SEC Filing | Cutera Inc.

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Form 8-K

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, DC 20549

FORM 8-K

CURRENT REPORT

Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of

the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

December 12, 2008

Date of Report (date of earliest event reported)

CUTERA, INC.

(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)


Delaware	000-50644	77-0470324
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation)	(Commission File Number)	(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

3240 Bayshore Blvd.

Brisbane, California 94005

(Address of principal executive offices)

(415) 657-5500

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

N/A

(Former name or former address, if changed since last report)

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):

¨	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))

Item 1.01

Entry into a Material Definitive Agreement.

On December 12, 2008, the independent members of the Company’s board of directors unanimously approved Change of Control and Severance Agreements (each, a “Change of Control Agreement”) for Kevin P. Connors, the Company’s President and Chief Executive Officer; Ronald J. Santilli, the Company’s Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer; and David A. Gollnick, the Company’s Executive Vice President of Research and Development (each, an “Executive”).

The Change of Control Agreements provide that if an Executive’s employment with the Company is terminated by the Company without Cause or by the Executive for Good Reason within 3 months prior to or within 12 months after a Change of Control (as such terms Cause, Good Reason and Change of Control are defined in the Change of Control Agreement) of the Company, the Executive will receive, subject to signing a release of claims in favor of the Company, (i) a lump sum severance payment equal to 200% of the annual base salary as in effect immediately prior to such termination for Mr. Connors and 100% of the annual base salary as in effect immediately prior to such termination for Messrs. Santilli and Gollnick; and (ii) up to 24 months for Mr. Connors and up to 12 months for Messrs. Santilli and Gollnick of reimbursement for premiums paid for COBRA coverage.

The Change of Control Agreements also provide that if an Executive’s employment with the Company is terminated without Cause or by the Executive for Good Reason within 3 months prior to or within 12 months after a Change of Control (as such terms Cause, Good Reason and Change of Control are defined in the Change of Control Agreement) of the Company, the Executive will receive, subject to signing a release of claims in favor of the Company, (i) a lump sum severance payment equal to 200% of the annual base salary as in effect immediately prior to such termination or, if greater, at the level in effect immediately prior to the Change of Control for Mr. Connors and 100% of the annual base salary as in effect immediately prior to such termination or, if greater, at the level in effect immediately prior to the Change of Control for Messrs. Santilli and Gollnick; (ii) a lump sum severance payment equal to 100% of the Executive’s annual target bonus for the fiscal year in which the termination occurs or, if greater, Executive’s annual target bonus in effect immediately prior to the Change of Control; (iii) automatic vesting in full of all outstanding and unvested equity awards held by the Executive as of the date of the Change of Control; and (iv) up to 24 months for Mr. Connors and up to 12 months for Messrs. Santilli and Gollnick of reimbursement for premiums paid for COBRA coverage.

This description of the Change of Control Agreements is qualified in its entirety by reference to the provisions of the Change of Control Agreements for each of these Executives, which are attached as Exhibits 10.15, 10.16 and 10.17 to this current report on Form 8-K.

Item 5.02

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

See description of Change of Control Agreements under Item 1.01 above.

Item 9.01

Financial Statements and Exhibits.

(d) Exhibits.


Exhibit No.		Description

10.15		Change of Control and Severance Agreement dated December 12, 2008 by and between the registrant and Kevin P. Connors.

10.16		Change of Control and Severance Agreement dated December 12, 2008 by and between the registrant and Ronald J. Santilli.

10.17		Change of Control and Severance Agreement dated December 12, 2008 by and between the registrant and David A. Gollnick.

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.


		CUTERA, INC.

By:		/s/ Ronald J. Santilli
		Ronald J. Santilli
		Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

Date: December 18, 2008.

Change of Control and Severance Agreement - Kevin P. Connors

Exhibit 10.15

CUTERA, INC.

CHANGE OF CONTROL AND SEVERANCE AGREEMENT

This Change of Control And Severance Agreement (the “Agreement”) is made and entered into by and between Kevin P. Connors (“Executive”) and Cutera, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), effective as of December 12, 2008 (the “Effective Date”).

RECITALS

1. The Company may from time to time consider the possibility of an acquisition by another company or other change of control, or may terminate Executive’s employment without cause or may cause Executive to resign his or employment for good reason. The Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors of the Company (the “Committee”) recognizes that the risk of such events occurring can be a distraction to Executive and can cause Executive to consider alternative employment opportunities. The Committee has determined that it is in the best interests of the Company and its stockholders to assure that the Company will have the continued dedication and objectivity of Executive, notwithstanding the possibility that such events may occur.

2. The Committee believes that it is in the best interests of the Company and its stockholders to provide Executive with an incentive to continue his or her employment.

