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 (Date of earliest event reported):  December 28, 2009

 

NEUROMETRIX, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in charter)

 

Delaware

 

001-33351

 

04-3308180

(State or other jurisdiction
 of incorporation)

 

(Commission File Number)

 

(IRS Employer
Identification No.)

 

62 Fourth Avenue, Waltham, Massachusetts

 

02451

(Address of principal executive offices)

 

(Zip Code)

 

(781) 890-9989

 (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 (see General Instruction A.2. below):

 

o    Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)

 

o    Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)

 

o    Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))

 

o    Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))

 

 

 



 

Item 8.01               Other Events.

 

On December 28, 2009, the United States District Court for the District of Massachusetts entered an order preliminarily approving a proposed settlement of the shareholder derivative action filed on April 22, 2008 against certain current and former directors and officers of NeuroMetrix, Inc., captioned: Mitchell v. Gozani, et al., Case No. 1:08-CV-10674-RWZ.   Pursuant to the order, attached as Exhibits 99.1 and 99.2, respectively, are the Notice of Proposed Settlement of Shareholder Derivative Action and the Stipulation of Settlement. These documents are available on the Company’s website at www.neurometrix.com on the Investor Relations page under SEC Filings.

 

The full text of the Notice of Proposed Settlement of Shareholder Derivative Action and the Stipulation of Settlement are furnished as Exhibit 99.1 and Exhibit 99.2, respectively, hereto and incorporated herein by reference.

 

Item 9.01  Financial Statements and Exhibits.

 

(d)  Exhibits.

 

Exhibit No.

 

Description

99.1

 

Notice of Proposed Settlement of Shareholder Derivative Action.

 

 

 

99.2

 

Stipulation of Settlement.

 

2



 

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.

 

 

 

NEUROMETRIX, INC.

 

 

 

 

Date: December  31, 2009

/s/ THOMAS T. HIGGINS

 

Thomas T. Higgins

 

Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer

 

3



 

EXHIBIT INDEX

 

Exhibit No.

 

Description

99.1

 

Notice of Proposed Settlement of Shareholder Derivative Action.

 

 

 

99.2

 

Stipulation of Settlement.

 

4


EXHIBIT 99.1

 

UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT

 

DISTRICT OF MASSACHUSETTS

 

GORDON MITCHELL, Derivatively on

)

)

)

)

)

)

)

)

)

)

)

)

)

)

)

)

)

)

)

)

)

)

)

)

Case No. 1:08-cv-10674-RWZ

Behalf of NEUROMETRIX, INC.,

 

 

DERIVATIVE ACTION

 

Plaintiff,

 

 

 

vs.

 

 

 

SHAI N. GOZANI, GARY L. GREGORY, W.

 

BRADFORD SMITH, MICHAEL WILLIAMS, GUY

 

DANIELLO, CHARLES R. LAMANTIA, DAVID E.

 

GOODMAN, W. MARK LORTZ, ALLEN J. HINKLE,

 

NICHOLAS J. ALESSI, WILLIAM LAVERACK, JR.

 

and CHARLES E. HARRIS,

 

 

 

 

Defendants,

 

 

 

-and-

 

 

 

NEUROMETRIX, INC., a Delaware corporation,

 

 

 

 

Nominal Defendant.

 

 

 

 

 

NOTICE OF PROPOSED SETTLEMENT OF

SHAREHOLDER DERIVATIVE ACTION

 



 

TO:         ALL OWNERS OF NEUROMETRIX, INC. (“NEUROMETRIX”) COMMON STOCK AS OF DECEMBER 21, 2009 (“CURRENT NEUROMETRIX SHAREHOLDERS”)

 

PLEASE READ THIS NOTICE CAREFULLY AND IN ITS ENTIRETY.  YOUR RIGHTS MAY BE AFFECTED.

 

This notice has been sent to you, pursuant to an Order of the United States District Court for the District of Massachusetts (the “Court”).  The purpose of the notice is to advise you of the proposed settlement (the “Settlement”), as set forth in a Stipulation of Settlement dated as of December 21, 2009 (the “Stipulation”), of the shareholder derivative litigation pending before the Court (the “Action”), and of the Settlement Hearing (as defined below in ¶1.19).  The Settlement will fully resolve the Action on the terms set forth in the Stipulation and summarized in this notice, including the dismissal of the Action with prejudice.  For a more detailed statement of the matters involved in the Action, the Settlement, and the terms discussed in this notice, the Stipulation may be inspected at the Clerk of Court’s Office, John Joseph Moakley U.S. Courthouse, 1 Courthouse Way, Boston, Massachusetts 02210, during regular business hours of each business day.

 

You may have the right to object to the Settlement in the manner provided herein.  If you fail to object in the manner provided herein at least ten (10) business days prior to the Settlement Hearing, you will be deemed to have waived your objections and will be bound by the Judgment (as defined below in ¶1.8) to be entered and the releases to be given, unless otherwise ordered by the Court.

 

This notice is not intended to be an expression of any opinion by the Court with respect to the merits of the claims made in the Action, but is merely to advise you of the pendency and Settlement of the Action.

 

1              DEFINITIONS USED IN THIS NOTICE

 

As used in the Stipulation, the following terms have the meanings specified below:

 

1.1.          “Action” means the action captioned Mitchell v. Gozani, et al., Civil Action No. 1:08-cv-10674-RWZ (D. Mass filed April 22, 2008).

 



 

1.2.          “Current NeuroMetrix Shareholders” means any Persons who owned NeuroMetrix common stock as of December 21, 2009, and who continue to hold their NeuroMetrix common stock as of the date of the final settlement approval hearing, excluding the Individual Defendants, the officers and directors of NeuroMetrix, members of their immediate families, and their legal representatives, heirs, successors, or assigns, and any entity in which Individual Defendants have or had a controlling interest.

 

1.3.          “Defendants” means, collectively, the Individual Defendants and nominal defendant NeuroMetrix.

 

1.4.          “Defendants’ Counsel” means Goodwin Procter LLP, Exchange Place, 53 State Street, Boston, MA 02109.

 

1.5.          “Fees and Expenses Award” means the agreed upon Fees and Expenses Award that the Defendants will cause to be paid out of NeuroMetrix’s insurance proceeds to Plaintiff’s Counsel, subject to Court approval, in recognition of the benefits conferred on NeuroMetrix by the negotiated corporate governance measures, for Plaintiff’s Counsel’s attorneys’ fees and reimbursement of expenses in connection with the litigation of the Action.

 

1.6.          “Final” means when the last of the following with respect to the Judgment approving the Stipulation shall occur: (i) the expiration of the time to file a motion to alter or amend the Judgment under Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 59(e) has passed without any such motion having been filed; (ii) the expiration of the time in which to appeal the Judgment has passed without any appeal having been taken; and (iii) if a motion to alter or amend is filed or if an appeal is taken, the determination of that motion or appeal in such a manner as to permit the consummation of the Settlement substantially in accordance with the terms and conditions of the Stipulation.  For purposes of this paragraph, an “appeal” shall include any petition for a writ of certiorari, petition for review, or other writ that may be filed in connection with approval or disapproval of this settlement, but shall not include any appeal which concerns only the issue of attorneys’ fees and expenses.

 



 

1.7.          “Individual Defendants” means, collectively, Shai N. Gozani, Gary L. Gregory, W. Bradford Smith, Michael Williams, Guy Daniello, Charles R. LaMantia, David E. Goodman, W. Mark Lortz, Allen J. Hinkle, Nicholas J. Alessi, William Laverack, Jr., and Charles E. Harris.

 

1.8.          “Judgment” means the Proposed Final Order of Dismissal With Prejudice and Judgment to be rendered by the Court.

 

1.9.          “NeuroMetrix” or the “Company” means nominal defendant NeuroMetrix, Inc.

