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<SEC-DOCUMENT>0001193125-08-196050.txt : 20080915
<SEC-HEADER>0001193125-08-196050.hdr.sgml : 20080915
<ACCEPTANCE-DATETIME>20080915163122
ACCESSION NUMBER:		0001193125-08-196050
CONFORMED SUBMISSION TYPE:	8-K
PUBLIC DOCUMENT COUNT:		2
CONFORMED PERIOD OF REPORT:	20080912
ITEM INFORMATION:		Departure of Directors or Principal Officers; Election of Directors; Appointment of Principal Officers
ITEM INFORMATION:		Financial Statements and Exhibits
FILED AS OF DATE:		20080915
DATE AS OF CHANGE:		20080915

FILER:

	COMPANY DATA:	
		COMPANY CONFORMED NAME:			NANOPHASE TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
		CENTRAL INDEX KEY:			0000883107
		STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION:	MISCELLANEOUS PRIMARY METAL PRODUCTS [3390]
		IRS NUMBER:				363687863
		STATE OF INCORPORATION:			IL
		FISCAL YEAR END:			1231

	FILING VALUES:
		FORM TYPE:		8-K
		SEC ACT:		1934 Act
		SEC FILE NUMBER:	000-22333
		FILM NUMBER:		081071874

	BUSINESS ADDRESS:	
		STREET 1:		453 COMMERCE ST
		CITY:			BURR RIDGE
		STATE:			IL
		ZIP:			60521
		BUSINESS PHONE:		6303231200

	MAIL ADDRESS:	
		STREET 1:		453 COMMERCE STREET
		CITY:			BURR RIDGE
		STATE:			IL
		ZIP:			60521
</SEC-HEADER>
<DOCUMENT>
<TYPE>8-K
<SEQUENCE>1
<FILENAME>d8k.htm
<DESCRIPTION>FORM 8-K
<TEXT>
<HTML><HEAD>
<TITLE>Form 8-K</TITLE>
</HEAD>
 <BODY BGCOLOR="WHITE">
<h5 align="left"><a href="#toc">Table of Contents</a></h5>

