Exhibit 10.5
SEVERANCE AGREEMENT AND MUTUAL RELEASE
THIS SEVERANCE AGREEMENT AND MUTUAL RELEASE (the "Agreement") is
executed and entered into this _____ day of _________, 2000 by and between
Edward Mooney ("Mooney"), and NetAmerica.com Corporation, a Delaware corporation
("NetAmerica.com" or the "Company").
R E C I T A L S
WHEREAS, on or about April 1, 1999, Mooney and the Company entered into
an employment agreement, attached hereto as Attachment A (the "Employment
Agreement");
WHEREAS, Mooney is also a director of the Company;
WHEREAS, the parties mutually agree that it is in their respective best
interests to bring the employment and director relationship between Mooney and
the Company to a conclusion as provided herein;
WHEREAS, the Company would like Mooney to provide consulting services
during a transition period; and
WHEREAS, the parties intend to provide for such employment termination
and transition and other services in this Agreement.
NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants and promises
contained herein and other good and valuable consideration, receipt of which is
hereby acknowledged, the parties hereto covenant and agree as follows:
1. Termination of Employment. As of February 28, 2000, the parties
mutually agree that Mooney's executive employment with the Company ceased.
Furthermore, Mooney delivered a written resignation as of such date (the
"Resignation") from his position as an executive officer and director of the
Company.
2. Interim Responsibilities During Transition Period. From February 28,
2000 through March 31, 2000 or such later time as the parties agree, Mooney
continued or will continue to assume such responsibilities and perform such
tasks as the Secretary and Treasurer of the Company assumes or as the Board of
Directors shall assign. As of March 31, 2000, the parties mutually agree that
Mooney's employment as Secretary and Treasurer of the Company will cease and
Mooney will deliver a written resignation from such position.
3. Consulting Services. Upon execution of this Agreement, the Company
hereby retains Mooney as a consultant, to advise it with respect to certain
aspects of its business. In connection therewith, Mooney hereby agrees to
perform such reasonable and necessary consulting services relating to the
restructuring of NetAmerica.com's business to focus on the operations of its
subsidiary, RateXchange, Inc., as may be requested by the Company and its
executive officers from time to time until May 1, 2000 or such later time as the
parties may mutually agree (the "Consulting Period"). Mooney hereby accepts such
retention and shall in good faith perform such services, for and on behalf and
in the best interests of the Company
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during the Consulting Period. It is agreed that Mooney shall not be required to
spend any specific period or periods of time at the offices or premises of the
Company in providing the services hereunder, but will be available to consult
with the Company at mutually convenient times and places. Mooney may provide the
services hereunder in person, by telephone, facsimile, e-mail or other
correspondence as he and the Company mutually agree.
4. Consideration. In consideration for the covenants and agreements set
forth in Sections 1-3 above, the parties' mutual releases, on the terms and
conditions of this Agreement, the parties acknowledge and agree as follows:
(a) Until the expiration of the Consulting Period, the Company shall
pay to Mooney a consulting fee of $10,000 per month for the consulting services
Mooney renders to the Company during the Consulting Period.
(b) Upon execution of this Agreement, the Company agrees to pay Mooney
$10,000 per month for six (6) months in severance pay less applicable
withholdings. Each payment will be made by the fifth (5th) day of each month.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, after the Company receives at least $7.5 million
in additional financing, any unpaid severance payments will be paid in a lump
sum payment within ten (10) days of the Company's receipt of such funds.
(c) Mooney agrees to comply with Sections 6, 7 and 8 of the Employment
Agreement, which are incorporated herein by reference, pertaining to
Non-Competition, Confidentiality and Remedies. The Non-Competition provision
will be limited to noncompetition with the Company's operations on the date of
the execution of this Agreement. All other terms and provisions of the
Employment Agreement shall terminate upon the execution of this Agreement.
(d) Upon execution of this Agreement, the Company agrees to pay the
cost of Mooney's health insurance premiums for a period of twelve (12) months.
