Option Cancellation Agreement: Definition, Terms, Example
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What is an Option Cancellation Agreement?
An option cancellation agreement is a document that details the terms of an agreement between two parties in which one party can cancel their rights under an existing contract. A typical example of this type of agreement is when a tenant and landlord agree to extend their rental period by another year or term and give either party the right to cancel any time with written notice.
When entering into such agreements, both sides need to understand all aspects to know what obligations each other will have if they choose not to renew the lease. An option cancellation agreement should be reviewed by an attorney familiar with state laws as they can often have different state-to-state requirements.
Common Sections in Option Cancellation Agreements
Below is a list of common sections included in Option Cancellation Agreements. These sections are linked to the below sample agreement for you to explore.
Option Cancellation Agreement Sample
Exhibit 99.1
STOCK OPTION CANCELLATION AGREEMENT
This STOCK OPTION CANCELLATION AGREEMENT (the “Agreement”) is made and entered into as of January 7, 2011 (the “Effective Date”), by and between (the “Optionee”) and ICAGEN, INC., a Delaware corporation (the “Corporation”).
WHEREAS, the Corporation has previously granted to the Optionee stock options (the “Options”) to purchase shares of the Corporation’s common stock, $0.001 par value per share, under the Corporation’s 2004 Stock Incentive Plan (as amended to date, the “Plan”);
WHEREAS, the Optionee believes it to be in the Optionee’s best interest as an employee of the Corporation and in the best interest of the Corporation and its stockholders for the Optionee to voluntarily surrender and cancel certain outstanding Options that the Optionee presently holds, as identified on Exhibit A hereto (the “Cancelled Options”), so that additional shares become available under the Plan which the Corporation may use for future grants of stock options and other equity awards;
WHEREAS, the Optionee desires to surrender the Cancelled Options for cancellation without receiving any cash, equity awards or other consideration and without any expectation to receive, and without imposing any obligation on the Corporation to pay or grant, any cash, equity awards or other consideration presently or in the future in connection with the cancellation of such Cancelled Options; and
WHEREAS, the Corporation is relying on the Optionee’s surrender and cancellation of the Cancelled Options in making administrative determinations regarding the Plan;
NOW, THEREFORE, the parties hereby agree as follows:
| 1. | Surrender and Cancellation of Options. The Optionee hereby surrenders the Cancelled Options for cancellation, and the Corporation hereby accepts such surrender and cancellation, effective as of the Effective Date. By execution of this Agreement, the parties have taken all steps necessary to cancel the Cancelled Options. |
| 2. | No Expectation or Obligation. The Optionee and the Corporation acknowledge and agree that the surrender and cancellation of the Cancelled Options described herein shall be without any expectation of the Optionee to receive, and without imposing any obligation on the Corporation to pay or grant, any cash, equity awards or other consideration presently or in the future in connection with the surrender and cancellation of such Cancelled Options. |
| 3. | Miscellaneous. |
| 3.1 | Reliance. The Optionee acknowledges and agrees that the Corporation is relying on the provisions of Sections 1 and 2 herein in connection with the administration of the Plan including, without limitation, determinations regarding the nature of future grants thereunder. |
| 3.2 | Successor and Assigns. This Agreement shall be binding upon, and inure to the benefit of, both parties and their respective successors and assigns. |
| 3.3 | Governing Law. This Agreement shall be construed, interpreted and enforced in accordance with the laws of the State of Delaware, without regard to any choice of law principle that would dictate the application of the law of another jurisdiction. |
| 3.4 | Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in several counterparts and all documents so executed shall constitute one agreement, binding on each of the parties hereto, notwithstanding that both of the parties did not sign the original or the same counterparts. |
| 3.5 | Headings. The headings of the sections of this Agreement are for convenience of reference only and in no way define, limit or affect the scope or substance of any section of this Agreement. |
| 3.6 | Severability. In the event that any provision of this Agreement shall be invalid, illegal or otherwise unenforceable, the validity, legality and enforceability of the remaining provisions shall in no way be affected or impaired thereby. |
| 3.7 | Entire Agreement. This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between the parties and supersedes all prior agreements and understandings, whether written or oral, relating to the subject matter of this Agreement. The Company and the Optionee have made no promises, agreements, conditions, or understandings relating to this subject matter, either orally or in writing, that are not included in this Agreement. |
[Signature Page to Follow]
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Agreement as of the Effective Date.
| ICAGEN, INC. | ||
| By: |
| |
| Name: |
| |
| Title: |
| |
| OPTIONEE | ||
|
| ||
| [Name] | ||
EXHIBIT A
Cancelled Options
Reference:
Security Exchange Commission - Edgar Database, EX-99.1 2 dex991.htm FORM OF OPTION CANCELLATION AGREEMENT, Viewed January 27, 2022, View Source on SEC.
Who Helps With Option Cancellation Agreements?
Lawyers with backgrounds working on option cancellation agreements work with clients to help. Do you need help with an option cancellation agreement?
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