PERCEPTRON,
INC.
SEVERANCE AGREEMENT
THIS SEVERANCE AGREEMENT,
dated as of October 24, 2013, (the “Agreement”) is between Perceptron, Inc. (the “Company”) and Jeffrey
M. Armstrong, who will be employed by the Company in the position of President and Chief Executive Officer (the “Executive”)
effective November 4, 2013.
1. Operation
of Agreement. This Agreement sets forth the severance compensation that the Company shall pay the Executive if the Executive’s
employment with the Company terminates under one of the applicable provisions set forth herein. As used in this Agreement, employment
with the Company shall be deemed to include employment with a subsidiary of the Company. The severance provided under this Agreement
is intended either to be exempt from or comply with the provisions of Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended
(the “Code”).
2. Defined
Terms. For purposes of this Agreement, the following terms shall have the meanings set forth below:
(a) “Administrator”
is defined in Section 15(a).
(b) “Agreement”
is defined in the preamble.
(c) “Benefit
Continuation Period” is defined in Section 3(b)(iii).
(d) “Cause”
shall mean the Executive’s
(i) personal
dishonesty in connection with the performance of services for the Company,
(ii) willful
misconduct in connection with the performance of services for the Company,
(iii) conviction
for violation of any law involving (A) imprisonment that interferes with performance of duties or (B) moral turpitude,
(iv) repeated
and intentional failure to perform stated duties, after written notice is delivered identifying the failure, and it is not cured
within 10 days following receipt of such notice,
(v) breach
of a fiduciary duty to the Company,
(vi) breach
of the Proprietary Information and Invention Agreement or the Perceptron Executive Agreement Not to Compete, or
(vii) prior
to a Change in Control, engaging in activities detrimental to the interests of the Company that have a demonstrable adverse effect
on the Company.
(e) “Change
in Control” shall be deemed to have occurred upon the occurrence of any of the following events:
(i) A merger
involving the Company in which the Company is not the surviving corporation (other than a merger with a wholly-owned subsidiary
of the Company formed for the purpose of changing the Company’s corporate domicile);
(ii) A share
exchange in which the shareholders of the Company exchange their stock in the Company for stock of another corporation (other than
a share exchange in which all or substantially all of the holders of the voting stock of the Company, immediately prior to the
transaction, exchange, on a pro rata basis, their voting stock of the Company, for more than 50% of the voting stock of such other
corporation);
(iii) A
sale of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company; or
(iv) Any
person or group of persons (as defined in Section 13(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended) (other than any employee
benefit plan or employee benefit trust benefiting the employees of the Company) becoming a beneficial owner, directly or indirectly,
of securities of the Company representing more than 50% of either the then outstanding Common Stock of the Company, or the combined
voting power of the Company’s then outstanding voting securities.
(f) “Change
in Control Severance Benefits” is defined in Section 4(c).
(g) “Change
in Control Benefit Continuation Period” is defined in Section 4(c)(iii).
(h) “Claimant”
is defined in Section 15(b).
(i) “Code”
is defined in Section 1.
(j) “Company”
is defined in the preamble.
(k) “Disability”
shall mean the Executive’s inability to substantially perform the Executive’s duties for such period as would qualify
the Executive for benefits under the long-term disability insurance policy provided by the Company or, if no such policy is provided,
the Executive’s total and permanent disability which prevents the Executive from performing for a continuous period exceeding
six months the duties assigned to the Executive. The determination of Disability shall be made by a medical board-certified physician
mutually acceptable to the Company and the Executive (or the Executive’s legal representative, if one has been appointed),
and if the parties cannot mutually agree to the selection of a physician, then each party shall select such a physician and the
two physicians so selected shall select a third physician who shall make this determination.
(l) “Executive”
is defined in the preamble.
(m) “Good
Reason” is defined in Section 4(a)(ii).
(n) “Non-Competition
Agreement” is defined in Section 9.
(o) “Outside
Date” is defined in Section 16(e).
(p) “Prime
Rate” is defined in Section 3(c).
(q) “Proprietary
Information and Invention Agreement” shall mean the Proprietary Information and Invention Agreement dated October 24,
2013 between the parties to this Agreement.
(r) “Regular
Severance Benefits” is defined in Section 3(b).
(s) “Release”
is defined in Sections 3(b) and 4(c).
(t) “Termination
of Employment” is defined in Sections 3 and 4.
3. Termination
of Employment. The Executive shall be entitled to the Regular Severance Benefits (as defined in Section 3(b) below) set
forth in this Section 3 if the Executive has incurred a Termination of Employment. The severance benefit provided under this Section
3 is in lieu of cash severance payments offered under the Company’s documented severance policy, if any.
(a) For purposes of
Section 3 of the Agreement, “Termination of Employment” shall be defined as the Executive’s involuntary termination
by the Company for any reason other than death, Disability or Cause; provided such termination constitutes a “separation
from service” as defined in Code Section 409A.