Each payment will be made by the seventh (7th) day of each month.
(e) Upon execution of this Agreement, the Company agrees to pay all
amounts it owes Mooney for unpaid salary, bonuses and/or expenses. The Company
also agrees to issue all options that were approved for Mooney by the Board of
directors prior to the execution of this Agreement.
(f) Mooney shall be entitled to keep his current computer and office
equipment.
(g) Within thirty (30) days of the expiration of the Consulting Period,
the Company agrees to register on Form S-8, or on an alternative form to Form
S-8, all shares issued upon exercise of options issued under the Company's 1999
or 2000 Stock Option Plans or outside such plans and owned by Mooney at the end
of the Consulting Period. The Company agrees to maintain the effectiveness of
this registration for a period of at least one (1) year.
5. Release of Mooney's Claims Against the Company.
(a) Excluding claims for breach or enforcement of this Agreement,
Mooney does hereby irrevocably and unconditionally release and forever
discharge, for himself and for his
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heirs, executors, administrators and assigns, any and all claims of any nature
whatsoever against the Company, its current and former officers, directors,
shareholders, employees, representatives, attorneys and agents as well as its
predecessors, parent companies, subsidiaries, affiliates, successors and
assigns, which Mooney has or had against them or any of them arising out of or
by reason of any cause, matter or things whatsoever existing as of the date of
execution of this Agreement, whether known to the parties at the tie of
execution of this Agreement or not, including without limitation, any claims
arising out of, or relating in any manner whatsoever to the employment of Mooney
b the Company and his separation from the Company. This FULL WAIVER OF ALL
CLAIMS includes, without limitation, any claims, demands, or causes of action
arising out of, or relating in any manner whatsoever to the Civil Rights Act of
1964 and 1991, as amended, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967, as
amended, the Older Workers Benefit Protections Act, the Fair Labor Standards
Act, the Labor Management Relations Act, the Employee Retirement Income Security
Act of 1974, the Americans with Disabilities Act, or any other applicable
federal, state, or local statute or regulation, or any common law cause of
action, including without limitation, claims for breach of any express or
implied contract, the covenant of good faith and fair dealing, tort, wrongful
discharge, constructive discharge, personal injury, emotional distress,
defamation, fraud, or any claims for attorneys' fees or other costs, Mooney
further covenants and agrees that upon being paid the amounts provided for in
Section 4, above, the Company is not further indebted to him in any amount for
any reason, including any fringe benefits or other forms of compensation.
(b) Mooney represents and warrants that he has not assigned or
subrogated any of his rights, claims and causes of action, including any claims
referenced in this Agreement, or authorized any other person or entity to assert
such claim or claims on his behalf and he agrees to indemnify and hold harmless
the Company against any assignment of said right, claims and/or causes of
action.
(c) Mooney represents that he has not filed any complaints or charges
against the Company with any local, state or federal court or agency based upon
events occurring prior to the date of execution of this Agreement. Mooney
further represents and agrees that he will not in the future file, instigate or
encourage the filing of any proceeding or lawsuit by any party against the
Company in any local, sate or federal court or agency. Mooney further represents
and agrees that he shall not in the future cooperate or participate in any such
lawsuit or proceedings except in accordance with this Agreement and as otherwise
required by law. It is understood and agreed that Mooney's promises set forth in
this Section 5 are of critical importance to this Agreement. Any breach by
Mooney of the provisions of this Section shall be deemed a material breach of
this Agreement.
(d) Mooney agrees that he will not disclose, disseminate and/or
publicize any of the terms of this Agreement, any of the factual allegations
underlying any claims the Company or Mooney may have against one another, any of
the underlying facts of this Agreement or negotiations regarding this Agreement,
directly or indirectly, specifically or generally, to any person, corporation,
association or governmental agency, except (a) as required by law; (b) to the
extent necessary to report income to appropriate taxing authorities; (c)
pursuant to privileged communications; or (d) in response to an order of a court
or governmental agency of competent jurisdiction or subpoena issued under proper
authority; provided that notice of receipt of such judicial order, inquiry or
subpoena shall be immediately communicated to the Company,
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telephonically and confirmed immediately thereafter in writing, so that the
Company will have the opportunity to intervene and assert what rights it has to
nondisclosure prior to the response to the order, inquiry or subpoena.
