SEC Filing | Standard BioTools Inc.

FLUIDIGM CORPORATION

Date: October 24, 2016

/s/ Nicholas Khadder

Nicholas Khadder

Senior Vice President, Legal Affairs, General Counsel,
Chief Compliance Officer and Secretary

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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

Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported) October 19, 2016

FLUIDIGM CORPORATION

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Delaware

001-34180

77-0513190

(State or other jurisdiction of

incorporation)

(Commission

File Number)

(IRS Employer

Identification No.)

7000 Shoreline Court, Suite 100

South San Francisco, California 94080

(Address of principal executive offices, including zip code)

(650) 266-6000

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

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

Appointment of Chief Executive Officer; Appointment of New Director

On October 19, 2016, our board of directors appointed Stephen Christopher Linthwaite as our President and Chief Executive Officer, effective immediately. In addition, the board appointed Mr. Linthwaite to our board of directors as a Class III director. Mr. Linthwaite’s current term as a director will expire at the 2019 annual meeting of stockholders. On October 19, 2016, our compensation committee also approved an increase in Mr. Linthwaite’s base salary from $450,000 to $500,000 and an increase in his 2016 target bonus opportunity (as a percentage of base salary) from 60% to 70%. We have also agreed to recommend to our compensation committee a grant to Mr. Linthwaite of an option to purchase 140,000 shares of our common stock. The option will be subject to the terms and conditions of our 2011 Equity Incentive Plan and form of stock option agreement. Mr. Linthwaite will receive no additional compensation for his service on the board.

Mr. Linthwaite, age 45, joined Fluidigm as President and Chief Operating Officer in August 2016. From August 2003 to April 2016, Mr. Linthwaite held various managerial positions at Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc., a life sciences company, and prior to its acquisition by Thermo Fisher, at Life Technologies Corporation, a life sciences company, including President, Genetic Sciences Division, from December 2014 to April 2016, President, Genetic Analysis Platform, from September 2011 to December 2014, and various other managerial positions at Invitrogen prior to the creation of Life Technologies through a merger of Invitrogen and Applied Biosystems. Prior to joining Invitrogen, Mr. Linthwaite held various strategic consulting roles. Mr. Linthwaite served on the board of directors of Claritas Genomics, Inc. from December 2014 to April 2016. Mr. Linthwaite received a M.B.A. from the University of Virginia (Darden) School of Business, and a B.A. in Foreign Affairs from the University of Virginia. Prior to business school, Mr. Linthwaite served on active duty in the U.S. Army as an armor officer. We believe that Mr. Linthwaite’s extensive industry experience with life sciences companies qualifies him to serve on our board.

Other than entry into our standard form of indemnification agreement, Mr. Linthwaite has no direct or indirect material interest in any transaction required to be disclosed pursuant to Item 404(a) of Regulation S-K promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, nor are any such transactions currently proposed. There are no family relationships between Mr. Linthwaite and any of our directors or executive officers.

Resignation of Chief Executive Officer and Director

On October 19, 2016, Gajus V. Worthington, a co-founder of Fluidigm, resigned as our Chief Executive Officer and as a member of our board of directors, effective immediately. In connection with his resignation, we entered into a separation agreement and release with Mr. Worthington in which we agreed to continue payments of his base salary for eighteen months from the date of his resignation and to reimburse any payments associated with maintaining benefits under our health insurance plans for a period of eighteen months. In addition, we entered into a consulting agreement with Mr. Worthington under which he agreed to provide transition consulting services at a rate of approximately $21,667 per month. Equity incentive awards held by Mr. Worthington will continue to vest and remain exercisable in accordance with their terms during Mr. Worthington’s consultancy, provided that Mr. Worthington voluntarily agreed to forfeit option and restricted stock unit awards with respect to an aggregate of 143,360 shares of our common stock in connection with his resignation. In partial consideration of the benefits we provided under the separation agreement and release, Mr. Worthington provided a general release of claims against Fluidigm.

The foregoing description of the separation agreement and release between Mr. Worthington and Fluidigm does not purport to be complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the agreement, which is attached to this Current Report on Form 8-K as Exhibit 99.1 and incorporated by reference herein.

Item 8.01 Other Events

On October 19, 2016, we issued a press release announcing certain of the management and board changes described in this Form 8-K. A copy of the press release is furnished herewith as Exhibit 99.2.

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The information set forth under this Item 8.01, including Exhibit 99.2, shall not be deemed “filed” for purposes of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or incorporated by reference in any filing under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, regardless of any general incorporation language in such filing, unless expressly incorporated by specific reference in such filing.

Item 9.01 Financial Statements and Exhibits.

(d) Exhibits.


Exhibit No.		Description

99.1		Separation Agreement and Release between Gajus V. Worthington and Fluidigm Corporation dated October 19, 2016.

99.2		Fluidigm Corporation Press Release dated October 19, 2016.

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SIGNATURE

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.

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EXHIBIT INDEX


Exhibit No.		Description

99.1		Separation Agreement and Release between Gajus V. Worthington and Fluidigm Corporation dated October 19, 2016.

99.2		Fluidigm Corporation Press Release dated October 19, 2016.

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EX-99.1

Exhibit 99.1

SEPARATION AGREEMENT AND RELEASE

This Separation Agreement and Release (“Agreement”) is made by and between Gajus V. Worthington (“Executive”) and Fluidigm Corporation (the “Company”) (jointly referred to as the “Parties” or individually referred to as a “Party”).

RECITALS

WHEREAS, Executive was employed as the Company’s Chief Executive Officer;

WHEREAS, Executive signed an Employment, Confidential Information and Invention Assignment Agreement with the Company on June 30, 2000, which was subsequently amended on December 5, 2012 (as amended, the “Confidentiality Agreement”);

WHEREAS, Executive signed an Indemnification Agreement with the Company dated February 4, 2011 (the “Indemnification Agreement”);

WHEREAS, Executive signed an Employment and Severance Agreement with the Company on February 22, 2008, which agreement was subsequently amended and restated on December 13, 2012 (as amended and restated, the “Severance Agreement”);

WHEREAS, the Company granted Executive (i) stock options to purchase Company common stock (“Options”), and (ii) restricted stock units covering Company common stock (“RSUs”) (collectively, Employee’s Options and RSUs are referred to as “Equity Awards”) that entitle Executive to receive shares of the Company’s common stock subject to the terms and conditions of the Company’s equity incentive plans (the “Stock Plans”) and the respective stock option and/or RSUs agreements, as set forth on Exhibit C (collectively, the “Equity Agreements”).

WHEREAS, Executive separated from employment with the Company effective October 19, 2016 (the “Separation Date”); and

WHEREAS, the Parties wish to resolve any and all disputes, claims, complaints, grievances, charges, actions, petitions, and demands that the Executive may have against the Company and any of the Releasees as defined below, including, but not limited to, any and all claims arising out of or in any way related to Executive’s employment with or separation from the Company.

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual promises made herein, the Company and Executive hereby agree as follows:

COVENANTS

1. Consideration.

a. Separation Payments. The Company agrees to continue to pay Executive’s base salary as of the Separation Date for a period of eighteen (18) months as severance (for an aggregate total of Seven Hundred Fifty Seven Thousand Fifty Dollars ($757,050)), less applicable withholdings, with the first such payment commencing on the first Company payroll date following the Effective Date of this Agreement.

b. Consulting Agreement. Commencing on the Separation Date and continuing until six (6) months therefrom (the “Consulting Period”), Executive agrees to provide consulting services to the Company pursuant to the terms of the Consulting Agreement attached hereto as Exhibit A (the “Consulting Agreement”). During the Consulting Period, Executive agrees to reasonably assist the Company in connection with the transitioning of Executive’s duties, and to provide such other services as are set forth in the Consulting Agreement. Nothing in this Agreement or the Consulting Agreement pertaining to Executive’s subsequent role as a Consultant shall in any way be construed to constitute Executive continuing as an agent, employee, officer, or representative of the Company. Executive shall perform the services under the Consulting Agreement solely as an independent contractor. During the Consulting Period, Executive shall receive only that compensation set forth in Schedule 1 to Exhibit A for his consulting services. All other aspects of the consulting arrangement shall be governed by the terms of Exhibit A.

c. COBRA. The Company shall reimburse Executive for the payments Executive makes for COBRA coverage for a period of eighteen (18) months, or until Executive has secured health insurance coverage through another employer, whichever occurs first, provided Executive timely elects and pays for continuation coverage pursuant to the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985, as amended (“COBRA”), within the time period prescribed pursuant to COBRA. COBRA reimbursements shall be made by the Company to Executive consistent with the Company’s normal expense reimbursement policy, provided that Executive submits documentation to the Company substantiating Executive’s payments for COBRA coverage.

