Case File
efta-01962678DOJ Data Set 10OtherEFTA01962678
Date
Unknown
Source
DOJ Data Set 10
Reference
efta-01962678
Pages
21
Persons
0
Integrity
Extracted Text (OCR)
EFTA DisclosureText extracted via OCR from the original document. May contain errors from the scanning process.
TRANSITION AND RELEASE AGREEMENT
To facilitate a smooth transition and then the termination of their employment relationship, bgC3
LLC ("Company"), on behalf of its Managers and the Individuals (as defined below in Section
2.1), and Dr. Boris Nikolic ("Dr. Nikolic"), a single person, agree as follows:
RECITALS
A.
Company and Dr. Nikolic entered into an employment agreement regarding
employment with Company dated
("Employment Agreement").
B.
Company and Dr. Nikolic wish to enter into this Transition and Release
Agreement ("Agreement") in order to facilitate a smooth transition and termination of the
employment relationship.
C.
Nothing in this Agreement is intended as or should be construed as an admission of
liability by Company or Dr. Nikolic, and neither party has any information or reason to believe
that any liability exists as it relates to the employment relationship and decision to terminate such
relationship.
AGREEMENTS
t,x
Provided that Dr. Nikolic executes and docenor t revoke this Agreement, the parties agree as
follows:
I.
gmployment Through Separation Date and Post-Employment Cooperation. In partial
consideration of the Waiver and Release contained in Section 2, the Restrictive Covenants
contained or referenced in Section 4, and the other terms and conditions of this Agreement,
Company agrees to change the "at-will" status of Dr. Nikolic's employment to a length of term
employment relationship, which is anticipated to run from August 19, 2013 through July 1, 2014,
provided that Dr. Nikolic is performing his duties in a manner satisfactory to Company; provided
further however: (i) the parties may mutually agree to extend the last date of Dr. Nikolic's
employment with Company beyond July 1, 2014, (ii) Dr. Nikolic may voluntarily choose to
terminate his employment with Company sooner than July 1, 2014, and (iii) Company may
choose (or decide) to have Dr. Nikolic stop performing services prior to July 1, 2014, and any
such decision shall in no way negate the agreements made by the parties to this Agreement. Dr.
Nikolic's last day of employment shall be the "Separation Date". Dr. Nikolic claims and shall
claim no further right of employment by Company after the Separation Date.
2.
Waiver and Release.
2.1
a.
Dr. Nikolic, on behalf of himself and his heirs, executors, administrators and
assigns, expressly waives against Company, Watermark Estate Management Services, LLC,
and their present, former and future affiliates, related entities (including without limitation
1
EFTA_R1_00430226
EFTA01962678
any other entities owned or controlled by William H. Gates III), predecessors, successors
and assigns, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, and their present and former owners,
officers, directors, stockholders, managers, employees, agents, trustees, representatives,
general and limited partners, members and attorneys, and William H. Gates III and Melinda
F. Gates (the "Individuals") and their respective present and former employees, agents,
representatives, and attorneys (all of which are collectively referred to as "Released
Parties"), any and all claims, damages, causes of action or disputes, whether known or
unknown, based upon acts or omissions occurring or that could be alleged to have occurred
at the time of or prior to the execution of this Agreement ("Released Claims"); and further
releases, discharges and acquits Released Parties, individually and in their representative
capacities, from any and all Released Claims. This waiver and release includes, but is not
limited to, any and all claims for wages, employment benefits, and damages of any kind
whatsoever arising out of any contracts, expressed or implied (including without limitation
the Employment Agreement and any amendments thereto); any covenant of good faith and
fair dealing; estoppel or misrepresentation; discrimination or retaliation on any unlawful
basis, including, without limitation, harassment; privacy; defamation; wrongful termination
or constructive discharge; any federal, state, local or other governmental statute or
ordinance, including, without limitation, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as
amended, the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Washington Law Against Discrimination,
the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, as amended ("ADEA"), the Older Workers'
Benefit Protection Act of 1990 ("OWBPA"), the Employee Retirement Income Security
Act, as amended ("ERISA"), any wage payment statute; or any other legal limitation on the
employment relationship (collectively sowtnnes the "Release").
Excluded from this
Release are claims Dr. Nikolic may have witli regard to vested benefits under ERISA, or any
other claim that may not be released me' this Agreement by law; additionally, despite Dr.
Nikolic's acceptance of this Release, nothing in this Release will prevent Dr. Nikolic from
(i) initiating or causing to be initiated on his behalf any complaint, charge, claim or
proceeding against Company before any local, state or federal agency, court or other body
challenging the validity of the waiver of claims under the Age Discrimination in Employment
Act or the Older Workers Benefit Protection Act contained in this Release (but no other
portion of the Release) or (ii) initiating or participating in any investigation or proceeding
conducted by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission ("EEOC"). Dr. Nikolic
represents and warrants that he is the sole and exclusive owner of all Released Claims, and
that no other party has any right, title or interest whatsoever in any of the matters referred
to herein, and that he is unaware of any basis to assert any form of charge or claim of
unlawful discrimination.
b. Except as stated herein, neither party having any basis or reason to believe that Dr.
Nikolic has engaged in any inappropriate conduct, Company, on behalf of its Managers and
the Individuals, releases Dr. Nikolic from any and all liability arising out of any acts and/or
omissions during the course of his employment; however, expressly excluded from this
Release are any claims that Company may have based on affirmative misconduct by Dr.
Nikolic not known to Company at the time of Execution of this Agreement, including, but
not limited to, acts of fraud, breach of confidentiality as defined in any confidentiality
agreement previously signed by Dr. Nikolic, conversion of property, compromise to
computer or other security, embezzlement, misrepresentation or wrongful inducement.
2
EFTA_R1_00438227
EFTA01962679
2.2
Dr. Nikolic represents and warrants that he has not filed or caused to be filed any
lawsuit, arbitration, complaint, or charge with respect to any claim this Agreement purports to
waive. Dr. Nikolic understands that nothing in this Agreement prevents him from filing or
prosecuting a charge with any administrative agency with respect to any such claims; however,
Dr. Nikolic further understands and agrees that he will not seek and hereby waives any claim for
personal damages and/or other personal relief. Dr. Nikolic agrees to cause the withdrawal or
dismissal with prejudice of any claim he has purported to waive under this Agreement. This
Section shall not apply to claims challenging the validity of this Release in connection with federal
Age Discrimination in Employment Act ("ADEA") claims. if Dr. Nikolic is ever awarded or
recovers any amount as to a claim he has purported to waive in this Agreement, Dr. Nikolic
agrees that the amount of any award or recovery shall be tendered by him to the Company or
setoff against any award or recovery associated with any successful challenge to the validity of
this Release in connection with ADEA claims.
3.