6. Release of the Company's Claims Against Mooney.
(a) Excluding claims for breach or enforcement of this Agreement, the
Company for itself, its legal representatives, subsidiaries, affiliates, agents,
successors in interest and assigns, irrevocably and unconditionally releases and
forever discharges Mooney from any and all claims of any nature whatsoever
against Mooney, or his affiliates, agents, employees, attorneys, successors and
assigns, which the Company has or had against Mooney arising out of or by reason
of any cause, matter or thing whatsoever existing as of the date of execution of
this Agreement, whether known to the parties at the time of the execution of
this Agreement or not, including without limitation, any claims arising out of,
or relating in any manner whatsoever to the employment of Mooney by the Company
and his separation from the Company. The Company acknowledges that this release
of claims specifically includes, but is not limited to, any and all claims for
breach of contract, breach of the covenant of good faith and fair dealing,
intentional or negligent misrepresentation, conspiracy, negligence of any kind,
libel, slander or any other wrongful conduct based upon events occurring prior
to the date of the execution of this Agreement.
(b) The Company represents and warrants that it has not assigned or
subrogated any of its rights, claims and causes of action including any claims
referenced in this Agreement or authorized any other person or entity to assert
such claim or claims on its behalf and agrees to indemnify and hold harmless
Mooney against any assignment of said rights, claims and/or causes of action.
(c) The Company represents that it has not filed any complaints or
charges against Mooney with any local, state or federal court or agency based
upon the events occurring prior to the date of execution of this Agreement. The
Company further represents and agrees that it will not in the future file,
instigate or encourage the filing of any proceeding or lawsuit by any party
against Mooney in any local, state or federal court or agency. The Company
further represents and agrees that it shall not in the future cooperate or
participate in any such lawsuit or proceeding except in accordance with this
Agreement and as otherwise required by law. It is understood and agreed that the
Company's promises as set forth in this Section 6 are of critical importance to
this Agreement. Any breach by the Company of the provisions of this Section
shall be deemed a material breach of this Agreement.
(d) The Company agrees that it will not disclose, disseminate and/or
publicize any of the terms of this Agreement, any of the factual allegations
underlying any claims the Company or Mooney may have against one another, any of
the underlying facts of this Agreement or negotiations regarding this Agreement,
directly or indirectly, specifically or generally, to any person, corporation,
association or governmental agency, except (a) as required by law; (b) to the
extent necessary to report income to appropriate taxing authorities; or (c) in
response to an order of a court or governmental agency of competent jurisdiction
or subpoena issued under proper authority; provided that notice of receipt of
such judicial order, inquiry or subpoena shall be immediately communicated to
Mooney, telephonically and confirmed immediately thereafter in
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writing, so that Mooney will have the opportunity to intervene and assert what
rights he has to nondisclosure prior to the response to the order, inquiry or
subpoena.
7. Tax Obligations. It is understood and agreed that Mooney is liable
for all tax obligations, if any, with respect to the payments and sums set forth
in Section 4, above. The Company makes no warranty as to any tax consequences of
such payments, and a determination of the tax consequences of such payments are
the sole responsibility of Mooney.
8. Independent Contractor Status. With respect to Section 3 above, it
is expressly understood and agreed that Mooney is an independent contractor and
is not in any manner an agent or employee of the Company (or any of its
subsidiaries), nor is Mooney authorized or empowered to conduct business under
the name of, or for the account of, the Company (or any of its subsidiaries) or
to incur obligations of any kind, express or implied, on behalf of the Company,
or to make any promise, warranty or representation on behalf of the Company (or
any of its subsidiaries) with respect to any of its or their products or
services.