3. The Committee believes that it is imperative to provide Executive with certain severance benefits in certain instances upon Executive’s termination of employment. These benefits will provide Executive with enhanced financial security and incentive and encouragement to remain with the Company notwithstanding the possibility that certain events may occur that lead to the termination of Executive’s employment.

4. Certain capitalized terms used in the Agreement are defined in Section 5 below.

AGREEMENT

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants contained herein, the parties hereto agree as follows:

1. Term of Agreement. This Agreement will have an initial term of three (3) years commencing on the Effective Date (the “Initial Term”). On the third anniversary of the Effective Date, this Agreement will renew automatically for an additional one (1) year term (the “Additional Term”) unless either party provides the other party with written notice of non-renewal at least sixty (60) days prior to the date of automatic renewal. Notwithstanding the foregoing sentence, if a Change of Control occurs at any time during either the Initial Term or an Additional Term, the term of this Agreement will extend automatically through the date that is twelve (12) months following the effective date of the Change of Control. If Executive becomes entitled to benefits under Section 3 during the term of this Agreement, the Agreement will not terminate until all of the obligations of the parties hereto with respect to this Agreement have been satisfied.

2. At-Will Employment. The Company and Executive acknowledge that Executive’s employment is and will continue to be at-will, as defined under applicable law. If Executive’s employment terminates for any reason, including (without limitation) any termination prior to or following a Change of Control as provided herein, Executive will not be entitled to any payments, benefits, damages, awards or compensation other than as provided by this Agreement or as provided in any employment agreement entered into between the Company and Executive, and the payment of accrued but unpaid wages, as required by law, and any unreimbursed reimbursable expenses.

3. Severance Benefits.

(a) Termination without Cause or Resignation for Good Reason Not in Connection with a Change of Control. If the Company terminates Executive’s employment with the Company without Cause or if Executive resigns from such employment for Good Reason, and such termination occurs either prior to three (3) months before, or after twelve (12) months following, a Change of Control, and Executive signs and does not revoke a release of claims with the Company (in a form reasonably acceptable to the Company) and provided that such release of claims becomes effective no later than sixty (60) days following the termination date (such deadline, the “Release Deadline”), then subject to this Section 3, Executive will receive the following:

(i) Severance Payment. Executive will receive a lump-sum payment equal to two hundred percent (200%) of Executive’s annual base salary as in effect immediately prior to Executive’s termination date.

(ii) Continued Employee Benefits. If Executive elects continuation coverage pursuant to the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985, as amended (“COBRA”) for Executive and Executive’s eligible dependents, within the time period prescribed pursuant to COBRA, the Company will reimburse Executive for the COBRA premiums for such coverage (at the coverage levels in effect immediately prior to Executive’s termination) until the earlier of (A) a period of twenty-four (24) months from the last date of employment of the Executive with the Company, or (B) the date upon which Executive and/or Executive’s eligible dependents becomes covered under similar plans. The reimbursements will be made by the Company to Executive consistent with the Company’s normal expense reimbursement policy.

(iii) Accrued Compensation. The Company will pay Executive all accrued but unpaid vacation, expense reimbursements, wages, and other benefits due to Executive under any Company-provided plans, policies, and arrangements.

(b) Termination without Cause or Resignation for Good Reason in Connection with a Change of Control. If the Company terminates Executive’s employment with the Company without Cause or if Executive resigns from such employment for Good Reason, and such termination occurs within the period beginning three (3) months before, and ending twelve (12) months following, a Change of Control, and Executive signs and does not revoke a release of claims with the Company (in a form reasonably acceptable to the Company) and provided that such release of claims becomes effective no later than the Release Deadline, then subject to this Section 3, Executive will receive the following:

(i) Severance Payment. Executive will receive a lump-sum payment equal to the sum of (A) two hundred percent (200%) of Executive’s annual base salary as in effect immediately prior to Executive’s termination date or, if greater, at the level in effect immediately prior to the Change of Control, and (B) one hundred percent (100%) of Executive’s annual target bonus for the fiscal year of Executive’s termination or, if greater, Executive’s annual target bonus in effect immediately prior to the Change of Control.

(ii) Vesting Acceleration of Equity Awards. One hundred percent (100%) of Executive’s then outstanding and unvested equity awards as of the date of the Change of Control will become vested and otherwise will remain subject to the terms and conditions of the applicable equity award agreement.

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(iii) Continued Employee Benefits. If Executive elects continuation coverage pursuant to the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985, as amended (“COBRA”) for Executive and Executive’s eligible dependents, within the time period prescribed pursuant to COBRA, the Company will reimburse Executive for the COBRA premiums for such coverage (at the coverage levels in effect immediately prior to Executive’s termination) until the earlier of (A) a period of twenty-four (24) months from the last date of employment of the Executive with the Company, or (B) the date upon which Executive and/or Executive’s eligible dependents becomes covered under similar plans. The reimbursements will be made by the Company to Executive consistent with the Company’s normal expense reimbursement policy.