 

1.10.        “Parties” means collectively, Plaintiff, the Individual Defendants, and NeuroMetrix.

 

1.11.        “Person” means an individual, corporation, limited liability corporation, professional corporation, partnership, limited partnership, limited liability partnership, association, joint stock company, estate, legal representative, trust, unincorporated association, government or any political subdivision or agency thereof, and any business or legal entity and their spouses, heirs, predecessors, successors, representatives, or assignees.

 

1.12.        “Plaintiff” means Gordon Mitchell, individually, and derivatively on behalf of NeuroMetrix.

 

1.13.        “Plaintiff’s Counsel” means Robbins Umeda LLP, 600 B Street, Suite 1900, San Diego, CA 92101, Holzer Holzer & Fistel, LLC, 200 Ashford Center North, Suite 300, Atlanta, GA 30338, Partridge Ankner & Horstmann, LLP, The Berkeley Building, 200 Berkeley Street, 16th Floor, Boston, MA 02116, and any successors to said counsel.

 

1.14.        “Related Persons” means each of the Released Parties’ (as defined herein) past or present directors, officers, employees, partners, members, principals, agents, insurers, co-insurers, reinsurers, underwriters controlling shareholders, attorneys, accountants or auditors, personal or legal representatives, advisors, predecessors, successors, parents, subsidiaries, divisions, joint ventures or joint venturers, assigns, spouses, heirs, estates, administrators, related or affiliated entities, entities in which any of the Released Parties has a controlling interest, any members of any Individual Defendant’s immediate family, or any trust of which any Individual

 



 

Defendant or NeuroMetrix is the settlor or which is for the benefit of NeuroMetrix or any Individual Defendant and/or member(s) of any Individual Defendant’s family.

 

1.15.        “Released Claims” shall collectively mean any and all claims, causes of action, suits, matters, debts, demands, rights, and liabilities, whether based on federal, state, local, statutory or common law, or any other law, rule or regulation, or contract, whether known or unknown including, without limitation, Unknown Claims, contingent or absolute, disclosed or undisclosed, matured or unmatured: (i) that have been asserted derivatively by Plaintiff against the Defendants in the Action; (ii) that could have been asserted in the Action or could in the future be asserted against the Defendants derivatively by Plaintiff or derivatively by any other NeuroMetrix shareholder, or against the Individual Defendants by NeuroMetrix, and which are based upon, arise out of, or relate in any way to the facts, matters, occurrences, actions, practices, conduct, events, transactions, statements, disclosures, representations, misrepresentations, omissions, or failures to act that were involved, set forth, referred to, alleged or that could have been alleged, in the Action including, but not limited to, claims for breach of fiduciary duty, abuse of control, mismanagement, gross mismanagement, waste of corporate assets, misappropriation of information, unjust enrichment, insider trading, contribution and indemnification, money damages, disgorgement, any and all demands, actions, damages, claims, rights or causes of action, or liabilities whatsoever; or (iii) that would have been barred by res judicata had the Action been fully litigated to a final judgment.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Parties do not intend through the Settlement of the Action and agreed-upon releases to release any shareholder claims in the Securities Class Action.

 

1.16.        “Released Parties” means NeuroMetrix and each of the Individual Defendants.

 

1.17.        “Released Persons” means each and all of the Released Parties and each of their Related Persons.

 

1.18.        “Securities Class Action” means the action captioned NECA-IBEW Pension Fund v. NeuroMetrix, Inc., et al., Civil Action No. 1:08-10434-RWZ (D. Mass filed March 17, 2008).

 



 

1.19.        “Settlement Hearing” means the hearing on final approval of the proposed settlement, made upon noticed motion of the Parties, at which the Parties will seek entry of the Judgment.

 

1.20.        “Unknown Claims” means any Released Claims that any Party or Related Person does not know or suspect to exist in his, her, or its favor at the time of the release of the Released Persons which, if known by him, her, or it, might have affected his, her, or its settlement with and release of the Released Persons, or might have affected his, her, or its decision not to object to the Settlement.  With respect to any and all Released Claims, the Parties each stipulate and agree that, upon the entry of the Judgment, the Parties each shall be deemed to have, and by operation of the Judgment shall have, expressly waived the provisions, rights, and benefits of California Civil Code §1542, which provides:

 

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.

 

The Parties each shall expressly waive, and by operation of the Judgment shall have, expressly waived any and all provisions, rights, and benefits conferred by any law of any state or territory of the United States, or principle of common law, which is similar, comparable, or equivalent to California Civil Code §1542.  The Parties each may hereafter discover facts in addition to or different from those that he, she, or it now knows or believes to be true with respect to the subject matter of the Released Claims, but, upon the entry of the Judgment, the Parties each shall be deemed to have, and by operation of the Judgment shall have, fully, finally, and forever settled and released any and all Released Claims, known or unknown, suspected or unsuspected, contingent or non-contingent, which now exist, or heretofore have existed, upon any theory of law or equity now existing or coming into existence in the future, including, but not limited to, conduct which is negligent, intentional, with or without malice, or a breach of any duty, law or rule, without regard to the subsequent discovery or existence of such different or

 



 

additional facts.  The Parties each acknowledge that the foregoing waiver was separately bargained for and a key element of the Settlement of which this release is a part.

 

2              THE DERIVATIVE ACTION

 

In the Action, Plaintiff brings suit against the Individual Defendants, solely on behalf of and for the benefit of NeuroMetrix, and not for any recovery for the direct benefit of any shareholders.  Plaintiff generally alleges, among other things, that the Individual Defendants caused NeuroMetrix to improperly report the Company’s ability to sustain profitability from the sale of its NC-Stat System, which was the Company’s principal product and primary source of revenue.  Plaintiff seeks, among other things, damages, disgorgement by the Individual Defendants, and corporate governance measures to be implemented by NeuroMetrix.

 

3              PLAINTIFF’S CLAIMS AND THE BENEFITS OF SETTLEMENT

 

Plaintiff believes that the claims asserted in the Action have merit.  Plaintiff’s Counsel recognize and acknowledge, however, the significant risk, expense, and length of continued proceedings necessary to prosecute the Action against the Individual Defendants through trial and through possible appeals.  Plaintiff’s Counsel have also taken into account the uncertain outcome and the risk of any litigation, especially in complex actions such as the Action, as well as the difficulties and delays inherent in such litigation.  Plaintiff’s Counsel also are mindful of the inherent problems of proof and possible defenses to the claims asserted in such actions.  Based on a thorough investigation of the facts and analysis of applicable law, Plaintiff’s Counsel believe that the Settlement, comprised of corporate governance measures, as fully set forth in Exhibit B to the Stipulation, confers substantial benefits upon NeuroMetrix and its shareholders, and is fair, reasonable, and adequate, and in the best interests of NeuroMetrix and its shareholders.

 

4              DEFENDANTS’ DENIALS OF WRONGDOING AND LIABILITY

 

Defendants have denied and continue to deny that the claims advanced in the Action are meritorious and have denied and continue to deny all charges of wrongdoing or liability against

 



 

them arising out of or relating in any way to the events, conduct, statements, acts, or omissions alleged or that could have been alleged in the Action.  In addition, the Individual Defendants deny that they have any liability whatsoever to NeuroMetrix, deny that they have breached any fiduciary duty to NeuroMetrix and its shareholders, and, by entering into this Settlement, do not concede the merit of any claims or the lack of merit of any defense to liability.  The Individual Defendants further assert that at all times they acted in good faith and in a manner they reasonably believed to be and that was in the best interests of NeuroMetrix and its shareholders.  Nonetheless, Defendants are entering into this Stipulation solely to eliminate the burden, risk, and expense of further litigation.  Further, Defendants acknowledge that the Settlement provides benefits to, and is in the best interests of, NeuroMetrix and NeuroMetrix shareholders.  Neither the Stipulation, nor any of its terms or provisions, nor entry of the Judgment, nor any document or exhibit referred or attached to the Stipulation, nor any action taken to carry out the Stipulation, is, may be construed as, or may be used as evidence of the validity of any of the Released Claims or an admission by or against the Defendants of any fault, wrongdoing, or concession of liability whatsoever.