(b) Upon satisfaction
of the requirements set forth in this Section 3, upon the Executive’s execution of a release (in the form attached hereto
as Exhibit A) (the “Release”), the Executive shall be entitled to (the “Regular Severance Benefits”):
(i) A cash
severance benefit equal to one times the Executive’s current annual base salary, as in effect at the time of the Termination
of Employment;
(ii) A prorated
portion of any bonus that the Executive would have earned for the year of termination had the Executive been employed by the Company
at the end of the applicable bonus period;
(iii) Subject
to Section 6, continuation of Company-provided health for the Executive and his spouse and dependent children under age 26, if
provided by the Company to such family members at the date of termination (including vision and dental, if provided by the Company
at the date of termination) and welfare benefits (including executive life insurance coverage, if provided by the Company to the
Executive at the date of termination) for one year or, if earlier, the death of the Executive (the “Benefit Continuation
Period”), at the same level and on comparable terms as provided by the Company to its employees from time to time during
this period, with the Company paying any monthly premiums otherwise required to be paid by the Executive to continue such coverage.
Health benefits provided during the Benefit Continuation Period shall be provided in such a manner that the benefits (including
the associated costs and premiums) are excluded from the Executive’s income for federal income tax purposes and, if the Company
reasonably determines that providing continued coverage under one or more of the health care benefit plans maintained by the Company
could cause the benefits to be taxable to the Executive, the Company shall provide the benefits at the required level through the
reimbursement of the Executive for premiums for the purchase of individual insurance coverage; provided, however, that the Company
shall only be required to reimburse premiums for such coverage to the extent the premiums do not exceed the greater of (i) two
times the annual premium paid by the Company for such coverage at the date of termination or (ii) two times the then current amount
of the COBRA premium under the Company’s group health plan for comparable coverage. Any continuation of group health plan
coverage under this paragraph shall run concurrently with the period of required COBRA continuation coverage under the Code. Welfare
benefits (other than health benefits) shall be continued only to the extent permitted under the terms of such plans;
(iv) Continuation
of the Executive’s then current car benefit for one year or, if earlier, the death of the Executive, in accordance with the
Company car policy in effect at the time of termination.
(c) The Executive’s
cash severance benefit under Section 3(b)(i) shall be payable in the same manner as the Executive’s base salary and the pro
rata share of any bonus under Section 3(b)(ii) shall be payable at the time set forth in the bonus program, or, in each case, such
earlier time as is required to avoid such payments being subject to Section 409A of the Code. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if
at the time of Termination of Employment the Executive constitutes a “Specified Employee” as defined in Code Section
409A, and the Executive’s aggregate severance benefit is not exempt from Code Section 409A, commencing at Termination of
Employment, the Executive shall receive the benefits that are exempt from Code Section 409A and shall receive any payments that
are not exempt from Code Section 409A until the attainment of any applicable Code Section 409A cap, at which time the remaining
non-exempt payments shall be suspended. When a period of six months has lapsed from the Executive’s Termination of Employment
or, if earlier, the Executive’s death, any suspended payments shall be aggregated and paid in a lump sum, and the remaining
compensation, if any, shall be paid in accordance with its regular schedule. Any payment, including amounts suspended under Code
Section 409A, made later than 10 days following the Executive’s Termination of Employment (or applicable due date under this
Section 3 or Section 11(a) hereof) for whatever reason, shall include interest at the Prime Rate plus two percent, which shall
begin accruing on the 10th day following the Executive’s Termination of Employment (or applicable due date under
this Section 3 or Section 11(a) hereof). “Prime Rate” shall be determined by reference to the prime rate established
by Comerica Bank (or its successor), in effect from time to time commencing on the 10th day following the Executive’s
Termination of Employment (or applicable due date under Sections 3, 4, 11(a) or 16 hereof).
(d) In addition, to the amounts specified
above, Executive shall be entitled to reimbursements of any accrued but unpaid expenses incurred in accordance with the Company’s
reimbursement policy.
4. Termination
of Employment Following a Change in Control. Subject to Section 11(a) hereunder, the Executive shall be entitled to the
Change in Control Severance Benefits (as defined in Section 4(c) below) set forth in this Section 4, in lieu of the severance benefits
the Executive is entitled to under Section 3 of this Agreement, if there has been a Change in Control and the Executive has incurred
a Termination of Employment. The severance benefit provided under this Section 4 is in lieu of cash severance payments offered
under the Company’s documented severance policy, if any.
(a) For purposes of
Section 4 of the Agreement, “Termination of Employment” shall be defined as:
(i) The
Executive’s involuntary termination by the Company for any reason other than death, Disability or Cause; provided such termination
constitutes a “separation from service” as defined in Code Section 409A; or
(ii) The
Executive’s termination for “Good Reason,” defined as the occurrence of any of the following events without the
Executive’s written consent, if the Executive terminates employment within one (1) year following the occurrence of such
event:
(A) material
diminution in the Executive’s position, duties, responsibilities or status with the Company from his position, duties, responsibilities
or status with the Company immediately prior to the Change in Control;
(B) Any material
diminution in the Executive’s base salary in effect immediately prior to the Change in Control, which shall be a reduction
in such base salary of five (5%) percent or more unless a greater reduction is required by Code Section 409A to constitute an “involuntary
separation from service”;
(C) A material
required relocation of the Executive’s principal place of employment which shall be a relocation of more than 50 miles from
the Executive’s place of employment prior to the Change in Control unless a relocation of a greater distance is required
by Code Section 409A to constitute an “involuntary separation from service”; or
(D) The Company’s
breach of any provision in this Agreement.