9. Indemnification. With respect to Sections 2 and 3 above, Mooney
shall indemnify the Company from and against any and all expenses (including
attorneys' fees), judgments, fines, claims, causes of action, liabilities and
other amounts paid (whether in settlement or otherwise actually and reasonably
incurred) by the Company in connection with such action, suit or proceeding if
(i) the Company was made a party to any action, suit or proceeding by reason of
the fact that Mooney rendered advice or services pursuant to this Agreement, and
(ii) Mooney did not act in good faith and in a manner reasonably believed by
Mooney to be in or not opposed to the interests of the Company, and, with
respect to any criminal action or proceeding, did not reasonably believe his
conduct was lawful.
10. Survival of Representations, Etc. All representations, warranties,
and agreements made herein shall survive for a period of five (5) years
following execution of this Agreement.
11. Twenty-One Day Consideration Period. Mooney acknowledges that he
has been allowed twenty-one (21) days to consider this Agreement and the
releases and waivers contained herein. Mooney further acknowledges that he has
been advised to consult with counsel and that he has consulted with counsel
regarding this Agreement.
12. Seven Day Revocation Period. The parties agree that Mooney shall
have a period of seven (7) days following the execution of this Agreement in
which to revoke the Agreement and that the Agreement shall not become effective
or enforceable until the revocation period has expired (See Attachment B).
13. Civil Code Section 1542. Each party expressly waives all rights
under Section 1542 of the Civil Code of the State of California, which each
party understands provides as follows:
A general release does not extend to claims which the creditor
does not know or suspect to exist in his favor at the time of
executing the release, which if known by him must have
materially affected his settlement with the debtor.
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14. Miscellaneous.
(a) Binding Effect; Assignment. This Agreement shall inure to the
benefit of and be binding upon the parties hereto, their respective legal
representatives and successors. This Agreement may not be assigned.
(b) Further Assurances; Cooperation. Each party shall, upon reasonable
request by the other party, execute and deliver any additional documents
necessary or desirable to complete the transactions contemplated by this
Agreement, pursuant to and in the manner contemplated by this Agreement.
(c) Entire Agreement. This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement
between the parties hereto and supersedes all prior arrangements, understandings
and agreements, oral or written, between the parties hereto with respect to the
subject matter hereof.
(d) Dispute Resolution. Except as otherwise expressly provided in this
Agreement, any civil claim which arises out of or relates in any way to this
Agreement shall be settled by binding and exclusive arbitration in California,
in accordance with the following terms and procedures:
(i) The party with a civil claim must notify the other party
in writing by certified mail within the times set forth by statute for filing a
civil claim of its desire to have the claim resolved by arbitration.
(ii) Upon notice of a timely civil claim, the parties will
agree upon an arbitrator or, if unable to agree, will request a list from the
Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service from which the parties will alternate
strikes until only one name remains. The last remaining name will be the
arbitrator.
(iii) The arbitrator shall have no authority to add to,
subtract from, or otherwise modify the terms of this Agreement or to make awards
beyond those provided for by the statue or other cause of action under which the
claim arises.
(iv) Any party to the arbitration may be represented by
counsel. All decisions of the arbitrator made in accordance with this policy
shall be final and conclusively binding upon the parties. The parties agree that
the arbitrator's award may be entered as a judgment by any court of competent
jurisdiction, unless the award is vacated, modified or corrected.
(i) Issues of procedure, arbitrability, appeal, or
confirmation, vacation or correction of award shall be governed by the Federal
Arbitration Act, 9 U.S.C. ss.ss.1-16.
(e) Attorney Fees. In any action or proceeding arising out of or
related to this Agreement, the prevailing party shall be entitled to its
reasonable attorney fees and related costs, including fees and costs incurred
prior to formal initiation of any action or proceeding, and including fees and
costs incurred for collecting or attempting to collect any judgment or award.
