Common use of Golden Parachute Limit Clause in Contracts

Golden Parachute Limit. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, in the event that any portion of the Severance Benefits or any other payment or benefit received or to be received by Executive (whether pursuant to the terms of this Agreement or any other plan, arrangement or agreement) (collectively, the “Total Benefits”) would be subject to the excise tax imposed under Section 4999 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”) (the “Excise Tax”), the Total Benefits shall be reduced to the extent necessary so that no portion of the Total Benefits is subject to the Excise Tax; provided, however, that no such reduction in the Total Benefits shall be made if by not making such reduction, Executive’s Retained Amount (as hereinafter defined) would be greater than Executive’s Retained Amount if the Total Benefits are so reduced. All determinations required to be made under this Section 7.4 shall be made by tax counsel selected by the Company and reasonably acceptable to Executive (“Tax Counsel”), which determinations shall be conclusive and binding on Executive and the Company absent manifest error. All fees and expenses of Tax Counsel shall be borne solely by the Company. Prior to any reduction in Executive’s Total Benefits pursuant to this Section 7.4, Tax Counsel shall provide Executive and the Company with a report setting forth its calculations and containing related supporting information. In the event any such reduction is required, the Total Benefits shall be reduced in the following order: (i) the Severance Amount (in reverse order of payment), (iii) any portion of the Total Benefits that are not subject to Section 409A of the Code (other than Total Benefits resulting from any accelerated vesting of equity awards), (iv) other Total Benefits that are subject to Section 409A of the Code in reverse order of payment, and (v) Total Benefits that are not subject to Section 409A and arise from any accelerated vesting of any equity awards. “Retained Amount” shall mean the present value (as determined in accordance with sections 280G(b)(2)(A)(ii) and 280G(d)(4) of the Code) of the Total Benefits net of all federal, state and local taxes imposed on Executive with respect thereto.

Golden Parachute Limit. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, in the event that any portion of the Severance Benefits or any other payment or benefit received or to be received by the Executive (whether pursuant to the terms of this Agreement or any other plan, arrangement or agreement) (collectively, the “Total Benefits”) would be subject to the excise tax imposed under Section 4999 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”) ” (the “Excise Tax”), the Total Benefits shall be reduced to the extent necessary so that no portion of the Total Benefits is subject to the Excise Tax; provided, however, that no such reduction . All amounts payable in consideration of the Total Benefits shall be made if by not making such reduction, Executive’s Retained Amount (covenants pursuant to Section 4, 5, and 6, as hereinafter defined) would determined by a valuation firm selected by the Company and reasonably acceptable to the Executive, shall, for purposes of the determinations made under this Section 9, be greater than Executive’s Retained Amount if excluded from the Total Benefits are so reducedamounts considered “parachute payments” to the maximum extent permitted under Section 280G of the Code. All determinations required to be made under this Section 7.4 9 shall be made by tax counsel selected by the Company and reasonably acceptable to the Executive (“Tax Counsel”), which determinations shall be conclusive and binding on the Executive and the Company absent manifest error. All fees and expenses of Tax Counsel shall be borne solely by the Company. Prior to any reduction in Executive’s Total Benefits pursuant to this Section 7.4, Tax Counsel shall provide Executive and the Company with a report setting forth its calculations and containing related supporting information. In the event any such reduction is required, the Total Benefits must be reduced in order to comply with this Section 9, the cash payment provided for by Section 2.1 shall first be reduced (if necessary, to zero), then payment of the COBRA Amounts and any Life Insurance Lump-Sum Amount shall be reduced proportionately, then the Life Insurance Benefit provided in Sections 2.3 shall next be reduced, and then any payments and benefits not provided under this Agreement shall be reduced in the following order: (i) the Severance Amount (in reverse that order of payment), (iii) any so that no portion of the Total Benefits that are not is subject to the Excise Tax. All such reductions shall be made in a manner intended to comply with Section 409A of the Code (other than Total Benefits resulting from any accelerated vesting of equity awards), (iv) other Total Benefits that are subject to Section 409A of the Code in reverse order of payment, and (v) Total Benefits that are not subject to Section 409A and arise from any accelerated vesting of any equity awards. “Retained Amount” shall mean the present value (as determined in accordance with sections 280G(b)(2)(A)(ii) and 280G(d)(4) of the Code) of the Total Benefits net of all federal, state and local taxes imposed on Executive with respect thereto.