(b) The Executive
who believes the Executive is entitled to a Termination of Employment for Good Reason, as defined in Section 4 above, shall provide
written notice of the existence of the condition to the Company within 90 days after existence of the condition and shall provide
the Company with a period of at least 30 days in which to cure the condition and not be required to pay the Good Reason severance.
The submission of such a written notification by the Executive shall not constitute “Cause” for the Company to terminate
the Executive as defined under Section 2(a) hereof. If the Executive’s request for a Good Reason Termination of Employment
is denied under both the request and appeal procedures set forth in paragraphs (b) and (c) of Section 15 hereof, then the parties
shall use their best efforts to resolve the claim within 90 days after the claim is submitted to arbitration pursuant to Section
15(d).
(c) Upon satisfaction
of the requirements set forth in Sections 4 or 11(a) hereof and with respect to any one or more Changes in Control that may occur
during the term of this Agreement, upon the Executive’s execution of a release (in the form attached hereto as Exhibit
A) (the “Release”), the Executive shall be entitled to (the “Change in Control Severance Benefits”):
(i) A cash
severance benefit equal to two times the Executive’s current annual base salary, as in effect at the time of the Change in
Control;
(ii) A prorated
portion of the Executive’s target bonus for the year of termination, based on the number of days worked in the year of termination;
(iii) Subject
to Section 6, continuation of Company-provided health benefits for the Executive and his spouse and dependent children under age
26, if provided by the Company to such family members immediately prior to the Change in Control (including vision and dental,
if provided by the Company immediately prior to the Change in Control) and welfare benefits (including executive life insurance
coverage, if provided by the Company to the Executive immediately prior to the Change in Control) for two years or, if earlier,
the death of the Executive (the “Change in Control Benefit Continuation Period”), in each case, at the same level and
on comparable terms as provided by the Company to the Executive immediately prior to the Change in Control, with the Company paying
any monthly premiums otherwise required to be paid by the Executive to continue such coverage. Health benefits provided during
the Change in Control Benefit Continuation Period shall be provided in such a manner that the benefits (including the associated
costs and premiums) are excluded from the Executive’s income for federal income tax purposes and, if the Company reasonably
determines that providing continued coverage under one or more of the health care benefit plans maintained by the Company could
cause the benefits to be taxable to the Executive, the Company shall provide the benefits at the required level through the reimbursement
of the Executive for premiums for the purchase of individual insurance coverage; provided, however, that the Company shall only
be required to reimburse premiums for such coverage to the extent the premiums do not exceed the greater of (i) two times the annual
premium paid by the Company for such coverage at the date of termination or (ii) two times the amount of the COBRA premium under
the Company’s group health plan for coverage comparable to that elected by the Executive, (A) at the time of the Change of
Control or (B) at the time of the required payment, whichever is greater. Any continuation of group health plan coverage under
this paragraph shall run concurrently with the period of required COBRA continuation coverage under the Code. Welfare benefits
(other than health benefits) shall be continued only to the extent permitted under the terms of such plans;
(iv) Continuation
of the Executive’s then current car benefit for one year or, if earlier, the death of the Executive, in accordance with the
Company car policy in effect at the time of termination.
(v) Continued
coverage, during the six (6) years following the Executive’s termination for his actions or omissions as an officer and,
if applicable, director of the Company prior to the date of termination of his employment, under any directors and officers liability
insurance policy maintained by the Company (or, if the Company does not maintain such a policy, by its affiliates) for its former
directors and officers or, at the Company’s election, for the current directors and officers. If the Company or its affiliates
does not otherwise maintain such a policy, then the Company shall be required to provide the Executive with such a policy, to the
extent available. The policy dollar coverage limits of any such policy shall be not less than the policy limit under any Company
policy in place within the one (1) year prior to the Executive’s termination of employment (the “Existing Policy”)
or, if less, the policy dollar coverage limit that can be purchased by the Company for all of its current and former directors
and officers at an annual premium equal to two times the Company’s annual premium for the Existing Policy.
