e8vk
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
FORM 8-K
CURRENT REPORT
PURSUANT TO SECTIONS 13 OR 15(d) OF THE
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
Date of Report (date of earliest event reported): August 17, 2006
UNIVERSAL ELECTRONICS INC.
(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)
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Delaware
(State or other jurisdiction
of incorporation or organization)
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33-0204817
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.) |
6101 Gateway Drive
Cypress, California 90630
(Address of principal executive offices, with Zip Code)
(714) 820-1000
(Registrants telephone number, including area code):
Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the
filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions:
o Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act
o Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act
o Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act
o Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Item 1.01 Entry into a Material Definitive Agreement
On August 17, 2006, Universal Electronics Inc. (the Company) entered into an Employment and
Separation Agreement and General Release (the Employment and Separation Agreement) with Robert P.
Lilleness. Pursuant to the Employment and Separation Agreement, Mr. Lilleness resigned as President
and Chief Operating Officer of the Company as of August 17, 2006 and assumed the role of Strategic
Advisor to the Chairman to assist with transition issues through November 30, 2006, on which date
he will end all employment with the Company.
The Employment and Separation Agreement entitles Mr. Lilleness to (i) receive a base salary of
$25,000 per month from commencing on August 17, 2006 through November 30, 2006.; and (ii) receive a
one time, lump sum Stay Bonus of $250,000, if certain conditions are met, including his continued
employment with the Company through November 30, 2006. In addition, all stock options previously
granted to Mr. Lilleness will continue to vest in accordance with their terms and conditions
through November 30, 2006, on which date vesting shall cease, and any unvested options shall be
forfeited. Mr. Lilleness shall have from 90 to 180 days after November 30, 2006 to exercise his
vested but unexercised stock options.
The Employment and Separation Agreement also provides that Mr. Lilleness will continue to
participate in the Companys benefit programs (but not stock plans or bonus programs) through
November 30, 2006. The Change in Control and Salary Continuation Agreement previously entered into
by the Company and Mr. Lilleness will remain in effect. In addition, the Employment and Separation
Agreement provides that, if the Company is sold after November 30, 2006 and on or before January
31, 2007, then, in certain limited circumstances, Mr. Lilleness will receive an amount in cash
equal to 50% of the cash amounts identified in Paragraph 8 of the Change in Control and Salary
Continuation Agreement.
Finally, the Employment and Separation Agreement provides that, if Mr. Lilleness resigns his
employment before November 30, 2006, he shall no longer be entitled to compensation, the Stay
Bonus, the continuation of benefits or the continued vesting of stock option grants, and the time
period during which Mr. Lilleness may exercise his vested but unexercised stock options shall be
equitably adjusted based on his actual resignation date.
Item 5.02. Departure of Directors or Principal Officers; Election of Directors; Appointment
On August 17, 2006, Robert P. Lilleness resigned his position as President and Chief Operating
Officer of the Company. He will remain with the Company as Strategic Advisor to the Chairman to
help with transition issues through the end of November, 2006. The discussion of the material
terms of Mr. Lilleness separation agreement with the Company in Item 1.01 of this Report is hereby
incorporated by reference into this Item 5.02.
The Companys Board of Directors has appointed Mark S. Kopaskie as Senior Vice President and
General Manager, Core Business U.S. Operations, of the Company, effective September 5, 2006. Mr.
Kopaskie, 48, was Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of the Company from 1995 to
1997. At that time, he was responsible for day-to-day management of the business and oversaw all
aspects of manufacturing, supply chain, quality, engineering and product development, as well as
sales and marketing for the domestic retail business. From 2003 until November, 2005, Mr. Kopaskie
was President and Chief Executive Officer of Packaging Advantage Corporation (PAC), a personal
care and household products manufacturer. While at PAC, he developed a turnaround strategy to
stabilize the business and market the company. PAC was acquired by the Marietta Corporation in
November 2005. Following the acquisition, Mr. Kopaskie served as Senior Vice President, Business
Development, for Marietta Corporation. From 1997 to 2003, Kopaskie held senior management positions
at Birdair Inc., a world leader in the engineering, manufacture and construction of tensioned
membrane structures, and OK International, a manufacturer and marketer of fluid dispensing
equipment, solder and de-solder systems and wire wrap products. Prior to joining the Company in
1995, Kopaskie was Senior Vice President of Operations at Mr. Coffee Inc. Mr. Kopaskie has a B.S.
in Civil Engineering with High Honors from Clarkson University.