Property. Dr. Nikolic agrees: (i) that at any time upon Company's request, and without
request upon his Separation Date, he will immediately return to Company, and cause to be fully
deleted and expunged all copies from all computer systems, back up drives or servers, email
servers, smart phones, Microsoft Tablet or related device, and any other data storage media in his
possession or control (electronic or otherwise), and/or in the possession or control of third parties
to whom he may have provided such information without authorization, any and all property that
Dr. Nikolic received or took from or was given access to by any Released Party or any Company
vendor or contractor, or that Dr. Nikolic generated in the course of Dr. Nikolic's relationship
with Company, its related entities and the Bill &,,Melinda Gates Foundation, including without
limitation all files, memoranda, keys, cellular pho#os, credit cards, manuals, employee handbooks,
security technology and other company 41pment, data, photographs, records and other
documents, including emails and other electronically recorded documents and data, and physical
property; and (ii) to certify that he has done so. Dr. Nikolic represents and warrants that he is not
aware of any person or entity that is in unauthorized or wrongful possession of any Confidential
Information, Confidential Materials (both as defined below), or other property of Company, the
Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation or the Individuals.
4.
Restrictive Covenants.
4.1
a.
Dr. Nikolic represents and warrants that Dr. Nikolic has not violated any provision
of any agreement signed by Dr. Nikolic in favor of Company, its related entities, the Bill &
Melinda Gates Foundation, or the Individuals pertaining to confidentiality of information
or ownership of intellectual property (collectively referred to as "Restrictive
Covenants"), including without limitation the Employment Agreement, and any
amendments thereto. Dr. Nikolic agrees that he shall comply fully with the terms and
conditions of the Restrictive Covenants, which shall remain in fiill force and effect and are
incorporated into this Agreement by reference. Dr. Nikolic further agrees that he shall
keep the existence of this Agreement, its terms and conditions, confidential; except that
Dr. Nikolic may disclose this Agreement and its terms to his legal counsel, tax advisor,
and domestic partner (if any), provided such individuals also agree to maintain the
confidentiality of this Agreement and its terms, and as otherwise provided by law. The
parties agree that violation by Dr. Nikolic of any obligation that he has under any
3
EFTA_R1_00438228
EFTA01962680
Restrictive Covenant or Section 4 of this Agreement will cause Company, Released
Parties or other entities or persons harm, some or much of which is difficult to quantify,
such as present and future economic harm; and/or may be intangible, such as reputational
harm or other negative impacts on various relationships, efforts to determine actual
damages, or potential unknown incidental and/or consequential costs. In the event that
Dr. Nikolic violates any obligation that he has under any Restrictive Covenant or Section
4 of this Agreement, Dr. Nikolic agrees that he owes and shall pay Company and that
Company will be entitled to recover from his any damages as determined by an arbitrator
pursuant to Paragraph 9 below.
b.
In the event Company violates any obligation under this Agreement, Dr. Nikolic
will be entitled to recover from Company any damages as determined by an arbitrator
pursuant to Paragraph 9 below.
4.2
Dr. Nikolic acknowledges that in the course of his employment with Company, its
related entities, and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, he has acquired considerable
knowledge about Company, its related entities, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Company
managed premises, Individuals (as defined in Section 2.1) and members of the Individuals' family,
home and business of the Individuals, and friends, guests, business associates or acquaintances of
the Individuals. For the purposes of this Transition Agreement "Confidential Information" means
all information leaned by Dr. Nikolic in any way related to Company, its related entities, the Bill
& Melinda Gates Foundation, the Individuals and members of the Individuals' family, home and
business of the Individuals, and friends, guests, business associates or acquaintances of the
Individuals whether such information is written, AA or observed. Without limiting the generality
of the foregoing, "Confidential Information" includes information of any nature, with or without
further written designation, relating to: (a) the personal lives, schedules, habits, property,
financial affairs, business, social or personal practices and interests, family, guests, business
associates or acquaintances, travel and/or events associated with Company or the Individuals; (b)
any buildings, improvements or facilities located at or being constructed on property owned or
controlled by Company, the Individuals or the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation; (c) the work
performed by Dr. Nikolic or others at Company's, the Individuals' or the Bill & Melinda Gates
Foundation's direction; (d) the subject matter of the communications between Dr. Nikolic or
others and Company, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation or the Individuals; (e) any systems
developed or under development for use at Company's, the Individuals', related entities', the Bill
& Melinda Gates Foundation's or Company managed premises' properties, including without
limitation, any information about existing or proposed information processing (IT) equipment,
systems and software; audio visual equipment, systems and software; and security equipment,
systems and software; and (f) technical and non-technical information related to the actual or
prospective business or activities of Company or the Individuals, related entities, the Bill &
Melinda Gates Foundation or Company managed premises including, without limitation,
information related to patents, copyrights and trade secrets, branding, techniques, sketches,
drawings, models, inventions, know-how, processes, apparatus, equipment, algorithms, software
programs, software source documents, research, experimental work, development, design details
and specifications, engineering, financial information, procurement requirements, manufacturing,
purchasing, customer lists, price lists, business forecasts, products, services, sales and
merchandising and marketing plans and information. "Confidential Materials" shall mean all
tangible materials containing Confidential Information, including without limitation, summaries,
4
EFTA_R1_00438229
EFTA01962681
notes, blueprints, drawings, photographs, slides, negatives, databases, written or printed
documents or information recorded on digital or electronic media, whether machine-readable or
user-readable. No Confidential Information or Confidential Materials shall be used by Dr. Nikolic
except as expressly authorized by Company.
Dr. Nikolic shall not disclose or permit the
disclosure of any Confidential Information or Confidential Materials to any third party without
Company's explicit written approval in advance of any such disclosure. Without limiting the
generality of the foregoing, unless expressly asked in writing by Company for his assistance,
which assistance would be subject to a written agreement signed by Company, Dr. Nikolic shall
not (a) be involved in contributing to or the preparation of any book, article, story, video or film
about or relating to Company, its related entities, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation,
Individuals and members of the Individuals' family, home and business of the individuals, or
friends, guests, business associates or acquaintances of the Individuals or any of their business,
social or personal interests or give interview(s) (on or off the record) regarding such matters; or
(b) produce or contribute to any written, oral, electronic, or other accounts, fictionalized or
otherwise, that relate to or resemble his employment with Company, its related entities, the Bill &
Melinda Gates Foundation Individuals, or services for Individuals or Individuals themselves or
members of the Individuals' family. Dr. Nikolic understands and agrees that there may be no
adequate remedy at law for Company or other entities or persons protected under this Section 4.2
in the event of its breach, or threatened breach, and any such entity or person, in addition to any
other remedies available at law or in equity, shall be entitled to injunctive relief to prevent any
breach of this obligation or to minimize the consequences thereof.