(iv) Accrued Compensation. The Company will pay Executive all accrued but unpaid vacation, expense reimbursements, wages, and other benefits due to Executive under any Company-provided plans, policies, and arrangements.

(i) If the release of claims does not become effective by the Release Deadline, Executive will forfeit any rights to severance or benefits under this Agreement. In no event will severance payments or benefits be paid or provided until the release of claims becomes effective and irrevocable.

(ii) Unless otherwise required by Section 3(g), the Company will pay any severance payments set forth in Section 3(a)(i) and Section 3(b)(i) in a lump-sum payment payable within thirty (30) days following Executive’s termination date; provided, however, that no severance or other benefits, other than the accrued compensation set forth in Section 3(a)(i) and Section 3(b)(i), will be paid or provided until the release of claims discussed in Section 3(a) and Section 3(b) becomes effective and irrevocable, and such severance amounts or benefits otherwise payable between Executive’s termination date and the date such release becomes effective and irrevocable will be paid on the date the release becomes effective and irrevocable. If Executive should die before all of the severance amounts have been paid, such unpaid amounts will be paid in a lump-sum payment promptly following such event to Executive’s designated beneficiary, if living, or otherwise to the personal representative of Executive’s estate.

(d) Voluntary Resignation; Termination for Cause. If Executive’s employment with the Company terminates (i) voluntarily by Executive (other than for Good Reason) or (ii) for Cause by the Company, then Executive will not be entitled to receive severance or other benefits except for those (if any) as may then be established under the Company’s then existing severance and benefits plans and practices or pursuant to other written agreements with the Company.

(e) Disability; Death. If the Company terminates Executive’s employment as a result of Executive’s Disability, or Executive’s employment terminates due to his or her death, then Executive will not be entitled to receive any other severance or other benefits except for those (if any) as may then be established under the Company’s then existing written severance and benefits plans and practices or pursuant to other written agreements with the Company.

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accrued but unpaid wages, as required by law, and any unreimbursed reimbursable expenses). Executive will be entitled to no benefits, compensation or other payments or rights upon a termination of employment prior to or following a Change of Control other than those benefits expressly set forth in Section 3 of this Agreement.

(g) Section 409A.

(i) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, no severance payable to Executive, if any, pursuant to this Agreement, when considered together with any other severance payments or separation benefits that are considered deferred compensation under Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), and the final regulations and any guidance promulgated thereunder (“Section 409A”) (together, the “Deferred Compensation Separation Benefits”) will be payable until Executive has a “separation from service” within the meaning of Section 409A.

(ii) Any severance payments or benefits under this Agreement that would be considered Deferred Compensation Severance Benefits will be paid on, or, in the case of installments, will not commence until, the sixtieth (60^th) day following Executive’s separation from service, or, if later, such time as required by Section 3(g)(iii). Any installment payments that would have been made to Executive during the sixty (60) day period immediately following Executive’s separation from service but for the preceding sentence will be paid to Executive on the sixtieth (60^th) day following Executive’s separation from service and the remaining payments shall be made as provided in this Agreement.

(iii) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, if Executive is a “specified employee” within the meaning of Section 409A at the time of Executive’s termination (other than due to death), then the Deferred Compensation Separation Benefits that are payable within the first six (6) months following Executive’s separation from service, will become payable on the first payroll date that occurs on or after the date six (6) months and one (1) day following the date of Executive’s separation from service. All subsequent Deferred Compensation Separation Benefits, if any, will be payable in accordance with the payment schedule applicable to each payment or benefit. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, if Executive dies following Executive’s separation from service but prior to the six (6) month anniversary of the separation, then any payments delayed in accordance with this paragraph will be payable in a lump sum as soon as administratively practicable after the date of Executive’s death and all other Deferred Compensation Separation Benefits will be payable in accordance with the payment schedule applicable to each payment or benefit. Each payment and benefit payable under this Agreement is intended to constitute separate payments for purposes of Section 1.409A-2(b)(2) of the Treasury Regulations.

(iv) Any amount paid under this Agreement that satisfies the requirements of the “short-term deferral” rule set forth in Section 1.409A-1(b)(4) of the Treasury Regulations will not constitute Deferred Compensation Separation Benefits for purposes of clause (i) above.

(v) Any amount paid under this Agreement that qualifies as a payment made as a result of an involuntary separation from service pursuant to Section 1.409A-1(b)(9)(iii) of the Treasury Regulations that does not exceed the Section 409A Limit (as defined below) will not constitute Deferred Compensation Separation Benefits for purposes of clause (i) above.