 

5              THE SETTLEMENT HEARING

 

The Settlement Hearing will be held before the Honorable Rya W. Zobel on February 23, 2010 at 2:00 p.m. at the United States District Court for the District of Massachusetts for the purpose of determining: (i) whether the Settlement is fair, reasonable, and adequate, and should be finally approved by the Court; (ii) whether a Judgment should be entered dismissing the Action with prejudice; and (iii) whether the Fees and Expenses Award should be approved. The Settlement Hearing may be continued by the Court at the Settlement Hearing or at any adjourned session thereof without further notice.

 

6              THE SETTLEMENT

 

The terms and conditions of the proposed Settlement are set forth in the Stipulation described above.  The Stipulation has been filed with the Court and is also available for viewing on the websites of Robbins Umeda LLP at www.robbinsumeda.com and NeuroMetrix at

 



 

www.neurometrix.com on the Investor Relations page under SEC Filings.   The following is only a summary of its terms.

 

In consideration for the Settlement of the Action, Defendants agreed to the corporate governance measures set forth in Exhibit B to the Stipulation.  Defendants acknowledge that the institution and prosecution of the Action was a contributing factor in the implementation of the agreed-upon corporate governance measures, which include, among other things: (i) continuing review by NeuroMetrix of its marketing, training, and other materials to ensure compliance with the Deferred Prosecution Agreement between the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Massachusetts and NeuroMetrix, Inc., dated February 5, 2009 (the “DPA”); (ii) formalized Board’s oversight of the Company’s Ethics and Compliance Committee; (iii) certain requirements regarding director training; (iv) specifically charging the Board Compliance Committee with reviewing compensation paid for potential disgorgement issues in the event financial improprieties are discovered; and (v) appointment of a new Chief Financial Officer on September 10, 2009.  Defendants also acknowledge that the corporate governance measures agreed to constitute benefits to NeuroMetrix.

 

7              DISMISSAL AND RELEASES

 

In connection with the Court’s approval of the Settlement, Plaintiff will file a dismissal with prejudice of all claims asserted by Plaintiff against the Individual Defendants in the Action.

 

Upon the entry of the Judgment, Plaintiff, individually and derivatively on behalf of NeuroMetrix, Plaintiff’s Counsel, and NeuroMetrix shall have, and, by operation of the Judgment, shall be deemed to have, fully, finally, and forever released, relinquished, and discharged all Released Claims (including Unknown Claims) and any and all claims arising out of, relating to, or in connection with the Settlement or resolution of the Action against the Released Persons.

 

Further, upon entry of the Judgment, each of the Defendants shall fully, finally, and forever release, relinquish, and discharge Plaintiff and Plaintiff’s Counsel from all claims, arising

 



 

out of, relating to, or in connection with their institution, prosecution, assertion, settlement, or resolution of the Action and/or the Released Claims.

 

8              PLAINTIFF’S COUNSEL’S AGREED-TO FEES AND EXPENSES AWARD

 

In recognition of the benefits conferred on NeuroMetrix through the negotiated corporate governance measures, the Parties reached an agreement as to a fair and reasonable amount of attorneys’ fees and reimbursement of expenses for Plaintiff’s Counsel.  Defendants will cause to be paid to Plaintiff’s Counsel, out of NeuroMetrix’s insurance proceeds, up to $350,000 for Plaintiff’s Counsel’s attorneys’ fees and reimbursement of expenses, subject to Court approval.  Plaintiff’s Counsel shall request approval of the Fees and Expenses Award at the Settlement Hearing.  To date, Plaintiff’s Counsel have neither received any payment for their services in conducting the Action, nor have counsel been reimbursed for their out-of-pocket expenses incurred.  Plaintiff’s Counsel believe that the Fees and Expenses Award requested is within the range of fees and expenses awarded to Plaintiff’s Counsel under similar circumstances in litigation of this type.  NeuroMetrix shareholders are not personally liable for the Fees and Expenses Award.

 

9              THE RIGHT TO OBJECT AND/OR BE HEARD AT THE HEARING

 

Any Current NeuroMetrix Shareholder may object and/or appear and show cause, if he, she, or it has any concern, why the Settlement should not be approved as fair, reasonable, and adequate, or why the Judgment should not be entered thereon, or why the Fees and Expenses Award should not be awarded to Plaintiff’s Counsel, provided, however, unless otherwise ordered by the Court, no Current NeuroMetrix Shareholder shall be heard or entitled to contest the approval of the terms and conditions of the Settlement, or, if approved, the Judgment to be entered thereon approving the same, or the attorneys’ fees and reimbursement of expenses to be awarded to Plaintiff’s Counsel, unless that shareholder has, at least ten(10) business  days prior

 



 

to the Settlement Hearing: (1) filed with the Clerk of the Court a written objection to the Settlement setting forth: (a) the nature of the objection; (b) proof of ownership of NeuroMetrix common stock through the date of the Settlement Hearing, including the number of shares of NeuroMetrix common stock and the date of purchase; and (c) any documentation in support of such objection; and (2) if a Current NeuroMetrix Shareholder intends to appear and requests to be heard at the Settlement Hearing, such shareholder must have, in addition to the requirements of (1) above, filed with the Clerk of the Court:  (a) a written notice of such shareholder’s intention to appear; (b) a statement that indicates the basis for such appearance; and (c) the identities of any witnesses the shareholder intends to call at the Settlement Hearing and the subjects of their testimony.  If a Current NeuroMetrix Shareholder files a written objection and/or written notice of intent to appear, such shareholder must also simultaneously serve copies of such notice, proof, statement, and documentation, together with copies of any other papers or briefs such shareholder files with the Court (either by hand delivery or by first class mail) upon each of the following:

 

CLERK OF THE COURT
John Joseph Moakley U.S. Courthouse

1 Courthouse Way

Boston, MA 02210

 

ROBBINS UMEDA LLP

Brian J. Robbins

Felipe J. Arroyo

Gregory E. Del Gaizo

 

600 B Street, Suite 1900

San Diego, CA 92101

Telephone: (619) 525-3990

 

HOLZER, HOLZER & FISTEL, LLC

Michael I. Fistel, Jr.

Corey D. Holzer

200 Ashford Center North, Suite 300

Atlanta, GA 30338

Telephone: (770) 392-0090

 

PARTRIDGE, ANKNER & HORSTMANN

Terence K. Ankner

Peter C. Horstmann

GOODWIN PROCTER LLP

Deborah S. Birnbach

Laura Stock Craven

Katherine G. McKenney

Exchange Place

53 State Street

Boston, MA 02109

Telephone: (617) 570-1000

 

Attorneys for Defendants

 



 

The Berkeley Building

200 Berkeley Street, 16th Floor

Boston, MA 02116

Telephone: (617) 859-9999

 

Attorneys for Plaintiff

 

 

Any Current NeuroMetrix Shareholder who does not make his, her, or its objection in the manner provided herein shall be deemed to have waived such objection and shall forever be foreclosed from making any objection to the fairness, reasonableness, or adequacy of the Settlement as incorporated in the Stipulation, unless otherwise ordered by the Court, but shall otherwise be bound by the Judgment to be entered and the releases to be given.

