This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be binding upon the parties hereto and their respective executors, administrators, successors and permitted assigns; provided , however , that the Executive may not assign any of his rights or duties hereunder except upon the prior written consent of the Company. This Agreement shall be binding on any successor to the Company whether by merger, consolidation, acquisition of all or substantially all of the Company’s stock, assets or business or otherwise, as fully as if such successor were a signatory hereto, and the Company shall cause such successor to, and such successor shall, expressly assume the Company’s obligations hereunder. The term “ Company ” as used in this Agreement shall include all such successors. Except as expressly permitted by Section 12(a), nothing herein is intended to or shall be construed to confer upon or give any person, other than the parties hereto, any rights, privileges or remedies under or by reason of this Agreement.