Cytek Biosciences details exit terms for legal chief

Cytek Biosciences, Inc. set out separation arrangements for former Chief Legal Officer and Corporate Secretary Valerie Barnett, whose position ended on June 29, 2026.

Rhea-AI Filing Summary

Cytek Biosciences, Inc. set out separation arrangements for former Chief Legal Officer and Corporate Secretary Valerie Barnett, whose position ended on June 29, 2026. On July 9, 2026, the parties entered into a Severance Agreement including a one-time lump-sum payment of $365,775.12 and payment of COBRA premiums through the earlier of April 30, 2027, or the date she becomes covered under another employer’s group health plan.

If a Change in Control occurs within three months after the Separation Date, Ms. Barnett instead becomes eligible for change-in-control severance equal to 18 months of base salary plus her 2026 bonus target, with the previously paid severance credited, extended COBRA coverage through January 31, 2028, and full vesting of outstanding equity awards. The company also entered into a Consulting Agreement effective July 10, 2026, under which she will provide transition support at $1,000 per hour, up to 10 hours per week, through August 31, 2026, with continued vesting of existing equity awards during her service.

Filing Explained

The full Severance Agreement and Consulting Agreement are not included in this 8-K; the filing states that their exhibits will be filed with Cytek’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2026.

8-K Event Classification

Item 5.02 — Departure of Directors or Certain Officers; Election of Directors; Appointment of Certain Officers

1 item

Item 5.02 Departure of Directors or Certain Officers; Election of Directors; Appointment of Certain Officers Governance

Key personnel changes including departures, elections, or appointments of directors and executive officers.

Key Figures

Severance payment: $365,775.12 COBRA coverage period: through April 30, 2027 Change in Control window: three (3) months +5 more

8 metrics

Severance payment $365,775.12 One-time lump sum severance owed to Ms. Barnett under the Severance Agreement

COBRA coverage period through April 30, 2027 COBRA premiums paid until this date or earlier coverage under another employer plan

Change in Control window three (3) months Period after July 9, 2026 Separation Date for enhanced severance eligibility

Change in Control salary multiple eighteen (18) months Base salary period paid if a Change in Control occurs within the protection window

COBRA with Change in Control through January 31, 2028 COBRA premiums paid if Change in Control severance applies

Consulting hourly rate $1,000 per hour Rate for transition support services under the Consulting Agreement

Consulting weekly cap ten (10) hours per week Maximum number of consulting hours Ms. Barnett may provide each week

Consulting term end date August 31, 2026 Initial term end date of the Consulting Agreement

Key Terms

COBRA premiums, Change in Control, Severance Agreement, Consulting Agreement, +1 more

5 terms

COBRA premiums regulatory

"the Company agreed to pay Ms. Barnett...COBRA premiums through the earlier"

Change in Control financial

"In the event the Company experiences a Change in Control within three (3) months"

A "change in control" occurs when the ownership or management of a company shifts significantly, such as through a merger, acquisition, or sale of a large part of its assets. This change can impact how the company is run and may influence its future direction. For investors, it matters because it can affect the company's stability, strategy, and value, often signaling potential changes in investment risk or opportunity.

Severance Agreement financial

"entered into a severance agreement and release of all claims (the “Severance Agreement”)"

Consulting Agreement financial

"The Company and Ms. Barnett also entered into a Consulting Agreement effective July 10, 2026"

Continuous Service financial

"will continue to vest, subject to her Continuous Service (as defined in the Plan)"

FAQ

What severance will Valerie Barnett receive from Cytek Biosciences (CTKB)?

Valerie Barnett will receive a $365,775.12 lump-sum severance payment and COBRA premiums paid until the earlier of April 30, 2027, or coverage under another employer’s group health plan, in exchange for providing a release and waiver of claims.

What happens under the CTKB agreements if a Change in Control occurs?

If a Change in Control occurs within three months after July 9, 2026, Ms. Barnett becomes eligible for severance equal to 18 months of base salary plus her 2026 bonus target, COBRA premiums through January 31, 2028, and full vesting of all then-outstanding equity awards.

What are the main terms of Valerie Barnett’s consulting agreement with Cytek Biosciences (CTKB)?

The Consulting Agreement is effective July 10, 2026. Ms. Barnett will provide transition support at $1,000 per hour, for up to 10 hours per week, with an initial term running through August 31, 2026, subject to early termination or extension by mutual written agreement.