 

10           CONDITIONS FOR SETTLEMENT

 

The Settlement is conditioned upon the occurrence of certain events described in the Stipulation, which requires, among other things: (1) entry of the requested Judgment by the Court; and (2) expiration of the time to appeal from or alter or amend the Judgment.  If, for any reason, any one of the conditions described in the Stipulation is not met and the entry of the Judgment does not occur, the Stipulation might be terminated and, if terminated, will become null and void; and the Parties to the Stipulation will be restored to their respective positions as of November 10, 2009.

 

11           EXAMINATION OF PAPERS AND INQUIRIES

 

This notice contains only a summary of the terms of the Settlement.  For a more detailed statement of the matters involved in the Action, reference is made to the Stipulation, which may be inspected at the Office of the Clerk, John Joseph Moakley U.S. Courthouse, 1 Courthouse Way, Boston, Massachusetts 02210, during business hours of each business day.

 

Any other inquiries regarding the Settlement or the Action should be addressed in writing to one of the following:

 

ROBBINS UMEDA LLP

Brian J. Robbins

Felipe J. Arroyo

Gregory E. Del Gaizo

 

 

GOODWIN PROCTER LLP

Deborah S. Birnbach

Laura Stock Craven

Katherine G. McKenney

Exchange Place

53 State Street

Boston, MA 02109

 



 

600 B Street, Suite 1900

San Diego, CA 92101

Telephone: (619) 525-3990

 

HOLZER, HOLZER & FISTEL, LLC

Michael I. Fistel, Jr.

Corey D. Holzer

200 Ashford Center North, Suite 300

Atlanta, GA 30338

Telephone: (770) 392-0090

 

PARTRIDGE, ANKNER & HORSTMANN

Terence K. Ankner

Peter C. Horstmann

The Berkeley Building

200 Berkeley Street, 16th Floor

Boston, MA 02116

Telephone: (617) 859-9999

 

Attorneys for Plaintiff

Telephone: (617) 570-1000

 

Attorneys for Defendants

 

PLEASE DO NOT TELEPHONE THE COURT OR NEUROMETRIX REGARDING THIS NOTICE.

 


Exhibit 99.2

 

UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT

 

DISTRICT OF MASSACHUSETTS

 

GORDON MITCHELL, Derivatively on

)

Case No. 1:08-cv-10674-RWZ

Behalf of NEUROMETRIX, INC.,

)

 

 

)

DERIVATIVE ACTION

 

Plaintiff,

)

 

 

)

 

vs.

)

 

 

)

 

SHAI N. GOZANI, GARY L. GREGORY, W.

)

 

BRADFORD SMITH, MICHAEL

)

 

WILLIAMS, GUY DANIELLO, CHARLES R.

)

 

LAMANTIA, DAVID E. GOODMAN, W.

)

 

MARK LORTZ, ALLEN J. HINKLE,

)

 

NICHOLAS J. ALESSI, WILLIAM

)

 

LAVERACK, JR. and CHARLES E. HARRIS,

)

 

 

)

 

 

Defendants,

)

 

 

)

 

-and-

)

 

 

)

 

NEUROMETRIX, INC., a Delaware

)

 

corporation,

)

 

 

)

 

 

Nominal Defendant.

)

 

 

)

 

 

STIPULATION OF SETTLEMENT

 



 

This Stipulation of Settlement (“Stipulation”), dated as of December 21, 2009, is entered into, by and through their respective undersigned counsel, among and between: (i) Gordon Mitchell (“Plaintiff”); (ii) NeuroMetrix, Inc. (“NeuroMetrix,” the “Company,” or the “Nominal Defendant”); and (iii) Shai N. Gozani, Gary L. Gregory, W. Bradford Smith, Michael Williams, Guy Daniello, Charles R. LaMantia, David E. Goodman, W. Mark Lortz, Allen J. Hinkle, Nicholas J. Alessi, William Laverack, Jr., and Charles E. Harris (the “Individual Defendants” and, collectively with Nominal Defendant, the “Defendants”) (Plaintiff, Nominal Defendant, and the Individual Defendants are referred to collectively as the “Parties”).  This Stipulation is intended by the Parties to fully, finally, and forever compromise, resolve, discharge, and settle the Released Claims (as defined in Section IV herein) and the Action (as defined in Section IV herein) in accordance with the terms and conditions set forth below, subject to the approval of the United States District Court for the District of  Massachusetts (the “Court”).

 

I.              HISTORY OF THE LITIGATION AND SETTLEMENT PROCESS

 

On April 22, 2008, Plaintiff, a shareholder of NeuroMetrix, filed his Verified Shareholder Derivative Complaint for Breach of Fiduciary Duty, Waste of Corporate Assets, Unjust Enrichment and Violations of Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (“Complaint”) on behalf of NeuroMetrix and against the Individual Defendants.  The Complaint alleged that the Individual Defendants caused NeuroMetrix to improperly report the Company’s ability to sustain profitability from the sale of its NC-Stat System, which was the Company’s principal product and primary source of revenue.  As alleged in the Complaint, the Individual Defendants allegedly permitted NeuroMetrix to engage in improper business practices, such as giving certain doctors kickbacks in the form of free sensors in exchange for referring other doctors to the NC-Stat System.

 

On May 20, 2008, the Parties entered into a Stipulation to Extend Time to Respond to the Complaint and informed the Court of the factually related securities class actions that were pending before the Court.  The Parties agreed to the extension in the interest of judicial economy and to conserve resources in order to coordinate the briefing schedule on Defendants’ anticipated motion to dismiss in this Action with the motion to dismiss in the securities class actions.

 

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On December 10, 2008, Plaintiff filed his Verified Amended Shareholder Derivative Complaint for Breach of Fiduciary Duty, Waste of Corporate Assets, Unjust Enrichment and Violations of Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (“Amended Complaint”).  The Amended Complaint included additional detailed allegations based on an extensive investigation conducted by Plaintiff’s Counsel (as defined in Section IV herein), including interviews of several former NeuroMetrix employees.

 

On February 20, 2009, Defendants filed an Assented-To Motion for Extension of Time to Move to Dismiss the Amended Complaint.  The Court granted Defendants’ motion on February 26, 2009.  On March 13, 2009, Defendants filed an Assented-To Motion to Continue Briefing Schedule in Light of Mediation, which was set for June 4, 2009 with the Honorable Layn R. Phillips (Ret.) (“Judge Phillips”).  On March 24, 2009, the Court granted Defendants’ motion to continue the briefing schedule on their motion to dismiss.

 

On June 4, 2009, the Parties participated in mediation with the assistance of Judge Phillips.  Although the Parties did not resolve the Action at the June 4, 2009 mediation, the Parties did discuss, and made progress on, a proposed settlement structure.  Following the June 4, 2009 mediation, the Parties continued to engage in arm’s-length discussions and negotiations in an effort to resolve the Action.  On June 10, 2009, the Parties filed a Joint Motion to Further Continue Briefing Schedule so that they could continue to engage in settlement discussions, which was granted by the Court on June 16, 2009.

 

On August 3, 2009, the Parties determined that they were unable to reach a resolution of the litigation, and Defendants filed an Assented-To Motion for Further Extension of Time to Move to Dismiss the Amended Complaint.  On August 7, 2009, the Court granted Defendants’ motion and set deadlines for the briefing schedule on Defendants’ motion to dismiss.  On September 2, 2009, Defendants filed their Motion to Dismiss the Amended Complaint on the grounds that the the Amended Complaint failed to allege particularized facts showing that demand should be excused as futile pursuant to Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 23.1 and that it failed to state a claim

 

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upon which relief can be granted under Rule 12(b)(6) and with the particularity required under Rule 9(b).

 

After the filing of Defendants’ motion to dismiss, the Parties, with the assistance of Judge Phillips, reengaged in settlement negotiations and reached an agreement-in-principle to settle the Action.  On November 11, 2009, the Parties executed a Memorandum of Understanding (“MOU”) which generally outlines the terms of the settlement (“Settlement”).

