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UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

FORM 8-K

 

CURRENT REPORT

Pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

 

Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported): April 3, 2024

 

GUARDION HEALTH SCIENCES, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

Delaware   001-38861   47-4428421

(State or other jurisdiction

of incorporation)

 

(Commission

File Number)

 

(I.R.S. Employer

Identification No.)

 

2925 Richmond Avenue, Suite 1200

Houston, Texas 77098

(Address of principal executive offices, including zip code)

 

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (800) 873-5141

 

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:

 

Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)
   
Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)
   
Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))
   
Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e -4(c))

 

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

 

Title of each class   Trading Symbol(s)   Name of each exchange on which registered
Common Stock, par value $0.001 per share   GHSI   The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC

 

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. ☐

 

 

 

 

 

Item 5.02. Departure of Directors or Certain Officers; Election of Directors; Appointment of Certain Officers; Compensatory Arrangements of Certain Officers.

 

Amendment to Jan Hall Employment Agreement

 

On April 3, 2024, the Company entered into an amendment (the “Hall Amendment”) with Janet (“Jan”) Hall, our President and Chief Executive Officer, to the existing employment agreement, dated May 28, 2023, between the Company and Ms. Hall (the “Hall Employment Agreement”). The Hall Amendment increases the transaction bonus payable to Ms. Hall in the event of a Change of Control (as defined in the Hall Employment Agreement”) from $200,000 to $300,000, subject to continued employment though the occurrence of the Change of Control, compliance with any restrictive covenants, a release of claims, and, if requested by the Company, agreeing to provide customary transition services to the Company. The Hall Amendment also provides (i) that in the event the Company terminates Ms. Hall’s employment without Cause (as defined in the Hall Employment Agreement) and such Change of Control occurs on or prior to June 30, 2024, the Company shall pay the cost of or provide to Ms. Hall continuation of group health benefits for the severance period, and (ii) that the Company, in its sole discretion, may pay Ms. Hall’s severance in a lump sum to the extent permissible under Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code (the “Code”); provided, however, in the event Ms. Hall becomes engaged or retained as an employee, consultant, independent contractor, advisor, or otherwise, on a full-time basis by the acquirer or an affiliate of the acquirer in such Change of Control within 90 days of her termination of employment, Ms. Hall will be required to repay the Company her full severance amount, plus any fees or expenses incurred by the Company to collect such severance payments.

 

Amendment to Katie Cox Employment Agreement

 

On April 3, 2024, the Company entered into an amendment (the “Cox Amendment”) with Katie Cox, our Chief Accounting Officer, to the existing employment agreement, dated September 21, 2023, between the Company and Ms. Cox (the “Cox Employment Agreement”). The Cox Amendment (i) provides that in the event the Company terminates Ms. Cox’s employment without Cause (as defined in the Cox Employment Agreement) following a Change in Control (as defined in the Cox Employment Agreement), and the orderly wind-down and liquidation of the Company following such Change in Control, Ms. Cox will be entitled to severance in the form of nine months of her base salary to be paid in one lump sum within sixty days of Ms. Cox’s termination date and continuation of group health benefits; (ii) provides her with a $25,000 transaction bonus in the event such Change of Control closes on or prior to June 30, 2024 and Ms. Cox satisfies certain enumerated conditions such as Ms. Cox’s (a) devoted contribution to a successful completion of the Change of Control, (b) continued employment with the Company, its successor or acquiror through the closing date of the Change of Control and the payment date, (c) compliance with any restrictive covenants set forth in the Cox Employment Agreement or any other written agreement with the Company or its affiliates, and (d) execution and non-revocation of a release of claims, and if requested by the Company, agreeing to provide customary transition services to the Company, and (iii) provides her with a $50,000 retention bonus subject to Ms. Cox’s (a) continued employment with the Company though the closing date of a subsequent Change of Control, (b) continued employment with the Company through the orderly wind-down and liquidation of the Company following such subsequent Change of Control and compliance with any restrictive covenants, a release of claims, and (c) if requested by the Company, agreeing to provide customary transition services to the Company.

