the following:
 
  (i)           this Agreement duly executed by such Purchaser;
 
  (ii)          such Purchaser’s Subscription Amount by wire transfer to the Escrow Agent; and
 
  (iii)         the Registration Rights Agreement duly executed by such Purchaser.
 
2.3           Closing Conditions.
 
 (a)           The obligations of the Company hereunder in connection with the Closing are subject to the following conditions being met:
 
  (i)           the accuracy in all material respects on the Closing Date of the representations and warranties of the Purchasers contained herein;

 
6

 

  (ii)          all obligations, covenants and agreements of each Purchaser required to be performed at or prior to the Closing Date shall have been performed; and
 
  (iii)          the delivery by each Purchaser of the items set forth in Section 2.2(b) of this Agreement.
 
 (b)           The respective obligations of the Purchasers hereunder in connection with the Closing are subject to the following conditions being met:
 
  (i)           the accuracy in all material respects on the Closing Date of the representations and warranties of the Company contained herein;
 
  (ii)          all obligations, covenants and agreements of the Company required to be performed at or prior to the Closing Date shall have been performed;
 
  (iii)         the delivery by the Company of the items set forth in Section 2.2(a) of this Agreement;
 
  (iv)         there shall have been no Material Adverse Effect with respect to the Company since the date hereof;
 
  (v)          IND Submission; and
 
  (vi)         from the date hereof to the Closing Date, a banking moratorium shall not have been declared either by the United States or New York State authorities nor shall there have occurred any material outbreak or escalation of hostilities or other national or international calamity of such magnitude in its effect on, or any material adverse change in, any financial market which, in each case, in the reasonable judgment of each Purchaser, makes it impracticable or inadvisable to purchase the Securities at the Closing.
 
ARTICLE III.
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES
 
3.1           Representations and Warranties of the Company. Except as set forth in the Disclosure Schedules or in the SEC Reports (which information contained in the SEC Reports shall be deemed fully disclosed to Purchaser) which information contained in the Disclosure Schedules and SEC Reports shall be deemed a part hereof and shall qualify and modify any representation or warranty contained herein, the Company hereby makes the following representations and warranties to each Purchaser:
 
 (a)           Subsidiaries.  All of the direct and indirect subsidiaries of the Company are set forth on Schedule 3.1(a).  The Company owns, directly or indirectly, all of the capital stock or other equity interests of each Subsidiary free and clear of any Liens, and all of the issued and outstanding shares of capital stock of each Subsidiary are validly issued and are fully paid, non-assessable and free of preemptive and similar rights to subscribe for or purchase securities.  If the Company has no subsidiaries, then all other references to the Subsidiaries or any of them in the Transaction Documents shall be disregarded.

 
7

 

 (b)           Organization and Qualification.  The Company and each of the Subsidiaries is an entity duly incorporated or otherwise organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the jurisdiction of its incorporation or organization, with the requisite power and authority to own and use its properties and assets and to carry on its business as currently conducted.  Neither the Company nor any Subsidiary is in violation nor default of any of the provisions of its respective certificate or articles of incorporation, bylaws or other organizational or charter documents.  Each of the Company and the Subsidiaries is duly qualified to conduct business and is in good standing as a foreign corporation or other entity in each jurisdiction in which the nature of the business conducted or property owned by it makes such qualification necessary, except where the failure to be so qualified or in good standing, as the case may be, could not have or reasonably be expected to result in: (i) a material adverse effect on the legality, validity or enforceability of any Transaction Document, (ii) a material adverse effect on the results of operations, assets, business, prospects or condition (financial or otherwise) of the Company and the Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, or (iii) a material adverse effect on the Company’s ability to perform in any material respect on a timely basis its obligations under any Transaction Document (any of (i), (ii) or (iii), a “Material Adverse Effect”) and no Proceeding has been instituted in any such jurisdiction revoking, limiting or curtailing or seeking to revoke, limit or curtail such power and authority or qualification.
 
 (c)           Authorization, Enforcement.  The Company has the requisite corporate power and authority to enter into and to consummate the transactions contemplated by each of the Transaction Documents and otherwise to carry out its obligations hereunder and thereunder.  The execution and delivery of each of the Transaction Documents by the Company and the consummation by it of the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby have been duly authorized by all necessary action on the part of the Company and no further action is required by the Company, the Board of Directors or the Company’s stockholders in connection therewith other than in connection with the Required Approvals.  Each Transaction Document to which it is a party has been (or upon delivery will have been) duly executed by the Company and, when delivered in accordance with the terms hereof and thereof, will constitute the valid and binding obligation of the Company enforceable against the Company in accordance with its terms, except: (i) as limited by general equitable principles and applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium and other laws of general application affecting enforcement of creditors’ rights generally, (ii) as limited by laws relating to the availability of specific performance, injunctive relief or other equitable remedies and (iii) insofar as indemnification and contribution provisions may be limited by applicable law.

 
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 (d)           No Conflicts.  The execution, delivery and performance by the Company of the Transaction Documents, the issuance and sale of the Securities and the consummation by it to which it is a party of the other transactions contemplated hereby and thereby do not and will not: (i) conflict with or violate any provision of the Company’s or any Subsidiary’s certificate or articles of incorporation, bylaws or other organizational or charter documents, (ii) conflict with, or constitute a default (or an event that with notice or lapse of time or both would become a default) under, result in the creation of any Lien upon any of the properties or assets of the Company or any Subsidiary, or give to others any rights of termination, amendment, acceleration or cancellation (with or without notice, lapse of time or both) of, any agreement, credit facility, debt or other instrument (evidencing a Company or Subsidiary debt or otherwise) or other understanding to which the Company or any Subsidiary is a party or by which any property or asset of the Company or any Subsidiary is bound or affected, or (iii) subject to the Required Approvals, conflict with or result in a violation of any law, rule, regulation, order, judgment, injunction, decree or other restriction of any court or governmental authority to which the Company or a Subsidiary is subject (including federal and state securities laws and regulations), or by which any property or asset of the Company or a Subsidiary is bound or affected; except in the case of each of clauses (ii) and (iii), such as could not have or reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect.
 
 (e)           Filings, Consents and Approvals.  The Company is not required to obtain any consent, waiver, authorization or order of, give any notice to, or make any filing or registration with, any court or other federal, state, local or other governmental authority or other Person in connection with the execution, delivery and performance by the Company of the Transaction Documents, other than: (i) the filings required pursuant to Section 4.3 of this Agreement, (ii) application(s) to each applicable Trading Market for the listing of the Securities for trading thereon in the time and manner required thereby and (iii) the filing of Form D with the Commission and such filings as are required to be made under applicable state securities laws (collectively, the “Required Approvals”).
 
 (f)           Issuance of the Securities.  The Securities are duly authorized and, when issued and paid for in accordance with the applicable Transaction Documents, will be duly and validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable, free and clear of all Liens imposed by the Company other than restrictions on transfer provided for in the Transaction Documents.  The Warrant Shares, when issued in accordance with the terms of the Transaction Documents, will be validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable, free and clear of all Liens imposed by the Company other than restrictions on transfer provided for in the Transaction Documents.  The Company has reserved from its duly authorized capital stock the maximum number of shares of Common Stock issuable pursuant to this Agreement and the Warrants.
 
 (g)           Capitalization.  The capitalization of the Company immediately prior to Closing is as set forth on Schedule 3.1(g).  All of the outstanding shares of capital stock of the Company are validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable, have been issued in compliance with all federal and state securities laws, and none of such outstanding shares was issued in violation of any preemptive rights or similar rights to subscribe for or purchase securities.  No further approval or authorization of any stockholder, the Board of Directors or others is required for the issuance and sale of the Securities.  There are no stockholders agreements, voting agreements or other similar agreements with respect to the Company’s capital stock to which the Company is a party or, to the knowledge of the Company, between or among any of the Company’s stockholders.

 
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 (h)           SEC Reports; Financial Statements.  The Company has filed all reports, schedules, forms, statements and other documents required to be filed by the Company under the Securities Act and the Exchange Act, including pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) thereof, for the two years preceding the date hereof (or such shorter period as the Company was required by law or regulation to file such material) (the foregoing materials, including the exhibits thereto and documents incorporated by reference therein, being collectively referred to herein as the “SEC Reports”) on a timely basis or has received a valid extension of such time of filing and has filed any such SEC Reports prior to the expiration of any such extension.  As of their respective dates, the SEC Reports complied in all material respects with the requirements of the Securities Act and the Exchange Act, as applicable, and none of the SEC Reports, when filed, contained any untrue statement of a material fact or omitted to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary in order to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading.  The financial statements of the Company included in the SEC Reports comply in all material respects with applicable accounting requirements and the rules and regulations of the Commission with respect thereto as in effect at the time of filing.  Such financial statements have been prepared in accordance with United States generally accepted accounting principles applied on a consistent basis during the periods involved (“GAAP”), except as may be otherwise specified in such financial statements or the notes thereto and except that unaudited financial statements may not contain all footnotes required by GAAP, and fairly present in all material respects the financial position of the Company and its consolidated subsidiaries as of and for the dates thereof and the results of operations and cash flows for the periods then ended, subject, in the case of unaudited statements, to normal, immaterial, year-end audit adjustments.
 
 (i)           Material Changes; Undisclosed Events, Liabilities or Developments.  Since the date of the latest audited financial statements included within the SEC Reports, except as specifically disclosed in a subsequent SEC Report filed prior to the date hereof: (i) there has been no event, occurrence or development that has had or that could reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect, (ii) the Company has not incurred any liabilities (contingent or otherwise) other than (A) trade payables and accrued expenses incurred in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice and (B) liabilities not required to be reflected in the Company’s financial statements pursuant to GAAP or disclosed in filings made with the Commission, (iii) the Company has not altered its method of accounting, (iv) the Company has not declared or made any dividend or distribution of cash or other property to its stockholders or purchased, redeemed or made any agreements to purchase or redeem any shares of its capital stock and (v) the Company has not issued any equity securities to any officer, director or Affiliate, except pursuant to existing Company stock option plans.

 
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 (j)            Litigation.  There is no action, suit, inquiry, notice of violation, proceeding or investigation pending or, to the knowledge of the Company, threatened against or affecting the Company, any Subsidiary or any of their respective properties before or by any court, arbitrator, governmental or administrative agency or regulatory authority (federal, state, county, local or foreign) (collectively, an “Action”) which (i) adversely affects or challenges the legality, validity or enforceability of any of the Transaction Documents or the Securities or (ii) could, if there were an unfavorable decision, have or reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect.  Neither the Company nor any Subsidiary, nor any director or officer thereof, is or has been the subject of any Action involving a claim of violation of or liability under federal or state securities laws or a claim of breach of fiduciary duty.  There has not been, and to the knowledge of the Company, there is not pending or contemplated, any investigation by the Commission involving the Company or any current or former director or officer of the Company.
 
 (k)           Labor Relations.  No material labor dispute exists or, to the knowledge of the Company, is imminent with respect to any of the employees of the Company which could reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect.  None of the Company’s or its Subsidiaries’ employees is a member of a union that relates to such employee’s relationship with the Company or such Subsidiary, and neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries is a party to a collective bargaining agreement, and the Company and its Subsidiaries believe that their relationships with their employees are good.  No executive officer, to the knowledge of the Company, is, or is now expected to be, in violation of any material term of any employment contract, confidentiality, disclosure or proprietary information agreement or non-competition agreement, or any other contract or agreement or any restrictive covenant in favor of any third party, and the continued employment of each such executive officer does not subject the Company or any of its Subsidiaries to any liability with respect to any of the foregoing matters.  The Company and its Subsidiaries are in compliance with all U.S. federal, state, local and foreign laws and regulations relating to employment and employment practices, terms and conditions of employment and wages and hours, except where the failure to be in compliance could not, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.
 
 (l)            Compliance.  Neither the Company nor any Subsidiary: (i) is in default under or in violation of (and no event has occurred that has not been waived that, with notice or lapse of time or both, would result in a default by the Company or any Subsidiary under), nor has the Company or any Subsidiary received notice of a claim that it is in default under or that it is in violation of, any indenture, loan or credit agreement or any other agreement or instrument to which it is a party or by which it or any of its properties is bound (whether or not such default or violation has been waived), (ii) is in violation of any order of any court, arbitrator or governmental body or (iii) is or has been in violation of any statute, rule or regulation of any governmental authority, including without limitation all foreign, federal, state and local laws applicable to its business and all such laws that affect the environment, except in each case as could not have or reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect.
 
 (m)          Regulatory Permits.  The Company and the Subsidiaries possess all certificates, authorizations and permits issued by the appropriate federal, state, local or foreign regulatory authorities necessary to conduct their respective businesses, except where the failure to possess such permits could not reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect (“Material Permits”), and neither the Company nor any Subsidiary has received any notice of proceedings relating to the revocation or modification of any Material Permit.

 
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 (n)           Title to Assets.  The Company and the Subsidiaries have good and marketable title in fee simple to all real property owned by them and good and marketable title in all personal property owned by them that is material to the business of the Company and the Subsidiaries, in each case free and clear of all Liens, except for Liens as do not materially affect the value of such property and do not materially interfere with the use made and proposed to be made of such property by the Company and the Subsidiaries and Liens for the payment of federal, state or other taxes, the payment of which is neither delinquent nor subject to penalties.  Any real property and facilities held under lease by the Company and the Subsidiaries are held by them under valid, subsisting and enforceable leases with which the Company and the Subsidiaries are in compliance.
 
 (o)           Patents and Trademarks.  The Company and the Subsidiaries have, or have rights to use, all patents, patent applications, trademarks, trademark applications, service marks, trade names, trade secrets, inventions, copyrights, licenses and other intellectual property rights and similar rights as necessary or material for use in connection with their respective businesses and which the failure to so have could have a Material Adverse Effect (collectively, the “Intellectual Property Rights”).  Neither the Company nor any Subsidiary has received a notice (written or otherwise) that any of the Intellectual Property Rights used by the Company or any Subsidiary violates or infringes upon the rights of any Person.  To the knowledge of the Company, all such Intellectual Property Rights are enforceable and there is no existing infringement by another Person of any of the Intellectual Property Rights.  The Company and its Subsidiaries have taken reasonable security measures to protect the secrecy, confidentiality and value of all of their intellectual properties, except where failure to do so could not, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.
 
 (p)           Insurance.  The Company and the Subsidiaries are insured by insurers of recognized financial responsibility against such losses and risks and in such amounts as are prudent and customary in the businesses in which the Company and the Subsidiaries are engaged, including, but not limited to, directors and officers insurance coverage.  Neither the Company nor any Subsidiary has any reason to believe that it will not be able to renew its existing insurance coverage as and when such coverage expires or to obtain similar coverage from similar insurers as may be necessary to continue its business without a significant increase in cost.
 
 (q)           Transactions With Affiliates and Employees.  Except as set forth on Schedule 3.1(q) or as contained in the SEC Reports, none of the officers or directors of the Company and, to the knowledge of the Company, none of the employees of the Company is presently a party to any transaction with the Company or any Subsidiary (other than for services as employees, officers and directors), including any contract, agreement or other arrangement providing for the furnishing of services to or by, providing for rental of real or personal property to or from, or otherwise requiring payments to or from any officer, director or such employee or, to the knowledge of the Company, any entity in which any officer, director, or any such employee has a substantial interest or is an officer, director, trustee or partner, in each case in excess of $120,000 other than for: (i) payment of salary or consulting fees for services rendered, (ii) reimbursement for expenses incurred on behalf of the Company and (iii) other employee benefits, including stock option agreements under any stock option plan of the Company.

 
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 (r)           Internal Accounting Controls.  The Company and the Subsidiaries maintain a system of internal accounting controls sufficient to provide reasonable assurance that: (i) transactions are executed in accordance with management’s general or specific authorizations, (ii) transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP and to maintain asset accountability, (iii) access to assets is permitted only in accordance with management’s general or specific authorization, and (iv) the recorded accountability for assets is compared with the existing assets at reasonable intervals and appropriate action is taken with respect to any differences.
 
 (s)           Certain Fees.  Except as set forth on Schedule 3.1(s), no brokerage or finder’s fees or commissions are or will be payable by the Company to any broker, financial advisor or consultant, finder, placement agent, investment banker, bank or other Person with respect to the transactions contemplated by the Transaction Documents.  The Purchasers shall have no obligation with respect to any fees or with respect to any claims made by or on behalf of other Persons for fees of a type contemplated in this Section that may be due in connection with the transactions contemplated by the Transaction Documents.
 
 (t)            Disclosure.  Except with respect to the material terms and conditions of the transactions contemplated by the Transaction Documents, the Company confirms that neither it nor any other Person acting on its behalf has provided any of the Purchasers or their agents or counsel with any information that it believes constitutes or might constitute material, non-public information.   The Company understands and confirms that the Purchasers will rely on the foregoing representation in effecting transactions in securities of the Company.  All disclosure furnished by or on behalf of the Company to the Purchasers regarding the Company, its business and the transactions contemplated hereby, including the Disclosure Schedules to this Agreement, is true and correct and does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state any material fact necessary in order to make the statements made therein, in light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading. The press releases disseminated by the Company during the twelve months preceding the date of this Agreement taken as a whole do not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary in order to make the statements therein, in light of the circumstances under which they were made and when made, not misleading.  The Company acknowledges and agrees that no Purchaser makes or has made any representations or warranties with respect to the transactions contemplated hereby other than those specifically set forth in Section 3.2 hereof.
 
 
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 (u)           No Integrated Offering. Assuming the accuracy of the Purchasers’ representations and warranties set forth in Section 3.2, neither the Company, nor any of its Affiliates, nor any Person acting on its or their behalf has, directly or indirectly, made any offers or sales of any security or solicited any offers to buy any security, under circumstances that would cause this offering of the Securities to be integrated with prior offerings by the Company for purposes of (i) the Securities Act which would require the registration of any such securities under the Securities Act, or (ii) any applicable shareholder approval provisions of any Trading Market on which any of the securities of the Company are listed or designated.
 
 (v)           Solvency.  Based on the consolidated financial condition of the Company as of the Closing Date, after giving effect to the receipt by the Company of the proceeds from the sale of the Securities hereunder: (i) the fair saleable value of the Company’s assets exceeds the amount that will be required to be paid on or in respect of the Company’s current liabilities, and (ii) the Company’s assets do not constitute unreasonably small capital to carry on its business as now conducted and as proposed to be conducted including its capital needs taking into account the particular capital requirements of the business conducted by the Company, and projected capital requirements and capital availability thereof.  The Company does not intend to incur debts beyond its ability to pay such debts as they mature (taking into account the timing and amounts of cash to be payable on or in respect of its debt).  The Company has no knowledge of any facts or circumstances which lead it to believe that it will file for reorganization or liquidation under the bankruptcy or reorganization laws of any jurisdiction within one year from the Closing Date.  Schedule 3.1(v) sets forth as of the date thereof all outstanding secured and unsecured Indebtedness of the Company or any Subsidiary, or for which the Company or any Subsidiary has commitments.  For the purposes of this Agreement, “Indebtedness” means (x) any liabilities for borrowed money or amounts owed in excess of $150,000 (other than trade accounts payable incurred in the ordinary course of business), (y) all guaranties, endorsements and other contingent obligations in respect of indebtedness of others, whether or not the same are or should be reflected in the Company’s balance sheet (or the notes thereto), except guaranties by endorsement of negotiable instruments for deposit or collection or similar transactions in the ordinary course of business; and (z) the present value of any lease payments in excess of $150,000 due under leases required to be capitalized in accordance with GAAP.  Neither the Company nor any Subsidiary is in default with respect to any Indebtedness.
 
 (w)           Tax Status.  Except for matters that would not, individually or in the aggregate, have or reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect, the Company and each Subsidiary has filed all necessary federal, state and foreign income and franchise tax returns and has paid or accrued all taxes shown as due thereon, and the Company has no knowledge of a tax deficiency which has been asserted or threatened against the Company or any Subsidiary.
 
 (x)           No General Solicitation.  Neither the Company nor any person acting on behalf of the Company has offered or sold any of the Securities by any form of general solicitation or general advertising.  The Company has offered the Securities for sale only to the Purchasers and certain other “accredited investors” within the meaning of Rule 501 under the Securities Act.

 
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 (y)           Foreign Corrupt Practices.  Neither the Company, nor to the knowledge of the Company, any agent or other person acting on behalf of the Company, has: (i) directly or indirectly, used any funds for unlawful contributions, gifts, entertainment or other unlawful expenses related to foreign or domestic political activity, (ii) made any unlawful payment to foreign or domestic government officials or employees or to any foreign or domestic political parties or campaigns from corporate funds, (iii) failed to disclose fully any contribution made by the Company (or made by any person acting on its behalf of which the Company is aware) which is in violation of law or (iv) violated in any material respect any provision of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act of 1977, as amended.
 
 (z)           Accountants.  The Company’s accounting firm is set forth on Schedule 3.1(z) of the Disclosure Schedules.  To the knowledge and belief of the Company, such accounting firm: (i) is a registered public accounting firm as required by the Exchange Act and (ii) shall express its opinion with respect to the financial statements to be included in the Registration Statement.
 
 (aa)         No Disagreements with Accountants and Lawyers.    There are no disagreements of any kind presently existing, or reasonably anticipated by the Company to arise, between the Company and the accountants and lawyers formerly or presently employed by the Company which could affect the Company’s ability to perform any of its obligations under any of the Transaction Documents, and the Company is current with respect to any fees owed to its accountants and lawyers.
 
 (bb)        Acknowledgment Regarding Purchasers’ Purchase of Securities.  The Company acknowledges and agrees that each of the Purchasers is acting solely in the capacity of an arm’s length purchaser with respect to the Transaction Documents and the transactions contemplated thereby.  The Company further acknowledges that no Purchaser is acting as a financial advisor or fiduciary of the Company (or in any similar capacity) with respect to the Transaction Documents and the transactions contemplated thereby and any advice given by any Purchaser or any of their respective representatives or agents in connection with the Transaction Documents and the transactions contemplated thereby is merely incidental to the Purchasers’ purchase of the Securities.  The Company further represents to each Purchaser that the Company’s decision to enter into this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents has been based solely on the independent evaluation of the transactions contemplated hereby by the Company and its representatives.
 
 (cc)         Marketing Rights.  Neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries have granted rights to license, market, or sell its products or services to any other Person and is not bound by any agreement that affects the Company’s (or any Subsidiary’s) exclusive right to develop, distribute, market or sell its products or services.

 
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 (dd)         Employees.  Neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries has any collective bargaining agreements with any of its employees.  There is no labor union organizing activity pending or, to the Company’s knowledge, threatened with respect to the Company or its Subsidiaries.  To the Company’s knowledge, no employee of the Company or any Subsidiary, nor any consultant with whom the Company or any Subsidiary has contracted, is in violation of any term of any employment contract, proprietary information agreement or any other agreement relating to the right of any such individual to be employed by, or to contract with, the Company (or any Subsidiary) because of the nature of the business to be conducted by the Company (or any Subsidiary); and to the Company’s knowledge the continued employment by the Company (and its Subsidiaries) of their respective present employees, and the performance of the Company’s (and Subsidiaries’) contracts with its independent contractors, will not result in any such violation.  The Company has not received any notice alleging that any such violation has occurred.  No employee of the Company or any Subsidiary has been granted the right to continued employment by the Company (or any Subsidiary) or to any material compensation following termination of employment with the Company (or any Subsidiary).  The Company is not aware that any officer, key employee or group of employees intends to terminate his, her or their employment with the Company (or any Subsidiary) nor does the Company have a present intention to terminate the employment of any officer, key employee or group of employees. The Company and its Subsidiaries are in compliance with all U.S. federal, state, local and foreign laws and regulations relating to employment and employment practices, terms and conditions of employment and wages and hours, except where the failure to be in compliance could not, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.
 
 (ee)         Obligations of Management. To the Company’s knowledge, no officer or key employee is the currently working or, to the Company’s knowledge, plans to work for a competitive enterprise, whether or not such officer of key employee is or will be compensated by such enterprise.
 
 (ff)           Accounts Receivable.  All accounts receivable of the Company and its Subsidiaries that are reflected on the Company’s and its Subsidiaries’ balance sheets or interim balance sheets or on the accounting records of the Company and its Subsidiaries as of the Closing Date (collectively, the “Accounts Receivable”) represent or will represent valid obligations arising from sales actually made or services actually performed in the ordinary course of business. Unless paid prior to the Closing Date, the Accounts Receivable are or will be as of the Closing Date current and collectible net of the respective reserves shown on the balance sheet or interim balance sheet or on the accounting records of the Company and its Subsidiaries as of the Closing Date (which reserves are adequate and calculated consistent with past practice and, in the case of the reserve as of the Closing Date, will not represent a greater percentage of the Accounts Receivable as of the Closing Date than the reserve reflected in the interim balance sheet represented of the Accounts Receivable reflected therein and will not represent a material adverse change in the composition of such Accounts Receivable in terms of aging). Subject to such reserves, each of the Accounts Receivable either has been or will be collected in full without any set-off, within ninety days after the day on which it must becomes due and payable. There is no contest, claim, or right of set-off, other than returns in the ordinary course of business, under any agreement and/or contract with any obligor of an Accounts Receivable relating to the amount or validity of such Accounts Receivable. Schedule 3.1(ff) contains a complete and accurate list of all Accounts Receivable as of the date of the interim balance sheet, which list sets forth the aging of such Accounts Receivable.

 
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 (gg)         Inventory. All inventory of the Company and the Subsidiaries, whether or not reflected in the balance sheet or interim balance sheet, consists of a quality and quantity usable and salable in the ordinary course of business, except for obsolete items and items of below standard quality, all of which have been written off or written down to net realizable value in the balance sheet or interim balance sheet or on the accounting records of the Company and the Subsidiaries as of the Closing Date, as the case may be. All inventories not written off have been priced at the lower of cost or market on the last in, first out basis. The quantities of each item of inventory (whether raw materials, work-in-process, or finished goods) are not excessive, but are reasonable in the present circumstances of the Company and the Subsidiaries.
 
 (hh)         Returns and Complaints.  Neither the Company nor any Subsidiary has received any customer complaints concerning its respective products and/or services, nor has it had any of its products returned by a purchaser thereof, other than minor, nonrecurring warranty problems.
 
 (ii)           FDA.  As to each product subject to the jurisdiction of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (“FDA”) under the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act, as amended, and the regulations thereunder (“FDCA”) that is manufactured, packaged, labeled, tested, distributed, sold, and/or marketed by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries (each such product, a “Pharmaceutical Product”), such Pharmaceutical Product is being manufactured, packaged, labeled, tested, distributed, sold and/or marketed by the Company in compliance with all applicable requirements under FDCA and similar laws, rules and regulations relating to registration, investigational use, premarket clearance, licensure, or application approval, good manufacturing practices, good laboratory practices, good clinical practices, product listing, quotas, labeling, advertising, record keeping and filing of reports, except where the failure to be in compliance would not have a Material Adverse Effect.  There is no pending, completed or, to the Company's knowledge, threatened, action (including any lawsuit, arbitration, or legal or administrative or regulatory proceeding, charge, complaint, or investigation) against the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, and none of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries has received any notice, warning letter or other communication from the FDA or any other governmental entity, which (i) contests the premarket clearance, licensure, registration, or approval of, the uses of, the distribution of, the manufacturing or packaging of, the testing of, the sale of, or the labeling and promotion of any Pharmaceutical Product, (ii) withdraws its approval of, requests the recall, suspension, or seizure of, or withdraws or orders the withdrawal of advertising or sales promotional materials relating to, any Pharmaceutical Product, (iii) imposes a clinical hold on any clinical investigation by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, (iv) enjoins production at any facility of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, (v) enters or proposes to enter into a consent decree of permanent injunction with the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, or (vi) otherwise alleges any violation of any laws, rules or regulations by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, and which, either individually or in the aggregate, would have a Material Adverse Effect.  The properties, business and operations of the Company have been and are being conducted in all material respects in accordance with all applicable laws, rules and regulations of the FDA.  The Company has not been informed by the FDA that the FDA will prohibit the marketing, sale, license or use in the United States of any product proposed to be developed, produced or marketed by the Company nor has the FDA expressed any concern as to approving or clearing for marketing any product being developed or proposed to be developed by the Company.

 
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3.2           Representations and Warranties of the Purchasers.  Each Purchaser, for itself and for no other Purchaser, hereby represents and warrants as of the date hereof and as of the Closing Date to the Company as follows:
 
 (a)           Organization; Authority.  Such Purchaser is an entity duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the jurisdiction of its organization with full right, corporate or partnership power and authority to enter into and to consummate the transactions contemplated by the Transaction Documents and otherwise to carry out its obligations hereunder and thereunder. The execution and delivery of the Transaction Documents and performance by such Purchaser of the transactions contemplated by the Transaction Documents have been duly authorized by all necessary corporate or similar action on the part of such Purchaser.  Each Transaction Document to which it is a party has been duly executed by such Purchaser, and when delivered by such Purchaser in accordance with the terms hereof, will constitute the valid and legally binding obligation of such Purchaser, enforceable against it in accordance with its terms, except: (i) as limited by general equitable principles and applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium and other laws of general application affecting enforcement of creditors’ rights generally, (ii) as limited by laws relating to the availability of specific performance, injunctive relief or other equitable remedies and (iii) insofar as indemnification and contribution provisions may be limited by applicable law.
 
 (b)           Own Account.  Such Purchaser understands that the Securities are “restricted securities” and have not been registered under the Securities Act or any applicable state securities law and is acquiring the Securities as principal for its own account and not with a view to or for distributing or reselling such Securities or any part thereof in violation of the Securities Act or any applicable state securities law, has no present intention of distributing any of such Securities in violation of the Securities Act or any applicable state securities law and has no direct or indirect arrangement or understandings with any other persons to distribute or regarding the distribution of such Securities (this representation and warranty not limiting such Purchaser’s right to sell the Securities pursuant to the Registration Statement or otherwise in compliance with applicable federal and state securities laws) in violation of the Securities Act or any applicable state securities law.  Such Purchaser is acquiring the Securities hereunder in the ordinary course of its business.
 
 (c)           Purchaser Status.  At the time such Purchaser was offered the Securities, it was, and as of the date hereof it is, and on each date on which it exercises any Warrants, it will be either: (i) an “accredited investor” as defined in Rule 501(a)(1), (a)(2), (a)(3), (a)(7) or (a)(8) under the Securities Act or (ii) a “qualified institutional buyer” as defined in Rule 144A(a) under the Securities Act.  Such Purchaser is not required to be registered as a broker-dealer under Section 15 of the Exchange Act.