 

On October 30, 2009, the Parties filed a Joint Motion to Stay All Proceedings Pending Finalization of Settlement (“Motion to Stay”).  On November 20, 2009, the Court ordered all proceedings in this Action stayed to permit the Parties to finalize the Settlement.

 

The Parties have entered into the Stipulation which sets forth complete terms and conditions of the Settlement.

 

II.            PLAINTIFF’S CLAIMS AND THE BENEFITS OF SETTLEMENT

 

Although Plaintiff believes that the Action has substantial merit, Plaintiff and Plaintiff’s Counsel (as defined in Section IV herein) recognize and acknowledge the expense and length of time that would be required to prosecute the Action through trial and appeal.  Plaintiff and Plaintiff’s Counsel have also taken into account the uncertain outcome and the risks of litigating the Action, as well as the difficulties and delays inherent in such litigation.  Plaintiff’s Counsel are mindful of the inherent problems of proof and possible defenses to the claims asserted in such actions.  Based on their review and analysis of the relevant facts, allegations, defenses, and controlling legal principles, Plaintiff’s Counsel believes that the Settlement set forth herein confers substantial benefits upon, and is in the best interests of, NeuroMetrix and its shareholders.  Accordingly, Plaintiff has agreed to settle the Action pursuant to the terms and provisions of this Stipulation after considering, inter alia, the benefits that NeuroMetrix will receive when weighed against the risks, expense, and duration of continued litigation.

 

III.          DEFENDANTS’ DENIALS OF WRONGDOING AND LIABILITY

 

Defendants have denied and continue to deny that the claims advanced in the Action are meritorious and have denied and continue to deny all charges of wrongdoing or liability against

 

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them arising out of or relating in any way to the events, conduct, statements, acts, or omissions alleged or that could have been alleged in the Action.  In addition, the Individual Defendants deny that they have any liability whatsoever to NeuroMetrix, deny that they have breached any fiduciary duty to NeuroMetrix and its shareholders, and by entering into this Settlement do not concede the merit of any claims or the lack of merit of any defense to liability.  The Individual Defendants further assert that at all times they acted in good faith and in a manner they reasonably believed to be and that was in the best interests of NeuroMetrix and its shareholders.  Nonetheless, Defendants are entering into this Stipulation solely to eliminate the burden, risk, and expense of further litigation.  Further, Defendants acknowledge that the Settlement provides benefits to, and is in the best interests of, NeuroMetrix and its shareholders.

 

Neither this Stipulation, nor any of its terms or provisions, nor entry of the Judgment (defined in Section IV herein), nor any document or exhibit referred or attached to this Stipulation, nor any action taken to carry out this Stipulation, is, may be construed as, or may be used as evidence of the validity of any of the Released Claims (defined in Section IV herein) or an admission by or against the Defendants of any fault, wrongdoing, or concession of liability whatsoever.

 

IV.          THE SETTLEMENT TERMS

 

NOW, THEREFORE, without any admission or concession on the part of Plaintiff of any lack of merit of the Action whatsoever, and without any admission or concession on the part of the Defendants as to the merits of the Action or as to any liability or wrongdoing whatsoever, IT IS HEREBY STIPULATED AND AGREED, by and among the Parties, through their respective counsel, that, subject to the approval of the Court, in consideration of the mutual agreements set forth herein, the Released Claims shall be finally and fully compromised, settled, and released and the Action shall be dismissed with prejudice:

 

1.             Definitions

 

As used in this Stipulation, the following terms have the meanings specified below:

 

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1.1.          “Action” means the action captioned Mitchell v. Gozani, et al., Civil Action No. 1:08-cv-10674-RWZ (D. Mass filed April 22, 2008).

 

1.2.          “Current NeuroMetrix Shareholders” means any Persons who owned NeuroMetrix common stock as of December 21, 2009 and who continue to hold their NeuroMetrix common stock as of the date of the final settlement approval hearing, excluding the Individual Defendants, the officers and directors of NeuroMetrix, members of their immediate families, and their legal representatives, heirs, successors, or assigns, and any entity in which Individual Defendants have or had a controlling interest.

 

1.3.          “Defendants” means, collectively, the Individual Defendants and nominal defendant NeuroMetrix.

 

1.4.          “Defendants’ Counsel” means Goodwin Procter LLP, Exchange Place, 53 State Street, Boston, MA 02109.

 

1.5.          Fees and Expenses Award” means the agreed upon Fees and Expenses Award that the Defendants will cause to be paid out of NeuroMetrix’s insurance proceeds to Plaintiff’s Counsel, subject to Court approval, in recognition of the benefits conferred on NeuroMetrix by the negotiated corporate governance measures, for Plaintiff’s Counsel’s attorneys’ fees and reimbursement of expenses in connection with the litigation of the Action.

 

1.6.          “Final” means when the last of the following with respect to the Judgment approving the Stipulation shall occur: (i) the expiration of the time to file a motion to alter or amend the Judgment under Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 59(e) has passed without any such motion having been filed; (ii) the expiration of the time in which to appeal the Judgment has passed without any appeal having been taken; and (iii) if a motion to alter or amend is filed or if an appeal is taken, the determination of that motion or appeal in such a manner as to permit the consummation of the Settlement substantially in accordance with the terms and conditions of this Stipulation.  For purposes of this paragraph, an “appeal” shall include any petition for a writ of certiorari, petition for review, or other writ that may be filed in connection with approval or

 

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disapproval of the Settlement, but shall not include any appeal which concerns only the issue of attorneys’ fees and reimbursement of expenses.

 

1.7.          “Individual Defendants” means, collectively, Shai N. Gozani, Gary L. Gregory, W. Bradford Smith, Michael Williams, Guy Daniello, Charles R. LaMantia, David E. Goodman, W. Mark Lortz, Allen J. Hinkle, Nicholas J. Alessi, William Laverack, Jr., and Charles E. Harris.

 

1.8.          “Judgment” means the the Proposed Final Order of Dismissal With Prejudice and Judgment to be rendered by the Court, substantially in the form of Exhibit A attached hereto and incorporated herein by reference.

 

1.9.          “NeuroMetrix” or the “Company” means nominal defendant NeuroMetrix, Inc.

 

1.10.        “Parties” means collectively, Plaintiff, the Individual Defendants, and NeuroMetrix.

 

1.11.        “Person” means an individual, corporation, limited liability corporation, professional corporation, partnership, limited partnership, limited liability partnership, association, joint stock company, estate, legal representative, trust, unincorporated association, government or any political subdivision or agency thereof, and any business or legal entity and their spouses, heirs, predecessors, successors, representatives, or assignees.

 

1.12.        “Plaintiff” means Gordon Mitchell, individually, and derivatively on behalf of NeuroMetrix.

 

1.13.        “Plaintiff’s Counsel” means Robbins Umeda LLP, 600 B Street, Suite 1900, San Diego, CA 92101, Holzer Holzer & Fistel, LLC, 200 Ashford Center North, Suite 300, Atlanta, GA 30338, Partridge, Ankner & Horstmann, LLP, The Berkeley Building, 200 Berkeley Street, 16th Floor, Boston, MA 02116, and any successors to said counsel.

 

1.14.        “Related Persons” means each of the Released Parties’ past or present directors, officers, employees, partners, members, principals, agents, insurers, co-insurers, reinsurers, underwriters, controlling shareholders, attorneys, accountants or auditors, personal or legal representatives, advisors, predecessors, successors, parents, subsidiaries, divisions, joint ventures or joint venturers, assigns, spouses, heirs, estates, administrators, related or affiliated entities,

 

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entities in which any of the Released Parties has a controlling interest, any members of any Individual Defendant’s immediate family, or any trust of which any Individual Defendant or NeuroMetrix is the settlor or which is for the benefit of NeuroMetrix or any Individual Defendant and/or member(s) of any Individual Defendant’s family.