Golden Parachute Limit. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, in the event that any portion of the CIC Severance Benefits or any other payment or benefit received or to be received by Executive in connection with a “change in ownership or control” (within the meaning of Section 280G of the Code) of the Company occurring following the Effective Date (whether pursuant to the terms of this Agreement or any other plan, arrangement or agreement) (collectively, the “Total Benefits”) would be subject to the excise tax imposed under Section 4999 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”) (the “Excise Tax”), the Total Benefits shall be reduced to the extent necessary so that no portion of the Total Benefits is subject to the Excise Tax; provided, however, that no such reduction in the Total Benefits shall be made if by not making such reduction, Executive’s Retained Amount (as hereinafter defined) would be greater than Executive’s Retained Amount if the Total Benefits are so reduced. All determinations required to be made under this Section 7.4 6(l) shall be made by tax counsel or a nationally recognized certified public accounting firm or other professional organization that is a certified public accounting firm recognized as an expert in determinations and calculations for purposes of Section 280G of the Code selected by the Company prior to a Change in Control and reasonably acceptable to Executive (“Tax Counsel”), which determinations shall be conclusive and binding on Executive and the Company absent manifest error. All fees and expenses of Tax Counsel shall be borne solely by the Company. Prior to any reduction in Executive’s Total Benefits pursuant to this Section 7.46(l), Tax Counsel shall provide Executive and the Company with a report setting forth its calculations and containing related supporting information. In the event any such reduction is required, the Total Benefits shall be reduced in the following order: (i) the COBRA Payments, (ii) the CIC Severance Amount (in reverse order of payment)Payment, (iii) any other portion of the Total Benefits that are not subject to Section 409A of the Code (other than Total Benefits resulting from any accelerated vesting of equity awards), (iv) other Total Benefits that are subject to Section 409A of the Code in reverse order of payment, and (v) Total Benefits that are not subject to Section 409A and arise from any accelerated vesting of any equity awards. The parties hereby elect to use the applicable federal rate that is in effect on the date this Agreement is entered into for purposes of determining the present value of any payments provided for hereunder for purposes of Section 280G of the Code. “Retained Amount” shall mean the present value (as determined in accordance with sections Sections 280G(b)(2)(A)(ii) and 280G(d)(4) of the Code) of the Total Benefits net of all federal, state and local taxes imposed on Executive with respect thereto. In connection with making determinations under this Section 6(l), Tax Counsel shall take into account the value of any reasonable compensation for services to be rendered by Executive before or after the Change in Control, including any noncompetition provisions that may apply to Executive, and Sterling shall cooperate in the valuation of any such services, including any noncompetition provisions.