 <P STYLE="line-height:0px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;border-bottom:0.5pt solid #000000">&nbsp;</P> <P
STYLE="line-height:3px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:2px;border-bottom:0.5pt solid #000000">&nbsp;</P> <P STYLE="margin-top:3px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="4"><B>UNITED STATES </B></FONT></P> <P
STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="4"><B>SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION </B></FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman"
SIZE="3"><B>Washington D.C., 20549 </B></FONT></P> <P STYLE="font-size:12px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px">&nbsp;</P><center> <P
STYLE="line-height:6px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:2px;border-bottom:1pt solid #000000;width:21%">&nbsp;</P></center> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="4"><B>Form&nbsp;8-K </B></FONT></P>
<P STYLE="font-size:12px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px">&nbsp;</P><center> <P STYLE="line-height:6px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:2px;border-bottom:1pt solid #000000;width:21%">&nbsp;</P></center> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px"
ALIGN="center"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="3"><B>Current Report </B></FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="3"><B>Pursuant to Section&nbsp;13 or 15(d) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934 </B></FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B>Date Of Report (Date Of Earliest Event Reported): September 12, 2008 </B></FONT></P> <P
STYLE="font-size:12px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px">&nbsp;</P><center> <P STYLE="line-height:6px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:2px;border-bottom:1pt solid #000000;width:21%">&nbsp;</P></center> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px"
ALIGN="center"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="5"><B>NANOPHASE TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION </B></FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="1"><B>(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in
its Charter) </B></FONT></P> <P STYLE="font-size:12px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px">&nbsp;</P><center> <P STYLE="line-height:6px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:2px;border-bottom:1pt solid #000000;width:21%">&nbsp;</P></center> <P
STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B>Commission File Number: 0-22333 </B></FONT></P> <P STYLE="font-size:12px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px">&nbsp;</P>
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<TD VALIGN="top" ALIGN="center"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B>Delaware</B></FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="top" ALIGN="center"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B>36-3687863</B></FONT></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top" ALIGN="center"> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="1"><B>(State or Other Jurisdiction of</B></FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:1px" ALIGN="center"><FONT
FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="1"><B>Incorporation or Organization)</B></FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="top" ALIGN="center"> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="1"><B>(I.R.S. Employer</B></FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:1px" ALIGN="center"><FONT
FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="1"><B>Identification No.)</B></FONT></P></TD></TR>
</TABLE> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B>1319 Marquette Drive, Romeoville, Illinois 60446 </B></FONT></P> <P
STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="1"><B>(Address of Principal Executive Offices, Including Zip Code) </B></FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT
FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B>(630)&nbsp;771-6700 </B></FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="1"><B>(Registrant&#146;s Telephone Number, Including Area Code) </B></FONT></P> <P
STYLE="font-size:12px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px">&nbsp;</P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="1"><B>(Former name or former address, if changed since last report) </B></FONT></P> <P
STYLE="font-size:12px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px">&nbsp;</P><center> <P STYLE="line-height:6px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:2px;border-bottom:1pt solid #000000;width:21%">&nbsp;</P></center> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT
FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2">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: </FONT></P> <P
STYLE="font-size:12px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR>
<TD WIDTH="4%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><FONT FACE="WINGDINGS">&#168;</FONT></FONT></TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Written communications pursuant to Rule&nbsp;425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425) </FONT></TD></TR></TABLE> <P
STYLE="font-size:12px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR>
<TD WIDTH="4%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><FONT FACE="WINGDINGS">&#168;</FONT></FONT></TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Soliciting material pursuant to Rule&nbsp;14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12) </FONT></TD></TR></TABLE> <P
STYLE="font-size:12px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR>
<TD WIDTH="4%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><FONT FACE="WINGDINGS">&#168;</FONT></FONT></TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule&nbsp;14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b)) </FONT></TD></TR></TABLE> <P
STYLE="font-size:12px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR>
<TD WIDTH="4%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><FONT FACE="WINGDINGS">&#168;</FONT></FONT></TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule&nbsp;13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c)) </FONT></TD></TR></TABLE> <P
STYLE="font-size:6px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px">&nbsp;</P> <P STYLE="line-height:3px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;border-bottom:0.5pt solid #000000">&nbsp;</P> <P
STYLE="line-height:3px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:2px;border-bottom:0.5pt solid #000000">&nbsp;</P>

<p Style='page-break-before:always'>
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<h5 align="left"><a href="#toc">Table of Contents</a></h5>

 <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B><U><A NAME="toc"></A>TABLE OF CONTENTS </U></B></FONT></P> <P
STYLE="font-size:12px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px">&nbsp;</P>
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<TD></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><A HREF="#tx79668_1">Item&nbsp;5.02. Departure of Directors or Certain Officers; Election of Directors; Appointment of Certain Officers; Compensatory Arrangement of Certain
Officers</A></FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2">3</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><A HREF="#tx79668_2">Item&nbsp;9.01. Financial Statements and Exhibits</A></FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2">3</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><A HREF="#tx79668_3">Signature(s)</A></FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2">4</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><A HREF="#tx79668_4">Separation Agreement and General Release of All Claims effective September 12, 2008</A></FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD></TR>
</TABLE> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></P>
 <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2">2 </FONT></P>


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<h5 align="left"><a href="#toc">Table of Contents</a></h5>