 

Amendment to Craig Sheehan Employment Agreement

 

On April 3, 2024, the Company entered into an amendment (the “Sheehan Amendment”) with Craig Sheehan, our Chief Commercial Officer, to the existing employment agreement, dated June 2, 2021, between the Company and Mr. Sheehan (the “Sheehan Employment Agreement”). The Sheehan Employment Amendment (i) provides him with a $35,000 bonus in the event his employment is terminated by the Company without Cause (as defined in the Sheehan Employment Agreement), subject to a Change of Control (as defined in the Sheehan Employment Agreement) that occurs on or prior to June 30, 2024, and (ii) provides that the Company, in its sole discretion, may pay Mr. Sheehan’s severance in a lump sum to the extent permissible under Section 409A of the Code; provided, however, in the event Mr. Sheehan becomes engaged or retained, as an employee, consultant, independent contractor, advisor, or otherwise, on a full-time basis by the acquirer or an affiliate of the acquirer in such Change of Control within 90 days of his termination of employment, Mr. Sheehan will be required to repay the Company his full severance amount, plus any fees or expenses incurred by the Company to collect such severance payments.

 

 

 

No Solicitation

 

This Current Report on Form 8-K is not a proxy statement or solicitation of a proxy, consent or authorization with respect to any securities or in respect of any potential transaction or a solicitation of any vote or approval.

 

Forward-Looking Statements

 

The matters described herein may contain “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. These forward-looking statements contain information about our expectations, beliefs, plans or intentions regarding our product development and commercialization efforts, research and development efforts, business, financial condition, results of operations, strategies or prospects, and other similar matters. Statements preceded by, followed by or that otherwise include the words “believes,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “intends,” “projects,” “estimates,” “plans,” “hopes” and similar expressions or future or conditional verbs such as “will,” “should,” “would,” “may” and “could” are generally forward-looking in nature and not historical facts, although not all forward-looking statements include the foregoing.

 

These statements are based on management’s current expectations and assumptions about future events, which are inherently subject to uncertainties, risks and changes in circumstances that are difficult to predict, and involve unknown risks and uncertainties that may individually or materially impact the matters discussed herein for a variety of reasons that are outside the control of the Company, including, but not limited to, any replacement and integration of new management team members, the implementation of new financial, management, accounting and business software systems, supply chain disruptions, inflation and a potential recession on the Company’s business, operations and the economy in general, the Company’s ability to successfully develop and commercialize its proprietary products and technologies, and the Company’s ability to maintain compliance with Nasdaq’s continued listing requirements.

 

Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, as actual results could differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements contained herein. Readers are urged to read the risk factors set forth in the Company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), which are available at the SEC’s website (www.sec.gov). The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

 

Item 9.01 Financial Statements and Exhibits.

 

(d) Exhibits.

 

Exhibit No.   Exhibit
10.1   Amendment to Employment Agreement, dated as of April 3, 2024, by and between Guardion Health Sciences, Inc. and Janet Hall
10.2   Amendment to Employment Agreement, dated as of April 3, 2024, by and between Guardion Health Sciences, Inc. and Katie Cox
10.3   Amendment to Employment Agreement, dated as of April 3, 2024, by and between Guardion Health Sciences, Inc. and Craig Sheehan
104   Cover Page Interactive Data File (embedded within the XBRL document)

 

 

 

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 hereunto duly authorized.

 

  GUARDION HEALTH SCIENCES, INC.
Date: April 9, 2024    
  By: /s/ Jan Hall
  Name: Jan Hall
  Title: President and Chief Executive Officer

 

 

EX-10.1 2 ex10-1.htm

 

Exhibit 10.1

 

AMENDMENT

TO EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT

 

This Amendment to Employment Agreement (this “Amendment”), dated effective as of the last date of signature noted on the signature page, is entered into by and between Guardion Health Sciences, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), Janet Hall (the “Employee” and together with the Company, collectively, the “Parties”).

 

RECITALS

 

WHEREAS, the Employee and the Company are parties to that certain Employment Agreement, effective as of June 19, 2023 (the “Employment Agreement”), pursuant to which, among other things, the Employee serves as the President and Chief Executive Officer; and

 

WHEREAS, the Employee and the Company desire to amend the Employment Agreement to reflect the Parties understanding regarding the Employee’s compensation.

 

AGREEMENT

 

NOW, THEREFORE, for good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which is hereby acknowledged, the parties hereto hereby agree as follows:

 

1. Amendment of Agreement.

 

A. Section 4(b)(i) of the Agreement is hereby amended by increasing the Transaction Bonus from $200,000 to $300,000.

 

B. Section 4(b)(iii)(B) of the Agreement is hereby amended and replaced in its entirety as follows:

 

“(B) The Change of Control must be consummated on or before June 30, 2024.”

 

C. Section 5(c)(iv) of the Agreement is hereby amended to replace item (1) in the first sentence as follows:

 

“(1) nine (9) months’ Base Salary, which will be increased to twelve (12) months’ Base Salary if the Employee’s termination of employment occurs on or after May 17, 2024”

 

1

 

D. Section 5(c)(iv) of the Agreement is hereby amended to add the following to the end of the subclause:

 

“In the event that the Company terminates the Term and the Employee’s employment without Cause following a Change in Control that occurs on or before June 30, 2024, the Company shall pay or provide to the Employee, subject to paragraph vii below (other than with respect to Item (2)), and subject to applicable withholdings, for continuation of group health benefits during the period the Employee is entitled to severance (or, at the Board’s discretion, an equivalent amount, as determined by the Board in good faith). In the event a Change in Control is not consummated on or before June 30, 2024, the Employee shall not be entitled to the continuation of group health benefits or to its equivalent. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Board, in its sole discretion, may pay any severance payable pursuant to the Section 4(c)(iv) or (vi) in a lump sum to the extent permissible under Section 409A of the Code; provided, however, in the event that within 90 days following the termination of the Employee’s employment by the Company without Cause or by the Employee for Good Reason upon or following the consummation of a Change in Control that occurs on or before June 30, 2024, the Employee becomes engaged or retained, as an employee, consultant, independent contractor, advisor, or otherwise, on a full-time basis by acquiror or an affiliate of the acquiror in such Change of Control, the Employee will be required to repay the Company the full severance amount paid to Employee, plus, if Employee fails to timely repay the Company such severance, any fees or expenses incurred by the Company to collect such severance payments. For purposes of the prior sentence, to be engaged or retained on a “full-time basis” shall mean working an average of 40 hours per week.”

 

E. Section 5(c)(vi) of the Agreement is hereby amended to delete the first “(1)” and replace second item (1) in the first sentence as follows:

 

“(1) nine (9) months’ Base Salary, which will be increased to twelve (12) months’ Base Salary if the Employee’s termination of employment occurs on or after May 17, 2024”

 

2. Acknowledgement. The Employee acknowledges and agrees that by executing this Amendment, the Employee expressly consents to the changes to the terms and conditions in the Agreement.

 

3. Agreement Effective. Except as otherwise expressly provided herein, all terms and conditions of the Agreement will remain unmodified and in full force and effect.

 

4. Precedence of Amendment. In the event of a conflict between the terms and conditions of this Amendment and the terms and conditions of the Agreement, the terms and conditions of this Amendment will govern and control.

 

5. Capitalized Terms. All capitalized terms used in this Amendment and not otherwise defined herein will have the meaning ascribed to such terms in the Agreement.

 

6. Incorporation. This Amendment shall be attached to, and made a part of, the Agreement.

 

7. Counterparts. This Amendment may be executed in one or more copies or counterparts, each of which when signed will be an original, but all of which together will constitute one instrument. Signatures submitted via telecopy or electronic signature shall have the same force and effect as original signatures and, as such, shall be valid and binding upon the parties hereto.

 

[signature page follows]

 

2

 

In witness whereof, the Parties hereto have executed this Amendment as of the signature dates set forth below, to be effective as of the date hereof.

 

GUARDION HEALTH SCIENCES, INC.,   “EMPLOYEE”
a Delaware corporation      
         
By:     By:  
  Robert N. Weingarten     Janet Hall
         
Date:     Date:  

 

3

 

EX-10.2 3 ex10-2.htm

 

Exhibit 10.2

 

AMENDMENT

TO EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT

AND

TERMINATION OF
RETENTION AGREEMENT

 

This Amendment to Employment Agreement (this “Amendment”), dated effective as of the last date of signature noted on the signature page, is entered into by and between Guardion Health Sciences, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), Katie Cox (the “Employee” and together with the Company, collectively, the “Parties”).

 

RECITALS

 

WHEREAS, the Employee and the Company are parties to that certain Employment Agreement, effective as of September 21, 2023 (the “Employment Agreement”), pursuant to which, among other things, the Employee serves as the Chief Accounting Officer;

 

WHEREAS, the Parties entered into that certain Retention Agreement, dated May 18, 2023 (the “Retention Agreement”), pursuant to which, the Employee is eligible for an incentive bonus payable upon the earlier of December 31, 2023 or closing of a Change of Control Transaction (as defined in the Retention Agreement) and to severance equal to six (6) months of her base salary in the event of a termination of her employment with the Company without cause;

 

WHEREAS, the Employee has been paid the Retention Bonus that she was entitled to receive under the Retention Agreement;

 

WHEREAS, the Parties desire to terminate the Retention Agreement; and

 

WHEREAS, the Employee and the Company desire to amend the Employment Agreement to reflect the Parties understanding regarding the Employee’s compensation under the Agreement.

 

AGREEMENT

 

NOW, THEREFORE, for good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which is hereby acknowledged, the parties hereto hereby agree as follows:

 

1. Amendment of Agreement.

 

A. Section 4(b) is hereby amended to add the following as a subsections (i), (ii) and (iii):

 

i. Transaction Bonus. The Employee shall be entitled to receive a transaction bonus in the amount of $25,000 (the “Transaction Bonus”) upon the closing of a Change in Control (as defined in Exhibit A), provided, the closing date of such Change in Control occurs no later than June 30, 2024, subject to, and conditioned upon, the Employee satisfying her obligations set forth in paragraph ii below. The Company will pay the Transaction Bonus, less applicable withholding, within sixty (60) days of the closing date of such Change in Control.

 

1

 

ii. Conditions to Earn Transaction Bonus. The Transaction Bonus shall only be earned and become payable if all of the following conditions are satisfied. If any of the conditions below are not satisfied, the Company shall have no obligation to pay the Transaction Bonus.

 

(A) The Employee must devote her time contributing to a successful completion of a Change in Control, including maximizing the Company’s operating and financial performance and value, working with financial advisors retained for purposes of the Change in Control, and use her best efforts to ensure the success of the Company during the pendency of any such potential Change in Control.

 

(B) The Change in Control must be consummated on or before June 30, 2024.

 

(C) The Employee must remain in continued employment with the Company through the closing date of the Change in Control and the payment date.

 

(D) The Employee must continue to comply with any restrictive covenants set forth in the Agreement or any other written agreement with the Company or its affiliate.

 

(E) The Employee executes (and does not revoke) a general release of claims to become effective as of the closing date of the Change in Control.

 

iii. Retention Bonus. The Employee shall be eligible to receive a retention bonus of $50,000 (“Retention Bonus”), which shall be paid no later than March 15th of the year following the year in which the Employee vests in the Retention Bonus. The Retention Bonus shall only be earned and become payable if all of the following conditions are satisfied. If any of the conditions below are not satisfied, the Company shall have no obligation to pay the Retention Bonus.

 

(A) The Employee must remain employed by the Company through the closing date of a subsequent Change in Control;

 

(B) The Employee must remain employed through the orderly wind-down and liquidation of the Company following such subsequent Change in Control; and

 

(C) if requested by the Compensation Committee of the Board (the “Committee”), the Employee enters into a suitable consulting agreement with the Company, if requested by the Company, following closing date of such subsequent Change in Control and does not breach any material term of such consulting agreement.”

 

2

 

B. Section 4(c)(iv) of the Agreement is hereby amended the following language to the end of the subsection:

 

“In the event that the Company terminates the Term and the Employee’s employment without Cause following a Change in Control, and the orderly wind-down and liquidation of the Company following such Change in Control, the Company shall pay or provide to the Employee, subject to paragraph vii below (other than with respect to Item (2)), and subject to applicable withholdings: (1) nine (9) months’ Base Salary (the “Severance Period”) and payment for continuation of group health benefits during the Severance Period (or, at the Board’s discretion, an equivalent amount as determined by the Board in good faith); and (2) the Employee’s Base Salary and Benefits accrued through the date of the Employee’s termination. Item (1) above, to the extent due, shall be paid in one lump sum within sixty (60) days of the Employee’s last day of employment with the Company. Upon payment to the Employee of the foregoing amounts, the Company shall have no further obligation or liability to or for the benefit of the Employee for duplicative payments or benefits under any other agreement, except as required by applicable law. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Board, in its sole discretion, may pay any severance or the equivalent of the continuation of Benefits (as determined by the Board in good faith) payable pursuant to the Section 4(c)(iv) or (vi) in a lump sum to the extent permissible under Section 409A of the Code.”

 

2. Termination of Retention Agreement. The Parties hereby agree to terminate the Retention Agreement and acknowledge that the Employee is only entitled to severance under the Agreement and is not entitled to severance under the Retention Agreement.

 

3. Acknowledgement. The Employee acknowledges and agrees that by executing this Amendment, the Employee expressly consents to the changes to the terms and conditions in the Agreement.

 

4. Agreement Effective. Except as otherwise expressly provided herein, all terms and conditions of the Agreement will remain unmodified and in full force and effect.

 

5. Precedence of Amendment. In the event of a conflict between the terms and conditions of this Amendment and the terms and conditions of the Agreement, the terms and conditions of this Amendment will govern and control.

 

6. Capitalized Terms. All capitalized terms used in this Amendment and not otherwise defined herein will have the meaning ascribed to such terms in the Agreement.