Notwithstanding the
foregoing, if Dr. Nikolic should breach the provisions of this Section 4.2, Company, the Bill &
Melinda Gates Foundation and individuals shall bedtinitled, in addition to but not as a limit on any
other remedies available to Company, the Bill 8e.`ivielinda Gates Foundation and individuals, to
recover automatically any proceeds or rem+tion of any nature whatsoever that Dr. Nikolic
receives in regard to or as a result of the disclosure of any such confidential information. The Bill
& Melinda Gates Foundation and Individuals are third-party beneficiaries of this Agreement.
4.3
a.
Dr. Nikolic shall refrain from making, expressing or implying any derogatory or
disparaging comments regarding any Released Party to the press or to any individual or
entity, by any mode or medium of communication. Failure to abide by this provision shall
be deemed a material breach of this Agreement; provided, however, that nothing in this
provision will prevent Dr. Nikolic from giving truthful testimony if properly subpoenaed
to testify under oath. In the event Dr. Nikolic is subpoenaed to testify under oath relating
to any matter regarding any of the Released Parties, he agrees to and shall (unless
prohibited by law) provide notice and a copy of such subpoena to the Managers of
Company as soon as practicable upon receipt, but no later than 3 business days after
receipt, or within one business day following receipt in the event that the return date of the
subpoena is less than 5 days. Dr. Nikolic agrees that he will not provide any information
about any Released Parties absent a proper subpoena and in a formal, court reported
context. By way of example, and not limitation, Dr. Nikolic agrees that he shall not
provide any declaration testimony in any matter relating to any of the Released Parties.
b.
Company, its Managers and the individuals shall refrain from making, expressing
or implying any derogatory or disparaging comments regarding Dr. Nikolic to the press or
5
EFTA_R1_00438230
EFTA01962682
to any individual or entity by any mode or medium of communication. Failure to abide by
this provision shall be deemed a material breach of this Agreement, provided, however,
that nothing in this provision will prevent Company, its Managers and the Individuals from
giving truthful testimony if properly subpoenaed to testify under oath. In the event
Company, its Managers and the Individuals are subpoenaed to testify under oath relating
in any way to Dr. Nikolic, Company, its Managers and the Individuals shall (unless
prohibited by law) provide notice and a copy of such subpoena to Dr. Nikolic as soon as
practicable upon receipt but in no event later than 3 business days after receipt and or
within one business day following receipt in the event that the return date of the subpoena
is less than 5 days.
5.
indemnification.
a.
Dr. Nikolic agrees that any inaccuracies in any of his representations, warranties,
or covenants in this Agreement will constitute a material breach of this Agreement by Dr.
Nikolic, providing Company or any affected Released Party with any and all tights and
remedies any such party has or may have in law or equity against Dr. Nikolic. Dr. Nikolic
agrees to indemnify, defend, save and hold Company or any affected Released Party and
each of their respective current and former officers, directors, employees, partners, legal
counsel and other representatives and agents harmless from and against any and all liabilities,
claims, demands, losses, damages, costs and expenses of any kind or nature whatsoever
(including, without limitation, reasonable attorneys' fees and costs), that arise out of or are
connected with, or are related in any ,`way to any inaccuracies in Dr. Nikolic's
representations, warranties, and/covenan
ntained in this Agreement. Dr. Nikolic agrees
that the indemnification, defend, save
old harmless obligations that he has undertaken
pursuant to this Section 5 will be enfo eable regardless of whether he has or purports to
have a claim against any Released Party.
b.
Company agrees that it shall have the same obligations to Dr. Nikolic as those set
forth in Paragraph 5(a) above in the event that there arc any inaccuracies in its
representations, warranties or covenants in this Agreement.
6.
Further Consideration Opportunity.
As further consideration for Dr. Nikolic's representations, warranties, and covenants herein, and
in the Severance, Waiver and Release Agreement discussed below, and subject to the conditions
precedent set forth below, provided that Dr. Nikolic performs his duties in a manner satisfactory
to Company through the Separation Date, Company agrees as follows:
6.1
a.
Company shall provide Dr. Nikolic a Severance Payment in an amount of equal to
the average of his last two year's base salary and bonus, if any, in the total gross amount of
Dollars, less applicable deductions and withholding. The Severance Payment
shall be paid out as follows: (i) the gross sum of
Dollars shall be paid on
Company's next practicable payroll after the Effective Date (if any) of the Severance, Waiver and
Release Agreement attached hereto as Exhibit A; and (ii) the gross sum of
Dollars on
6
EFTA_R1_00438231
EFTA01962683
Company's
payroll date. Payment shall be made by mailing such payment by check to Dr.
Nikolic at the address written below or by direct deposit to his last identified bank account.
b.
Upon written notice by Dr. Nikolic to [bgC3] within
days of the Effective Date,
if any, of the Severance Agreement attached hereto, Dr. Nikolic may request to purchase from
[bgC3] (a) up to 30% of [bgC3]'s equity interests in Foundation Medicine and (b) up to 30% of
[bgC3]'s equity interests in ResearchGate, in each case in cash at a price per share or unit
equivalent to the original price per share or unit paid by [bgC3] (collectively, the "Investment
Opportunity".). Upon delivery of such notice, subject to any applicable requirements or
restrictions set forth in applicable law or any existing agreements or documents relating to
[bgC3]'s investment in such entities, (i) [bgC3] shall prepare customary documents evidencing the
transfers of such equity interests, (ii) Dr. Nikolic shall execute and deliver any agreements or
instruments required by applicable law or any existing agreements or documents relating to
[bgC3]'s investment in such entities, and any other agreements or instruments as [bgC3],
Foundation Medicine or ResearchGate may otherwise reasonably request, and (iii) the closing of
such purchases shall occur no later than [45] days after the delivery of such notice, subject to
extension by mutual agreement. !Note: the foregoing is subject to review of the transfer
restrictions applicable to the Foundation Medicine and ResearchGate investments and other
legal review.)
6.3
As conditions precedent to being entitled to receive any of the "Severance
Payment" or the investment Opportunity set forth in this Section 6, within twenty-one (21) days
of the Separation Date, Dr. Nikolic (or his estate\ as applicable) must (i) sign and deliver and
thereafter not revoke a Severance, Waiver and*elease Agreement substantially in the form
attached hereto as Exhibit A or a form oth*Ise acceptable to Company; (ii) be and remain in
full compliance with the terms of this Agreemlint, and any other covenants Company entered into
with Dr. Nikolic; and (iii) have provided the certificate required by Section 3. Company shall have
no obligation to make any payments or provide any benefits to the Dr. Nikolic hereunder unless
and until after the Effective Date (as defined in the Severance, Waiver and Release Agreement
required by this Section 6).
6.4
This Section 6 supersedes any and all agreements, understandings or arrangements
relating to severance, transition or other amounts payable to Dr. Nikolic upon termination
including any and all such agreements, understandings or arrangements with Company, its related
entities, or the Individual(s), all of which shall be deemed cancelled and terminated upon
execution of this Agreement.
