Employment Agreement Amendment and Severance Terms between NuVasive, Inc. and Jeffrey P. Rydin
This agreement between NuVasive, Inc. and Jeffrey P. Rydin amends the terms of Rydin's employment, specifically addressing severance and retention benefits. It outlines cash payments Rydin will receive if his employment is involuntarily terminated, with different amounts depending on the timing and circumstances of termination, especially in relation to a company transaction. The agreement also includes a one-year nonsolicitation clause after employment ends. Employment remains at-will, and these terms replace any prior severance arrangements. The agreement is governed by California law.
Exhibit 10.1
December 5, 2005
Jeff Rydin
3303 Latania Drive
Tampa, FL 33618
Re: Additional Severance and Retention Benefits
Dear Jeff:
The purpose if this letter is to memorialize our understanding regarding the amendment of the terms to your original employment with NuVasive, Inc. (the Company) contained in the offer letter dated November 19, 2005. For purposes of this letter, the term Fundamental Transaction shall have the meaning set forth in the Companys 2004 Equity Incentive Plan (the Plan). The term Involuntary Termination shall mean an involuntary Termination (as defined in the Plan) of service for reasons other than death, disability or Cause (as defined in the Plan).
1. | Involuntary Termination within 12 months of Transaction. Upon your Involuntary Termination within 12 months following a Transaction (if, and only if, you are still providing service to the Company or its successor, as applicable, at such time), the Company or its successor, as the case may be, shall pay you a cash payment equal to one hundred percent (100%) of your compensation earned (including any bonus with respect to performance) during the most recently completed calendar year (Compensation). |
2. | Involuntary Termination beyond 12 months of Transaction. Upon our Involuntary Termination beginning 12 months following a Transaction (if, and only if, you are still providing service to the Company or its successor, as applicable, at such time), the Company or its successor, as the case may be, shall pay you a cash payment equal to seventy-five percent (75%) of your Compensation. |
3. | Severance. In the event of your Involuntary Termination prior to a Transaction, in lieu of any other cash obligation, the Company shall pay you a cash payment equal to seventy-five percent (75%) of your Compensation upon your execution of a release of all claims against the Company. |
4. | Nonsolicitation. You agree that while providing service to the Company and for one (1) year following the date upon which you cease to provide service to the Company, you will not, either directly or through others solicit or attempt to solicit, or hire or attempt to hire, any person (including any entity) who is an employee, consultant or independent contractor of the Company to terminate his, her or its relationship with the Company in order to become an employee, consultant or independent contractor to or for any other person or entity. |
For purposes of clarification, your employment with the Company will remain on an at will basis, meaning that (except for the obligations contemplated by this letter or under the Plan) either you or the Company may terminate your employment at any time for any reason or no reason, without further obligation or liability. These terms are in lieu of and replace the current terms of any existing severance obligations. The severance obligations set forth herein constitute the entirety of any severance obligation owed to you by the Company. This policy of at-will employment is the entire agreement as to the duration of your employment and may only be modified in an express written agreement signed by an officer of the Company authorized by the Companys Board of Directors and you.
This letter agreement shall be governed by and construed under the laws of the State of California as applied to agreements among California residents entered into and to be performed entirely within California.
Very truly yours, | ||||||||
NUVASIVE, INC. | ||||||||
By: | /s/ Alexis V. Lukianov | |||||||
Alexis V. Lukianov | ||||||||
As Accepted and Agreed: | ||||||||
Dated: | December 5, 2005 | /s/ Jeff Rydin | ||||||
Jeff Rydin |