d. Supplemental Release Agreement. Executive agrees to execute, within twenty-one (21) days after the termination of the Consulting Agreement, the Supplemental Release Agreement attached hereto as Exhibit B, which agreement will serve to cover the time period from the Effective Date of this Agreement through the Supplemental Release Effective Date; provided, however, that the Parties agree to modify the Supplemental Release to comply with any new laws that become applicable prior to the end of the Consulting Period. If Executive refuses to sign the Supplemental Release, he shall be deemed to have failed to abide by the material terms of this Agreement. Further, Executive understands and agrees that he will only be entitled to the continued payment of the consideration set forth in Section 1.a. if he executes the Supplemental Release Agreement within the time allotted in this Section 1.d. and does not revoke that agreement.

e. No Further Severance. Except as explicitly set forth in this Agreement and the Supplemental Release Agreement, Executive acknowledges and agrees that he is not entitled to receive any severance compensation or benefits from the Company. Executive hereby waives his right to receive any such severance not explicitly set forth in this Agreement and acknowledges that without this Agreement, he is not otherwise entitled to the consideration listed in this Section 1.

2. Termination. Effective as of the Separation Date, Executive’s employment with the Company is terminated, and Executive will no longer serve in any positions Executive occupied with the Company or any subsidiary or affiliate of the Company.

3. Stock. The Parties agree that for purposes of determining Executive’s Equity Awards, Executive will continue vesting on and following the Separation Date and through the Consulting Period, so long as Executive continues to provide services to the Company; except that, the Parties agree that the following Equity Awards shall forfeit and terminate immediately on the Separation Date: (i) March 14, 2014 Option grant covering 65,000 shares; (ii) March 12, 2015 Option grant covering 31,110 shares; (iii) March 4, 2016 performance-based Option grant covering 33,750 shares; and (iv) March 4, 2016 performance-based RSU grant covering 13,500 shares. Executive acknowledges and agrees that the

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Equity Awards as set forth on Exhibit C reflect all of his outstanding equity awards from the Company. Once Executive no longer provides services to the Company under the Consulting Agreement, Executive further acknowledges that he may exercise any outstanding vested Options at any time within his applicable post-termination exercise period for each Option which is set forth in the Equity Agreements. If Executive does not exercise any vested stock options after the end of the applicable post-termination exercise period, then any such unexercised Options will terminate.

4. Benefits. Executive’s health insurance benefits shall cease on October 31, 2016, subject to Executive’s right to continue Executive’s health insurance under COBRA. Executive’s participation in all benefits and incidents of employment, including, but not limited to, vesting in stock options, and the accrual of bonuses, vacation, and paid time off, ceased as of the Separation Date.

5. Payment of Salary and Receipt of All Benefits. Executive acknowledges and represents that, other than the consideration set forth in this Agreement, the Company has paid or provided all salary, wages, bonuses, accrued vacation/paid time off, premiums, leaves, housing allowances, relocation costs, interest, severance, outplacement costs, fees, reimbursable expenses, commissions, stock, stock options, vesting, and any and all other benefits and compensation due to Executive.

6. Release of Claims. Executive agrees that the foregoing consideration represents settlement in full of all outstanding obligations owed to Executive by the Company and its current and former: officers, directors, employees, agents, investors, attorneys, shareholders, administrators, affiliates, benefit plans, plan administrators, professional employer organization or co-employer, insurers, trustees, divisions, and subsidiaries, and predecessor and successor corporations and assigns, (collectively, the “Releasees”). Executive, on Executive’s own behalf and on behalf of Executive’s respective heirs, family members, executors, agents, and assigns, hereby and forever releases the Releasees from, and agrees not to sue concerning, or in any manner to institute, prosecute, or pursue, any claim, complaint, charge, duty, obligation, demand, or cause of action relating to any matters of any kind, whether presently known or unknown, suspected or unsuspected, that Executive may possess against any of the Releasees arising from any omissions, acts, facts, or damages that have occurred up until and including the Effective Date of this Agreement, including, without limitation:

a. any and all claims relating to or arising from Executive’s employment relationship with the Company and the termination of that relationship;

b. any and all claims relating to, or arising from, Executive’s right to purchase, or actual purchase of shares of stock of the Company, including, without limitation, any claims for fraud, misrepresentation, breach of fiduciary duty, breach of duty under applicable state corporate law, and securities fraud under any state or federal law;

c. any and all claims for wrongful discharge of employment, termination in violation of public policy, discrimination, harassment, retaliation, breach of contract (both express and implied), breach of covenant of good faith and fair dealing (both express and implied), promissory estoppel, negligent or intentional infliction of emotional distress, fraud, negligent or intentional misrepresentation, negligent or intentional interference with contract or prospective economic advantage, unfair business practices, defamation, libel, slander, negligence, personal injury, assault, battery, invasion of privacy, false imprisonment, conversion, and disability benefits;

d. any and all claims for violation of any federal, state, or municipal statute, including, but not limited to, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Civil Rights Act of 1991, the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, the Equal Pay Act, the Fair

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Labor Standards Act, the Fair Credit Reporting Act, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967, the Older Workers Benefit Protection Act, the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act, the Family and Medical Leave Act, the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, Immigration Reform and Control Act, the California Family Rights Act, the California Labor Code, the California Workers’ Compensation Act, and the California Fair Employment and Housing Act;

e. any and all claims for violation of the federal or any state constitution;

f. any and all claims arising out of any other laws and regulations relating to employment or employment discrimination;

g. any claim for any loss, cost, damage, or expense arising out of any dispute over the nonwithholding or other tax treatment of any of the proceeds received by Executive as a result of this Agreement; and

h. any and all claims for attorneys’ fees and costs.

Executive agrees that the release set forth in this section shall be and remain in effect in all respects as a complete general release as to the matters released. This release does not extend to any obligations incurred under this Agreement. This release does not release claims that cannot be released as a matter of law, including any Protected Activity (as defined below). This release does not extend to any right Executive may have to unemployment compensation benefits.

7. Acknowledgment of Waiver of Claims under ADEA. Executive acknowledges that Executive is waiving and releasing any rights Executive may have under the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967 (“ADEA”), and that this waiver and release is knowing and voluntary. Executive agrees that this waiver and release does not apply to any rights or claims that may arise under the ADEA after the Effective Date of this Agreement. Executive acknowledges that the consideration given for this waiver and release is in addition to anything of value to which Executive was already entitled. Executive further acknowledges that he has been advised by this writing that: (a) Executive should consult with an attorney prior to executing this Agreement; (b) Executive has twenty-one (21) days within which to consider this Agreement; (c) Executive has seven (7) days following Executive’s execution of this Agreement to revoke this Agreement; (d) this Agreement shall not be effective until after the revocation period has expired; and (e) nothing in this Agreement prevents or precludes Executive from challenging or seeking a determination in good faith of the validity of this waiver under the ADEA, nor does it impose any condition precedent, penalties, or costs for doing so, unless specifically authorized by federal law. In the event Executive signs this Agreement and returns it to the Company in less than the 21-day period identified above, Executive hereby acknowledges that Executive has freely and voluntarily chosen to waive the time period allotted for considering this Agreement. Executive acknowledges and understands that revocation must be accomplished by a written notification to the person executing this Agreement on the Company’s behalf that is received prior to the Effective Date. The Parties agree that changes, whether material or immaterial, do not restart the running of the 21-day period.

8. California Civil Code Section 1542. Executive acknowledges that Executive has been advised to consult with legal counsel and is familiar with the provisions of California Civil Code Section 1542, a statute that otherwise prohibits the release of unknown claims, which provides as follows:

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.

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Executive, being aware of said code section, agrees to expressly waive any rights Executive may have thereunder, as well as under any other statute or common law principles of similar effect.

9. No Pending or Future Lawsuits. Executive represents that Executive has no lawsuits, claims, or actions pending in Executive’s name, or on behalf of any other person or entity, against the Company or any of the other Releasees. Executive also represents that Executive does not intend to bring any claims on Executive’s own behalf or on behalf of any other person or entity against the Company or any of the other Releasees.