 <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Items to be Included in this Report </FONT></P> <P
STYLE="font-size:12px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR>
<TD WIDTH="10%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B><A NAME="tx79668_1"></A>Item&nbsp;5.02.</B></FONT></TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B>Departure of Directors or Certain Officers; Election of Directors; Appointment of Certain Officers; Compensatory Arrangement of Certain Officers. </B></FONT></TD></TR></TABLE> <P
STYLE="margin-top:6px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2">The Company previously reported on a Current Report on Form 8-K dated August 18, 2008 that former Executive Vice President, Sales and Marketing, Kevin J.
Wenta had resigned as an officer of the Company. Subsequently, the Company entered into a Separation Agreement and General Release of All Claims, effective as of September 12, 2008, with Mr. Wenta (the &#147;Separation Agreement&#148;). </FONT></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:8%"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Pursuant to the Separation Agreement, Mr. Wenta will receive severance pay in the aggregate gross amount of $281,003.21 and notice pay in the
aggregate gross amount of $34,767. Mr. Wenta will also receive accelerated vesting of all outstanding options previously granted to Mr. Wenta and up to $10,000 for outplacement services provided to Mr. Wenta. Furthermore, during the period severance
will be paid, the Company will pay a portion of the monthly insurance premiums for Mr. Wenta&#146;s participation in the Company&#146;s group health insurance plan through COBRA. In consideration for these and other benefits provided under the
Separation Agreement, Mr. Wenta agreed to release of any and all claims against the Company and its representatives and confirmed his continuing obligations to the Company including compliance with certain restrictive covenants and assisting the
Company, at its request, in certain potential disputes. </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:8%"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2">The Separation Agreement is filed hereto as Exhibit 10.1 and is incorporated
herein by reference. The descriptions thereof contained in this Form 8-K are qualified in all respects by the terms and provisions of the Separation Agreement. </FONT></P> <P STYLE="font-size:18px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR>
<TD WIDTH="10%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B><A NAME="tx79668_2"></A>Item&nbsp;9.01.</B></FONT></TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B>Financial Statements and Exhibits </B></FONT></TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman"
SIZE="2">Exhibit&nbsp;10.1&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Separation Agreement and General Release of all Claims effective September 12, 2008 </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></P>
 <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2">3 </FONT></P>


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<h5 align="left"><a href="#toc">Table of Contents</a></h5>

 <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B><A NAME="tx79668_3"></A>Signature(s) </B></FONT></P> <P
STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2">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. </FONT></P> <P STYLE="font-size:12px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px">&nbsp;</P>
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<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" COLSPAN="3"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Nanophase Technologies Corporation</FONT></TD></TR>
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<TD VALIGN="top"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Date: September 15, 2008</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2">By:</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:1px;border-bottom:1px solid #000000"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2">/s/ JESS JANKOWSKI</FONT></P></TD></TR>
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<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2">JESS JANKOWSKI</FONT></TD></TR>
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<TD VALIGN="top"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
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<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Chief Financial Officer</FONT></TD></TR>
</TABLE> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></P>
 <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2">4 </FONT></P>

