AMENDED AND RESTATED SEVERANCE AGREEMENT

EX-10.17 3 s102723_ex10-17.htm EXHIBIT 10-17

 

Exhibit 10.17

 

Execution Copy

 

AMENDED AND RESTATED SEVERANCE AGREEMENT

 

AMENDED AND RESTATED SEVERANCE AGREEMENT (this “Agreement”), dated as of December 21, 2015 (the “Effective Date”), by and between TheStreet, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company” or “TheStreet”), and Elisabeth E. DeMarse (“DeMarse” or “you”). For purposes of this Agreement, each of DeMarse and the Company referred to as a “Party” and collectively referred to as the “Parties.”

 

WHEREAS, the Company and DeMarse previously entered into a Severance Agreement dated March 7, 2012 (the “Prior Severance Agreement”), which set forth the terms and conditions under which DeMarse would be entitled to severance benefits (the “Severance Benefits”);

 

WHEREAS, the Parties desire to amend and restate the Prior Severance Agreement and replace it in its entirety with this Agreement, which will reflect the new terms and conditions under which DeMarse will be entitled to Severance Benefits; and

 

WHEREAS, DeMarse agrees she will continue to be bound by the restrictive covenants set forth in any Stock-Based Award Agreements (as defined below).

 

NOW THEREFORE, the Parties hereto agree as follows:

 

Section 1. Severance Benefits.

 

(a)          General Severance. In the event that the Company (or Successor (as defined below), if applicable) terminates DeMarse’s employment with the Company (or Successor, if applicable) without Cause, as defined below (the date of such termination, the “Termination Date”), then, subject to compliance with the restrictive covenants in Section 3 and execution of the Release set forth in Section 16:

 

(i)the Company (or Successor, if applicable) shall (A) pay DeMarse an amount equal to twenty-four (24) months of DeMarse’s base salary (at the annual rate in effect immediately prior to termination, but in no event less DeMarse’s current annual rate of $480,000); (B) a lump sum payment equal to (x) DeMarse’s base salary (at the annual rate in effect immediately prior to termination, but in no event less DeMarse’s current annual rate of $480,000) multiplied by (y) thirty percent (30%); and (C) pay on DeMarse’s behalf (for a period of eighteen (18) months or such lesser period as DeMarse may elect) the full cost of premiums for continuation of any benefits that DeMarse is eligible under COBRA to elect to (and does elect to) continue (unless doing so would violate any anti-discrimination provision or other legal requirement applicable to the Company or to any of the Company’s health plans, in which event the Company and you shall agree in good faith on the terms of an alternative arrangement pursuant to which the Company would provide you with substantially similar economic value); and

 

 

 

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(ii)for purposes of determining the number of vested (and, in the case of stock options and stock appreciation rights, exercisable) shares of restricted stock, restricted stock units, stock options, stock appreciation rights or other stock-based awards under each stock-based award agreement outstanding on the Termination Date between the Parties (the “Stock-Based Award Agreements”) then, (X) DeMarse shall be treated on the Termination Date as if her full-time employment with the Company had continued through the first (1st) anniversary of the Termination Date (the “First Anniversary”) and been terminated by the Company without Cause (as defined in each Stock-Based Award Agreement for the purposes of such agreement) immediately thereafter and (Y) the vesting of any shares of restricted stock, restricted stock units, stock options, stock appreciation rights or other stock-based awards under the Stock-Based Award Agreements that would not have vested (or, in the case of stock options and stock appreciation rights, become exercisable) had DeMarse remained in employment through the First Anniversary shall be suspended and such shares of restricted stock, restricted stock units, stock options, stock appreciation rights or other stock-based awards shall be automatically forfeited and expire on the six (6) month anniversary of the Termination Date (the “Six-Month Anniversary”) unless a definitive agreement, tender offer or a letter of intent respecting a Change of Control (as defined in the Company’s Amended and Restated 2007 Performance Incentive Plan) transaction involving the Company (a “Change of Control Agreement”) is entered into or received (as the case may be) by the Company subsequent to the date of this Agreement but prior to the Six-Month Anniversary, in which case such shares of restricted stock, restricted stock units, stock options, stock appreciation rights or other stock-based awards shall be automatically forfeited and expire on the First Anniversary unless a Change of Control as contemplated by the Change in Control Agreement is consummated by the First Anniversary in which case such shares of restricted stock, restricted stock units, stock options, stock appreciation rights or other stock-based awards shall immediately vest (and in the case of stock options or stock appreciation rights become immediately exercisable) upon the consummation of the Change of Control. Nothing contained herein is intended to adversely affect any of DeMarse’s rights under the Stock-Based Award Agreements.

