Retirement Agreement and Release, dated as of November 22, 2024, by and between Microchip Technology Incorporated and Ganesh Moorthy
Contract Categories:
Human Resources
- Retirement Agreements
EX-10.2 2 ex102q3fy25.htm EX-10.2 Document
Exhibit 10.2
RETIREMENT AGREEMENT AND RELEASE
This Retirement Agreement and Release (“Agreement”) is made by and between Ganesh Moorthy (“Executive”) and Microchip Technology Inc. (the “Company”) (collectively referred to as the “Parties” or individually referred to as a “Party”).
RECITALS
WHEREAS, Executive was employed at will by the Company;
WHEREAS, Executive signed an At-Will Employment, Confidential Information, Invention Assignment, and Arbitration Agreement with the Company on November 26, 2001 (the “Confidentiality Agreement”);
WHEREAS the Company has granted Executive restricted stock units (“RSUs”) pursuant to the Company’s 2004 Equity Incentive Plan, as amended;
WHEREAS, Executive retired as the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and President and Member of the Company’s Board of Directors effective November 18, 2024, and will retire as an employee of the Company effective November 29, 2024 (the “Retirement Date”); and
WHEREAS, the Parties wish to resolve any and all disputes, claims, complaints, grievances, charges, actions, petitions, and demands that Executive may have against the Company and any of the Releasees as defined below, including, but not limited to, any and all claims arising out of or in any way related to Executive’s employment with or separation from the Company;
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual promises made herein, the Company and Executive hereby agree as follows:
COVENANTS
1.Consideration. In consideration of Executive’s execution of this Agreement and his fulfillment of its terms and conditions, and provided that he does not revoke the Agreement under Section 6 below, the Company agrees as follows:
a.Continued Base Salary. The Company agrees to continue to pay Executive’s base salary (at the rate of $693,192 per year), less applicable withholdings, for a period of twelve (12) months following the Retirement Date. Such payments will be made in installments in accordance with the Company’s regular payroll practices beginning as of the first regular payroll date following the Effective Date. The Company will pay also Executive a lump sum payment equal to $106,645, less applicable withholdings, no earlier than January 1, 2025 and no later than January 15, 2025.
b.Health Insurance. The Company will continue coverage of Executive and Executive’s spouse under the Company’s group health plan for the first twelve (12) full calendar months after the Retirement Date, subject to the terms and conditions of the plan. The Company agrees to pay the full cost of such coverage. Following the first twelve (12) calendar months after the Retirement Date, Executive will have the option to continue health coverage under the Company’s group health plan, subject to the terms and conditions of the plan, at Executive’s cost. If Executive elects such continued coverage Executive agrees reimburse the Company, on a monthly basis or other mutually agreed schedule, for the Company’s cost of providing such coverage, as reasonably determined by the Company.
c.RSU Acceleration. Effective as of immediately prior to the Retirement Date, the Company agrees to accelerate the vesting of Executive’s RSUs such that Executive will be considered to have
1
vested in such RSUs through, and no later than, November 29, 2025 with the total number of RSUs shares vesting being 95,826. Executive’s vested RSUs will be settled in shares of Company Common Stock no earlier than January 1, 2025 and no later than January 15, 2025.
d.General. Executive acknowledges that without this Agreement, Executive is otherwise not entitled to the consideration listed in this Section 1. Executive acknowledges and agrees that other than the consideration listed in this Section 1, he is not entitled to any incentive compensation, severance, notice, or other post-employment benefits.
2.Resignation of Roles. Executive hereby acknowledges and confirms that as of November 18, 2024, Executive has resigned from all director and officer positions that he holds with the Company and any subsidiaries and agrees to provide any requested documentation confirming such resignation. Executive shall remain a non-executive employee of the Company through the Retirement Date.
3.Benefits. Executive’s participation in all benefits and incidents of employment, including, but not limited to, vesting in RSUs, and the accrual of bonuses, vacation, and paid time off, ceases as of the Retirement Date.