7.
Severability. The provisions of this Agreement are severable, and if any provision of it is
found to be unlawful or unenforceable, it shall be deemed narrowed to the extent required to
make it lawful and enforceable. if such modification is not possible, such provision shall be
severed from the Agreement and the remaining provisions shall remain fully valid and enforceable
to the maximum extent consistent with applicable law provided, however, that Section 2 may not
be severed from the Agreement.
8.
Review Period and Effective Date. Dr. Nikolic may take up to twenty-one (21) calendar
days from receipt of this Agreement to consider its terms, after which time the offer of this
Agreement shall expire and may no longer be accepted. Dr. Nikolic may execute this Agreement
before expiration of the twenty-one (21) day period, in which case Dr. Nikolic shall be deemed to
7
EFTA_R1_00438232
EFTA01962684
have waived the remainder of the consideration period. To accept this Agreement, Dr. Nikolic
must execute and confidentially deliver the Agreement to bgC3 LLC, 4000 Carillon Point,
Kirkland, WA 98033, attention — CONFIDENTIAL - Larry Cohen. Dr. Nikolic has a period of
seven (7) calendar days after executing the Agreement to revoke the Agreement, should he wish
to do so. To revoke, Dr. Nikolic must deliver a notice revoking acceptance of the Agreement to
Larry Cohen at the offices of Company noted above within the seven-day revocation period. This
Agreement shall become effective on the eighth (8") day after Dr. Nikolic executes this
Agreement, provided that Dr. Nikolic has not revoked the Agreement ("Effective Date").
9.
Dispute Resolution. Subject to Company's right to seek equitable or injunctive relief in
court, any and all disputes that arise under this Agreement that are not informally resolved shall be
resolved by final and binding arbitration by a sole, neutral arbitrator in Seattle, Washington, under
the applicable rules of the American Arbitration Association governing employment disputes. In
any such dispute, no party shall be entitled to the benefit of any principle of contract construction
premised upon the relative bargaining power of the parties, the identity of the party partly or
wholly responsible for drafting the portion of the Agreement giving rise to the dispute, contra
proferentum, contracts of adhesion, or any similar contract construction principle.
In any
arbitration or litigation arising from this Agreement, the prevailing party shall be entitled to costs
and attorneys' fees; provided, however, that this sentence shall not apply to any claim Dr. Nikolic
may have challenging the validity of this Agreement under the ADEA or OWBPA.
This
Agreement shall be governed by and interpreted under the laws of the State of Washington,
including without limitation the statutory statute of limitations periods defined under state law for
"actions," but excluding the State of Washington's4oice of law rules.
a.
10.
Other. Nothing in this Agreement isaQteltded as or should be construed as an admission
of liability by any of the parties to the Agree ent or any other person or party. This Agreement
may be modified only in writing signed by Dr. Nikolic and the Manager of Company.
I.
Knowing and Voluntary Agreement. Dr. Nikolic hereby warrants and represents that Dr.
Nikolic: (1) has carefully read this Agreement and finds the manner in which it is written
understandable; (2) knows the contents hereof; (3) has been advised to consult with Dr. Nikolic's
personal advisor and attorney regarding this Agreement and its effects prior to executing this
Agreement and has done so or waives the right to do so; (4) understands that in signing this
Agreement he forever releases Company and the Released Parties from all claims, damages, and
disputes that may have arisen before the date of this Agreement as set forth in this Agreement,
including any claims under the ADEA or OWBPA (other than claims challenging the validity of
this Agreement under the ADEA or OWBPA), or other statutes; (5) understands the Agreement's
contents and its final and binding effect (6) has been given twenty-one days to review and analyze
this entire Agreement and seven days to revoke acceptance should he wish to do so; and (7) has
signed the Agreement as his free and voluntary act. Dr. Nikolic acknowledges that in executing
this Agreement, Dr. Nikolic does not rely upon any representation or statement by any Released
Party concerning the subject matter of this Agreement, except as expressly set forth in the text of
the Agreement.
8
EFTA_R1_00438233
EFTA01962685
bgC3 LLC
By
Signature
Dr. Boris Nikolic
Date
Address:
Larry Cohen
Its Manager
Date
9
EFTA_R1_00438234
EFTA01962686
EXHIBIT A
SEVERANCE, WAIVER AND RELEASE AGREEMENT
10
EFTA_R1_00438235
EFTA01962687
SEVERANCE, WAIVER AND RELEASE AGREEMENT
This Severance, Waiver and Release of Claims Agreement ("Severance Agreement") is
hereby offered and executed by bgC3 and accepted and executed by DR. BORIS NIKOLIC ("Dr.
Nikolic"), a single person, in accordance with the Transition and Release Agreement dated
2011 between Dr. Boris Nikolic and bgC3 LLC ("Company").
RECITALS
A.
Company and Dr. Nikolic are parties to the Transition and Release Agreement.
B.
The Transition and Release Agreement provides for certain payments to Dr.
Nikolic upon termination of Dr. Nikotic's employment under certain circumstances, provided that
Dr. Nikolic signs and delivers to Company within 21 days of the Separation Date described in the
Transition and Release Agreement a Severance, Waiver and Release Agreement in substantially
the form of this Severance Agreement, and does not revoke the same.
C.
Dr. Nikolic desires for Company to make payments in accordance with the
Transition and Release Agreement and therefore executes this Severance Agreement.
D.
Nothing in this Severance Agreement is intended as or should be construed as an
admission of liability by Company or Dr. Nikolic, and neither party has any information or reason
to believe that any liability exists as it relates t?..the employment relationship and decision to
terminate such relationship.
C:LI?"
CS
AGRtEMENTS
I.
Employment Through Separation Date. The last day of Dr. Nikolic's employment with or
service to Company in any capacity was
, 2014 ("Separation Date"). Dr. Nikolic claims
and shall claim no further right of employment by Company after the Separation Date.
2.
Wages and Benefits. Dr. Nikolic agrees that he has received all compensation, benefits
and other amounts owed his by virtue of his employment with Company, including salary through
, 2014 ("Last Paid Workday"). Dr. Nikolic will be paid any unpaid portion of his
regular compensation, as applicable, from the Last Paid Workday through the Separation Date,
less applicable taxes and withholdings, on bgC3's next regular payday following the Separation
Date. Coverage under Company's group medical, vision and dental plan shall extend through and
end on the last day of the month in which the Separation Date falls and Dr. Nikolic may thereafter
exercise whatever rights Dr. Nikolic has for continued coverage under COBRA at Dr. Nikolic's
sole expense.