 

For purposes of this Agreement, “Successor” shall mean any person or entity that acquires all or substantially all of the Company’s assets or into which the Company is merged or combined with the Company ceasing to exist (or the successor to any such entity, whether by merger, assignment or otherwise).

 

For purposes of this Letter, “Cause” shall have the meaning attributed to it in the award agreements evidencing the options to purchase common stock of the Company granted to you on March 7, 2012 (the “Option Agreements”).

 

(b)          Payment of Benefits. If DeMarse becomes entitled to a payment under Section 1(a)(i)(A), the Company (or Successor, if applicable) shall pay DeMarse the applicable amount in a lump sum within thirty (30) days of DeMarse’s becoming entitled to such payment.

 

 

 

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Section 2. Parachute Payment Limitation.

 

Anything in this Agreement or the Option Agreements to the contrary notwithstanding, in the event that:

 

(a)          the aggregate payments or benefits to be made or distributed by the Company or its affiliates to or for the benefit of DeMarse (whether paid or payable or distributed or distributable pursuant to the terms of this Agreement or otherwise) which are deemed to be parachute payments as defined in Internal Revenue Code (“Code”) Section 280G or any successor thereto (the “Change of Control Benefits”) would be deemed to include an “excess parachute payment” under Code Section 280G; and

 

(b)          if such Change of Control Benefits were reduced to an amount (the “Non-Triggering Amount”), the value of which is one dollar ($1.00) less than an amount equal to three (3) times DeMarse’s “base amount,” as determined in accordance with Code Section 280G and the Non-Triggering Amount less the product of the marginal rate of any applicable state and federal income tax times the Non-Triggering Amount would be greater than the aggregate value of the Change of Control Benefits (without such reduction) minus (x) the amount of tax required to be paid by DeMarse thereon by Code Section 4999 and further minus (y) the product of the Change of Control Benefits times the marginal rate of any applicable state and federal income tax, then the Change of Control Benefits shall be reduced to the Non-Triggering Amount. Any reduction made pursuant to this Section 2(b) shall be made in accordance with the following order of priority: (i) stock options whose exercise price exceeds the fair market value of the optioned stock (“Underwater Options”), (ii) Full Credit Payments (as defined below) that are payable in cash, (iii) non-cash Full Credit Payments that are taxable, (iv) non-cash Full Credit Payments that are not taxable, (v) Partial Credit Payments (as defined below) and (vi) non-cash employee welfare benefits. In each case, reductions shall be made in reverse chronological order such that the payment or benefit owed on the latest date following the occurrence of the event triggering the excise tax will be the first payment or benefit to be reduced (with reductions made pro-rata in the event payments or benefits are owed at the same time). “Full Credit Payment” means a payment, distribution or benefit, whether paid or payable or distributed or distributable pursuant to the terms of this Agreement or otherwise, that if reduced in value by one dollar reduces the amount of the parachute payment (as defined in Code Section 280G) by one dollar, determined as if such payment, distribution or benefit had been paid or distributed on the date of the event triggering the excise tax. “Partial Credit Payment” means any payment, distribution or benefit that is not a Full Credit Payment. In no event shall DeMarse have any discretion with respect to the ordering of payment reductions.

 

Section 3. Certain Covenants.