(vi) The foregoing provisions are intended to comply with the requirements of Section 409A so that none of the severance payments and benefits to be provided hereunder will be subject to the additional tax imposed under Section 409A, and any ambiguities herein will be interpreted to so comply. The Company and Executive agree to work together in good faith to consider amendments to this Agreement and to take such reasonable actions which are necessary, appropriate or desirable to avoid imposition of any additional tax or income recognition prior to actual payment to Executive under Section 409A.

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(h) Other Requirements. Executive’s receipt of any payments or benefits under this Section 3 will be subject to Executive continuing to comply with the terms of any confidential information agreement executed by Executive in favor of the Company and the provisions of this Agreement.

4. Limitation on Payments. In the event that the severance and other benefits provided for in this Agreement or otherwise payable to Executive (i) constitute “parachute payments” within the meaning of Section 280G of the Code, and (ii) but for this Section 4, would be subject to the excise tax imposed by Section 4999 of the Code, then Executive’s benefits under Section 3 will be either:

(a) delivered in full, or

(b) delivered as to such lesser extent which would result in no portion of such benefits being subject to excise tax under Section 4999 of the Code,

whichever of the foregoing amounts, taking into account the applicable federal, state and local income taxes and the excise tax imposed by Section 4999, results in the receipt by Executive on an after-tax basis, of the greatest amount of benefits, notwithstanding that all or some portion of such benefits may be taxable under Section 4999 of the Code. If a reduction in severance and other benefits constituting “parachute payments” is necessary so that benefits are delivered to a lesser extent, reduction will occur in the following order: reduction of cash payments; cancellation of awards granted “contingent on a change in ownership or control” (within the meaning of Code Section 280G), cancellation of accelerated vesting of equity awards; reduction of employee benefits. In the event that acceleration of vesting of equity award compensation is to be reduced, such acceleration of vesting will be cancelled in the reverse order of the date of grant of Executive’s equity awards.

Unless the Company and Executive otherwise agree in writing, any determination required under this Section 4 will be made in writing by the Company’s independent public accountants immediately prior to a Change of Control or such other person or entity to which the parties mutually agree (the “Accountants”), whose determination will be conclusive and binding upon Executive and the Company for all purposes. For purposes of making the calculations required by this Section 4, the Accountants may make reasonable assumptions and approximations concerning applicable taxes and may rely on reasonable, good faith interpretations concerning the application of Sections 280G and 4999 of the Code. The Company and Executive will furnish to the Accountants such information and documents as the Accountants may reasonably request in order to make a determination under this Section. The Company will bear all costs the Accountants may incur in connection with any calculations contemplated by this Section 4.

5. Definition of Terms. The following terms referred to in this Agreement will have the following meanings:

(a) Cause. “Cause” will mean Executive’s termination only upon:

(i) Executive’s willful failure to substantially perform Executive’s duties (subject to notice and a reasonable period to cure), other than a failure resulting from Executive’s complete or partial incapacity due to physical or mental illness or impairment;

(ii) Executive’s willful act which constitutes gross misconduct and which is injurious to the Company;

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(iii) Executive’s willful breach of a material provision of this Agreement (subject to notice and reasonable period to cure); or

(iv) Executive’s knowing, material and willful violation of a federal or state law or regulation applicable to the business of the Company.

(b) Change of Control. “Change of Control” will mean the occurrence of any of the following events:

(i) Change in Ownership of the Company. A change in the ownership of the Company which occurs on the date that any one person, or more than one person acting as a group (“Person”), acquires ownership of the stock of the Company that, together with the stock held by such Person, constitutes more than 50% of the total voting power of the stock of the Company, except that any change in the ownership of the stock of the Company as a result of a private financing of the Company that is approved by the Company’s Board of Directors (the “Board”) will not be considered a Change of Control; or

(ii) Change in Effective Control of the Company. A change in the effective control of the Company which occurs on the date that a majority of members of the Board is replaced during any twelve (12) month period by directors whose appointment or election is not endorsed by a majority of the members of the Board prior to the date of the appointment or election. For purposes of this clause (ii), if any Person is considered to be in effective control of the Company, the acquisition of additional control of the Company by the same Person will not be considered a Change of Control; or

(iii) Change in Ownership of a Substantial Portion of the Company’s Assets. A change in the ownership of a substantial portion of the Company’s assets which occurs on the date that any Person acquires (or has acquired during the twelve (12) month period ending on the date of the most recent acquisition by such person or persons) assets from the Company that have a total gross fair market value equal to or more than 50% of the total gross fair market value of all of the assets of the Company immediately prior to such acquisition or acquisitions. For purposes of this subsection (iii), gross fair market value means the value of the assets of the Company, or the value of the assets being disposed of, determined without regard to any liabilities associated with such assets.