10. Confidentiality. Subject to Section 13 governing Protected Activity, Executive agrees to maintain in complete confidence the existence of this Agreement, the contents and terms of this Agreement, and the consideration for this Agreement (hereinafter collectively referred to as “Separation Information”). Except as required by law, Executive may disclose Separation Information only to Executive’s immediate family members, the Court in any proceedings to enforce the terms of this Agreement, Executive’s attorney(s), and Executive’s accountant(s) and any professional tax advisor(s) to the extent that they need to know the Separation Information in order to provide advice on tax treatment or to prepare tax returns, and must prevent disclosure of any Separation Information to all other third parties. Executive agrees that Executive will not publicize, directly or indirectly, any Separation Information.

11. Trade Secrets and Confidential Information/Company Property. Executive reaffirms and agrees to observe and abide by the terms of the Confidentiality Agreement, specifically including the provisions therein regarding nondisclosure of the Company’s trade secrets and confidential and proprietary information, and nonsolicitation of Company employees. Executive’s signature below constitutes Executive’s certification under penalty of perjury that Executive has returned all documents and other items provided to Executive by the Company (with the exception of a copy of the Employee Handbook and personnel documents specifically relating to Executive), developed or obtained by Executive in connection with Executive’s employment with the Company, or otherwise belonging to the Company.

12. No Cooperation. Subject to Section 13 governing Protected Activity, Executive agrees that Executive will not knowingly encourage, counsel, or assist any attorneys or their clients in the presentation or prosecution of any disputes, differences, grievances, claims, charges, or complaints by any third party against any of the Releasees, unless under a subpoena or other court order to do so or as related directly to the ADEA waiver in this Agreement. Executive agrees both to immediately notify the Company upon receipt of any such subpoena or court order, and to furnish, within three (3) business days of its receipt, a copy of such subpoena or other court order. If approached by anyone for counsel or assistance in the presentation or prosecution of any disputes, differences, grievances, claims, charges, or complaints against any of the Releasees, Executive shall state no more than that Executive cannot provide counsel or assistance.

13. Protected Activity Not Prohibited. Executive understands that nothing in this Agreement shall limit or prohibit Executive from engaging in any Protected Activity. For purposes of this Agreement, “Protected Activity” shall mean filing a charge, complaint, or report with, or otherwise communicating, cooperating, or participating in any investigation or proceeding that may be conducted by, any federal, state or local government agency or commission, including the Securities and Exchange

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Commission, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, and the National Labor Relations Board (“Government Agencies”). Executive understands that in connection with such Protected Activity, Executive may disclose documents or other information as permitted by law, and without giving notice to, or receiving authorization from, the Company. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Executive agrees to take all reasonable precautions to prevent any unauthorized use or disclosure of any information that may constitute Company confidential information under the Confidentiality Agreement to any parties other than the Government Agencies. Executive further understands that “Protected Activity” does not include the disclosure of any Company attorney-client privileged communications. Any language in the Confidentiality Agreement regarding Executive’s right to engage in Protected Activity that conflicts with, or is contrary to, this paragraph is superseded by this Agreement.

14. Nondisparagement. Executive agrees to refrain from any disparagement, defamation, libel, or slander of any of the Releasees, and agrees to refrain from any tortious interference with the contracts and relationships of any of the Releasees. Executive shall direct any inquiries by potential future employers to the Company’s human resources department, which shall use its best efforts to provide only the Executive’s last position and dates of employment.

15. Breach. In addition to the rights provided in the “Attorneys’ Fees” section below, Executive acknowledges and agrees that any material breach of this Agreement, unless such breach constitutes a legal action by Executive challenging or seeking a determination in good faith of the validity of the waiver herein under the ADEA, or of any provision of the Confidentiality Agreement, shall entitle the Company immediately to recover and/or cease providing the consideration provided to Executive under this Agreement and to obtain damages, except as provided by law or as otherwise provided herein.

16. No Admission of Liability. Executive understands and acknowledges that this Agreement constitutes a compromise and settlement of any and all actual or potential disputed claims by Executive. No action taken by the Company hereto, either previously or in connection with this Agreement, shall be deemed or construed to be (a) an admission of the truth or falsity of any actual or potential claims or (b) an acknowledgment or admission by the Company of any fault or liability whatsoever to Executive or to any third party.

17. Costs. The Parties shall each bear their own costs, attorneys’ fees, and other fees incurred in connection with the preparation of this Agreement.

18. ARBITRATION. THE PARTIES AGREE THAT ANY AND ALL DISPUTES ARISING OUT OF THE TERMS OF THIS AGREEMENT, THEIR INTERPRETATION, EXECUTIVE’S EMPLOYMENT WITH THE COMPANY OR THE TERMS THEREOF, OR ANY OF THE MATTERS HEREIN RELEASED, SHALL BE SUBJECT TO ARBITRATION IN SAN FRANCISCO, CA, BEFORE JUDICIAL ARBITRATION & MEDIATION SERVICES (“JAMS”), PURSUANT TO ITS EMPLOYMENT ARBITRATION RULES & PROCEDURES (“JAMS RULES”). THE ARBITRATOR MAY GRANT INJUNCTIONS AND OTHER RELIEF IN SUCH DISPUTES. THE ARBITRATOR SHALL ADMINISTER AND CONDUCT ANY ARBITRATION IN ACCORDANCE WITH CALIFORNIA LAW, INCLUDING THE CALIFORNIA CODE OF CIVIL PROCEDURE, AND THE ARBITRATOR SHALL APPLY SUBSTANTIVE AND PROCEDURAL CALIFORNIA LAW TO ANY DISPUTE OR CLAIM, WITHOUT REFERENCE TO ANY CONFLICT-OF-LAW PROVISIONS OF ANY JURISDICTION. TO THE EXTENT THAT THE JAMS RULES CONFLICT WITH CALIFORNIA LAW, CALIFORNIA LAW SHALL TAKE PRECEDENCE. THE DECISION OF THE ARBITRATOR SHALL BE FINAL, CONCLUSIVE, AND BINDING ON THE PARTIES TO THE ARBITRATION. THE PARTIES AGREE THAT THE PREVAILING PARTY

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IN ANY ARBITRATION SHALL BE ENTITLED TO INJUNCTIVE RELIEF IN ANY COURT OF COMPETENT JURISDICTION TO ENFORCE THE ARBITRATION AWARD. THE PARTIES TO THE ARBITRATION SHALL EACH PAY AN EQUAL SHARE OF THE COSTS AND EXPENSES OF SUCH ARBITRATION, AND EACH PARTY SHALL SEPARATELY PAY FOR ITS RESPECTIVE COUNSEL FEES AND EXPENSES; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, THAT THE ARBITRATOR SHALL AWARD ATTORNEYS’ FEES AND COSTS TO THE PREVAILING PARTY, EXCEPT AS PROHIBITED BY LAW. THE PARTIES HEREBY AGREE TO WAIVE THEIR RIGHT TO HAVE ANY DISPUTE BETWEEN THEM RESOLVED IN A COURT OF LAW BY A JUDGE OR JURY. NOTWITHSTANDING THE FOREGOING, THIS SECTION WILL NOT PREVENT EITHER PARTY FROM SEEKING INJUNCTIVE RELIEF (OR ANY OTHER PROVISIONAL REMEDY) FROM ANY COURT HAVING JURISDICTION OVER THE PARTIES AND THE SUBJECT MATTER OF THEIR DISPUTE RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT AND THE AGREEMENTS INCORPORATED HEREIN BY REFERENCE. SHOULD ANY PART OF THE ARBITRATION AGREEMENT CONTAINED IN THIS PARAGRAPH CONFLICT WITH ANY OTHER ARBITRATION AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE PARTIES, THE PARTIES AGREE THAT THIS ARBITRATION AGREEMENT SHALL GOVERN.

19. Tax Consequences. The Company makes no representations or warranties with respect to the tax consequences of the payments and any other consideration provided to Executive or made on Executive’s behalf under the terms of this Agreement. Executive agrees and understands that Executive is responsible for payment, if any, of local, state, and/or federal taxes on the payments and any other consideration provided hereunder by the Company and any penalties or assessments thereon. Executive further agrees to indemnify and hold the Releasees harmless from any claims, demands, deficiencies, penalties, interest, assessments, executions, judgments, or recoveries by any government agency against the Company for any amounts claimed due on account of (a) Executive’s failure to pay or delayed payment of federal or state taxes, or (b) damages sustained by the Company by reason of any such claims, including attorneys’ fees and costs.