 

In partial consideration for the right to receive the benefits described in Section 1, DeMarse agrees as follows. For avoidance of doubt, the covenants set forth below are independent of the covenants set forth in the Option Agreements and any covenants that may be set forth in any subsequent written agreements between the Parties:

 

 

 

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(a)          Non-competition. During her employment by the Company or any subsidiary and through the end of one (1) year after the cessation of her employment with the Company or any subsidiary, DeMarse will not engage in a Competitive Activity (as defined below) with the Company or any of its subsidiaries. As used herein, “Competitive Activity” means DeMarse’s service as a director, officer, employee, principal, agent, stockholder, member, owner or partner of, or DeMarse permitting her name to be used in connection with the activities of, any other business or organization anywhere in the United States, or in any other geographic area in which the Company or any of its subsidiaries operates or with respect to which the Company provides financial news and commentary coverage (or from which such other business or organization provides financial news and commentary coverage of the United States), which engages in a business that competes with any business in which the Company or any subsidiary is engaged (a “Competing Business”); provided, however, that, notwithstanding the foregoing, it shall not be a Competitive Activity for DeMarse to (i) become the registered or beneficial owner of up to three percent (3%) of any class of capital stock of a competing corporation registered under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, provided that DeMarse does not otherwise participate in the business of such corporation or (ii) work in a non-competitive business of a company which is carrying on a Competing Business, the revenues of which represent less than twenty percent (20%) of the consolidated revenues of that company, or, as a result thereof, owning compensatory equity in that company.

 

(b)          Non-solicitation of Employees. During her employment by the Company or any subsidiary and through the end of one (1) year after the cessation of her employment with the Company or any subsidiary, DeMarse will not solicit for employment or hire, in any business enterprise or activity, any employee of the Company or any subsidiary who was employed by the Company or a subsidiary during DeMarse’s period of employment by the Company or a subsidiary; provided that (a) the foregoing shall not be violated by any general advertising not targeted at any Company or subsidiary employees nor by DeMarse serving as a reference upon request, and (b) DeMarse may solicit and hire any one or more former employees of the Company or its subsidiaries who had ceased being such an employee for a period of at least six (6) months prior to any such solicitation or hiring.

 

(c)          Non-solicitation of Clients and Vendors. During her employment by the Company or any subsidiary and through the end of one (1) year after the cessation of her employment with the Company or any subsidiary, DeMarse will not solicit, in any business enterprise or activity, any client, customer, licensee, licensor, third-party service provider or vendor (a “Business Relation”) of the Company or any subsidiary who was a Business Relation of the Company or any subsidiary during DeMarse’s period of employment by the Company or any subsidiary to (i) cease being a Business Relation of the Company or any subsidiary or (ii) become a Business Relation of a Competing Business unless (without you having solicited such third party to cease such relationship) such third party ceased being a Business Relation of the Company or any subsidiary for a period of at least six (6) months prior to such solicitation.

 

(d)          Non-Disparagement. DeMarse agrees not to disparage the Company or to do anything in a manner likely to portray the Company, its products or personnel in a negative light or that might injure the Company’s business or affairs. This would include, but is not limited to, disparaging remarks about the Company as well as its shareholders, officers, directors, employees, agents, advisors, partners, affiliates, consultants, products, services, formulae, business practices, corporate structure or organization, and marketing methods. The Company (limited to its officers and directors) agrees that it will not make, at any time, directly or indirectly, any oral or written public statements that are disparaging of Executive.

 

 

 

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(e)          The parties acknowledge that the restrictions contained in this Section 3 are a reasonable and necessary protection of the immediate interests of the Company, and any violation of these restrictions could cause substantial injury to the Company and that the Company would not have entered into this Agreement, without receiving the additional consideration offered by DeMarse in binding herself to these restrictions. In the event of a breach or threatened breach by DeMarse of any of these restrictions, the Company (i) immediately cease all future payments under Section 2 above and (ii) shall be entitled to apply to any court of competent jurisdiction for an injunction restraining DeMarse from such breach or threatened breach; provided, however, that the right to apply for an injunction shall not be construed as prohibiting the Company from pursuing any other available remedies for such breach or threatened breach, including, without limitation, recovery of any payments made pursuant to Section 2 hereof prior to such breach.

 

Section 4. Notices.