(d) Subject to Section
11(a) hereof and the Code Section 409A limitations set forth below, the Executive’s cash severance benefit under Section
4(c)(i) and (ii) shall be paid in a lump sum cash payment within ten (10) days following the Executive’s Termination of Employment,
as defined in Section 4. Any payment, including amounts suspended under Code Section 409A, made later than 10 days following the
Executive’s Termination of Employment (or applicable due date under this Section 4 or Section 11(a) hereof) for whatever
reason, shall include interest at the Prime Rate plus two percent, which shall begin accruing on the 10th day following the Executive’s
Termination of Employment (or applicable due date under this Section 4 or Section 11(a) hereof). Notwithstanding the foregoing,
if at the time of Termination of Employment the Executive constitutes a “Specified Employee,” as defined in Code Section
409A, commencing at Termination of Employment, the Executive shall receive the benefits that are exempt from Code Section 409A
and shall receive the non-exempt payments until attainment of any applicable Code Section 409A cap, at which time the remaining
non-exempt payments shall be suspended. When a period of six months has lapsed from the Executive’s Termination of Employment
or, if earlier, the death of the Executive, any suspended payments shall be aggregated and paid in a lump sum, and the remaining
compensation, if any, shall be paid in accordance with its regular schedule.
(e) Section 4 of this
Agreement shall terminate upon the first of the following events to occur:
(i) Three
years from the date hereof if a Change in Control has not occurred within such three-year period;
(ii) Termination
of the Executive’s employment with the Company prior to a Change in Control, provided, however, if there is a Change in Control
within six months after the termination of the Executive’s employment with the Company, other than a termination due to the
Executive’s death or Disability, an involuntary termination by the Company for Cause or a termination of employment by the
Executive other than for Good Reason, then the Agreement shall not be deemed to have terminated and the Executive shall be entitled
to receive the Change in Control Severance Benefits provided in Section 4, less any Regular Severance Benefits the Executive has
been paid under Section 3, in lieu of the severance benefits the Executive is entitled to under Section 3;
(iii) The
expiration of two years following a Change in Control;
(iv) Termination
of the Executive’s employment with the Company following a Change in Control due to the Executive’s death or Disability;
(v) Termination
of the Executive’s employment by the Company for Cause following a Change in Control; or
(vi) Termination
of employment by the Executive for other than Good Reason following the date of a Change in Control.
Unless Section 4 of this Agreement has first terminated under
clauses (ii) through (vi) hereof, commencing on the third anniversary of the date of this Agreement, and on each one-year anniversary
thereafter, Section 4 of this Agreement shall be extended for one additional year, unless at least 180 days prior to any such anniversary,
the Company notifies the Executive in writing that it shall not extend the term of Section 4 of this Agreement.
5. Golden
Parachute Limit. Payments under this Agreement, when aggregated with any other “golden parachute” amounts (defined
under Section 280G of the Code) as compensation that becomes payable or accelerated due to a Change in Control payable under this
Agreement or any other plans, agreements or policies of the Company, shall not exceed to the golden parachute cap under Sections
280G and 4999 of the Code.
6. No
Mitigation or Duty to Seek Reemployment. The Executive shall be under no duty or obligation to seek or accept other employment
after Termination of Employment and shall not be required to mitigate the amount of any payments provided for by this Agreement
by seeking employment or otherwise. The Regular Severance Benefit and Change in Control Severance Benefits payments shall not be
reduced or suspended if the Executive accepts other employment, except that Company is not required to continue any health or welfare
benefit payments which duplicate employee benefits and perquisites received in such other employment.
7. Pro
Rata Share of Bonus. For purposes of this Agreement, a pro rata share of any bonus or target bonus shall mean the total
bonus or target bonus payable multiplied by a fraction, the numerator of which is the number of days in the applicable bonus period
prior to the date of the Executive’s Termination of Employment, Disability or death and the denominator of which is the number
of days in the bonus period.
8. Stock
Options. The Executive’s rights with respect to any options to purchase Company stock shall be governed by the terms
of the agreements pursuant to which such options were issued.
9. Non-Competition
and Restrictive Covenant. If, during the term that the Executive is receiving benefits under this Agreement, the Executive
violates the terms of this Agreement, the Release, the Proprietary Information and Invention Agreement, or the Perceptron Executive
Agreement Not to Compete dated October 24, 2013 between the Executive and the Company (the “Non-Competition Agreement”)
or any other non-competition agreement with the Company, the Company’s obligations to the Executive under this Agreement
shall automatically terminate. For purposes of Section 1 of the Non-Competition Agreement, “Payment Completion Period”
shall mean two years from the date of the Executive’s termination of employment if the Executive receives Change in Control
Severance Benefits under Section 4.
10. Tax
Withholding. The Company may withhold from any cash amounts payable to the Executive under this Agreement to satisfy all
applicable Federal, State, local or other income (including excise) and employment withholding taxes. In the event the Company
fails to withhold such sums for any reason, or withholding is required for any non-cash payments provided in connection with the
Executive’s Termination of Employment, the Company may require the Executive to promptly remit to the Company sufficient
cash to satisfy all applicable income and employment withholding taxes.
11. Binding
Effect.