For these purposes, persons will be considered to be acting as a group if they are owners of a corporation that enters into a merger, consolidation, purchase or acquisition of stock, or similar business transaction with the Company.

Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this definition, a transaction will not be deemed a Change of Control unless the transaction qualifies as a change in control event within the meaning of Section 409A.

(c) Disability. “Disability” will mean that Executive is unable to engage in any substantial gainful activity by reason of any medically determinable physical or mental impairment that can be expected to result in death or can be expected to last for a continuous period of not less than twelve (12) months. Termination resulting from Disability may only be effected after at least thirty (30) days’ written notice by the Company of its intention to terminate Executive’s employment. In the event that Executive resumes the performance of substantially all of his or her duties hereunder before the termination of his or her employment becomes effective, the notice of intent to terminate will automatically be deemed to have been revoked.

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(d) Good Reason. “Good Reason” will mean Executive’s termination of employment within ninety (90) days following the expiration of any cure period (discussed below) following the occurrence of one or more of the following, without Executive’s consent:

(i) A material reduction in Executive’s authority, duties, or responsibilities relative to duties, position or responsibilities in effect immediately prior to such reduction;

(ii) A material reduction in Executive’s base salary as in effect immediately prior to such reduction; or

(iii) A material change in the geographic location at which Executive must perform services (in other words, the relocation of Executive to a facility that is more than fifty (50) miles from Executive’s then-current location).

Executive will not resign for Good Reason without first providing the Company with written notice within ninety (90) days of the event that Executive believes constitutes “Good Reason” specifically identifying the acts or omissions constituting the grounds for Good Reason and a reasonable cure period of not less than thirty (30) days following the date of such notice.

(e) Section 409A Limit. “Section 409A Limit” will mean the lesser of two (2) times: (i) Executive’s annualized compensation based upon the annual rate of pay paid to Executive during the Executive’s taxable year preceding the Executive’s taxable year of Executive’s termination of employment as determined under, and with such adjustments as are set forth in, Treasury Regulation 1.409A-1(b)(9)(iii)(A)(1) and any Internal Revenue Service guidance issued with respect thereto; or (ii) the maximum amount that may be taken into account under a qualified plan pursuant to Section 401(a)(17) of the Code for the year in which Executive’s employment is terminated.

6. Successors.

(a) The Company’s Successors. Any successor to the Company (whether direct or indirect and whether by purchase, merger, consolidation, liquidation or otherwise) to all or substantially all of the Company’s business and/or assets will assume the obligations under this Agreement and agree expressly to perform the obligations under this Agreement in the same manner and to the same extent as the Company would be required to perform such obligations in the absence of a succession. For all purposes under this Agreement, the term “Company” will include any successor to the Company’s business and/or assets which executes and delivers the assumption agreement described in this Section 6(a) or which becomes bound by the terms of this Agreement by operation of law.

(b) Executive’s Successors. The terms of this Agreement and all rights of Executive hereunder will inure to the benefit of, and be enforceable by, Executive’s personal or legal representatives, executors, administrators, successors, heirs, distributees, devisees and legatees.

7. Arbitration.

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right to a trial by jury, include any statutory claims under local, state, or federal law, including, but not limited to, claims under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967, the Older Workers Benefit Protection Act, the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act, the California Fair Employment and Housing Act, the Family and Medical Leave Act, the California Family Rights Act, the California Labor Code, claims of harassment, discrimination, and wrongful termination, and any statutory or common law claims. The Company and Executive further understand that this agreement to arbitrate also applies to any disputes that the Company may have with Executive.

(b) Procedure. The Company and Executive agree that any arbitration will be administered by Judicial Arbitration & Mediation Services, Inc. (“JAMS”), pursuant to its Employment Arbitration Rules & Procedures (the “JAMS Rules”). The Arbitrator will have the power to decide any motions brought by any party to the arbitration, including motions for summary judgment and/or adjudication, motions to dismiss and demurrers, and motions for class certification, prior to any arbitration hearing. The Arbitrator will have the power to award any remedies available under applicable law, and the Arbitrator will award attorneys’ fees and costs to the prevailing party, except as prohibited by law. The Company will pay for any administrative or hearing fees charged by the Arbitrator or JAMS except that Executive will pay any filing fees associated with any arbitration that Executive initiates, but only so much of the filing fees as Executive would have instead paid had he or she filed a complaint in a court of law. The Arbitrator will administer and conduct any arbitration in accordance with California law, including the California Code of Civil Procedure, and the Arbitrator will apply substantive and procedural California law to any dispute or claim, without reference to rules of conflict of law. To the extent that the JAMS Rules conflict with California law, California law will take precedence. The decision of the Arbitrator will be in writing. Any arbitration under this Agreement will be conducted in San Mateo County, California.