 

Unless otherwise provided herein, any notice, exercise of rights or other communication required or permitted to be given hereunder shall be in writing and shall be given by overnight delivery service such as Federal Express or personal delivery against receipt, or mailed by registered or certified mail (return receipt requested), to the party to whom it is given at, in the case of the Company, Compensation Committee Chair, TheStreet, Inc., 14 Wall Street, 15th Floor, New York, NY 10005, or, in the case of DeMarse, at her principal residence address as then reflected on the records of the Company or such other address as such party may hereafter specify by notice to the other party hereto. Any notice or other communication shall be deemed to have been given as of the date so personally delivered or transmitted by telecopy or like transmission or on the next business day after sent by overnight delivery service for next business day delivery or on the fifth business day after sent by registered or certified mail.

 

Section 5. Representations.

 

The Company hereby represents and warrants that the execution and delivery of this Agreement and the performance by the Company of its obligations hereunder have been duly authorized by all necessary corporate action of the Company.

 

Section 6. Amendment.

 

This Agreement may be amended only by a written agreement signed by the Parties hereto.

 

Section 7. Binding Effect.

 

The rights and duties under this Agreement are not assignable by DeMarse other than as a result of her death. None of DeMarse’s rights under this Agreement shall be subject to any encumbrances or the claims of DeMarse’s creditors. This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the Company and any successor organization which shall succeed to the Company by merger or consolidation or operation of law, or by acquisition of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company.

 

 

 

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Section 8. Governing Law.

 

This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the internal laws of the State of New York applicable to contracts to be performed wholly within the state and without regard to its conflict of laws provisions that would defer to the laws of another jurisdiction.

 

Section 9. Severability.

 

If any provision of this Agreement shall for any reason be held invalid, illegal or unenforceable, the validity, legality and enforceability of the remaining provisions hereof shall not be affected or impaired thereby. Moreover, if any one or more of the provisions of this Agreement shall be held to be excessively broad as to duration, activity or subject, such provisions shall be construed by limiting and reducing them so as to be enforceable to the maximum extent allowable by applicable law. To the extent permitted by applicable law, each party hereto waives any provision of law that renders any provision of this Agreement invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any way.

 

Section 10. Execution in Counterparts.

 

This Agreement may be executed in one or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an original and all of which shall constitute one and the same instrument.

 

Section 11. Entire Agreement.

 

This Agreement, together with the Option Agreements, sets forth the entire agreement, and supersedes all prior agreements and understandings, both written and oral, between the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof and thereof, including, without limitation, the Prior Severance Agreement.

 

Section 12. Titles and Headings.

 

Titles and headings to Sections herein are for purposes of reference only, and shall in no way limit, define or otherwise affect the meaning or interpretation of any of the provisions of this Agreement.

 

Section 13. Attorneys’ Fees and Costs. The Company will reimburse the Executive for, or directly pay, the Executive’s reasonable attorneys’ fees incurred in connection with the negotiations of this Agreement, up to a maximum of $5,000, which such reimbursement or direct payment shall be treated as non-taxable to the Executive as a working condition fringe benefit under Section 132(d) of the Code.

 

 

 

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Section 14. Consent to Jurisdiction.

 

The parties hereto each hereby irrevocably submit to the exclusive jurisdiction of any New York State or Federal court sitting in the Borough of Manhattan, City of New York in any action or proceeding to enforce the provisions of this Agreement, and waives the defense of inconvenient forum to the maintenance of any such action or proceeding.

 

Section 15. No Duty to Mitigate.

 

DeMarse shall have no duty to mitigate or have any off-set made against amounts payable by the Company to DeMarse hereunder.

 

Section 16. Release.

 

As a condition to the obligation of the Company to make the payments provided for in this Agreement and otherwise perform its obligations hereunder to DeMarse upon termination of DeMarse’s employment (other than due to her death), DeMarse or her legal representatives shall deliver to the Company a written release, substantially in the form attached hereto as Exhibit A, and the time for revocation of such release shall have expired, no later than thirty (30) days following termination of DeMarse’s employment; provided, however, that such release shall be enforceable only if the Company executes such release (for avoidance of doubt, DeMarse’s time to revoke her signature shall be seven (7) days from the date she executes the release, regardless of the timing of the Company’s execution of the release).

 

Section 17. Section 409A.