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<DOCUMENT>
<TYPE>EX-10.1
<SEQUENCE>2
<FILENAME>dex101.htm
<DESCRIPTION>SEPARATION AGREEMENT
<TEXT>
<HTML><HEAD>
<TITLE>Separation Agreement</TITLE>
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 <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="right"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B>Exhibit 10.1 </B></FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:6px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT
FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B>SEPARATION AGREEMENT AND </B></FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B>GENERAL RELEASE OF ALL CLAIMS </B></FONT></P> <P
STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2">This Separation Agreement and General Release (the &#147;Agreement&#148;) is made between Kevin J. Wenta and Nanophase Technologies Corporation
(&#147;NTC&#148;). </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Whereas, since January&nbsp;8, 2007, Mr.&nbsp;Wenta has served as Executive Vice President, Sales and Marketing of NTC
pursuant to that certain Employment Agreement between Mr.&nbsp;Wenta and NTC dated and effective as of January&nbsp;8, 2007 (&#147;Employment Agreement&#148;); and </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT
FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Whereas, Mr.&nbsp;Wenta&#146; employment with NTC concluded effective August&nbsp;13,2008; and </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Whereas,
Mr.&nbsp;Wenta and NTC wish both to provide for an orderly transition that serves their mutual interests, and to resolve any past, present or future disputes between them. </FONT></P> <P
STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Now, therefore, in consideration of the release, covenants, representations and obligations stated below, Mr.&nbsp;Wenta and NTC agree as follows:
</FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2">1. <B><U>Separation Benefits</U></B>. Subject to Mr.&nbsp;Wenta complying with all his obligations under Paragraphs 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 8 and
10 of this Agreement, NTC will provide him with the following benefits (collectively, the &#147;Separation Benefits&#148;): </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:6px;margin-bottom:0px; margin-left:4%; text-indent:4%"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman"
SIZE="2">A. Severance Pay, in the aggregate gross amount of $281,003.21 (contractual severance pay of $282,000, less $996.79 that Mr.&nbsp;Wenta owes to NTC for net amount of expense reimbursement overpayment), subject to tax, withholding and all
other required deductions, paid in twenty-six equal bi-weekly installments of $10,850 each. The preceding installments shall begin on NTC&#146;s first regular payday for salaried employees that occurs five days after the end of the &#147;Revocation
Period&#148; (as defined in Paragraph 3.E of this Agreement), provided that NTC, in its discretion, may accelerate any or all installments of the Severance Pay. </FONT></P> <P
STYLE="margin-top:6px;margin-bottom:0px; margin-left:4%; text-indent:4%"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2">B. Notice Pay, in the aggregate gross amount of $34,767, subject to tax, withholding and all other required deductions, paid in full on
NTC&#146;s first regular payday for salaried employees that occurs five days after the end of the Revocation Period. </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:6px;margin-bottom:0px; margin-left:4%; text-indent:4%"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2">C. If
Mr.&nbsp;Wenta and his dependents elect to continue participating in NTC&#146;s group health insurance plan (the &#147;Plan&#148;) through COBRA, NTC will pay the monthly insurance premiums for such participation by Mr.&nbsp;Wenta and his dependants
for so long as the Severance Pay continues, provided that: (i)&nbsp;Mr.&nbsp;Wenta and his dependants remain eligible to participate in the Plan, subject to all the terms and conditions of the Plan as may be in effect from time to time; and
(ii)&nbsp;Mr.&nbsp;Wenta pays a bi-weekly contribution of $169.00 toward the cost of the premiums for COBRA coverage under the Plan. In the absence of Mr.&nbsp;Wenta and his dependants electing to continue participating in NTC&#146;s Plan through
COBRA, coverage of Mr.&nbsp;Wenta and his dependants under the Plan will end on August&nbsp;31, 2008. </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:6px;margin-bottom:0px; margin-left:4%; text-indent:4%"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2">D. NTC will pay up to
$10,000 for outplacement services provided to Mr.&nbsp;Wenta by Kensington International (&#147;Kensington,&#148;), provided that: (i)&nbsp;such payments are </FONT>
</P>