(a) This Agreement
shall be binding upon the successors and assigns of the Company. The Company shall take whatever actions are necessary to ensure
that any successor to its operations (whether by purchase, merger, consolidation, sale of substantially all assets or otherwise)
assumes the obligations under this Agreement and shall cause such successor to evidence the assumption of such obligations in an
agreement satisfactory to the Executive. Notwithstanding any other provisions in this Agreement, if the Company fails to obtain
an agreement evidencing the assumption of the Company’s obligations by any such successor, the Executive shall be entitled
to immediate payment of the severance compensation provided under Section 4, irrespective of whether the Executive’s employment
has then terminated. For purposes of implementing the foregoing, the date on which any succession becomes effective shall be deemed
to constitute the date of the Executive’s Termination of Employment. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if the succession does
not constitute a “Change of Control” as defined under Code Section 409A, the compensation payments under Section 4
shall be suspended until the earlier of a “Change of Control” as defined under Code Section 409A, or the Executive
incurs an actual separation from service, or, if later, at the end of any additional suspensions as may be required under Section
4 if the Executive is a “Specified Employee” at the time of separation from service, at which time any suspended payments,
with interest at the Prime Rate plus two percent, accruing from 10 days following the succession date, shall be paid in accordance
with the terms of Section 4.
(b) This Agreement
shall be binding upon the Executive and shall inure to the benefit of and be enforceable by the Executive’s legal representatives
and heirs. However, the rights of the Executive under this Agreement shall not be assigned, transferred, pledged, hypothecated
or otherwise encumbered, except by operation of law.
12. Amendment
of Agreement. This Agreement may not be modified or amended except by instrument in writing signed by the parties hereto.
The parties agree that this Agreement may be amended to comply with applicable law, including, but not limited to, Code Section
409A.
13. Validity.
The invalidity or unenforceability of any provision of this Agreement shall not affect the validity or enforceability of any other
provision of this Agreement, which shall continue in full force and effect.
14. Limitation
on Rights.
(a) This Agreement
shall not be deemed to create a contract of employment between the Company and the Executive and shall create no right in the Executive
to continue in the Company’s employment for any specific period of time, or to create any other rights in the Executive or
obligations on the part of the Company, except as set forth herein. This Agreement shall not restrict the right of the Company
to terminate the Executive, or restrict the right of the Executive to terminate employment.
(b) Subject to the
exception for cash severance payments under the Company’s documented severance policy referenced in Sections 3 and 4 above,
this Agreement shall not be construed to exclude the Executive from participation in any other compensation or benefit programs
in which the Executive is specifically eligible to participate either prior to or following the execution of this Agreement, or
any such programs that generally are available to other executive personnel of the Company, nor shall it affect the kind and amount
of other compensation to which the Executive is entitled.
(c) The rights of
the Executive under this Agreement shall be solely those of an unsecured general creditor of the Company.
15. Claims
Procedure.
(a) The administrator
for purposes of this Agreement shall be the Company (“Administrator”), whose address is 47827 Halyard Drive, Plymouth,
Michigan 48170, and whose telephone number is (734) 414-6100. The “Named Fiduciary” as defined in Section 402(a)(2)
of ERISA, also shall be the Company. The Company shall have the right to designate one or more Company employees as the Administrator
and the Named Fiduciary at any time, and to change the address and telephone number of the same. The Company shall give the Executive
written notice of any change in the Administrator and Named Fiduciary, or in the address or telephone number of the same.
(b) The Administrator
shall make all determinations as to the right of any person to receive benefits under the Agreement. Any denial by the Administrator
of a claim for benefits by the Executive (“the Claimant”) shall be stated in writing by the Administrator and delivered
or mailed to the Claimant within 10 days after receipt of the claim, unless special circumstances require an extension of time
for processing the claim. If such an extension is required, written notice of the extension shall be furnished to the Claimant
prior to the termination of the initial 10-day period. In no event shall such extension exceed a period of 10 days from the end
of the initial period. Any notice of denial shall set forth the specific reasons for the denial, specific reference to pertinent
provisions of this Agreement upon which the denial is based, a description of any additional material or information necessary
for the Claimant to perfect the claim, with an explanation of why such material or information is necessary, and any explanation
of claim review procedures, written to the best of the Administrator’s ability in a manner that may be understood without
legal or actuarial counsel.
(c) A Claimant whose
claim for benefits has been wholly or partially denied by the Administrator may request, within 60 days following the date of such
denial, in a writing addressed to the Administrator, a review of such denial. The Claimant shall be entitled to submit such issues
or comments in writing or otherwise, as the Claimant shall consider relevant to a determination of the claim, and the Claimant
may include a request for a hearing in person before the Administrator. Prior to submitting the request, the Claimant shall be
entitled to review such documents as are pertinent to the claim. The Claimant may, at all stages of review, be represented by counsel,
legal or otherwise, of the Claimant’s choice. All requests for review shall be promptly resolved. The Administrator’s
decision with respect to any such review shall be set forth in writing and shall be mailed to the Claimant not later than 10 days
following receipt by the Administrator of the Claimant’s request unless special circumstances, such as the need to hold a
hearing, require an extension of time for processing, in which case the Administrator’s decision shall be so mailed not later
than 20 days after receipt of such request.