 

(a) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, no severance pay or benefits to be paid or provided to DeMarse, if any, pursuant to this Agreement that, when considered together with any other severance payments or separation benefits, are considered deferred compensation not exempt under Section 409A (together, the “Deferred Payments”) will be paid or otherwise provided until DeMarse has a “separation from service” within the meaning of Section 409A. Similarly, no severance payable to DeMarse, if any, pursuant to this Agreement that otherwise would be exempt from Section 409A pursuant to Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-1(b)(9) will be payable until DeMarse has a “separation from service” within the meaning of Section 409A. For purposes of this Agreement, “Section 409A” means Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended or any regulations or Treasury guidance promulgated thereunder (“Section 409A”).

 

(b) Notwithstanding any provision of this Agreement to the contrary, if DeMarse is a “specified employee” as determined by the Board or the Compensation Committee of the Board in accordance with Section 409A, DeMarse shall not be entitled to any Deferred Payments until the earlier of (i) the date which is six (6) months and one (1) day after her termination of employment for any reason other than death (except that during such six (6) month period DeMarse may receive total payments from the Company that do not exceed the amount specified in Treas. Reg. Section 1.409A-1(b)(9) or that constitute a short-term deferral within the meaning of Section 409A), or (ii) the date of her death.

 

 

 

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(c) The foregoing provisions are intended to be exempt from or comply with the requirements of Section 409A so that none of the severance payments and benefits to be provided hereunder will be subject to the additional tax imposed under Section 409A, and any ambiguities or ambiguous terms herein will be interpreted to be exempt or so comply. If any provision of this Agreement or of any award of compensation, including equity compensation or benefits would cause DeMarse to incur any additional tax or interest under Section 409A, the parties agree to negotiate in good faith to reform such provision in such manner as to maintain, to the maximum extent practicable, the original intent and economic terms of the applicable provision without violating the provisions of Section 409A.

 

(d) To the extent that reimbursements or in-kind benefits under this Agreement constitute non-exempt “nonqualified deferred compensation” for purposes of Section 409A, (1) all reimbursements hereunder shall be made on or prior to the last day of the calendar year following the calendar year in which the expense was incurred by DeMarse, (2) any right to reimbursement or in-kind benefits shall not be subject to liquidation or exchange for another benefit, and (3) the amount of expenses eligible for reimbursement or in-kind benefits provided in any calendar year shall not in any way affect the expenses eligible for reimbursement or in-kind benefits to be provided, in any other calendar year.

 

(e) Notwithstanding any provision of this Agreement to the contrary, to the extent any compensation or award which constitutes deferred compensation within the meaning of Section 409A shall vest upon the occurrence of a Change of Control and such Change of Control does not constitute a “change in the ownership or effective control” or a “change in the ownership of a substantial portion of the assets” of the Corporation within the meaning of Section 409A, then notwithstanding such vesting, payment will be made to DeMarse on the earliest of (i) DeMarse’s “separation from service” with the Company (determined in accordance with Section 409A) or, if DeMarse is a specified employee within the meaning of Section 409A, such later date as provided in paragraph (b) of this Section 17, (ii) the date payment otherwise would have been made, or (iii) DeMarse’s death.

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned have executed this Agreement as of December ___, 2015.

 

   
Elisabeth DeMarse  
   
THESTREET, INC.  
     
By:    
Name: Steve Zacharias  
Title: Chairman, Compensation Committee  

 

 

 

 

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EXHIBIT A

 

Form of Release

 

This Release (this “Release”) is entered into by Elisabeth E. DeMarse (“DeMarse”) and TheStreet, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), effective as of [DATE] (the “Effective Date”).

 

In consideration of the promises set forth in the Amended and Restated Severance Agreement between DeMarse and the Company, dated as of December [ ], 2015 (the “Agreement”), DeMarse and the Company agree as follows:

 

1.          General Releases and Waivers of Claims.

 