Golden Parachute Limit. Notwithstanding any other provision of this AgreementAgreement , in the event that any portion of the CIC Severance Benefits or any other payment or benefit received or to be received by Executive in connection with a “change in ownership or control” (within the meaning of Section 280G of the Code) of the Company occurring following the Effective Date (whether pursuant to the terms of this Agreement or any other plan, arrangement or agreement) (collectively, the “Total Benefits”) would be subject to the excise tax imposed under Section 4999 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”) (the “Excise Tax”), the Total Benefits shall be reduced to the extent necessary so that no portion of the Total Benefits is subject to the Excise Tax; provided, however, that no such reduction in the Total Benefits shall be made if by not making such reduction, Executive’s Retained Amount (as hereinafter defined) would be greater than Executive’s Retained Amount if the Total Benefits are so reduced. All determinations required to be made under this Section 7.4 6(k) shall be made by tax counsel or a nationally recognized certified public accounting firm or other professional organization that is a certified public accounting firm recognized as an expert in determinations and calculations for purposes of Section 280G of the Code selected by the Company and reasonably acceptable to Executive (“Tax Counsel”), which determinations shall be conclusive and binding on Executive and the Company absent manifest error. All fees and expenses of Tax Counsel shall be borne solely by the Company. Prior to any reduction in Executive’s Total Benefits pursuant to this Section 7.46(k), Tax Counsel shall provide Executive and the Company with a report setting forth its calculations and containing related supporting information. In the event any such reduction is required, the Total Benefits shall be reduced in the following order: (i) the COBRA Payments, (ii) the CIC Severance Amount (in reverse order of payment)Payment, (iii) any other portion of the Total Benefits that are not subject to Section 409A of the Code (other than Total Benefits resulting from any accelerated vesting of equity awards), (iv) other Total Benefits that are subject to Section 409A of the Code in reverse order of payment, and (v) Total Benefits that are not subject to Section 409A and arise from any accelerated vesting of any equity awards. “Retained Amount” shall mean the present value (as determined in accordance with sections Sections 280G(b)(2)(A)(ii) and 280G(d)(4) of the Code) of the Total Benefits net of all federal, state and local taxes imposed on Executive with respect thereto.

Golden Parachute Limit. (i) Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, in the event that any portion of the CIC Severance Benefits or any other payment or benefit received or to be received by Executive (whether pursuant to the terms of this Agreement or any other plan, arrangement or agreement) (collectively, the “"Total Benefits”") would be subject to the excise tax imposed under Section 4999 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”) (the “Excise Tax”), the Total Benefits shall be reduced to the extent necessary so that no portion of the Total Benefits is subject to the Excise Tax; provided, however, that no such reduction in the Total Benefits shall be made if by not making such reduction, Executive’s 's Retained Amount (as hereinafter defined) would be greater than Executive’s 's Retained Amount if the Total Benefits are so reduced. All determinations required to be made under this Section 7.4 6(k) shall be made by tax counsel selected by the Company Provident and reasonably acceptable to Executive (“Tax Counsel”), which determinations shall be conclusive and binding on Executive and the Company Provident absent manifest error. All fees and expenses of Tax Counsel shall be borne solely by the CompanyProvident. Prior to any reduction in Executive’s 's Total Benefits pursuant to this Section 7.46(k), Tax Counsel shall provide Executive and the Company with a report setting forth its calculations and containing related supporting information. In the event any such reduction is required, the Total Benefits shall be reduced in the following order: (i) the CIC COBRA Payments, (ii) the CIC Severance Amount (in reverse order of payment)Payment, (iii) any other portion of the Total Benefits that are not subject to Section 409A of the Code (other than Total Benefits resulting from any accelerated vesting of equity awards), (iv) other Total Benefits that are subject to Section 409A of the Code in reverse order of payment, and (v) Total Benefits that are not subject to Section 409A and arise from any accelerated vesting of any equity awards. The parties hereto hereby elect to use the applicable Federal rate that is in effect on the date this Agreement is entered into for purposes of determining the present value of any payments provided for hereunder for purposes of Section 280G of the Code. “Retained Amount” shall mean the present value (as determined in accordance with sections 280G(b)(2)(A)(ii) and 280G(d)(4290G(d)(4) of the Code) of the Total Benefits net of all federal, state and local taxes imposed on Executive with respect thereto.