(d) A Claimant who
has followed the procedure in paragraphs (b) and (c) of this Section, but who has not obtained full relief on the claim for benefits,
may, within 60 days following the Claimant’s receipt of the Administrator’s written decision on review, apply in writing
to the Administrator for binding arbitration of the claim before an arbitrator mutually acceptable to both parties, the arbitration
to be held in Plymouth, Michigan, in accordance with the arbitration rules of the American Arbitration Association, Commercial
Disputes Resolution Procedures, as then in effect. If the parties are unable to mutually agree upon an arbitrator, then the arbitration
proceedings shall be held before three arbitrators, one of which shall be designated by the Company, one of which shall be designated
by the Claimant and the third of which shall be designated mutually by the first two arbitrators in accordance with the arbitration
rules referenced above. The arbitrator(s) sole authority shall be to interpret and apply the provisions of this Agreement; the
arbitrator(s) shall not change, add to, or subtract from, any of the Agreement’s provisions. The arbitrator(s) shall have
the power to compel attendance of witnesses at the hearing. Any court having jurisdiction may enter a judgment based upon such
arbitration. All decisions of the arbitrator(s) shall be final and binding on the Claimant and the Company without appeal to any
court. The Executive and the Company hereby acknowledge that as arbitration is the exclusive remedy with respect to any grievance
hereunder, neither party has the right to resort to any federal, state or local court or administrative agency concerning breaches
of this Agreement, and the decision of the arbitrator shall be a complete defense to any suit, action or proceeding instituted
in any federal, state or local court or before any administrative agency with respect to any dispute which is arbitrable as herein
set forth.
16. Legal
Fees and Expenses.
(a) Except as otherwise
provided in Section 16(b), in the event any arbitration or litigation is brought to enforce any provision of this Agreement and
the Executive prevails, then the Executive shall be entitled to recover from the Company the Executive’s reasonable costs
and reasonable expenses of such arbitration or litigation, including reasonable fees and disbursements of counsel (both at trial
and in appellate proceedings), (“Expenses”). Except as otherwise provided in Section 16(b), if the Company prevails,
then each party shall be responsible for its/his respective costs, expenses and attorneys fees, and the costs of the arbitrator
shall be equally divided.
(b) Except to the
extent prohibited by applicable law, in the event any arbitration or litigation is brought to enforce any provision of Section
4 of this Agreement, the Company shall advance to the Executive one half of the amount of the Executive’s Expenses and shall
pay the costs of the arbitrator. The Executive shall be obligated to repay such advances to the Company only if the Company prevails
in the arbitration or litigation.
(c) In the event that
it is determined that the Executive is entitled to compensation, legal fees and expenses hereunder, the Executive also shall be
entitled to interest thereon, from the date payment thereof was due, payable to the Executive at the Prime Rate of interest plus
two percent.
(d) For purposes of
this Section 16, “prevails” means that the Executive receives an award of severance benefits in such arbitration or
litigation in excess of the amount offered to be paid by the Company to the Executive prior to the initiation of the arbitration
or litigation. For purposes of determining the date when legal fees and expenses are payable, such amounts are not due until 30
days after notification to the Company of such amounts.
(e) Notwithstanding
the foregoing, to the extent that the payment by the Company of the Executive’s Expenses more than two calendar years following
the calendar year of the Termination of Employment (the “Outside Date”) would cause the payments under this Agreement
to not be exempt from Code Section 409A, no such payments after the Outside Date shall be payable hereunder.
17. Nonalienation
of Benefits. Except in so far as this provision may be contrary to applicable law, no sale, transfer, alienation, assignment,
pledge, collateralization or attachment of any benefits under this Agreement shall be valid or recognized by the Company.
18. ERISA.
This Agreement is an unfunded compensation arrangement for a member of a select group of the Company’s management and any
exemptions under ERISA, as applicable to such an arrangement, shall be applicable to this Agreement.
19. Reporting
and Disclosure. The Company, from time to time, shall provide government agencies with such reports concerning this Agreement
as may be required by law, and the Company shall provide the Executive with such disclosure concerning this Agreement as may be
required by law or as the Company may deem appropriate.
20. Notices.
Any notice required or permitted by this Agreement shall be in writing, sent by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested,
addressed to the Board and the Company at the Company’s then principal office, or to the Executive at the Executive’s
last address on file with the Company, as the case may be, or to such other address or addresses as any party hereto may from time
to time specify in writing for the purpose of this Agreement in a notice given to the other parties in compliance with this section.
Notices shall be deemed given when received.
21. Miscellaneous/Severability.
A waiver of the breach of any term or condition of this Agreement shall not be deemed to constitute a waiver of any subsequent
breach of the same or any other term or condition. This Agreement is intended to be performed in accordance with, and only to the
extent permitted by, all applicable laws, ordinances, rules and regulations. To the extent that any provision or benefit under
this Agreement is not deemed to be in accordance with any applicable law, ordinance, rule or regulation, the noncomplying provision
shall be construed, or benefit limited, to the extent necessary to comply with all applicable laws, ordinances and regulations
and any such provision or benefit shall not affect the validity of any other provision or benefit provided by this Agreement. The
headings in this Agreement are inserted for convenience of reference only and shall not be a part of or control or affect the meaning
of any provision hereof.
