EX-10.57 4 ex10_57.txt Dec 13, 2000 Mr. Jim Williams 5220 Birkdale Way San Jose, CA 95138 Dear Jim: On behalf of Network Peripherals Inc. I am pleased to offer you the position of CFO, Sr. Vice President of Finance and Administration, Treasurer, and Secretary reporting to me, President and Chief Executive Officer. You will receive a starting base salary of $18,750 per month, which is equivalent to $225,000.00 per year, subject to federal, state and other applicable taxes and payable bi-monthly. Upon your acceptance of employment with the Company, management will recommend to the Board of Directors that you be granted the option to purchase 175,000 shares of NPI common stock at a price-per-share to be determined by the Board of Directors. The options, in accordance with terms of the Stock Option Plan, vest over a four year schedule with 25% becoming vested twelve months from the start date of your employment, and 1/48th of the total shares vesting each month following. If there is a Change of Control of the Company, during your first six months of employment, 50% of your stock options will immediately vest. Between your first six months and one year, 75% of your options will vest. If there is a Change of Control after your twelfth month of employment, all your options will immediately vest. Change of Control means a transaction in which stock constituting more than 50% of the Company and voting power are transferred to then non-existing stockholders or a sale of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company. If during your first year of employment, James Regel resigns his position under any conditions, you are eligible at your option to resign and receive three months severance base on your current salary. You will be entitled to participate in all of the Company's employee benefit plans, beginning on your date of hire. Details will be sent to you under separate cover. Under the terms of this employment agreement if your employment is terminated without "Cause", you will receive six months severance and benefits at your then current base salary. For the purposes of this contract, "Cause" shall mean conviction of a felony, fraud, theft or any other willful act of misconduct. Offer Letter Page 2 When you report to work, you will be expected to execute the Company's standard agreement relative to patents, confidential information and non-compete obligations. This is an offer for "at will" employment and does not constitute an offer or guarantee of employment for any period of time. Other than as specifically set forth herein, you will not be entitled to any other amounts from the Company. This letter constitutes the full offer of employment and supersedes any prior discussions. This offer is effective pending completion of reference checking and will expire if not accepted in writing by Dec 20, 2000. Jim, we look forward to your acceptance of this offer and are confident that with the addition of your leadership, NPI will become a highly valued public company. Sincerely, /s/ James Regel ----------------------- James Regel President and Chief Executive Officer Accepted by: /s/ Jim Williams Date: December 13, 2000 ------------------ ----------------- (Name)