(a)  DeMarse’s Release of Company. In consideration of the payments and benefits provided to DeMarse under the Agreement and after consultation with counsel, DeMarse on behalf of herself and each of her respective heirs, executors, administrators, representatives, agents, successors and assigns (collectively, the “DeMarse Parties”) hereby irrevocably and unconditionally release and forever discharge the Company and its current and former subsidiaries and affiliates and each of their respective current and former officers, employees, directors, shareholders and agents (“Company Parties”) from any and all claims, actions, causes of action, rights, judgments, fees and costs (including attorneys’ fees), obligations, damages, demands, accountings or liabilities of whatever kind or character (collectively, “Claims”), including, without limitation, any Claims based upon contract, tort, or under any federal, state, local or foreign law, that the DeMarse Parties may have, or in the future may possess, arising out of any aspect of DeMarse’s employment relationship with and service as an employee, officer, director or agent of the Company, or the termination of such relationship or service, that occurred, existed or arose on or prior to the date hereof; provided, however, that DeMarse does not release, discharge or waive (i) any rights to payments and benefits provided under the Agreement, (ii) any right DeMarse may have to enforce this Release or the Agreement, (iii) DeMarse’s eligibility for indemnification in accordance with the Company’s certificate of incorporation, bylaws or other corporate governance document, any applicable insurance policy or any contract or provision to which DeMarse is a party or as to which DeMarse otherwise is entitled to indemnification benefits, with respect to any liability she incurred or might incur as an employee, officer or director of the Company, (iv) any claims for accrued, vested benefits under any employee benefit or pension plan of the Company Parties subject to the terms and conditions of such plan and applicable law including, without limitation, any such claims under COBRA or the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, or (v) any rights under or in respect of the Agreement for Grant of Non-Qualified Stock Options between DeMarse and the Company, dated as of March 7, 2012 (the “Non-Qualified Option Agreement”), the Agreement for Grant of Incentive Stock Option Pursuant to 2007 Performance Incentive Plan between DeMarse and the Company, dated as of March 7, 2012 (the “Incentive Option Agreement” and together with the Non-Qualified Option Agreement, the “Option Agreements”) or any written agreements that may be executed by the parties after the date of the Option Agreements (collectively, the “Applicable Agreements”).

 

 

 

 

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(b) Executive’s Specific Release of ADEA Claims. In further consideration of the payments and benefits provided to DeMarse under the Agreement, DeMarse on behalf of herself and the other DeMarse Parties hereby unconditionally release and forever discharge the Company Parties from any and all Claims that the DeMarse Parties may have as of the date DeMarse signs this Release arising under the Federal Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967, as amended, and the applicable rules and regulations promulgated thereunder (“ADEA”). By signing this Release, DeMarse hereby acknowledges and confirms the following: (i) DeMarse was advised by the Company in connection with her termination to consult with an attorney of her choice prior to signing this Release and to have such attorney explain to her the terms of this Release, including, without limitation, the terms relating to her release of claims arising under ADEA, and DeMarse has in fact consulted with an attorney; (ii) DeMarse was given a period of not fewer than twenty-one (21) days to consider the terms of this Release and to consult with an attorney of her choosing with respect thereto; and (iii) DeMarse knowingly and voluntarily accepts the terms of this Release. DeMarse also understands that she has seven (7) days following the date on which she signs this Release within which to revoke the release contained in this paragraph, by providing the Company a written notice of her revocation of the release and waiver contained in this paragraph.

 

(c)  Company’s Release of Executive. The Company for itself and on behalf of the Company Parties hereby irrevocably and unconditionally release and forever discharge the DeMarse Parties from any and all Claims, including, without limitation, any Claims based upon contract, tort, or under any federal, state, local or foreign law, that the Company Parties may have, or in the future may possess, arising out of any aspect of DeMarse’s employment relationship with and service as an employee, officer, director or agent of the Company, or the termination of such relationship or service, that occurred, existed or arose on or prior to the date hereof, excepting (i) any Claim which would constitute or result from conduct by DeMarse that constituted the basis for termination for Cause under the Agreement or could be a crime of any kind, or (ii) rights arising under or in respect of the Option Agreements. Anything to the contrary notwithstanding in this Release, nothing herein shall release DeMarse or any other DeMarse Party from any Claims based on any right the Company may have to enforce this Release or the Agreement or any of the Applicable Agreements.

 

(d)  No Assignment. The parties represent and warrant that they have not assigned any of the Claims being released under this Release.

 

2.          Proceedings. Neither DeMarse nor the Company have filed any complaint, charge, claim or proceeding against the other party before any local, state or federal agency, court or other body relating to DeMarse’s employment or the termination thereof (each, individually, a “Proceeding”).