 

1.15.        “Released Claims” shall collectively mean any and all claims, causes of action, suits, matters, debts, demands, rights, and liabilities, whether based on federal, state, local, statutory or common law, or any other law, rule, regulation, or contract, whether known or unknown including, without limitation, Unknown Claims, contingent or absolute, disclosed or undisclosed, matured or unmatured: (i) that have been asserted derivatively by Plaintiff against the Defendants in the Action; (ii) that could have been asserted in the Action or could in the future be asserted against the Defendants derivatively by Plaintiff or derivatively by any other NeuroMetrix shareholder, or against the Individual Defendants by NeuroMetrix, and which are based upon, arise out of, or relate in any way to the facts, matters, occurrences, actions, practices, conduct, events, transactions, statements, disclosures, representations, misrepresentations, omissions, or failures to act that were involved, set forth, referred to, alleged, or that could have been alleged in the Action including, but not limited to, claims for breach of fiduciary duty, abuse of control, mismanagement, gross mismanagement, waste of corporate assets, misappropriation of information, unjust enrichment, insider trading, contribution and indemnification, money damages, disgorgement, any and all demands, actions, damages, claims, rights or causes of action, or liabilities whatsoever; or (iii) that would have been barred by res judicata had the Action been fully litigated to a final judgment.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Parties do not intend through the Settlement of the Action and agreed-upon releases to release any shareholder claims in the Securities Class Action.

 

1.16.        “Released Parties” means NeuroMetrix and each of the Individual Defendants.

 

1.17.        “Released Persons” means each and all of the Released Parties and each of their Related Persons.

 

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1.18.        “Securities Class Action” means the action captioned NECA-IBEW Pension Fund v. NeuroMetrix, Inc., et al., Civil Action No. 1:08-10434-RWZ (D. Mass filed March 17, 2008).

 

1.19.        “Settlement Hearing” means the hearing on final approval of the proposed Settlement contemplated by this Stipulation, made upon noticed motion of the Parties, at which the Parties will seek entry of the Judgment.

 

1.20.        “Unknown Claims” means any Released Claims that any Party or Related Person does not know or suspect to exist in his, her, or its favor at the time of the release of the Released Persons which, if known by him, her, or it, might have affected his, her, or its settlement with and release of the Released Persons, or might have affected his, her, or its decision not to object to the Settlement.  With respect to any and all Released Claims, the Parties each stipulate and agree that, upon entry of the Judgment, the Parties each shall be deemed to have, and by operation of the Judgment shall have, expressly waived the provisions, rights, and benefits of California Civil Code §1542, which provides:

 

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.

 

The Parties each shall expressly waive, and by operation of the Judgment shall have, expressly waived any and all provisions, rights, and benefits conferred by any law of any state or territory of the United States, or principle of common law, which is similar, comparable, or equivalent to California Civil Code §1542.  The Parties each may hereafter discover facts in addition to or different from those that he, she, or it now knows or believes to be true with respect to the subject matter of the Released Claims, but, upon entry of the Judgment, the Parties each shall be deemed to have, and by operation of the Judgment shall have, fully, finally, and forever settled and released any and all Released Claims, known or unknown, suspected or unsuspected, contingent or non-contingent, which now exist, or heretofore have existed, upon any theory of law or equity now existing or coming into existence in the future including, but not limited to, conduct which is negligent, intentional, with or without malice, or a breach of any duty, law or rule, without

 

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regard to the subsequent discovery or existence of such different or additional facts.  The Parties each acknowledge that the foregoing waiver was separately bargained for and a key element of the Settlement of which this release is a part.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Parties do not intend through the Settlement of the Action and agreed-upon releases to release any shareholder claims in the Securities Class Action.

 

2.             Settlement of the Derivative Action

 

2.1           The Parties have conducted arm’s-length negotiations over an extended period of time and have reached agreement to settle the Action.  Prior to Plaintiff seeking preliminary approval of the Settlement, Defendants obtained approval from NeuroMetrix’ Board of Directors as to certain agreed upon corporate governance measures as set forth in Exhibit B attached hereto and incorporated herein by reference.  Defendants acknowledge that the institution and prosecution of the Action was done in good faith and was a contributing factor in the continued implementation of the agreed upon corporate governance measures set forth in Exhibit B.  Further, Defendants acknowledge that the agreed corporate governance measures constitute benefits to NeuroMetrix.

 

2.2           In addition, in furtherance of the Settlement, Defendants made available for examination by Plaintiff’s Counsel, the agreed-to confirmatory discovery as described in the MOU.  Plaintiff’s Counsel agreed to maintain the confidentiality of all information disclosed during confirmatory discovery.

 

3.             Preliminary Approval and Notice

 

3.1           Promptly after execution of the Stipulation, the Parties shall submit the Stipulation together with its exhibits to the Court and shall jointly apply for entry of an order (the “Notice Order”), substantially in the form of Exhibit C attached hereto, requesting: (i) preliminary approval of the Settlement set forth in this Stipulation; (ii) approval of the form and content of the Summary Notice of Proposed Settlement of Shareholder Derivative Action (“Summary Notice”) and the Notice of Proposed Settlement of Shareholder Derivative Action (“Notice”); and (iii) a date for the Settlement Hearing.

 

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3.2                                 Plaintiff will move the Court to approve the form and content of notice of the settlement to Current NeuroMetrix Shareholders.  Specifically, Plaintiff will seek approval of the Summary Notice, substantially in the form attached hereto as Exhibit D, and the Notice, substantially in the form attached hereto as Exhibit E.  The Summary Notice shall be published once in Investor’s Business Daily and shall refer shareholders to the websites of NeuroMetrix and Robbins Umeda LLP to view the detailed Notice and Stipulation.  NeuroMetrix’s insurers shall be responsible for all costs associated with publishing the Summary Notice.  In addition, NeuroMetrix shall cause a copy of the Notice to be filed with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) via a Form 8-K.  The Summary Notice shall also direct NeuroMetrix shareholders to the SEC’s website to view the Notice.  The Parties believe the content and manner of the notices requested constitute adequate notice to NeuroMetrix shareholders pursuant to applicable law.

 

3.3                                 Plaintiff’s Counsel shall request that the Court hold a Settlement Hearing after notice as described above is given to Current NeuroMetrix Shareholders to determine final approval of the Settlement. At the Settlement Hearing, Plaintiff’s Counsel also will request Court approval of the Fees and Expenses Award (as defined in ¶1.5 above) to Plaintiff’s Counsel.

 

4.                                      Attorneys’ Fees and Reimbursement of Expenses

 

4.1                                 In recognition of the benefits conferred on NeuroMetrix through the corporate governance measures and subject to Court approval, Defendants will cause to be paid to Plaintiff’s Counsel out of NeuroMetrix’s insurance proceeds a Fees and Expenses Award in an amount of up to $350,000 for Plaintiff’s Counsel’s attorneys’ fees and reimbursement of expenses.  Defendants’ insurer shall pay the Fees and Expenses Award within fifteen (15) business days of entry of Judgment, provided that: (i) it receives notice of Court approval on the day the Court enters the final approval order; and (ii) Plaintiff’s Counsel has provided to Defendants prior to the Court’s entry of the final approval order all necessary information to effectuate payment by the insurers.
 
4.2                                 Plaintiff’s Counsel shall reimburse NeuroMetrix’s insurers if the Fees and Expenses Award is reduced or modified on appeal.

 

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4.3                                 The Settlement shall not be set aside if the Court approves an amount of attorneys’ fees and reimbursement of expenses less than the requested Fees and Expense Award of $350,000.
 

