Letter Agreement Extending Stock Option Exercise Period Between Credence Systems Corporation and Fred Hall

Summary

This agreement between Credence Systems Corporation and Fred Hall modifies the terms of Fred Hall's employment offer letter and related stock option agreements. If Fred Hall is terminated without cause, he will have up to 12 months after termination, or until the original option expiration date (whichever is sooner), to exercise any vested stock options. Both parties have agreed to these revised terms by signing the letter.

EX-10.39 9 dex1039.txt LETTER AGREEMENT, DATED JANUARY 15, 2002 Exhibit 10.39 CREDENCE SYSTEMS CORPORATION 215 Fourier Avenue Freemont, CA 94539 January 15, 2002 Mr. Fred Hall Dear Fred: Reference is made to your employment offer letter, dated October 1, 2001 (the "Employment Offer Letter"), by and between you and Credence Systems Corporation (the "Company"). For good and valuable consideration, receipt of which is hereby acknowledged, the parties agree that notwithstanding the terms of the Employment Offer Letter or the relevant stock option agreements, to the extent that you are terminated "without cause" as described in your Employment Offer Letter, the final exercise date of any options which you are vested in pursuant to the terms of the Employment Offer Letter or the relevant stock option agreement on the date of such termination shall be extended until the earlier of (i) the ------- expiration of the option term or (ii) the end of the twelve (12) month period following the date of such termination. Please indicate your acceptance of the foregoing by signing the enclosed copy of this letter and returning it to the Company. Very truly yours, /s/ Graham J. Siddall --------------------- Graham J. Siddall Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board ACKNOWLEDGED AND AGREED: /s/ Fred Hall - ------------- Fred Hall