20. Section 409A. It is intended that this Agreement comply with, or be exempt from, Code Section 409A and the final regulations and official guidance thereunder (“Section 409A”) and any ambiguities herein will be interpreted to so comply and/or be exempt from Section 409A. The Parties reasonably anticipate that any consulting services during the Consulting Period shall be at a level equal to twenty percent (20%) or less of the average level of services performed by Executive during the immediately preceding thirty-six (36)-month period and, accordingly, the Separation Date will be a “separation from service” within the meaning of Section 409A (as defined below). Each payment and benefit to be paid or provided under this Agreement is intended to constitute a series of separate payments for purposes of Section 1.409A-2(b)(2) of the Treasury Regulations. The Company and Executive will work together in good faith to consider either (i) amendments to this Agreement; or (ii) revisions to this Agreement with respect to the payment of any awards, which are necessary or appropriate to avoid imposition of any additional tax or income recognition prior to the actual payment to Executive under Section 409A. In no event will the Releasees reimburse Executive for any taxes that may be imposed on Executive as a result of Section 409A.

21. Authority. The Company represents and warrants that the undersigned has the authority to act on behalf of the Company and to bind the Company and all who may claim through it to the terms and conditions of this Agreement. Executive represents and warrants that Executive has the capacity to act on Executive’s own behalf and on behalf of all who might claim through Executive to bind them to the terms and conditions of this Agreement. Each Party warrants and represents that there are no liens or claims of lien or assignments in law or equity or otherwise of or against any of the claims or causes of action released herein.

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22. Severability. In the event that any provision or any portion of any provision hereof or any surviving agreement made a part hereof becomes or is declared by a court of competent jurisdiction or arbitrator to be illegal, unenforceable, or void, this Agreement shall continue in full force and effect without said provision or portion of provision.

23. Attorneys’ Fees. Except with regard to a legal action challenging or seeking a determination in good faith of the validity of the waiver herein under the ADEA, in the event that either Party brings an action to enforce or effect its rights under this Agreement, the prevailing Party shall be entitled to recover its costs and expenses, including the costs of mediation, arbitration, litigation, court fees, and reasonable attorneys’ fees incurred in connection with such an action.

24. Entire Agreement. This Agreement represents the entire agreement and understanding between the Company and Executive concerning the subject matter of this Agreement and Executive’s employment with and separation from the Company and the events leading thereto and associated therewith, and supersedes and replaces any and all prior agreements and understandings concerning the subject matter of this Agreement and Executive’s relationship with the Company, including the Severance Agreement, but with the exception of the Confidentiality Agreement, the Indemnification Agreement, and the Equity Agreements.

25. No Oral Modification. This Agreement may only be amended in a writing signed by Executive and the Company’s Chief Executive Officer.

26. Governing Law. This Agreement shall be governed by the laws of the State of California, without regard for choice-of-law provisions.

27. Effective Date. Executive understands that this Agreement shall be null and void if not executed by Executive within twenty one (21) days. Each Party has seven (7) days after that Party signs this Agreement to revoke it. This Agreement will become effective on the eighth (8th) day after Executive signed this Agreement, so long as it has been signed by the Parties and has not been revoked by either Party before that date (the “Effective Date”).

28. Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in counterparts and each counterpart shall be deemed an original and all of which counterparts taken together shall have the same force and effect as an original and shall constitute an effective, binding agreement on the part of each of the undersigned. The counterparts of this Agreement may be executed and delivered by facsimile, photo, email PDF, or other electronic transmission or signature.

29. Voluntary Execution of Agreement. Executive understands and agrees that Executive executed this Agreement voluntarily, without any duress or undue influence on the part or behalf of the Company or any third party, with the full intent of releasing all of Executive’s claims against the Company and any of the other Releasees. Executive acknowledges that:

(a)

Executive has read this Agreement;

(b)

Executive has been represented in the preparation, negotiation, and execution of this Agreement by legal counsel of Executive’s own choice or has elected not to retain legal counsel;

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(c)

Executive understands the terms and consequences of this Agreement and of the releases it contains;

(d)

Executive is fully aware of the legal and binding effect of this Agreement; and

(e)

Executive has not relied upon any representations or statements made by the Company that are not specifically set forth in this Agreement.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties have executed this Agreement on the respective dates set forth below.


	GAJUS V. WORTHINGTON, an individual

Dated: October 19, 2016	/s/ Gajus V. Worthington
	Gajus V. Worthington

	FLUIDIGM CORPORATION

Dated: October 19, 2016	By	/s/ Nicholas S. Khadder
		Nicholas S. Khadder
		Senior Vice President and General Counsel

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EXHIBIT A

FLUIDIGM CORPORATION

CONSULTING AGREEMENT

This Consulting Agreement (this “Agreement”) is made and entered into as of October 19, 2016 (the “Effective Date”) by and between Fluidigm Corporation (the “Company”), and Gajus V. Worthington (“Consultant”) (each herein referred to individually as a “Party,” or collectively as the “Parties”).

The Company desires to retain Consultant as an independent contractor to perform consulting services for the Company, and Consultant is willing to perform such services, on the terms described below. In consideration of the mutual promises contained herein, the Parties agree as follows:

1. Services and Compensation

Consultant shall perform the services described in Schedule 1 (the “Services”) for the Company (or its designee), and the Company agrees to pay Consultant the compensation described in Schedule 1 for Consultant’s performance of the Services.

2. Confidentiality

A. Definition of Confidential Information. “Confidential Information” means any information (including any and all combinations of individual items of information) that relates to the actual or anticipated business and/or products, research or development of the Company, its affiliates or subsidiaries, or to the Company’s, its affiliates’ or subsidiaries’ technical data, trade secrets, or know-how, including, but not limited to, research, product plans, or other information regarding the Company’s, its affiliates’ or subsidiaries’ products or services and markets therefor, customer lists and customers (including, but not limited to, customers of the Company on whom Consultant called or with whom Consultant became acquainted during the term of this Agreement), software, developments, inventions, discoveries, ideas, processes, formulas, technology, designs, drawings, engineering, hardware configuration information, marketing, finances, and other business information disclosed by the Company, its affiliates or subsidiaries, either directly or indirectly, in writing, orally or by drawings or inspection of premises, parts, equipment, or other property of Company, its affiliates or subsidiaries. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Confidential Information shall not include any such information which Consultant can establish (i) was publicly known or made generally available prior to the time of disclosure to Consultant; (ii) becomes publicly known or made generally available after disclosure to Consultant through no wrongful action or inaction of Consultant; or (iii) is in the rightful possession of Consultant, without confidentiality obligations, at the time of disclosure as shown by Consultant’s then-contemporaneous written records; provided that any combination of individual items of information shall not be deemed to be within any of the foregoing exceptions merely because one or more of the individual items are within such exception, unless the combination as a whole is within such exception.

B. Nonuse and Nondisclosure. During and after the term of this Agreement, Consultant will hold in the strictest confidence, and take all reasonable precautions to prevent any unauthorized use or disclosure of Confidential Information, and Consultant will not (i) use the Confidential Information for any purpose whatsoever other than as necessary for the performance of the Services on behalf of the Company, or (ii) subject to Consultant’s right to engage in Protected Activity (as defined below), disclose the Confidential Information to any third party without the prior written

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consent of an authorized representative of the Company, except that Consultant may disclose Confidential Information to the extent compelled by applicable law; provided however, prior to such disclosure, Consultant shall provide prior written notice to Company and seek a protective order or such similar confidential protection as may be available under applicable law. Consultant agrees that no ownership of Confidential Information is conveyed to the Consultant. Without limiting the foregoing, Consultant shall not use or disclose any Company property, intellectual property rights, trade secrets or other proprietary know-how of the Company to invent, author, make, develop, design, or otherwise enable others to invent, author, make, develop, or design identical or substantially similar designs as those developed under this Agreement for any third party. Consultant agrees that Consultant’s obligations under this Section 2.B shall continue after the termination of this Agreement.

C. Other Client Confidential Information. Consultant agrees that Consultant will not improperly use, disclose, or induce the Company to use any proprietary information or trade secrets of any former or current employer of Consultant or other person or entity with which Consultant has an obligation to keep in confidence. Consultant also agrees that Consultant will not bring onto the Company’s premises or transfer onto the Company’s technology systems any unpublished document, proprietary information, or trade secrets belonging to any third party unless disclosure to, and use by, the Company has been consented to in writing by such third party.

D. Third Party Confidential Information. Consultant recognizes that the Company has received and in the future will receive from third parties their confidential or proprietary information subject to a duty on the Company’s part to maintain the confidentiality of such information and to use it only for certain limited purposes. Consultant agrees that at all times during the term of this Agreement and thereafter, Consultant owes the Company and such third parties a duty to hold all such confidential or proprietary information in the strictest confidence and not to use it or to disclose it to any person, firm, corporation, or other third party except as necessary in carrying out the Services for the Company consistent with the Company’s agreement with such third party.