(c) Remedy. Except as provided by the Act and this Agreement, arbitration will be the sole, exclusive, and final remedy for any dispute between Executive and the Company. Accordingly, except as provided for by the Act and this Agreement, neither Executive nor the Company will be permitted to pursue court action regarding claims that are subject to arbitration.

(d) Administrative Relief. Executive understands that this Agreement does not prohibit him or her from pursuing any administrative claim with a local, state, or federal administrative body or government agency that is authorized to enforce or administer laws related to employment, including, but not limited to, the Department of Fair Employment and Housing, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, the National Labor Relations Board, or the Workers’ Compensation Board. This Agreement does, however, preclude Executive from pursuing court action regarding any such claim, except as permitted by law.

(e) Voluntary Nature of Agreement. Each of the Company and Executive acknowledges and agrees that such party is executing this Agreement voluntarily and without any duress or undue influence by anyone. Executive further acknowledges and agrees that he or she has carefully read this Agreement and has asked any questions needed for him or her to understand the terms, consequences, and binding effect of this Agreement and fully understand it, including that Executive is waiving his or her right to a jury trial. Finally, Executive agrees that he or she has been provided an opportunity to seek the advice of an attorney of his or her choice before signing this Agreement.

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8. Notice.

(a) General. Notices and all other communications contemplated by this Agreement will be in writing and will be deemed to have been duly given when personally delivered when mailed by U.S. registered or certified mail, return receipt requested and postage prepaid or when delivered by a private courier service such as UPS, DHL or Federal Express that has tracking capability. In the case of Executive, mailed notices will be addressed to him or her at the home address which he or she most recently communicated to the Company in writing. In the case of the Company, mailed notices will be addressed to its corporate headquarters, and all notices will be directed to the attention of its President.

(b) Notice of Termination. Any termination by the Company for Cause or by Executive for Good Reason will be communicated by a notice of termination to the other party hereto given in accordance with Section 8(a) of this Agreement. Such notice will indicate the specific termination provision in this Agreement relied upon, will set forth in reasonable detail the facts and circumstances claimed to provide a basis for termination under the provision so indicated, and will specify the termination date (which will be not more than ninety (90) days after the giving of such notice). The failure by Executive to include in the notice any fact or circumstance which contributes to a showing of Good Reason will not waive any right of Executive hereunder or preclude Executive from asserting such fact or circumstance in enforcing his or her rights hereunder.

9. Miscellaneous Provisions.

(a) No Duty to Mitigate. Executive will not be required to mitigate the amount of any payment contemplated by this Agreement, nor will any such payment be reduced by any earnings that Executive may receive from any other source.

(b) Waiver. No provision of this Agreement will be modified, waived or discharged unless the modification, waiver or discharge is agreed to in writing and signed by Executive and by an authorized officer of the Company (other than Executive). No waiver by either party of any breach of, or of compliance with, any condition or provision of this Agreement by the other party will be considered a waiver of any other condition or provision or of the same condition or provision at another time.

(c) Headings. All captions and section headings used in this Agreement are for convenient reference only and do not form a part of this Agreement.

(d) Entire Agreement. This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement of the parties hereto and supersedes in their entirety all prior representations, understandings, undertakings or agreements (whether oral or written and whether expressed or implied) of the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof. No waiver, alteration, or modification of any of the provisions of this Agreement will be binding unless in writing and signed by duly authorized representatives of the parties hereto and which specifically mention this Agreement.

(e) Choice of Law. The validity, interpretation, construction and performance of this Agreement will be governed by the laws of the State of California (with the exception of its conflict of laws provisions). Any claims or legal actions by one party against the other arising out of the relationship between the parties contemplated herein (whether or not arising under this Agreement) will be commenced or maintained in any state or federal court located in the jurisdiction where Executive resides, and Executive and the Company hereby submit to the jurisdiction and venue of any such court

(f) Severability. The invalidity or unenforceability of any provision or provisions of this Agreement will not affect the validity or enforceability of any other provision hereof, which will remain in full force and effect.

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(g) Withholding. All payments made pursuant to this Agreement will be subject to withholding of applicable income, employment and other taxes.

(h) Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in counterparts, each of which will be deemed an original, but all of which together will constitute one and the same instrument.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, each of the parties has executed this Agreement, in the case of the Company by its duly authorized officer, as of the day and year set forth below.


	COMPANY:	EXECUTIVE:

	Cutera, Inc.	/s/ Kevin P. Connors
		Kevin P. Connors

By:	/s/ David Apfelberg, M.D.
	David Apfelberg, M.D.
Title:	Chairman of the Compensation Committee

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Change of Control and Severance Agreement - Ronald J. Santilli

Exhibit 10.16

CUTERA, INC.