Page 2
The Board of Directors also has appointed Bryan Hackworth as Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer
of the Company, effective August 18, 2006. Before joining the Company in June 2004, Mr. Hackworth,
36, spent five years at Mars, Inc., a privately held international manufacturer and distributor of
consumer products, serving in various financial and strategic roles: Controller Ice Cream
Division; Strategic Planning Manager for the WHISKAS® Brand; and various financial management
positions. Prior to his employment with Mars, Inc., Mr. Hackworth spent six years at Deloitte &
Touche LLP as an audit manager, specializing in the manufacturing and retail industries. Mr.
Hackworth is a Certified Public Accountant and graduated with a B.A. in Economics from the
University of California Irvine.
Item 9.01. Financial Statements and Exhibits.
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99.1 |
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Press Release of Universal Electronics Inc. dated August 21, 2006. |
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99.2 |
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Form of Employment and Separation Agreement and General Release
between Robert P. Lilleness and Universal Electronics Inc dated August 17, 2006. |
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused
this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
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Universal Electronics Inc.
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Date: August 21, 2006 |
By: |
/s/ Bryan Hackworth
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Bryan Hackworth |
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Vice President and Chief Financial Officer |
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INDEX TO EXHIBITS
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Exhibit Number |
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Description |
99.1
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Press Release dated August 21, 2006 |
99.2
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Form of Employment and Separation Agreement and General
Release between Robert P. Lilleness and Universal Electronics
Inc dated August 17, 2006. |
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exv99w1
Exhibit 99.1
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N E W S |
Contacts: Paul Arling (UEI) 714.820.1000
Kirsten Chapman (IR Agency) 415.433.3777
UNIVERSAL ELECTRONICS ANNOUNCES MANAGEMENT CHANGES
-Hires Mark Kopaskie Senior Vice President and General Manager U.S. Operations-
- -Appoints Bryan Hackworth Vice President and Chief Financial Officer-
- -Robert Lilleness, President and Chief Operating Officer, Resigns-
CYPRESS, CA. August 21, 2006 Universal Electronics Inc. (UEI), (NASDAQ GS: UEIC)
announced today the following leadership changes. Mark S. Kopaskie has been hired as Senior Vice
President and General Manager, U.S. Operations and will join the company on September 5, 2006.
Effective August 18, 2006, Bryan M. Hackworth has been promoted to Vice President and Chief
Financial Officer from Chief Accounting Officer. Robert P. Lilleness announced his departure from
the company. Effective August 17, 2006, he will serve as Strategic Advisor to the Chairman and help
with transition issues through the end of November, 2006. Kopaskie and Hackworth will report to
Paul D. Arling, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer.
Arling, stated, We continue to drive revenue growth particularly from our subscription
broadcasting and original equipment manufacturer (OEM) customers. We are excited Mark Kopaskie,
with over 20 years experience, has rejoined UEI to further our core business initiatives and lead
sales, engineering and operations in the U.S. Mark has extensive operating experience, and I am
confident he will further our success in sales growth and operational efficiencies. Additionally,
Bryan Hackworth, with over thirteen years experience, has during his two years at UEI demonstrated
the savvy to maintain the highest of standards in financial reporting and now will lead our
financial management team. Also very important, I thank Rob Lilleness for his contributions to the
companys success in the marketplace over the past five years. All of us at UEI want to wish him
success in his future endeavors.
Kopaskie, 48, was Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of UEI from 1995 to 1997. At
that time, he was responsible for day-to-day management of the business and oversaw all aspects of
manufacturing, supply chain, quality, engineering, and product development, as well as sales and
marketing for the domestic retail business. From 2003 until November, 2005 , Kopaskie was President
and Chief Executive Officer of Packaging Advantage Corporation (PAC), a personal care and household
products manufacturer. While at PAC, he developed a turnaround strategy to stabilize the business
and market the company, which was acquired by Marietta Corporation in November 2005. Following the
acquisition, Kopaskie served as Senior Vice President, Business Development for Marietta
Corporation. From 1997 to 2003, Kopaskie held senior management positions at Birdair Inc., a world
leader in the engineering, manufacture, and construction of
tensioned membrane structures, and OK International, a manufacturer and marketer of fluid
dispensing equipment, solder and de-solder systems, and wire wrap products. Prior to joining UEI in
1995, Kopaskie was Senior Vice President of Operations at Mr. Coffee Inc. Kopaskie has a B.S. in
Civil Engineering with High Honors from Clarkson University.
Before joining UEI in June 2004, Hackworth, 36, spent five years at Mars, Inc., a privately held
international manufacturer and distributor of consumer products serving in several financial and
strategic roles: Controller Ice Cream Division; Strategic Planning Manager for the WHISKAS®
Brand; and various financial management positions. Prior to Mars, Hackworth spent six years at
Deloitte & Touche LLP as an audit manager specializing in the manufacturing and retail industries.
Hackworth is a Certified Public Accountant and graduated with a B.A. in Economics from U.C. Irvine.
About Universal Electronics
Founded in 1986, Universal Electronics Inc. (UEI) is the global leader in wireless control
technology for the connected home. UEI designs, develops, and delivers innovative solutions that
enable consumers to control entertainment devices, digital media, and home systems.
The companys broad portfolio of patented technologies and database of infrared control software
has been adopted by many Fortune 500 companies in the consumer electronics, subscription broadcast,
and computing industries. In addition, the company sells wireless control products to distributors
and retailers under the One For All® brand name.
More information about UEI can be obtained at http://www.uei.com.
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exv99w2
Exhibit 99.2
Employment and Separation Agreement
and
General Release
This Employment and Separation Agreement and General Release (Agreement) is
made and entered into this 17th day of August, 2006 (the Effective Date) by and
between Universal Electronics Inc. (UEI) and Robert P. Lilleness (Lilleness).
Witnesseth:
Whereas, Lilleness has been employed by UEI since April 25, 2001;
Whereas, effective immediately after the end of the normal business day in California
on the Effective Date, Lillenesss employment with UEI shall change as set forth in this
Agreement; and
Whereas, effective on the Separation Date (as defined in Paragraph 1(a)(ii) of this
Agreement) (or such earlier resignation date should Lilleness resign before the Separation Date),
Lilleness shall resign all officer and employee positions of UEI and any of its subsidiaries and
affiliates and on such date UEI will accept such resignation.
Now, Therefore, in consideration of the mutual covenants and promises of the parties
to this Agreement, including UEIs agreement to pay Lilleness pursuant to subparagraph 3(b) and
Paragraph 21 of this Agreement, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged,
Lilleness and UEI agree as follows:
1. Employment.
(a) Title, Position and Separation Date.
(i) On the Effective Date of this Agreement, Lilleness will continue to be
employed in the sole position of Strategic Advisor to the Chairman of UEI and
Lilleness shall no longer be employed in the executive officer and employee
positions of President and Chief Operating Officer of UEI.
(ii) Effective immediately after the end of the normal business day in
California on November 30, 2006 (the Separation Date) and without further action
by the parties, Lilleness shall resign as Strategic Advisor to the Chairman of UEI
and any and all other positions of UEI, if any and at such time, UEI shall accept
such resignation.
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(b) Authority and Duties. From the Effective Date of this Agreement and until
the Separation Date, Lilleness shall perform those duties and carry out those
responsibilities as shall be assigned to him from time to time by the Chairman, which duties and
responsibilities shall include, without limitation, providing advice and counsel in
connection with the sale or merger of UEI to or with third parties through and until the
Separation Date.
(c) Exclusive Services and Efforts of Executive. Except as set forth in
subparagraph 1(d) below, from the Effective Date of this Agreement and until the Separation
Date (or such earlier resignation date should Lilleness resign before the Separation Date),
Lilleness shall serve UEI as an employee, and shall faithfully, diligently, competently and,
to the best of his ability, devote his full business time, energy and attention (unless
otherwise agreed to by the parties) to the business of UEI and to the promotion of its
interest, although it is understood and agreed to by the parties that Lilleness shall no
longer maintain a presence in the offices of UEI. Lilleness recognizes that UEIs
organization, business and relationship with clients, prospective clients and others having
business dealings with UEI are and will be the sole property of UEI and Lilleness shall have
no separate interests or rights with respect thereto, except as an employee of UEI.
Lilleness may own less than a five percent (5%) interest in a supplier, client, or
competitor of UEI if the supplier, client, or competitor is a publicly traded company.
(d) Other Activities and Interests. UEI shall be entitled to all of the
benefits, emoluments, profits, discoveries or other issues arising from, incident to and
related to any and all work, services and advice of Lilleness to UEI in carrying out his
duties and responsibilities hereunder. Lilleness shall not, without the written consent of
UEI (which consent will not be unreasonably withheld or delayed), directly or indirectly,
render services to or for any person, firm, corporation or other entity or organization,
whether or not in exchange for compensation, regardless of the form in which such
compensation, if any, is paid and whether or not it is paid directly or indirectly to him if
the rendering of such service would interfere with the performance of his duties and
responsibilities to UEI hereunder. Notwithstanding the foregoing sentence, Lilleness may
spend time and attention to personal investment and community activity matters and such
other personal matters consistent with UEIs policies and procedures set forth within UEIs
policy manual in effect from time to time which are equally applicable to all of UEIs
employees, so long as the spending of such time and attention does not substantially
interfere with the performance of his duties and responsibilities to UEI hereunder; provided
however, that UEI understands and agrees that during his employment until the Separation
Date, Lilleness shall be permitted to devote a reasonable amount of time during the work day
to seek new employment.
(e) Compensation. During the period of Lilleness employment with UEI from the
Effective Date until the Separation Date (or such earlier resignation date should Lilleness
resign before the Separation Date), UEI shall pay to Lilleness the following:
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(i) A base salary equal to Lilleness base salary in place and paid to him by
UEI immediately prior to the Effective Date;
(ii) All benefits that were in place and provided to him by UEI and on the same
terms and conditions in effect immediately prior to the Effective Date, including
without limitation, vacation, life, health and disability insurances, and
participation in UEIs 401k plan, but not including any bonus programs or plans or
new stock option grants.
(iii) Continued vesting in all previously granted stock options in accordance
with the terms of such grants, stock option plans and agreements provided to
Lilleness prior to the Effective Date.
(f) Earlier Resignation by Lilleness. Notwithstanding anything contained in
this Agreement to the contrary, Lilleness may resign prior to the Separation Date, in which
event, the compensation as set forth in Paragraph 1(e) shall cease on such resignation date,
and Lilleness shall forfeit his right to the (i) Stay Bonus (as defined in Paragraph 3(b))
and (ii) payment, if any, determined under Paragraph 21.
2. Termination as an Employee on the Separation Date. As provided in Paragraph
1(a)(ii), effective immediately on the Separation Date and without further action by the parties,
Lilleness shall voluntarily resign as Strategic Advisor to the Chairman of UEI and any and all
other positions of UEI, if any and at such time, UEI shall accept such resignation.
3. Payments on Separation.
(a) Earned but Unpaid Compensation. On the Separation Date (or such earlier
resignation date should Lilleness resign before the Separation Date), UEI will pay via check
to Lilleness his earned but unpaid base salary and unused vacation through the Separation
Date (or such earlier resignation date should Lilleness resign before the Separation Date),
less appropriate taxes and other customary withholdings. Lilleness acknowledges and agrees
that such amount represents all compensation, salary, vacation pay, profit sharing, bonuses,
and commissions to which he is entitled.
(b) Stay Bonus. So long as Lilleness (i) does not resign before the Separation
Date and (ii) executes and delivers to UEI a general release in the form attached hereto as
Exhibit A, then as a bonus, on first day immediately following the Separation Date, UEI will
pay via check to Lilleness, $250,000, less appropriate withholdings and other customary
withholdings (the Stay Bonus). Lilleness acknowledges and agrees that he shall be
entitled to this Stay Bonus by virtue of this Agreement and the performance by him of his
obligations hereunder and Lilleness further acknowledges and agrees that he has no
independent right to it. Lilleness further understands and agrees that in the event the
Change in Control and Salary Continuation Agreement between himself and UEI dated March 3,
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2006 (the Change in Control and Salary Continuation Agreement) becomes effective, then
Lilleness shall no longer be entitled to the Stay Bonus and this subparagraph 3(b) shall
immediately become void and shall have no further force and effect.
4. Stock Options. UEI and Lilleness hereby agree that all options granted to him are
as set forth below and Lilleness represents, warrants and agrees that this Paragraph 4 accurately
sets forth all options granted to him and that there are no other options which have been granted
to him, that he has not exercised any of the options granted him other than those stated in the
subparagraphs below, and that no other options have been promised to him and he acknowledges that
he is not entitled to any other options:
(a) On April 25, 2001,UEI, pursuant to one of its Stock Option Plans, granted to
Lilleness the option to purchase up to 125,000 shares of common stock of UEI at an exercise
price of $18.625 per share. As of the Separation Date, Lilleness shall be vested in 100% of
the option (125,000 shares), of which none have been exercised by Lilleness. Lilleness may
exercise the vested portion of such option, but only to the extent not exercised, until the
end of UEIs business day on May 29, 2007 and otherwise in accordance with the terms and
conditions set forth within the stock option agreement issued to him in connection with such
grant, after which date such option shall terminate and be of no further force and effect.
(b) On February 5, 2002, UEI, pursuant to one of its Stock Option Plans, granted to
Lilleness the option to purchase up to 60,000 shares of common stock of UEI at an exercise
price of $15.98 per share. As of the Separation Date, Lilleness shall be vested in 100% of
the option (60,000 shares), of which 28,898 have been exercised by Lilleness. Lilleness may
exercise the vested portion of such option, but only to the extent not exercised, until the
end of UEIs business day on February 28, 2007 and otherwise in accordance with the terms
and conditions set forth within the stock option agreement issued to him in connection with
such grant, after which date such option shall terminate and be of no further force and
effect.
(c) On November 12, 2002, UEI, pursuant to one of its Stock Option Plans, granted to
Lilleness the option to purchase up to 150,000 shares of common stock of UEI at an exercise
price of $8.45 per share. As of the Separation Date, Lilleness shall be vested in 100% of
the option (150,000 shares), of which 63,983 have been exercised by Lilleness. Lilleness
may exercise the vested portion of such option, but only to the extent not exercised, until
the end of UEIs business day on February 28, 2007 and otherwise in accordance with the
terms and conditions set forth within the stock option agreement issued to him in connection
with such grant, after which date such option shall terminate and be of no further force and
effect.
(d) On March 24, 2004, UEI, pursuant to one of its Stock Option Plans, granted to
Lilleness the option to purchase up to 50,000 shares of common stock of UEI at an exercise
price of $12.58 per share. As of the Separation Date, Lilleness shall be vested in 50% of
the option (25,000 shares), of which none have been exercised by Lilleness. Lilleness may
exercise the vested portion of such option, but only to the extent not exercised, until the
end of UEIs
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business day on February 28, 2007 and otherwise in accordance with the terms
and conditions set forth within the stock option agreement issued to him in connection with
such grant, after which date such option shall terminate and be of no further force and
effect.
(e) On January 21, 2005, UEI, pursuant to one of its Stock Option Plans, granted to
Lilleness the option to purchase up to 50,000 shares of common stock of UEI at an exercise
price of $17.585 per share. As of the Separation Date, Lilleness shall be vested in 25% of
the option (12,500 shares), of which none have been exercised by Lilleness. Lilleness may
exercise the vested portion of such option, but only to the extent not exercised, until the
end of UEIs business day on February 28, 2007 and otherwise in accordance with the terms
and conditions set forth within the stock option agreement issued to him in connection with
such grant, after which date such option shall terminate and be of no further force and
effect.
Notwithstanding anything contained in this Paragraph 4 to the contrary, the vesting of the
options and the time periods set forth in subparagraphs (a) (e) above during which Lilleness may
exercise the vested but unexercised portion of the stock options, assumes Lilleness resignation
occurs on the Separation Date. In the event that Lilleness resigns prior to the Separation Date
(as provided in subparagraph 1(f)), then the percentage of vested options and the remaining period
during which Lilleness may exercise the vested but unexercised portion of the stock options shall
be appropriately adjusted. Lilleness also understands, acknowledges, and agrees that immediately
upon his resignation, either on the Separation Date or earlier as provided in subparagraph 1(f),
the unvested options will not vest and will be forfeited and Lilleness shall no longer have any
rights to those unvested and forfeited options.
5. Insurance Continuation. UEI will provide Lilleness, in accordance with law, all
notices for continuation of health and disability insurance as required by COBRA. Lilleness
understands and agrees that it is his responsibility to elect to continue such insurance under
COBRA and that he must notify UEI timely of such election. Lilleness further understands and
agrees that he shall be solely and fully responsible for all premiums, deductibles and co-payments
as required under the specific insurance plans continued by virtue of Lillenesss election.
Further, Lilleness acknowledges and agrees that all life insurance previously provided Lilleness by
UEI shall terminate as of the last day of the month in which the Separation Date falls (or such
earlier resignation date should Lilleness resign before the Separation Date), unless Lilleness
elects to port such insurance to himself in accordance with the terms of such insurance, in which
event Lilleness understands and agrees that he shall be solely and fully responsible for all
premiums and other duties and obligations as required under the terms of such insurance.
6. Expenses. Lilleness acknowledges and agrees that within ten (10) days following
the Separation Date (or such earlier resignation date should Lilleness resign before the Separation
Date), he will submit all expense reports with appropriate documentation, in accordance with UEI
policies and procedures, and that when paid, he will have received full payment therefore and that
there are no, nor will there be any, other expense items due him.
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7. No Authority. Lilleness acknowledges that effective immediately on the Separation
Date (or such earlier resignation date should Lilleness resign before the Separation Date), he has
no authority to bind UEI to any contracts or commitments and agrees not to create any obligation of
UEI or bind or attempt to bind UEI in any manner whatsoever, except as may be requested in
writing by an authorized officer of UEI. Furthermore, Lilleness acknowledges and agrees that
effective immediately on the Separation Date (or such earlier resignation date should Lilleness
resign before the Separation Date), he agrees not to involve himself in any activities of UEI,
except as may be requested in writing by an authorized officer of UEI.
8. Duty to Cooperate. Lilleness agrees that after the Separation Date (or such
earlier resignation date should Lilleness resign before the Separation Date), he shall cooperate
fully, subject to (a) payment to Lilleness as provided elsewhere in this Paragraph 8 and (b)
reimbursement by UEI of reasonable out-of-pocket costs and expenses, with UEI and its counsel with
respect to any matter (including any accounting, litigation, investigation or governmental
proceeding) which relates to matters with which Lilleness was involved during the term of his
employment with UEI. Such cooperation shall include appearing from time to time at the offices of
UEI or UEIs counsel for conferences and interviews and in general providing UEI and its counsel
with the full benefit of Lillenesss knowledge with respect to any such matter. Lilleness agrees
to render such cooperation in a timely fashion and at such times as may be mutually agreeable to
the parties concerned. During the entire period in which Lilleness provides cooperation as set
forth above, all information concerning UEI or its businesses learned or received by Lilleness
shall be treated as confidential in the same manner as such information would have been treated
during any period of employment and in accordance with the terms and conditions of confidentiality
in Paragraph 10 below, which terms and conditions are hereby incorporated for purposes of this
Paragraph 8. UEI agrees that in the event that UEI requires Lilleness to spend more that three (3)
hours (including travel time) each time UEI requests Lilleness cooperation under this Paragraph 8,
then UEI shall pay to Lilleness a fee equal to $150 per hour for anytime in excess of the first
three (3) hours of such cooperation. Such fee, if any, shall be billed to UEI by Lilleness in 1/4
hour increments and shall be paid (together with reimbursables, if any as set forth in this
Paragraph 8 above) to Lilleness within thirty (30) days of UEIs receipt of an itemized statement
from Lilleness.
9. Return of UEIs Property. Immediately after the Separation Date (or such
earlier resignation date should Lilleness resign before the Separation Date), all notes, reports,
sketches, plans, books, credit cards, calling cards, keys, computers, and related paraphernalia,
computer passwords, unpublished memoranda or other documents or property which were created,
developed, generated or held or controlled by Lilleness and which concern or are related to UEIs
business, whether containing or relating to Confidential Information as defined below or not, are
the property of UEI and shall be returned to UEI immediately; provided however, that Lilleness
shall be allowed to retain (a) the UEI laptop in his possession but only so long as Lilleness
allows UEIs IT department to ensure that all materials, data, links, software or other items
concerning or relating to UEI have been removed from the laptop and (b) such other consumer
electronics products in Lilleness possession that were purchased by UEI and have an aggregate
value of less than $7,500. Lilleness acknowledges that he has received all of his personal
property that was located at UEIs
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offices. In the event that UEI or Lilleness shall discover any
other property of the other in its or his possession, UEI or Lilleness, as the case may be, shall
immediately return such property to the other.
10. Confidential Information. Lilleness recognizes he has a duty and obligation to
UEI to continue to protect the confidential and proprietary information and any trade secrets
belonging to UEI (Confidential Information) which includes but is not limited to information
pertaining to pricing, customer lists, product development, marketing, accounts receivable,
customer credit information, research or development, distribution, technology, product design,
packaging, or manufacturing or assembly processes and know-how, and marketing and therefore agrees
that:
(a) Any and all UEI Confidential Information produced or received by Lilleness during
his employment and hereafter is the property of UEI.
(b) Lilleness shall not use, disclose, divulge or convey to any third person, anywhere
in the world, any Confidential Information belonging to UEI or its affiliates until such
time as such information or secrets become publicly known by legitimate means, such as
public disclosure by UEI or otherwise through no wrongful act by Lilleness.
11. Inducement of Other Employees. For a two (2) year period ending on the second
anniversary date of the Separation Date (or such earlier resignation date should Lilleness resign
before the Separation Date), Lilleness will not, directly or indirectly, solicit, induce or
encourage any other person or entity to leave employment, agency or office with UEI nor will he,
directly or indirectly, hire any such person or entity.