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 <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px; margin-left:4%"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2">made directly to Kensington by NTC and supported by invoices from Kensington; and (ii)&nbsp;the invoices
reflect that Kensington began providing its outplacement services to Mr.&nbsp;Wenta by September&nbsp;15, 2008. </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:6px;margin-bottom:0px; margin-left:4%; text-indent:4%"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2">E. All
unvested stock options previously granted to Mr.&nbsp;Wenta will become fully vested and will become immediately exercisable, with such exercise continuing to be governed by all the terms and conditions of the respective grant instruments and the
applicable stock option or equity compensation plan under which such options were awarded to Mr.&nbsp;Wenta, provided that Mr.&nbsp;Wenta shall have until August&nbsp;13, 2009 to exercise any or all such stock options. All unexercised previously
vested stock options that have been granted to Mr.&nbsp;Wenta will continued to be governed by all the terms and conditions of the respective grant instruments and the applicable stock option or equity compensation plan under which such options were
awarded to Mr.&nbsp;Wenta, provided that Mr.&nbsp;Wenta shall have until August&nbsp;13, 2009 to exercise any or all such stock options. </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:6px;margin-bottom:0px; margin-left:4%; text-indent:4%"><FONT
FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2">F. NTC will not contest any claim for unemployment insurance benefits that Mr.&nbsp;Wenta may file with the Illinois Department of Employment Security by September 15, 2008. </FONT></P> <P
STYLE="margin-top:6px;margin-bottom:0px; margin-left:4%; text-indent:4%"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2">G. Mr.&nbsp;Wenta acknowledges that NTC has made no representations to him concerning the tax consequences, if any, of the Separation
Benefits to be provided to Mr.&nbsp;Wenta under Paragraph I of this Agreement. </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2">2. <B><U>General Release</U>.</B> In consideration of the
preceding Separation Benefits provided by NTC to Mr.&nbsp;Wenta, which Separation Benefits are hereby acknowledged by Mr.&nbsp;Wenta to be sufficient, just and adequate, Mr.&nbsp;Wenta, for himself and his heirs, executors, administrators, legal
representatives, agents, attorneys, successors and assigns, irrevocably and unconditionally hereby releases and forever discharges NTC, all its respective officers, directors, shareholders, predecessors, successors, affiliates, employees, insurers,
benefit plans, equity compensation plans, legal representatives, agents, attorneys and assigns, of and from any and all administrative, judicial or other claims, actions, charges, suits, debts, dues, accounts, contracts, plans, controversies,
agreements, promises, representations, warranties, damages and judgments, in law or equity, which Mr.&nbsp;Wenta had, has or may hereafter have, whether known or unknown, from the beginning of time through the date Mr.&nbsp;Wenta signs this
Agreement, arising out of, relating to, or in any manner connected with any of the following: </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:6px;margin-bottom:0px; margin-left:4%; text-indent:4%"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2">A. All matters relating to
Mr.&nbsp;Wenta&#146; employment with, or termination as an officer, director and employee of, NTC. </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:6px;margin-bottom:0px; margin-left:4%; text-indent:4%"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2">B. All rights or claims
to any compensation or benefits from NTC (specifically including any claim for severance pay or notice pay as provided under Sections 6(b) and 7(b) of the Employment Agreement), except as otherwise expressly provided in this Agreement. </FONT></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:6px;margin-bottom:0px; margin-left:4%; text-indent:4%"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2">C. All suits, claims, charges or causes of action arising under or in connection with: (i)&nbsp;Title VII of the Civil Right Act of
1964 as amended (42 U.S.C. &#167;&#167; 2000e <I>et</I> </FONT>
</P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></P>
 <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2">2 </FONT></P>