 
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(d)           Experience of Such Purchaser.  Such Purchaser, either alone or together with its representatives, has such knowledge, sophistication and experience in business and financial matters so as to be capable of evaluating the merits and risks of the prospective investment in the Securities, and has so evaluated the merits and risks of such investment.  Such Purchaser is able to bear the economic risk of an investment in the Securities and, at the present time, is able to afford a complete loss of such investment.
 
(e)           General Solicitation.  Such Purchaser is not purchasing the Securities as a result of any advertisement, article, notice or other communication regarding the Securities published in any newspaper, magazine or similar media or broadcast over television or radio or presented at any seminar or any other general solicitation or general advertisement.  The Purchaser further acknowledges that it became aware of the Company and the offering contemplated herein as a result of an independent third party and not as a result of the Company’s registration statement filed with the SEC on form S-1.
 
(f)           Confidentiality Prior To The Date Hereof.  Other than to other Persons party to this Agreement, such Purchaser has maintained the confidentiality of all disclosures made to it in connection with this transaction (including the existence and terms of this transaction).
 
(g)           SEC Reports.  Such Purchaser acknowledges that they have reviewed the Company’s SEC Reports, including any risk factors contained therein, and is aware that an investment in the Company carries a high degree of risk.
 
ARTICLE IV.
OTHER AGREEMENTS OF THE PARTIES
 
4.1           Transfer Restrictions.
 
(a)           The Securities may only be disposed of in compliance with state and federal securities laws.  In connection with any transfer of Securities other than pursuant to an effective registration statement or Rule 144, to the Company or to an Affiliate of a Purchaser or in connection with a pledge as contemplated in Section 4.1(b), the Company may require the transferor thereof to provide to the Company an opinion of counsel selected by the transferor and reasonably acceptable to the Company, the form and substance of which opinion shall be reasonably satisfactory to the Company, to the effect that such transfer does not require registration of such transferred Securities under the Securities Act.  As a condition of transfer, any such transferee shall agree in writing to be bound by the terms of this Agreement and the Registration Rights Agreement and shall have the rights of a Purchaser under this Agreement and the Registration Rights Agreement.
 
(b)           The Purchasers agree to the imprinting, so long as is required by this Section 4.1, of a legend on any of the Securities in the following form:
 
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THIS SECURITY HAS NOT BEEN  REGISTERED WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR THE SECURITIES COMMISSION OF ANY STATE IN RELIANCE UPON AN EXEMPTION FROM REGISTRATION UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED (THE “SECURITIES ACT”), AND, ACCORDINGLY, MAY NOT BE OFFERED OR SOLD EXCEPT PURSUANT TO AN EFFECTIVE REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OR PURSUANT TO AN AVAILABLE EXEMPTION FROM, OR IN A TRANSACTION NOT SUBJECT TO, THE REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS OF THE SECURITIES ACT AND IN ACCORDANCE WITH APPLICABLE STATE SECURITIES LAWS AS EVIDENCED BY A LEGAL OPINION OF COUNSEL TO THE TRANSFEROR TO SUCH EFFECT, THE SUBSTANCE OF WHICH SHALL BE REASONABLY ACCEPTABLE TO THE COMPANY.  THIS SECURITY MAY BE PLEDGED IN CONNECTION WITH A BONA FIDE MARGIN ACCOUNT WITH A REGISTERED BROKER-DEALER OR OTHER LOAN WITH A FINANCIAL INSTITUTION THAT IS AN “ACCREDITED INVESTOR” AS DEFINED IN RULE 501(a) UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OR OTHER LOAN SECURED BY SUCH SECURITIES.
 
The Company acknowledges and agrees that a Purchaser may from time to time pledge pursuant to a bona fide margin agreement with a registered broker-dealer or grant a security interest in some or all of the Securities to a financial institution that is an “accredited investor” as defined in Rule 501(a) under the Securities Act and who agrees to be bound by the provisions of this Agreement and the Registration Rights Agreement and, if required under the terms of such arrangement, such Purchaser may transfer pledged or secured Securities to the pledgees or secured parties.  Such a pledge or transfer would not be subject to approval of the Company and no legal opinion of legal counsel of the pledgee, secured party or pledgor shall be required in connection therewith.  Further, no notice shall be required of such pledge.  At the appropriate Purchaser’s expense, the Company will execute and deliver such reasonable documentation as a pledgee or secured party of Securities may reasonably request in connection with a pledge or transfer of the Securities, including, if the Securities are subject to registration pursuant to the Registration Rights Agreement, the preparation and filing of any required prospectus supplement under Rule 424(b)(3) under the Securities Act or other applicable provision of the Securities Act to appropriately amend the list of Selling Stockholders thereunder.
 
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(c)           Certificates evidencing the Shares and Warrant Shares shall not contain any legend (including the legend set forth in Section 4.1(b) hereof), (i) while a registration statement (including the Registration Statement) covering the resale of such security is effective under the Securities Act, (ii) following any sale of such Shares or Warrant Shares pursuant to Rule 144, (iii) if such Shares or Warrant Shares are eligible for sale under Rule 144, without the requirement for the Company to be in compliance with the current public information required under Rule 144 as to such Underlying Shares and without volume or manner-of-sale restrictions, or (iv) if such legend is not required under applicable requirements of the Securities Act (including judicial interpretations and pronouncements issued by the staff of the Commission).  The Company shall cause its counsel to issue a legal opinion to the transfer agent of the Company promptly after the Effective Date if required by the transfer agent of the Company to effect the removal of the legend hereunder.  If all or any portion of a Warrant is exercised at a time when there is an effective registration statement to cover the resale of the Warrant Shares, or if such Warrant Shares may be sold under Rule 144, without the requirement for the Company to be in compliance with the current public information required under Rule 144 as to such Underlying Shares and without volume or manner-of-sale restrictions or if such legend is not otherwise required under applicable requirements of the Securities Act (including judicial interpretations and pronouncements issued by the staff of the Commission) then such Warrant Shares shall be issued free of all legends.  The Company agrees that following the Effective Date or at such time as such legend is no longer required under this Section 4.1(c), it will, no later than three Business Days following the delivery by a Purchaser to the Company or the transfer agent of the Company of a certificate representing Shares or Warrant Shares, as the case may be, issued with a restrictive legend (such third Business Day, the “Legend Removal Date”), deliver or cause to be delivered to such Purchaser a certificate representing such shares that is free from all restrictive and other legends.  The Company may not make any notation on its records or give instructions to the transfer agent of the Company that enlarge the restrictions on transfer set forth in this Section 4.  Certificates for Securities subject to legend removal hereunder shall be transmitted by the transfer agent of the Company to the Purchaser by crediting the account of the Purchaser’s prime broker with the Depository Trust Company System as directed by such Purchaser.
 
(d)           Each Purchaser, severally and not jointly with the other Purchasers, agrees that such Purchaser will sell any Securities pursuant to either the registration requirements of the Securities Act, including any applicable prospectus delivery requirements, or an exemption therefrom, and that if Securities are sold pursuant to a Registration Statement, they will be sold in compliance with the plan of distribution set forth therein, and acknowledges that the removal of the restrictive legend from certificates representing Securities as set forth in this Section 4.1 is predicated upon the Company’s reliance upon this understanding.
 
4.2           Integration.  The Company shall not sell, offer for sale or solicit offers to buy or otherwise negotiate in respect of any security (as defined in Section 2 of the Securities Act) that would be integrated with the offer or sale of the Securities in a manner that would require the registration under the Securities Act of the sale of the Securities to the Purchasers or that would be integrated with the offer or sale of the Securities to the Purchasers for purposes of the rules and regulations of any Trading Market such that it would require shareholder approval prior to the closing of such other transaction unless shareholder approval is obtained before the closing of such subsequent transaction.
 
4.3           Securities Laws Disclosure; Publicity.  The Company shall not publicly disclose the name of any Purchaser, or include the name of any Purchaser in any filing with the Commission or any regulatory agency or Trading Market, without the prior written consent of such Purchaser, except (a) as required by federal securities law in connection with (i) any registration statement contemplated by the Registration Rights Agreement and (ii) the filing of final Transaction Documents (including signature pages thereto) with the Commission and (b) to the extent such disclosure is required by law or Trading Market regulations, in which case the Company shall provide the Purchasers with prior notice of such disclosure permitted under this clause (b).
 
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4.4           Shareholder Rights Plan.  No claim will be made or enforced by the Company or, with the consent of the Company, any other Person, that any Purchaser is an “Acquiring Person” under any control share acquisition, business combination, poison pill (including any distribution under a rights agreement) or similar anti-takeover plan or arrangement in effect or hereafter adopted by the Company, or that any Purchaser could be deemed to trigger the provisions of any such plan or arrangement, by virtue of receiving Securities under the Transaction Documents or under any other agreement between the Company and the Purchasers.
 
4.5           Non-Public Information.  If at any time the Company becomes subject to the reporting provisions of the Exchange Act, the Company covenants and agrees that neither it, nor any other Person acting on its behalf, will provide any Purchaser or its agents or counsel with any information that the Company believes constitutes material non-public information, unless prior thereto such Purchaser shall have executed a written agreement regarding the confidentiality and use of such information.  The Company understands and confirms that each Purchaser shall be relying on the foregoing covenant in effecting transactions in securities of the Company.
 
4.6           Use of Proceeds.  The Company shall use the net proceeds from the sale of the Securities hereunder for working capital purposes.
 
4.7           Indemnification of Purchasers.   Subject to the provisions of this Section 4.7, the Company will indemnify and hold each Purchaser and its directors, officers, shareholders, members, partners, employees and agents (and any other Persons with a functionally equivalent role of a Person holding such titles notwithstanding a lack of such title or any other title), each Person who controls such Purchaser (within the meaning of Section 15 of the Securities Act and Section 20 of the Exchange Act), and the directors, officers, shareholders, agents, members, partners or employees (and any other Persons with a functionally equivalent role of a Person holding such titles notwithstanding a lack of such title or any other title) of such controlling persons (each, a “Purchaser Party”) harmless from any and all losses, liabilities, obligations, claims, contingencies, damages, costs and expenses, including all judgments, amounts paid in settlements, court costs and reasonable attorneys’ fees and costs of investigation that any such Purchaser Party may suffer or incur as a result of or relating to (a) any breach of any of the representations, warranties, covenants or agreements made by the Company in this Agreement or in the other Transaction Documents or (b) any action instituted against a Purchaser in any capacity, or any of them or their respective Affiliates, by any stockholder of the Company who is not an Affiliate of such Purchaser, with respect to any of the transactions contemplated by the Transaction Documents (unless such action is based upon a breach of such Purchaser’s representations, warranties or covenants under the Transaction Documents or any agreements or understandings such Purchaser may have with any such stockholder or any violations by the Purchaser of state or federal securities laws or any conduct by such Purchaser which constitutes fraud, gross negligence, willful misconduct or malfeasance).  If any action shall be brought against any Purchaser Party in respect of which indemnity may be sought pursuant to this Agreement, such Purchaser Party shall promptly notify the Company in writing, and the Company shall have the right to assume the defense thereof with counsel of its own choosing reasonably acceptable to the Purchaser Party.  Any Purchaser Party shall have the right to employ separate counsel in any such action and participate in the defense thereof, but the fees and expenses of such counsel shall be at the expense of such Purchaser Party except to the extent that (i) the employment thereof has been specifically authorized by the Company in writing, (ii) the Company has failed after a reasonable period of time to assume such defense and to employ counsel or (iii) in such action there is, in the reasonable opinion of such separate counsel, a material conflict on any material issue between the position of the Company and the position of such Purchaser Party, in which case the Company shall be responsible for the reasonable fees and expenses of no more than one such separate counsel.  The Company will not be liable to any Purchaser Party under this Agreement (y) for any settlement by a Purchaser Party effected without the Company’s prior written consent, which shall not be unreasonably withheld or delayed; or (z) to the extent, but only to the extent that a loss, claim, damage or liability is attributable to any Purchaser Party’s breach of any of the representations, warranties, covenants or agreements made by such Purchaser Party in this Agreement or in the other Transaction Documents.
 
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4.8           Reservation of Common Stock. As of the date hereof, the Company has reserved and the Company shall continue to reserve and keep available at all times, free of preemptive rights, a sufficient number of shares of Common Stock for the purpose of enabling the Company to issue Shares pursuant to this Agreement and Warrant Shares pursuant to any exercise of the Warrants.
 
4.9           Equal Treatment of Purchasers.  No consideration (including any modification of any Transaction Document) shall be offered or paid to any Person to amend or consent to a waiver or modification of any provision of any of the Transaction Documents unless the same consideration is also offered to all of the parties to the Transaction Documents.  For clarification purposes, this provision constitutes a separate right granted to each Purchaser by the Company and negotiated separately by each Purchaser, and is intended for the Company to treat the Purchasers as a class and shall not in any way be construed as the Purchasers acting in concert or as a group with respect to the purchase, disposition or voting of Securities or otherwise.
 
4.10           Short Sales and Confidentiality After The Date Hereof. Each Purchaser, severally and not jointly with the other Purchasers, covenants that neither it, nor any Affiliate acting on its behalf or pursuant to any understanding with it, will execute any Short Sales during the period commencing upon receipt of a term sheet or other documents outlining the terms of this offering and ending at such time the transactions contemplated by this Agreement are first publicly announced as described in Section 4.3 (“Discussion Time”).  Each Purchaser, severally and not jointly with the other Purchasers, covenants that until such time as the transactions contemplated by this Agreement are publicly disclosed by the Company as described in Section 4.3, such Purchaser will maintain the confidentiality of the existence and terms of this transaction and the information included in the Transaction Documents and the Disclosure Schedules.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, no Purchaser makes any representation, warranty or covenant hereby that it will not engage in Short Sales in the securities of the Company after the time that the transactions contemplated by this Agreement are first publicly announced as described in Section 4.3.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the case of a Purchaser that is a multi-managed investment vehicle whereby separate portfolio managers manage separate portions of such Purchaser’s assets and the portfolio managers have no direct knowledge of the investment decisions made by the portfolio managers managing other portions of such Purchaser’s assets, the covenant set forth above shall only apply with respect to the portion of assets managed by the portfolio manager that made the investment decision to purchase the Securities covered by this Agreement.
 
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4.11           Form D; Blue Sky Filings.  The Company agrees to timely file a Form D with respect to the Securities as required under Regulation D and to provide a copy thereof, promptly upon request of any Purchaser. The Company shall take such action as the Company shall reasonably determine is necessary in order to obtain an exemption for, or to qualify the Securities for, sale to the Purchasers at the Closing under applicable securities or “Blue Sky” laws of the states of the United States, and shall provide evidence of such actions promptly upon request of any Purchaser.
 
4.12           Delivery of Securities After Closing.  The Company shall deliver, or cause to be delivered, the respective Securities purchased by each Purchaser to such Purchaser within 3 Business Days of the Closing Date.
 
4.13             Most Favored Nation Provision.  From the date hereof until the date that is the 90 day anniversary of the Closing Date, if the Company effects a upon any Subsequent Financing, each Purchaser may elect, in its sole discretion, to (a) exchange all or some of the Shares (but not the Warrants) then held by such Purchaser for any securities or units issued in a Subsequent Financing on a $1.00 for $1.00 basis based on the outstanding Shares, along with any liquidated damages and other amounts owing thereon, and the effective price at which such securities are to be sold in such Subsequent Financing, or (b) to have any particular provisions of the Subsequent Financing legal documents apply to the Transaction Documents ex post facto; provided, however, that this Section 4.14 shall not apply with respect to (i) an Exempt Issuance or (ii) an underwritten public offering of Common Stock. The Company shall provide each Purchaser with notice of any such Subsequent Financing.
 
ARTICLE V.
MISCELLANEOUS
 
5.1           Termination.  This Agreement may be terminated by any Purchaser, as to such Purchaser’s obligations hereunder only and without any effect whatsoever on the obligations between the Company and the other Purchasers, by written notice to the other parties, if the Closing has not been consummated on or before September 30, 2009; provided, however, that no such termination will affect the right of any party to sue for any breach by the other party (or parties).
 
5.2           Entire Agreement.  The Transaction Documents, together with the exhibits and schedules thereto, contain the entire understanding of the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersede all prior agreements and understandings, oral or written, with respect to such matters, which the parties acknowledge have been merged into such documents, exhibits and schedules.
 
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5.3           Notices.  Any and all notices or other communications or deliveries required or permitted to be provided hereunder shall be in writing and shall be deemed given and effective on the earliest of: (a) the date of transmission, if such notice or communication is delivered via facsimile at the facsimile number set forth on the signature pages attached hereto prior to 5:30 p.m. (New York City time) on a Business Day, (b) the next Business Day after the date of transmission, if such notice or communication is delivered via facsimile at the facsimile number set forth on the signature pages attached hereto on a day that is not a Business Day or later than 5:30 p.m. (New York City time) on any Business Day, (c) the 2nd Business Day following the date of mailing, if sent by U.S. nationally recognized overnight courier service or (d) upon actual receipt by the party to whom such notice is required to be given.  The address for such notices and communications shall be as set forth on the signature pages attached hereto.
 
5.4           Amendments; Waivers.  No provision of this Agreement may be waived or amended except in a written instrument signed, in the case of an amendment, by the Company and the Purchasers holding at least 55% of the Shares then outstanding or, in the case of a waiver, by the party against whom enforcement of any such waived provision is sought.  No waiver of any default with respect to any provision, condition or requirement of this Agreement shall be deemed to be a continuing waiver in the future or a waiver of any subsequent default or a waiver of any other provision, condition or requirement hereof, nor shall any delay or omission of any party to exercise any right hereunder in any manner impair the exercise of any such right.
 
5.5           Headings.  The headings herein are for convenience only, do not constitute a part of this Agreement and shall not be deemed to limit or affect any of the provisions hereof.
 
5.6           Successors and Assigns.  This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the parties and their successors and permitted assigns.  The Company may not assign this Agreement or any rights or obligations hereunder without the prior written consent of each Purchaser (other than by merger).  Any Purchaser may assign any or all of its rights under this Agreement to any Person to whom such Purchaser assigns or transfers any Securities, provided such transferee agrees in writing to be bound, with respect to the transferred Securities, by the provisions of the Transaction Documents that apply to the “Purchasers.”
 
5.7           No Third-Party Beneficiaries.  This Agreement is intended for the benefit of the parties hereto and their respective successors and permitted assigns and is not for the benefit of, nor may any provision hereof be enforced by, any other Person, except as otherwise set forth in Section 4.8.
 
5.8           Governing Law.  All questions concerning the construction, validity, enforcement and interpretation of the Transaction Documents shall be governed by and construed and enforced in accordance with the internal laws of the State of California, without regard to the principles of conflicts of law thereof.  Each party agrees that all legal proceedings concerning the interpretations, enforcement and defense of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and any other Transaction Documents (whether brought against a party hereto or its respective affiliates, directors, officers, shareholders, employees or agents) shall be commenced exclusively in the state and federal courts sitting in the City of Los Angeles. Each party hereby irrevocably submits to the exclusive jurisdiction of the state and federal courts sitting in the City of Los Angeles for the adjudication of any dispute hereunder or in connection herewith or with any transaction contemplated hereby or discussed herein (including with respect to the enforcement of any of the Transaction Documents), and hereby irrevocably waives, and agrees not to assert in any suit, action or proceeding, any claim that it is not personally subject to the jurisdiction of any such court, that such suit, action or proceeding is improper or is an inconvenient venue for such proceeding.  Each party hereby irrevocably waives personal service of process and consents to process being served in any such suit, action or proceeding by mailing a copy thereof via registered or certified mail or overnight delivery (with evidence of delivery) to such party at the address in effect for notices to it under this Agreement and agrees that such service shall constitute good and sufficient service of process and notice thereof.  Nothing contained herein shall be deemed to limit in any way any right to serve process in any other manner permitted by law.  If either party shall commence an action or proceeding to enforce any provisions of the Transaction Documents, then the prevailing party in such action or proceeding shall be reimbursed by the other party for its reasonable attorneys’ fees and other costs and expenses incurred with the investigation, preparation and prosecution of such action or proceeding.
 
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5.9           Survival.  The representations and warranties contained herein shall survive the Closing and the delivery of the Securities for the applicable statute of limitations.
 
5.10           Execution.  This Agreement may be executed in two or more counterparts, all of which when taken together shall be considered one and the same agreement and shall become effective when counterparts have been signed by each party and delivered to the other party, it being understood that both parties need not sign the same counterpart.  In the event that any signature is delivered by facsimile transmission or by e-mail delivery of a “.pdf” format data file, such signature shall create a valid and binding obligation of the party executing (or on whose behalf such signature is executed) with the same force and effect as if such facsimile or “.pdf” signature page were an original thereof.
 
5.11           Severability.  If any term, provision, covenant or restriction of this Agreement is held by a court of competent jurisdiction to be invalid, illegal, void or unenforceable, the remainder of the terms, provisions, covenants and restrictions set forth herein shall remain in full force and effect and shall in no way be affected, impaired or invalidated, and the parties hereto shall use their commercially reasonable efforts to find and employ an alternative means to achieve the same or substantially the same result as that contemplated by such term, provision, covenant or restriction. It is hereby stipulated and declared to be the intention of the parties that they would have executed the remaining terms, provisions, covenants and restrictions without including any of such that may be hereafter declared invalid, illegal, void or unenforceable.
 
5.12           Rescission and Withdrawal Right.  Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in (and without limiting any similar provisions of) any of the other Transaction Documents, whenever any Purchaser exercises a right, election, demand or option under a Transaction Document and the Company does not timely perform its related obligations within the periods therein provided, then such Purchaser may rescind or withdraw, in its sole discretion from time to time upon written notice to the Company, any relevant notice, demand or election in whole or in part without prejudice to its future actions and rights; provided, however, that in the case of a rescission of an exercise of a Warrant, the Purchaser shall be required to return any shares of Common Stock subject to with any such rescinded exercise notice.
 
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5.13           Replacement of Securities.  If any certificate or instrument evidencing any Securities is mutilated, lost, stolen or destroyed, the Company shall issue or cause to be issued in exchange and substitution for and upon cancellation thereof (in the case of mutilation), or in lieu of and substitution therefor, a new certificate or instrument, but only upon receipt of evidence reasonably satisfactory to the Company of such loss, theft or destruction.  The applicant for a new certificate or instrument under such circumstances shall also pay any reasonable third-party costs (including customary indemnity) associated with the issuance of such replacement Securities.
 
5.14           Remedies.  In addition to being entitled to exercise all rights provided herein or granted by law, including recovery of damages, each of the Purchasers and the Company will be entitled to specific performance under the Transaction Documents.  The parties agree that monetary damages may not be adequate compensation for any loss incurred by reason of any breach of obligations contained in the Transaction Documents and hereby agrees to waive and not to assert in any action for specific performance of any such obligation the defense that a remedy at law would be adequate.
 
5.15           Payment Set Aside.  To the extent that the Company makes a payment or payments to any Purchaser pursuant to any Transaction Document or a Purchaser enforces or exercises its rights thereunder, and such payment or payments or the proceeds of such enforcement or exercise or any part thereof are subsequently invalidated, declared to be fraudulent or preferential, set aside, recovered from, disgorged by or are required to be refunded, repaid or otherwise restored to the Company, a trustee, receiver or any other person under any law (including, without limitation, any bankruptcy law, state or federal law, common law or equitable cause of action), then to the extent of any such restoration the obligation or part thereof originally intended to be satisfied shall be revived and continued in full force and effect as if such payment had not been made or such enforcement or setoff had not occurred.
 
5.16           Independent Nature of Purchasers’ Obligations and Rights.  The obligations of each Purchaser under any Transaction Document are several and not joint with the obligations of any other Purchaser, and no Purchaser shall be responsible in any way for the performance or non-performance of the obligations of any other Purchaser under any Transaction Document.  Nothing contained herein or in any other Transaction Document, and no action taken by any Purchaser pursuant thereto, shall be deemed to constitute the Purchasers as a partnership, an association, a joint venture or any other kind of entity, or create a presumption that the Purchasers are in any way acting in concert or as a group with respect to such obligations or the transactions contemplated by the Transaction Documents.  Each Purchaser shall be entitled to independently protect and enforce its rights including, without limitation, the rights arising out of this Agreement or out of the other Transaction Documents, and it shall not be necessary for any other Purchaser to be joined as an additional party in any proceeding for such purpose.  Each Purchaser has been represented by its own separate legal counsel in their review and negotiation of the Transaction Documents.
 
5.17           Saturdays, Sundays, Holidays, etc.   If the last or appointed day for the taking of any action or the expiration of any right required or granted herein shall not be a Business Day, then such action may be taken or such right may be exercised on the next succeeding Business Day.
 
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5.18           Construction. The parties agree that each of them and/or their respective counsel has reviewed and had an opportunity to revise the Transaction Documents and, therefore, the normal rule of construction to the effect that any ambiguities are to be resolved against the drafting party shall not be employed in the interpretation of the Transaction Documents or any amendments hereto.
 
5.19           WAIVER OF JURY TRIAL.  IN ANY ACTION, SUIT, OR PROCEEDING IN ANY JURISDICTION BROUGHT BY ANY PARTY AGAINST ANY OTHER PARTY, THE PARTIES EACH KNOWINGLY AND INTENTIONALLY, TO THE GREATEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, HEREBY ABSOLUTELY, UNCONDITIONALLY, IRREVOCABLY AND EXPRESSLY WAIVES FOREVER TRIAL BY JURY.
 
(Signature Pages Follow)

 
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Securities Purchase Agreement to be duly executed by their respective authorized signatories as of the date first indicated above.

GENSPERA, INC.
 
Address for Notice:
     
By:
   
Fax:
Name:
   
Title:
   
With a copy to (which shall not constitute notice):
   

[REMAINDER OF PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK
SIGNATURE PAGE FOR PURCHASER FOLLOWS]

 
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[PURCHASER SIGNATURE PAGES TO GENSPERA SECURITIES PURCHASE AGREEMENT]

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned have caused this Securities Purchase Agreement to be duly executed by their respective authorized signatories as of the date first indicated above.
 
Name of Purchaser: ________________________________________________________________________
 
Signature of Authorized Signatory of Purchaser: ____________________________________________________
 
Name of Authorized Signatory: _______________________________________________________________________
 
Title of Authorized Signatory: ________________________________________________________________________
 
Email Address of Authorized Signatory: __________________________________________________________________
 
Fax Number of Authorized Signatory: _____________________________________________________________________
 
Address for Notice of Purchaser:

Address for Delivery of Securities for Purchaser (if not same as address for notice):

Subscription Amount: $_________________

Shares: _________________

Warrant Shares: __________________

EIN Number:  [PROVIDE THIS UNDER SEPARATE COVER]

[SIGNATURE PAGES CONTINUE]

 
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Annex A

CLOSING STATEMENT

Pursuant to the attached Securities Purchase Agreement, dated as of the date hereto, the purchasers shall purchase up to $4,000,000 of Common Stock and Warrants from GenSpera, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”).  All funds will be wired into an account maintained by the Company.  All funds will be disbursed in accordance with this Closing Statement.

Disbursement Date:  ___, 2009
 

 
I.   PURCHASE PRICE
 
 
Gross Proceeds to be Received
$
   
II.   DISBURSEMENTS
 
 
$
 
$
 
$
 
$
 
$
   
Total Amount Disbursed:
$

WIRE INSTRUCTIONS:
 
To:
 
 
To:
 

 
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EX-10.02 5 v159947_ex10-02.htm
 
NEITHER THIS SECURITY NOR THE SECURITIES FOR WHICH THIS SECURITY IS EXERCISABLE HAVE BEEN REGISTERED WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR THE SECURITIES COMMISSION OF ANY STATE IN RELIANCE UPON AN EXEMPTION FROM REGISTRATION UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED (THE “SECURITIES ACT”), AND, ACCORDINGLY, MAY NOT BE OFFERED OR SOLD EXCEPT PURSUANT TO AN EFFECTIVE REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OR PURSUANT TO AN AVAILABLE EXEMPTION FROM, OR IN A TRANSACTION NOT SUBJECT TO, THE REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS OF THE SECURITIES ACT AND IN ACCORDANCE WITH APPLICABLE STATE SECURITIES LAWS AS EVIDENCED BY A LEGAL OPINION OF COUNSEL TO THE TRANSFEROR TO SUCH EFFECT, THE SUBSTANCE OF WHICH SHALL BE REASONABLY ACCEPTABLE TO THE COMPANY.  THIS SECURITY AND THE SECURITIES ISSUABLE UPON EXERCISE OF THIS SECURITY MAY BE PLEDGED IN CONNECTION WITH A BONA FIDE MARGIN ACCOUNT OR OTHER LOAN SECURED BY SUCH SECURITIES.

COMMON STOCK PURCHASE WARRANT

 GENSPERA, INC.
 
Warrant Shares: _______
Initial Exercise Date: September  ___, 2009
 
THIS COMMON STOCK PURCHASE WARRANT (the “Warrant”) certifies that, for value received, _____________ (the “Holder”) is entitled, upon the terms and subject to the limitations on exercise and the conditions hereinafter set forth, at any time on or after the date hereof (the “Initial Exercise Date”) and on or prior to the close of business on the five year anniversary of the Initial Exercise Date (the “Termination Date”) but not thereafter, to subscribe for and purchase from GenSpera, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), up to ______ shares (the “Warrant Shares”) of Common Stock.  The purchase price of one share of Common Stock under this Warrant shall be equal to the Exercise Price, as defined in Section 2(b).
 
Section 1.       Definitions.  Capitalized terms used and not otherwise defined herein shall have the meanings set forth in that certain Securities Purchase Agreement (the “Purchase Agreement”), dated September ___, 2009, among the Company and the purchasers signatory thereto.