Golden Parachute Limit. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, in the event that any portion of the Severance Benefits or any other payment or benefit received or to be received by Executive (whether pursuant to the terms of this Agreement or any other plan, arrangement or agreement) (collectively, the “"Total Benefits”") would be subject to the excise tax imposed under Section 4999 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”) (the “"Excise Tax”"), the Total Benefits shall be reduced to the extent necessary so that no portion of the Total Benefits is subject to the Excise Tax; provided, however, that no such reduction in the Total Benefits shall be made if by not making such reduction, Executive’s 's Retained Amount (as hereinafter defined) would be more than ten percent (10%) greater than Executive’s 's Retained Amount if the Total Benefits are so reduced. All determinations required to be made under this Section 7.4 7.04 shall be made by tax counsel selected by the Company and reasonably acceptable to Executive (“"Tax Counsel”"), which determinations shall be conclusive and binding on Executive and the Company absent manifest error. All fees and expenses of Tax Counsel shall be borne solely by the Company. Prior to any reduction in Executive’s 's Total Benefits pursuant to this Section 7.47.04, Tax Counsel shall provide Executive and the Company with a report setting forth its calculations and containing related supporting information. In the event any such reduction is required, the Total Benefits shall be reduced in the following order: (i) the Severance Amount (in reverse order of payment), (iii) any other portion of the Total Benefits that are not subject to Section 409A of the Code (other than Total Benefits resulting from any accelerated vesting of equity awards), (iv) other Total Benefits that are subject to Section 409A of the Code in reverse order of payment, and (v) Total Benefits that are not subject to Section 409A and arise from any accelerated vesting of any equity awards. “"Retained Amount” " shall mean the present value (as determined in accordance with sections 280G(b)(2)(A)(ii) and 280G(d)(4) of the Code) of the Total Benefits net of all federal, state and local taxes imposed on Executive with respect thereto.

Golden Parachute Limit. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreementagreement , in the event that any portion of the CIC Severance Benefits or any other payment or benefit received or to be received by Executive in connection with a "change in ownership or control" (within the meaning of Section 280G of the Code) of the Company occurring following the Effective Date (whether pursuant to the terms of this Agreement or any other plan, arrangement or agreement) (collectively, the “"Total Benefits”") would be subject to the excise tax imposed under Section 4999 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”) (the “"Excise Tax”"), the Total Benefits shall be reduced to the extent necessary so that no portion of the Total Benefits is subject to the Excise Tax; provided, however, that no such reduction in the Total Benefits shall be made if by not making such reduction, Executive’s 's Retained Amount (as hereinafter defined) would be greater than Executive’s 's Retained Amount if the Total Benefits are so reduced. All determinations required to be made under this Section 7.4 6(l) shall be made by tax counsel or a nationally recognized certified public accounting firm or other professional organization that is a certified public accounting firm recognized as an expert in determinations and calculations for purposes of Section 280G of the Code selected by the Company prior to a Change in Control and reasonably acceptable to Executive (“"Tax Counsel”"), which determinations shall be conclusive and binding on Executive and the Company absent manifest error. All fees and expenses of Tax Counsel shall be borne solely by the Company. Prior to any reduction in Executive’s 's Total Benefits pursuant to this Section 7.46(l), Tax Counsel shall provide Executive and the Company with a report setting forth its calculations and containing related supporting information. In The allocation of the event any such reduction is required, the required among Executive’s Total Benefits shall be reduced determined by Executive, provided, however, that if allowing the Executive the opportunity to determine the allocation of the reduction violates Code Section 409A (such determination shall be made by Tax Counsel), then the reduction shall be applied in the following order: (i) the COBRA Payments, (ii) the CIC Severance Amount (in reverse order of payment)Payment, (iii) any other portion of the Total Benefits that are not subject to Section 409A of the Code (other than Total Benefits resulting from any accelerated vesting of equity awards), (iv) other Total Benefits that are subject to Section 409A of the Code in reverse order of payment, and (v) Total Benefits that are not subject to Section 409A and arise from any accelerated vesting of any equity awards. “The parties hereby elect to use the applicable federal rate that is in effect on the date this Agreement is entered into for purposes of determining the present value of any payments provided for hereunder for purposes of Section 280G of the Code. "Retained Amount” " shall mean the present value (as determined in accordance with sections Sections 280G(b)(2)(A)(ii) and 280G(d)(4) of the Code) of the Total Benefits net of all federal, state and local taxes imposed on Executive with respect thereto. In connection with making determinations under this Section 6(l), Tax Counsel shall take into account the value of any reasonable compensation for services to be rendered by Executive before or after the Change in Control, including any noncompetition provisions that may apply to Executive, and Sterling shall cooperate in the valuation of any such services, including any noncompetition provisions.