CHANGE OF CONTROL AND SEVERANCE AGREEMENT

This Change of Control And Severance Agreement (the “Agreement”) is made and entered into by and between Ronald J. Santilli (“Executive”) and Cutera, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), effective as of December 12, 2008 (the “Effective Date”).

RECITALS

2. The Committee believes that it is in the best interests of the Company and its stockholders to provide Executive with an incentive to continue his or her employment.

4. Certain capitalized terms used in the Agreement are defined in Section 5 below.

AGREEMENT

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants contained herein, the parties hereto agree as follows:

compensation other than as provided by this Agreement or as provided in any employment agreement entered into between the Company and Executive, and the payment of accrued but unpaid wages, as required by law, and any unreimbursed reimbursable expenses.

3. Severance Benefits.

(i) Severance Payment. Executive will receive a lump-sum payment equal to one hundred percent (100%) of Executive’s annual base salary as in effect immediately prior to Executive’s termination date.

(ii) Continued Employee Benefits. If Executive elects continuation coverage pursuant to the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985, as amended (“COBRA”) for Executive and Executive’s eligible dependents, within the time period prescribed pursuant to COBRA, the Company will reimburse Executive for the COBRA premiums for such coverage (at the coverage levels in effect immediately prior to Executive’s termination) until the earlier of (A) a period of twelve (12) months from the last date of employment of the Executive with the Company, or (B) the date upon which Executive and/or Executive’s eligible dependents becomes covered under similar plans. The reimbursements will be made by the Company to Executive consistent with the Company’s normal expense reimbursement policy.

(i) Severance Payment. Executive will receive a lump-sum payment equal to the sum of (A) one hundred percent (100%) of Executive’s annual base salary as in effect immediately prior to Executive’s termination date or, if greater, at the level in effect immediately prior to the Change of Control, and (B) one hundred percent (100%) of Executive’s annual target bonus for the fiscal year of Executive’s termination or, if greater, Executive’s annual target bonus in effect immediately prior to the Change of Control.

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(iii) Continued Employee Benefits. If Executive elects continuation coverage pursuant to the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985, as amended (“COBRA”) for Executive and Executive’s eligible dependents, within the time period prescribed pursuant to COBRA, the Company will reimburse Executive for the COBRA premiums for such coverage (at the coverage levels in effect immediately prior to Executive’s termination) until the earlier of (A) a period of twelve (12) months from the last date of employment of the Executive with the Company, or (B) the date upon which Executive and/or Executive’s eligible dependents becomes covered under similar plans. The reimbursements will be made by the Company to Executive consistent with the Company’s normal expense reimbursement policy.

(f) Exclusive Remedy. In the event of a termination of Executive’s employment as set forth in Section 3(a) and Section 3(b) of this Agreement, the provisions of this Section 3 are intended to be and are exclusive and in lieu of any other rights or remedies to which Executive or the Company otherwise may be entitled, whether at law, tort or contract, in equity, or under this Agreement (other than the payment of accrued but unpaid wages, as required by law, and any unreimbursed reimbursable expenses). Executive will be entitled to no benefits, compensation or other payments or rights upon a termination of employment prior to or following a Change of Control other than those benefits expressly set forth in Section 3 of this Agreement.

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(g) Section 409A.

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(a) delivered in full, or

(b) delivered as to such lesser extent which would result in no portion of such benefits being subject to excise tax under Section 4999 of the Code,

5. Definition of Terms. The following terms referred to in this Agreement will have the following meanings:

(a) Cause. “Cause” will mean Executive’s termination only upon:

(ii) Executive’s willful act which constitutes gross misconduct and which is injurious to the Company;

(iii) Executive’s willful breach of a material provision of this Agreement (subject to notice and reasonable period to cure); or

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(iv) Executive’s knowing, material and willful violation of a federal or state law or regulation applicable to the business of the Company.

(b) Change of Control. “Change of Control” will mean the occurrence of any of the following events:

(i) A material reduction in Executive’s authority, duties, or responsibilities relative to duties, position or responsibilities in effect immediately prior to such reduction;

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(ii) A material reduction in Executive’s base salary as in effect immediately prior to such reduction; or

6. Successors.

7. Arbitration.

(a) The Company and Executive each agree that any and all disputes arising out of the terms of this Agreement, Executive’s employment by the Company, Executive’s service as an officer or director of the Company, or Executive’s compensation and benefits, their interpretation and any of the matters herein released, will be subject to binding arbitration under the arbitration rules set forth in California Code of Civil Procedure Sections 1280 through 1294.2, including Section 1281.8 (the “Act”), and pursuant to California law. Disputes that the Company and Executive agree to arbitrate, and thereby agree to waive any right to a trial by jury, include any statutory claims under local, state, or federal law, including, but not limited to, claims under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967, the Older Workers Benefit Protection Act, the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act, the California Fair Employment and

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Housing Act, the Family and Medical Leave Act, the California Family Rights Act, the California Labor Code, claims of harassment, discrimination, and wrongful termination, and any statutory or common law claims. The Company and Executive further understand that this agreement to arbitrate also applies to any disputes that the Company may have with Executive.