Any funds Dr. Nikolic has in Company's 401(k) plan shall be handled in
accordance with the terms and conditions of that plan. Dr. Nikolic will be reimbursed for
business related expenses that are reimbursable under the usual practices of Company that were
incurred prior to the Separation Date, provided that requests for reimbursements for such items
are submitted in accordance with Company's policy within thirty (30) days after the Separation
Date. Except as stated in this Agreement, all compensation and benefits, including any life
insurance or long-term disability insurance coverage, shall cease on the Separation Date.
11
EFTA_R1_00438236
EFTA01962688
3.
Consideration.
3.1
In consideration of Dr. Nikolic's representations, warranties, and covenants herein,
Company agrees as follows:
a.
Company shall provide Dr. Nikolic a Severance Payment in the total gross
amount of
Dollars, less applicable deductions and withholding. The
Severance Payment shall be paid out as follows: (i) the gross sum of
Dollars shall be paid on Company's next practicable payroll after the Effective
Date (if any) of the Severance, Waiver and Release Agreement attached hereto as
Exhibit A; and (ii) the gross sum of
Dollars on Company's
payroll date. Payment shall be made by mailing such payment by check to Dr.
Nikolic at the address written below or by direct deposit to his last identified bank
account.
b.
Upon written notice by Dr. Nikolic to [bgC3] within _ days of the
Effective Date, if any, of the Severance Agreement attached hereto, Dr. Nikolic
may request to purchase from [bgC3] (a) up to 30% of [bgC3]'s equity interests in
Foundation Medicine and (b) up to 30% of [bgC3]'s equity interests in
ResearchGate, in each case in cash at a price per share or unit equivalent to the
original price per share or unit paid by [bgC3] (collectively, the "Investment
Opportunity".). Upon delivery of such notice, subject to any applicable
requirements or restrictions set forth in applicable law or any existing agreements
i
ii
or documents relating to [bgC3 L'!, investment in such entities, (i) [bgC3] shall
prepare customary documents ' encing the transfers of such equity interests, (ii)
Dr. Nikolic shall execute and e
stliver any agreements or instruments required by
applicable law or any existing agreements or documents relating to [bgC3]'s
investment in such entities, and any other agreements or instruments as [bgC3],
Foundation Medicine or ResearchGate may otherwise reasonably request, and (iii)
the closing of such purchases shall occur no later than [45] days after the delivery
of such notice, subject to extension by mutual agreement. /Note: the foregoing
is subject to review of the transfer restrictions applicable to the Foundation
Medicine and ResearchGate investments and other legal review.]
3.2
In consideration of the terms and conditions herein, Dr. Nikolic enters into
this Severance Agreement.
4.
Waiver and Release.
4.1
Dr. Nikolic, on behalf of himself and, heirs, executors, administrators and assigns,
expressly waives against Company, Watermark Estate Management Services, LLC, the Bill &
Melinda Gates Foundation and their present, former and future affiliates, related entities
(including without limitation any other entities owned or controlled by William H. Gates III),
predecessors, successors and assigns, and their present and former owners, officers, directors,
stockholders, managers, employees, agents, trustees, representatives, general and limited partners,
members and attorneys, and William H. Gates III and Melinda F. Gates (the "Individuals") and
their respective present and former employees, agents, representatives, and attorneys (all of which
12
EFTA_R1_00438237
EFTA01962689
are collectively referred to as "Released Parties"), any and all claims, damages, causes of action
or disputes, whether known or unknown, based upon acts or omissions occurring or that could be
alleged to have occurred at the time of or prior to the execution of this Agreement ("Released
Claims"); and further releases, discharges and acquits Released Parties, individually and in their
representative capacities, from any and all Released Claims. This waiver and release includes, but
is not limited to, any and all claims for wages, employment benefits, and damages of any kind
whatsoever arising out of any contracts, expressed or implied (including without limitation the
Employment Agreement and any amendments thereto); any covenant of good faith and fair
dealing; estoppel or misrepresentation; discrimination or retaliation on any unlawful basis,
including, without limitation, harassment; privacy; defamation; wrongful termination or
constructive discharge; any federal, state, local or other governmental statute or ordinance,
including, without limitation, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended, the
Americans with Disabilities Act, the Washington Law Against Discrimination, the Age
Discrimination in Employment Act, as amended ("ADEA"), the Older Workers' Benefit
Protection Act of 1990 ("OWBPA"), the Employee Retirement Income Security Act, as amended
("ERISA"), any wage payment statute; or any other legal limitation on the employment
relationship (collectively sometimes the "Release"). Excluded from this Release are claims Dr.
Nikolic may have with regard to vested benefits under ERISA, or any other claim that may not be
released under this Agreement by law; additionally, despite Dr. Nikolic's acceptance of this
Release, nothing in this Release will prevent Dr. Nikolic from (i) initiating or causing to be
initiated on his behalf any complaint, charge, claim or proceeding against Company before any
local, state or federal agency, court or other body challenging the validity of the waiver of claims
under the Age Discrimination in Employment Ac .r the Older Workers Benefit Protection Act
contained in this Release (but no other portion .IA his Release) or (ii) initiating or participating in
any investigation or proceeding conducted biihe Equal Employment Opportunity Commission
("EEOC"). Dr. Nikolic represents and warrants Dr. Nikolic is the sole and exclusive owner of all
Released Claims, and that no other party has any right, title or interest whatsoever in any of the
matters referred to herein, and that he is unaware of any basis to assert any form of charge or
claim of unlawful discrimination.
4.2
Dr. Nikolic represents and warrants that he has not filed or caused to be filed any
lawsuit, arbitration, complaint, or charge with respect to any claim this Agreement purports to
waive. Dr. Nikolic understands that nothing in this Agreement prevents his from filing or
prosecuting a charge with any administrative agency with respect to any such claims; however,
Dr. Nikolic further understands and agrees that he will not seek and hereby waives any claim for
personal damages and/or other personal relief. Dr. Nikolic agrees to cause the withdrawal or
dismissal with prejudice of any claim he has purported to waive under this Agreement. This
Section shall not apply to claims challenging the validity of this Release in connection with federal
Age Discrimination in Employment Act ("ADEA") claims. if Dr. Nikolic is ever awarded or
recovers any amount as to a claim he has purported to waive in this Agreement, Dr. Nikolic
agrees that the amount of any award or recovery shall be tendered by him to the Company or
setoff against any award or recovery associated with any successful challenge to the validity of
this Release in connection with ADEA claims.
4.3
Except as stated herein, neither party having any basis or reason to believe that Dr.
Nikolic has engaged in any inappropriate conduct, Company, on behalf of its Managers and the
Individuals, releases Dr. Nikolic from any and all liability arising out of any acts and/or omissions
13
EFTA_R1_00438238
EFTA01962690
during the course of his employment; however, expressly excluded from this Release arc any
claims that Company may have based on affirmative misconduct by Dr. Nikolic not known to
Company at the time of Execution of this Agreement, including, but not limited to, acts of fraud,
breach of confidentiality as defined in any confidentiality agreement previously signed by Dr.
Nikolic, conversion of property, compromise to computer or other security, embezzlement,
misrepresentation or wrongful inducement.
5.
Property. Dr. Nikolic represents and warrants that he has returned to Company, and
caused to be fully deleted and expunged all copies from all computer systems, back up drives or
servers, email servers, smart phones, Kindle or related device, and any other data storage media in
his possession or control (electronic or otherwise), and/or in the possession or control of third
parties to whom he may have provided such information without authorization, any and all
property that Dr. Nikolic received or took from or was given access to by any Released Party or
any Company vendor or contractor, or that Dr. Nikolic generated in the course of Dr. Nikolic's
relationship with Company and its related entities, including without limitation all files,
memoranda, keys, cellular phones, credit cards, manuals, employee handbooks, security
technology and other company equipment, data, photographs, records and other documents,
including emails and other electronically recorded documents and data, and physical property.
Dr. Nikolic represents and warrants that he is not aware of any person or entity that is in
unauthorized or wrongful possession of any Confidential Information, Confidential Materials
(both as defined below), or other property of Company, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation or
the Individuals.
6.
Restrictive Covenants.
6.1
a.
Dr. Nikolic represents and warrants that Dr. Nikolic has not violated any provision
of any agreement signed by Dr. Nikolic in favor of Company, its related entities, the Bill &
Melinda Gates Foundation, or the individuals pertaining to confidentiality of information
or ownership of intellectual property (collectively referred to as "Restrictive
Covenants"), including without limitation the Employment Agreement, and any
amendments thereto. Dr. Nikolic agrees that he shall comply fully with the terms and
conditions of the Restrictive Covenants, which shall remain in full force and effect and arc
incorporated into this Agreement by reference. Dr. Nikolic further agrees that he shall
keep the existence of this Agreement, its terms and conditions, confidential; except that
Dr. Nikolic may disclose this Agreement and its terms to his legal counsel, tax advisor,
and domestic partner (if any), provided such individuals also agree to maintain the
confidentiality of this Agreement and its terms, and as otherwise provided by law. The
panics agree that violation by Dr. Nikolic of any obligation that he has under any
Restrictive Covenant or Section 4 of this Agreement will cause Company, Released
Parties or other entities or persons harm, some or much of which is difficult to quantify,
such as present and future economic harm; and/or may be intangible, such as reputational
harm or other negative impacts on various relationships, efforts to determine actual
damages, or potential unknown incidental and/or consequential costs. In the event that
Dr. Nikolic violates any obligation that he has under any Restrictive Covenant or Section
4 of this Agreement, Dr. Nikolic agrees that he owes and shall pay Company and that
14
EFTA_R1_00438239
EFTA01962691
Company will be entitled to recover from his any damages as determined by an arbitrator
pursuant to Section 10 below.
b.
In the event Company violates any obligation under this Agreement, Dr. Nikolic
will be entitled to recover from Company any damages as determined by an arbitrator
pursuant to Section 10 below.
4.2
Dr. Nikolic acknowledges that in the course of his employment with Company, its
related entities, and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, he has acquired considerable
knowledge about Company, its related entities, Company managed premises, Individuals (as
defined in Section 2.1) and members of the Individuals' family, home and business of the
Individuals, and friends, guests, business associates or acquaintances of the Individuals. For the
purposes of this Transition Agreement "Confidential Information" means all information learned
by Dr. Nikolic in any way related to Company, its related entities, Individuals and members of the
Individuals' family, home and business of the Individuals, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation
and friends, guests, business associates or acquaintances of the Individuals whether such
information is written, oral or observed.
Without limiting the generality of the foregoing,
"Confidential Information" includes information of any nature, with or without further written
designation, relating to: (a) the personal lives, schedules, habits, property, financial affairs,
business, social or personal practices and interests, family, guests, business associates or
acquaintances, travel and/or events associated with Company or the Individuals; (b) any buildings,
improvements or facilities located at or being constructed on property owned or controlled by
Company, the Individuals or the Bill & Melinda G4tes Foundation; (c) the work performed by Dr.
Nikolic or others at Company's, the Individ
or the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation
direction; (d) the subject matter of the c
cations between Dr. Nikolic or others and
Company, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation or the Individuals; (e) any systems developed or
under development for use at Company's, the Individuals', related entities' or Company managed
premises' properties, including without limitation, any information about existing or proposed
information processing (IT) equipment, systems and software; audio visual equipment, systems
and software; and security equipment, systems and software; and (f) technical and non-technical
information related to the actual or prospective business or activities of Company or the
Individuals, related entities, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation or Company managed premises
including, without limitation, information related to patents, copyrights and trade secrets,
branding, techniques, sketches, drawings, models, inventions, know-how, processes, apparatus,
equipment, algorithms, software programs, software source documents, research, experimental
work, development, design details and specifications, engineering, financial information,
procurement requirements, manufacturing, purchasing, customer lists, price lists, business
forecasts, products, services, sales and merchandising and marketing plans and information.
"Confidential Materials" shall mean all tangible materials containing Confidential Information,
including without limitation, summaries, notes, blueprints, drawings, photographs, slides,
negatives, databases, written or printed documents or information recorded on digital or
electronic media, whether machine-readable or user-readable. No Confidential Information or
Confidential Materials shall be used by Dr. Nikolic except as expressly authorized by Company.