 
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Section 2.       Exercise.
 
a)         Exercise of Warrant.  Exercise of the purchase rights represented by this Warrant may be made, in whole or in part, at any time or times on or after the Initial Exercise Date and on or before the Termination Date by delivery to the Company (or such other office or agency of the Company as it may designate by notice in writing to the registered Holder at the address of the Holder appearing on the books of the Company) of a duly executed facsimile copy of the Notice of Exercise Form annexed hereto; and, within 3 Business Days of the date said Notice of Exercise is delivered to the Company, the Company shall have received  payment of the aggregate Exercise Price of the shares thereby purchased by wire transfer or cashier’s check drawn on a United States bank.  Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, the Holder shall not be required to physically surrender this Warrant to the Company until the Holder has purchased all of the Warrant Shares available hereunder and the Warrant has been exercised in full, in which case, the Holder shall surrender this Warrant to the Company for cancellation within 3 Business Days of the date the final Notice of Exercise is delivered to the Company.  Partial exercises of this Warrant resulting in purchases of a portion of the total number of Warrant Shares available hereunder shall have the effect of lowering the outstanding number of Warrant Shares purchasable hereunder in an amount equal to the applicable number of Warrant Shares purchased.  The Holder and the Company shall maintain records showing the number of Warrant Shares purchased and the date of such purchases.  The Company shall deliver any objection to any Notice of Exercise Form within 1 Business Day of receipt of such notice.  In the event of any dispute or discrepancy, the records of the Holder shall be controlling and determinative in the absence of manifest error. The Holder and any assignee, by acceptance of this Warrant, acknowledge and agree that, by reason of the provisions of this paragraph, following the purchase of a portion of the Warrant Shares hereunder, the number of Warrant Shares available for purchase hereunder at any given time may be less than the amount stated on the face hereof.
 
b)         Exercise Price.  The exercise price per share of the Common Stock under this Warrant shall be $3.00, subject to adjustment hereunder (the “Exercise Price”).
 
c)         Cashless Exercise.  If at any time after the earlier of (i) the one year anniversary of the date of the Purchase Agreement and (ii) the completion of the then-applicable holding period required by Rule 144, or any successor provision then in effect, there is no effective Registration Statement registering, or no current prospectus available for, the resale of the Warrant Shares by the Holder, then this Warrant may also be exercised at such time by means of a “cashless exercise” in which the Holder shall be entitled to receive a certificate for the number of Warrant Shares equal to the quotient obtained by dividing [(A-B) (X)] by (A), where:
 
(A) =  the VWAP on the Business Day immediately preceding the date of such election;

(B) =  the Exercise Price of this Warrant, as adjusted; and

(X) =  the number of Warrant Shares issuable upon exercise of this Warrant in accordance with the terms of this Warrant by means of a cash exercise rather than a cashless exercise.

 
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Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, on the Termination Date, this Warrant shall be automatically exercised via cashless exercise pursuant to this Section 2(c).

d)         Exercise Limitations. The Company shall not effect any exercise of this Warrant, and a Holder shall not have the right to exercise any portion of this Warrant, pursuant to Section 2 or otherwise, to the extent that after giving effect to such issuance after exercise as set forth on the applicable Notice of Exercise, the Holder (together with the Holder’s Affiliates, and any other person or entity acting as a group together with the Holder or any of the Holder’s Affiliates), would beneficially own in excess of the Beneficial Ownership Limitation (as defined below).  For purposes of the foregoing sentence, the number of shares of Common Stock beneficially owned by the Holder and its Affiliates shall include the number of shares of Common Stock issuable upon exercise of this Warrant with respect to which such determination is being made, but shall exclude the number of shares of Common Stock which would be issuable upon (A) exercise of the remaining, nonexercised portion of this Warrant beneficially owned by the Holder or any of its Affiliates and (B) exercise or conversion of the unexercised or nonconverted portion of any other securities of the Company (including, without limitation, any other  Common Stock Equivalents) subject to a limitation on conversion or exercise analogous to the limitation contained herein beneficially owned by the Holder or any of its affiliates.  Except as set forth in the preceding sentence, for purposes of this Section 2(d), beneficial ownership shall be calculated in accordance with Section 13(d) of the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder, it being acknowledged by the Holder that the Company is not representing to the Holder that such calculation is in compliance with Section 13(d) of the Exchange Act and the Holder is solely responsible for any schedules required to be filed in accordance therewith.   To the extent that the limitation contained in this Section 2(d) applies, the determination of whether this Warrant is exercisable (in relation to other securities owned by the Holder together with any Affiliates) and of which portion of this Warrant is exercisable shall be in the sole discretion of the Holder, and the submission of a Notice of Exercise shall be deemed to be the Holder’s determination of whether this Warrant is exercisable (in relation to other securities owned by the Holder together with any Affiliates) and of which portion of this Warrant is exercisable, in each case subject to the Beneficial Ownership Limitation, and the Company shall have no obligation to verify or confirm the accuracy of such determination.   In addition, a determination as to any group status as contemplated above shall be determined in accordance with Section 13(d) of the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.  For purposes of this Section 2(d), in determining the number of outstanding shares of Common Stock, a Holder may rely on the number of outstanding shares of Common Stock as reflected in (A) Schedule 3.1(g) to the Purchase Agreement, as the case may be, (B) a more recent public announcement by the Company or (C) any other notice by the Company or the transfer agent of the Company setting forth the number of shares of Common Stock outstanding.  Upon the written or oral request of a Holder, the Company shall within two Business Days confirm orally and in writing to the Holder the number of shares of Common Stock then outstanding.  In any case, the number of outstanding shares of Common Stock shall be determined after giving effect to the conversion or exercise of securities of the Company, including this Warrant, by the Holder or its Affiliates since the date as of which such number of outstanding shares of Common Stock was reported.  The “Beneficial Ownership Limitation” shall be 4.99% of the number of shares of the Common Stock outstanding immediately after giving effect to the issuance of shares of Common Stock issuable upon exercise of this Warrant.  The Holder, upon not less than 61 days’ prior notice to the Company, may increase or decrease the Beneficial Ownership Limitation provisions of this Section 2(d), provided that the Beneficial Ownership Limitation in no event exceeds 9.99% of the number of shares of the Common Stock outstanding immediately after giving effect to the issuance of shares of Common Stock upon exercise of this Warrant held by the Holder and the provisions of this Section 2(d) shall continue to apply.  Any such increase or decrease will not be effective until the 61st day after such notice is delivered to the Company.  The provisions of this paragraph shall be construed and implemented in a manner otherwise than in strict conformity with the terms of this Section 2(d) to correct this paragraph (or any portion hereof) which may be defective or inconsistent with the intended Beneficial Ownership Limitation herein contained or to make changes or supplements necessary or desirable to properly give effect to such limitation. The limitations contained in this paragraph shall apply to a successor holder of this Warrant.

 
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e)        Mechanics of Exercise.
 
i.      Delivery of Certificates Upon Exercise.  Certificates for shares purchased hereunder shall be transmitted by the transfer agent of the Company to the Holder by crediting the account of the Holder’s prime broker with the Depository Trust Company through its Deposit Withdrawal Agent Commission (“DWAC”) system if the Company is then a participant in such system and either (A) there is an effective Registration Statement permitting the resale of the Warrant Shares by the Holder or (B) the shares are eligible for resale without volume or manner-of-sale limitations pursuant to Rule 144, and otherwise by physical delivery to the address specified by the Holder in the Notice of Exercise within 3 Business Days from the delivery to the Company of the Notice of Exercise Form, surrender of this Warrant (if required) and payment of the aggregate Exercise Price as set forth above (the “Warrant Share Delivery Date”).  This Warrant shall be deemed to have been exercised on the date the Exercise Price is received by the Company.  The Warrant Shares shall be deemed to have been issued, and Holder or any other person so designated to be named therein shall be deemed to have become a holder of record of such shares for all purposes, as of the date the Warrant has been exercised by payment to the Company of the Exercise Price (or by cashless exercise, if permitted) and all taxes required to be paid by the Holder, if any, pursuant to Section 2(e)(v) prior to the issuance of such shares, have been paid.

 
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ii.     Delivery of New Warrants Upon Exercise.  If this Warrant shall have been exercised in part, the Company shall, at the request of a Holder and upon surrender of this Warrant certificate, at the time of delivery of the certificate or certificates representing Warrant Shares, deliver to Holder a new Warrant evidencing the rights of Holder to purchase the unpurchased Warrant Shares called for by this Warrant, which new Warrant shall in all other respects be identical with this Warrant.
 
iii.    Rescission Rights.  If the Company fails to cause the transfer agent of the Company to transmit to the Holder a certificate or the certificates representing the Warrant Shares pursuant to Section 2(e)(i) by the Warrant Share Delivery Date, then, the Holder will have the right to rescind such exercise.
 
iv.   No Fractional Shares or Scrip.  No fractional shares or scrip representing fractional shares shall be issued upon the exercise of this Warrant.  As to any fraction of a share which Holder would otherwise be entitled to purchase upon such exercise, the Company shall, at its election, either pay a cash adjustment in respect of such final fraction in an amount equal to such fraction multiplied by the Exercise Price or round up to the next whole share.
 
v.    Charges, Taxes and Expenses.  Issuance of certificates for Warrant Shares shall be made without charge to the Holder for any issue or transfer tax or other incidental expense in respect of the issuance of such certificate, all of which taxes and expenses shall be paid by the Company, and such certificates shall be issued in the name of the Holder or in such name or names as may be directed by the Holder; provided, however, that in the event certificates for Warrant Shares are to be issued in a name other than the name of the Holder, this Warrant when surrendered for exercise shall be accompanied by the Assignment Form attached hereto duly executed by the Holder and the Company may require, as a condition thereto, the payment of a sum sufficient to reimburse it for any transfer tax incidental thereto.
 
vi.   Closing of Books.  The Company will not close its stockholder books or records in any manner which prevents the timely exercise of this Warrant, pursuant to the terms hereof.

 
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f)          Call Provision.  Subject to the provisions of Section 2(d) and this Section 2(f), if, after the Effective Date, (i) the VWAP for each of 20 consecutive Business Days (the “Measurement Period,” which 20 consecutive Business Day period shall not have commenced until after the Effective Date) exceeds $5.00 (subject to adjustment for forward and reverse stock splits, recapitalizations, stock dividends and the like after the Initial Exercise Date), (ii) the average daily minimum volume for such Measurement Period exceeds 75,000 shares of Common Stock per Business Day (subject to adjustment for forward and reverse stock splits, recapitalizations, stock dividends and the like after the Initial Exercise Date), (iii) the Holder is not in possession of any information that constitutes, or might constitute, material non-public information which was provided by the Company, and (iv) there is an effective Registration Statement pursuant to which the Holder is permitted to utilize the prospectus thereunder to resell all of the shares issuable pursuant to the Transaction Documents (and the Company believes, in good faith, that such effectiveness will continue uninterrupted for the foreseeable future) then, the Company may, within 1 Business Day of the end of such Measurement Period, call for cancellation of all or any portion of this Warrant for which a Notice of Exercise has not yet been delivered (such right, a “Call”) for consideration equal to $.001 per Share.  To exercise this right, the Company must deliver to the Holder an irrevocable written notice (a “Call Notice”), indicating therein the portion of unexercised portion of this Warrant to which such notice applies.  If the conditions set forth below for such Call are satisfied from the period from the date of the Call Notice through and including the Call Date (as defined below), then any portion of this Warrant subject to such Call Notice for which a Notice of Exercise shall not have been received by the Call Date will be cancelled at 6:30 p.m. (New York City time) on the 20th Business Day after the date the Call Notice is received by the Holder (such date and time, the “Call Date”).  Any unexercised portion of this Warrant to which the Call Notice does not pertain will be unaffected by such Call Notice.  In furtherance thereof, the Company covenants and agrees that it will honor all Notices of Exercise with respect to Warrant Shares subject to a Call Notice that are tendered through 6:30 p.m. (New York City time) on the Call Date.  The parties agree that any Notice of Exercise delivered following a Call Notice which calls less than all the Warrants shall first reduce to zero the number of Warrant Shares subject to such Call Notice prior to reducing the remaining Warrant Shares available for purchase under this Warrant.  For example, if (A) this Warrant then permits the Holder to acquire 100 Warrant Shares, (B) a Call Notice pertains to 75 Warrant Shares, and (C) prior to 6:30 p.m. (New York City time) on the Call Date the Holder tenders a Notice of Exercise in respect of 50 Warrant Shares, then (x) on the Call Date the right under this Warrant to acquire 25 Warrant Shares will be automatically cancelled, (y) the Company, in the time and manner required under this Warrant, will have issued and delivered to the Holder 50 Warrant Shares in respect of the exercises following receipt of the Call Notice, and (z) the Holder may, until the Termination Date, exercise this Warrant for 25 Warrant Shares (subject to adjustment as herein provided and subject to subsequent Call Notices).  Subject again to the provisions of this Section 2(f), the Company may deliver subsequent Call Notices for any portion of this Warrant for which the Holder shall not have delivered a Notice of Exercise.  Notwithstanding anything to the contrary set forth in this Warrant, the Company may not deliver a Call Notice or require the cancellation of this Warrant (and any such Call Notice shall be void), unless, from the beginning of the Measurement Period through the Call Date, (1) the Company shall have honored in accordance with the terms of this Warrant all Notices of Exercise delivered by  6:30 p.m. (New York City time) on the Call Date, and (2) the Registration Statement shall be effective as to all Warrant Shares and the prospectus thereunder available for use by the Holder for the resale of all such Warrant Shares, and (3) the Common Stock shall be listed or quoted for trading on the Trading Market, and (4) there is a sufficient number of authorized shares of Common Stock for issuance of all Securities under the Transaction Documents, and (5) the issuance of the shares shall not cause a breach of any provision of 2(d) herein.  The Company’s right to call the Warrants under this Section 2(f) shall be exercised ratably among the Holders based on each Holder’s initial purchase of Warrants.

 
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Section 3.       Certain Adjustments.
 
a)         Stock Dividends and Splits. If the Company, at any time while this Warrant is outstanding: (i) pays a stock dividend or otherwise make a distribution or distributions on shares of its Common Stock or any other equity or equity equivalent securities payable in shares of Common Stock (which, for avoidance of doubt, shall not include any shares of Common Stock issued by the Company upon exercise of this Warrant), (ii) subdivides outstanding shares of Common Stock into a larger number of shares, (iii) combines (including by way of reverse stock split) outstanding shares of Common Stock into a smaller number of shares or (iv) issues by reclassification of shares of the Common Stock any shares of capital stock of the Company, then in each case the Exercise Price shall be multiplied by a fraction of which the numerator shall be the number of shares of Common Stock (excluding treasury shares, if any) outstanding immediately before such event and of which the denominator shall be the number of shares of Common Stock outstanding immediately after such event and the number of shares issuable upon exercise of this Warrant shall be proportionately adjusted such that the aggregate Exercise Price of this Warrant shall remain unchanged.  Any adjustment made pursuant to this Section 3(a) shall become effective immediately after the record date for the determination of stockholders entitled to receive such dividend or distribution and shall become effective immediately after the effective date in the case of a subdivision, combination or re-classification.

 
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b)         Fundamental Transaction. If, at any time while this Warrant is outstanding, (i) the Company effects any merger or consolidation of the Company with or into another Person, (ii) the Company effects any sale of all or substantially all of its assets in one or a series of related transactions, (iii) any tender offer or exchange offer (whether by the Company or another Person) is completed pursuant to which holders of Common Stock are permitted to tender or exchange their shares for other securities, cash or property or (iv) the Company effects any reclassification of the Common Stock or any compulsory share exchange pursuant to which the Common Stock is effectively converted into or exchanged for other securities, cash or property (each “Fundamental Transaction”), then, upon any subsequent exercise of this Warrant, the Holder shall have the right to receive, for each Warrant Share that would have been issuable upon such exercise immediately prior to the occurrence of such Fundamental Transaction, the number of shares of Common Stock of the successor or acquiring corporation or of the Company, if it is the surviving corporation, and any additional consideration (the “Alternate Consideration”) receivable as a result of such merger, consolidation or disposition of assets by a holder of the number of shares of Common Stock for which this Warrant is exercisable immediately prior to such event. For purposes of any such exercise, the determination of the Exercise Price shall be appropriately adjusted to apply to such Alternate Consideration based on the amount of Alternate Consideration issuable in respect of one share of Common Stock in such Fundamental Transaction, and the Company shall apportion the Exercise Price among the Alternate Consideration in a reasonable manner reflecting the relative value of any different components of the Alternate Consideration.  If holders of Common Stock are given any choice as to the securities, cash or property to be received in a Fundamental Transaction, then the Holder shall be given the same choice as to the Alternate Consideration it receives upon any exercise of this Warrant following such Fundamental Transaction.  To the extent necessary to effectuate the foregoing provisions, any successor to the Company or surviving entity in such Fundamental Transaction shall issue to the Holder a new warrant consistent with the foregoing provisions and evidencing the Holder’s right to exercise such warrant into Alternate Consideration. The terms of any agreement pursuant to which a Fundamental Transaction is effected shall include terms requiring any such successor or surviving entity to comply with the provisions of this Section 3(b) and insuring that this Warrant (or any such replacement security) will be similarly adjusted upon any subsequent transaction analogous to a Fundamental Transaction. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary, in the event of a Fundamental Transaction that is (1) an all cash transaction, (2) a “Rule 13e-3 transaction” as defined in Rule 13e-3 under the Exchange Act, or (3) a Fundamental Transaction involving a person or entity not traded on a national securities exchange, the Nasdaq Global Select Market, the Nasdaq Global Market, or the Nasdaq Capital Market, the Company or any successor entity shall pay at the Holder’s option, exercisable at any time concurrently with or within 30 days after the consummation of the Fundamental Transaction, an amount of cash equal to the value of this Warrant as determined in accordance with the Black Scholes Option Pricing Model obtained from the “OV” function on Bloomberg L.P. using (A) a price per share of Common Stock equal to the VWAP of the Common Stock for the Business Day immediately preceding the date of consummation of the applicable  Fundamental Transaction, (B) a risk-free interest rate corresponding to the U.S. Treasury rate for a 30 day period immediately prior to the consummation of the applicable Fundamental Transaction, (C) an expected volatility equal to the 100 day volatility obtained from the “HVT” function on Bloomberg L.P. determined as of the Business Day immediately following the public announcement of the applicable Fundamental Transaction and (D) a remaining option time equal to the time between the date of the public announcement of such transaction and the Termination Date.
 
c)         Calculations. All calculations under this Section 3 shall be made to the nearest cent or the nearest 1/100th of a share, as the case may be. For purposes of this Section 3, the number of shares of Common Stock deemed to be issued and outstanding as of a given date shall be the sum of the number of shares of Common Stock (excluding treasury shares, if any) issued and outstanding.
 
d)         Notice to Holder.
 
i.      Adjustment to Exercise Price. Whenever the Exercise Price is adjusted pursuant to any provision of this Section 3, the Company shall promptly mail to the Holder a notice setting forth the Exercise Price after such adjustment and setting forth a brief statement of the facts requiring such adjustment.

 
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ii.     Notice to Allow Exercise by Holder. If (A) the Company shall declare a dividend (or any other distribution in whatever form) on the Common Stock, (B) the Company shall declare a special nonrecurring cash dividend on or a redemption of the Common Stock, (C) the Company shall authorize the granting to all holders of the Common Stock rights or warrants to subscribe for or purchase any shares of capital stock of any class or of any rights, (D) the approval of any stockholders of the Company shall be required in connection with any reclassification of the Common Stock, any consolidation or merger to which the Company is a party, any sale or transfer of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company, of any compulsory share exchange whereby the Common Stock is converted into other securities, cash or property, or (E) the Company shall authorize the voluntary or involuntary dissolution, liquidation or winding up of the affairs of the Company, then, in each case, the Company shall cause to be mailed to the Holder at its last address as it shall appear upon the Warrant Register of the Company, at least 20 calendar days prior to the applicable record or effective date hereinafter specified, a notice stating (x) the date on which a record is to be taken for the purpose of such dividend, distribution, redemption, rights or warrants, or if a record is not to be taken, the date as of which the holders of the Common Stock of record to be entitled to such dividend, distributions, redemption, rights or warrants are to be determined or (y) the date on which such reclassification, consolidation, merger, sale, transfer or share exchange is expected to become effective or close, and the date as of which it is expected that holders of the Common Stock of record shall be entitled to exchange their shares of the Common Stock for securities, cash or other property deliverable upon such reclassification, consolidation, merger, sale, transfer or share exchange; provided that the failure to mail such notice or any defect therein or in the mailing thereof shall not affect the validity of the corporate action required to be specified in such notice.  The Holder is entitled to exercise this Warrant during the period commencing on the date of such notice to the effective date of the event triggering such notice.
 
Section 4.       Transfer of Warrant.
 
a)         Transferability.  Subject to compliance with any applicable securities laws and the conditions set forth in Section 4(d) hereof and to the provisions of Section 4.1 of the Purchase Agreement, this Warrant and all rights hereunder (including, without limitation, any registration rights) are transferable, in whole or in part, upon surrender of this Warrant at the principal office of the Company or its designated agent, together with a written assignment of this Warrant substantially in the form attached hereto duly executed by the Holder or its agent or attorney and funds sufficient to pay any transfer taxes payable upon the making of such transfer.  Upon such surrender and, if required, such payment, the Company shall execute and deliver a new Warrant or Warrants in the name of the assignee or assignees, as applicable, and in the denomination or denominations specified in such instrument of assignment, and shall issue to the assignor a new Warrant evidencing the portion of this Warrant not so assigned, and this Warrant shall promptly be cancelled.  The Warrant, if properly assigned, may be exercised by a new holder for the purchase of Warrant Shares without having a new Warrant issued.

 
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b)         New Warrants. This Warrant may be divided or combined with other Warrants upon presentation hereof at the aforesaid office of the Company, together with a written notice specifying the names and denominations in which new Warrants are to be issued, signed by the Holder or its agent or attorney.  Subject to compliance with Section 4(a), as to any transfer which may be involved in such division or combination, the Company shall execute and deliver a new Warrant or Warrants in exchange for the Warrant or Warrants to be divided or combined in accordance with such notice. All Warrants issued on transfers or exchanges shall be dated the original Issue Date and shall be identical with this Warrant except as to the number of Warrant Shares issuable pursuant thereto.
 
c)         Warrant Register. The Company shall register this Warrant, upon records to be maintained by the Company for that purpose (the “Warrant Register”), in the name of the record Holder hereof from time to time.  The Company may deem and treat the registered Holder of this Warrant as the absolute owner hereof for the purpose of any exercise hereof or any distribution to the Holder, and for all other purposes, absent actual notice to the contrary.
 
d)         Transfer Restrictions. If, at the time of the surrender of this Warrant in connection with any transfer of this Warrant, the transfer of this Warrant shall not be either (i) registered pursuant to an effective registration statement under the Securities Act and under applicable state securities or blue sky laws or (ii) eligible for resale without volume or manner-of-sale restrictions pursuant to Rule 144, the Company may require, as a condition of allowing such transfer, that the Holder or transferee of this Warrant, as the case may be, comply with the provisions of Section 4.1 of the Purchase Agreement.
 
Section 5.       Miscellaneous.
 
a)         No Rights as Stockholder Until Exercise.  This Warrant does not entitle the Holder to any voting rights or other rights as a stockholder of the Company prior to the exercise hereof as set forth in Section 2(e)(i).
 
b)         Loss, Theft, Destruction or Mutilation of Warrant. The Company covenants that upon receipt by the Company of evidence reasonably satisfactory to it of the loss, theft, destruction or mutilation of this Warrant or any stock certificate relating to the Warrant Shares, and in case of loss, theft or destruction, of indemnity or security reasonably satisfactory to it (which, in the case of the Warrant, shall not include the posting of any bond), and upon surrender and cancellation of such Warrant or stock certificate, if mutilated, the Company will make and deliver a new Warrant or stock certificate of like tenor and dated as of such cancellation, in lieu of such Warrant or stock certificate.
 
c)         Saturdays, Sundays, Holidays, etc.  If the last or appointed day for the taking of any action or the expiration of any right required or granted herein shall not be a Business Day, then, such action may be taken or such right may be exercised on the next succeeding Business Day.

 
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d)         Authorized Shares.
 
The Company covenants that, during the period the Warrant is outstanding, it will reserve from its authorized and unissued Common Stock a sufficient number of shares to provide for the issuance of the Warrant Shares upon the exercise of any purchase rights under this Warrant.  The Company further covenants that its issuance of this Warrant shall constitute full authority to its officers who are charged with the duty of executing stock certificates to execute and issue the necessary certificates for the Warrant Shares upon the exercise of the purchase rights under this Warrant.  The Company will take all such reasonable action as may be necessary to assure that such Warrant Shares may be issued as provided herein without violation of any applicable law or regulation, or of any requirements of the Trading Market upon which the Common Stock may be listed.  The Company covenants that all Warrant Shares which may be issued upon the exercise of the purchase rights represented by this Warrant will, upon exercise of the purchase rights represented by this Warrant, be duly authorized, validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable and free from all taxes, liens and charges created by the Company in respect of the issue thereof (other than taxes in respect of any transfer occurring contemporaneously with such issue).
 
Except and to the extent as waived or consented to by the Holder, the Company shall not by any action, including, without limitation, amending its certificate of incorporation or through any reorganization, transfer of assets, consolidation, merger, dissolution, issue or sale of securities or any other voluntary action, avoid or seek to avoid the observance or performance of any of the terms of this Warrant, but will at all times in good faith assist in the carrying out of all such terms and in the taking of all such actions as may be necessary or appropriate to protect the rights of Holder as set forth in this Warrant against impairment.  Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the Company will (i) not increase the par value of any Warrant Shares above the amount payable therefor upon such exercise immediately prior to such increase in par value, (ii) take all such action as may be necessary or appropriate in order that the Company may validly and legally issue fully paid and nonassessable Warrant Shares upon the exercise of this Warrant and (iii) use commercially reasonable efforts to obtain all such authorizations, exemptions or consents from any public regulatory body having jurisdiction thereof, as may be, necessary to enable the Company to perform its obligations under this Warrant.
 
Before taking any action which would result in an adjustment in the number of Warrant Shares for which this Warrant is exercisable or in the Exercise Price, the Company shall obtain all such authorizations or exemptions thereof, or consents thereto, as may be necessary from any public regulatory body or bodies having jurisdiction thereof.

 
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e)         Jurisdiction. All questions concerning the construction, validity, enforcement and interpretation of this Warrant shall be determined in accordance with the provisions of the Purchase Agreement.
 
f)          Restrictions.  The Holder acknowledges that the Warrant Shares acquired upon the exercise of this Warrant, if not registered, will have restrictions upon resale imposed by state and federal securities laws.
 
g)         Nonwaiver and Expenses.  No course of dealing or any delay or failure to exercise any right hereunder on the part of Holder shall operate as a waiver of such right or otherwise prejudice Holder’s rights, powers or remedies, notwithstanding the fact that all rights hereunder terminate on the Termination Date.  If the Company willfully and knowingly fails to comply with any provision of this Warrant, which results in any material damages to the Holder, the Company shall pay to Holder such amounts as shall be sufficient to cover any costs and expenses including, but not limited to, reasonable attorneys’ fees, including those of appellate proceedings, incurred by Holder in collecting any amounts due pursuant hereto or in otherwise enforcing any of its rights, powers or remedies hereunder.
 
h)         Notices.  Any notice, request or other document required or permitted to be given or delivered to the Holder by the Company shall be delivered in accordance with the notice provisions of the Purchase Agreement.
 
i)          Limitation of Liability.  No provision hereof, in the absence of any affirmative action by Holder to exercise this Warrant to purchase Warrant Shares, and no enumeration herein of the rights or privileges of Holder, shall give rise to any liability of Holder for the purchase price of any Common Stock or as a stockholder of the Company, whether such liability is asserted by the Company or by creditors of the Company.
 
j)          Remedies.  The Holder, in addition to being entitled to exercise all rights granted by law, including recovery of damages, will be entitled to specific performance of its rights under this Warrant.  The Company agrees that monetary damages would not be adequate compensation for any loss incurred by reason of a breach by it of the provisions of this Warrant and hereby agrees to waive and not to assert the defense in any action for specific performance that a remedy at law would be adequate.
 
k)         Successors and Assigns.  Subject to applicable securities laws, this Warrant and the rights and obligations evidenced hereby shall inure to the benefit of and be binding upon the successors of the Company and the successors and permitted assigns of Holder.  The provisions of this Warrant are intended to be for the benefit of all Holders from time to time of this Warrant and shall be enforceable by the Holder or holder of Warrant Shares.
 
l)          Amendment.  This Warrant may be modified or amended or the provisions hereof waived with the written consent of the Company and Holders holding Warrants at least equal to 55% of the Warrant Shares issuable upon exercise of all then outstanding Warrants.

 
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m)        Severability.  Wherever possible, each provision of this Warrant shall be interpreted in such manner as to be effective and valid under applicable law, but if any provision of this Warrant shall be prohibited by or invalid under applicable law, such provision shall be ineffective to the extent of such prohibition or invalidity, without invalidating the remainder of such provisions or the remaining provisions of this Warrant.
 
n)         Headings.  The headings used in this Warrant are for the convenience of reference only and shall not, for any purpose, be deemed a part of this Warrant.

********************
 
(Signature Pages Follow)

 
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Company has caused this Warrant to be executed by its officer thereunto duly authorized as of the date first above indicated.

 
GENSPERA, INC.
   
 
By:
 
   
Name: Craig A. Dionne, Ph.D.
   
Title:  President and CEO
 
 
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NOTICE OF EXERCISE

TO:     GENSPERA, INC.

(1)  The undersigned hereby elects to purchase ________ Warrant Shares of the Company pursuant to the terms of the attached Warrant (only if exercised in full), and tenders herewith payment of the exercise price in full, together with all applicable transfer taxes, if any.
 
(2)  Payment shall take the form of (check applicable box):
 
[  ] in lawful money of the United States; or
 
[ ] [if permitted] the cancellation of such number of Warrant Shares as is necessary, in accordance with the formula set forth in subsection 2(c), to exercise this Warrant with respect to the maximum number of Warrant Shares purchasable pursuant to the cashless exercise procedure set forth in subsection 2(c).
 
(3) Please issue a certificate or certificates representing said Warrant Shares in the name of the undersigned or in such other name as is specified below:
 
_______________________________

The Warrant Shares shall be delivered to the following DWAC Account Number or by physical delivery of a certificate to:

_______________________________

_______________________________

_______________________________

(4)  Accredited Investor.  The undersigned is an “accredited investor” as defined in Regulation D promulgated under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

[SIGNATURE OF HOLDER]

Name of Investing Entity: ________________________________________________________________________
Signature of Authorized Signatory of Investing Entity: _________________________________________________
Name of Authorized Signatory: ___________________________________________________________________
Title of Authorized Signatory: ____________________________________________________________________
Date: ________________________________________________________________________________________

 

 
 
ASSIGNMENT FORM

(To assign the foregoing warrant, execute
this form and supply required information.
Do not use this form to exercise the warrant.)