Golden Parachute Limit. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, in the event that any portion of the CIC Severance Benefits or any other payment or benefit received or to be received by Executive in connection with a “change in ownership or control” (within the meaning of Section 280G of the Code) of the Company occurring following the Effective Date (whether pursuant to the terms of this Agreement or any other plan, arrangement or agreement) (collectively, the “Total Benefits”) would be subject to the excise tax imposed under Section 4999 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”) (the “Excise Tax”), the Total Benefits shall be reduced to the extent necessary so that no portion of the Total Benefits is subject to the Excise Tax; provided, however, that no such reduction in the Total Benefits shall be made if by not making such reduction, Executive’s Retained Amount (as hereinafter defined) would be greater than Executive’s Retained Amount if the Total Benefits are so reduced. All determinations required to be made under this Section 7.4 6(l) shall be made by tax counsel or a nationally recognized certified public accounting firm or other professional organization that is a certified public accounting firm recognized as an expert in determinations and calculations for purposes of Section 280G of the Code selected by the Company prior to a Change in Control and reasonably acceptable to Executive (“Tax Counsel”), which determinations shall be conclusive and binding on Executive and the Company absent manifest error. All fees and expenses of Tax Counsel shall be borne solely by the Company. Prior to any reduction in Executive’s Total Benefits pursuant to this Section 7.46(l), Tax Counsel shall provide Executive and the Company with a report setting forth its calculations and containing related supporting information. In the event any such reduction is required, the Total Benefits shall be reduced in the following order: (i) the COBRA Payments, (ii) the CIC Severance Amount (in reverse order of payment)Payment, (iii) any other portion of the Total Benefits that are not subject to Section 409A of the Code (other than Total Benefits resulting from any accelerated vesting of equity awards), (iv) other Total Benefits that are subject to Section 409A of the Code in reverse order of payment, and (v) Total Benefits that are not subject to Section 409A and arise from any accelerated vesting of any equity awards. The parties hereto hereby elect to use the applicable federal rate that is in effect on the date this Agreement is entered into for purposes of determining the present value of any payments provided for hereunder for purposes of Section 280G of the Code. “Retained Amount” shall mean the present value (as determined in accordance with sections Sections 280G(b)(2)(A)(ii) and 280G(d)(4) of the Code) of the Total Benefits net of all federal, state and local taxes imposed on Executive with respect thereto. In connection with making determinations under this Section 6(l), the Tax Counsel shall take into account the value of any reasonable compensation for services to be rendered by Executive before or after the Change in Control, including any noncompetition provisions that may apply to Executive, and Sterling shall cooperate in the valuation of any such services, including any noncompetition provisions.

Golden Parachute Limit. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, in the event that any portion of the Severance Benefits or any other payment or benefit received or to be received by Executive in connection with a “change in ownership or control” (within the meaning of Section 280G of the Code) of Employer occurring following the Commencement Date (whether pursuant to the terms of this Agreement or any other plan, arrangement or agreement) (collectively, the “Total Benefits”) would be subject to the excise tax imposed under Section 4999 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”) (the “Excise Tax”), the Total Benefits shall be reduced to the extent necessary so that no portion of the Total Benefits is subject to the Excise Tax; provided, however, that no such reduction in the Total Benefits shall be made if by not making such reduction, Executive’s Retained Amount (as hereinafter defined) would be greater than Executive’s Retained Amount if the Total Benefits are so reduced. All determinations required to be made under this Section 7.4 18 shall be made by tax counsel or a nationally recognized certified public accounting firm or other professional organization that is a certified public accounting firm recognized as an expert in determinations and calculations for purposes of Section 280G of the Code selected by the Company Employer and reasonably acceptable to Executive (“Tax Counsel”), which determinations shall be conclusive and binding on Executive and the Company Employer absent manifest error. All fees and expenses of Tax Counsel shall be borne solely by the CompanyEmployer. Prior to any reduction in Executive’s Total Benefits pursuant to this Section 7.418, Tax Counsel shall provide Executive and the Company Employer with a report setting forth its calculations and containing related supporting information. In the event any such reduction is required, the Total Benefits shall be reduced in the following order: (i) the Severance Amount (in reverse order of payment)Severance, (iiiii) any other portion of the Total Benefits that are not subject to Section 409A of the Code (other than Total Benefits resulting from any accelerated vesting of equity awards), (iviii) other Total Benefits that are subject to Section 409A of the Code in reverse order of payment, and (viv) Total Benefits that are not subject to Section 409A and arise from any accelerated vesting of any equity awards. “Retained Amount” shall mean the present value (as determined in accordance with sections Sections 280G(b)(2)(A)(ii) and 280G(d)(4) of the Code) of the Total Benefits net of all federal, state and local taxes imposed on Executive with respect thereto.