22. Governing
Law. To the extent not preempted by Federal law, this Agreement shall be governed and construed in accordance with the
laws of the State of Michigan, without regard to its conflicts of law rules.
23. Entire
Agreement. This document represents the entire agreement and understanding of the parties with respect to the subject matter
of the Agreement (other than the Non-Competition Agreement, and the Proprietary Information and Invention Agreement, which shall
remain in full force and effect after the execution of this Agreement) and it may not be altered or amended except by an agreement
in writing that is executed by both parties to this Agreement. Specifically, this Agreement supersedes any other severance pay
provisions in effect on the date of this Agreement, including, but not limited to, those contained in the Prior Agreement or the
Non-Competition Agreement.
24. Code
Section 409A. It is intended that payments and benefits provided under this Agreement shall be in compliance with or exempt
from Code Section 409A and the regulations and guidance thereunder, and the terms of this Agreement are to be interpreted and construed
accordingly. Each payment (including each payment in a series of payments) under this Agreement shall each be treated as a separate
payment for purposes of Code Section 409A, and the terms “termination”, “termination of employment”, and
phrases of like kind are intended to mean “separation from service” as defined by Code Section 409A. To the extent
the payment is subject to Code Section 409A, in no event may Executive, directly or indirectly, designate the calendar year of
any payment to be made under this Agreement. To the extent the time period for the Executive to sign and not revoke a release pursuant
to Section 3(b) or Section 4(c) of this Agreement spans two calendar years, the payment or payments, to the extent subject to Code
Section 409A, shall always commence in the second calendar year. In no event will the Company be responsible for any Code Section
409A tax or penalty owed by the Executive or Executive’s spouse or beneficiary, with regard to any payment or benefit provided
for under this Agreement. All reimbursements and in-kind benefits provided under this Agreement that constitute “nonqualified
deferred compensation” within the meaning of Code Section 409A shall be made or provided in accordance with the requirements
under Code Section 409A, including that: (a) in no event shall reimbursements by the Company under this Agreement be made later
than the end of the calendar year next following the calendar year in which such fees and expenses were incurred, provided that
Executive has submitted an invoice for such fees or expenses at least 30 days before the end of the calendar year next following
the calendar year in which such fees and expenses were incurred and complied with all Company policies regarding such reimbursements;
(b) the amount of in-kind benefits or expenses that the Company is obligated to provide or pay in any given calendar year (other
than medical reimbursements described in Treas. Reg. Section 1.409A-3(i)(1)(iv)(B)) shall not affect the in-kind benefits or expenses
eligible for reimbursement that the Company is obligated to provide or pay in any other calendar year; (c) the Executive’s
right to have the Company pay or provide such reimbursement and in-kind benefits may not be liquidated or exchanged for any other
benefit; and (d) in no event shall the Company’s obligations to make such reimbursements or to provide such in-kind benefits
apply later than the periods set forth in this agreement. The benefits provided in Sections 3(b)(iii) and 4(c)(iii) of this Agreement
shall only be provided to the extent that the Company determines that such benefit will be nondiscriminatory under Code Section
105(h) and any nondiscrimination requirements applied under the Affordable Care Act.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF,
the parties hereto have executed this Agreement as of the day and year first written above.
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PERCEPTRON, INC. |
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By: |
__/s/ David W. Geiss________________________ |
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David W. Geiss, Vice President, General Counsel |
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/s/ J M Armstrong |
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JEFFREY M. ARMSTRONG |
EXHIBIT
a
RELEASE AGREEMENT
THIS AGREEMENT (“Agreement”)
is made by and between Jeffrey M. Armstrong (“Employee”) and Perceptron, Inc. (the “Company”).
RECITALS
A. Employee has
terminated employment with the Company, effective __________, ____.
B. Employee has
been given the opportunity to review this Agreement, to consult with legal counsel, and to ascertain his rights and remedies.
C. Employee and
Company, without any admission of liability, desire to settle with finality, compromise, dispose of, and release any and all claims
and demands asserted or which could be asserted arising out of Employee’s employment at and separation from Company.