3. Ownership

A. Assignment of Inventions. Consultant agrees that all right, title, and interest in and to any copyrightable material, notes, records, drawings, designs, inventions, improvements, developments, discoveries, ideas and trade secrets conceived, discovered, authored, invented, developed or reduced to practice by Consultant, solely or in collaboration with others, during the term of this Agreement and arising out of, or in connection with, performing the Services under this Agreement and any copyrights, patents, trade secrets, mask work rights or other intellectual property rights relating to the foregoing (collectively, “Inventions”), are the sole property of the Company. Consultant also agrees to promptly make full written disclosure to the Company of any Inventions and to deliver and assign (or cause to be assigned) and hereby irrevocably assigns fully to the Company all right, title and interest in and to the Inventions.

B. Pre-Existing Materials. Subject to Section 3.A, Consultant will provide the Company with prior written notice if, in the course of performing the Services, Consultant incorporates into any Invention or utilizes in the performance of the Services any invention, discovery, idea, original works of authorship, development, improvements, trade secret, concept, or other proprietary information or intellectual property right owned by Consultant or in which Consultant has an interest, prior to, or separate from, performing the Services under this Agreement (“Prior Inventions”), and the Company is hereby granted a nonexclusive, royalty-free, perpetual, irrevocable, transferable, worldwide license (with the right to grant and authorize sublicenses) to make, have made, use, import, offer for sale, sell, reproduce, distribute, modify, adapt, prepare derivative works of, display, perform, and otherwise exploit such Prior Inventions, without restriction, including, without limitation, as part of or in connection with

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such Invention, and to practice any method related thereto. Consultant will not incorporate any invention, discovery, idea, original works of authorship, development, improvements, trade secret, concept, or other proprietary information or intellectual property right owned by any third party into any Invention without Company’s prior written permission.

C. Moral Rights. Any assignment to the Company of Inventions includes all rights of attribution, paternity, integrity, modification, disclosure and withdrawal, and any other rights throughout the world that may be known as or referred to as “moral rights,” “artist’s rights,” “droit moral,” or the like (collectively, “Moral Rights”). To the extent that Moral Rights cannot be assigned under applicable law, Consultant hereby waives and agrees not to enforce any and all Moral Rights, including, without limitation, any limitation on subsequent modification, to the extent permitted under applicable law.

D. Maintenance of Records. Consultant agrees to keep and maintain adequate, current, accurate, and authentic written records of all Inventions made by Consultant (solely or jointly with others) during the term of this Agreement, and for a period of three (3) years thereafter. The records will be in the form of notes, sketches, drawings, electronic files, reports, or any other format that is customary in the industry and/or otherwise specified by the Company. Such records are and remain the sole property of the Company at all times and upon Company’s request, Consultant shall deliver (or cause to be delivered) the same.

E. Further Assurances. Consultant agrees to assist Company, or its designee, at the Company’s expense, in every proper way to secure the Company’s rights in Inventions in any and all countries, including the disclosure to the Company of all pertinent information and data with respect thereto, the execution of all applications, specifications, oaths, assignments and all other instruments that the Company may deem necessary in order to apply for, register, obtain, maintain, defend, and enforce such rights, and in order to deliver, assign and convey to the Company, its successors, assigns and nominees the sole and exclusive right, title, and interest in and to all Inventions and testifying in a suit or other proceeding relating to such Inventions. Consultant further agrees that Consultant’s obligations under this Section 3.E shall continue after the termination of this Agreement.

F. Attorney-in-Fact. Consultant agrees that, if the Company is unable because of Consultant’s unavailability, dissolution, mental or physical incapacity, or for any other reason, to secure Consultant’s signature with respect to any Inventions, including, without limitation, for the purpose of applying for or pursuing any application for any United States or foreign patents or mask work or copyright registrations covering the Inventions assigned to the Company in Section 3.A, then Consultant hereby irrevocably designates and appoints the Company and its duly authorized officers and agents as Consultant’s agent and attorney-in-fact, to act for and on Consultant’s behalf to execute and file any papers and oaths and to do all other lawfully permitted acts with respect to such Inventions to further the prosecution and issuance of patents, copyright and mask work registrations with the same legal force and effect as if executed by Consultant. This power of attorney shall be deemed coupled with an interest, and shall be irrevocable.

4. Conflicting Obligations

Consultant represents and warrants that Consultant has no agreements, relationships, or commitments to any other person or entity that conflict with the provisions of this Agreement, Consultant’s obligations to the Company under this Agreement, and/or Consultant’s ability to perform the Services. Consultant will not enter into any such conflicting agreement during the term of this Agreement.

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5. Return of Company Materials

Upon the termination of this Agreement, or upon Company’s earlier request, Consultant will immediately deliver to the Company, and will not keep in Consultant’s possession, recreate, or deliver to anyone else, any and all Company property, including, but not limited to, Confidential Information, tangible embodiments of the Inventions, all devices and equipment belonging to the Company, all electronically-stored information and passwords to access such property, those records maintained pursuant to Section 3.D and any reproductions of any of the foregoing items that Consultant may have in Consultant’s possession or control.

6. Term and Termination

A. Term. The term of this Agreement will begin on the Effective Date of this Agreement and will continue for six (6) months (the “Term”), unless extended by mutual, written agreement between Consultant and the Company’s Chief Executive Officer.

B. Survival. Upon any termination, all rights and duties of the Company and Consultant toward each other shall cease except:

(1) The Company will pay, within thirty (30) days after the effective date of termination, all amounts owing to Consultant for Services completed and accepted by the Company prior to the termination date and related reimbursable expenses, if any, submitted in accordance with the Company’s policies and in accordance with the provisions of Section 1 of this Agreement; and

(2) Section 2 (Confidentiality), Section 3 (Ownership), Section 4 (Conflicting Obligations), Section 5 (Return of Company Materials), Section 6 (Term and Termination), Section 7 (Independent Contractor; Benefits), Section 8 (Indemnification), Section 9 (Nonsolicitation), Section 10 (Limitation of Liability), Section 11 (Arbitration and Equitable Relief), and Section 12 (Miscellaneous) will survive termination or expiration of this Agreement in accordance with their terms.

7. Independent Contractor; Benefits

A. Independent Contractor. It is the express intention of the Company and Consultant that Consultant perform the Services as an independent contractor to the Company. Nothing in this Agreement shall in any way be construed to constitute Consultant as an agent, employee or representative of the Company. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, Consultant is not authorized to bind the Company to any liability or obligation or to represent that Consultant has any such authority. Consultant agrees to furnish (or reimburse the Company for) all tools and materials necessary to accomplish this Agreement and shall incur all expenses associated with performance. Consultant acknowledges and agrees that Consultant is obligated to report as income all compensation received by Consultant pursuant to this Agreement. Consultant agrees to and acknowledges the obligation to pay all self-employment and other taxes on such income.

B. Benefits. The Company and Consultant agree that Consultant will receive no Company-sponsored benefits from the Company where benefits include, but are not limited to, paid vacation, sick leave, medical insurance and 401(k) participation. If Consultant is reclassified by a state or federal agency or court as the Company’s employee, Consultant will become a reclassified employee and will receive no benefits from the Company, except those mandated by state or federal law, even if by the terms of the Company’s benefit plans or programs of the Company in effect at the time of such reclassification, Consultant would otherwise be eligible for such benefits.

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8. Indemnification

Consultant agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the Company and its affiliates and their directors, officers and employees from and against all taxes, losses, damages, liabilities, costs and expenses, including attorneys’ fees and other legal expenses, arising directly or indirectly from or in connection with (i) any negligent, reckless or intentionally wrongful act of Consultant or Consultant’s assistants, employees, contractors or agents, (ii) a determination by a court or agency that the Consultant is not an independent contractor, (iii) any breach by the Consultant or Consultant’s assistants, employees, contractors or agents of any of the covenants contained in this Agreement and corresponding Confidential Information and Invention Assignment Agreement, (iv) any failure of Consultant to perform the Services in accordance with all applicable laws, rules and regulations, or (v) any violation or claimed violation of a third party’s rights resulting in whole, or in part, from the Company’s use of the Inventions or other deliverables of Consultant under this Agreement.

9. Nonsolicitation

To the fullest extent permitted under applicable law, from the date of this Agreement until twelve (12) months after the termination of this Agreement for any reason (the “Restricted Period”), Consultant will not, without the Company’s prior written consent, directly or indirectly, solicit any of the Company’s employees to leave their employment, or attempt to solicit employees of the Company, either for Consultant or for any other person or entity. Consultant agrees that nothing in this Section 9 shall affect Consultant’s continuing obligations under this Agreement during and after this twelve (12) month period, including, without limitation, Consultant’s obligations under Section 2.