 

 

 

 

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3.          Remedies.

 

(a)  In the event DeMarse initiates or voluntarily participates in any Proceeding involving any of the matters waived or released in this Release, or if she fails to abide by any of the terms of this Release, or if she revokes the ADEA release contained in Paragraph 1(b) of this Release within the seven (7)-day period provided under Paragraph 1(b), the Company may, in addition to any other remedies it may have, reclaim any amounts paid to her, and terminate any benefits or payments that are due pursuant to the termination provisions of the Agreement, without waiving the release granted herein. In addition, in the event that DeMarse has failed to comply with Section 3 of the Agreement or with Sections 11 and/or 12 of either or both of the Option Agreements (other than as a result of an unintentional and immaterial disclosure of confidential information), the Company may, in addition to any other remedies it may have, to the extent permitted in the Agreement and the Option Agreements reclaim any amounts paid to her pursuant to the Agreement or the Option Agreements, without waiving the release granted herein. DeMarse acknowledges and agrees that the remedy at law available to the Company for breach of any of her post-termination obligations under the Agreement or any of the Applicable Agreements or her obligations hereunder or thereunder would be inadequate and that damages flowing from such a breach may not readily be susceptible to being measured in monetary terms. Accordingly, DeMarse acknowledges, consents and agrees that, in addition to any other rights or remedies that the Company may have at law or in equity, the Company shall be entitled to seek a temporary restraining order or a preliminary or permanent injunction, or both, without bond or other security, restraining DeMarse from breaching her post-termination obligations under the Agreement or any of the Applicable Agreements or her obligations hereunder or thereunder. Such injunctive relief in any court shall be available to the Company, in lieu of, or prior to or pending determination in, any arbitration proceeding.

 

(b)  DeMarse understands that by entering into this Release she will be limiting the availability of certain remedies that she may have against the Company and limiting also her ability to pursue certain claims against the Company.

 

(c)  The Company acknowledges and agrees that the remedy at law available to DeMarse for breach of any of its post-termination obligations under the Agreement or any of the Applicable Agreements or its obligations hereunder or thereunder would be inadequate and that damages flowing from such a breach may not readily be susceptible to being measured in monetary terms. Accordingly, the Company acknowledges, consents and agrees that, in addition to any other rights or remedies that DeMarse may have at law or in equity, DeMarse shall be entitled to seek a temporary restraining order or a preliminary or permanent injunction, or both, without bond or other security, restraining the Company from breaching its post-termination obligations under the Agreement or any of the Applicable Agreements or its obligations hereunder or thereunder. Such injunctive relief in any court shall be available to DeMarse, in lieu of, or prior to or pending determination in, any arbitration proceeding.

 

(d)  The Company understands that by entering into this Release it will be limiting the availability of certain remedies that it may have against DeMarse and limiting also its ability to pursue certain claims against DeMarse.

 

4.          Severability Clause. In the event any provision or part of this Release is found to be invalid or unenforceable, only that particular provision or part so found, and not the entire Release, will be inoperative.

 

 

 

 

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5.          Nonadmission. Nothing contained in this Release will be deemed or construed as an admission of wrongdoing or liability on the part of the Company or DeMarse.

 

6.          Governing Law. All matters affecting this Release, including the validity thereof, are to be governed by, and interpreted and construed in accordance with, the laws of the New York applicable to contracts executed in and to be performed in that State.

 

7.          Notices. All notices or communications hereunder shall be made in accordance with Section 4 of the Agreement.

 

DEMARSE ACKNOWLEDGES THAT SHE HAS READ THIS RELEASE AND THAT SHE FULLY KNOWS, UNDERSTANDS AND APPRECIATES ITS CONTENTS, AND THAT SHE HEREBY EXECUTES THE SAME AND MAKES THIS RELEASE AND THE RELEASE AND AGREEMENTS PROVIDED FOR HEREIN VOLUNTARILY AND OF HER OWN FREE WILL.

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Release as of _______________.

 

     
  Elisabeth DeMarse  
       
  THESTREET, INC.  
       
  By:    
  Name:    
  Title: