UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

FORM 8-K

 

CURRENT REPORT

Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d)

of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

Date of Report: August 22, 2019

(Date of earliest event reported)

 

Arcadia Biosciences, Inc.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

 

202 Cousteau Place, Suite 105

Davis, CA 95618

(Address of principal executive offices, including zip code)

(530) 756-7077

(Registrant’s 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:

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

 

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an emerging growth company as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act of 1933 (§ 230.405 of this chapter) or Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (§ 240.12b-2 of this chapter).

Emerging growth company ☒

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☒

 

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On August 22, 2019, Rajendra Ketkar provided notice to Arcadia Biosciences, Inc. (“Arcadia”) of his retirement as Arcadia’s president, chief executive officer and director, effective as of September 1, 2019.  On August 23, 2019, Arcadia and Mr. Ketkar entered into a Separation and Release Agreement (the “Separation Agreement”) which provides that Arcadia will retain Mr. Ketkar as a consultant through December 31, 2019, and Mr. Ketkar will receive $30,833 per month for such consulting services.  In addition, the Separation Agreement provides that Mr. Ketkar will receive a one-time separation payment equal to $61,666 on December 31, 2019 and that the vesting of certain options previously issued to Mr. Ketkar will be accelerated pursuant to the terms of the Separation Agreement.  Mr. Ketkar’s resignation was not based on any disagreement with Arcadia on any matter relating to Arcadia's operations, policies or practices.  The foregoing description of the Separation Agreement is not complete and is qualified in its entirety by references to the full text of the Separation Agreement that is filed as an exhibit to this report and is incorporated by reference herein.

On August 26, 2019 and effective September 1, 2019, Arcadia’s board of directors appointed Matthew Plavan, Arcadia’s current chief financial officer, to the position of president and chief executive officer of Arcadia.  Arcadia also appointed Mr. Plavan as director, filling the vacancy resulting from Mr. Ketkar’s resignation.  

Mr. Plavan, 55, has served as Arcadia’s chief financial officer since September 2016. Mr. Plavan has over 30 years of financial and executive leadership experience in the areas of business operations, fiscal management and strategy, commercial partnering, M&A and integration activities, and public and private equity fundraising. Mr. Plavan served in multiple executive capacities, including CFO, COO, CEO, and board member with Cesca Therapeutics, Inc., a company engaged in research, development and commercialization of autologous cell-based therapeutics, from 2005 until 2015. Prior to that, Mr. Plavan held CFO positions with venture and private equity-backed technology companies, including StrionAir, Inc. from 2002 to 2005, and InPhonic, Inc. (formerly Reason Inc.) from 2000 to 2002. Mr. Plavan also held executive finance positions with McKesson Corporation from 1993 to 2000 and audit and advisory management positions with Ernst & Young from 1987 to 1993. Mr. Plavan is a California certified public accountant and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in business economics from the University of California, Santa Barbara.

On August 26, 2019 and effective September 1, 2019, Arcadia’s board of directors appointed Pam Haley as Arcadia’s new chief financial officer to succeed Mr. Plavan. Ms. Haley, 49, joined Arcadia as accounting manager in 2005 and has held several key positions, most recently controller. Ms. Haley brings more than 25 years of financial and accounting experience. She previously worked in the telecommunications and semiconductor industries, in addition to public accounting, prior to joining Arcadia. She is a certified public accountant and a graduate of the University of Arizona where she earned a bachelor’s degree in accounting. Ms. Haley has an annual base salary equal to $200,850.

 

 

(d) Exhibits

 

 

 

 

 

 

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SIGNATURE

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 hereunto duly authorized.

 

 

Exhibit 10.1

SEPARATION AND RELEASE AGREEMENT

 

This Separation and Release Agreement ("Agreement") is entered into by and between RAJ KETKAR (“Ketkar” or “Employee”) on the one hand and ARCADIA BIOSCIENCES, INC. (“Arcadia” or “Company”) on the other hand. The parties may hereinafter be referred to individually as a "Party" or collectively as the "Parties."

 

BACKGROUND

 

A.Ketkar is currently employed as the Chief Executive Officer of Arcadia pursuant to that certain Employment Agreement dated May 23, 2016 (“Employment Agreement”).

 

B.As part of his employment, Ketkar signed a Confidentiality and Invention Assignment Agreement, dated May 23, 2016 (“CIA Agreement”) which remains in full force and effect, and a Severance and Change In Control Agreement dated May 23, 2016 (“SCOC Agreement”) which had a three year term and expired on May 23, 2019.

 

C.Mr. Ketkar holds stock options that were granted pursuant to the Company’s 2015 Omnibus Equity Incentive Plan (“Plan”).  

 

D.Ketkar provided notice of his resignation from Arcadia on August 22, 2019, and his resignation shall be effective September 1, 2019.

 

E.Arcadia desires to retain Ketkar as a consultant after the effective date of his resignation and Ketkar desires to provide consulting services to Arcadia pursuant to a separate consulting agreement to be entered into by the Parties.

 

For and in consideration of the mutual promises and covenants in this Agreement, and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which is hereby acknowledged, the Parties agree as follows:

 

TERMS OF AGREEMENT

 

1.Separation.  Ketkar has resigned, and his employment with Arcadia shall end, on September 1, 2019 (“Separation Date”).  As of the Separation Date, Ketkar has resigned all positions he had or may have had with Arcadia including, but not limited to, as a director, officer, manager, employee or agent of Arcadia or any of its affiliates.

 

2.Accrued Salary and Vacation.  On the Separation Date the Company will pay Ketkar all accrued salary, and all accrued and unused vacation earned through the Separation Date, subject to all

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required payroll deductions and withholdings.  Ketkar is entitled to these payments regardless of whether or not he signs this Agreement.

 

3.Consulting Agreement.  Arcadia agrees to retain Ketkar as a consultant for a limited period commencing on the Separation Date, and continuing through December 31, 2019, pursuant to the terms and conditions set forth in the Consulting Agreement attached hereto as Exhibit A (“Consulting Agreement”).

 

4.Stock Options. Subject to the terms of this Agreement, if Ketkar does not revoke acceptance of this Agreement or the releases contained herein, then on the later of the Separation Date and the Effective Date, Mr. Ketkar will be entitled to the benefits described in this Section 4.

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5.Health Insurance Benefits. Ketkar’s right to continue to participate in any of the health insurance benefit plans and programs of Arcadia in effect as of the Separation Date shall be determined according to the terms and provisions of such programs and plans and applicable law.  To the extent provided by the federal COBRA law or, if applicable, state insurance laws, and by the Company's current group health insurance policies, Ketkar will be eligible to continue his group health insurance benefits should he chose to do so and the Company will provide him with a separate notice describing his rights and obligations under COBRA.  Should Ketkar elect to continue health insurance benefits under COBRA, Arcadia shall pay the premium payments for such benefits through the earlier of December 31, 2019, or such time as Ketkar and/or his eligible dependents become covered under another health insurance plan.  

 

6.Separation Payment.  In addition to the limited consulting arrangement Arcadia is offering Ketkar as discussed in Section 3 of this Agreement, the Option Amendments as discussed in Section 4 of this Agreement, and the COBRA premium payments as discussed in Section 5 of this Agreement, the Company shall pay Ketkar a one-time separation payment in the amount of Sixty One Thousand Six Hundred Sixty Six Dollars ($61,666), which is equivalent to two months of his base salary as of the Separation Date (“Separation Payment”).  The Separation Payment shall be paid to Ketkar in the form of a gross lump sum payment on December 31, 2019.  Ketkar shall be responsible for all federal, state, or local taxes associated with the Separation Payment, and agrees to indemnify and hold Arcadia harmless against any tax, penalty, claim, or assessment relating to the Separation Payment.

 

7.Required Conditions for Issuance of Separation Benefits.  To be eligible to receive the limited consulting arrangement, the Option Amendments, the COBRA premium payments, and the Separation Payment as discussed in Sections 3-6 of this Agreement (“Separation Benefits”) Ketkar must:

 

 

 

 

8.Other Compensation or Benefits.  Ketkar acknowledges that the Separation Benefits are sufficient consideration provided to him in return for his execution of this Agreement and that he was not otherwise entitled to such Separation Benefits upon his separation of employment from Arcadia.

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Ketkar further acknowledges that, except as expressly provided in this Agreement, he is not entitled to and will not receive, in connection with his employment with Arcadia, any additional compensation, benefits or severance after the Separation Date.  Thus, for any Company sponsored employee benefits not referenced in this Agreement, Ketkar will be treated as a terminated employee effective on the Separation Date.  

 

9.Expense Reimbursement.  Ketkar agrees that no later than five (5) days after the Separation Date, he will submit any final documented expense reimbursement statement reflecting all business expenses he incurred through the Separation Date, if any, for which he seeks reimbursement.  The Company will reimburse Ketkar for these expenses pursuant to its regular business practice.

 

10.Return of Company Property.  Ketkar agrees to immediately return to the Company on the Separation Date, all Company documents (and all copies thereof) and other Company property in his possession or control, including, but not limited to, Company files, notes, drawings, memoranda, records, business plans and forecasts, reports, proposals, personnel information, financial information, specifications, computer-recorded information, tangible property (laptop computer, cell phone, PDA, etc.), entry cards, identification badges and keys; and, any materials of any kind that contain or embody any proprietary or confidential information of the Company (and all reproductions thereof in whole or in part). Ketkar agrees that he will make a diligent search to locate any such documents, property and information on or before the Separation Date.  If Ketkar has used any non-Company computer, hard drive, portable flash drive, server, cellular telephone, iPhone, iPod, Blackberry, PDA, or e-mail system to receive, store, review, prepare or transmit any Company confidential or proprietary data, materials or information, he agrees to immediately provide the Company with a computer-useable copy of such information and then permanently delete and expunge such Company confidential or proprietary information from those systems. Ketkar further agrees to provide the Company access to such systems as requested to verify that the necessary copying and/or deletion is completed.  By executing and returning this Agreement, Ketkar is certifying that he will comply with his obligations herein to return all Company documents and information regardless of where he has maintained such Company property. Ketkar’s compliance with the terms of this Section is a condition precedent to his eligibility to receive the Separation Benefits described above.

 

11.Continuing Obligation to Protect Company’s Proprietary Information. Ketkar acknowledges that by reason of his position with Arcadia, he was, or may have been, given access to confidential or proprietary information or materials respecting Company’s business affairs, or the business affairs of the Company’s customers, parent, subsidiaries, or affiliates.  Such confidential information includes, but is not limited to, the Company’s business strategies, financial results, human resource and personnel documentation, contractual agreements between Company and other individuals or entities, strategies and ideas, compilation of information and records which are owned by Company and which are regularly used in operation of its business, procedures, written descriptions, processes, research projects, protocols or other tangible items and documentation, including computer programs, reports and marketing information.  Ketkar represents that he has held all such information in confidence and will continue to do so.  Ketkar further acknowledges and agrees to comply with his continuing obligations under the CIA Agreement to refrain from disclosing or using, for himself or another, any of the Company’s proprietary trade secret information.

 

12.Non-Interference; Non-Solicitation.  To the fullest extent permitted by law, Ketkar agrees not to unlawfully interfere with any of the Company's contractual obligations or prospective business opportunities with others.  Furthermore, Ketkar agrees not to:  (i) use any of the Company's

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confidential proprietary or trade secret information to contact, with the intent to solicit or solicit the business of any client, customer, creditor, or licensee of the Company; or (ii) during a period of two (2) years after the later of the Effective Date of this Agreement and the Separation Date, take any action to induce or solicit employees or independent contractors of the Company to sever their relationship with Arcadia and accept an employment or an independent contractor relationship with any other business.  Ketkar acknowledges that this Section 12 is a reasonable and necessary measure designed to protect the confidential proprietary and trade secret information of the Company, as well as its employment and business relationships, and does not prejudice Ketkar in his ability to work in his trade or profession.

 

13.Cooperation.  In the event that Arcadia or any of its affiliates becomes involved in any legal action relating to events which occurred during Ketkar’s employment with the Company, Ketkar shall cooperate with the Company to the fullest extent possible in the preparation, prosecution, or defense of the Company and/or its affiliate, including, but not limited to, the execution of affidavits or documents, testifying, or providing information requested by Arcadia or its affiliates, such assistance to be provided at the expense of the Company or its affiliate.

 

14.Confidentiality.  The provisions of this Agreement, and any negotiations regarding the Agreement, will be held in strictest confidence by Ketkar and will not be publicized or disclosed in any manner whatsoever; provided; however, that Ketkar may disclose this Agreement to: (a) his immediate family; (b) in confidence to his attorneys, accountants, auditors, tax preparers, and financial advisors; and (c) insofar as such disclosure may be necessary to enforce its terms or as otherwise required by law.  In particular, and without limitation, Ketkar agrees not to disclose the terms of this Agreement to any current or former Company employee or independent contractor both during his review of the Agreement and after his execution of the Agreement.

 

15.Non-disparagement.  Ketkar agrees that he will forever refrain from disparaging the personal and/or professional reputation of the Company, or its officers, directors, employees, shareholders, or agents, in any manner likely to be harmful to it/them or its/their business, business reputation, or personal reputation.  The Company agrees that it will not knowingly permit the disparagement of Ketkar’s personal and/or professional reputation by any employee who has been authorized to speak on behalf of the Company. However, the Company has no control over, and will not be responsible for, the conduct of any individual who has not been authorized to speak on behalf of the Company. Ketkar understands and agrees that this covenant not to disparage applies to both written and oral comments, as well as any comments posted on any social media or other Internet site. This provision does not prevent the Parties from responding accurately and fully to any question, inquiry or request for information when required by legal process.

 

16.Release of Claims.  Except as otherwise set forth in this Agreement, Ketkar hereby releases, acquits and forever discharges the Company and its owners, officers, directors, shareholders, employees, agents, independent contractors, members, executors, partners, joint venturers, administrators, parent, subsidiaries, assigns, associates, affiliates, and attorneys, as well as all persons or companies acting by, under, through or in concert with any of them (the "Released Parties"), of and from any and all claims, liabilities, demands, causes of action, costs, expenses, attorneys' fees, damages, indemnities and obligations of every kind and nature, in law, equity, or otherwise, known and unknown, suspected and unsuspected, disclosed and undisclosed, arising out of or in any way related to agreements, events, acts or conduct at any time prior to and including the execution date of this Agreement, including but not limited to: all such claims and demands directly or indirectly arising out of or in any way connected with Ketkar’s employment with the Company or the separation of that employment; claims or demands related to salary, vacation, fringe benefits, expense reimbursements, separation pay, equity or stock, or any other form of

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compensation; claims pursuant to any federal, state or local law, statute, or cause of action including, but not limited to, the federal Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended; the federal Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990; the federal Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended; the federal Family and Medical Leave Act, as amended (the "FMLA"); the federal Age Discrimination in Employment Act; the federal Older Workers Benefit Protection Act; the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act; the California Fair Employment and Housing Act, as amended; the California Family Rights Act, as amended; the California Fair Pay Act; the California Labor Code; tort law; contract law; wrongful discharge; discrimination; harassment; fraud; defamation; emotional distress; and breach of the implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing ("Release").  This Release does not prohibit Ketkar from participating in an Equal Employment Opportunity Commission ("EEOC") or other federal, state or local administrative agency investigation or proceeding.  However, Ketkar agrees to waive his right to monetary or other recovery should any claim be pursued with the EEOC or administrative agency on his behalf arising out of or related to his employment with and/or separation from the Company.  In addition, this Release shall not be construed in any way to waive any rights or benefits that may not be waived pursuant to applicable law.

 

17.No Actions or Claims. Ketkar represents that he does not have pending, and will not file, in his name, or as a member of any class or representative action, any charges, complaints, grievances, arbitrations, lawsuits, or claims against the Released Parties, with any local, state or federal agency, union or court.

 

18.Civil Code 1542 Waiver.  In granting the Release, Ketkar understands that this Agreement includes a release of all claims known or unknown.  In giving his Release, which includes claims which may be unknown to him at present, Ketkar acknowledges that he or it has read and understands Section 1542 of the California Civil Code which reads as follows: "A general release does not extend to claims which the creditor or releasing party 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."  Ketkar hereby expressly waives and relinquishes all rights and benefits under that section and any law of any jurisdiction of similar effect with respect to the release of any unknown or unsuspected claims he may have against the Released Parties.

 

 

 

 

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20.No Admission of Liability.  Each of the Parties acknowledges that neither this Agreement, nor Arcadia’s granting of the Separation Benefits to Ketkar pursuant to this Agreement, shall be taken or construed to be an admission or concession of any kind with respect to any alleged liabilities, all of which are expressly denied by the Parties.

 

21.Waiver of California Civil Code Section 1654.  Each of the Parties has had the opportunity to obtain advice of legal counsel prior to the execution of this Agreement, and understands fully the contents hereof.  Therefore, this Agreement shall not be construed to have been drafted by any one Party and the Parties expressly waive the provisions of California Civil Code §1654 to the extent that it requires an ambiguity to be interpreted against the drafting party.

 

22.Attorney’s Fees. Each Party shall bear its/his own attorney’s fees in the preparation and review of this Agreement. Should suit, action, or arbitration be instituted to enforce any provision of this Agreement, the prevailing party shall be entitled to recover its/his costs and reasonable attorney’s fees.

 

23.Compliance with IRC Section 409A.  To the extent IRC Section 409A should apply to the payments and benefits provided to Ketkar under this Agreement, in no event shall the Company be liable for all or any portion of any taxes, penalties, interest or other expenses that may be incurred by Ketkar on account of non-compliance with Section 409A.

 

24.Notices.  Any notice, consent, waiver, and other communication under this Agreement shall be in writing, and any written notice or other document shall be deemed to have been duly given and received (a) if mailed by registered or certified mail, three business days after deposit in the United States mail, postage prepaid, return receipt requested; (b) upon confirmation of a receipt of a facsimile transmission; (c) if hand delivered, upon delivery against receipt or upon refusal to accept the notice; (d) if delivered by a recognized overnight courier, one business day after deposit with such courier, postage prepaid, in each case, addressed to such Party at the address set forth below or at the most recent address specified through written notice under this provision; or (e) if delivered via email, upon confirmation of receipt.  Failure to conform to the requirement that mailing be done by registered mail or certified mail

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shall not defeat the effectiveness of notice actually received by the addressee. Unless otherwise provided for in this Agreement, notices should be sent to the following addresses:

 

If to Ketkar:

 

[address]

 

If to Arcadia:

 

Arcadia Biosciences, Inc.

202 Cousteau Place, Suite 105

Davis, CA  95618

 

With a copy to Arcadia Corporate Counsel:

 

Mike DeAngelis

Weintraub Tobin Chediak Coleman Grodin

400 Capitol Mall, 11th Floor

Sacramento, California 95814

 

25.No Reliance upon Representations. Ketkar acknowledges that in executing this Agreement, he has not relied upon any representation or statement made by Arcadia or any Released Party with regard to the subject matter, basis or effect of this Agreement.

 

26.Entire Agreement, Modification, Successors. Except as otherwise provided herein, this Agreement contains the entire Agreement between the Parties hereto with regard to the subject matters discussed herein and supersedes all prior oral and/or written agreements if any. This Agreement may be modified only by the further written agreement of the Parties. This Agreement will bind the heirs, personal representatives, successors and assigns of the Parties, and inure to the benefit of the Parties, and their heirs, successors and assigns.

 

27.Severability. If any part of this Agreement is determined to be illegal, invalid or unenforceable, the remaining parts shall not be affected thereby and the illegal, unenforceable or invalid part shall be deemed not to be part of this Agreement.

 

28.Waiver.  Waiver by any Party of the breach of any provision of this Agreement by the other Party will not operate or be construed as a continuing waiver.

 

29.Governing Law.  Any action to enforce this Agreement or any dispute concerning the terms and conditions of this Agreement and a Party’s performance of the terms and conditions of this Agreement, shall be governed by the laws of the State of California.

 

30.Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in duplicate originals, each of which shall be deemed an original, and together shall constitute one Agreement.

 

31.Captions. All paragraph captions are for reference only and shall not be considered in construing this Agreement.

 

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32.Effective Date. This Agreement shall become effective on the eighth (8th) day following execution by Ketkar, provided Ketkar does not revoke the Agreement before then (the "Effective Date").  Upon the Effective Date, the Parties hereto agree to be bound by all of its terms and provisions of the Agreement.

 

 

 

 

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The Parties hereto have each duly executed this Separation and Release Agreement as of the Signature Date set forth below.

 

 

 

Dated: August 23, 2019_/s/ RAJENDRA KETKAR__ _____

RAJ KETKAR

 

 

Dated: August 23, 2019ARCADIA BIOSCIENCES, INC.

 

 

 

By:__/s/KEVIN COMCOWICH_______________

 

 

Title:__Chairman of Board___________________

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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[SIGNATURE PAGE TO SEPARATION AND RELEASE AGREEMENT]

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Exhibit A

 

CONSULTING AGREEMENT

 

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Exhibit B

 

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