4.Payment of Salary and Receipt of All Benefits. Executive acknowledges and represents that, other than the consideration set forth in this Agreement, the Company and its agents have paid or provided all salary, wages, bonuses, accrued vacation/paid time off, notice periods, premiums, leaves, housing allowances, relocation costs, interest, severance, outplacement costs, fees, reimbursable expenses, commissions, stock, stock options, vesting, and any and all other benefits and compensation due to Executive as of the date Executive executes this Agreement.
5.Release of Claims. Executive agrees that the foregoing consideration represents settlement in full of all outstanding obligations owed to Executive by the Company and its current and former: officers, directors, Executives, agents, investors, attorneys, shareholders, administrators, affiliates, benefit plans, plan administrators, professional employer organization or co-employer, insurers, trustees, divisions, and subsidiaries, and predecessor and successor corporations and assigns (collectively, the “Releasees”). Executive, on Executive’s own behalf and on behalf of Executive’s respective heirs, family members, executors, agents, and assigns, hereby and forever releases the Releasees from, and agrees not to sue concerning, or in any manner to institute, prosecute, or pursue, any claim, complaint, charge, duty, obligation, demand, or cause of action relating to any matters of any kind, whether presently known or unknown, suspected or unsuspected, that Executive may possess against any of the Releasees arising from any omissions, acts, facts, or damages that have occurred up until and including the Effective Date of this Agreement, including, without limitation:
a.any and all claims relating to or arising from Executive’s employment relationship with the Company and the termination of that relationship, including any claims under any agreement or arrangement with the Company;
b.any and all claims relating to, or arising from, Executive’s right to purchase, actual purchase, or ownership of shares of stock of the Company, including, without limitation, any claims for fraud, misrepresentation, breach of fiduciary duty, breach of duty under applicable state corporate law, and securities fraud under any state or federal law;
c.any and all claims for wrongful discharge of employment; termination in violation of public policy; discrimination; harassment; retaliation; breach of contract, both express and implied; breach of covenant of good faith and fair dealing, both express and implied; promissory estoppel; negligent or intentional infliction of emotional distress; fraud; negligent or intentional misrepresentation; negligent or intentional interference with contract or prospective economic advantage; unfair business practices; defamation; libel; slander; negligence; personal injury; assault; battery; invasion of privacy; false imprisonment; conversion; and disability benefits;
2
d.any and all claims for violation of any federal, state, or municipal statute, including, but not limited to, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964; the Civil Rights Act of 1991; the Rehabilitation Act of 1973; the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990; the Equal Pay Act; the Fair Labor Standards Act; the Fair Credit Reporting Act; the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967; the Older Workers Benefit Protection Act; the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974; the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act; the Family and Medical Leave Act; the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act; the Immigration Reform and Control Act; the Arizona Civil Rights Act; the Arizona Employment Protection Act; the Arizona Wage Payment Law; the Arizona Equal Wages Act; the Arizona Safe Harbor Provision of the Anti-Blacklisting Act; the Arizona “Right to Work Act”; the Arizona Drug Testing of Employees Act; the Arizona “Bring Your Guns to Work” Act; the Arizona Workplace Harassment Law; the Arizona Occupational Health and Safety Act; the Arizona Medical Marijuana Act; and the Arizonians with Disabilities Act;
e.any and all claims for violation of the federal or any state constitution;
f.any and all claims arising out of any other laws and regulations relating to employment or employment discrimination;
g.any claim for any loss, cost, damage, or expense arising out of any dispute over the nonwithholding or other tax treatment of any of the proceeds received by Executive from the Company; and
h.any and all claims for attorneys’ fees and costs.
Executive agrees that the release set forth in this Section shall be and remain in effect in all respects as a complete general release as to the matters released. This release does not extend to any obligations incurred under this Agreement. This release does not release claims that cannot be released as a matter of law, including any Protected Activity (as defined below). This release does not extend to any right Executive may have to unemployment compensation benefits or workers’ compensation benefits. Executive represents that Executive has made no assignment or transfer of any right, claim, complaint, charge, duty, obligation, demand, cause of action, or other matter waived or released by this Section.