<p Style='page-break-before:always'>
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 <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px; margin-left:4%"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><I>seq.</I>), the Civil Rights Acts of 1991, 1866 and 1871 as amended, the Americans With Disabilities
Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. &#167;&#167; 12101 <I>et seq</I>.), the National Labor Relations Act as amended (29 U.S.C. &#167;&#167; 151 <I>et seq</I>.), the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 as amended (29 U.S.C. &#167;&#167; 1001 <I>et
seq</I>.), the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 as amended (29 U.S.C. &#167;&#167; 651 <I>et seq</I>.), the Fair Labor Standards Act as amended (29 U.S.C. &#167;&#167; 201 <I>et seq</I>.), the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993 as
amended (29 U.S.C. &#167;&#167; 2601 <I>et seq</I>., or the Illinois Human Rights Act as amended. (775 ILCS 5/1 <I>et seq</I>.); (ii)&nbsp;any federal, state or local law, statute, ordinance, regulation, order or public policy affecting or relating
to the claims and rights of employees, directors, officers and shareholders, or any claims arising out of or in relation to any contract or common law right including without limitation any claim in tort or contract relating to the breach of an
oral, written or implied contract, breach of an implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing, misrepresentation, defamation, interference with contract, interference with prospective economic advantage, retaliation, harassment, conspiracy,
wrongful termination, intentional or negligent infliction of emotional or psychological injury, mental or emotional distress, mental anguish, negligence, humiliation, embarrassment, pain and suffering, loss of personal or professional reputation,
loss of career opportunities, stigmatization or loss of job status or satisfaction; (iii)&nbsp;any employment-related claims for compensatory, consequential or punitive damages, equitable relief, attorneys&#146; fees or litigation costs, back-pay,
front-pay, past or prospective benefits from individual, group or other insurance coverage or any other source, loss of salary, net accumulations, wages, expense reimbursements, vacations, earnings, interest or loss of any other incidents, terms or
conditions of employment; and (iv)&nbsp;any claim for attorneys&#146; fees. </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:6px;margin-bottom:0px; margin-left:4%; text-indent:4%"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Mr.&nbsp;Wenta and NTC agree that nothing in
Paragraphs 2 or 3 of this Agreement waives any claims or rights that Mr.&nbsp;Wenta may have which are not subject to his unilateral waiver under applicable law. </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT
FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2">3. <B><U>Age Claim Release</U></B>. Mr.&nbsp;Wenta specifically agrees that: </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:6px;margin-bottom:0px; margin-left:4%; text-indent:4%"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2">A. He is
releasing any and all claims under the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967 (29 U.S.C. &#167;&#167; 621 <I>et seq</I>.), as amended by the Older Workers Benefit Protection Act (and any comparable state or local laws), arising up to the date
that he signs this Agreement. </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:6px;margin-bottom:0px; margin-left:4%; text-indent:4%"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2">B. The consideration he will receive is greater than normally provided by NTC&#146;s policies
to a person of his length of service and responsibility. </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:6px;margin-bottom:0px; margin-left:4%; text-indent:4%"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2">C. He has had an opportunity to consult with an attorney of his
choice before he executed this instrument. </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:6px;margin-bottom:0px; margin-left:4%; text-indent:4%"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2">D. He has been given twenty-one days from the date he received this Agreement
(or until September&nbsp;4, 2008) to decide whether to sign the document. </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></P>
 <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2">3 </FONT></P>


<p Style='page-break-before:always'>
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 <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px; margin-left:4%; text-indent:4%"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2">E. He has seven days after he signs this Agreement to revoke its execution (the
&#147;Revocation Period&#148;). Mr.&nbsp;Wenta agrees that if he revokes his execution of this Agreement, he will immediately provide Nancy Baldwin, Director of Human Resources of NTC, with written notice of the revocation, transmitted to NTC by
overnight delivery. In the event of such revocation, all obligations of NTC under this Agreement shall immediately cease. In the absence of such revocation, this Agreement will become effective on the eighth day after Mr.&nbsp;Wenta signs it.
</FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2">4. <B><U>No Re-employment</U></B>. Mr.&nbsp;Wenta waives all claims to employment, re-employment or engagement with NTC. Mr.&nbsp;Wenta
affirmatively agrees not to seek employment, re-employment or engagement with NTC. Mr.&nbsp;Wenta releases NTC from any future claims concerning any application for employment or engagement he makes in breach of this Agreement. </FONT></P> <P
STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2">5. <B><U>No Admissions</U></B>. Mr.&nbsp;Wenta acknowledges that the Separation Benefits provided by NTC, and its execution of this Agreement, are not an
admission of wrongdoing of any kind on the part of the entities and persons hereby released, by whom wrongdoing of any kind is expressly denied. </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman"
SIZE="2">6. <B><U>Continued Obligations</U></B>. Mr.&nbsp;Wenta confirms the existence and enforceability of all his obligations to NTC, including those: (a)&nbsp;under Section&nbsp;9 of the Employment Agreement; (b)&nbsp;under that certain
Confidential Information and Proprietary Rights Agreement between NTC and Mr.&nbsp;Wenta entered into on or about January 8, 2007; (c)&nbsp;under the Illinois Trade Secrets Act; (d)&nbsp;under NTC&#146;s Insider Trading Policy and practices; and
(e)&nbsp;under applicable law concerning his fiduciary duties to NTC as an officer and director possessing material insider information. Mr.&nbsp;Wenta further agrees that: (x)&nbsp;if he is ever required by subpoena or order of any court or
administrative agency to disclose any information concerning NTC, including its confidential or proprietary information of any kind, he will first notify NTC in writing immediately upon his receiving any such subpoena or order and before making any
disclosure; and (y)&nbsp;upon NTC&#146;s request, Mr.&nbsp;Wenta will cooperate in any legal proceedings which in whole or part relate to any events or matters occurring while he was employed by NTC and/or about which he has relevant information,
provided that NTC will reimburse Mr.&nbsp;Wenta for the reasonable travel, lodging and food expenses that he incurs in connection with providing such cooperation, subject to NTC&#146;s policy governing Employee Expense Reimbursement for Corporate
Expenditures in effect on August&nbsp;13, 2008. </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2">7. <B><U>Non-Disparagement</U></B>. Mr.&nbsp;Wenta agrees that he will not directly or
indirectly make or cause to be made any statement or other form of communication that could be reasonably interpreted as disparaging the reputation or business interests of NTC or any of its respective officers, directors, shareholders, employees,
customers, vendors or their representatives. </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2">8. <B><U>Return of NTC Property</U></B>. Mr.&nbsp;Wenta shall immediately return to NTC all
its property in his possession or control, including without limitation: (a)&nbsp;all cellular telephones (together with all telephone numbers assigned to such telephones), keys, laptop computers, printers and related equipment; (b)&nbsp;all
electronically-stored information created by or on behalf </FONT>
</P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></P>
 <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2">4 </FONT></P>