12. Remedies.
(a) Lilleness acknowledges that failure to comply with the terms of this Agreement may
cause irreparable damage to UEI and therefore, in addition to any other remedies at law or
in equity available to UEI for Lillenesss breach or threatened breach of this Agreement,
UEI is entitled to apply for specific performance or injunctive relief against Lilleness to
prevent such damage or breach without the necessity of posting bond or other security, as
well as an award of attorneys fees and costs incurred as a result of any action which is
necessary to enforce this Agreement.
(b) Lilleness acknowledges that if he breaches any portion of this Agreement, in
addition to any remedy afforded UEI at law or in equity or by this Agreement, UEI may seek
damages for any alleged violation of this Agreement.
(c) UEI acknowledges that if UEI breaches any portion of this Agreement, in addition to
any remedy afforded Lilleness at law or in equity or by the Agreement, Lilleness may seek
damages for any alleged violation of this Agreement.
13. Knowing and Voluntary. Lilleness also acknowledges and recites that:
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(a) He enters into this Agreement knowingly and voluntarily;
(b) He has read and understands this Agreement in its entirety;
(c) He has been advised and directed orally and in writing (and this subparagraph 13(c)
constitutes such written direction) to seek legal counsel and any other advice he wishes
with respect to the terms of this Agreement before executing it, and he has had an
opportunity to negotiate about its terms;
(d) His execution of this Agreement has not been forced by any employee or agent of
UEI; and
(e) That the Stay Bonus in subparagraph 3(b) and right to the payment as set forth in
Paragraph 21 constitutes additional consideration to which he is entitled by virtue of this
Agreement only.
14. Release, Discharge, Waiver and Covenant Not to Sue. In exchange for
the consideration provided to Lilleness as set forth above, Lilleness agrees to waive and release
all claims, known and unknown, which he has or might otherwise have had against UEI, and its
subsidiaries, and related entities, past and present, and the officers, directors, shareholders,
executives, managers, supervisors, agents, attorneys, insurers, indemnitees, employees and
successors of UEI and such other entities (hereinafter collectively referred to as the Released
Parties), arising prior to the date he signs this Agreement, including but not limited to all
claims regarding any aspect of his employment, compensation, the cessation of his employment with
the Company, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967, the Americans with Disabilities Act
of 1990, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, 42 U.S.C. section 1981, the Fair Labor
Standards Act, the WARN Act, the California Fair Employment and Housing Act, California Government
Code section 12900, et seq., the Unruh Civil Rights Act, California Civil Code
section 51, all provisions of the California Labor Code; the Employee Retirement Income Security
Act, 29 U.S.C. section 1001, et seq., all as amended, any other federal, state or
local law, regulation or ordinance or public policy, contract, tort, fraud or property law theory,
or any other cause of action whatsoever that arose on or before the date Lilleness signs this
Agreement.
It is further understood and agreed that as a condition of this Agreement, all rights under
Section 1542 of the Civil Code of the State of California are expressly waived by Lilleness. Such
Section reads as follows:
A general release does not extend to claims which the creditor does
not know or suspect to exist in his or her favor at the time of
executing the release, which if known by him or her must have
materially affected his or her settlement with the debtor.
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Thus, for the purpose of implementing a full and complete release and discharge of the
Released Parties, Lilleness expressly acknowledges that this Agreement is intended to include and
does include in its effect, without limitation, all claims which Lilleness does not know or suspect
to exist in his favor against the Released Parties at the time of execution hereof, and that this
Agreement expressly contemplates the extinguishment of all such claims.
It is further understood and agreed by the parties that any protections Lilleness has under
UEIs D&O insurance and, to the extent applicable, Section 145 of the General Corporation Law of
the State of Delaware shall remain in full force and effect in accordance with the terms,
conditions and limitations of such D&O insurance and Section 145 of the General Corporation Law of
the State of Delaware as in effect from time to time and nothing in this Paragraph 14 shall in any
way eliminate those protections.
15. Exclusive Payments/Breach. The payments outlined in this Agreement to be made to
Lilleness will be considered as fulfilling all compensation obligations to Lilleness or UEI,
including but not limited to salary, vacation, benefits, bonuses, profit sharing, commissions, and
any other payments or benefits from UEI and Lilleness agrees that all such payments, including all
past compensation, are full and adequate consideration for his agreements and releases hereunder.
16. Non-Disclosure. Lilleness certifies that he has not and agrees that he will not
discuss, disclose or release in any fashion any information relating to this Agreement to any
person other than his attorney, accountant, financial advisor, and spouse, each of whom he has
advised of this confidentiality provision and directed to maintain the same.