(f) Amendments and Waivers. This Agreement may not be modified or
amended except by an instrument or instruments in writing signed by the party
against whom enforcement
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of any such modification or amendment is sought. Mooney may, by an instrument in
writing, waive compliance by the Company with any term or provision of this
Agreement on the part of the Company to be performed or complied with. The
Company may, by an instrument in writing, waive compliance by Mooney, with any
term or provision of this Agreement on the part of Mooney to be performed or
complied with. Any waiver of a breach of any term or provision of this Agreement
shall not be construed as a waiver of any subsequent breach.
(g) Headings: Severability. The headings contained in this Agreement
are for convenience of reference only and shall not affect the interpretation or
construction hereof. Any term or provision of this Agreement which is invalid or
unenforceable in any jurisdiction shall as to such jurisdiction, be ineffective
to the extent of such invalidity or unenforceability without rendering invalid
or unenforceable the remaining terms and provisions of this Agreement or
affecting the validity or enforceability of any of the terms or provisions of
this Agreement in any other jurisdiction. If any provision of this Agreement is
so broad as to be unenforceable, such provision shall be interpreted to be only
so broad as is enforceable.
(h) Jurisdiction. This Agreement shall be governed in all respects,
whether as to validity, construction, capacity, performance, or otherwise, by
the laws of the State of California. The parties to this Agreement hereby submit
to the jurisdiction of the courts of the State of California.
(i) Voluntary Agreement. This Agreement is freely entered into by the
undersigned parties upon advice of counsel.
(j) Agreement not an Admission The parties hereby acknowledge that
neither this Agreement nor the payments made hereunder nor the acceptance of the
same, may be treated as an admission of any legal responsibility, liability,
wrongdoing or fault of any kind whatsoever. Such responsibility, liability,
wrongdoing and fault being expressly denied.
(k) Execution in Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in
counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original and all of which shall
be deemed to be one and the same instrument.
(l) Construction. It is agreed and understood that the general rule
that "ambiguities are to be construed against the drafter" shall not apply to
this Agreement. The parties agree that this Agreement is a part of negotiation
and was drafted by all parties. In the event any language of this Agreement is
found to be ambiguous, each party shall have an opportunity to present evidence
as to the actual intent of the parties with respect to any such ambiguous
language.
(m) Amendments and Modifications. Any amendment or modification of this
Agreement must be in writing and signed by each party.
THE SIGNATORIES HAVE CAREFULLY READ THIS ENTIRE
AGREEMENT. ITS CONTENTS HAVE BEEN FULLY EXPLAINED BY
THE RESPECTIVE ATTORNEYS. THE SIGNATORIES FULLY
UNDERSTAND THE FINAL AND BINDING EFFECT OF THIS
AGREEMENT. THE ONLY PROMISES
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MADE TO ANY SIGNATORY ABOUT THIS AGREEMENT, AND TO
SIGN THIS AGREEMENT ARE CONTAINED IN THIS AGREEMENT.
THE SIGNATORIES ARE SIGNING THIS AGREEMENT
VOLUNTARILY. PLEASE READ CAREFULLY: THIS SEVERANCE
AGREEMENT AND MUTUAL RELEASE INCLUDES A RELEASE OF
ALL KNOWN AND UNKNOWN CLAIMS.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have duly executed this
Agreement as of the date first above written.
EDWARD MOONEY
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Edward Mooney
NETAMERICA.COM CORPORATION
By:________________________
Its:_______________________
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ATTACHMENT A
EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT
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ATTACHEMENT B
NON-REVOCATION
AS OF THE DATE SHOWN ON THIS FORM
By signing below, I verify that I have chosen not to revoke my
agreement to and execution of the Severance Agreement and Mutual Release. My
signature confirms my renewed agreement to the terms of that Agreement,
including the release and waiver of any and all claims relating to my employment
with NetAmerica.com Corporation and its successors, assigns, and affiliated
companies, and/or the termination of that employment.
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Signature* Date
*Do not sign, date, or return this document until seven (7) days after you sign
the Severance Agreement and Mutual Release. The Severance Agreement was signed
on __________________.