5.                                      Releases

 

5.1                                 Upon the entry of the Judgment, Plaintiff, individually and derivatively on behalf of NeuroMetrix, Plaintiff’s Counsel, and NeuroMetrix shall have, and by operation of the Judgment shall be deemed to have, fully, finally, and forever released, relinquished, and discharged of all Released Claims (including Unknown Claims) and any and all claims arising out of, relating to, or in connection with the Settlement or resolution of the Action against the Released Persons.  Nothing herein, however, shall bar any action or claim to enforce the terms of the Stipulation or the Judgment.
 
5.2                                 Upon entry of the Judgment, each of the Defendants shall fully, finally, and forever release, relinquish, and discharge Plaintiff and Plaintiff’s Counsel from all claims arising out of, relating to, or in connection with their institution, prosecution, assertion, settlement, or resolution of the Action and/or the Released Claims.  Nothing herein, however, shall bar any action or claim to enforce the terms of the Stipulation or the Judgment.
 
5.3                                 The Parties will seek entry of the Judgment by the Court, dismissing the Action with prejudice and barring any claims that have been or might have been brought in any court or forum by NeuroMetrix or any NeuroMetrix shareholder on NeuroMetrix’s behalf relating to or arising out of allegations in the Amended Complaint filed in the Action.
 

6.                                      Conditions of Settlement, Effect of Disapproval, Cancellation, or Termination

 

6.1                                 The Settlement shall be conditioned on the occurrence of all of the following events:

 

(a)                                  entry of the Notice Order;

 

(b)                                 final approval of the Settlement following notice to Current NeuroMetrix Shareholders as contemplated by the Stipulation and the Settlement Hearing as required by Rule 23.1 of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure;

 

(c)                                  entry of the Judgment;

 

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(d)                                 payment to Plaintiff’s Counsel of the Fees and Expenses Award in accordance with ¶4.1 above; and

 

(e)                                  the Judgment has become Final, as defined in ¶1.5 above.

 

6.2                                 If any of the conditions listed in ¶6.1 are not met, this Stipulation and any settlement documentation shall be null and void and of no force and effect, unless Plaintiff’s Counsel and Defendants’ Counsel mutually agree in writing to proceed with the Stipulation.  In the event that any of the conditions listed in ¶6.1 are not met, the Parties shall be restored to their positions on November 10, 2009, the date immediately prior to the execution date of the MOU, and neither the MOU, nor the Stipulation shall be deemed to constitute an admission of fact by any Party, and neither the existence of the MOU, nor the Stipulation, nor their contents, shall be admissible in evidence or be referred to for any purposes in the Action or in any litigation or judicial proceeding.

 

7.                                      Bankruptcy

 

7.1                                 In the event that a case is commenced in respect to any Individual Defendant or NeuroMetrix under Title 11 of the United States Code (Bankruptcy), or a trustee, receiver, or conservator is appointed under any similar law, the Parties agree to use their reasonable best efforts to obtain all necessary orders, consents, releases, and approvals for effectuation of this Stipulation in a timely and expeditious manner.  By way of example only, the Parties agree to cooperate in making applications and motions to the bankruptcy court for relief from any stay, approval of the settlement, authority to release funds, authority for NeuroMetrix’s insurer to disburse insurance proceeds consistent with this Stipulation, authority to release claims and indemnify officers and directors, and authority for the Court to enter all necessary orders and judgments, and any other actions reasonably necessary to effectuate the terms of this Stipulation.

 

7.2                                 In the event that a case is commenced in respect to any Individual Defendant or NeuroMetrix under Title 11 of the United States Code (Bankruptcy), or a trustee, receiver, or conservator is appointed under any similar law, the Parties agree that all dates and deadlines set

 

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forth herein will be extended for such periods of time as are necessary to obtain necessary orders, consents, releases, and approvals from the bankruptcy court for effectuation of this Stipulation.

 

8.                                      Miscellaneous Provisions

 

8.1                                 The Parties: (i) acknowledge that it is their intent to consummate this Stipulation; and (ii) agree to cooperate to the extent reasonably necessary to effectuate and implement all terms and conditions of the Stipulation and to exercise their best efforts to accomplish the foregoing terms and conditions of the Stipulation.

 

8.2                                 In the event that any part of the Settlement is found to be unlawful, void, unconscionable, or against public policy by a court of competent jurisdiction, the Settling Parties agree that the remaining terms and conditions of the Settlement shall remain intact.

 

8.3                                 The Parties agree that terms of the Settlement were negotiated in good faith by the Parties, and reflect a settlement that was reached voluntarily after consultation with competent legal counsel.  In addition, the Parties agree that during the course of the Action the Parties and their respective counsel at all times acted professionally and in compliance with Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 11 and any other court rule or statute with respect to any claims or defenses in the Action.  Accordingly, the Judgment in the Action will contain a finding that during the course of the litigation, the Parties and their respective counsel at all times complied with the requirements of Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 11 and any other court rule or statute with respect to any claims or defenses in the Action.  The Parties reserve their right to rebut, in a manner that such party determines to be appropriate, any contention made in any public forum that the Action was brought or defended in bad faith or without a reasonable basis.

 

8.4                                 Neither the Stipulation nor the Settlement, nor any act performed or document executed pursuant to or in furtherance of the Stipulation or the Settlement: (i) is or may be deemed to be or may be used as an admission of, or evidence of, the validity of any Released Claim, or of any wrongdoing or liability of the Defendants and/or the Related Persons; or (ii) is or may be deemed to be or may be used as an admission of, or evidence of, any fault or omission of any of the Defendants and/or the Related Persons in any civil, criminal, or administrative proceeding in any

 

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court, administrative agency, or other tribunal.  NeuroMetrix, the Individual Defendants, and/or the Related Persons may file the Stipulation and/or the Judgment in any action that may be brought against them in order to support a defense or counterclaim based on principles of res judicata, collateral estoppel, release, good faith settlement, judgment bar or reduction, or any other theory of claim preclusion or issue preclusion or similar defense or counterclaim.

 

8.5                                 Plaintiff represents and warrants that Plaintiff is and has, at times relevant to the Complaint in the Action, been a shareholder of NeuroMetrix, continues to hold NeuroMetrix stock, and that none of Plaintiff’s claims or causes of action in the Action has been assigned, encumbered, or in any manner transferred in whole or in part.

 

8.6                                 Any and all agreements made and orders entered during the course of the Action relating to the confidentiality of information shall survive the Stipulation.

 

8.7                                 The exhibits to the Stipulation are material and integral parts hereof and are fully incorporated herein by this reference.  The Stipulation and the exhibits attached hereto represent the complete and final resolution of all disputes between the Parties with respect to the Action, constitute the entire agreement among the Parties, and supersede any and all prior negotiations, discussions, agreements, or undertakings, whether oral or written, with respect to such matters.

 

8.8                                 The Stipulation may be amended or modified only by a written instrument signed by or on behalf of all Parties or their respective successors-in-interest.

 

8.9                                 The Stipulation shall be deemed drafted equally by all Parties hereto.

 

8.10                           The Stipulation and the Settlement contemplated by it, and all disputes arising out of or relating to it, shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the substantive laws and procedural rules of Massachusetts.

 

8.11                           No representations, warranties, or inducements have been made to any Party concerning the Stipulation or its exhibits other than the representations, warranties, and covenants contained and memorialized in such documents.

 

8.12                           Except as otherwise provided herein, each of the Parties shall bear his, her, or its own fees and costs.

 

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8.13                           Each counsel or other Person executing the Stipulation or its exhibits on behalf of any Settling Party hereby warrants that such Person has the full authority to do so.

 

8.14                           The Stipulation shall be binding upon, and inure to the benefit of, the successors and assigns of the Parties and the Released Persons hereto.

 

8.15                           The Stipulation may be executed by facsimile and in one or more counterparts.  All executed counterparts and each of them shall be deemed to be one and the same instrument.  A complete set of original executed counterparts shall be filed with the Court.