Dr. Nikolic shall not disclose or permit the disclosure of any Confidential Information or
Confidential Materials to any third party without Company's explicit written approval in advance
of any such disclosure. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, unless expressly asked in
writing by Company for his assistance, which assistance would be subject to a written agreement
15
EFTA_R1_00438240
EFTA01962692
signed by Company, Dr. Nikolic shall not (a) be involved in contributing to or the preparation of
any book, article, story, video or film about or relating to Company, its related entities, the Bill &
Melinda Gates Foundation, Individuals and members of the Individuals' family, home and business
of the Individuals, or friends, guests, business associates or acquaintances of the Individuals or
any of their business, social or personal interests or give interview(s) (on or off the record)
regarding such matters; or (b) produce or contribute to any written, oral, electronic, or other
accounts, fictionalized or otherwise, that relate to or resemble his employment with Company, its
related entities, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Individuals, or services for Individuals or
Individuals themselves or members of the Individuals' family. Dr. Nikolic understands and agrees
that there may be no adequate remedy at law for Company or other entities or persons protected
under this Section 4.2 in the event of its breach, or threatened breach, and any such entity or
person, in addition to any other remedies available at law or in equity, shall be entitled to
injunctive relief to prevent any breach of this obligation or to minimize the consequences thereof.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, if Dr. Nikolic should breach the provisions of this Section 4.2,
Company, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and Individuals shall be entitled, in addition to
but not as a limit on any other remedies available to Company, the Bill & Melinda Gates
Foundation and Individuals, to recover automatically any proceeds or remuneration of any nature
whatsoever that Dr. Nikolic receives in regard to or as a result of the disclosure of any such
confidential information. The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and Individuals are third-party
beneficiaries of this Agreement. Dr. Nikolic acknowledges that in the course of his employment
with Company, its related entities, and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, he has acquired
considerable knowledge about Company, its related entities, the Bill & Melinda Gates
Foundation, Company managed premises, Individ
(as defined in Section 2.1) and members of
is
the Individuals' family, home and business Af.\,_kt e Individuals, and friends, guests, business
associates or acquaintances of the Individuals]X- For the purposes of this Transition Agreement
"Confidential Information" means all information learned by Dr. Nikolic in any way related to
Company, its related entities, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, the Individuals and members
of the Individuals' family, home and business of the Individuals, and friends, guests, business
associates or acquaintances of the Individuals whether such information is written, oral or
observed. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, "Confidential Information" includes
information of any nature, with or without further written designation, relating to: (a) the
personal lives, schedules, habits, property, financial affairs, business, social or personal practices
and interests, family, guests, business associates or acquaintances, travel and/or events associated
with Company or the Individuals; (b) any buildings, improvements or facilities located at or being
constructed on property owned or controlled by Company, the Individuals or the Bill & Melinda
Gates Foundation; (c) the work performed by Dr. Nikolic or others at Company's, the
Individuals' or the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation's direction; (d) the subject matter of the
communications between Dr. Nikolic or others and Company, the Bill & Melinda Gates
Foundation or the Individuals; (e) any systems developed or under development for use at
Company's, the Individuals', related entities', the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation's or Company
managed premises' properties, including without limitation, any information about existing or
proposed information processing (IT) equipment, systems and software; audio visual equipment,
systems and software; and security equipment, systems and software; and (f) technical and
non-technical information related to the actual or prospective business or activities of Company or
the Individuals, related entities, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation or Company managed
premises including, without limitation, information related to patents, copyrights and trade
secrets, branding, techniques, sketches, drawings, models, inventions, know-how, processes,
16
EFTA_R1_00438241
EFTA01962693
apparatus, equipment, algorithms, software programs, software source documents, research,
experimental work, development, design details and specifications, engineering, financial
information, procurement requirements, manufacturing, purchasing, customer lists, price lists,
business forecasts, products, services, sales and merchandising and marketing plans and
information. "Confidential Materials" shall mean all tangible materials containing Confidential
Information, including without limitation, summaries, notes, blueprints, drawings, photographs,
slides, negatives, databases, written or printed documents or information recorded on digital or
electronic media, whether machine-readable or user-readable. No Confidential Information or
Confidential Materials shall be used by Dr. Nikolic except as expressly authorized by Company.
Dr. Nikolic shall not disclose or permit the disclosure of any Confidential Information or
Confidential Materials to any third party without Company's explicit written approval in advance
of any such disclosure. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, unless expressly asked in
writing by Company for his assistance, which assistance would be subject to a written agreement
signed by Company, Dr. Nikolic shall not (a) be involved in contributing to or the preparation of
any book, article, story, video or film about or relating to Company, its related entities, the Bill &
Melinda Gates Foundation, Individuals and members of the Individuals' family, home and business
of the Individuals, or friends, guests, business associates or acquaintances of the Individuals or
any of their business, social or personal interests or give interview(s) (on or off the record)
regarding such matters; or (b) produce or contribute to any written, oral, electronic, or other
accounts, fictionalized or otherwise, that relate to or resemble his employment with Company, its
related entities, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Individuals, or services for Individuals or
Individuals themselves or members of the Individuals' family. Dr. Nikolic understands and agrees
that there may be no adequate remedy at law for Company or other entities or persons protected
under this Section 4.2 in the event of its br
r or threatened breach, and any such entity or
person, in addition to any other remedies
able at law or in equity, shall be entitled to
injunctive relief to prevent any breach of this obligation or to minimize the consequences thereof.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, if Dr. Nikolic should breach the provisions of this Section 4.2,
Company, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and Individuals shall be entitled, in addition to
but not as a limit on any other remedies available to Company, the Bill & Melinda Gates
Foundation and Individuals, to recover automatically any proceeds or remuneration of any nature
whatsoever that Dr. Nikolic receives in regard to or as a result of the disclosure of any such
confidential information. The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and Individuals are third-party
beneficiaries of this Agreement.
6.3
a.
Dr. Nikolic shall refrain from making, expressing or implying any derogatory or
disparaging comments regarding any Released Party to the press or to any individual or
entity, by any mode or medium of communication. Failure to abide by this provision shall
be deemed a material breach of this Severance Agreement; provided, however, that
nothing in this provision will prevent Dr. Nikolic from giving truthful testimony if properly
subpoenaed to testify under oath. In the event Dr. Nikolic is subpoenaed to testify under
oath relating to any matter regarding any of the Released Parties, he agrees to and shall
(unless prohibited by law) provide notice and a copy of such subpoena to the Managers of
Company as soon as practicable upon receipt, but no later than 3 business days after
receipt, or within one business day following receipt in the event that the return date of the
subpoena is less than 5 days. Dr. Nikolic agrees that he will not provide any information
17
EFTA_R1_00438242
EFTA01962694
about any Released Parties absent a proper subpoena and in a formal, court reported
context. By way of example, and not limitation, Dr. Nikolic agrees that he shall not
provide any declaration testimony in any matter relating to any of the Released Parties.
Company, its Principals, and its Managers shall refrain from making, expressing or
implying any derogatory or disparaging comments regarding Dr. Nikolic by any mode or
medium of communication.
b.
Company, its Managers and the Individuals shall refrain from making, expressing
or implying any derogatory or disparaging comments regarding Dr. Nikolic to the press or
to any individual or entity by any mode or medium of communication. Failure to abide by
this provision shall be deemed a material breach of this Agreement, provided, however,
that nothing in this provision will prevent Company, its Managers and the Individuals from
giving truthful testimony if properly subpoenaed to testify under oath. In the event
Company, its Managers and the Individuals arc subpoenaed to testify under oath relating
in any way to Dr. Nikolic, Company, its Managers and the Individuals shall (unless
prohibited by law) provide notice and a copy of such subpoena to Dr. Nikolic as soon as
practicable upon receipt but in no event later than 3 business days after receipt and or
within one business day following receipt in the event that the return date of the subpoena
is less than 5 days.
7.
Indemnification.
a.