10. Limitation of Liability

IN NO EVENT SHALL COMPANY BE LIABLE TO CONSULTANT OR TO ANY OTHER PARTY FOR ANY INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, OR DAMAGES FOR LOST PROFITS OR LOSS OF BUSINESS, HOWEVER CAUSED AND UNDER ANY THEORY OF LIABILITY, WHETHER BASED IN CONTRACT, TORT (INCLUDING NEGLIGENCE) OR OTHER THEORY OF LIABILITY, REGARDLESS OF WHETHER COMPANY WAS ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES AND NOTWITHSTANDING THE FAILURE OF ESSENTIAL PURPOSE OF ANY LIMITED REMEDY. IN NO EVENT SHALL COMPANY’S LIABILITY ARISING OUT OF OR IN CONNECTION WITH THIS AGREEMENT EXCEED THE AMOUNTS PAID BY COMPANY TO CONSULTANT UNDER THIS AGREEMENT FOR THE SERVICES, DELIVERABLES OR INVENTION GIVING RISE TO SUCH LIABILITY.

11. Arbitration and Equitable Relief

A. Arbitration. IN CONSIDERATION OF CONSULTANT’S CONSULTING RELATIONSHIP WITH THE COMPANY, ITS PROMISE TO ARBITRATE ALL DISPUTES RELATED TO CONSULTANT’S CONSULTING RELATIONSHIP WITH THE COMPANY AND CONSULTANT’S RECEIPT OF THE COMPENSATION AND OTHER BENEFITS PAID TO CONSULTANT BY COMPANY, AT PRESENT AND IN THE FUTURE, CONSULTANT AGREES THAT ANY AND ALL CONTROVERSIES, CLAIMS, OR DISPUTES WITH ANYONE (INCLUDING COMPANY AND ANY EMPLOYEE, OFFICER, DIRECTOR, SHAREHOLDER OR BENEFIT PLAN OF THE COMPANY IN THEIR CAPACITY AS SUCH OR OTHERWISE), ARISING OUT OF, RELATING TO, OR RESULTING FROM CONSULTANT’S CONSULTING OR OTHER RELATIONSHIP WITH THE COMPANY OR THE TERMINATION OF CONSULTANT’S CONSULTING OR OTHER RELATIONSHIP WITH THE COMPANY, INCLUDING ANY BREACH OF THIS AGREEMENT, SHALL BE SUBJECT TO BINDING ARBITRATION UNDER THE

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FEDERAL ARBITRATION ACT AND PURSUANT TO THE ARBITRATION PROVISIONS SET FORTH IN CALIFORNIA CODE OF CIVIL PROCEDURE SECTIONS 1280 THROUGH 1294.2 (THE “CCP ACT”) AND PURSUANT TO CALIFORNIA LAW. CONSULTANT MAY BRING A PROCEEDING AS A PRIVATE ATTORNEY GENERAL AS PERMITTED BY LAW. THE FEDERAL ARBITRATION ACT GOVERNS THIS AGREEMENT AND SHALL CONTINUE TO APPLY WITH FULL FORCE AND EFFECT NOTWITHSTANDING THE APPLICATION OF PROCEDURAL RULES SET FORTH IN THE CCP ACT AND CALIFORNIA LAW. CONSULTANT AGREES TO ARBITRATE ANY AND ALL COMMON LAW AND/OR STATUTORY CLAIMS UNDER LOCAL, STATE, OR FEDERAL LAW, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, CLAIMS UNDER THE CALIFORNIA LABOR CODE, CLAIMS RELATING TO EMPLOYMENT OR INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR STATUS, CLASSIFICATION, AND RELATIONSHIP WITH THE COMPANY, AND CLAIMS OF BREACH OF CONTRACT, EXCEPT AS PROHIBITED BY LAW. CONSULTANT ALSO AGREES TO ARBITRATE ANY AND ALL DISPUTES ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THE INTERPRETATION OR APPLICATION OF THIS AGREEMENT TO ARBITRATE, BUT NOT TO DISPUTES ABOUT THE ENFORCEABILITY, REVOCABILITY OR VALIDITY OF THIS AGREEMENT TO ARBITRATE OR ANY PORTION HEREOF OR THE CLASS, COLLECTIVE AND REPRESENTATIVE PROCEEDING WAIVER HEREIN. WITH RESPECT TO ALL SUCH CLAIMS AND DISPUTES THAT CONSULTANT AGREES TO ARBITRATE, CONSULTANT HEREBY EXPRESSLY AGREES TO WAIVE, AND DOES WAIVE, ANY RIGHT TO A TRIAL BY JURY. CONSULTANT FURTHER UNDERSTANDS THAT THIS AGREEMENT TO ARBITRATE ALSO APPLIES TO ANY DISPUTES THAT THE COMPANY MAY HAVE WITH CONSULTANT.

B. Procedure. CONSULTANT AGREES THAT ANY ARBITRATION WILL BE ADMINISTERED BY JUDICIAL ARBITRATION & MEDIATION SERVICES, INC. (“JAMS”) PURSUANT TO ITS EMPLOYMENT ARBITRATION RULES & PROCEDURES (THE “JAMS RULES”), WHICH ARE AVAILABLE AT http://www.jamsadr.com/rules-employment-arbitration/. CONSULTANT AGREES THAT THE USE OF THE JAMS RULES DOES NOT CHANGE CONSULTANT’S CLASSIFICATION TO THAT OF AN EMPLOYEE. TO THE CONTRARY, CONSULTANT REAFFIRMS THAT CONSULTANT IS AN INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR. CONSULTANT AGREES THAT THE ARBITRATOR SHALL HAVE THE POWER TO DECIDE ANY MOTIONS BROUGHT BY ANY PARTY TO THE ARBITRATION, INCLUDING MOTIONS FOR SUMMARY JUDGMENT AND/OR ADJUDICATION AND MOTIONS TO DISMISS AND DEMURRERS APPLYING THE STANDARDS SET FORTH UNDER THE CALIFORNIA CODE OF CIVIL PROCEDURE. CONSULTANT AGREES THAT THE ARBITRATOR SHALL ISSUE A WRITTEN DECISION ON THE MERITS. CONSULTANT ALSO AGREES THAT THE ARBITRATOR SHALL HAVE THE POWER TO AWARD ANY REMEDIES AVAILABLE UNDER APPLICABLE LAW, AND THAT THE ARBITRATOR SHALL AWARD ATTORNEYS’ FEES AND COSTS TO THE PREVAILING PARTY WHERE PROVIDED BY APPLICABLE LAW. CONSULTANT AGREES THAT THE DECREE OR AWARD RENDERED BY THE ARBITRATOR MAY BE ENTERED AS A FINAL AND BINDING JUDGMENT IN ANY COURT HAVING JURISDICTION THEREOF. CONSULTANT AGREES THAT THE ARBITRATOR SHALL ADMINISTER AND CONDUCT ANY ARBITRATION IN ACCORDANCE WITH CALIFORNIA LAW, INCLUDING THE CALIFORNIA CODE OF CIVIL PROCEDURE AND THE CALIFORNIA EVIDENCE CODE, AND THAT THE ARBITRATOR SHALL 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 SHALL TAKE PRECEDENCE. CONSULTANT FURTHER AGREES THAT ANY ARBITRATION UNDER THIS AGREEMENT SHALL BE CONDUCTED IN SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA.

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C. Remedy. EXCEPT AS PROVIDED BY THE CCP ACT AND THIS AGREEMENT, ARBITRATION SHALL BE THE SOLE, EXCLUSIVE, AND FINAL REMEDY FOR ANY DISPUTE BETWEEN CONSULTANT AND THE COMPANY. ACCORDINGLY, EXCEPT AS PROVIDED FOR BY THE CCP ACT AND THIS AGREEMENT, NEITHER CONSULTANT NOR THE COMPANY WILL BE PERMITTED TO PURSUE COURT ACTION REGARDING CLAIMS THAT ARE SUBJECT TO ARBITRATION.