FOR VALUE RECEIVED, [____] all of or [_______] shares of the foregoing Warrant and all rights evidenced thereby are hereby assigned to

_______________________________________________ whose address is

_______________________________________________________________.
 
_______________________________________________________________

Dated:  ______________, _______

 
Holder’s Signature:
_____________________________
     
 
Holder’s Address:
_____________________________
     
   
_____________________________

Signature Guaranteed:  ___________________________________________

NOTE:  The signature to this Assignment Form must correspond with the name as it appears on the face of the Warrant, without alteration or enlargement or any change whatsoever, and must be guaranteed by a bank or trust company.  Officers of corporations and those acting in a fiduciary or other representative capacity should file proper evidence of authority to assign the foregoing Warrant.

 

 
EX-10.03 6 v159947_ex10-03.htm
 
REGISTRATION RIGHTS AGREEMENT

This Registration Rights Agreement (this “Agreement”) is made and entered into as of September ___, 2009, between GenSpera, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”) and each of the several purchasers signatory hereto (each such purchaser, a “Purchaser” and, collectively, the “Purchasers”).
 
This Agreement is made pursuant to the Securities Purchase Agreement, dated as of the date hereof, between the Company and each Purchaser (the “Purchase Agreement”).
 
The Company and each Purchaser hereby agrees as follows:

        1.                    Definitions

               Capitalized terms used and not otherwise defined herein that are defined in the Purchase Agreement shall have the meanings given such terms in the Purchase Agreement. As used in this Agreement, the following terms shall have the following meanings:

Advice” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 6(c).

Effectiveness Date” means, with respect to the Initial Registration Statement required to be filed hereunder, the 270th calendar day following the date hereof and with respect to any additional Registration Statements which may be required pursuant to Section 3(c), the 90th calendar day following the date on which an additional Registration Statement is required to be filed hereunder; provided, however, that in the event the Company is notified by the Commission that one or more of the above Registration Statements will not be reviewed or is no longer subject to further review and comments, the Effectiveness Date as to such Registration Statement shall be the fifth Business Day following the date on which the Company is so notified if such date precedes the dates otherwise required above.

Effectiveness Period” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2(a).

Event” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2(b).

Event Date” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2(b).

Filing Date” means, with respect to the Initial Registration Statement required hereunder, the 120th calendar day following the date hereof and, with respect to any additional Registration Statements which may be required pursuant to Section 3(c), the earliest practical date on which the Company is permitted by SEC Guidance to file such additional Registration Statement related to the Registrable Securities.

 
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Holder” or “Holders” means the holder or holders, as the case may be, from time to time of Registrable Securities.

Indemnified Party” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 5(c).

Indemnifying Party” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 5(c).

Initial Registration Statement” means the initial Registration Statement filed pursuant to this Agreement.

Initial Shares” means a number of Registrable Securities equal to the lesser of (i) the total number of Registrable Securities and (ii) one-third of the number of issued and outstanding shares of Common Stock that are held by non-affiliates of the Company on the day immediately prior to the filing date of the Initial Registration Statement.

Losses” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 5(a).

Plan of Distribution” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2(a).

Prospectus” means the prospectus included in a Registration Statement (including, without limitation, a prospectus that includes any information previously omitted from a prospectus filed as part of an effective registration statement in reliance upon Rule 430A promulgated by the Commission pursuant to the Securities Act), as amended or supplemented by any prospectus supplement, with respect to the terms of the offering of any portion of the Registrable Securities covered by a Registration Statement, and all other amendments and supplements to the Prospectus, including post-effective amendments, and all material incorporated by reference or deemed to be incorporated by reference in such Prospectus.

Registrable Securities” means (a) all of the Shares (b) all Warrant Shares (assuming on the date of determination the Warrants are exercised in full without regard to any exercise limitations therein), (c) any additional shares of Common Stock issuable in connection with any anti-dilution provisions in  the Shares or the Warrants (without giving effect to any limitations on exercise set forth in the Warrants) and (d) any securities issued or issuable upon any stock split, dividend or other distribution,  recapitalization or similar event with respect to the foregoing; provided, however, that the Company shall not be required to maintain the effectiveness, or file another Registration Statement hereunder with respect to any Registrable Securities that are not subject to the current public information requirement under Rule 144 and that are eligible for resale without volume or manner-of-sale restrictions without current public information pursuant to Rule 144 promulgated by the Commission pursuant to a written opinion letter to such effect, addressed, delivered and acceptable to the transfer agent of the Company and the affected Holders.

 
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Registration Statement” means any registration statement required to be filed hereunder pursuant to Section 2(a) and any additional registration statements contemplated by Section 3(c), including (in each case) the Prospectus, amendments and supplements to any such registration statement or Prospectus, including pre- and post-effective amendments, all exhibits thereto, and all material incorporated by reference or deemed to be incorporated by reference in any such registration statement.

 “Rule 415” means Rule 415 promulgated by the Commission pursuant to the Securities Act, as such Rule may be amended or interpreted from time to time, or any similar rule or regulation hereafter adopted by the Commission having substantially the same purpose and effect as such Rule.

Rule 424” means Rule 424 promulgated by the Commission pursuant to the Securities Act, as such Rule may be amended or interpreted from time to time, or any similar rule or regulation hereafter adopted by the Commission having substantially the same purpose and effect as such Rule.

Selling Stockholder Questionnaire” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 3(a).

SEC Guidance” means (i) any publicly-available written or oral guidance, comments, requirements or requests of the Commission staff and (ii) the Securities Act.

        2.                   Shelf Registration

(a)           On or prior to each Filing Date, the Company shall prepare and file with the Commission a Registration Statement covering the resale of all or such maximum portion of the Registrable Securities as permitted by SEC Guidance (provided that, the Company shall use diligent efforts to advocate with the Commission for the registration of all of the Registrable Securities in accordance with the SEC Guidance, including without limitation, the Manual of Publicly Available Telephone Interpretations D.29) that are not then registered on an effective Registration Statement for an offering to be made on a continuous basis pursuant to Rule 415.  Each Registration Statement filed hereunder shall be on Form S-1 and shall contain (unless otherwise directed by at least an 85% majority in interest of the Holders) substantially the “Plan of Distribution” attached hereto as Annex A.  Subject to the terms of this Agreement, the Company shall use its best efforts to cause a Registration Statement to be declared effective under the Securities Act as promptly as possible after the filing thereof, but in any event prior to the applicable Effectiveness Date, and shall use its best efforts to keep such Registration Statement continuously effective under the Securities Act until all Registrable Securities covered by such Registration Statement have been sold, or may be sold without volume or manner-of-sale restrictions pursuant to Rule 144, without the requirement for the Company to be in compliance with the current public information requirement under Rule 144, as determined by the counsel to the Company pursuant to a written opinion letter to such effect, addressed and acceptable to the transfer agent of the Company and the affected Holders (the “Effectiveness Period”).  The Company shall telephonically request effectiveness of a Registration Statement as of 5:00 p.m. New York City time on a Business Day.   The Company shall immediately notify the Holders via facsimile or by e-mail of the effectiveness of a Registration Statement on the same Business Day that the Company telephonically confirms effectiveness with the Commission, which shall be the date requested for effectiveness of such Registration Statement.  The Company shall, by 9:30 a.m. New York City time on the Business Day after the effective date of such Registration Statement, file a final Prospectus with the Commission as required by Rule 424.  Failure to so notify the Holder within 1 Business Day of such notification of effectiveness or failure to file a final Prospectus as foresaid shall be deemed an Event under Section 2(b).  Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement and subject to the payment of liquidated damages pursuant to Section 2(b), if any SEC Guidance sets forth a limitation on the number of Registrable Securities permitted to be registered on a particular Registration Statement (and notwithstanding that the Company used diligent efforts to advocate with the Commission for the registration of all or a greater portion of Registrable Securities), unless otherwise directed in writing by a Holder as to its Registrable Securities, the number of Registrable Securities to be registered on such Registration Statement will be reduced by Registrable Securities represented by Warrant Shares (applied, in the case that some Warrant Shares may be registered, to the Holders on a pro rata basis based on the total number of unregistered Warrant Shares held by such Holders. In the event of a cutback hereunder, the Company shall give the Holder at least 5 Business Days prior written notice along with the calculations as to such Holder’s allotment.

 
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(b)           If: (i) the Initial Registration Statement is not filed on or prior to its Filing Date, or (ii) the Company fails to file with the Commission a request for acceleration of a Registration Statement in accordance with Rule 461 promulgated by the Commission pursuant to the Securities Act, within five Business Days of the date that the Company is notified (orally or in writing, whichever is earlier) by the Commission that such Registration Statement will not be “reviewed” or will not be subject to further review, or (iii) prior to the effective date of a Registration Statement, the Company fails to file a pre-effective amendment and otherwise respond in writing to comments made by the Commission in respect of such Registration Statement within 30 calendar days after the receipt of comments by or notice from the Commission that such amendment is required in order for such Registration Statement to be declared effective, or (iv) as to, in the aggregate among all Holders on a pro-rata basis based on their purchase of the Securities pursuant to the Purchase Agreement, a Registration Statement registering for resale all of the Initial Shares is not declared effective by the Commission by the Effectiveness Date of the Initial Registration Statement, or (v) all of the Registrable Securities are not registered for resale pursuant to one or more effective Registration Statements on or before March 31, 2010, or (vi) after the effective date of a Registration Statement, such Registration Statement ceases for any reason to remain continuously effective as to all Registrable Securities included in such Registration Statement, or the Holders are otherwise not permitted to utilize the Prospectus therein to resell such Registrable Securities, for more than 45 consecutive calendar days or more than an aggregate of 60 calendar days (which need not be consecutive calendar days) during any 12-month period (any such failure or breach being referred to as an “Event”, and for purposes of clauses (i), (iv), and (v), the date on which such Event occurs, and for purpose of clause (ii) the date on which such five Business Day period is exceeded, and for purpose of clause (iii) the date which such 15 calendar day period is exceeded, and for purpose of clause (vi) the date on which such 45 or 60 calendar day period, as applicable, is exceeded being referred to as “Event Date”), then, in addition to any other rights the Holders may have hereunder or under applicable law, on each such Event Date and on each monthly anniversary of each such Event Date (if the applicable Event shall not have been cured by such date) until the applicable Event is cured, the Company shall pay to each Holder an amount in non-registered Common Stock, as partial liquidated damages and not as a penalty, equal to 1.0% of the aggregate purchase price paid by such Holder pursuant to the Purchase Agreement for any unregistered Registrable Securities then held by such Holder.  For purposes of calculating the partial liquidated damages, the Purchase Price shall be the value attributed to the Common Shares to be issued.  The parties agree that (1) the Company shall not be liable for liquidated damages under this Agreement with respect to any unexercised Warrants or Warrant Shares and (2) the maximum aggregate liquidated damages payable to a Holder under this Agreement shall be 18% of the aggregate Subscription Amount paid by such Holder pursuant to the Purchase Agreement.  The partial liquidated damages pursuant to the terms hereof shall apply on a daily pro rata basis for any portion of a month prior to the cure of an Event.

 
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3.           Registration Procedures.

               In connection with the Company’s registration obligations hereunder, the Company shall:

(a)           Not less than three (3) Business Days prior to the filing of each Registration Statement and not less than one (1) Business Day prior to the filing of any related Prospectus or any amendment or supplement thereto (including any document that would be incorporated or deemed to be incorporated therein by reference), the Company shall (i) furnish to each Holder, via email, copies of all such documents proposed to be filed, which documents (other than those incorporated or deemed to be incorporated by reference) will be subject to the review of such Holders, and (ii) cause its officers and directors, counsel and independent registered public accountants to respond to such inquiries as shall be necessary, in the reasonable opinion of respective counsel to each Holder, to conduct a reasonable investigation within the meaning of the Securities Act; provided, however, for Section 3(a)(i), each Holder has provided to the Company a current and correct email address within at least five (5) Business Days of the date hereof and, if the Holder does not provide a current and correct email address within such time period, then the Holder may provide to the Company a current and correct facsimile number such that the Company may satisfy the requirements of this Section 3(a)(i), and, if the Holder does not provide either a current and correct email address or facsimile number within such time period, the requirements of this Section 3(a)(i) shall not apply with respect to such Holder only. The Company shall not file a Registration Statement or any such Prospectus or any amendments or supplements thereto to which the Holders of a majority of the Registrable Securities shall reasonably object in good faith, provided that, the Company is notified of such objection in writing no later than three (3) Business Days after the Holders have been so furnished copies of a Registration Statement or one (1) Business Day after the Holders have been so furnished copies of any related Prospectus or amendments or supplements thereto. Each Holder agrees to furnish to the Company a completed questionnaire in the form attached to this Agreement as Annex B (a “Selling Stockholder Questionnaire”) on a date that is not less than two (2) Business Days prior to the Filing Date or by the end of the fourth (4th) Business Day following the date on which such Holder receives draft materials in accordance with this Section.

 
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(b)           (i) Prepare and file with the Commission such amendments, including post-effective amendments, to a Registration Statement and the Prospectus used in connection therewith as may be necessary to keep a Registration Statement continuously effective as to the applicable Registrable Securities for the Effectiveness Period and prepare and file with the Commission such additional Registration Statements in order to register for resale under the Securities Act all of the Registrable Securities, (ii) cause the related Prospectus to be amended or supplemented by any required Prospectus supplement (subject to the terms of this Agreement), and, as so supplemented or amended, to be filed pursuant to Rule 424, (iii) respond as promptly as reasonably possible to any comments received from the Commission with respect to a Registration Statement or any amendment thereto and provide as promptly as reasonably possible to the Holders true and complete copies of all correspondence from and to the Commission relating to a Registration Statement (provided that, the Company may excise any information contained therein which would constitute material non-public information as to any Holder which has not executed a confidentiality agreement with the Company), and (iv) comply in all material respects with the provisions of the Securities Act and the Exchange Act with respect to the disposition of all Registrable Securities covered by a Registration Statement during the applicable period in accordance (subject to the terms of this Agreement) with the intended methods of disposition by the Holders thereof set forth in such Registration Statement as so amended or in such Prospectus as so supplemented.

(c)           If during the Effectiveness Period, the number of Registrable Securities at any time exceeds 100% of the number of shares of Common Stock then registered in a Registration Statement, then the Company shall file as soon as reasonably practicable, but in any case prior to the applicable Filing Date, an additional Registration Statement covering the resale by the Holders of not less than the number of such Registrable Securities.

 
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(d)           Notify the Holders of Registrable Securities to be sold (which notice shall, pursuant to clauses (iii) through (vi) hereof, be accompanied by an instruction to suspend the use of the Prospectus until the requisite changes have been made) as promptly as reasonably possible (and, in the case of (i)(A) below, not less than one Business Day prior to such filing) and (if requested by any such Person) confirm such notice in writing no later than one Business Day following the day (i)(A) when a Prospectus or any Prospectus supplement or post-effective amendment to a Registration Statement is proposed to be filed, (B) when the Commission notifies the Company whether there will be a “review” of such Registration Statement and whenever the Commission comments in writing on such Registration Statement, and (C) with respect to a Registration Statement or any post-effective amendment, when the same has become effective, (ii) of any request by the Commission or any other federal or state governmental authority for amendments or supplements to a Registration Statement or Prospectus or for additional information, (iii) of the issuance by the Commission or any other federal or state governmental authority of any stop order suspending the effectiveness of a Registration Statement covering any or all of the Registrable Securities or the initiation of any Proceedings for that purpose; (iv) of the receipt by the Company of any notification with respect to the suspension of the qualification or exemption from qualification of any of the Registrable Securities for sale in any jurisdiction, or the initiation or threatening of any Proceeding for such purpose, (v) of the occurrence of any event or passage of time that makes the financial statements included in a Registration Statement ineligible for inclusion therein or any statement made in a Registration Statement or Prospectus or any document incorporated or deemed to be incorporated therein by reference untrue in any material respect or that requires any revisions to a Registration Statement, Prospectus or other documents so that, in the case of a Registration Statement or the Prospectus, as the case may be, it will not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state any material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein, in light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading and (vi) of the occurrence or existence of any pending corporate development with respect to the Company that the Company believes may be material and that, in the determination of the Company, makes it not in the best interest of the Company to allow continued availability of a Registration Statement or Prospectus, provided that, any and all of such information shall remain confidential to each Holder until such information otherwise becomes public, unless disclosure by a Holder is required by law; provided, further, that notwithstanding each Holder’s agreement to keep such information confidential, each such Holder makes no acknowledgement that any such information is material, non-public information.

(e)           Use its best efforts to avoid the issuance of, or, if issued, obtain the withdrawal of (i) any order stopping or suspending the effectiveness of a Registration Statement, or (ii) any suspension of the qualification (or exemption from qualification) of any of the Registrable Securities for sale in any jurisdiction, at the earliest practicable moment.

(f)           Furnish to each Holder, without charge, at least one conformed copy of each such Registration Statement and each amendment thereto, including financial statements and schedules, all documents incorporated or deemed to be incorporated therein by reference to the extent requested by such Person, and all exhibits to the extent requested by such Person (including those previously furnished or incorporated by reference) promptly after the filing of such documents with the Commission; provided, that any such item which is available on the EDGAR system need not be furnished in physical form.

(g)           Subject to the terms of this Agreement, the Company hereby consents to the use of such Prospectus and each amendment or supplement thereto by each of the selling Holders in connection with the offering and sale of the Registrable Securities covered by such Prospectus and any amendment or supplement thereto, except after the giving of any notice pursuant to Section 3(d).

 
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(h)          The Company shall cooperate with any broker-dealer through which a Holder proposes to resell its Registrable Securities in effecting a filing with the FINRA Corporate Financing Department pursuant to NASD Rule 5110, as requested by any such Holder, and the Company shall pay the filing fee required by such filing within two (2) Business Days of request therefor.

(i)           Prior to any resale of Registrable Securities by a Holder, use its commercially reasonable efforts to register or qualify or cooperate with the selling Holders in connection with the registration or qualification (or exemption from the Registration or qualification) of such Registrable Securities for the resale by the Holder under the securities or Blue Sky laws of such jurisdictions within the United States as any Holder reasonably requests in writing, to keep each registration or qualification (or exemption therefrom) effective during the Effectiveness Period and to do any and all other acts or things reasonably necessary to enable the disposition in such jurisdictions of the Registrable Securities covered by each Registration Statement; provided, that, the Company shall not be required to qualify generally to do business in any jurisdiction where it is not then so qualified, subject the Company to any material tax in any such jurisdiction where it is not then so subject or file a general consent to service of process in any such jurisdiction.

(j)           If requested by a Holder, cooperate with such Holders to facilitate the timely preparation and delivery of certificates representing Registrable Securities to be delivered to a transferee pursuant to a Registration Statement, which certificates shall be free, to the extent permitted by the Purchase Agreement, of all restrictive legends, and to enable such Registrable Securities to be in such denominations and registered in such names as any such Holder may request.

(k)          Upon the occurrence of any event contemplated by Section 3(d), as promptly as reasonably possible under the circumstances taking into account the Company’s good faith assessment of any adverse consequences to the Company and its stockholders of the premature disclosure of such event, prepare a supplement or amendment, including a post-effective amendment, to a Registration Statement or a supplement to the related Prospectus or any document incorporated or deemed to be incorporated therein by reference, and file any other required document so that, as thereafter delivered, neither a Registration Statement nor such Prospectus will contain an untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein, in light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading. If the Company notifies the Holders in accordance with clauses (iii) through (vi) of Section 3(d) above to suspend the use of any Prospectus until the requisite changes to such Prospectus have been made, then the Holders shall suspend use of such Prospectus.  The Company will use its best efforts to ensure that the use of the Prospectus may be resumed as promptly as is practicable.  The Company shall be entitled to exercise its right under this Section 3(k) to suspend the availability of a Registration Statement and Prospectus, subject to the payment of partial liquidated damages otherwise required pursuant to Section 2(b), for a period not to exceed 60 calendar days (which need not be consecutive days) in any 12 month period.

 
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(l)           Comply with all applicable rules and regulations of the Commission.

(m)         The Company may require each selling Holder to furnish to the Company a certified statement as to the number of shares of Common Stock beneficially owned by such Holder and, if required by the Commission, the natural persons thereof that have voting and dispositive control over the shares. During any periods that the Company is unable to meet its obligations hereunder with respect to the registration of the Registrable Securities solely because any Holder fails to furnish such information within three Business Days of the Company’s request, any liquidated damages that are accruing at such time as to such Holder only shall be tolled and any Event that may otherwise occur solely because of such delay shall be suspended as to such Holder only, until such information is delivered to the Company.

        4.                    Registration Expenses. All fees and expenses incident to the performance of or compliance with this Agreement by the Company shall be borne by the Company whether or not any Registrable Securities are sold pursuant to a Registration Statement. The fees and expenses referred to in the foregoing sentence shall include, without limitation, (i) all registration and filing fees (including, without limitation, fees and expenses of the Company’s counsel and independent registered public accountants) (A) with respect to filings made with the Commission, (B) with respect to filings required to be made with any Trading Market on which the Common Stock is then listed for trading, (C) in compliance with applicable state securities or Blue Sky laws reasonably agreed to by the Company in writing (including, without limitation, fees and disbursements of counsel for the Company in connection with Blue Sky qualifications or exemptions of the Registrable Securities) and (D) if not previously paid by the Company in connection with an Issuer Filing, with respect to any filing that may be required to be made by any broker through which a Holder intends to make sales of Registrable Securities with the FINRA pursuant to NASD Rule 5110, so long as the broker is receiving no more than a customary brokerage commission in connection with such sale, (ii) printing expenses (including, without limitation, expenses of printing certificates for Registrable Securities), (iii) messenger, telephone and delivery expenses, (iv) reasonable and customary fees and disbursements of counsel for the Company, (v) Securities Act liability insurance, if the Company so desires such insurance, and (vi) reasonable and customary fees and expenses of all other Persons retained by the Company in connection with the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.  In addition, the Company shall be responsible for all of its internal expenses incurred in connection with the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement (including, without limitation, all salaries and expenses of its officers and employees performing legal or accounting duties), the expense of any annual audit and the fees and expenses incurred in connection with the listing of the Registrable Securities on any securities exchange as required hereunder.  In no event shall the Company be responsible for any broker or similar commissions of any Holder or, except to the extent provided for in the Transaction Documents, any legal fees or other costs of the Holders.

 
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        5.                   Indemnification.

(a)           Indemnification by the Company. The Company shall, notwithstanding any termination of this Agreement, indemnify and hold harmless each Holder, the officers, directors, members, partners, agents, brokers (including brokers who offer and sell Registrable Securities as principal as a result of a pledge or any failure to perform under a margin call of Common Stock), investment advisors and employees (and any other Persons with a functionally equivalent role of a Person holding such titles, notwithstanding a lack of such title or any other title) of each of them, each Person who controls any such Holder (within the meaning of Section 15 of the Securities Act or Section 20 of the Exchange Act) and the officers, directors, members, stockholders, partners, agents and employees (and any other Persons with a functionally equivalent role of a Person holding such titles, notwithstanding a lack of such title or any other title) of each such controlling Person, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, from and against any and all losses, claims, damages, liabilities, costs (including, without limitation, reasonable attorneys’ fees) and expenses (collectively, “Losses”), as incurred, arising out of or relating to (1) any untrue statement of a material fact contained in a Registration Statement, any Prospectus or any form of prospectus or in any amendment or supplement thereto or in any preliminary prospectus, or arising out of or relating to any omission or alleged omission of a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein (in the case of any Prospectus or supplement thereto, in light of the circumstances under which they were made) not misleading or (2) any violation by the Company of the Securities Act, the Exchange Act or any state securities law, or any rule or regulation thereunder, in connection with the performance of its obligations under this Agreement, except to the extent, but only to the extent, that (i) such untrue statements or omissions are based solely upon information regarding such Holder furnished in writing to the Company by such Holder expressly for use therein, or to the extent that such information relates to such Holder or such Holder’s proposed method of distribution of Registrable Securities and was reviewed and expressly approved in writing by such Holder expressly for use in a Registration Statement, such Prospectus or in any amendment or supplement thereto (it being understood that the Holder has approved Annex A hereto for this purpose) or (ii) in the case of an occurrence of an event of the type specified in Section 3(d)(iii)-(vi), the use by such Holder of an outdated or defective Prospectus after the Company has notified such Holder in writing that the Prospectus is outdated or defective and prior to the receipt by such Holder of the Advice contemplated in Section 6(c).  The Company shall notify the Holders promptly of the institution, threat or assertion of any Proceeding arising from or in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement of which the Company is aware.

 
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(b)           Indemnification by Holders. Each Holder shall, severally and not jointly, indemnify and hold harmless the Company, its directors, officers, agents and employees, each Person who controls the Company (within the meaning of Section 15 of the Securities Act and Section 20 of the Exchange Act), and the directors, officers, agents or employees of such controlling Persons, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, from and against all Losses, as incurred, to the extent arising out of or based solely upon: (x) such Holder’s failure to comply with the prospectus delivery requirements of the Securities Act or (y) any untrue statement of a material fact contained in any Registration Statement, any Prospectus, or in any amendment or supplement thereto or in any preliminary prospectus, or arising out of or relating to any omission or alleged omission of a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading (i) to the extent, but only to the extent, that such untrue statement or omission is contained in any information so furnished in writing by such Holder to the Company specifically for inclusion in such Registration Statement or such Prospectus or (ii) to the extent that such information relates to such Holder’s proposed method of distribution of Registrable Securities and was reviewed and expressly approved in writing by such Holder expressly for use in a Registration Statement (it being understood that the Holder has approved Annex A hereto for this purpose), such Prospectus or in any amendment or supplement thereto or (ii) in the case of an occurrence of an event of the type specified in Section 3(d)(iii)-(vi), the use by such Holder of an outdated or defective Prospectus after the Company has notified such Holder in writing that the Prospectus is outdated or defective and prior to the receipt by such Holder of the Advice contemplated in Section 6(c). In no event shall the liability of any selling Holder hereunder be greater in amount than the dollar amount of the net proceeds received by such Holder upon the sale of the Registrable Securities giving rise to such indemnification obligation.

(c)           Conduct of Indemnification Proceedings. If any Proceeding shall be brought or asserted against any Person entitled to indemnity hereunder (an “Indemnified Party”), such Indemnified Party shall promptly notify the Person from whom indemnity is sought (the “Indemnifying Party”) in writing, and the Indemnifying Party shall have the right to assume the defense thereof, including the employment of counsel reasonably satisfactory to the Indemnified Party and the payment of all fees and expenses incurred in connection with defense thereof; provided, that, the failure of any Indemnified Party to give such notice shall not relieve the Indemnifying Party of its obligations or liabilities pursuant to this Agreement, except (and only) to the extent that it shall be finally determined by a court of competent jurisdiction (which determination is not subject to appeal or further review) that such failure shall have prejudiced the Indemnifying Party.

               An Indemnified Party shall have the right to employ separate counsel in any such Proceeding and to participate in the defense thereof, but the fees and expenses of such counsel shall be at the expense of such Indemnified Party or Parties unless:  (1) the Indemnifying Party has agreed in writing to pay such fees and expenses, (2) the Indemnifying Party shall have failed promptly to assume the defense of such Proceeding and to employ counsel reasonably satisfactory to such Indemnified Party in any such Proceeding, or (3) the named parties to any such Proceeding (including any impleaded parties) include both such Indemnified Party and the Indemnifying Party, and counsel to the Indemnified Party shall reasonably believe that a material conflict of interest is likely to exist if the same counsel were to represent such Indemnified Party and the Indemnifying Party (in which case, if such Indemnified Party notifies the Indemnifying Party in writing that it elects to employ separate counsel at the expense of the Indemnifying Party, the Indemnifying Party shall not have the right to assume the defense thereof and the reasonable fees and expenses of no more than one separate counsel shall be at the expense of the Indemnifying Party).  The Indemnifying Party shall not be liable for any settlement of any such Proceeding effected without its written consent, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld or delayed.  No Indemnifying Party shall, without the prior written consent of the Indemnified Party, effect any settlement of any pending Proceeding in respect of which any Indemnified Party is a party, unless such settlement includes an unconditional release of such Indemnified Party from all liability on claims that are the subject matter of such Proceeding.

 
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               Subject to the terms of this Agreement, all reasonable fees and expenses of the Indemnified Party (including reasonable fees and expenses to the extent incurred in connection with investigating or preparing to defend such Proceeding in a manner not inconsistent with this Section) shall be paid to the Indemnified Party, as incurred, within ten Business Days of written notice thereof to the Indemnifying Party; provided, that, the Indemnified Party shall promptly reimburse the Indemnifying Party for that portion of such fees and expenses applicable to such actions for which such Indemnified Party is judicially determined not to be entitled to indemnification hereunder.

(d)           Contribution. If the indemnification under Section 5(a) or 5(b) is unavailable to an Indemnified Party or insufficient to hold an Indemnified Party harmless for any Losses, then each Indemnifying Party shall contribute to the amount paid or payable by such Indemnified Party, in such proportion as is appropriate to reflect the relative fault of the Indemnifying Party and Indemnified Party in connection with the actions, statements or omissions that resulted in such Losses as well as any other relevant equitable considerations. The relative fault of such Indemnifying Party and Indemnified Party shall be determined by reference to, among other things, whether any action in question, including any untrue or alleged untrue statement of a material fact or omission or alleged omission of a material fact, has been taken or made by, or relates to information supplied by, such Indemnifying Party or Indemnified Party, and the parties’ relative intent, knowledge, access to information and opportunity to correct or prevent such action, statement or omission.  The amount paid or payable by a party as a result of any Losses shall be deemed to include, subject to the limitations set forth in this Agreement, any reasonable attorneys’ or other fees or expenses incurred by such party in connection with any Proceeding to the extent such party would have been indemnified for such fees or expenses if the indemnification provided for in this Section was available to such party in accordance with its terms.

               The parties hereto agree that it would not be just and equitable if contribution pursuant to this Section 5(d) were determined by pro rata allocation or by any other method of allocation that does not take into account the equitable considerations referred to in the immediately preceding paragraph.  Notwithstanding the provisions of this Section 5(d), no Holder shall be required to contribute, in the aggregate, any amount in excess of the amount by which the net proceeds actually received by such Holder from the sale of the Registrable Securities subject to the Proceeding exceeds the amount of any damages that such Holder has otherwise been required to pay by reason of such untrue or alleged untrue statement or omission or alleged omission.

 
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The indemnity and contribution agreements contained in this Section are in addition to any liability that the Indemnifying Parties may have to the Indemnified Parties.

        6.                   Miscellaneous.

(a)           Remedies.  In the event of a breach by the Company or by a Holder of any of their respective obligations under this Agreement, each Holder or the Company, as the case may be, in addition to being entitled to exercise all rights granted by law and under this Agreement, including recovery of damages, shall be entitled to specific performance of its rights under this Agreement.  The Company and each Holder agree that monetary damages would not provide adequate compensation for any losses incurred by reason of a breach by it of any of the provisions of this Agreement and hereby further agrees that, in the event of any action for specific performance in respect of such breach, it shall not assert or shall waive the defense that a remedy at law would be adequate.

(b)           Compliance. Each Holder covenants and agrees that it will comply with the prospectus delivery requirements of the Securities Act as applicable to it in connection with sales of Registrable Securities pursuant to a Registration Statement.

(c)           Discontinued Disposition.  By its acquisition of Registrable Securities, each Holder agrees that, upon receipt of a notice from the Company of the occurrence of any event of the kind described in Section 3(d)(iii) through (vi), such Holder will forthwith discontinue disposition of such Registrable Securities under a Registration Statement until it is advised in writing (the “Advice”) by the Company that the use of the applicable Prospectus (as it may have been supplemented or amended) may be resumed.  The Company will use its best efforts to ensure that the use of the Prospectus may be resumed as promptly as is practicable.  The Company agrees and acknowledges that any periods during which the Holder is required to discontinue the disposition of the Registrable Securities hereunder shall be subject to the provisions of Section 2(b).

(d)           Piggy-Back Registrations. If, at any time during the Effectiveness Period, there is not an effective Registration Statement covering all of the Registrable Securities and the Company shall determine to prepare and file with the Commission a registration statement relating to an offering for its own account or the account of others under the Securities Act of any of its equity securities, other than on Form S-4 or Form S-8 (each as promulgated under the Securities Act) or their then equivalents relating to equity securities to be issued solely in connection with any acquisition of any entity or business or equity securities issuable in connection with the Company’s stock option or other employee benefit plans, then the Company shall deliver to each Holder a written notice of such determination and, if within fifteen days after the date of the delivery of such notice, any such Holder shall so request in writing, the Company shall include in such registration statement all or any part of such Registrable Securities such Holder requests to be registered; provided, however, that the Company shall not be required to register any Registrable Securities pursuant to this Section 6(d) that are eligible for resale pursuant to Rule 144 promulgated by the Commission pursuant to the Securities Act or that are the subject of a then effective Registration Statement.

 
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(e)           Amendments and Waivers. The provisions of this Agreement, including the provisions of this sentence, may not be amended, modified or supplemented, and waivers or consents to departures from the provisions hereof may not be given, unless the same shall be in writing and signed by the Company and the Holders of 67% or more of the then outstanding Registrable Securities (including, for this purpose any Registrable Securities issuable upon exercise or conversion of any Security).  If a Registration Statement does not register all of the Registrable Securities pursuant to a waiver or amendment done in compliance with the previous sentence, then the number of Registrable Securities to be registered for each Holder shall be reduced pro rata among all Holders and each Holder shall have the right to designate which of its Registrable Securities shall be omitted from such Registration Statement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, a waiver or consent to depart from the provisions hereof with respect to a matter that relates exclusively to the rights of a Holder or some Holders and that does not directly or indirectly affect the rights of other Holders may be given by such Holder or Holders of all of the Registrable Securities to which such waiver or consent relates; provided, however, that the provisions of this sentence may not be amended, modified, or supplemented except in accordance with the provisions of the first  sentence of this Section 6(e).

(f)           Notices. Any and all notices or other communications or deliveries required or permitted to be provided hereunder shall be delivered as set forth in the Purchase Agreement.

(g)           Successors and Assigns. This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be binding upon the successors and permitted assigns of each of the parties and shall inure to the benefit of each Holder. The Company may not assign (except by merger) its rights or obligations hereunder without the prior written consent of all of the Holders of the then outstanding Registrable Securities. Each Holder may assign their respective rights hereunder in the manner and to the Persons as permitted under the Purchase Agreement.

(h)           No Inconsistent Agreements. Neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries has entered, as of the date hereof, nor shall the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, on or after the date of this Agreement, enter into any agreement with respect to its securities, that would have the effect of impairing the rights granted to the Holders in this Agreement or otherwise conflicts with the provisions hereof.  Except as set forth on Schedule 6(h), neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries has previously entered into any agreement granting any registration rights with respect to any of its securities to any Person that have not been satisfied in full.

(i)           Execution and Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in two or more counterparts, all of which when taken together shall be considered one and the same agreement and shall become effective when counterparts have been signed by each party and delivered to the other party, it being understood that both parties need not sign the same counterpart.  In the event that any signature is delivered by facsimile transmission or by e-mail delivery of a “.pdf” format data file, such signature shall create a valid and binding obligation of the party executing (or on whose behalf such signature is executed) with the same force and effect as if such facsimile or “.pdf” signature page were an original thereof.

 
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(j)            Governing Law.  All questions concerning the construction, validity, enforcement and interpretation of this Agreement shall be determined in accordance with the provisions of the Purchase Agreement.

(k)           Cumulative Remedies. The remedies provided herein are cumulative and not exclusive of any other remedies provided by law.

(l)            Severability. If any term, provision, covenant or restriction of this Agreement is held by a court of competent jurisdiction to be invalid, illegal, void or unenforceable, the remainder of the terms, provisions, covenants and restrictions set forth herein shall remain in full force and effect and shall in no way be affected, impaired or invalidated, and the parties hereto shall use their commercially reasonable efforts to find and employ an alternative means to achieve the same or substantially the same result as that contemplated by such term, provision, covenant or restriction. It is hereby stipulated and declared to be the intention of the parties that they would have executed the remaining terms, provisions, covenants and restrictions without including any of such that may be hereafter declared invalid, illegal, void or unenforceable.

(m)          Headings. The headings in this Agreement are for convenience only, do not constitute a part of the Agreement and shall not be deemed to limit or affect any of the provisions hereof.

(n)           Independent Nature of Holders’ Obligations and Rights. The obligations of each Holder hereunder are several and not joint with the obligations of any other Holder hereunder, and no Holder shall be responsible in any way for the performance of the obligations of any other Holder hereunder. Nothing contained herein or in any other agreement or document delivered at any closing, and no action taken by any Holder pursuant hereto or thereto, shall be deemed to constitute the Holders as a partnership, an association, a joint venture or any other kind of entity, or create a presumption that the Holders are in any way acting in concert with respect to such obligations or the transactions contemplated by this Agreement. Each Holder shall be entitled to protect and enforce its rights, including without limitation the rights arising out of this Agreement, and it shall not be necessary for any other Holder to be joined as an additional party in any proceeding for such purpose.

********************
 
(Signature Pages Follow)

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

GENSPERA, INC.
 
By:__________________________________________
     Name:  Craig A. Dionne, Ph.D.
     Title:  President and CEO

[SIGNATURE PAGE OF HOLDERS FOLLOWS]

 
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[SIGNATURE PAGE OF HOLDERS TO GENSPERA RRA]

Name of Holder: __________________________

Signature of Authorized Signatory of Holder: __________________________

Name of Authorized Signatory: _________________________

Title of Authorized Signatory: __________________________

[SIGNATURE PAGES CONTINUE]

 
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Annex A

Plan of Distribution

Each Selling Stockholder (the “Selling Stockholders”) of the common stock and any of their pledgees, assignees and successors-in-interest may, from time to time, sell any or all of their shares of common stock on the [principal Trading Market] or any other stock exchange, market or trading facility on which the shares are traded or in private transactions.  These sales may be at fixed or negotiated prices.  A Selling Stockholder may use any one or more of the following methods when selling shares:
 
 
·
ordinary brokerage transactions and transactions in which the broker-dealer solicits purchasers;
 
 
·
block trades in which the broker-dealer will attempt to sell the shares as agent but may position and resell a portion of the block as principal to facilitate the transaction;
 
 
·
purchases by a broker-dealer as principal and resale by the broker-dealer for its account;
 
 
·
an exchange distribution in accordance with the rules of the applicable exchange;
 
 
·
privately negotiated transactions;
 
 
·
settlement of short sales entered into after the effective date of the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part;
 
 
·
broker-dealers may agree with the Selling Stockholders to sell a specified number of such shares at a stipulated price per share;
 
 
·
through the writing or settlement of options or other hedging transactions, whether through an options exchange or otherwise;
 
 
·
a combination of any such methods of sale; or
 
 
·
any other method permitted pursuant to applicable law.
 
The Selling Stockholders may also sell shares under Rule 144 under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), if available, rather than under this prospectus.
 
Broker-dealers engaged by the Selling Stockholders may arrange for other brokers-dealers to participate in sales.  Broker-dealers may receive commissions or discounts from the Selling Stockholders (or, if any broker-dealer acts as agent for the purchaser of shares, from the purchaser) in amounts to be negotiated, but, except as set forth in a supplement to this Prospectus, in the case of an agency transaction not in excess of a customary brokerage commission in compliance with FINRA NASD Rule 2440; and in the case of a principal transaction a markup or markdown in compliance with NASD IM-2440.

 
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In connection with the sale of the common stock or interests therein, the Selling Stockholders may enter into hedging transactions with broker-dealers or other financial institutions, which may in turn engage in short sales of the common stock in the course of hedging the positions they assume.  The Selling Stockholders may also sell shares of the common stock short and deliver these securities to close out their short positions, or loan or pledge the common stock to broker-dealers that in turn may sell these securities.  The Selling Stockholders may also enter into option or other transactions with broker-dealers or other financial institutions or the creation of one or more derivative securities which require the delivery to such broker-dealer or other financial institution of shares offered by this prospectus, which shares such broker-dealer or other financial institution may resell pursuant to this prospectus (as supplemented or amended to reflect such transaction).
 
The Selling Stockholders and any broker-dealers or agents that are involved in selling the shares may be deemed to be “underwriters” within the meaning of the Securities Act in connection with such sales.  In such event, any commissions received by such broker-dealers or agents and any profit on the resale of the shares purchased by them may be deemed to be underwriting commissions or discounts under the Securities Act.  Each Selling Stockholder has informed the Company that it does not have any written or oral agreement or understanding, directly or indirectly, with any person to distribute the Common Stock. In no event shall any broker-dealer receive fees, commissions and markups which, in the aggregate, would exceed eight percent (8%).
 
The Company is required to pay certain fees and expenses incurred by the Company incident to the registration of the shares.  The Company has agreed to indemnify the Selling Stockholders against certain losses, claims, damages and liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act.
 
Because Selling Stockholders may be deemed to be “underwriters” within the meaning of the Securities Act, they will be subject to the prospectus delivery requirements of the Securities Act including Rule 172 thereunder.  In addition, any securities covered by this prospectus which qualify for sale pursuant to Rule 144 under the Securities Act may be sold under Rule 144 rather than under this prospectus.  There is no underwriter or coordinating broker acting in connection with the proposed sale of the resale shares by the Selling Stockholders.
 
We agreed to keep this prospectus effective until the earlier of (i) the date on which the shares may be resold by the Selling Stockholders without registration and without regard to any volume or manner-of-sale limitations by reason of Rule 144, without the requirement for the Company to be in compliance with the current public information under Rule 144 under the Securities Act or any other rule of similar effect or (ii) all of the shares have been sold pursuant to this prospectus or Rule 144 under the Securities Act or any other rule of similar effect.  The resale shares will be sold only through registered or licensed brokers or dealers if required under applicable state securities laws. In addition, in certain states, the resale shares may not be sold unless they have been registered or qualified for sale in the applicable state or an exemption from the registration or qualification requirement is available and is complied with.

 
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Under applicable rules and regulations under the Exchange Act, any person engaged in the distribution of the resale shares may not simultaneously engage in market making activities with respect to the common stock for the applicable restricted period, as defined in Regulation M, prior to the commencement of the distribution.  In addition, the Selling Stockholders will be subject to applicable provisions of the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations thereunder, including Regulation M, which may limit the timing of purchases and sales of shares of the common stock by the Selling Stockholders or any other person.  We will make copies of this prospectus available to the Selling Stockholders and have informed them of the need to deliver a copy of this prospectus to each purchaser at or prior to the time of the sale (including by compliance with Rule 172 under the Securities Act).

 
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Annex B
 
GenSpera, Inc.
 
Selling Stockholder Notice and Questionnaire
 
The undersigned beneficial owner of common stock (the “Registrable Securities”) of GenSpera, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), understands that the Company has filed or intends to file with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “Commission”) a registration statement (the “Registration Statement”) for the registration and resale under Rule 415 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), of the Registrable Securities, in accordance with the terms of the Registration Rights Agreement (the “Registration Rights Agreement”) to which this document is annexed.  A copy of the Registration Rights Agreement is available from the Company upon request at the address set forth below.  All capitalized terms not otherwise defined herein shall have the meanings ascribed thereto in the Registration Rights Agreement.
 
Certain legal consequences arise from being named as a selling stockholder in the Registration Statement and the related prospectus.  Accordingly, holders and beneficial owners of Registrable Securities are advised to consult their own securities law counsel regarding the consequences of being named or not being named as a selling stockholder in the Registration Statement and the related prospectus.
 
NOTICE
 
The undersigned beneficial owner (the “Selling Stockholder”) of Registrable Securities hereby elects to include the Registrable Securities owned by it in the Registration Statement.

 
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The undersigned hereby provides the following information to the Company and represents and warrants that such information is accurate:
 
QUESTIONNAIRE
 
1.
Name.
     
 
(a)
Full Legal Name of Selling Stockholder
     
     
     
 
(b)
Full Legal Name of Registered Holder (if not the same as (a) above) through which Registrable Securities are held:
     
     
     
 
(c)
Full Legal Name of Natural Control Person (which means a natural person who directly or indirectly alone or with others has power to vote or dispose of the securities covered by this Questionnaire):
     
     
 
2.  Address for Notices to Selling Stockholder:
 
 
 
 
Telephone:
 
Fax:
 
Contact Person:
 

3.  Broker-Dealer Status:
 
 
(a)
Are you a broker-dealer?
 
Yes  ¨     No   ¨
 
 
(b)
If “yes” to Section 3(a), did you receive your Registrable Securities as compensation for investment banking services to the Company?
 
Yes   ¨     No   ¨
 
Note:
If “no” to Section 3(b), the Commission’s staff has indicated that you should be identified as an underwriter in the Registration Statement.
 
 
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(c)
Are you an affiliate of a broker-dealer?
 
Yes   ¨     No   ¨
 
 
(d)
If you are an affiliate of a broker-dealer, do you certify that you purchased the Registrable Securities in the ordinary course of business, and at the time of the purchase of the Registrable Securities to be resold, you had no agreements or understandings, directly or indirectly, with any person to distribute the Registrable Securities?
 
Yes   ¨     No   ¨
 
Note:
If “no” to Section 3(d), the Commission’s staff has indicated that you should be identified as an underwriter in the Registration Statement.
 
4.  Beneficial Ownership of Securities of the Company Owned by the Selling Stockholder.
 
Except as set forth below in this Item 4, the undersigned is not the beneficial or registered owner of any securities of the Company other than the securities issuable pursuant to the Purchase Agreement.
 
 
(a) 
Type and Amount of other securities beneficially owned by the Selling Stockholder: 
     
     
     

 
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5.  Relationships with the Company:
 
Except as set forth below, neither the undersigned nor any of its affiliates, officers, directors or principal equity holders (owners of 5% of more of the equity securities of the undersigned) has held any position or office or has had any other material relationship with the Company (or its predecessors or affiliates) during the past three years.
 
 
State any exceptions here:
   
   
   
 
The undersigned agrees to promptly notify the Company of any inaccuracies or changes in the information provided herein that may occur subsequent to the date hereof at any time while the Registration Statement remains effective.
 
By signing below, the undersigned consents to the disclosure of the information contained herein in its answers to Items 1 through 5 and the inclusion of such information in the Registration Statement and the related prospectus and any amendments or supplements thereto.  The undersigned understands that such information will be relied upon by the Company in connection with the preparation or amendment of the Registration Statement and the related prospectus.
 
IN WITNESS WHEREOF the undersigned, by authority duly given, has caused this Notice and Questionnaire to be executed and delivered either in person or by its duly authorized agent.
 
Date:
   
Beneficial Owner:
 

     
By:
 
     
 
Name:
     
 
Title:
 
PLEASE FAX A COPY OF THE COMPLETED AND EXECUTED NOTICE AND QUESTIONNAIRE, AND RETURN THE ORIGINAL BY OVERNIGHT MAIL, TO:

 
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EX-10.04 7 v159947_ex10-04.htm
EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT
 
This Employment Agreement (the “Agreement”), dated as of September 2, 2009 (the “Effective Date”), is made by and between GenSpera, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), and Craig Dionne (“Executive”).  This Agreement is intended to confirm the understanding and set forth the agreement between the Company and Executive with respect to Executive’s employment by the Company.  In consideration of the mutual promises and covenants contained in this Agreement, and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby mutually acknowledged, the Company and the Executive hereby agree as follows:
 
1.
 Employment & Directorship.
 
(a)           Title and Duties.  Subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, the Company will employ Executive, and Executive will be employed by the Company, as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”), reporting to the Board of Directors of the Company (the “Board”).  Executive will have the responsibilities, duties and authority commensurate with said position.  Executive will also perform such other services of an executive nature for the Company as may be reasonably assigned to Executive from time to time by the Board.
 
(b)           Devotion to Duties.  For so long as Executive is employed hereunder, Executive will devote substantially all of Executive’s business time and energies to the business and affairs of the Company;  provided that nothing contained in this Section 1(b) will be deemed to prevent or limit Executive’s right to manage Executive’s personal investments on Executive’s own personal time, including, without limitation, the right to make passive investments in the securities of (i) any entity which Executive does not control, directly or indirectly, and which does not compete with the Company, or (ii) any publicly held entity (other than the Company or its related entities) so long as Executive’s aggregate direct and indirect interest does not exceed four and 99/100 percent (4.99%) of the issued and outstanding securities of any class of securities of such publicly held entity.  Except as set forth on Exhibit A hereto, Executive represents that Executive is not currently a director (or similar position) of any other entity and is not employed by or providing consulting services to any other person or entity, and Executive agrees to refrain from undertaking any such position or engagement without the prior approval of the Board, which approval shall not be unreasonably withheld.  Executive may continue to serve as a director for the entities listed on Exhibit A  provided that such service does not create any conflicts, ethical or otherwise, with Executive’s responsibilities to the Company and further provided that Executive’s time commitments do not unreasonably interfere with his fulfillment of his responsibilities hereunder, as determined by the Board or its designated committee thereof.  Executives affiliation with the entities listed on Exhibit A are subject to periodic review by the Board or its designated committee for purpose of compliance with the preceding sentence.
 
(c)           Directorship. In the event that Executive is elected to serve on the Company’s Board, the Executive agrees to accept election, as director of the Company, without any compensation therefore other than as specified in this Agreement.

2. 
Term of Agreement; Termination of Employment.
 
(a)           Term of Agreement.  The term of this Agreement shall commence on the Effective Date and shall continue in effect for five (5) years; provided however, that commencing on the fifth anniversary of the Effective Date and continuing each anniversary thereafter, the Term shall automatically be extended for one (1) additional year unless, not later than three (3) months before the conclusion of the Term, the Company or the Executive shall have given notice not to extend the Term.  Such notice or such termination of this Agreement shall not on its own have the effect of terminating Executive’s employment, nor shall it constitute Cause (as defined below).  The duration of this Agreement is referred to as the “Term.”

 
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(b)           Termination of Employment. Subject to the provisions of Section 4, either the Executive or the Company may terminate the employment relationship at any time for any reason.  Notwithstanding anything else contained in this Agreement, Executive’s employment during the Term will terminate upon the earliest to occur of the following:
 
(i)              Death.  Immediately upon Executive’s death;
 
(ii)             Termination by the Company.
 
(A)          If because of Disability (as defined below), then upon written notice by the Company to Executive that Executive’s employment is being terminated as a result of Executive’s Disability, which termination shall be effective on the date of such notice;
 
(B)           If for Cause (as defined below), then upon written notice by the Company to Executive that states that Executive’s employment is being terminated for Cause and sets forth the specific alleged Cause for termination and the factual basis supporting the alleged Cause, which termination shall be effective on the date of such notice or such later date as specified in writing by the Board; or
 
(C)           If without Cause (i.e., for reasons other than Sections 2(b)(ii)(A) or (B)), then upon written notice by the Company to Executive that Executive’s employment is being terminated without Cause, which termination shall be effective on the date of such notice or such later date as specified in writing by the Board; or
 
(iii)            Termination by Executive
 
(A)              If for Good Reason (as defined below), then upon written notice by Executive to the Company that states that Executive is terminating Executive’s employment for Good Reason and sets forth the specific alleged Good Reason for termination and the factual basis supporting the alleged Good Reason, such termination shall be effective on the date of such notice; or
 
(B)               If without Good Reason, then upon written notice by Executive to the Company that Executive is terminating Executive’s employment, which termination shall be effective, at Executive’s election, not less than thirty (30) days and not more than sixty (60) days after the date of such notice; provided  that the Executive may request a shorter period subject to Board approval; and further provided  that the Board may choose to accept Executive’s resignation effective as of an earlier date.
 
Notwithstanding anything in this Section 2(b), the Company may at any point terminate Executive’s employment for Cause prior to the effective date of any other termination contemplated hereunder if such Cause exists.

 
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(c)           Definition of “Disability”.  For purposes of this Agreement, “Disability” shall mean that Executive is unable to engage in any substantial gainful activity by reason of any medically determinable physical or mental impairment which can be expected to result in death or can be expected to last for a continuous period of not less than six (6) months.  Whether the Executive has a Disability will be determined by a majority of the Board based on evidence provided by one or more physicians selected by the Board and approved by Executive, which approval shall not be unreasonably withheld.
 
(d)           Definition of “Cause”.  For purposes of this Agreement, “Cause” shall mean that Executive has:
 
          (i)           intentionally committed an unlawful act or omission in the performance of Executives duties that materially harms the Company;
 
(ii)          been grossly negligent in the performance of Executive’s duties to the Company;
 
(iii)         willfully failed or refused to follow the lawful and proper directives of the Board;
 
(iv)         been convicted of, or pleaded guilty or nolo contendre, to a felony;
 
(v)          committed an act involving moral turpitude;
 
(vi)         committed an act relating to the Company involving, in the good faith judgment of the Board, material fraud or theft resulting in material harm to the Company;
 
(vii)        breached any material provision of this Agreement or any nondisclosure or non-competition agreement (including the Proprietary Information, Inventions, and Competition Agreement attached here as Exhibit B ), between Executive and the Company, as all of the foregoing may be amended prospectively from time to time; or
 
(viii)       breached a material provision of any code of conduct or ethics policy in effect at the Company, as all of the foregoing may be amended prospectively from time to time.
 
(e)         Definition of “Good Reason”.  For purposes of this Agreement, “Good Reason” shall mean the occurrence of one or more of the following without the Executive’s consent:  (i) a change in the principal location at which the Executive performs his duties for the Company to a new location that is at least forty (40) miles from the prior location without Executives consent; (ii) a material change in the Executive’s authority, functions, duties or responsibilities as Chief Executive Officer of the Company, which would cause his position with the Company to become of less responsibility, importance or scope than his position on the date of this Agreement, provided, however, that such material change is not in connection with the termination of the Executive’s employment by the Company for Cause or death or Disability and further provided that it shall not be considered a material change if the Company becomes a subsidiary of another entity and Executive continues to hold the position of Chief Executive Officer in the subsidiary; (iii) a reduction in the Executives annual base salary or (iv) a reduction in Executive’s Target Annual Bonus as compared to the Target Annual Bonus set for the previous fiscal year.
 
(f)           Board Membership.  Upon termination of Executive’s employment for any reason, if so requested by a majority of the Board, Executive shall immediately resign in writing as a director of the Company.

 
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3.                 Compensation.
 
(a)           Base Salary.  While Executive is employed hereunder, the Company will pay Executive a base salary at the gross annualized rate of $240,000.00 (the “Base Salary”), paid in accordance with the Company’s usual payroll practices.  The Base Salary will be subject to review annually or on such periodic basis (no less than annually) as the Company reviews the compensation of the Company’s other senior executives and may be adjusted upwards in the sole discretion of the Board or its designee.  The Company will deduct from each such installment any amounts required to be deducted or withheld under applicable law or under any employee benefit plan in which Executive participates.
 
(b)           Annual Bonus.  Executive may be eligible to earn an Annual Bonus relating to each fiscal year, based on the achievement of individual and Company written goals established on an annual basis by the Board within thirty (30) days of the beginning of the fiscal year.  Such goals may include minimum working capital or other financial requirements as a condition to receiving the Annual Bonus.  The applicable bonus amount shall be determined at such time as the Board establishes the written goals for each applicable year (“Target Annual Bonus”).  Any awarded Annual Bonus shall be paid within 2 ½ months of the year to which it relates.  Notwithstanding the forgoing, Executive acknowledges that the bonus may be comprised of cash and non-cash compensation as determined at the sole discretion of the Board or its designee.
 
(c)         Discretionary Bonus. At the sole discretion of the Board, the Executive shall be eligible to receive an annual discretionary bonus (the “Discretionary Bonus”) based upon his performance during the prior year.  Any awarded Discretionary Bonus shall be paid within 2 ½ months of being granted.  Notwithstanding the forgoing, Executive acknowledges that the bonus may be comprised of cash or non-cash compensation as determined at the sole discretion of the Board or its designee.
 
(d)             Stock Option Grants. The Company shall grant Executive the  stock options as provided for on Exhibit C  (“Options”).   In connection with such grants, the Executive shall enter into the Company’s standard stock option agreement which will incorporate the vesting schedule and other terms described in Exhibit C. The Board shall review the aggregate number of stock options granted to the Executive not less frequently than annually in order to determine whether an increase in the number thereof is warranted.

(e)           Fringe Benefits.  In addition to any benefits provided by this Agreement, Executive shall be entitled to participate generally in all employee benefit, welfare and other plans, practices, policies and programs (collectively “Benefit Plans”) and fringe benefits maintained by the Company from time to time on a basis no less favorable than those provided to other similarly-situated executives of the Company.  Executive understands that, except when prohibited by applicable law, the Company’s Benefit Plans and fringe benefits may be amended, enlarged, diminished or terminated prospectively by the Company from time to time, in its sole discretion, and that such shall not be deemed to be a breach of this Agreement.  Executive acknowledges that at present, the Company does not maintain any Benefit Plans and nothing contained herein shall obligate the Company to establish any such plans.
 
(f)           Paid Time Off.  Executive will be entitled to an initial thirty (30) days of Paid Time Off (“PTO”) per year, administered in accordance with and subject to the terms of the Company’s PTO policy, as it may be amended prospectively from time to time.  Executive is entitled to accrue additional PTO days for any days not taken in the prior year provided that in no event shall Executive be entitled to more than forty five (45) PTO days per any calendar year.
 
(g)           Reimbursement of Expenses.  The Company will promptly reimburse Executive for all ordinary and reasonable out-of-pocket business expenses that are incurred by Executive in furtherance of the Company’s business in accordance with the Company’s policies with respect thereto as in effect from time to time.

 
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4.             Compensation Upon Termination.
 
(a)           Definition of Accrued Obligations.  For purposes of this Agreement, “Accrued Obligations ” means (i) the portion of Executive’s Base Salary that has accrued prior to any termination of Executive’s employment with the Company and has not yet been paid; (ii) to the extent required by law and the Company’s policy, an amount equal to the value of Executive’s accrued but unused PTO days; (iii) the amount of any expenses properly incurred by Executive on behalf of the Company prior to any such termination and not yet reimbursed; (iv) the Annual Bonus related to the most recently completed fiscal year, if not already paid and if the termination is not for Cause (the amount of which shall be determined in accordance with Section 3(b) above); (v) any accrued but unused PTO days; and (vi) any applicable Discretionary Bonus previously awarded, if not already paid and if the termination is not for Cause.  Executive’s entitlement to any other compensation or benefit under any plan or policy of the Company, including but not limited to applicable equity compensation plans, shall be governed by and determined in accordance with the terms of such plans or policies, except as otherwise specified in this Agreement.
 
(b)           Termination for Cause, By the Executive without Good Reason, or as a Result of Executive’s Disability or Death.
 
(i)            If Executive’s employment is terminated during the Term either by the Company for Cause or by Executive without Good Reason, or if Executive’s employment terminates as a result of the Executive’s death, the Company will pay the Accrued Obligations to Executive, or his estate, promptly following the effective date of such termination.
 
(ii)           In case of termination during the Term by the Company as a result of the Executive’s Disability, the Company will pay Executive the Accrued Obligations plus an amount equal to twelve (12) months of Executive’s then-current Base Salary.
 
(c)           Termination by the Company without Cause or by Executive with Good Reason.  If Executive’s employment is terminated by the Company without Cause or by Executive with Good Reason, during the Term, then:
 
(i)            The Company will pay the Accrued Obligations to Executive promptly following the effective date of such termination;
 
(ii)           The Company will pay Executive a total amount equal to thirty six (36) months of Executive’s then current Base Salary, less applicable taxes and deductions; to be made in approximately equal biweekly installments in accordance with the Company’s usual payroll practices over a period of thirty six (36) months beginning after the effective date of the separation agreement described in Section 4(d);
 
(iii)          The Company will continue to provide medical insurance coverage for Executive and Executive’s family, subject to the requirements of COBRA and subject to Executive’s payment of a premium co-pay related to the coverage that is no less favorable than the premium co-pay charged to active employees of the Company electing the same coverage, for thirty six (36) months from the Separation Date; provided , that the Company shall have no obligation to provide such coverage if Executive fails to elect COBRA benefits in a timely fashion or if Executive becomes eligible for medical coverage with another employer.  In the event the Company does not provide medical insurance coverage to its employees but instead provides for expense reimbursement in connection with the such premiums, the Company will continue to reimburse Execute for such premiums for a period of thirty six (36) months; and

 
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(iv)          That portion of unvested or restricted securities then held by Executive, whether granted herein or subsequently, if any, shall vest and be immediately exercisable as of the date of the employment termination.  All options and shares of restricted stock shall otherwise be subject to the terms and conditions of their respective agreements and with the applicable plan.
 
(d)           Release of Claims/Board Resignation.  The Company shall not be obligated to pay Executive any of the compensation or provide Executive any of the benefits set forth in Section 4(b)(i) or 4(c) (other than the Accrued Obligations) unless and until Executive has (i) executed a timely separation agreement in a form acceptable to the Company, which shall include a release of claims between the Company and the Executive and may include provisions regarding mutual non-disparagement and confidentiality; and (ii) resigned from the Board, if so requested pursuant to Section 2(e).
 
(e)           Other Payments or Benefits Owing.  The payments and benefits set forth in this Section 4 shall be in addition to any payments or benefits owing to Executive pursuant to a severance agreement.  Executive shall not be eligible for any other payments, including but not limited to additional Base Salary payments, bonuses, commissions, or other forms of compensation or benefits, except as may otherwise be set forth in this Agreement, other agreements between the Company and Executive, including severance agreements, or in Company plan documents with respect to plans in which Executive is a participant.
 
(f)            Notwithstanding any other provision with respect to the timing of payments under Section 4, if, at the time of Executive’s termination, Executive is deemed to be a “specified employee” (within the meaning of Code Section 409A, and any successor statute, regulation and guidance thereto) of the Company, then limited only to the extent necessary to comply with the requirements of Code Section 409A, any payments to which Executive may become entitled under Section 4 which are subject to Code Section 409A (and not otherwise exempt from its application) will be withheld until the first (1st) business day of the seventh (7th) month following the termination of Executive’s employment, at which time Executive shall be paid an aggregate amount equal to the accumulated, but unpaid, payments otherwise due to Executive under the terms of Section 4.
 
5.             Competition.  Executive agrees to sign and return to the Company the Proprietary Information, Inventions, and Competition Agreement (the “Proprietary Information Agreement”) attached hereto as Exhibit B concurrently with the execution of this Agreement.  The parties agree that the obligations set forth in the Proprietary Information Agreement shall survive termination of this Agreement and termination of the Executive’s employment, regardless of the reason for such termination.
 
6.             Property and Records.  Upon termination of Executive’s employment hereunder for any reason or for no reason, Executive will deliver to the Company any property of the Company which may be in Executive’s possession, including blackberry-type devices, laptops, cell phones, products, materials, memoranda, notes, records, reports or other documents or photocopies of the same.
 
7.             General.
 
(a)           Notices.  Except as otherwise specifically provided herein, any notice required or permitted by this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be delivered as follows with notice deemed given as indicated: (i) by personal delivery when delivered personally; (ii) by overnight courier upon written verification of receipt; (iii) by facsimile transmission upon acknowledgment of receipt of electronic transmission; (iv) by certified or registered mail, return receipt requested, upon verification of receipt, or (v) via facsimile with confirmation of receipt at the Company’s primary facsimile number.  Notices to Executive shall be: (x) sent to the last known address in the Company’s records or such other address as Executive may specify in writing; or (y) via facsimile with confirmation of receipt at the facsimile number provided to the Company by Executive.  Notices to the Company shall be sent to the Company’s Board, or to such other Company representative as the Company may specify in writing.

 
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(b)           Entire Agreement/Modification.  This Agreement, together with the Proprietary Information Agreement attached hereto, and the other agreements specifically referred to herein, embodies the entire agreement and understanding between the parties hereto and supersedes all prior oral or written agreements and understandings relating to the subject matter hereof.  No statement, representation, warranty, covenant or agreement of any kind not expressly set forth in this Agreement (or in a subsequent written modification or amendment executed by the parties hereto) will affect, or be used to interpret, change or restrict, the express terms and provisions of this Agreement.
 
(c)           Waivers and Consents.  The terms and provisions of this Agreement may be waived, or consent for the departure therefrom granted, only by written document executed by the party entitled to the benefits of such terms or provisions. No such waiver or consent will be deemed to be or will constitute a waiver or consent with respect to any other terms or provisions of this Agreement, whether or not similar.  Each such waiver or consent will be effective only in the specific instance and for the purpose for which it was given, and will not constitute a continuing waiver or consent.
 
(d)           Assignment and Binding Effect.  The Company may assign its rights and obligations hereunder to any person or entity that succeeds to all or substantially all of the Company’s business or that aspect of the Company’s business in which Executive is principally involved.  Executive may not assign Executive’s rights and obligations under this Agreement without the prior written consent of the Company.  This Agreement shall be binding upon Executive, Executive’s heirs, executors and administrators and the Company, and its successors and assigns, and shall inure to the benefit of Executive, Executive’s heirs, executors and administrators and the Company, and its successors and assigns.
 
(e)           Indemnification.  Executive shall be entitled to the same rights, if any, to indemnification and coverage under the Company’s Directors and Officers Liability Insurance policies as they may exist from time to time to the same extent as other officers and directors of the Company.
 
(f)            Governing Law.  This Agreement and the rights and obligations of the parties hereunder will be construed in accordance with and governed by the law of Texas, without giving effect to conflict of law principles.
 
(g)           Severability.  The parties intend this Agreement to be enforced as written. However, should any provisions of this Agreement be held by a court of law to be illegal, invalid or unenforceable, the legality, validity and enforceability of the remaining provisions of this Agreement shall not be affected or impaired thereby.
 
(h)         Headings and Captions.  The headings and captions of the various subdivisions of this Agreement are for convenience of reference only and will in no way modify or affect the meaning or construction of any of the terms or provisions hereof.
 
8.                Counterparts.  This Agreement may be executed in two or more counterparts, and by different parties hereto on separate counterparts, each of which will be deemed an original, but all of which together will constitute one and the same instrument.  For all purposes a signature by fax shall be treated as an original.

 
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed and delivered this Employment Agreement as of the date first written above.
 
EXECUTIVE
 
GENSPERA, INC.
     
  
 
By:
 
(Signature)
   
John Farah, Director
Print Name: Craig Dionne
     

 
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Exhibit A

 
 

 

Exhibit B

 
 

 

Exhibit C
 
Prior Performance Grant
 
As partial compensation for services rendered by Executive during 2007 and 2008, the Company shall grant Executive a stock option to purchase 300,000 shares of the Company’s common stock, par value $0.01 per share (the “Common Stock”) at an exercise price of $1.65 per share (the “Option”). The Option shall be governed by the Company’s 2009 Executive Compensation Plan (the “Plan”).  The Option shall be 100% vested on the Effective Date of this Agreement.  The Option shall have a term of 7 years from date of grant. The vested Performance Options shall remain exercisable for: (i) the remaining term of the option if Executive is no longer employed by the Company as a result of terminated without Cause or with Good Reason.  In the event Executive is no longer employed for any other reason such as death or disability, the terms of the Plan shall govern.  In connection with such grant, the Executive shall enter into the Company’s standard stock option agreement which will incorporate the terms described in this paragraph.
 
Inducement Grant
 
As an inducement for entering into the Agreement, Executive shall be granted a stock option to purchase 200,000 shares of Common Stock at an exercise price of $1.65 per share (the “Inducement Option”). The Inducement Option shall be governed by the Plan. .  The Inducement Option shall be 100% vested on the grant date and have a term of 7 years.  The vested Performance Options shall remain exercisable for: (i) the remaining term of the option if Executive is no longer employed by the Company as a result of terminated without Cause or with Good Reason.  In the event Executive is no longer employed for any other reason such as death or disability, the terms of the Plan shall govern.   In connection with such grant, the Executive shall enter into the Company’s standard stock option agreement which will incorporate the terms described in this paragraph.
 
Performance Grant
 
The Company shall grant Executive a stock option to purchase 500,000 shares of Common Stock at an exercise price of $1.65 per share (the “Performance Option”). The Performance Option shall be governed by the Plan.  For so long as the Executive is an employee of the Company, the Performance Option shall vest, if at all, upon the following milestones being achieved:

 
·
150,000 upon: (i) the Company’s Common Stock becoming listed on a national exchange or on the Over-the-Counter Bulletin Board; and (ii) the enrollment of the first patient in a Phase 1 clinical trial for G-202.

 
·
200,000 upon: (i) enrollment of first patient in a second Phase 1 clinical trial; (ii) enrollment of first patient in a Phase II clinical trial or an expanded cohort in a Phase 1B clinical trial;  or (iii) enrollment of tenth patient in a Phase II clinical trial or in an expanded cohort in a phase 1B clinical trial.

 
·
150,000 upon an additional: (i) enrollment of first patient in a second Phase 1 clinical trial; (ii) enrollment of first patient in a Phase II clinical trial or an expanded cohort in a Phase 1B clinical trial;  or (iii) enrollment of tenth patient in a Phase II clinical trial or in an expanded cohort in a phase 1B clinical trial. (for purposes of clarity, these milestones are in additional to those required for the vesting of options to purchase 200,000 shares of Common Stock as contained in the paragraph immediately above)

 
 

 

Subject to any applicable acceleration provisions contained in this Agreement or the Severance Agreement, upon termination of Executive’s employment with the Company, Executive’s rights to any portion of the Performance Option that has not yet vested as of the date of such termination shall not vest and all of Executive’s rights to such unvested portion of the Option shall terminate.  In the event of a Change of Control (as such term is defined in the Plan), the entire Option shall vest and become immediately exercisable. The Option shall have a term of 7 years from date of grant.  The vested Performance Options shall remain exercisable for: (i) the remaining term of the option if Executive is no longer employed by the Company as a result of terminated without Cause or with Good Reason.  In the event Executive is no longer employed for any other reason such as death or disability, the terms of the Plan shall govern.  In connection with such grant, the Executive shall enter into the Company’s standard stock option agreement which will incorporate the foregoing vesting schedule and other terms described in this section.

 
 

 
EX-10.05 8 v159947_ex10-05.htm
SEVERANCE AGREEMENT
 
This Agreement is entered into as of September 2, 2009 (the “Effective Date”) by and between GenSpera, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”) and Craig Dionne (the “Executive”).
 
WHEREAS, the Executive is Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) of the Company;
 
WHEREAS, the Company recognizes that the Executive’s service to the Company is very important to the future success of the Company;
 
WHEREAS, the Executive desires to enter into this Agreement to provide the Executive with certain financial protection in the event that his employment terminates under certain conditions following a change in control of the Company; and
 
WHEREAS the Board of Directors of the Company (the “Board”) has determined that it is in the best interests of the Company to enter into this Agreement.
 
NOW, THEREFORE, for good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the Company and the Executive hereby agree as follows:
 
1.                   Definitions. Any terms not specifically defined herein shall have the meaning ascribed to it in Executive’s employment agreement.
 
(a)           Cause.  For purposes of this Agreement, “Cause” shall mean that Executive has For purposes of this Agreement, “Cause” shall mean that Executive has:
 
(i)           intentionally committed an unlawful act or omission in the performance of Executives duties that materially harms the Company;
 
(ii)           been grossly negligent in the performance of Executive’s duties to the Company;
 
(iii)           willfully failed or refused to follow the lawful and proper directives of the Board;
 
(iv)           been convicted of, or pleaded guilty or nolo contendre, to a felony;
 
(v)           committed an act involving moral turpitude;
 
(vi)           committed an act relating to the Company involving, in the good faith judgment of the Board, material fraud or theft resulting in material harm to the Company;
 
(vii)           breached any material provision of this Agreement or any nondisclosure or non-competition agreement, between Executive and the Company, as all of the foregoing may be amended prospectively from time to time; or
 
(viii)           breached a material provision of any code of conduct or ethics policy in effect at the Company, as all of the foregoing may be amended prospectively from time to time.
 
 
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 (b)           Change in Control.  For purposes of this Agreement, a “Change in Control” shall have the meaning ascribed to such term pursuant to the Company’s 2007 Equity Compensation Plan, as amended; provided that “Change in Control” shall be interpreted in a manner, and limited to the extent necessary, so that it will not cause adverse tax consequences for either party with respect to Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code ”), and the provisions of Treasury Notice 2005-1, and any successor statute, regulation and guidance thereto.
 
 (c)           Disability.  For purposes of this Agreement, “Disability” shall mean that Executive is unable to engage in any substantial gainful activity by reason of any medically determinable physical or mental impairment which can be expected to result in death or can be expected to last for a continuous period of not less than six (6) months.  Whether the Executive has a Disability will be determined by a majority of the Board based on evidence provided by one or more physicians selected by the Board and approved by Executive, which approval shall not be unreasonably withheld.
 
 (d)           Good Reason.  For purposes of this Agreement, “Good Reason” shall mean the occurrence of one or more of the following without the Executive’s consent:  (i) a change in the principal location at which the Executive performs his duties for the Company to a new location that is at least forty (40) miles from the prior location without Executives consent; (ii) a material change in the Executive’s authority, functions, duties or responsibilities as Chief Executive Officer of the Company, which would cause his position with the Company to become of less responsibility, importance or scope than his position on the date of this Agreement, provided, however, that such material change is not in connection with the termination of the Executive’s employment by the Company for Cause or death or Disability and further provided that it shall not be considered a material change if the Company becomes a subsidiary of another entity and Executive continues to hold the position of Chief Executive Officer in the subsidiary; (iii) a reduction in the Executives annual base salary or (iv) a reduction in Executives Target Annual Bonus as compared to the Target Annual Bonus set for the previous fiscal year.
 
2.             Term of Agreement.  The term of this Agreement shall commence on the Effective Date and shall continue in effect for five (5) years; provided however, that commencing on the fifth anniversary of the Effective Date and continuing each anniversary thereafter, the Term shall automatically be extended for one (1) additional year unless, not later than three (3) months before the conclusion of the Term, the Company or the Executive shall have given notice not to extend the Term; and  further provided ,  however , that if a Change in Control shall have occurred during the Term, the Term shall expire on the last day of the twenty-fourth (24th ) month following the month in which such Change in Control occurred.  Notice of termination or termination of this Agreement shall not constitute Cause or Good Reason (both terms as defined above).
 
3.             Termination; Notice; Severance Compensation.
 
(a)           In the event that within a period of two (2) months before or two (2) years following the consummation of a Change in Control the Company elects to terminate the Executive’s employment other than for Cause (but not including termination due to the Executive’s Disability), then the Company shall give the Executive no less than sixty (60) days advance notice of such termination (the “Company’s Notice Period”); provided that  the Company may elect to require the Executive to cease performing work for the Company so long as the Company continues the Executive’s full salary and benefits during the Company’s Notice Period.
 
(b)           In the event that within a period of two (2) months before or two (2) years following the consummation of a Change in Control the Executive elects to terminate his employment for Good Reason, then the Executive shall give the Company no less than thirty (30) days and no more than sixty (60) days advance notice of such termination (the “Executive’s Notice Period”);  provided that  the Company may elect to require the Executive to cease performing work for the Company so long as the Company continues the Executive’s full salary and benefits during the Executive’s Notice Period.  In order to effect a termination for Good Reason pursuant to this Agreement, the Executive must notice his intent to terminate for Good Reason not later than ninety (90) days following the occurrence of the Good Reason.
 
 
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(c)           In the event that within a period of two (2) months before or two (2) years following the consummation of a Change in Control the Executive’s employment with the Company is terminated by the Company other than for Cause (but not including termination due to the Executive’s death or Disability), or by the Executive for Good Reason, then, contingent upon the Executive’s execution of a release of claims against the Company in a form reasonably acceptable to the Company (the “ Release ”) the Executive shall be entitled to, in addition to any amounts due to the Executive for services rendered prior to the termination date:
 
(i)            the Executive’s Target Annual Bonus for the fiscal year in which such termination occurs at 100% of such Target Annual Bonus, pro-rated by the number of calendar days in which the Executive is employed by the Company during the applicable year, including any applicable Notice Period, which shall be paid no later than the tenth business day following the effective date of the Release; and
 
(ii)            a lump sum payment from the Company in an amount equal to three (3) times the Executive’s Annual Salary, which shall be paid no later than the tenth business day following the effective date of the Release.
 
For purposes of this Agreement, “Annual Salary” shall mean the Executive’s annual Base Salary then in effect or, if higher, in effect at the time of the Change in Control, excluding reimbursements and amounts attributable to stock options and other non-cash compensation; and the “ Severance Compensation ” shall mean the compensation set forth in (ii) above.
 
(d)           Notwithstanding any other provision with respect to the timing of payments, if, at the time of Executive’s termination, Executive is deemed to be a “specified employee” (within the meaning of Code Section 409A, and any successor statute, regulation and guidance thereto) of the Company, then limited only to the extent necessary to comply with the requirements of Code Section 409A, any payments to which Executive may become entitled under this Agreement which are subject to Code Section 409A (and not otherwise exempt from its application) will be withheld until the first (1st ) business day of the seventh (7th) month following the termination of Executive’s employment, at which time Executive shall be paid an aggregate amount equal to the accumulated, but unpaid, payments otherwise due to Executive under the terms of this Agreement.
 
(e)           If any payment or benefit Executive would receive under this Agreement, when combined with any other payment or benefit Executive receives pursuant to a Change in Control (“Payment”) would (i) constitute a “parachute payment” within the meaning of Code Section 280G, and (ii) but for this sentence, be subject to the excise tax imposed by Section 4999 of the Code (the “Excise Tax”), then such Payment shall be either (x) the full amount of such Payment or (y) such less amount as would result in no portion of the Payment being subject to the Excise Tax, whichever of the foregoing amounts, taking into account the applicable federal, state, and local employments taxes, income taxes, and the Excise Tax results in Executive’s receipt, on an after-tax basis, of the greater amount of the Payment, notwithstanding that all or some portion of the Payment may be subject to the Excise Tax.  The Executive shall be allowed to specify which payment(s) or benefit(s) shall be reduced if necessary to implement this section and avoid the excise tax application.  The Company shall provide the Executive with sufficient information to make such determination and to file and pay any required taxes.
 
5.             No Mitigation.  If the Executive’s employment with the Company terminates following a Change in Control, the Executive is not required to seek other employment or to attempt in any way to reduce any amounts payable to the Executive by the Company pursuant to Section 3 or Section 14.  Except as set forth in Section 4, the amount of any payment or benefit provided for in this Agreement shall not be reduced by any compensation earned by the Executive as the result of employment by another employer, by retirement benefits, by offset against any amount claimed to be owed by the Executive to the Company, or otherwise.
 
 
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6.             Confidentiality, Non-Competition, and Assignment of Inventions.  The Company’s obligations under this Agreement are contingent on the Executive’s execution of the Company’s Proprietary Information, Inventions, and Competition Agreement (the “Proprietary Information Agreement”).  The parties agree that the obligations set forth in the Proprietary Information Agreement shall survive termination of this Agreement and termination of the Executive’s employment, regardless of the reason for such termination.
 
7.             Enforceability.  If any provision of this Agreement shall be deemed invalid or unenforceable as written, this Agreement shall be construed, to the greatest extent possible, or modified, to the extent allowable by law, in a manner which shall render it valid and enforceable.  No invalidity or unenforceability of any provision contained herein shall affect any other portion of this Agreement .
 
8.             Notices.  Except as otherwise specifically provided herein, any notice required or permitted by this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be delivered as follows with notice deemed given as indicated: (i) by personal delivery when delivered personally; (ii) by overnight courier upon written verification of receipt; (iii) by facsimile transmission upon acknowledgment of receipt of electronic transmission; (iv) by certified or registered mail, return receipt requested, upon verification of receipt, or (v) via facsimile with confirmation of receipt at the Company’s primary facsimile number.  Notices to Executive shall be: (x) sent to the last known address in the Company’s records or such other address as Executive may specify in writing; or (y) via facsimile with confirmation of receipt at the facsimile number provided to the Company by Executive.  Notices to the Company shall be sent to the Company’s Board, or to such other Company representative as the Company may specify in writing.
 
9.             Claims for Benefits.  All claims by the Executive for benefits under this Agreement shall be directed to and determined by the Board and shall be in writing.  Any denial by the Board of a claim for benefits under this Agreement shall be delivered to the Executive in writing and shall set forth the specific reasons for the denial and the specific provisions of this Agreement relied upon.  The Board shall afford a reasonable opportunity to the Executive for a review of the decision denying a claim and shall further allow the Executive to appeal to the Board a decision of the Board within sixty (60) days after notification by the Board that the Executive’s claim has been denied.
 
10.           Modifications and Amendments.  The terms and provisions of this Agreement may be modified or amended only by written agreement executed by the Company and the Executive.  The Company and the Executive agree that they will jointly execute an amendment to modify this Agreement to the extent necessary to comply with the requirements of Code Section 409A, or any successor statute, regulation and guidance thereto;  provided  that no such amendment shall increase the total financial obligation of the Company under this Agreement.
 
11.           Waivers and Consents.  The terms and provisions of this Agreement may be waived, or consent for the departure therefrom granted, only by a written document executed by the party entitled to the benefits of such terms or provisions.  No such waiver or consent shall be deemed to be or shall constitute a waiver or consent with respect to any other terms or provisions of this Agreement, whether or not similar.  Each such waiver or consent shall be effective only in the specific instance and for the purpose for which it was given, and shall not constitute a continuing waiver or consent.
 
12.           Binding Effect; Assignment.  The Agreement will be binding upon and inure to the benefit of (a) the heirs, executors and legal representatives of the Executive upon the Executive’s death and (b) any successor of the Company.  Any such successor of the Company will be deemed substituted for the Company under the terms of the Agreement for all purposes.  For this purpose, “successor” means any person, firm, corporation or other business entity which at any time, whether by purchase, merger or otherwise, directly or indirectly acquires all or substantially all of the assets or business of the Company.  None of the rights of the Executive to receive any form of compensation payable pursuant to the Agreement may be assigned or transferred except by will or the laws of descent and distribution.  Any other attempted assignment, transfer, conveyance or other disposition of the Executive’s right to compensation or other benefits will be null and void.
 
 
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13.           Governing Law.  This Agreement and the rights and obligations of the parties hereunder shall be construed in accordance with and governed by the law of Delaware, without giving effect to the conflict of law principles thereof.
 
14.           Attorneys’ Fees.  The Company shall pay to the Executive all legal fees and expenses incurred by the Executive in disputing in good faith any issue hereunder relating to the termination of the Executive’s employment, in seeking in good faith to obtain or enforce any benefit or right provided by this Agreement.  Such payments shall be made within five (5) business days after delivery of the Executive’s written requests for payment accompanied with such evidence of fees and expenses incurred as the Company reasonably may require.
 
15.           Withholding.  The Company is authorized to withhold, or to cause to be withheld, from any payment or benefit under the Agreement the full amount of any applicable withholding taxes.
 
16.           Tax Consequences.  The Company does not guarantee the tax treatment or tax consequences associated with any payment or benefit arising under this Agreement.
 
17.           Acknowledgment.  The Executive acknowledges that he has had the opportunity to discuss this matter with and obtain advice from his private attorney, has had sufficient time to, and has carefully read and fully understands all the provisions of the Agreement, and is knowingly and voluntarily entering into the Agreement.
 
18.           Counterparts.  This Agreement may be executed in two or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, but all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument.
 
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed and delivered this Severance Agreement as of the day and year first above written.
 
 
COMPANY:
   
 
GENSPERA, INC.
   
 
   
 
John Farah, Director
   
 
EXECUTIVE:
   
 
   
 
Craig Dionne
 
 
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EX-10.06 9 v159947_ex10-06.htm
PROPRIETARY INFORMATION, INVENTIONS, AND COMPETITION AGREEMENT
 
  THIS AGREEMENT, dated September 2, 2009, is entered into by and between GenSpera, Inc., (the “Company”), and Craig Dionne (“Employee”).
 
WITNESSETH:
 
WHEREAS, the Employee has been hired by the Company to serve as its Chief Executive Officer; and
 
WHEREAS, the Employee may be exposed, have access to, create or make contributions to the Proprietary Information as defined below and/or inventions of the Company;
 
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration for the Company’s employment of the Employee, and for other good and valuable consideration the receipt and sufficiency of which is hereby acknowledged, the parties covenant and agree as follows:
 
AGREEMENT
 
1.            Acknowledgements. The Employee understands and acknowledges that:
 
(a)
As part of his/her services as an employee of the Company, he/she may be exposed or have access to, or make new contributions and inventions of value to, the past, present and future business, products, operations and policies of the Company.
 
 
(b)      
His/Her position as an employee creates a relationship of confidence and trust between the Employee and the Company with respect to (i) information which is related or applicable to the Company’s Field of Interest (as defined in 1(c) below) and the manner in which the Company engages in business in such Field of Interest, and (ii) information which is related or applicable to the business of the Company or any client, customer, joint venture or other person with which the Company has a business relationship, (a ”Business Associate”), any of which information has been or may be made known to the Employee by the Company (including, without limitation, any Scientific Advisors of the Company) or by any Business Associate of the Company, or any of which has been otherwise learned by the Employee as a result of or in connection with his/her service as an employee of the Company.
 
(c)
The Company possesses and will continue to possess information that has been created by, discovered by, developed by or otherwise become known to the Company (including, without limitation, information created, discovered, developed or made known by the Employee related to or arising out of his/her service as an employee of the Company) and/or in which property rights have been assigned or otherwise conveyed to the Company, which information has commercial value to its business interests and/or in the Field of Interest in which the Company is presently engaged or will be engaged.  The term “Field of Interest” shall mean the development of drugs, for use in the treatment, diagnosis or prevention of cancer containing derivatives of thapsigargin.  During an individual’s employment, the term “Field of Interest” may be expanded from time to time to include such other areas of therapy, diagnosis or prevention as may be designated by the Company and as disclosed in its public filings from time to time. All of the aforementioned information is hereinafter called “Proprietary Information.” By way of illustration, but not limitation, formulas, data, know-how, improvements, inventions, techniques, regulatory compliance plans, marketing plans, strategies, forecasts, supplier lists, manufacturing arrangements and customer lists are Proprietary Information.
 
 
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2. 
Proprietary Information.
 
(a) 
All Proprietary Information shall be the sole property of the Company and its successors and assigns, and the Company and its successors and assigns shall be the sole owner of all patents and other rights in connection therewith. The Employee hereby assigns to the Company any rights he/she may have or acquire in such Proprietary Information, and agrees to take such action and sign such documents from time to time as the Company reasonably requires to effect or confirm such assignment.
 
(b) 
At all times, both during the term of this Agreement and thereafter until such information becomes known to the public, the Employee will, subject to the provisions of Section 3 hereof regarding publication, keep in confidence and trust all Proprietary Information and any other confidential information of the Company, and he/she will not use or disclose any Proprietary Information or anything relating to it without the prior written consent of the Company, except as may be necessary in the ordinary course of performing his/her duties as an employee of the Company or as required by law; provided that  if disclosure is required by law, the Employee agrees to provide the Company with written notice of such disclosure obligation prior to making such disclosure and no more than two (2) days after the Employee learns of such disclosure requirement.
 
(c) 
All documents, records, apparatus, equipment and other physical property, whether or not pertaining to Proprietary Information, furnished to the Employee by the Company or produced by the Employee or others in connection with the Employee’s services hereunder shall be and remain the sole property of the Company. The Employee will return and deliver such property to the Company as and when requested by the Company. Should the Company not so request at an earlier time, the Employee shall return and deliver all such property upon termination of his/her service as an employee to the Company for any reason, and the Employee will not take with him/her any such property or any reproduction of such property upon such termination.
 
3. 
Inventions.
 
(a) 
The Employee will promptly disclose to the Company, or any persons designated by it, all improvements, inventions, formulas, processes, techniques, know-how and data, whether or not patentable, made or conceived or reduced to practice or learned by him/her, either alone or jointly with others, related to or arising out of his/her position as an employee or which are related to or useful in the business of the Company, or result from tasks which have been or may be assigned to the Employee by the Company or result from use of premises owned, leased or contracted for by the Company (all said improvements, inventions, formulas, processes, techniques, know-how and data being hereinafter collectively called “Inventions”).
 
(b) 
The Employee agrees that all Inventions shall be the sole property of the Company and its assigns, and the Company and its assigns shall be the sole owner of all patents and other rights in connection therewith. The Employee hereby assigns to the Company any rights he/she may have or acquire in such Inventions. The Employee further agrees as to all such Inventions to assist the Company in every reasonable manner (but at the Company’s expense) to obtain, and from time to time enforce, patents on said Inventions in any and all countries, and to that end the Employee will execute all documents for use in applying for and obtaining such patents thereon and enforcing the same, as the Company may desire, together with any assignments thereof to the Company or persons designated by it. The Employee’s obligation to assist the Company in obtaining and enforcing patents for such Inventions in any and all countries shall continue beyond the termination of his/her employment by the Company, but the Company shall compensate the Employee at a reasonable rate after such termination for time actually spent by him/her at the Company’s request on such assistance. In the event that the Company is unable for any reason whatsoever to secure the Employee’s signature to any lawful and necessary documents required to apply for or execute any patent application with respect to such an Invention (including renewals, extensions, continuations, divisions or continuations in part thereof), the Employee hereby irrevocably designates and appoints the Company and its duly authorized officers and agents, as his/her agents and attorneys-in-fact to act for and on his/her behalf and instead of him/her, to execute and file any such application and to do all other lawfully permitted acts to further the prosecution and issuance of patents thereon with the same legal force and effect as if executed by the Employee, and such power of attorney created hereby is coupled with an interest.
 
 
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(c)
Attached hereto, as Exhibit B, is a list describing all inventions, original works of authorship, developments, improvements, and trade secrets which were made by Employee prior to employment with the Company (collectively referred to as "Prior Inventions"), which belong to Employee, and  which relate to the Company's Field of Interest, and which are not assigned to the Company hereunder; or, if no such list is attached, Employee represents that there are no such Prior Inventions.  If in the course of employment with the Company, Employee incorporate into an Invention a Prior Invention owned by Employee or in which Employee has an interest, the Company is hereby granted and shall have a nonexclusive, royalty-free, irrevocable, perpetual, worldwide license to make, have made, modify, use and sell such Prior Invention as part of or in connection with such Invention.
 
4.            Competition.  While the Employee is employed by the Company and for a period of eighteen (18) months following the termination of the Employee’s employment (the “Noncompetition Period”), the Employee shall not, for himself/herself or on behalf of any other person or entity, directly or indirectly, whether as principal, partner, agent, independent contractor, stockholder, employee, consultant, representative or in any other capacity, own, manage, operate or control, be concerned or connected with, or employed by, or otherwise associate in any manner with, engage in or have a financial interest in any business that is engaged in the Field of Interest, anywhere in the world, except that nothing in this Agreement shall preclude the Employee from (a) purchasing or owning securities of any such business if such securities are publicly traded, and provided that the Employee’s holdings do not exceed Four and 99/100 (4.99%) percent of the issued and outstanding securities of any class of securities of such business; or (b) working for any academic or government institutions. 
 
5.            Solicitation of Employees.  During the Noncompetition Period the Employee shall not, either individually or on behalf of or through any third party, directly or indirectly (a) entice, solicit or encourage any director, employee or consultant to leave the Company, or (b) be involved for any entity other than the Company in the recruitment, engagement, or hiring of any Company director or employee.  This section shall prohibit the aforesaid activities by the Employee with respect to any person both while such person is a director, employee or consultant of the Company and for thirty (30) days thereafter.
 
6.            Publications.  The Employee agrees to consult with the Company prior to publishing (in writing or by seminar, lecture or other oral presentation) any material relating to his/her activities that relate to the Company’s Field of Interest, and to furnish copies of any such publication (written or oral) to the Company for prior clearance at least sixty (60) days prior to the proposed publication. The Company agrees to review such submissions and to apply for patents as promptly as practicable so as to avoid or keep to a minimum any delay in publishing material of scientific importance.
 
 
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7. 
Prior Work and Legal Obligations
 
(a) 
By signing this Agreement, the Employee represents that she/he has no agreement with or other legal obligation to any prior employer or any other person or entity that restricts his/her ability to engage in employment discussions, to accept employment with, or to perform any function for the Company.
 
(b)
The Employee also acknowledges that the Company has advised the Employee that at no time, either during any pre-employment discussions or at any time thereafter, should the Employee divulge to or use for the benefit of the Company any trade secret or confidential or proprietary information of any previous employer.  By signing this Agreement, the Employee affirms that she/he has not divulged or used any such information for the benefit of the Company, and that she/he has not and will not misappropriate any proprietary information of a former employer that the Employee played any part in creating while working for such former employer.
 
8.            Provisions Necessary and Reasonable/Injunctive Relief  The Employee specifically agrees that the provisions of Sections 1-5 of this Agreement are necessary and reasonable to protect the Company’s Proprietary Information, goodwill and business interests.  The Employee acknowledges that given his/her skills and work experience, such restrictions will not prevent the Employee from earning a living in his/her general field of occupation during the term of such restrictions.  The Employee further agrees that a breach or threatened breach by the Employee of Sections 1-5 of this Agreement would pose the risk of irreparable harm to the Company, and that in the event of a breach or threatened breach of any of such covenants, without posting any bond or security, the Company shall be entitled to seek and obtain equitable relief, in the form of specific performance, or temporary, preliminary or permanent injunctive relief, or any other equitable remedy which then may be available.  The seeking of such injunction or order shall not affect the Company’s right to seek and obtain damages or other equitable relief on account of any such actual or threatened breach.
 
9.            Disclosure to Future and Prospective Employers.  The Employee agrees that so long as this Agreement is effective the Employee will notify his/her employers of this Agreement and that the Company may notify any of the Employee’s future or prospective employers or other third parties of this Agreement and may provide a copy of this Agreement to such parties without the Employee’s further consent.
 
10.          Transfer, Promotion or Reassignment.  The Employee acknowledges and agrees that if she/he should transfer between or among any affiliates of the Company or be promoted or reassigned to functions other than the Employee’s present functions, all terms of this Agreement shall continue to apply with full force.
 
11.          Severability.  The parties intend this Agreement to be enforced as written.  However, if any portion or provision of this Agreement shall to any extent be declared illegal or unenforceable by a duly authorized court having jurisdiction, both parties desire that such portion or provision be modified by such a court so as to make it enforceable (“blue-penciled”), and that the remainder of this Agreement be enforced to the fullest extent permitted by law.  In the event that such court deems any provision of this Agreement wholly unenforceable, then all remaining provisions shall nevertheless remain in full force and effect.
 
12.          Notices.  Except as otherwise specifically provided herein, any notice required or permitted by this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be delivered as follows with notice deemed given as indicated: (i) by personal delivery when delivered personally; (ii) by overnight courier upon written verification of receipt; (iii) by telecopy or facsimile transmission upon acknowledgment of receipt of electronic transmission; or (iv) by certified or registered mail, return receipt requested, upon verification of receipt.  Notices to Employee shall be sent to the last known address in the Company’s records or such other address as Employee may specify in writing.  Notices to the Company shall be sent to the Company’s Chairman or to such other Company representative as the Company may specify in writing.
 
 
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13.          Binding Effect.  The Agreement will be binding upon and inure to the benefit of (a) the heirs, executors and legal representatives of the Employee upon the Employee’s death and (b) any successor of the Company.  Any such successor of the Company will be deemed substituted for the Company under the terms of the Agreement for all purposes.  For this purpose, “successor” means any person, firm, corporation or other business entity which at any time, whether by purchase, merger or otherwise, directly or indirectly acquires all or substantially all of the assets or business of the Company.  The Employee’s obligations hereunder shall survive the termination of the Employee’s employment by the Company, regardless of the reason for such termination.
 
14.          Waivers. No waivers, express or implied, of any breach of this agreement shall be held or construed as a waiver of any other breach of the same or any other covenant, agreement or duty hereunder.
 
15.          Governing Law.  This agreement shall be construed and enforced in accordance with the law of Delaware, without giving effect to conflict of law principles.  This agreement represents the entire agreement of the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof, and may only be amended or modified by a written instrument signed by the parties.
 
16.          Meaning of Headings.  The headings in this Agreement are for convenience only, and both parties agree that they shall not be construed or interpreted to modify or affect the construction or interpretation of any provision of this Agreement.
 
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Agreement as of the date first above written.
 
 
GENSPERA, INC.
   
     
 
John Farah, Director
 
     
     
 
Craig Dionne
 
 
 
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EX-10.07 10 v159947_ex10-07.htm
INDEMNIFICATION AGREEMENT

            This Indemnification Agreement ("Agreement") is entered into as of the ___ day of ______________, 200__ by and between GenSpera, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), and _______________ ( "Indemnitee" ).

RECITALS

            A.              The Company and Indemnitee recognize the continued difficulty in obtaining liability insurance for the Company's directors and officers, the significant increases in cost of such insurance and the general reductions in the coverage of such insurance.

            B.               The Company and Indemnitee further recognize the substantial increase in corporate litigation in general, subjecting directors and officers to expensive litigation risks at the same time as the availability and coverage of liability insurance has been severely limited.

            C.               The Company desires to attract and retain the services of highly qualified individuals, such as Indemnitee, to serve the Company and, in part, in order to induce Indemnitee to continue to provide services to the Company, wishes to provide for the indemnification and advancing of expenses to Indemnitee to the maximum extent permitted by law.

            D.               In view of the considerations set forth above, the Company desires that Indemnitee be indemnified by the Company as set forth herein.

            NOW, THEREFORE, the Company and Indemnitee hereby agree as follows:

AGREEMENT

            1.                Indemnification.

                 (a)         Indemnification of Expenses. The Company shall indemnify Indemnitee to the fullest extent permitted by law if Indemnitee was or is or becomes a party to or witness or other participant in, or is threatened to be made a party to or witness or other participant in, any threatened, pending or completed action, suit, proceeding or alternative dispute resolution mechanism, or any hearing, inquiry or investigation that Indemnitee in good faith believes might lead to the institution of any such action, suit, proceeding or alternative dispute resolution mechanism, whether civil, criminal, administrative, investigative or other (hereinafter a "Claim") by reason of (or arising in part out of) any event or occurrence related to the fact that Indemnitee is or was a director or officer of the Company, or any subsidiary of the Company, or is or was serving at the request of the Company as a director, officer, employee, agent or fiduciary of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise, or by reason of any action or inaction on the part of Indemnitee while serving in such capacity (hereinafter an  "Indemnifiable Event" ) against any and all expenses (including attorneys' fees and all other costs, expenses and obligations incurred in connection with investigating, defending, being a witness in or participating in (including on appeal), or preparing to defend, be a witness in or participate in, any such action, suit, proceeding, alternative dispute resolution mechanism, hearing, inquiry or investigation), losses, claims, damages, liabilities, judgments, fines, penalties and amounts paid in settlement (if such settlement is approved in advance by the Company, which approval shall not be unreasonably withheld) of such Claim and any federal, state, local or foreign taxes imposed on Indemnitee as a result of the actual or deemed receipt of any payments under this Agreement, including all interest, assessments and other charges paid or payable in connection with or in respect of such Expenses (collectively, hereinafter "Expenses") if Indemnitee acted in good faith and in a manner Indemnitee reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the Company, and, with respect to any criminal action, suit or proceeding, Indemnitee had no reasonable cause to believe Indemnitee's conduct was unlawful.

 
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                 (b)        Mandatory Payment of Expenses. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement other than Section 7 hereof, to the extent that Indemnitee has been successful on the merits or otherwise, including, without limitation, the dismissal of a Claim without prejudice, in defense of any Claim referred to in Section (1)(a) hereof or in the defense of any Claim, issue or matter therein, Indemnitee shall be indemnified against all Expenses incurred by Indemnitee in connection therewith.

            2.               Expenses; Indemnification Procedure.

                 (a)         Advancement of Expenses. The Company shall pay all Expenses incurred by Indemnitee in connection with the investigation, defense, settlement or appeal of any civil or criminal Claim referenced in Section 1(a) hereof in advance of the final disposition of such Claim. Indemnitee hereby undertakes to repay such amounts advanced only if, and to the extent that, it shall ultimately be determined that Indemnitee is not entitled to be indemnified by the Company as authorized hereby. The advances to be made hereunder shall be paid by the Company to Indemnitee following a request therefor, but in any event no later than sixty days after receipt by the Company of written demand from Indemnitee for such advances.

                 (b)        Notice/Cooperation by Indemnitee. Indemnitee shall, as a condition precedent to Indemnitee's right to be indemnified under this Agreement, give the Company notice in writing as soon as practicable of any Claim made against Indemnitee for which indemnification or advancement will or could be sought under this Agreement. Notice to the Company shall be directed to the General Counsel of the Company at the address shown on the signature page of this Agreement (or such other address as the Company shall designate in writing to Indemnitee). In addition, Indemnitee shall give the Company such information and cooperation as it may reasonably require and as shall be within Indemnitee's power.

                 (c)         Procedure. Any indemnification and advances of Expenses provided for in Section 1 and Section 2 of this Agreement shall be paid by the Company to Indemnitee as soon as practicable after receipt of written request from Indemnitee for such indemnification or advances along with appropriate written documentation verifying such Expenses, but in any event no later than sixty days after receipt of such request. If the Company believes that Indemnitee has not met the standards of conduct which make it permissible under applicable law for the Company to indemnify Indemnitee for the Expenses claimed, the Company may file an action in the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware to obtain a declaratory judgment that Indemnitee is not entitled under applicable law to receive indemnification or advancement from the Company (hereinafter a “Declaratory Action”). If the Company files a Declaratory Action, Indemnitee shall be entitled to receive interim payments of Expenses pursuant to Subsection 2(a) including Expenses incurred in defending a Declaratory Action unless and until the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware issues an order or judgment that Indemnitee is not entitled under applicable law to receive indemnification or advancement from the Company. If the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware issues an order or judgment in a Declaratory Action that Indemnitee is not entitled under applicable law to receive indemnification or advancement from the Company, the Company shall have no further obligation under this Agreement, the Company's Certificate of Incorporation, the Company Bylaws or any other applicable law, statute or rule to provide indemnification or advances of Expenses to Indemnitee and Indemnitee shall be responsible for repaying all such amounts previously advanced to Indemnitee as provided in Section 2(a).

                 (d)        No Presumptions. For purposes of this Agreement, the termination of any Claim by judgment, order, settlement (whether with or without court approval) or conviction, or upon a plea of nolo contendere, or its equivalent, shall not create a presumption that Indemnitee did not meet any particular standard of conduct or have any particular belief or that a court has determined that indemnification is not permitted by applicable law. In addition, neither the failure of the Company (including its Board of Directors, any committee or subgroup of the Board of Directors, independent legal counsel, or its stockholders) to have made a determination that indemnification of Indemnitee is proper in the circumstances because Indemnitee has met the applicable standard of conduct required by applicable law, nor an actual determination by the Company (including its Board of Directors, any committee or subgroup of the Board of Directors, independent legal counsel, or its stockholders) that Indemnitee has not met such applicable standard of conduct, shall create a presumption that Indemnitee has or has not met the applicable standard of conduct.

 
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                 (e)         Burden of Proof. In a Declaratory Action, the burden of proof shall be on the Company to establish that Indemnitee is not entitled to indemnification or advances.

                 (f)         Notice to Insurers. If, at the time of the receipt by the Company of a notice of a Claim pursuant to Section 2(b) hereof, the Company has liability insurance in effect which may cover such Claim, the Company shall give prompt notice of the commencement of such Claim to the insurers in accordance with the procedures set forth in the respective policies. The Company shall thereafter take all necessary or desirable action to cause such insurers to pay, on behalf of Indemnitee, all amounts payable as a result of such Claim in accordance with the terms of such policies.

                 (g)        Selection of Counsel. In the event the Company shall be obligated hereunder to pay the Expenses of any Claim, the Company shall be entitled to assume the defense of such Claim with counsel approved by Indemnitee, which approval shall not be unreasonably withheld, upon the delivery to Indemnitee of written notice of its election so to do. After delivery of such notice, approval of such counsel by Indemnitee and the retention of such counsel by the Company, the Company will not be liable to Indemnitee under this Agreement for any fees of counsel subsequently incurred by Indemnitee with respect to the same Claim. Notwithstanding the Company's assumption of the defense of any Claim, the Company shall be obligated to pay the Expenses of any Claim if (A) the employment of counsel by Indemnitee has been previously authorized by the Company, (B) the Company shall have reasonably concluded that there is a conflict of interest between the Company and Indemnitee in the conduct of any such defense such that Indemnitee needs to be separately represented, or (C) the Company shall not continue to retain counsel to defend such Claim, then the fees and expenses of counsel retained by Indemnitee shall be at the expense of the Company. The Company shall have the right to conduct such defense as it sees fit in its sole discretion, including the right to settle any Claim against Indemnitee without the consent of the Indemnitee.

            3.               Additional Indemnification Rights; Nonexclusivity.

                 (a)         Scope. The Company hereby agrees to indemnify Indemnitee to the fullest extent permitted by law, notwithstanding that such indemnification is not specifically authorized by the other provisions of this Agreement, the Company's Certificate of Incorporation, the Company's Bylaws or by statute. In the event of any change after the date of this Agreement in any applicable law, statute or rule which expands the right of a Delaware corporation to indemnify a member of its Board of Directors or an officer, employee, agent or fiduciary, it is the intent of the parties hereto that Indemnitee shall enjoy by this Agreement the greater benefits afforded by such change. In the event of any change in any applicable law, statute or rule which narrows the right of a Delaware corporation to indemnify a member of its Board of Directors or an officer, employee, agent or fiduciary, such change, to the extent not otherwise required by such law, statute or rule to be applied to this Agreement, shall have no effect on this Agreement or the parties' rights and obligations hereunder except as set forth in Section 7(a) hereof.

                 (b)        Nonexclusivity. The indemnification provided by this Agreement shall be in addition to any rights to which Indemnitee may be entitled under the Company's Certificate of Incorporation, its Bylaws, any agreement, any vote of stockholders or disinterested directors, the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware, or otherwise. The indemnification provided under this Agreement shall continue as to Indemnitee for any action Indemnitee took or did not take while serving in an indemnified capacity even though Indemnitee may have ceased to serve in such capacity.

            4.               No Duplication of Payments. The Company shall not be liable under this Agreement to make any payment in connection with any Claim made against Indemnitee to the extent Indemnitee has otherwise actually received payment (under any insurance policy, Certificate of Incorporation, Bylaw or otherwise) of the amounts otherwise indemnifiable hereunder.

            5.               Partial Indemnification. If Indemnitee is entitled under any provision of this Agreement to indemnification by the Company for a portion of Expenses incurred in connection with any Claim, but not, however, for the total amount thereof, the Company shall nevertheless indemnify Indemnitee for the portion of such Expenses to which Indemnitee is entitled.

 
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            6.               Mutual Acknowledgement. Both the Company and Indemnitee acknowledge that in certain instances, Federal law or applicable public policy may prohibit the Company from indemnifying its directors, officers, employees, agents or fiduciaries under this Agreement or otherwise. Indemnitee understands and acknowledges that the Company has undertaken or may be required in the future to undertake with the Securities and Exchange Commission to submit the question of indemnification to a court in certain circumstances for a determination of the Company's right under public policy to indemnify Indemnitee.

            7.               Exceptions. Any other provision herein to the contrary notwithstanding, the Company shall not be obligated pursuant to the terms of this Agreement:

                 (a)         Excluded Action or Omissions. To indemnify (i) any Claim by or in the right of the Company as to which Indemnitee shall have been adjudged to be liable to the Company unless and to the extent that the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware or such other court in which such Claim was brought, shall determine upon application that despite the adjudication of liability, in view of all the circumstances of the case, Indemnitee is fairly and reasonably entitled to indemnity for such Expenses such court shall deem proper, or (ii) any other acts, omissions or transactions from which Indemnitee may not be relieved of liability under Applicable law;

                 (b)        Claims Initiated by Indemnitee. To indemnify or advance expenses to Indemnitee with respect to Claims initiated or brought voluntarily by Indemnitee and not by way of defense, except (i) with respect to Claims brought to establish or enforce a right to indemnification or advancement under this Agreement or any other agreement or insurance policy or under the Company's Certificate of Incorporation or Bylaws, as now or hereafter in effect relating to Claims for Indemnifiable Events, (ii) in specific cases if the Board of Directors has approved the initiation or bringing of such Claim, or (iii) as otherwise required under Section 145 of the Delaware General Corporation Law, regardless of whether Indemnitee ultimately is determined to be entitled to such indemnification, advance expense payment or insurance recovery, as the case may be;

                 (c)         Claims Under Section 16(b). To indemnify Indemnitee for Expenses and the payment of profits arising from the purchase and sale by Indemnitee of securities in violation of Section 16(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or any similar successor statute.

                 (d)        Disgorgement of Profits and Bonuses Pursuant to Section 304. To indemnify Indemnitee for (i) any bonus or other incentive-based or equity-based compensation received by Indemnitee or (ii) any profits arising from the sale of securities made by Indemnitee that Indemnitee is required pursuant to Section 304 of the Sabarnes-Oxley Act of 2002 to reimburse to the Company.

            8.               Period of Limitations. No legal action shall be brought and no cause of action shall be asserted by or in the right of the Company against Indemnitee, Indemnitee's estate, spouse, heirs, executors or personal or legal representatives after the expiration of five (5) years from the date of accrual of such cause of action, and any claim or cause of action of the Company shall be extinguished and deemed released unless asserted by the timely filing of a legal action within such five-year period;  provided ,  however , that if any shorter period of limitations is otherwise applicable to any such cause of action, such shorter period shall govern.

            9.               Construction of Certain Phrases.

 (a)           For purposes of this Agreement, references to the "Company" shall include, in addition to the resulting corporation, any constituent corporation (including any constituent of a constituent) absorbed in a consolidation or merger which, if its separate existence had continued, would have had power and authority to indemnify its directors, officers, employees, agents or fiduciaries, so that if Indemnitee is or was a director, officer, employee, agent or fiduciary of such constituent corporation, or is or was serving at the request of such constituent corporation as a director, officer, employee, agent or fiduciary of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, employee benefit plan, trust or other enterprise, Indemnitee shall stand in the same position under the provisions of this Agreement with respect to the resulting or surviving corporation as Indemnitee would have with respect to such constituent corporation if its separate existence had continued.

 
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 (b)      For purposes of this Agreement, references to "other enterprises" shall include employee benefit plans; references to "fines" shall include any excise taxes assessed on Indemnitee with respect to an employee benefit plan; and references to "serving at the request of the Company" shall include any service as a director, officer, employee, agent or fiduciary of the Company which imposes duties on, or involves services by, such director, officer, employee, agent or fiduciary with respect to an employee benefit plan, its participants or its beneficiaries; and if Indemnitee acted in good faith and in a manner Indemnitee reasonably believed to be in the interest of the participants and beneficiaries of an employee benefit plan, Indemnitee shall be deemed to have acted in a manner "not opposed to the best interests of the Company" as referred to in this Agreement.

            10.             Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in one or more counterparts, each of which shall constitute an original.

            11.             Binding Effect; Successors and Assigns. This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of and be enforceable by the parties hereto and their respective successors, assigns, including any direct or indirect successor by purchase, merger, consolidation or otherwise to all or substantially all of the business and/or assets of the Company, spouses, heirs, and personal and legal representatives. The Company shall require and cause any successor (whether direct or indirect by purchase, merger, consolidation or otherwise) to all, substantially all, or a substantial part, of the business and/or assets of the Company, by written agreement in form and substance satisfactory to Indemnitee, expressly to assume and agree to perform this Agreement in the same manner and to the same extent that the Company would be required to perform if no such succession had taken place. This Agreement shall continue in effect with respect to Claims relating to Indemnifiable Events regardless of whether Indemnitee continues to serve as a director, officer, employee, agent or fiduciary of the Company or of any other enterprise at the Company's request.

            12.             Notice. All notices and other communications required or permitted hereunder shall be in writing, shall be effective when given, and shall in any event be deemed to be given (a) five (5) days after deposit with the U.S. Postal Service or other applicable postal service, if delivered by first class mail, postage prepaid, (b) upon delivery, if delivered by hand, (c) one business day after the business day of deposit with Federal Express or similar overnight courier, freight prepaid, or (d) one day after the business day of delivery by facsimile transmission with confirmation of receipt, if delivered by facsimile transmission, with copy by first class mail, postage prepaid, and shall be addressed if to Indemnitee, at the Indemnitee address as set forth beneath Indemnitee signatures to this Agreement and if to the Company at the address of its principal corporate offices (attention: Secretary) or at such other address as such party may designate by ten days' advance written notice to the other party hereto.

            13.             Consent to Jurisdiction. The Company and Indemnitee each hereby irrevocably consent to the jurisdiction of the courts of the State of Delaware for all purposes in connection with any action which arises out of or relates to this Agreement and agree that any action instituted under this Agreement shall be commenced, prosecuted and continued only in the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware in and for New Castle County, which shall be the exclusive and only proper forum for adjudicating such a claim.

            14.             Severability. The provisions of this Agreement shall be severable in the event that any of the provisions hereof (including any provision within a single section, paragraph or sentence) are held by a court of competent jurisdiction to be invalid, void or otherwise unenforceable, and the remaining provisions shall remain enforceable to the fullest extent permitted by law. Furthermore, to the fullest extent possible, the provisions of this Agreement (including, without limitations, each portion of this Agreement containing any provision held to be invalid, void or otherwise unenforceable, that is not itself invalid, void or unenforceable) shall be construed so as to give effect to the intent manifested by the provision held invalid, illegal or unenforceable.

 
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            15.             Choice of Law. This Agreement shall be governed by and its provisions construed and enforced in accordance with the laws of the State of Delaware, as applied to contracts between Delaware residents, entered into and to be performed entirely within the State of Delaware, without regard to the conflict of laws principles thereof.

            16.             Subrogation. In the event of payment under this Agreement, the Company shall be subrogated to the extent of such payment to all of the rights of recovery of Indemnitee who shall execute all documents required and shall do all acts that may be necessary to secure such rights and to enable the Company effectively to bring suit to enforce such rights.
 
            17.             Amendment and Termination. No amendment, modification, termination or cancellation of this Agreement shall be effective unless it is in writing signed by both the parties hereto. No waiver of any of the provisions of this Agreement shall be deemed or shall constitute a waiver of any other provisions hereof (whether or not similar) nor shall such waiver constitute a continuing waiver.

            18.             Integration and Entire Agreement. This Agreement sets forth the entire understanding between the parties hereto and supersedes and merges all previous written and oral negotiations, commitments, understandings and agreements relating to the subject matter hereof between the parties hereto.

            19.             No Construction as Employment Agreement. Nothing contained in this Agreement shall be construed as giving Indemnitee any right to be retained in the employ of the Company or any of its subsidiaries.

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

GENSPERA, INC.
   
By:
 
   
Title:  
 

     AGREED TO AND ACCEPTED BY: 
 
     Signature:
 
 
     Printed Name:
 
 
     Address:

 
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EX-10.08 11 v159947_ex10-08.htm

EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT
 
This Employment Agreement (the “Agreement”), dated as of September 2, 2009 (the “Effective Date”), is made by and between GenSpera, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), and Russell Richerson (“Executive”).  This Agreement is intended to confirm the understanding and set forth the agreement between the Company and Executive with respect to Executive’s employment by the Company.  In consideration of the mutual promises and covenants contained in this Agreement, and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby mutually acknowledged, the Company and the Executive hereby agree as follows:
 
1.            Employment & Directorship.
 
(a)           Title and Duties.  Subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, the Company will employ Executive, and Executive will be employed by the Company, as Chief Operating Officer (“COO”), reporting to the Chief Executive Officer of the Company.  Executive will have the responsibilities, duties and authority commensurate with said position.  Executive will also perform such other services of an executive nature for the Company as may be reasonably assigned to Executive from time to time.
 
(b)          Devotion to Duties.  For so long as Executive is employed hereunder, Executive will devote substantially all of Executive’s business time and energies to the business and affairs of the Company;  provided that nothing contained in this Section 1(b) will be deemed to prevent or limit Executive’s right to manage Executive’s personal investments on Executive’s own personal time, including, without limitation, the right to make passive investments in the securities of (i) any entity which Executive does not control, directly or indirectly, and which does not compete with the Company, or (ii) any publicly held entity (other than the Company or its related entities) so long as Executive’s aggregate direct and indirect interest does not exceed four and 99/100 percent (4.99%) of the issued and outstanding securities of any class of securities of such publicly held entity.  Except as set forth on Exhibit A hereto, Executive represents that Executive is not currently a director (or similar position) of any other entity and is not employed by or providing consulting services to any other person or entity, and Executive agrees to refrain from undertaking any such position or engagement without the prior approval of the Board, which approval shall not be unreasonably withheld.  Executive may continue to serve as a director for the entities listed on Exhibit A  provided that such service does not create any conflicts, ethical or otherwise, with Executive’s responsibilities to the Company and further provided that Executive’s time commitments do not unreasonably interfere with his fulfillment of his responsibilities hereunder, as determined by the Board or its designated committee thereof.  Executives affiliation with the entities listed on Exhibit A are subject to periodic review by the Board of Directors of the Company (“Board”) or its designated committee for purpose of compliance with the preceding sentence.
 
(c)           Directorship. In the event that Executive is elected to serve on the Company’s Board, the Executive agrees to accept election, as director of the Company, without any compensation therefore other than as specified in this Agreement.

2.             Term of Agreement; Termination of Employment.
 
(a)           Term of Agreement.  The term of this Agreement shall commence on the Effective Date and shall continue in effect for three (3) years; provided however, that commencing on the third anniversary of the Effective Date and continuing each anniversary thereafter, the Term shall automatically be extended for one (1) additional year unless, not later than three (3) months before the conclusion of the Term, the Company or the Executive shall have given notice not to extend the Term.  Such notice or such termination of this Agreement shall not on its own have the effect of terminating Executive’s employment, nor shall it constitute Cause (as defined below).  The duration of this Agreement is referred to as the “Term.”

 
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(b)           Termination of Employment. Subject to the provisions of Section 4, either the Executive or the Company may terminate the employment relationship at any time for any reason.  Notwithstanding anything else contained in this Agreement, Executive’s employment during the Term will terminate upon the earliest to occur of the following:
 
(i)           Death.  Immediately upon Executive’s death;
 
(ii)          Termination by the Company.
 
(A)          If because of Disability (as defined below), then upon written notice by the Company to Executive that Executive’s employment is being terminated as a result of Executive’s Disability, which termination shall be effective on the date of such notice;
 
(B)           If for Cause (as defined below), then upon written notice by the Company to Executive that states that Executive’s employment is being terminated for Cause and sets forth the specific alleged Cause for termination and the factual basis supporting the alleged Cause, which termination shall be effective on the date of such notice or such later date as specified in writing by the Board; or
 
(C)           If without Cause (i.e., for reasons other than Sections 2(b)(ii)(A) or (B)), then upon written notice by the Company to Executive that Executive’s employment is being terminated without Cause, which termination shall be effective on the date of such notice or such later date as specified in writing by the Board; or
 
(iii)         Termination by Executive
 
(A)              If for Good Reason (as defined below), then upon written notice by Executive to the Company that states that Executive is terminating Executive’s employment for Good Reason and sets forth the specific alleged Good Reason for termination and the factual basis supporting the alleged Good Reason, such termination shall be effective on the date of such notice; or
 
(B)              If without Good Reason, then upon written notice by Executive to the Company that Executive is terminating Executive’s employment, which termination shall be effective, at Executive’s election, not less than thirty (30) days and not more than sixty (60) days after the date of such notice; provided  that the Executive may request at such time to such shorter period; and further provided  that the Board may choose to accept Executive’s resignation effective as of an earlier date.
 
Notwithstanding anything in this Section 2(b), the Company may at any point terminate Executive’s employment for Cause prior to the effective date of any other termination contemplated hereunder if such Cause exists.
 
(c)           Definition of “Disability”.  For purposes of this Agreement, “Disability” shall mean that Executive is unable to engage in any substantial gainful activity by reason of any medically determinable physical or mental impairment which can be expected to result in death or can be expected to last for a continuous period of not less than six (6) months.  Whether the Executive has a Disability will be determined by a majority of the Board based on evidence provided by one or more physicians selected by the Board and approved by Executive, which approval shall not be unreasonably withheld.
 
 
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(d)           Definition of “Cause”.  For purposes of this Agreement, “Cause” shall mean that Executive has:
 
(i)           Intentionally committed an unlawful act or omission in the performance of Executives duties that materially harms the Company;
 
(ii)           been grossly negligent in the performance of Executive’s duties to the Company;
 
(iii)           Willfully failed or refused to follow the lawful and proper directives of the Board;
 
(iv)           been convicted of, or pleaded guilty or nolo contendre, to a felony;
 
(v)           committed an act involving moral turpitude;
 
(vi)           committed an act relating to the Company involving, in the good faith judgment of the Board, material fraud or theft resulting in material harm to the Company;
 
(vii)           breached any material provision of this Agreement or any nondisclosure or non-competition agreement (including the Proprietary Information, Inventions, and Competition Agreement attached here as Exhibit B ), between Executive and the Company, as all of the foregoing may be amended prospectively from time to time; or
 
(viii)           breached a material provision of any code of conduct or ethics policy in effect at the Company, as all of the foregoing may be amended prospectively from time to time.
 