 

7. Incorporation. This Amendment shall be attached to, and made a part of, the Agreement.

 

8. Counterparts. This Amendment may be executed in one or more copies or counterparts, each of which when signed will be an original, but all of which together will constitute one instrument. Signatures submitted via telecopy or electronic signature shall have the same force and effect as original signatures and, as such, shall be valid and binding upon the parties hereto.

 

[signature page follows]

 

3

 

In witness whereof, the Parties hereto have executed this Amendment as of the signature dates set forth below, to be effective as of the date hereof.

 

GUARDION HEALTH SCIENCES, INC.,   “EMPLOYEE”
a Delaware corporation      
         
By:     By:  
  Robert N. Weingarten     Katie Cox
         
Date:   Date:

 

4

 

EX-10.3 4 ex10-3.htm

 

Exhibit 10.3

 

AMENDMENT

TO EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT

 

This Amendment to Employment Agreement (this “Amendment”), dated effective as of the last date of signature noted on the signature page, is entered into by and between Guardion Health Sciences, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), Craig Sheehan (the “Employee” and together with the Company, collectively, the “Parties”).

 

RECITALS

 

WHEREAS, the Employee and the Company are parties to that certain Employment Agreement, effective as of June 2, 2021 (the “Employment Agreement”), pursuant to which, among other things, the Employee serves as the Chief Commercial Officer; and

 

WHEREAS, the Employee and the Company desire to amend the Employment Agreement to reflect the Parties understanding regarding the Employee’s compensation.

 

AGREEMENT

 

NOW, THEREFORE, for good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which is hereby acknowledged, the parties hereto hereby agree as follows:

 

AGREEMENT:

 

1. Amendment of Agreement.

 

Section 5(c)(iv) of the Agreement is hereby amended to add the following language to the end of the subclause:

 

“In the event that the Company terminates the Term and the Employee’s employment without Cause following a Change in Control (as defined in the Incentive Plan) that is consummated on or before June 30, 2024, the Company shall pay the Employee, subject to paragraph vii below and subject to applicable withholdings a retention bonus in the amount of $35,000 (the “Retention Bonus”) in one lump sum within sixty (60) days of the Employee’s last day of employment with the Company. In the event a Change in Control is not consummated on or before June 30, 2024, the Employee shall not be entitled to the Retention Bonus. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Board, in its sole discretion, may pay any severance and continuation of group health benefits during the severance period (or, at the Board’s discretion, an equivalent amount as determined by the Board in good faith) payable pursuant to Section 5(c)(iv) or (vi) in a lump sum to the extent permissible under Section 409A of the Code; provided, however, in the event that within 90 days following the termination of the Employee’s employment by the Company without Cause or by the Employee for Good Reason upon or following the consummation of a Change in Control that occurs on or before June 30, 2024, the Employee becomes engaged or retained, as an employee, consultant, independent contractor, advisor, or otherwise, on a full-time basis by acquiror or an affiliate of the acquiror in such Change of Control, the Employee will be required to repay the Company the full severance amount paid to Employee, plus, if Employee fails to timely repay the Company such severance, any fees or expenses incurred by the Company to collect such severance payments. For purposes of the prior sentence, to be engaged or retained on a “full-time basis” shall mean working an average of 40 hours per week.”

 

1

 

2. Acknowledgement. The Employee acknowledges and agrees that by executing this Amendment, the Employee expressly consents to the changes to the terms and conditions in the Agreement.

 

3. Agreement Effective. Except as otherwise expressly provided herein, all terms and conditions of the Agreement will remain unmodified and in full force and effect.

 

4. Precedence of Amendment. In the event of a conflict between the terms and conditions of this Amendment and the terms and conditions of the Agreement, the terms and conditions of this Amendment will govern and control.

 

5. Capitalized Terms. All capitalized terms used in this Amendment and not otherwise defined herein will have the meaning ascribed to such terms in the Agreement.

 

6. Incorporation. This Amendment shall be attached to, and made a part of, the Agreement.

 

7. Counterparts. This Amendment may be executed in one or more copies or counterparts, each of which when signed will be an original, but all of which together will constitute one instrument. Signatures submitted via telecopy or electronic signature shall have the same force and effect as original signatures and, as such, shall be valid and binding upon the parties hereto.

 

[signature page follows]

 

2

 

In witness whereof, the Parties hereto have executed this Amendment as of the signature dates set forth below, to be effective as of the date hereof.

 

GUARDION HEALTH SCIENCES, INC.,     “EMPLOYEE” 
a Delaware corporation      
         
By:     By:  
  Robert N. Weingarten     Craig Sheehan
         
Date:     Date:  

 

3