Golden Parachute Limit. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, in the event that any portion of the Severance Benefits or any other payment or benefit received or to be received by Executive (whether pursuant to the terms of this Agreement or any other plan, arrangement or agreement) (collectively, the “Total Benefits”) would be subject to the excise tax imposed under Section 4999 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”) (the “Excise Tax”), the Total Benefits shall be reduced to the extent necessary so that no portion of the Total Benefits is subject to the Excise Tax; provided, however, that no such reduction in the Total Benefits shall be made if by not making such reduction, Executive’s Retained Amount (as hereinafter defined) would be more than ten percent (10%) greater than Executive’s Retained Amount if the Total Benefits are so reduced. All determinations required to be made under this Section 7.4 7.04 shall be made by tax counsel selected by the Company and reasonably acceptable to Executive (“Tax Counsel”), which determinations shall be conclusive and binding on Executive and the Company absent manifest error. All fees and expenses of Tax Counsel shall be borne solely by the Company. Prior to any reduction in Executive’s Total Benefits pursuant to this Section 7.47.04, Tax Counsel shall provide Executive and the Company with a report setting forth its calculations and containing related supporting information. In the event any such reduction is required, the Total Benefits shall be reduced in the following order: (i) the Severance Amount (in reverse order of payment), (iii) any portion of the Total Benefits that are not subject to Section 409A of the Code (other than Total Benefits resulting from any accelerated vesting of equity awards), (iv) other Total Benefits that are subject to Section 409A of the Code in reverse order of payment, and (v) Total Benefits that are not subject to Section 409A and arise from any accelerated vesting of any equity awards. “Retained Amount” shall mean the present value (as determined in accordance with sections 280G(b)(2)(A)(ii) and 280G(d)(4) of the Code) of the Total Benefits net of all federal, state and local taxes imposed on Executive with respect thereto.

Golden Parachute Limit. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, in the event that any portion of the Severance Benefits or any other payment or benefit received or to be received by Executive (whether pursuant to the terms of this Agreement or any other plan, arrangement or agreement) (collectively, the “"Total Benefits”") would be subject to the excise tax imposed under Section 4999 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “"Code”") (the “"Excise Tax”"), the Total Benefits shall be reduced to the extent necessary so that no portion of the Total Benefits is subject to the Excise Tax; provided, however, that no such reduction in the Total Benefits shall be made if by not making such reduction, Executive’s 's Retained Amount (as hereinafter defined) would be more than ten percent (10%) greater than Executive’s 's Retained Amount if the Total Benefits are so reduced. All determinations required to be made under this Section 7.4 7.04 shall be made by tax counsel selected by the Company and reasonably acceptable to Executive (“"Tax Counsel”"), which determinations shall be conclusive and binding on Executive and the Company absent manifest error. All fees and expenses of Tax Counsel shall be borne solely by the Company. Prior to any reduction in Executive’s 's Total Benefits pursuant to this Section 7.47.04, Tax Counsel shall provide Executive and the Company with a report setting forth its calculations and containing related supporting information. In the event any such reduction is required, the Total Benefits shall be reduced in the following order: (i) the Severance Amount (in reverse order of payment), (iii) any portion of the Total Benefits that are not subject to Section 409A of the Code (other than Total Benefits resulting from any accelerated vesting of equity awards), (iv) other Total Benefits that are subject to Section 409A of the Code in reverse order of payment, and (v) Total Benefits that are not subject to Section 409A and arise from any accelerated vesting of any equity awards. “"Retained Amount” " shall mean the present value (as determined in accordance with sections 280G(b)(2)(A)(ii) and 280G(d)(4) of the Code) of the Total Benefits net of all federal, state and local taxes imposed on Executive with respect thereto.