17. Severability. In the event that any term or provision of this Agreement shall be
held to be indefinite, invalid or otherwise unenforceable, the indefinite, invalid or unenforceable
provision shall be deemed deleted, and the remaining part of the Agreement shall continue in full
force and effect. If any tribunal or Court of competent jurisdiction deems any term or provision
hereof unenforceable, such term or provision shall be modified only to the extent necessary to
render it enforceable and this Agreement shall be valid and enforceable and the parties hereto
agree to be bound by and perform same as thus modified. In making such determination, any such
tribunal or Court shall also consider a reduction to or reimbursement to UEI for any consideration
to which Lilleness has received or is to receive, including without limitation, any and all amounts
and other items set forth in subparagraph 3(b) and Paragraph 21 of this Agreement.
18. Entire Agreement. The terms of this Agreement constitute the entire Agreement
between Lilleness and UEI, and as of the date of this Agreement supersede any prior agreement
whether in writing or orally, between Lilleness and UEI, except that the Change in Control and
Salary Continuation Agreement shall remain in full force and effect through and until the
Separation Date (or such earlier resignation date should Lilleness resign before the Separation
Date) at which time the Change in Control and Salary Continuation Agreement shall be void and of no
effect whatsoever.
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19. Governing Law. This Agreement is to be executed in the State of California
and shall be construed and enforced under the laws of the State of California without regard to its
conflict of laws provisions.
20. Successors and Assigns. This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and may be
enforced by the parties to this Agreement and shall be binding upon Lilleness, his executors,
administrators, legatees, or any other successor in interest and upon UEI, its successors and any
assignee or transferee of or successor to all or substantially all of the business or assets of
UEI, and may not be amended, in whole or in part, except in writing signed by a duly authorized
officer of UEI and Lilleness.
21. Payment to Lilleness upon the sale of UEI. In the event that UEI is acquired by
_________(___), _________(___), _________(___), or any entity
controlling or controlled by ___, ___, or ___, and the closing of such acquisition occurs after
the Separation Date or on or before January 31, 2007 (the Closing Date), then on the Closing
Date, UEI shall immediately pay Lilleness by check an amount equal to fifty percent (50%) of the
cash amounts identified in Paragraph 8 of the Change in Control and Salary Continuation Agreement.
In Witness Whereof, the parties have executed this Agreement on the date indicated
above.
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Universal Electronics Inc. |
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Chief Executive Officer |
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Robert P. Lilleness |
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Dated: |
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Exhibit A
General Release
In exchange for the consideration provided to Robert P. Lilleness (the Lilleness) as set
forth in subparagraph 3(b) of that certain Employment and Separation Agreement and
General Release made and entered into on the17th day of August, 2006 by and between Universal
Electronics Inc. (UEI) and Lilleness , Lilleness agrees to waive and release all claims,
known and unknown, which he has or might otherwise have had against UEI, and its subsidiaries, and
related entities, past and present, and the officers, directors, shareholders, executives,
managers, supervisors, agents, attorneys, insurers, indemnitees, employees and successors of UEI
and such other entities (hereinafter collectively referred to as the Released Parties), arising
prior to the date he signs this General Release, including but not limited to all claims regarding
any aspect of his employment, compensation, the cessation of his employment with UEI, the Age
Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, Title VII of
the Civil Rights Act of 1964, 42 U.S.C. section 1981, the Fair Labor Standards Act, the WARN Act,
the California Fair Employment and Housing Act, California Government Code section 12900,
et seq., the Unruh Civil Rights Act, California Civil Code section 51, all
provisions of the California Labor Code; the Employee Retirement Income Security Act, 29 U.S.C.
section 1001, et seq., all as amended, any other federal, state or local law,
regulation or ordinance or public policy, contract, tort, fraud or property law theory, or any
other cause of action whatsoever that arose on or before the date Lilleness signs this General
Release.
It is further understood and agreed that as a condition of this General Release, all rights
under Section 1542 of the Civil Code of the State of California are expressly waived by Lilleness.
Such Section reads as follows:
A general release does not extend to claims which the creditor does
not know or suspect to exist in his or her favor at the time of
executing the release, which if known by him or her must have
materially affected his or her settlement with the debtor.
Thus, for the purpose of implementing a full and complete release and discharge of the Released
Parties, Lilleness expressly acknowledges that this General Release is intended to include and does
include in its effect, without limitation, all claims which Lilleness does not know or suspect to
exist in his favor against the Released Parties at the time of execution hereof, and that this
General Release expressly contemplates the extinguishment of all such claims.
Witness:
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Robert P. Lilleness |
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Dated:
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