In consideration of
the foregoing and of the promises and mutual covenants contained herein, it is hereby agreed between Employee and Company as follows:
AGREEMENT
1. In exchange for
the good and valuable consideration set forth in that certain Agreement, made as of October 24, 2013, between the Company and Employee
(the “Severance Agreement”), Employee hereby releases, waives and discharges any and all manner of action, causes of
action, claims, rights, charges, suits, damages, debts, demands, obligations, attorneys fees, and any and all other liabilities
or claims of whatsoever nature, whether in law or in equity, known or unknown, including, but not limited to, age discrimination
under the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967 (as amended), employment discrimination prohibited by other federal, state
or local laws, and any other claims, which Employee has claimed or may claim or could claim in any local, state or federal or other
forum, against Company, its directors, officers, employees, agents, attorneys, successors and assigns as a result of or relating
to Employee’s employment at and separation from Company and as an officer of Company as a result of any acts or omissions
by Company or any of its directors, officers, employees, agents, attorneys, successors or assigns (“Covered Acts or Omissions”)
which occurred prior to the date of this Agreement; excluding only those for indemnification under the Company’s articles
of incorporation, bylaws or applicable law by reason of his service as an officer or director of the Company and those arising
under the Severance Agreement between the Parties dated October 24, 2013.
2. Employee agrees
to immediately return to Company all property, assets, manuals, materials, information, notes, reports, agreements, memoranda,
customer lists, formulae, data, know-how, inventions, trade secrets, processes, techniques, and all other assets, materials and
information of any kind or nature, belonging or pertaining to Company (“Company Information and Property”), including,
but not limited to, computer programs and diskettes or other media for electronic storage of information containing Company Information
and Property, in Employee’s possession, and Employee shall not retain copies of any such Company Information and Property.
Employee further agrees that from and after the date hereof he will not remove from Company’s offices any Company Information
and Property, nor retain possession or copies of any Company Information and Property.
3. Employee agrees
that he shall never make any statement that negatively affects the goodwill or good reputation of the Company, or any officer or
director of Company, except as required by law or to enforce his rights, and except that such statements may be made to members
of the Board of Directors of the Company.
4. Employee covenants
and agrees that he shall never commence or prosecute, or knowingly encourage, promote, assist or participate in any way, except
as required by law, in the commencement or prosecution, of any claim, demand, action, cause of action or suit of any nature whatsoever
against Company or any officer, director, employee or agent of Company (“Covered Litigation”) that is based upon any
claim, demand, action, cause of action or suit released pursuant to this Agreement or involving or based upon the Covered Acts
and Omissions.
5. Employee further
agrees that he has read this Agreement carefully and understands all of its terms.
6. Employee understands
and agrees that he was advised to consult with an attorney and did so prior to executing this Agreement.
7. Employee understands
and agrees that he has been given twenty-one (21) days within which to consider this Agreement.
8. Employee understands
and agrees that he may revoke this Agreement for a period of seven (7) calendar days following the execution of this Agreement
(the “Revocation Period”) and any payments or agreements conditioned upon his signing this Agreement shall not be paid
until the Revocation Period expires and such payments shall not be required to be paid and such agreements shall be deemed revoked
if this Agreement is revoked. This Agreement is not effective until this revocation period has expired. Employee understands that
any revocation, to be effective, must be in writing and either (a) postmarked within seven (7) days of execution of this Agreement
and addressed to Perceptron, Inc., 47827 Halyard Drive, Plymouth, Michigan 48170 or (b) hand delivered within seven (7) days of
execution of this Agreement to Perceptron, Inc., 47827 Halyard Drive, Plymouth, Michigan 48170. Employee understands that if revocation
is made by mail, mailing by certified mail, return receipt requested, is recommended to show proof of mailing.
9. In agreeing to
sign this Agreement and separate from Company, Employee is doing so completely voluntarily and of his own free-will and without
any encouragement or pressure from Company and agrees that in doing so he has not relied on any oral statements or explanations
made by Company or its representatives.
10. Both parties
agree not to disclose the terms of this Agreement to any third party, except as is required by law, or as is necessary for purposes
of securing counsel from either parties’ attorneys or accountants.
11. This Agreement
shall not be construed as an admission of wrongdoing by Company.
12. This Agreement
contains the entire agreement between Employee and Company regarding the matters set forth herein. Any modification of this Agreement
must be made in writing and signed by Employee and each of the entities constituting the Company.
13. This Agreement
shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the domestic laws of the State of Michigan, without giving effect to any
choice of law or conflict of law provision or rule (whether of the State of Michigan or any other jurisdiction) that would cause
the application of the laws of any jurisdiction other than the State of Michigan.
14. In the event
any provision of this Agreement or portion thereof is found to be wholly or partially invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any
judicial proceeding, then such provision shall be deemed to be modified or restricted to the extent and in the manner necessary
to render the same valid and enforceable, or shall be deemed excised from this Agreement, as the case may require, and this Agreement
shall be construed and enforced to the maximum extent permitted by law, as if such provision had been originally incorporated herein
as so modified or restricted, or as if such provision had not been originally incorporated herein, as the case may be.
15. If there is
a breach or threatened breach of the provisions of this Agreement, Company may, in addition to other available rights and remedies,
apply to any court of competent jurisdiction for specific performance and/or injunctive relief in order to enforce, or prevent
any violation of, any of the provisions of this Agreement.
The parties hereto
have entered into this Agreement as of this day of _____, ______.
PERCEPTRON, INC.
By: ___________________________________________
Name: _________________________________________
Title: __________________________________________
EMPLOYEE
________________________________________________