8. Notice.

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9. Miscellaneous Provisions.

(c) Headings. All captions and section headings used in this Agreement are for convenient reference only and do not form a part of this Agreement.

(g) Withholding. All payments made pursuant to this Agreement will be subject to withholding of applicable income, employment and other taxes.

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(h) Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in counterparts, each of which will be deemed an original, but all of which together will constitute one and the same instrument.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, each of the parties has executed this Agreement, in the case of the Company by its duly authorized officer, as of the day and year set forth below.


	COMPANY:	EXECUTIVE:

	Cutera, Inc.	/s/ Ronald J. Santilli
		Ronald J. Santilli

By:	/s/ David Apfelberg, M.D.
	David Apfelberg, M.D.
Title:	Chairman of the Compensation Committee

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Change of Control and Severance Agreement - David A. Gollnick

Exhibit 10.17

CUTERA, INC.

CHANGE OF CONTROL AND SEVERANCE AGREEMENT

This Change of Control And Severance Agreement (the “Agreement”) is made and entered into by and between David A. Gollnick (“Executive”) and Cutera, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), effective as of December 12, 2008 (the “Effective Date”).

RECITALS

2. The Committee believes that it is in the best interests of the Company and its stockholders to provide Executive with an incentive to continue his or her employment.

4. Certain capitalized terms used in the Agreement are defined in Section 5 below.

AGREEMENT

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants contained herein, the parties hereto agree as follows:

3. Severance Benefits.

(ii) Continued Employee Benefits. If Executive elects continuation coverage pursuant to the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985, as amended (“COBRA”) for Executive and Executive’s eligible dependents, within the time period prescribed pursuant to COBRA, the Company will reimburse Executive for the COBRA premiums for such coverage (at the coverage levels in effect immediately prior to Executive’s termination) until the earlier of (A) a period of twelve (12) months from the last date of employment of the Executive with the Company, or (B) the date upon which Executive and/or Executive’s eligible dependents becomes covered under similar plans. The reimbursements will be made by the Company to Executive consistent with the Company’s normal expense reimbursement policy.

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(iii) Continued Employee Benefits. If Executive elects continuation coverage pursuant to the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985, as amended (“COBRA”) for Executive and Executive’s eligible dependents, within the time period prescribed pursuant to COBRA, the Company will reimburse Executive for the COBRA premiums for such coverage (at the coverage levels in effect immediately prior to Executive’s termination) until the earlier of (A) a period of twelve (12) months from the last date of employment of the Executive with the Company, or (B) the date upon which Executive and/or Executive’s eligible dependents becomes covered under similar plans. The reimbursements will be made by the Company to Executive consistent with the Company’s normal expense reimbursement policy.

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(g) Section 409A.

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(a) delivered in full, or

(b) delivered as to such lesser extent which would result in no portion of such benefits being subject to excise tax under Section 4999 of the Code,

5. Definition of Terms. The following terms referred to in this Agreement will have the following meanings:

(a) Cause. “Cause” will mean Executive’s termination only upon:

(ii) Executive’s willful act which constitutes gross misconduct and which is injurious to the Company;

(iii) Executive’s willful breach of a material provision of this Agreement (subject to notice and reasonable period to cure); or

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(iv) Executive’s knowing, material and willful violation of a federal or state law or regulation applicable to the business of the Company.

(b) Change of Control. “Change of Control” will mean the occurrence of any of the following events:

(i) A material reduction in Executive’s authority, duties, or responsibilities relative to duties, position or responsibilities in effect immediately prior to such reduction;

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(ii) A material reduction in Executive’s base salary as in effect immediately prior to such reduction; or

6. Successors.

7. Arbitration.

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8. Notice.

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9. Miscellaneous Provisions.

(c) Headings. All captions and section headings used in this Agreement are for convenient reference only and do not form a part of this Agreement.

(g) Withholding. All payments made pursuant to this Agreement will be subject to withholding of applicable income, employment and other taxes.

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(h) Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in counterparts, each of which will be deemed an original, but all of which together will constitute one and the same instrument.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, each of the parties has executed this Agreement, in the case of the Company by its duly authorized officer, as of the day and year set forth below.


	COMPANY:	EXECUTIVE:

	Cutera, Inc.	/s/ David A. Gollnick
		David A. Gollnick

By:	/s/ David Apfelberg, M.D.
	David Apfelberg, M.D.
Title:	Chairman of the Compensation Committee

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