6.Acknowledgment of Waiver of Claims under ADEA. Executive acknowledges that Executive is waiving and releasing any rights Executive may have under the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967 (“ADEA”), and that this waiver and release is knowing and voluntary. Executive agrees that this waiver and release does not apply to any rights or claims that may arise under the ADEA after the Effective Date of this Agreement. Executive acknowledges that the consideration given for this waiver and release is in addition to anything of value to which Executive was already entitled. Executive further acknowledges that Executive has been advised by this writing that: (a) Executive should consult with an attorney prior to executing this Agreement; (b) Executive has twenty-one (21) days within which to consider this Agreement; (c) Executive has seven (7) days following Executive’s execution of this Agreement to revoke this Agreement; (d) this Agreement shall not be effective until after the revocation period has expired; and (e) nothing in this Agreement prevents or precludes Executive from challenging or seeking a determination in good faith of the validity of this waiver under the ADEA, nor does it impose any condition precedent, penalties, or costs for doing so, unless specifically authorized by federal law. In the event Executive signs this Agreement and returns it to the Company in less than the 21-day period identified above, Executive hereby acknowledges that Executive has knowingly and voluntarily chosen to waive the time period allotted for considering this Agreement. Executive acknowledges and understands that revocation must be accomplished by a written notification to the undersigned Company representative that is received prior to the Effective Date. The Parties agree that changes, whether material or immaterial, do not restart the running of the 21-day period.
7.Unknown Claims. Executive acknowledges that Executive has been advised to consult with legal counsel and that Executive is familiar with the principle that a general release does not extend to claims that the releaser does not know or suspect to exist in Executive’s favor at the time of executing the release, which, if known by Executive, must have materially affected Executive’s settlement with the releasee. Executive, being aware of
3
said principle, agrees to expressly waive any rights Executive may have to that effect, as well as under any other statute or common law principles of similar effect.
8.No Pending or Future Lawsuits. Executive represents that Executive has no lawsuits, claims, or actions pending in Executive’s name, or on behalf of any other person or entity, against the Company or any of the other Releasees. Executive also represents that Executive does not intend to bring any claims on Executive’s own behalf or on behalf of any other person or entity against the Company or any of the other Releasees.
9.Application for Employment. Executive understands and agrees that, as a condition of this Agreement, Executive shall not be entitled to any employment with the Company, and Executive hereby waives any right, or alleged right, of employment or re-employment with the Company. Executive further agrees not to apply for employment with the Company and not otherwise pursue an independent contractor or vendor relationship with the Company.
10.Confidentiality. Subject to the Protected Activity Not Prohibited Section below, Executive agrees to maintain in complete confidence, and represents that Executive has to date maintained in complete confidence, the existence of this Agreement, the contents and terms of this Agreement, and the consideration for this Agreement (hereinafter collectively referred to as “Separation Information”), and Executive agrees that Executive has not publicized and will not publicize, directly or indirectly, any Separation Information. Except as required by law, and subject to the “Protected Activity Not Prohibited Section” below, Executive may disclose Separation Information only to Executive’s immediate family members, the Court in any proceedings to enforce the terms of this Agreement, Executive’s counsel, and Executive’s accountant and any professional tax advisor to the extent that they need to know the Separation Information in order to provide advice on tax treatment or to prepare tax returns, and must prevent disclosure of any Separation Information to all other third parties.