D. Availability of Injunctive Relief. IN ACCORDANCE WITH RULE 1281.8 OF THE CALIFORNIA CODE OF CIVIL PROCEDURE, THE PARTIES AGREE THAT ANY PARTY MAY ALSO PETITION THE COURT FOR INJUNCTIVE RELIEF WHERE EITHER PARTY ALLEGES OR CLAIMS A VIOLATION OF ANY AGREEMENT REGARDING INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY, CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION OR NONINTERFERENCE. IN THE EVENT EITHER PARTY SEEKS INJUNCTIVE RELIEF, THE PREVAILING PARTY SHALL BE ENTITLED TO RECOVER REASONABLE COSTS AND ATTORNEYS’ FEES.

E. Administrative Relief. CONSULTANT UNDERSTANDS THAT EXCEPT AS PERMITTED BY LAW THIS AGREEMENT DOES NOT PROHIBIT CONSULTANT FROM PURSUING CERTAIN ADMINISTRATIVE CLAIMS WITH LOCAL, STATE OR FEDERAL ADMINISTRATIVE BODIES OR GOVERNMENT AGENCIES SUCH AS 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 CONSULTANT FROM BRINGING ANY ALLEGED WAGE CLAIMS WITH THE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR STANDARDS ENFORCEMENT. LIKEWISE, THIS AGREEMENT DOES PRECLUDE CONSULTANT FROM PURSUING COURT ACTION REGARDING ANY ADMINISTRATIVE CLAIMS, EXCEPT AS PERMITTED BY LAW.

F. Voluntary Nature of Agreement. CONSULTANT ACKNOWLEDGES AND AGREES THAT CONSULTANT IS EXECUTING THIS AGREEMENT VOLUNTARILY AND WITHOUT ANY DURESS OR UNDUE INFLUENCE BY THE COMPANY OR ANYONE ELSE. CONSULTANT FURTHER ACKNOWLEDGES AND AGREES THAT CONSULTANT HAS CAREFULLY READ THIS AGREEMENT AND THAT CONSULTANT HAS ASKED ANY QUESTIONS NEEDED FOR CONSULTANT TO UNDERSTAND THE TERMS, CONSEQUENCES AND BINDING EFFECT OF THIS AGREEMENT AND FULLY UNDERSTAND IT, INCLUDING THAT CONSULTANT IS WAIVING CONSULTANT’S RIGHT TO A JURY TRIAL. FINALLY, CONSULTANT AGREES THAT CONSULTANT HAS BEEN PROVIDED AN OPPORTUNITY TO SEEK THE ADVICE OF AN ATTORNEY OF CONSULTANT’S CHOICE BEFORE SIGNING THIS AGREEMENT.

12. Miscellaneous

A. Governing Law; Consent to Personal Jurisdiction. This Agreement shall be governed by the laws of the State of California, without regard to the conflicts of law provisions of any jurisdiction. To the extent that any lawsuit is permitted under this Agreement, the Parties hereby expressly consent to the personal and exclusive jurisdiction and venue of the state and federal courts located in California.

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B. Assignability. This Agreement will be binding upon Consultant’s heirs, executors, assigns, administrators, and other legal representatives, and will be for the benefit of the Company, its successors, and its assigns. There are no intended third-party beneficiaries to this Agreement, except as expressly stated. Except as may otherwise be provided in this Agreement, Consultant may not sell, assign or delegate any rights or obligations under this Agreement. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, Company may assign this Agreement and its rights and obligations under this Agreement to any successor to all or substantially all of Company’s relevant assets, whether by merger, consolidation, reorganization, reincorporation, sale of assets or stock, change of control or otherwise.

C. Entire Agreement. This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement and understanding between the Parties with respect to the subject matter herein and supersedes all prior written and oral agreements, discussions, or representations between the Parties. Consultant represents and warrants that Consultant is not relying on any statement or representation not contained in this Agreement. To the extent any terms set forth in any exhibit or schedule conflict with the terms set forth in this Agreement, the terms of this Agreement shall control unless otherwise expressly agreed by the Parties in such exhibit or schedule.

D. Headings. Headings are used in this Agreement for reference only and shall not be considered when interpreting this Agreement.

E. Severability. If a court or other body of competent jurisdiction finds, or the Parties mutually believe, any provision of this Agreement, or portion thereof, to be invalid or unenforceable, such provision will be enforced to the maximum extent permissible so as to effect the intent of the Parties, and the remainder of this Agreement will continue in full force and effect.

F. Modification, Waiver. No modification of or amendment to this Agreement, nor any waiver of any rights under this Agreement, will be effective unless in a writing signed by the Parties. Waiver by the Company of a breach of any provision of this Agreement will not operate as a waiver of any other or subsequent breach.

G. Notices. Any notice or other communication required or permitted by this Agreement to be given to a Party shall be in writing and shall be deemed given (i) if delivered personally or by commercial messenger or courier service, (ii) when sent by confirmed facsimile, or (iii) if mailed by U.S. registered or certified mail (return receipt requested), to the Party at the Party’s address written below or at such other address as the Party may have previously specified by like notice. If by mail, delivery shall be deemed effective three business days after mailing in accordance with this Section 12.G.

(1)

If to the Company, to:

7000 Shoreline Court, Suite 100

South San Francisco, CA 94080

Attention: General Counsel

(2) If to Consultant, to the address for notice on the signature page to this Agreement or, if no such address is provided, to the last address of Consultant provided by Consultant to the Company.

H. Attorneys’ Fees. In any court action at law or equity that is brought by one of the Parties to this Agreement to enforce or interpret the provisions of this Agreement, the prevailing Party will be entitled to reasonable attorneys’ fees, in addition to any other relief to which that Party may be entitled.

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I. Signatures. This Agreement may be signed in two counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, with the same force and effectiveness as though executed in a single document.

J. Protected Activity Not Prohibited. Consultant understands that nothing in this Agreement shall in any way limit or prohibit Consultant from engaging in any Protected Activity. For purposes of this Agreement, “Protected Activity” shall mean filing a charge, complaint, or report with, or otherwise communicating, cooperating, or participating in any investigation or proceeding that may be conducted by, any federal, state or local government agency or commission, including the Securities and Exchange Commission (“Government Agencies”). Consultant understands that in connection with such Protected Activity, Consultant is permitted to disclose documents or other information as permitted by law, and without giving notice to, or receiving authorization from, the Company. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Consultant agrees to take all reasonable precautions to prevent any unauthorized use or disclosure of any information that may constitute Company confidential information to any parties other than the Government Agencies. Consultant further understands that “Protected Activity” does not include the disclosure of any Company attorney-client privileged communications. Pursuant to the Defend Trade Secrets Act of 2016, Consultant is notified that an individual will not be held criminally or civilly liable under any federal or state trade secret law for the disclosure of a trade secret that (i) is made in confidence to a federal, state, or local government official (directly or indirectly) or to an attorney solely for the purpose of reporting or investigating a suspected violation of law, or (ii) is made in a complaint or other document filed in a lawsuit or other proceeding, if (and only if) such filing is made under seal. In addition, an individual who files a lawsuit for retaliation by an employer for reporting a suspected violation of law may disclose the trade secret to the individual’s attorney and use the trade secret information in the court proceeding, if the individual files any document containing the trade secret under seal and does not disclose the trade secret, except pursuant to court order.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties hereto have executed this Consulting Agreement as of the date first written above.


CONSULTANT		FLUIDIGM CORPORATION

By:		By:
	Gajus V. Worthington, an individual		Nicholas S. Khadder
			Senior Vice President and General Counsel

Address for Notice:

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SCHEDULE 1

SERVICES AND COMPENSATION

1. Contact. Consultant’s principal Company contact:

Name: Chris Linthwaite

Title: President and Chief Executive Officer

Email: Christopher.linthwaite@fluidigm.com

Phone: (650) 416-7416

2. Services. The Services will include, but will not be limited to, the following: Consultant’s reasonable assistance with the transition of duties of the Company’s Chief Executive Officer, and other related projects. The Company anticipates that Consultant will perform Services for no more than fifteen (15) hours per week.

3. Compensation.

A. The Company will pay Consultant a monthly fee of Twenty-One Thousand Six Hundred Sixty-Six Dollars and Sixty-Seven Cents ($21,666.67) for Services performed during the Term. This payment will be made to Consultant no later than ten (10) business days following the end of the each month of the Term. If the Services in a given month exceed sixty (60) hours per month, then Consultant’s monthly fee will be increased by $350 per each hour in excess of sixty (60) hours.

B. The Company will reimburse Consultant, in accordance with Company policy, for all reasonable expenses incurred by Consultant in performing the Services pursuant to this Agreement, if Consultant receives written consent from an authorized agent of the Company prior to incurring such expenses and submits receipts for such expenses to the Company in accordance with Company policy.