 

8.16                           The Court shall retain jurisdiction with respect to implementation and enforcement of the terms of the Stipulation, and the Parties submit to the jurisdiction of the Court for purposes of implementing and enforcing the Settlement embodied in the Stipulation.

 

8.17                           All notices, requests, claims, demands, and other communications under this Stipulation shall be in writing, and shall be given or made (and shall be deemed to have been duly given or made upon receipt) by delivery in person, by registered or certified mail (postage prepaid, return receipt requested), by facsimile, or by Federal Express or similar overnight courier to the respective parties at the following addresses (or at such address for a party as shall be specified in a notice given in accordance with this paragraph):

 

If to Plaintiff’s Counsel:

 

 

 

 

ROBBINS UMEDA LLP

 

Brian J. Robbins

 

Felipe J. Arroyo

 

Gregory E. Del Gaizo

 

600 B Street, Suite 1900

 

San Diego, CA 92101

 

Telephone: (619) 525-3990

 

Facsimile: (619) 525-3991

 

 

 

PARTRIDGE, ANKNER & HORSTMANN, LLP

 

Terence K. Ankner

 

Peter C. Horstmann

 

The Berkeley Building

 

200 Berkeley Street, 16th Floor

 

Boston, MA 02116

 

Telephone: (617) 859-9999

 

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Facsimile: (617) 859-9998

 

 

 

HOLZER, HOLZER & FISTEL, LLC

 

Michael I. Fistel, Jr.

 

Corey D. Holzer

 

200 Ashford Center North, Suite 300

 

Atlanta, GA 30338

 

Telephone: (770) 392-0090

 

Facsimile: (770) 392-3991

 

 

If to Defendants’ Counsel:

 

 

 

 

GOODWIN PROCTER LLP

 

Deborah S. Birnbach

 

Laura Stock Craven

 

Katherine G. McKenney

 

Exchange Place

 

53 State Street

 

Boston, MA 02109

 

Telephone: (617) 570-1000

 

Facsimile: (617) 523-1231

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties hereto have caused the Stipulation to be executed, by their duly authorized attorneys, dated as of December 21, 2009.

 

Dated: December 21, 2009

ROBBINS UMEDA LLP
BRIAN J. ROBBINS
FELIPE J. ARROYO
GREGORY E. DEL GAIZO

 

 

 

/s/ Felipe J. Arroyo

 

FELIPE J. ARROYO

 

 

 

600 B Street, Suite 1900
San Diego, CA 92101
Telephone: (619) 525-3990
Facsimile: (619) 525-3991

 

 

 

PARTRIDGE, ANKNER

 

& HORSTMANN, LLP

 

TERENCE K. ANKNER BBO #552469

 

PETER C. HORSTMANN BBO #556377

 

The Berkeley Building

 

200 Berkeley Street, 16th Floor

 

Boston, MA 02116

 

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Telephone: (617) 859-9999

 

Facsimile: (617) 859-9998

 

 

 

HOLZER, HOLZER & FISTEL, LLC
MICHAEL I. FISTEL, JR.
COREY D. HOLZER
200 Ashford Center North, Suite 300
Atlanta, GA 30338
Telephone: (770) 392-0090
Facsimile: (770) 392-3991

 

 

 

 

 

Attorneys for Plaintiff

 

 

Dated: December 21, 2009

GOODWIN PROCTER LLP
DEBORAH S. BIRNBACH BBO #628243
LAURA STOCK CRAVEN BBO #652276
KATHERINE G. MCKENNEY BBO #660621

 

 

 

 

 

/s/ Deborah S. Birnbach

 

DEBORAH S. BIRNBACH

 

 

 

Exchange Place
53 State Street
Boston, MA 02109
Telephone: (617) 570-1000
Facsimile: (617) 523-1231

 

 

 

Attorneys for Individual Defendants Shain Gozani, Gary L. Gregory, W. Bradford Smith, Michael Williams, Guy Daniello, Charles R. LaMantia, David E. Goodman, W. Mark Lortz, Allen J. Hinkle, Nicholas J. Alessi, William Laverack, Jr., Charles E. Harris and Nominal Defendant NeuroMetrix, Inc.

 

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CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE

 

I, Terence K. Ankner, hereby certify that this document filed through the ECF system will be sent electronically to the registered participants as identified on the Notice of Electronic Filing (NEF) and paper copies will be sent to those indicated as non-registered participants on December       , 2009.

 

 

s/ Terence K. Ankner

 

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Exhibit B

 

UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT

 

DISTRICT OF MASSACHUSETTS

 

GORDON MITCHELL, Derivatively on

)

Case No. 1:08-cv-10674-RWZ

Behalf of NEUROMETRIX, INC.,

)

 

 

)

DERIVATIVE ACTION

Plaintiff,

)

 

 

)

 

vs.

)

 

 

)

 

 

)

 

SHAI N. GOZANI, GARY L. GREGORY, W.

)

 

BRADFORD SMITH, MICHAEL

)

 

WILLIAMS, GUY DANIELLO, CHARLES

)

 

R. LAMANTIA, DAVID E. GOODMAN, W.

)

 

MARK LORTZ, ALLEN J. HINKLE,

)

 

NICHOLAS J. ALESSI, WILLIAM

)

 

LAVERACK, JR. and CHARLES E. HARRIS,

)

 

 

)

 

Defendants,

)

 

 

)

 

-and-

)

 

 

)

 

NEUROMETRIX, INC., a Delaware corporation,

)

 

 

)

 

Nominal Defendant.

)

 

 

)

 

 

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE MEASURES

 



 

Defendants have obtained approval from NeuroMetrix, Inc.’s (“NeuroMetrix” or the “Company”) Board of Directors (the “Board”) to commit NeuroMetrix to the following corporate governance measures.  Defendants acknowledge that the institution and prosecution of the Action was a contributing factor in the continued implementation of the agreed upon corporate governance measures.

 

1.             On September 10, 2009, NeuroMetrix appointed Thomas T. Higgins to serve as its new Chief Financial Officer.

 

2.             The Board has committed the Company to continuing to review its marketing, training and other materials to ensure compliance with the Deferred Prosecution Agreement between the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Massachusetts and NeuroMetrix, Inc. dated February 5, 2009 (the “DPA”).

 

3.             The Company will submit to the Board a mutually-acceptable resolution formalizing the Board’s oversight of the Company’s Ethics and Compliance Committee.

 

4.             Each member of the Board will complete two (2) hours of training annually regarding NeuroMetrix’s Compliance Program, as described in the Corporate Integrity Agreement between the Office of Inspector General of the Department of Health and Human Services and NeuroMetrix, Inc. dated February 6, 2009 (the “CIA”), regardless of whether each director meets the definition of “covered person[s]” in the CIA.

 

5.             The Company’s Director of Ethics and Compliance will receive additional training as necessary to address changes in applicable standards in the relevant compliance, ethics, and healthcare fields through the expiration of the Company’s obligations under the CIA and DPA.

 

6.             The Board’s Compensation Committee will be specifically charged with reviewing compensation paid for potential disgorgement issues in the event financial improprieties are discovered.

 



 

7.             The Company’s Director of Ethics and Compliance will be charged with conducting or overseeing the investigation of potentially responsible employees in the event a “contradictory statement” (as defined in the DPA) is made.

 

8.             The Company’s Director of Ethics and Compliance will continue to report to the full Board on a quarterly basis.

 

9.             The Company will continue to maintain a toll free hotline in order to raise compliance issues.

 

10.           The Company submitted to its Board a mutually-acceptable resolution formalizing the requirement that, so long as NeuroMetrix is listed on the National Association of Securities and Dealers Automated Quotation (“NASDAQ”), it will continue to comply with NASDAQ Stock Market Rule 5605(b).

 

2