(e)           Definition of “Good Reason”.  For purposes of this Agreement, “Good Reason” shall mean the occurrence of one or more of the following without the Executive’s consent:  (i) a change in the principal location at which the Executive performs his duties for the Company to a new location that is at least forty (40) miles from the prior location without Executives consent; (ii) a material change in the Executive’s authority, functions, duties or responsibilities as Chief Operating Officer of the Company, which would cause his position with the Company to become of less responsibility, importance or scope than his position on the date of this Agreement, provided, however, that such material change is not in connection with the termination of the Executive’s employment by the Company for Cause or death or Disability and further provided that it shall not be considered a material change if the Company becomes a subsidiary of another entity and Executive continues to hold the position of Chief Operating Officer in the subsidiary; (iii) a reduction in the Executives annual base salary or (iv) a reduction in Executive’s Target Annual Bonus as compared to the Target Annual Bonus set for the previous fiscal year.
 
(f)            Board Membership.  Upon termination of Executive’s employment for any reason, if so requested by a majority of the Board, Executive shall immediately resign in writing as a director of the Company.
 
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3.            Compensation.
 
(a)           Base Salary.  While Executive is employed hereunder, the Company will pay Executive a base salary at the gross annualized rate of $200,000.00 (the “Base Salary”), paid in accordance with the Company’s usual payroll practices.  The Base Salary will be subject to review annually or on such periodic basis (no less than annually) as the Company reviews the compensation of the Company’s other senior executives and may be adjusted upwards in the sole discretion of the Board or its designee.  The Company will deduct from each such installment any amounts required to be deducted or withheld under applicable law or under any employee benefit plan in which Executive participates.
 
(b)           Annual Bonus.  Executive may be eligible to earn an Annual Bonus relating to each fiscal year, based on the achievement of individual and Company written goals established on an annual basis by the Board within thirty (30) days of the beginning of the fiscal year.  Such goals may include minimum working capital or other financial requirements as a condition to receiving the Annual Bonus.  The applicable bonus amount shall be determined at such time as the Board establishes the written goals for each applicable year (“Target Annual Bonus”).  Any awarded Annual Bonus shall be paid within 2 ½ months of the year to which it relates.  Notwithstanding the forgoing, Executive acknowledges that the bonus may be comprised of cash and non-cash compensation as determined at the sole discretion of the Board or its designee.
 
(c)           Discretionary Bonus. At the sole discretion of the Board, the Executive shall be eligible to receive an annual discretionary bonus (the “Discretionary Bonus”) based upon his performance during the prior year.  Any awarded Discretionary Bonus shall be paid within 2 ½ months of being granted.  Notwithstanding the forgoing, Executive acknowledges that the bonus may be comprised of cash or non-cash compensation as determined at the sole discretion of the Board or its designee.
 
(d)           Stock Option Grants. The Company shall grant Executive the stock options as provided for on Exhibit C  (“Options”).   In connection with such grant, the Executive shall enter into the Company’s standard stock option agreement which will incorporate the vesting schedule and other terms described in Exhibit C. The Board shall review the aggregate number of stock options granted to the Executive not less frequently than annually in order to determine whether an increase in the number thereof is warranted.

(e)           Fringe Benefits.  In addition to any benefits provided by this Agreement, Executive shall be entitled to participate generally in all employee benefit, welfare and other plans, practices, policies and programs (collectively “Benefit Plans”) and fringe benefits maintained by the Company from time to time on a basis no less favorable than those provided to other similarly-situated executives of the Company.  Executive understands that, except when prohibited by applicable law, the Company’s Benefit Plans and fringe benefits may be amended, enlarged, diminished or terminated prospectively by the Company from time to time, in its sole discretion, and that such shall not be deemed to be a breach of this Agreement.  Executive acknowledges that at present, the Company does not maintain any Benefit Plans and nothing contained herein shall obligate the Company to establish any such plans.
 
(f)            Paid Time Off.  Executive will be entitled to an initial thirty (30) days of Paid Time Off (“PTO”) per year, administered in accordance with and subject to the terms of the Company’s PTO policy, as it may be amended prospectively from time to time.  Executive is entitled to accrue additional PTO days for any days not taken in the prior year provided that in no event shall Executive be entitled to more than forty five (45) PTO days per any calendar year.
 
(g)           Reimbursement of Expenses.  The Company will promptly reimburse Executive for all ordinary and reasonable out-of-pocket business expenses that are incurred by Executive in furtherance of the Company’s business in accordance with the Company’s policies with respect thereto as in effect from time to time.

 
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4.            Compensation Upon Termination.
 
(a)           Definition of Accrued Obligations.  For purposes of this Agreement, “Accrued Obligations ” means (i) the portion of Executive’s Base Salary that has accrued prior to any termination of Executive’s employment with the Company and has not yet been paid; (ii) to the extent required by law and the Company’s policy, an amount equal to the value of Executive’s accrued but unused PTO days; (iii) the amount of any expenses properly incurred by Executive on behalf of the Company prior to any such termination and not yet reimbursed; (iv) the Annual Bonus related to the most recently completed fiscal year, if not already paid and if the termination is not for Cause (the amount of which shall be determined in accordance with Section 3(b) above); (v) any accrued but unused PTO days; and (vi) any applicable Discretionary Bonus previously awarded, if not already paid and if the termination is not for Cause.  Executive’s entitlement to any other compensation or benefit under any plan or policy of the Company, including but not limited to applicable equity compensation plans, shall be governed by and determined in accordance with the terms of such plans or policies, except as otherwise specified in this Agreement.
 
(b)           Termination for Cause, By the Executive without Good Reason, or as a Result of Executive’s Disability or Death.
 
(i)           If Executive’s employment is terminated during the Term either by the Company for Cause or by Executive without Good Reason, or if Executive’s employment terminates as a result of the Executive’s death, the Company will pay the Accrued Obligations to Executive, or his estate, promptly following the effective date of such termination.
 
(ii)          In case of termination during the Term by the Company as a result of the Executive’s Disability, the Company will pay Executive the Accrued Obligations plus an amount equal to twelve (12) months of Executive’s then-current Base Salary.
 
(c)           Termination by the Company without Cause or by Executive with Good Reason.  If Executive’s employment is terminated by the Company without Cause or by Executive with Good Reason, during the Term, then:
 
(i)            The Company will pay the Accrued Obligations to Executive promptly following the effective date of such termination;
 
(ii)           The Company will pay Executive a total amount equal to eighteen (18) months of Executive’s then current Base Salary, less applicable taxes and deductions; to be made in approximately equal biweekly installments in accordance with the Company’s usual payroll practices over a period of eighteen (18) months beginning after the effective date of the separation agreement described in Section 4(d);
 
(iii)          The Company will continue to provide medical insurance coverage for Executive and Executive’s family, subject to the requirements of COBRA and subject to Executive’s payment of a premium co-pay related to the coverage that is no less favorable than the premium co-pay charged to active employees of the Company electing the same coverage, for eighteen (18) months from the Separation Date; provided , that the Company shall have no obligation to provide such coverage if Executive fails to elect COBRA benefits in a timely fashion or if Executive becomes eligible for medical coverage with another employer.  In the event the Company does not provide medical insurance coverage to its employees but instead provides for expense reimbursement in connection with the such premiums, the Company will continue to reimburse Execute for such premiums for a period of eighteen (18) months; and

 
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(iv)          That portion of unvested or restricted securities then held by Executive, whether granted herein or subsequently, if any, shall vest and be immediately exercisable as of the date of the employment termination.  All options and shares of restricted stock shall otherwise be subject to the terms and conditions of their respective agreements and with the applicable plan.
 
(d)           Release of Claims/Board Resignation.  The Company shall not be obligated to pay Executive any of the compensation or provide Executive any of the benefits set forth in Section 4(b)(i) or 4(c) (other than the Accrued Obligations) unless and until Executive has (i) executed a timely separation agreement in a form acceptable to the Company, which shall include a release of claims between the Company and the Executive and may include provisions regarding mutual non-disparagement and confidentiality; and (ii) resigned from the Board, if so requested pursuant to Section 2(e).
 
(e)           Other Payments or Benefits Owing.  The payments and benefits set forth in this Section 4 shall be the sole amounts owing to Executive as separation pay upon termination of Executive’s employment. .  Executive shall not be eligible for any other payments, including but not limited to additional Base Salary payments, bonuses, commissions, or other forms of compensation or benefits, except as may otherwise be set forth in this Agreement or in Company plan documents with respect to plans in which Executive is a participant.
 
(f)            Notwithstanding any other provision with respect to the timing of payments under Section 4, if, at the time of Executive’s termination, Executive is deemed to be a “specified employee” (within the meaning of Code Section 409A, and any successor statute, regulation and guidance thereto) of the Company, then limited only to the extent necessary to comply with the requirements of Code Section 409A, any payments to which Executive may become entitled under Section 4 which are subject to Code Section 409A (and not otherwise exempt from its application) will be withheld until the first (1st) business day of the seventh (7th) month following the termination of Executive’s employment, at which time Executive shall be paid an aggregate amount equal to the accumulated, but unpaid, payments otherwise due to Executive under the terms of Section 4.
 
5.            Competition.  Executive agrees to sign and return to the Company the Proprietary Information, Inventions, and Competition Agreement (the “Proprietary Information Agreement”) attached hereto as Exhibit B concurrently with the execution of this Agreement.  The parties agree that the obligations set forth in the Proprietary Information Agreement shall survive termination of this Agreement and termination of the Executive’s employment, regardless of the reason for such termination.
 
6.            Property and Records.  Upon termination of Executive’s employment hereunder for any reason or for no reason, Executive will deliver to the Company any property of the Company which may be in Executive’s possession, including blackberry-type devices, laptops, cell phones, products, materials, memoranda, notes, records, reports or other documents or photocopies of the same.
 
7.            General.
 
(a)           Notices.  Except as otherwise specifically provided herein, any notice required or permitted by this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be delivered as follows with notice deemed given as indicated: (i) by personal delivery when delivered personally; (ii) by overnight courier upon written verification of receipt; (iii) by facsimile transmission upon acknowledgment of receipt of electronic transmission; (iv) by certified or registered mail, return receipt requested, upon verification of receipt, or (v) via facsimile with confirmation of receipt at the Company’s primary facsimile number.  Notices to Executive shall be: (x) sent to the last known address in the Company’s records or such other address as Executive may specify in writing; or (y) via facsimile with confirmation of receipt at the facsimile number provided to the Company by Executive.  Notices to the Company shall be sent to the Company’s Board, or to such other Company representative as the Company may specify in writing.

 
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 (b)          Entire Agreement/Modification.  This Agreement, together with the Proprietary Information Agreement attached hereto, and the other agreements specifically referred to herein, embodies the entire agreement and understanding between the parties hereto and supersedes all prior oral or written agreements and understandings relating to the subject matter hereof.  No statement, representation, warranty, covenant or agreement of any kind not expressly set forth in this Agreement (or in a subsequent written modification or amendment executed by the parties hereto) will affect, or be used to interpret, change or restrict, the express terms and provisions of this Agreement.
 
(c)           Waivers and Consents.  The terms and provisions of this Agreement may be waived, or consent for the departure therefrom granted, only by written document executed by the party entitled to the benefits of such terms or provisions. No such waiver or consent will be deemed to be or will constitute a waiver or consent with respect to any other terms or provisions of this Agreement, whether or not similar.  Each such waiver or consent will be effective only in the specific instance and for the purpose for which it was given, and will not constitute a continuing waiver or consent.
 
(d)           Assignment and Binding Effect.  The Company may assign its rights and obligations hereunder to any person or entity that succeeds to all or substantially all of the Company’s business or that aspect of the Company’s business in which Executive is principally involved.  Executive may not assign Executive’s rights and obligations under this Agreement without the prior written consent of the Company.  This Agreement shall be binding upon Executive, Executive’s heirs, executors and administrators and the Company, and its successors and assigns, and shall inure to the benefit of Executive, Executive’s heirs, executors and administrators and the Company, and its successors and assigns.
 
(e)           Indemnification.  Executive shall be entitled to the same rights, if any, to indemnification and coverage under the Company’s Directors and Officers Liability Insurance policies as they may exist from time to time to the same extent as other officers and directors of the Company.
 
(f)            Governing Law.  This Agreement and the rights and obligations of the parties hereunder will be construed in accordance with and governed by the law of Texas, without giving effect to conflict of law principles.
 
(g)           Severability.  The parties intend this Agreement to be enforced as written. However, should any provisions of this Agreement be held by a court of law to be illegal, invalid or unenforceable, the legality, validity and enforceability of the remaining provisions of this Agreement shall not be affected or impaired thereby.
 
(h)           Headings and Captions.  The headings and captions of the various subdivisions of this Agreement are for convenience of reference only and will in no way modify or affect the meaning or construction of any of the terms or provisions hereof.
 
8.            Counterparts.  This Agreement may be executed in two or more counterparts, and by different parties hereto on separate counterparts, each of which will be deemed an original, but all of which together will constitute one and the same instrument.  For all purposes a signature by fax shall be treated as an original.
 
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed and delivered this Employment Agreement as of the date first written above.

 
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EXECUTIVE
 
GENSPERA, INC.
     
   
By:  
   
(Signature)
   
Craig Dionne, CEO  
Print Name: Russell Richerson
     

 
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Exhibit A

 

 

Exhibit B

 

 

Exhibit C
 
Prior Performance Grant
 
As partial compensation for services rendered by Executive during 2007 and 2008, the Company shall grant Executive a stock option to purchase 250,000 shares of the Company’s common stock, par value $0.01 per share (the “Common Stock”) at an exercise price of $1.50 per share (the “Option”). The Option shall be governed by the Company’s 2009 Executive Compensation Plan (the “Plan”).  The Option shall be 100% vested on the Effective Date of this Agreement.  The Option shall have a term of 7 years from date of grant. The vested Performance Options shall remain exercisable for: (i) the remaining term of the option if Executive is no longer employed by the Company as a result of terminated without Cause or with Good Reason.  In the event Executive is no longer employed for any other reason such as death or disability, the terms of the Plan shall govern.  In connection with such grant, the Executive shall enter into the Company’s standard stock option agreement which will incorporate the terms described in this paragraph.
 
Inducement Grant
 
As an inducement for entering into the Agreement, Executive shall be granted a stock option to purchase 150,000 shares of Common Stock at an exercise price of $1.50 per share (the “Inducement Option”). The Inducement Option shall be governed by the Plan. .  The Inducement Option shall be 100% vested on the grant date and have a term of 7 years.  The vested Performance Options shall remain exercisable for: (i) the remaining term of the option if Executive is no longer employed by the Company as a result of terminated without Cause or with Good Reason.  In the event Executive is no longer employed for any other reason such as death or disability, the terms of the Plan shall govern.   In connection with such grant, the Executive shall enter into the Company’s standard stock option agreement which will incorporate the terms described in this paragraph.
 
Performance Grant
 
The Company shall grant Executive a stock option to purchase 375,000 shares of Common Stock at an exercise price of $1.50 per share (the “Performance Option”). The Performance Option shall be governed by the Plan.  For so long as the Executive is an employee of the Company, the Performance Option shall vest, if at all, upon the following milestones being achieved:

 
·
112,500 upon: (i) development of a plan acceptable to the Company’s CEO for the synthesis and/or purification of G-202 bulk from first synthesis to enough G-202 API to complete Phase I and Phase II clinical trials for G-202; (ii) develop and implement plan to define site and studies for G-202 propagation and determination of Thapsigargin distribution in plan parts;  (iii) the Company’s Common Stock becoming listed on a national exchange or on the Over-the-Counter Bulletin Board; and (iv) the enrollment of the first patient in a Phase 1 clinical trial for G-202.

 
·
150,000 upon: (i) enrollment of first patient in a second Phase 1 clinical trial; (ii) enrollment of first patient in a Phase II clinical trial or an expanded cohort in a Phase 1B clinical trial;  or (iii) enrollment of tenth patient in a Phase II clinical trial or in an expanded cohort in a phase 1B clinical trial.

 

 

 
·
112,500 upon an additional: (i) enrollment of first patient in a second Phase 1 clinical trial; (ii) enrollment of first patient in a Phase II clinical trial or an expanded cohort in a Phase 1B clinical trial;  or (iii) enrollment of tenth patient in a Phase II clinical trial or in an expanded cohort in a phase 1B clinical trial. (for purposes of clarity, these milestones are in additional to those required for the vesting of options to purchase 150,000 shares of Common Stock as contained in the paragraph immediately above)

Subject to any applicable acceleration provisions contained in this Agreement, upon termination of Executive’s employment with the Company, Executive’s rights to any portion of the Performance Option that has not yet vested as of the date of such termination shall not vest and all of Executive’s rights to such unvested portion of the Option shall terminate.  In the event of a Change of Control (as such term is defined in the Plan), the entire Option shall vest and become immediately exercisable. The Option shall have a term of 7 years from date of grant.  The vested Performance Options shall remain exercisable for: (i) the remaining term of the option if Executive is no longer employed by the Company as a result of terminated without Cause or with Good Reason.  In the event Executive is no longer employed for any other reason such as death or disability, the terms of the Plan shall govern.  In connection with such grant, the Executive shall enter into the Company’s standard stock option agreement which will incorporate the foregoing vesting schedule and other terms described in this section.

 

 
EX-10.09 12 v159947_ex10-09.htm
PROPRIETARY INFORMATION, INVENTIONS, AND COMPETITION AGREEMENT
 
THIS AGREEMENT, dated September 2, 2009, is entered into by and between GenSpera, Inc., (the “Company”), and Russell Richerson (“Employee”).
 
WITNESSETH:
 
WHEREAS, the Employee has been hired by the Company to serve as its Chief Operating Officer; and
 
WHEREAS, the Employee may be exposed, have access to, create or make contributions to the Proprietary Information as defined below and/or inventions of the Company;
 
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration for the Company’s employment of the Employee, and for other good and valuable consideration the receipt and sufficiency of which is hereby acknowledged, the parties covenant and agree as follows:
 
AGREEMENT
 
1. 
Acknowledgements. The Employee understands and acknowledges that:
 
(a)
As part of his/her services as an employee of the Company, he/she may be exposed or have access to, or make new contributions and inventions of value to, the past, present and future business, products, operations and policies of the Company.
 
(b)
His/Her position as an employee creates a relationship of confidence and trust between the Employee and the Company with respect to (i) information which is related or applicable to the Company’s Field of Interest (as defined in 1(c) below) and the manner in which the Company engages in business in such Field of Interest, and (ii) information which is related or applicable to the business of the Company or any client, customer, joint venture or other person with which the Company has a business relationship, (a ”Business Associate”), any of which information has been or may be made known to the Employee by the Company (including, without limitation, any Scientific Advisors of the Company) or by any Business Associate of the Company, or any of which has been otherwise learned by the Employee as a result of or in connection with his/her service as an employee of the Company.
 
(c)
The Company possesses and will continue to possess information that has been created by, discovered by, developed by or otherwise become known to the Company (including, without limitation, information created, discovered, developed or made known by the Employee related to or arising out of his/her service as an employee of the Company) and/or in which property rights have been assigned or otherwise conveyed to the Company, which information has commercial value to its business interests and/or in the Field of Interest in which the Company is presently engaged or will be engaged.  The term “Field of Interest” shall mean the development of drugs, for use in the treatment, diagnosis or prevention of cancer containing derivatives of thapsigargin.  During an individual’s employment, the term “Field of Interest” may be expanded from time to time to include such other areas of therapy, diagnosis or prevention as may be designated by the Company and as disclosed in its public filings from time to time. All of the aforementioned information is hereinafter called “Proprietary Information.” By way of illustration, but not limitation, formulas, data, know-how, improvements, inventions, techniques, regulatory compliance plans, marketing plans, strategies, forecasts, supplier lists, manufacturing arrangements and customer lists are Proprietary Information.
 
 
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2. 
Proprietary Information.
 
(a)
All Proprietary Information shall be the sole property of the Company and its successors and assigns, and the Company and its successors and assigns shall be the sole owner of all patents and other rights in connection therewith. The Employee hereby assigns to the Company any rights he/she may have or acquire in such Proprietary Information, and agrees to take such action and sign such documents from time to time as the Company reasonably requires to effect or confirm such assignment.
 
(b)
At all times, both during the term of this Agreement and thereafter until such information becomes known to the public, the Employee will, subject to the provisions of Section 3 hereof regarding publication, keep in confidence and trust all Proprietary Information and any other confidential information of the Company, and he/she will not use or disclose any Proprietary Information or anything relating to it without the prior written consent of the Company, except as may be necessary in the ordinary course of performing his/her duties as an employee of the Company or as required by law;provided that  if disclosure is required by law, the Employee agrees to provide the Company with written notice of such disclosure obligation prior to making such disclosure and no more than two (2) days after the Employee learns of such disclosure requirement.
 
(c)
All documents, records, apparatus, equipment and other physical property, whether or not pertaining to Proprietary Information, furnished to the Employee by the Company or produced by the Employee or others in connection with the Employee’s services hereunder shall be and remain the sole property of the Company. The Employee will return and deliver such property to the Company as and when requested by the Company. Should the Company not so request at an earlier time, the Employee shall return and deliver all such property upon termination of his/her service as an employee to the Company for any reason, and the Employee will not take with him/her any such property or any reproduction of such property upon such termination.
 
3.
Inventions.
 
(a)
The Employee will promptly disclose to the Company, or any persons designated by it, all improvements, inventions, formulas, processes, techniques, know-how and data, whether or not patentable, made or conceived or reduced to practice or learned by him/her, either alone or jointly with others, related to or arising out of his/her position as an employee or which are related to or useful in the business of the Company, or result from tasks which have been or may be assigned to the Employee by the Company or result from use of premises owned, leased or contracted for by the Company (all said improvements, inventions, formulas, processes, techniques, know-how and data being hereinafter collectively called “Inventions”).
 
 
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(b)
The Employee agrees that all Inventions shall be the sole property of the Company and its assigns, and the Company and its assigns shall be the sole owner of all patents and other rights in connection therewith. The Employee hereby assigns to the Company any rights he/she may have or acquire in such Inventions. The Employee further agrees as to all such Inventions to assist the Company in every reasonable manner (but at the Company’s expense) to obtain, and from time to time enforce, patents on said Inventions in any and all countries, and to that end the Employee will execute all documents for use in applying for and obtaining such patents thereon and enforcing the same, as the Company may desire, together with any assignments thereof to the Company or persons designated by it. The Employee’s obligation to assist the Company in obtaining and enforcing patents for such Inventions in any and all countries shall continue beyond the termination of his/her employment by the Company, but the Company shall compensate the Employee at a reasonable rate after such termination for time actually spent by him/her at the Company’s request on such assistance. In the event that the Company is unable for any reason whatsoever to secure the Employee’s signature to any lawful and necessary documents required to apply for or execute any patent application with respect to such an Invention (including renewals, extensions, continuations, divisions or continuations in part thereof), the Employee hereby irrevocably designates and appoints the Company and its duly authorized officers and agents, as his/her agents and attorneys-in-fact to act for and on his/her behalf and instead of him/her, to execute and file any such application and to do all other lawfully permitted acts to further the prosecution and issuance of patents thereon with the same legal force and effect as if executed by the Employee, and such power of attorney created hereby is coupled with an interest.
 
(c)
Attached hereto, as Exhibit B, is a list describing all inventions, original works of authorship, developments, improvements, and trade secrets which were made by Employee prior to employment with the Company (collectively referred to as "Prior Inventions"), which belong to Employee, and  which relate to the Company's Field of Interest, and which are not assigned to the Company hereunder; or, if no such list is attached, Employee represents that there are no such Prior Inventions.  If in the course of employment with the Company, Employee incorporate into an Invention a Prior Invention owned by Employee or in which Employee has an interest, the Company is hereby granted and shall have a nonexclusive, royalty-free, irrevocable, perpetual, worldwide license to make, have made, modify, use and sell such Prior Invention as part of or in connection with such Invention.
 
4.            Competition.  While the Employee is employed by the Company and for a period of eighteen (18) months following the termination of the Employee’s employment (the “Noncompetition Period”), the Employee shall not, for himself/herself or on behalf of any other person or entity, directly or indirectly, whether as principal, partner, agent, independent contractor, stockholder, employee, consultant, representative or in any other capacity, own, manage, operate or control, be concerned or connected with, or employed by, or otherwise associate in any manner with, engage in or have a financial interest in any business that is engaged in the Field of Interest, anywhere in the world, except that nothing in this Agreement shall preclude the Employee from (a) purchasing or owning securities of any such business if such securities are publicly traded, and provided that the Employee’s holdings do not exceed Four and 99/100 (4.99%) percent of the issued and outstanding securities of any class of securities of such business; or (b) working for any academic or government institutions. 
 
5.            Solicitation of Employees.  During the Noncompetition Period the Employee shall not, either individually or on behalf of or through any third party, directly or indirectly (a) entice, solicit or encourage any director, employee or consultant to leave the Company, or (b) be involved for any entity other than the Company in the recruitment, engagement, or hiring of any Company director or employee.  This section shall prohibit the aforesaid activities by the Employee with respect to any person both while such person is a director, employee or consultant of the Company and for thirty (30) days thereafter.
 
6.            Publications.  The Employee agrees to consult with the Company prior to publishing (in writing or by seminar, lecture or other oral presentation) any material relating to his/her activities that relate to the Company’s Field of Interest, and to furnish copies of any such publication (written or oral) to the Company for prior clearance at least sixty (60) days prior to the proposed publication. The Company agrees to review such submissions and to apply for patents as promptly as practicable so as to avoid or keep to a minimum any delay in publishing material of scientific importance.
 
 
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7.
Prior Work and Legal Obligations
 
(a)
By signing this Agreement, the Employee represents that she/he has no agreement with or other legal obligation to any prior employer or any other person or entity that restricts his/her ability to engage in employment discussions, to accept employment with, or to perform any function for the Company.
 
(b)
The Employee also acknowledges that the Company has advised the Employee that at no time, either during any pre-employment discussions or at any time thereafter, should the Employee divulge to or use for the benefit of the Company any trade secret or confidential or proprietary information of any previous employer.  By signing this Agreement, the Employee affirms that she/he has not divulged or used any such information for the benefit of the Company, and that she/he has not and will not misappropriate any proprietary information of a former employer that the Employee played any part in creating while working for such former employer.
 
8.            Provisions Necessary and Reasonable/Injunctive Relief  The Employee specifically agrees that the provisions of Sections 1-5 of this Agreement are necessary and reasonable to protect the Company’s Proprietary Information, goodwill and business interests.  The Employee acknowledges that given his/her skills and work experience, such restrictions will not prevent the Employee from earning a living in his/her general field of occupation during the term of such restrictions.  The Employee further agrees that a breach or threatened breach by the Employee of Sections 1-5 of this Agreement would pose the risk of irreparable harm to the Company, and that in the event of a breach or threatened breach of any of such covenants, without posting any bond or security, the Company shall be entitled to seek and obtain equitable relief, in the form of specific performance, or temporary, preliminary or permanent injunctive relief, or any other equitable remedy which then may be available.  The seeking of such injunction or order shall not affect the Company’s right to seek and obtain damages or other equitable relief on account of any such actual or threatened breach.
 
9.            Disclosure to Future and Prospective Employers.  The Employee agrees that so long as this Agreement is effective the Employee will notify his/her employers of this Agreement and that the Company may notify any of the Employee’s future or prospective employers or other third parties of this Agreement and may provide a copy of this Agreement to such parties without the Employee’s further consent.
 
10.          Transfer, Promotion or Reassignment.  The Employee acknowledges and agrees that if she/he should transfer between or among any affiliates of the Company or be promoted or reassigned to functions other than the Employee’s present functions, all terms of this Agreement shall continue to apply with full force.
 
11.          Severability.  The parties intend this Agreement to be enforced as written.  However, if any portion or provision of this Agreement shall to any extent be declared illegal or unenforceable by a duly authorized court having jurisdiction, both parties desire that such portion or provision be modified by such a court so as to make it enforceable (“blue-penciled”), and that the remainder of this Agreement be enforced to the fullest extent permitted by law.  In the event that such court deems any provision of this Agreement wholly unenforceable, then all remaining provisions shall nevertheless remain in full force and effect.
 
12.          Notices.  Except as otherwise specifically provided herein, any notice required or permitted by this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be delivered as follows with notice deemed given as indicated: (i) by personal delivery when delivered personally; (ii) by overnight courier upon written verification of receipt; (iii) by telecopy or facsimile transmission upon acknowledgment of receipt of electronic transmission; or (iv) by certified or registered mail, return receipt requested, upon verification of receipt.  Notices to Employee shall be sent to the last known address in the Company’s records or such other address as Employee may specify in writing.  Notices to the Company shall be sent to the Company’s Chairman or to such other Company representative as the Company may specify in writing.
 
 
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13.          Binding Effect.  The Agreement will be binding upon and inure to the benefit of (a) the heirs, executors and legal representatives of the Employee upon the Employee’s death and (b) any successor of the Company.  Any such successor of the Company will be deemed substituted for the Company under the terms of the Agreement for all purposes.  For this purpose, “successor” means any person, firm, corporation or other business entity which at any time, whether by purchase, merger or otherwise, directly or indirectly acquires all or substantially all of the assets or business of the Company.  The Employee’s obligations hereunder shall survive the termination of the Employee’s employment by the Company, regardless of the reason for such termination.
 
14.          Waivers. No waivers, express or implied, of any breach of this agreement shall be held or construed as a waiver of any other breach of the same or any other covenant, agreement or duty hereunder.
 
15.          Governing Law.  This agreement shall be construed and enforced in accordance with the law of Delaware, without giving effect to conflict of law principles.  This agreement represents the entire agreement of the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof, and may only be amended or modified by a written instrument signed by the parties.
 
16.          Meaning of Headings.  The headings in this Agreement are for convenience only, and both parties agree that they shall not be construed or interpreted to modify or affect the construction or interpretation of any provision of this Agreement.
 
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Agreement as of the date first above written.
 
GENSPERA, INC.
  
 
Craig Dionne  
  
 
 
 
Russell Richerson  
 
Date:    
  
 
 
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