C. All payments and benefits provided for under this Agreement are intended to be exempt from or otherwise comply with the requirements of Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and the regulations and guidance thereunder (together, “Section 409A”), so that none of the payments and benefits to be provided hereunder will be subject to the additional tax imposed under Section 409A, and any ambiguities or ambiguous terms herein will be interpreted to be exempt or so comply. Each payment and benefit payable under this Agreement is intended to constitute a separate payment for purposes of Section 1.409A-2(b)(2) of the Treasury Regulations. In no event will the Company reimburse Consultant for any taxes that may be imposed on Consultant as a result of Section 409A.

This Schedule 1 is accepted and agreed upon as of October 19, 2016.


CONSULTANT		FLUIDIGM CORPORATION

By:		By:
	Gajus V. Worthington, an individual	Nicholas S. Khadder
		Senior Vice President and General Counsel

EXHIBIT B

SUPPLEMENTAL RELEASE AGREEMENT

This Supplemental Release Agreement (“Supplemental Release”) is made by and between Gajus V. Worthington (“Consultant”) and Fluidigm Corporation (the “Company”) (jointly referred to as the “Parties” and individually referred to as a “Party”).

1. Consideration. In consideration for the continued payment of the consideration set forth in Section 1.a. of the Separation Agreement and Release signed between Consultant and the Company on October 19, 2016 (the “Separation Agreement”), Consultant hereby extends his release and waiver of claims to any claims that may have arisen between the Effective Date (as such term is defined in the Separation Agreement) and the Supplemental Release Effective Date, as defined below.

2. Incorporation of Terms of Release Agreement. The undersigned Parties further acknowledge that the terms of the Separation Agreement, including, but not limited to, Sections 1.f. (No Further Severance), 5 (Payment of Salary and Receipt of All Benefits), 6 (General Release of Claims), 7 (Acknowledgment of Waiver of Claims under ADEA), 8 (California Civil Code Section 1542), 11 (Trade Secrets and Confidential Information/Company Property), 13 (Protected Activity Not Prohibited), and 14 (Nondisparagement) shall apply to this Supplemental Release and are incorporated herein to the extent that they are not inconsistent with the express terms of this Supplemental Release.

3. Supplemental Release Effective Date. Consultant understands that this Supplemental Release shall be null and void if not executed by him within twenty-one (21) days after the termination of the Consulting Agreement. This Supplemental Release will become effective on the eighth (8th) day after Consultant signs this Supplemental Release (the “Supplemental Release Effective Date”), so long as the Separation Agreement and the Supplemental Release have both been signed by the Parties and neither has been revoked by either Party before that date. The Company will provide Consultant with the consideration provided by Section 1.d. of the Separation Agreement in accordance with the terms of that agreement.

4. Voluntary Execution of Agreement. Consultant understands and agrees that he executed this Supplemental Release voluntarily, without any duress or undue influence on the part or behalf of the Company or any third party, with the full intent of releasing all of his claims against the Company and any of the other Releasees. Consultant acknowledges that:

(a)

he has read this Supplemental Release;

(b)

he cannot sign the Supplemental Release before the termination of his consulting relationship with the Company, but that he must sign the Supplemental Release no later than 21 days thereafter;

(c)

he has been represented in the preparation, negotiation, and execution of this Supplemental Release by legal counsel of his own choice or has elected not to retain legal counsel;

(d)

he understands the terms and consequences of this Supplemental Release and of the releases it contains; and

(e)

he is fully aware of the legal and binding effect of this Supplemental Release.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties have executed this Agreement on the respective dates set forth below.


	GAJUS V. WORTHINGTON, an individual

Dated: , 2017
	Gajus V. Worthington

	FLUIDIGM CORPORATION

Dated: , 2017	By
		Nicholas S. Khadder
		Senior Vice President and General Counsel

EXHIBIT C

Equity Awards of Options and RSUs

Options


Grant Date	Strike Price		Vested as of October 19, 2016		Unvested as of October 19, 2016
11/17/2009	$	4.082800		8,243		0
11/17/2009	$	4.082800		5,780		0
11/17/2009	$	4.082800		5,780		0
01/04/2011	$	8.373200		5,780		0
01/04/2011	$	8.373200		5,203		0
01/04/2011	$	8.373200		577		0
05/18/2011	$	14.600000		70,000		0
02/17/2012	$	15.490000		100,000		0
02/15/2013	$	16.730000		107,812		7,188
03/04/2016	$	7.100000		6,328		27,422

Restricted Stock Units


Grant Date	RSUs Outstanding and Unvested as of October 19, 2016
03/14/2014		9,209
03/12/2015		7,516
03/04/2016		11,532

EX-99.2

Exhibit 99.2

FLUIDIGM NAMES S. CHRISTOPHER LINTHWAITE AS NEW CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO, Calif., October 19, 2016 – Fluidigm Corporation (NASDAQ:FLDM) today announced that its Board of Directors has appointed S. Christopher Linthwaite as Chief Executive Officer and a member of the Board of Directors, effective immediately. Linthwaite succeeds Gajus V. Worthington, who has stepped down as the CEO and Board member of Fluidigm.

“We are thrilled to have Chris as a seasoned executive leading Fluidigm to the next phase of its growth,” commented Samuel Colella, Chairman of the Fluidigm Board of Directors. “Also, we are very thankful for Gajus’s 18 years of service. He has been a visionary leader for the company, delivering incredible market innovation and customer engagement.”

Linthwaite joined Fluidigm as President and Chief Operating Officer in August 2016. A life sciences industry veteran, Linthwaite served as a senior business executive with Invitrogen, Life Technologies and Thermo Fisher Scientific. His significant leadership experience in genomics, bioprocessing, forensics, AgBio, and animal health testing underpin a track-record of delivering profitable growth.

“Fluidigm is a highly innovative company with a passion for enabling new breakthroughs in life sciences research and applied markets, and I am honored to lead this remarkable organization,” Linthwaite said. “The opportunity ahead for Fluidigm is immense, and realizing it will require continued focus on customer-centric innovation combined with a commitment to operational excellence. A key part of my role as CEO will be to achieve sustainable growth while delivering high-quality, innovative solutions to our customers. I look forward to spending time with our customers and stockholders later this quarter to discuss our performance and plans in more detail.”

Chris Linthwaite and Vikram Jog, Fluidigm’s Chief Financial Officer, will provide detailed information on third quarter financial performance after the close of the markets on Thursday, November 3, 2016.

Use of Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including, among others, statements relating to Fluidigm growth and opportunities, and executive leadership roles. Forward-looking statements are subject to

numerous risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from currently anticipated results, including but not limited to, risks relating to the future financial performance of Fluidigm product lines; challenges inherent in developing, manufacturing, launching, marketing, and selling new products; potential product performance and quality issues; the possible loss of key employees, customers, or suppliers; intellectual property risks; competition; Fluidigm research and development, sales, marketing, and distribution plans and capabilities; reduction in research and development spending or changes in budget priorities by customers; interruptions or delays in the supply of components or materials for, or manufacturing of, its products; seasonal variations in customer operations; unanticipated increases in costs or expenses; and risks associated with international operations. Information on these and additional risks, uncertainties, and other information affecting Fluidigm business and operating results are contained in Fluidigm’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2016, and in its other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date hereof. Fluidigm disclaims any obligation to update these forward-looking statements except as may be required by law.

About Fluidigm

Fluidigm (NASDAQ:FLDM) develops, manufactures, and markets life science analytical and preparatory systems for growth markets such as single-cell biology and production genomics. We sell to leading academic institutions, clinical laboratories, and pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and agricultural biotechnology companies worldwide. Our systems are based on proprietary microfluidics and multiparameter mass cytometry technology and are designed to significantly simplify experimental workflow, increase throughput, and reduce costs while providing excellent data quality. Fluidigm products are provided for Research Use Only. Not for use in diagnostic procedures.

We use our website (www.fluidigm.com), corporate Twitter account (@fluidigm), Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/Fluidigm), and LinkedIn page (https://www.linkedin.com/company/fluidigm-corporation) as channels of distribution of information about our products, our planned financial and other announcements, our attendance at upcoming investor and industry conferences, and other matters. Such information may be deemed material information, and we may use these channels to comply with our disclosure obligations under Regulation FD. Therefore, investors should monitor our website and our social media accounts in addition to following our press releases, SEC filings, public conference calls, and webcasts.

Fluidigm and the Fluidigm logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of Fluidigm Corporation.

Contact:

Fluidigm Corporation

Ana Petrovic

Director, Corporate Development and Investor Relations

(650) 243-6628 (office)

ana.petrovic@fluidigm.com