The initial term of this Agreement shall be for a three year period expiring on December 31, 2018; provided, however, that that the term of the Agreement shall automatically renew for successive one-year terms unless The Company shall have given Employee written notice at least six months before the end of the initial term, or any renewal term, of its intent not to renew the Agreement. Notwithstanding the preceding sentence, the Company shall be precluded from giving such written notice for a period of twelve (12) months following a Change of Control, as defined in Paragraph 2, above.