How long does the Change in Control protection period last for Valerie Barnett at CTKB?

The Change in Control protection applies for three (3) months following the July 9, 2026 Separation Date. A qualifying Change in Control during this period triggers the enhanced cash severance, extended COBRA coverage and accelerated vesting of Ms. Barnett’s then-outstanding equity awards.

What is the treatment of Valerie Barnett’s equity awards under the Cytek Biosciences (CTKB) arrangements?

While the Consulting Agreement is in effect, Ms. Barnett’s existing equity awards under the 2021 Equity Incentive Plan will continue to vest, subject to her Continuous Service. If a Change in Control occurs within the protection period, all then-outstanding equity awards become fully vested and exercisable.

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Available on EDGAR 07/15/2026 - 04:15 PM Accepted by SEC EDGAR 07/15/2026 - 04:15 PM Learn about SEC filing dates

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UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 8-K

CURRENT REPORT

Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d)

of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported):

July 9, 2026

Cytek Biosciences, Inc.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Delaware		001-40632		47-2547526
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation)		(Commission File Number)		(IRS Employer Identification No.)

47215 Lakeview Boulevard
Fremont, California		94538
(Address of principal executive offices)		(Zip Code)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (877) 922-9835

(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:

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

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

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

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

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

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

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an emerging growth company as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act of 1933 (§ 230.405 of this chapter) or Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (§ 240.12b-2 of this chapter).

Emerging growth company ☐

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐

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

(e)

As previously disclosed, Valerie Barnett’s position as Chief Legal Officer and Corporate Secretary of Cytek Biosciences, Inc. (the “Company”) terminated on June 29, 2026.

On July 9, 2026 (the “Separation Date”), the Company and Ms. Barnett entered into a severance agreement and release of all claims (the “Severance Agreement”) pursuant to which Ms. Barnett provided the Company with a release and waiver of claims. In accordance with the Severance Agreement, the Company agreed to pay Ms. Barnett: (i) a one-time lump sum severance payment of $365,775.12 (the “Severance Amount”); and (ii) COBRA premiums through the earlier of April 30, 2027, or until Ms. Barnett becomes covered under another employer’s group health plan. In the event the Company experiences a Change in Control (as defined in the Company’s Second Amended and Restated Severance Benefit Plan) within three (3) months following the Separation Date (the “Change in Control Period”), Ms. Barnett will instead be eligible to receive change-in-control severance benefits consisting of (i) eighteen (18) months of her base salary as of the Separation Date plus (ii) an amount equal to her 2026 bonus target, with any previously paid Severance Amount credited against such benefits. In addition, in the event of a Change in Control during the Change in Control Period, the Company agreed to pay Ms. Barnett’s COBRA premiums through January 31, 2028, and each of Ms. Barnett’s then-outstanding equity awards would accelerate and become fully vested and exercisable as of the effective date of such Change in Control.

The Company and Ms. Barnett also entered into a Consulting Agreement effective July 10, 2026 (the “Consulting Agreement”), pursuant to which Ms. Barnett agreed to provide transition support services as may be requested from time to time, at a rate of $1,000 per hour for a maximum of ten (10) hours per week. The initial term of the Consulting Agreement runs through August 31, 2026, and may be terminated earlier in accordance with the terms of the Consulting Agreement and/or extended by mutual written agreement of the parties. During the term of the Consulting Agreement, Ms. Barnett’s previously granted equity awards under the Company’s 2021 Equity Incentive Plan will continue to vest, subject to her Continuous Service (as defined in the Plan) and the terms and conditions of the applicable plan and award documents.

The foregoing summary does not purport to be complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of the Severance Agreement and the Consulting Agreement, copies of which will be filed as exhibits to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended June 30, 2026 and are incorporated herein by reference.

SIGNATURES

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

				Cytek Biosciences, Inc.
Date: July 15, 2026				By:		/s/ Wenbin Jiang
						Wenbin Jiang, Ph.D.
						President and Chief Executive Officer

Filing Exhibits & Attachments

3 documents

Other Documents

• EX-101 XBRL TAXONOMY EXTENSION SCHEMA 3.1 KB
• EX-101 XBRL TAXONOMY EXTENSION LABEL LINKBASE 16.8 KB
• EX-101 XBRL TAXONOMY EXTENSION PRESENTATION LINKBASE 10.6 KB