11.Trade Secrets and Confidential Information/Company Property. Executive reaffirms and agrees to observe and abide by the terms of the Confidentiality Agreement, specifically including the provisions therein regarding nondisclosure of the Company’s trade secrets and confidential and proprietary information. Executive agrees that the above reaffirmation and agreement with the Confidentiality Agreement shall constitute a new and separately enforceable agreement to abide by the terms of the Confidentiality Agreement, entered and effective as of the Effective Date. Executive specifically acknowledges and agrees that any violation of any restrictive covenants in the Confidentiality Agreement shall constitute a material breach of this Agreement. Executive’s signature below constitutes Executive’s certification under penalty of perjury that Executive has returned all Company property and information, and, to the extent any additional copies of Company property or information is on Executive’s personal devices or storage spaces, Executive has taken all necessary steps to permanently delete or destroy all such property and documents from such locations, with the exception of a copy of any Employee Handbook and personnel documents specifically relating to Executive, which Executive may keep. In addition, pursuant to the Defend Trade Secrets Act of 2016, Executive is notified that an individual will not be held criminally or civilly liable under any federal or state trade secret law for the disclosure of a trade secret that (i) is made in confidence to a federal, state, or local government official (directly or indirectly) or to an attorney solely for the purpose of reporting or investigating a suspected violation of law, or (ii) is made in a complaint or other document filed in a lawsuit or other proceeding, if (and only if) such filing is made under seal. In addition, an individual who files a lawsuit for retaliation by an employer for reporting a suspected violation of law may disclose the trade secret to the individual’s attorney and use the trade secret information in the court proceeding, if the individual files any document containing the trade secret under seal and does not disclose the trade secret, except pursuant to court order.
12.No Cooperation. Subject to the Protected Activity Not Prohibited Section below, Executive agrees that Executive will not knowingly encourage, counsel, or assist any attorneys or their clients in the presentation or prosecution of any disputes, differences, grievances, claims, charges, or complaints by any third party against any of the Releasees, unless under a subpoena or other court order to do so or as related directly to the ADEA waiver in this Agreement. Executive agrees both to immediately notify the Company upon receipt of any such subpoena or court order, and to furnish, within three (3) business days of its receipt, a copy of such subpoena or other court order. If approached by anyone for counsel or assistance in the presentation or prosecution of any
4
disputes, differences, grievances, claims, charges, or complaints against any of the Releasees, Executive shall state no more than that Executive cannot provide counsel or assistance.
13.Nondisparagement. Subject to the Protected Activity Not Prohibited Section below, Executive agrees to refrain from any disparagement, defamation, libel, or slander of any of the Releasees, and agrees to refrain from any tortious interference with the contracts and relationships of any of the Releasees. The Company agrees that it shall instruct the Company’s its executive officers and members of its Board of Directors as of the Effective Date to refrain from any making disparaging statements about Executive.
14.Cooperation with the Company. Executive agrees that he shall provide reasonable cooperation and assistance to the Company in the transition of his role and in the resolution of any matters in which Executive was involved during the course of Executive’s employment, or about which Executive has knowledge, and in the defense or prosecution of any investigations, audits, claims or actions now in existence or which may be brought or threatened in the future against or on behalf of the Company, including any investigations, audits, claims or actions involving or against its officers, directors and employees. Executive’s cooperation with such matters shall include, without limitation, being available to consult with the Company regarding matters in which Executive has been involved or has knowledge; to reasonably assist the Company in preparing for any proceeding (including, without limitation, depositions, mediations, hearings, settlement negotiations, discovery conferences, arbitration, or trial); to provide affidavits reflecting truthful written testimony; to assist with any audit, inspection, proceeding or other inquiry; and to act as a witness to provide truthful testimony in connection with any investigation, audit, mediation, litigation or other legal proceeding affecting the Company. Executive agrees to keep the Company’s Human Resource department apprised of his current contact information, including telephone numbers, work address, home address, and email address(es), and to promptly respond to communications from the Company in connection with this Section 14. Executive understands and agrees that this provision requires his cooperation with the Company, but is not intended to have any influence whatsoever on any specific outcome in any matter and he is expected at all times to provide truthful testimony and responses in connection with any matter. Executive understands and agrees that he is not otherwise entitled to any additional compensation for such transition assistance, beyond the payments and consideration provided under this Agreement.
15.Breach. In addition to the rights provided in the “Attorneys’ Fees” Section below, Executive acknowledges and agrees that any material breach of this Agreement, unless such breach constitutes a legal action by Executive challenging or seeking a determination in good faith of the validity of the waiver herein under the ADEA, or of any provision of the Confidentiality Agreement shall entitle the Company immediately to recover and/or cease providing the consideration provided to Executive under this Agreement and to obtain damages, except as provided by law.