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 <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2">of NTC, or otherwise belonging to NTC, including all such information contained in any hard drive or computer owned by
Mr.&nbsp;Wenta; and (c)&nbsp;all notes, documents and other written materials, including any copies, excerpts, summaries or compilations thereof. </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman"
SIZE="2">9. <B><U>Integration. No Other Promises and Voluntary Signing</U></B>. Mr.&nbsp;Wenta acknowledges that: all the Separation Benefits provided by NTC are described in this Agreement; no other promise or agreement of any kind has been made to
or with him by any person or entity whatsoever to cause him to execute this Agreement; this instrument (and the other documents referenced herein) constitutes the entire agreement between the parties; and he has knowingly signed this Agreement of
his own free will, intending to be legally bound by it. </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2">10. <B><U>No Assignment</U></B>. Mr.&nbsp;Wenta warrants that he has not assigned
any claim, action, cause of action, suit, contract, plan, controversy, promise, damages, award or judgments which he had, has or hereafter may have arising from any matters connected in any way with his employment by, or offices or directorship
with, NTC or any claims released in this instrument. </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2">12. <B><U>Governing law</U></B>. This Agreement shall be construed in accord with and
governed by the laws of the State of Illinois. </FONT></P> <P STYLE="font-size:12px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE CELLSPACING="0" CELLPADDING="0" WIDTH="100%" BORDER="0">

<TR>
<TD WIDTH="43%"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="10%"></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1%"></TD>
<TD WIDTH="44%"></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:1px;border-bottom:1px solid #000000" ALIGN="center"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2">/s/&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Kevin J. Wenta</FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="top" COLSPAN="3"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2">NANOPHASE TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top" ALIGN="center"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2">KEVIN J. WENTA</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="top"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="top"></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD HEIGHT="16"></TD>
<TD HEIGHT="16" COLSPAN="2"></TD>
<TD HEIGHT="16" COLSPAN="2"></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:1px;border-bottom:1px solid #000000" ALIGN="center"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2">9/4/08</FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="top"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2">By:</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:1px;border-bottom:1px solid #000000"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2">/s/&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Nancy Baldwin</FONT></P></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top" ALIGN="center"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Date</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="top"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="top"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Nancy Baldwin</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="top"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="top"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Director of Human Resources</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD HEIGHT="16"></TD>
<TD HEIGHT="16" COLSPAN="4"></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="top" COLSPAN="3"> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:1px;border-bottom:1px solid #000000"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2">09-08-08</FONT></P></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="top" COLSPAN="3"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Date</FONT></TD></TR>
</TABLE> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></P>
 <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2">5 </FONT></P>

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