Dr. Nikolic agrees that any inaccuricies in any of his representations, warranties,
or covenants in this Severance Agreeqsat will constitute a material breach of this
Severance Agreement by Dr. Nikolicefteviding Company or any affected Released Party
with any and all rights and remediesNAny such party has or may have in law or equity
against Dr. Nikolic. Dr. Nikolic agrees to indemnify, defend, save and hold Company or
any affected Released Party and each of their respective current and former officers,
directors, employees, partners, legal counsel and other representatives and agents harmless
from and against any and all liabilities, claims, dcmands, losses, damages, costs and expenses
of any kind or nature whatsoever (including, without limitation, reasonable attorneys' fees
and costs), that arise out of or are connected with, or are related in any way to any
inaccuracies in Dr. Nikolic's representations, warranties, and/covenants contained in this
Severance Agreement. Dr. Nikolic agrees that the indemnification, defend, save and hold
harmless obligations that he has undertaken pursuant to this provision will be enforceable
regardless of whether he has or purports to have a claim against any Released Party.
b.
Company agrees that it shall have the same obligations to Dr. Nikolic as those set
forth in Paragraph 7(a) above in the event that there are any inaccuracies in its
representations, warranties or covenants in this Agreement.
8.
Severability. The provisions of this Severance Agreement are severable, and if any
provision of it is found to be unlawful or unenforceable, it shall be deemed narrowed to the extent
required to make it lawful and enforceable. If such modification is not possible, such provision
shall be severed from this Severance Agreement and the remaining provisions shall remain fully
valid and enforceable to the maximum extent consistent with applicable law provided, however,
that Section 4 may not be severed from this Severance Agreement.
18
EFTA_R1_00438243
EFTA01962695
9.
Review Period and Effective Date. Dr. Nikolic may take up to twenty-one (21) calendar
days from receipt of this Severance Agreement to consider its terms, after which time the offer of
this Severance Agreement shall expire and may no longer be accepted. Dr. Nikolic may execute
this Severance Agreement before expiration of the twenty-one (21) day period, in which case Dr.
Nikolic shall be deemed to have waived the remainder of the consideration period. To accept this
Severance Agreement, Dr. Nikolic must execute and deliver this Severance Agreement to bgC3
LLC, 4000 Carillon Point, Kirkland, WA 98033, attention Larry Cohen. Dr. Nikolic has a period
of seven (7) calendar days after executing this Severance Agreement to revoke this Severance
Agreement, should he wish to do so. To revoke, Dr. Nikolic must deliver a notice revoking
acceptance of this Severance Agreement to Larry Cohen at the offices of Company noted above
within the seven-day revocation period. This Severance Agreement shall become effective on the
eighth (8th) day after Dr. Nikolic executes this Agreement, provided that Dr. Nikolic has not
revoked this Severance Agreement ("Effective Date").
10.
Dispute Resolution. Subject to Company's right to seek equitable or injunctive relief in
court, any and all disputes that arise under this Severance Agreement that are not informally
resolved shall be resolved by final and binding arbitration by a sole, neutral arbitrator in Seattle,
Washington, under the applicable rules of the American Arbitration Association governing
employment disputes. In any such dispute, no party shall be entitled to the benefit of any principle
of contract construction premised upon the relative bargaining power of the parties, the identity
of the party partly or wholly responsible for drafting the portion of this Severance Agreement
giving rise to the dispute, contra proferentum, contracts of adhesion, or any similar contract
construction principle. In any arbitration or litigation arising from this Severance Agreement, the
prevailing party shall be entitled to costs ancl?ittomeys' fees; provided, however, that this
sentence shall not apply to any claim Dr. eolic may have challenging the validity of this
Severance Agreement under the ADEA or OWBPA.
This Severance Agreement shall be
governed by and interpreted under the laws of the State of Washington, including without
limitation the statutory statute of limitations periods defined under state law for "actions", but
excluding the State of Washington's choice of law rules.
I.
Other. Nothing in this Severance Agreement is intended as or should be construed as an
admission of liability by any of the parties to this Severance Agreement or any other person or
party. This Severance Agreement may be modified only in writing signed by Dr. Nikolic and the
Manager of Company.
12.
Knowing and Voluntary Agreement. Dr. Nikolic hereby warrants and represents that Dr.
Nikolic: (I) has carefully read this Severance Agreement and finds the manner in which it is
written understandable; (2) knows the contents hereof; (3) has been advised to consult with Dr.
Nikolic's personal advisor or attorney regarding this Severance Agreement and its effects prior to
executing this Severance Agreement and has done so or waives the right to do so; (4) understands
that in signing this Severance Agreement he forever releases Company and the Released Parties
from all claims, damages, and disputes that may have arisen before the date of this Severance
Agreement as set forth in this Severance Agreement, including any claims under the ADEA,
OWBPA (other than claims challenging the validity of this Agreement under the ADEA or
OWBPA), or other statutes; (5) understands this Severance Agreement's contents and its final
and binding effect (6) has been given twenty-one days to review and analyze this entire Severance
Agreement and seven days to revoke acceptance should he wish to do so; and (7) has signed this
19
EFTA_R1_00438244
EFTA01962696
Severance Agreement as his free and voluntary act. Dr. Nikolic acknowledges that in executing
this Severance Agreement, Dr. Nikolic does not rely upon any representation or statement by any
Released Party concerning the subject matter of this Severance Agreement, except as expressly
set forth in the text of this Severance Agreement.
bgC3 LLC
By
Signature
Dr. Boris Nikolic
Larry Cohen
Its Manager
Address:
Date
Date
2 0
EFTA_R1_00438245
EFTA01962697
3208821.1
EFTA_R1_00438246
EFTA01962698
Related Documents (6)
Court UnsealedDepositionNov 25, 2015
Juan Alessi Depo, VoI I
Page 1 UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT SOUTHERN DISTRICT OF FLORIDA CASE No.08-CV-80119-CIV-MARRA/JOHNSON Page 3 1 2 JANE DOE NO. 2, 3 Plaintiff, 4 -vsJEFFREY EPSTEIN, Defendant. _____________________________________________________ Related cases: 08-80232, 08-80380, 98-80381, 08-80994, 08-80993, 08-80811, 08-80893, 09-80469, 09-80591, 09-80656, 09-80802, 09-81092 ______________________________________________________ VIDEOTAPED DEPOSITION OF JUAN ALESSI VOLUME I Tuesday, September 8, 2009 10
20p
DOJ Data Set 10CorrespondenceUnknown
EFTA Document EFTA01469288
0p
DOJ Data Set 10CorrespondenceUnknown
EFTA Document EFTA01962678
0p
DOJ Data Set 10CorrespondenceUnknown
EFTA Document EFTA01469396
0p
DOJ Data Set 10OtherUnknown
EFTA01469396
108p
DOJ Data Set 10OtherUnknown
EFTA01469288
108p
Forum Discussions
This document was digitized, indexed, and cross-referenced with 1,400+ persons in the Epstein files. 100% free, ad-free, and independent.
Annotations powered by Hypothesis. Select any text on this page to annotate or highlight it.