16.No Admission of Liability. Executive understands and acknowledges that this Agreement constitutes a compromise and settlement of any and all actual or potential disputed claims by Executive. No action taken by the Company hereto, either previously or in connection with this Agreement, shall be deemed or construed to be (a) an admission of the truth or falsity of any actual or potential claims or (b) an acknowledgment or admission by the Company of any fault or liability whatsoever to Executive or to any third party.
17.Costs. The Parties shall each bear their own costs, attorneys’ fees, and other fees incurred in connection with the preparation of this Agreement.
18.ARBITRATION. EXCEPT AS PROHIBITED BY LAW, THE PARTIES AGREE THAT ANY AND ALL DISPUTES ARISING OUT OF THE TERMS OF THIS AGREEMENT, THEIR INTERPRETATION, EXECUTIVE’S EMPLOYMENT WITH THE COMPANY OR THE TERMS THEREOF, OR ANY OF THE MATTERS HEREIN RELEASED, SHALL BE SUBJECT TO ARBITRATION UNDER THE FEDERAL ARBITRATION ACT (THE “FAA”) AND THAT THE FAA SHALL GOVERN AND APPLY TO THIS ARBITRATION AGREEMENT WITH FULL FORCE AND EFFECT; HOWEVER, WITHOUT LIMITING ANY PROVISIONS OF THE FAA, A MOTION OR PETITION OR ACTION TO COMPEL ARBITRATION MAY ALSO BE BROUGHT IN STATE COURT UNDER THE PROCEDURAL PROVISIONS OF SUCH STATE’S LAWS RELATING TO MOTIONS OR PETITIONS OR ACTIONS TO COMPEL ARBITRATION. THE ARBITRATION SHALL BE BEFORE A SINGLE ARBITRATOR WHO SHALL BE A FORMER FEDERAL OR STATE COURT JUDGE. EXECUTIVE AGREES THAT EXECUTIVE MAY ONLY
5
BRING ANY SUCH ARBITRATION IN EXECUTIVE’S INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY. ANY ARBITRATION WILL OCCUR IN THE COUNTY IN WHICH EXECUTIVE WORKED FOR THE COMPANY IN ARIZONA, BEFORE JAMS UNDER ITS APPLICABLE RULES AND PROCEDURES (“JAMS RULES”) AND ARIZONA LAW. THE ARBITRATOR MAY GRANT INJUNCTIONS AND OTHER RELIEF IN SUCH DISPUTES. THE ARBITRATOR SHALL ADMINISTER AND CONDUCT ANY ARBITRATION IN ACCORDANCE WITH ARIZONA LAW, AND THE ARBITRATOR SHALL APPLY SUBSTANTIVE AND PROCEDURAL ARIZONA LAW TO ANY DISPUTE OR CLAIM, WITHOUT REFERENCE TO ANY CONFLICT-OF-LAW PROVISIONS OF ANY JURISDICTION. TO THE EXTENT THAT THE JAMS RULES CONFLICT WITH ARIZONA LAW, ARIZONA LAW SHALL TAKE PRECEDENCE. THE DECISION OF THE ARBITRATOR SHALL BE WRITTEN, FINAL, AND BINDING ON THE PARTIES TO THE ARBITRATION. THE PARTIES AGREE THAT THE PREVAILING PARTY IN ANY ARBITRATION SHALL BE ENTITLED TO INJUNCTIVE RELIEF IN ANY COURT OF COMPETENT JURISDICTION TO ENFORCE THE ARBITRATION AWARD. THE PARTIES TO THE ARBITRATION SHALL EACH PAY AN EQUAL SHARE OF THE COSTS AND EXPENSES OF SUCH ARBITRATION, AND EACH PARTY SHALL SEPARATELY PAY FOR ITS RESPECTIVE COUNSEL FEES AND EXPENSES; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, THAT THE ARBITRATOR SHALL AWARD ATTORNEYS’ FEES AND COSTS TO THE PREVAILING PARTY, EXCEPT AS PROHIBITED BY LAW. IN THE EVENT THAT JAMS FAILS, REFUSES, OR OTHERWISE DOES NOT ENFORCE THE AFOREMENTIONED ARBITRATION COSTS SHARING PROVISION, EITHER PARTY MAY COMMENCE AN ACTION TO RECOVER SUCH AMOUNTS AGAINST THE NON-PAYING PARTY IN COURT AND THE NON-PAYING PARTY SHALL REIMBURSE THE MOVING PARTY FOR THE ATTORNEYS’ FEES AND COSTS INCURRED IN CONNECTION WITH SUCH ACTION. THE PARTIES AGREE THAT PUNITIVE DAMAGES SHALL BE UNAVAILABLE IN ARBITRATION. THE PARTIES HEREBY AGREE TO WAIVE THEIR RIGHT TO HAVE ANY DISPUTE BETWEEN THEM RESOLVED IN A COURT OF LAW BY A JUDGE OR JURY. NOTWITHSTANDING THE FOREGOING, THIS SECTION WILL NOT PREVENT EITHER PARTY FROM SEEKING INJUNCTIVE RELIEF (OR ANY OTHER PROVISIONAL REMEDY) FROM ANY COURT HAVING JURISDICTION OVER THE PARTIES AND THE SUBJECT MATTER OF THEIR DISPUTE RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT AND THE AGREEMENTS INCORPORATED HEREIN BY REFERENCE. SHOULD ANY PART OF THE ARBITRATION AGREEMENT CONTAINED IN THIS SECTION CONFLICT WITH ANY OTHER ARBITRATION AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE PARTIES, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO THE CONFIDENTIALITY AGREEMENT, THE PARTIES AGREE THAT THIS ARBITRATION AGREEMENT IN THIS SECTION SHALL GOVERN.
19.Tax Consequences. The Company makes no representations or warranties with respect to the tax consequences of the payments and any other consideration provided to Executive or made on Executive’s behalf under the terms of this Agreement. Executive agrees and understands that Executive is responsible for payment, if any, of local, state, and/or federal taxes on the payments and any other consideration provided hereunder by the Company and any penalties or assessments thereon. Executive further agrees to indemnify and hold the Company harmless from any claims, demands, deficiencies, penalties, interest, assessments, executions, judgments, or recoveries by any government agency against the Company for any amounts claimed due on account of (a) Executive’s failure to pay, or Executive’s delayed payment of, federal or state taxes, or (b) damages sustained by the Company by reason of any such claims, including attorneys’ fees and costs.
20.Section 409A. It is intended that this Agreement comply with, or be exempt from, Code Section 409A and the final regulations and official guidance thereunder (“Section 409A”) and any ambiguities herein will be interpreted to so comply and/or be exempt from Section 409A. The Parties affirm that Executive’s termination of employment on the Retirement Date will constitute as “separation from service” within the meaning of Section 409A. Each payment and benefit to be paid or provided under this Agreement is intended to constitute a series of separate payments for purposes of Section 1.409A-2(b)(2) of the Treasury Regulations. The Company and Executive will work together in good faith to consider either (i) amendments to this Agreement; or (ii) revisions to this Agreement with respect to the payment of any awards, which are necessary or appropriate to avoid imposition of any additional tax or income recognition prior to the actual payment to Executive under Section 409A. In no event will the Releasees reimburse Executive for any taxes that may be imposed on Executive as a result of Section 409A.
21.Authority. The Company represents and warrants that the undersigned has the authority to act on behalf of the Company and to bind the Company and all who may claim through it to the terms and conditions of this Agreement. Executive represents and warrants that Executive has the capacity to act on Executive’s own behalf and on behalf of all who might claim through Executive to bind them to the terms and conditions of this
6
Agreement. Each Party warrants and represents that there are no liens or claims of lien or assignments in law or equity or otherwise of or against any of the claims or causes of action released herein.
22.Protected Activity Not Prohibited. Executive understands that nothing in this Agreement shall in any way limit or prohibit Executive from engaging in any “Protected Activity,” which means filing a charge, complaint, or report with, or otherwise communicating with, cooperating with, or participating in any investigation or proceeding that may be conducted by, any federal, state or local government agency or commission, including the Securities and Exchange Commission, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, and the National Labor Relations Board (“Government Agencies”). Executive understands that in connection with such Protected Activity, Executive is permitted to disclose documents or other information as permitted by law, and without giving notice to, or receiving authorization from, the Company. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Executive agrees to take all reasonable precautions to prevent any unauthorized use or disclosure of any information that may constitute Company confidential information under the Confidentiality Agreement to any parties other than the relevant Government Agencies. Executive further understands that “Protected Activity” does not include the disclosure of any Company attorney-client privileged communications, and that any such disclosure without the Company’s written consent shall constitute a material breach of this Agreement. Finally, nothing in this Agreement constitutes a waiver of any rights Executive may have under the Sarbanes-Oxley Act or Section 7 of the National Labor Relations Act (“NLRA”).
23.Attorneys’ Fees. Except with regard to a legal action challenging or seeking a determination in good faith of the validity of the waiver herein under the ADEA, in the event that either Party brings an action to enforce or effect its rights under this Agreement, the prevailing Party shall be entitled to recover its costs and expenses, including the costs of mediation, arbitration, litigation, court fees, and reasonable attorneys’ fees incurred in connection with such an action.
24.Effective Date. Executive understands that this Agreement shall be null and void if not executed by Executive, and returned to the Company, within the twenty-one (21) day period set forth above. Each Party has seven (7) days after that Party signs this Agreement to revoke it. This Agreement will become effective on the eighth (8th) day after Executive signed this Agreement, so long as it has been signed by the Parties and has not been revoked by either Party before that date (the “Effective Date”).
25.Severability; Entire Agreement; Modification; Governing Law. In the event that any provision or any portion of any provision hereof or any surviving agreement made a part hereof becomes or is declared by a court of competent jurisdiction or arbitrator to be illegal, unenforceable, or void, this Agreement shall continue in full force and effect without said provision or portion of provision. This Agreement represents the entire agreement and understanding between the Company and Executive concerning the subject matter of this Agreement and Executive’s employment with and separation from the Company and the events leading thereto and associated therewith, and supersedes and replaces any and all prior agreements and understandings concerning the subject matter of this Agreement and Executive’s relationship with the Company, with the exception of the Confidentiality Agreement and the Stock Agreements, except as modified herein. This Agreement may only be amended in a writing signed by Executive and the Company’s Chief Executive Officer. This Agreement may be executed in counterparts and each counterpart shall be deemed an original and all of which counterparts taken together shall have the same force and effect as an original and shall constitute an effective, binding agreement on the part of each of the undersigned. The counterparts of this Agreement may be executed and delivered by facsimile, photo, email PDF, Docusign/Echosign or a similarly accredited secure signature service, or other electronic transmission or signature. This Agreement shall be governed by the laws of the State of Arizona, without regard for choice- of-law provisions. Executive consents to personal and exclusive jurisdiction and venue in the State of Arizona.
26.Voluntary Execution of Agreement; No Representations. Executive understands and agrees that Executive executed this Agreement voluntarily, without any duress or undue influence on the part or behalf of the Company or any third party, with the full intent of releasing all of Executive’s claims against the Company and any of the other Releasees. Executive represents that Executive has been represented in the preparation, negotiation, and execution of this Agreement by legal counsel of Executive’s own choice or has elected not to retain legal
7
counsel. Executive further represents that Executive has carefully read this Agreement and understands terms and consequences and legal and binding effect of this Agreement and of the releases it contains. Executive has not relied upon any representations or statements made by the Company that are not specifically set forth in this Agreement.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties have executed this Agreement on the respective dates set forth below.
GANESH MOORTHY, an individual | |||||
Dated: November 22, 2024 | /s/ Ganesh Moorthy | ||||
Ganesh Moorthy | |||||
MICROCHIP TECHNOLOGY INC. | |||||
Dated: November 22, 2024 | By /s/ Steve Sanghi | ||||
Steve Sanghi | |||||
Interim Chief Executive Officer & President | |||||
8