Golden Parachute Limit. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, in the event that any portion of the Severance Benefits or any other payment or benefit received or to be received by Executive (whether pursuant to the terms of this Agreement or any other plan, arrangement or agreement) (collectively, the “Total Benefits”) would be subject to the excise tax imposed under Section 4999 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”) (the “Excise Tax”), the Total Benefits shall be reduced to the extent necessary so that no portion of the Total Benefits is subject to the Excise Tax; provided, however, that no such reduction in the Total Benefits shall be made if by not making such reduction, Executive’s Retained Amount (as hereinafter defined) would be more than ten percent (10%) greater than Executive’s Retained Amount if the Total Benefits are so reduced. All determinations required to be made under this Section 7.4 8.04 shall be made by tax counsel selected by the Company and reasonably acceptable to Executive (“Tax Counsel”), which determinations shall be conclusive and binding on Executive and the Company absent manifest error. All fees and expenses of Tax Counsel shall be borne solely by the Company. Prior to any reduction in Executive’s Total Benefits pursuant to this Section 7.48.04, Tax Counsel shall provide Executive and the Company with a report setting forth its calculations and containing related supporting information. In the event any such reduction is required, the Total Benefits shall be reduced in the following order: (i) the Severance Amount (in reverse order of payment), (iii) any other portion of the Total Benefits that are not subject to Section 409A of the Code (other than Total Benefits resulting from any accelerated vesting of equity awards), (iv) other Total Benefits that are subject to Section 409A of the Code in reverse order of payment, and (v) Total Benefits that are not subject to Section 409A and arise from any accelerated vesting of any equity awards. “Retained Amount” shall mean the present value (as determined in accordance with sections Sections 280G(b)(2)(A)(ii) and 280G(d)(4) of the Code) of the Total Benefits net of all federal, state and local taxes imposed on Executive with respect thereto.

Golden Parachute Limit. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, in the event that any portion of the CIC Severance Benefits or any other payment or benefit received or to be received by Executive (whether pursuant to the terms of this Agreement or any other plan, arrangement or agreement) (collectively, the “Total Benefits”) would be subject to the excise tax imposed under Section 4999 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”) (the “Excise Tax”), the Total Benefits shall be reduced to the extent necessary so that no portion of the Total Benefits is subject to the Excise Tax; provided, however, that no such reduction in the Total Benefits shall be made if by not making such reduction, Executive’s Retained Amount (as hereinafter defined) would be greater than Executive’s Retained Amount if the Total Benefits are so reduced. All determinations required to be made under this Section 7.4 6(k) shall be made by tax counsel selected by the Company Provident and reasonably acceptable to Executive (“Tax Counsel”), which determinations shall be conclusive and binding on Executive and the Company Provident absent manifest error. All fees and expenses of Tax Counsel shall be borne solely by the CompanyProvident. Prior to any reduction in Executive’s Total Benefits pursuant to this Section 7.46(k), Tax Counsel shall provide Executive and the Company with a report setting forth its calculations and containing related supporting information. In the event any such reduction is required, the Total Benefits shall be reduced in the following order: (i) the CIC COBRA Payments, (ii) the CIC Severance Amount (in reverse order of payment)Payment, (iii) any other portion of the Total Benefits that are not subject to Section 409A of the Code (other than Total Benefits resulting from any accelerated vesting of equity awards), (iv) other Total Benefits that are subject to Section 409A of the Code in reverse order of payment, and (v) Total Benefits that are not subject to Section 409A and arise from any accelerated vesting of any equity awards. The parties hereto hereby elect to use the applicable Federal rate that is in effect on the date this Agreement is entered into for purposes of determining the present value of any payments provided for hereunder for purposes of Section 280G of the Code. “Retained Amount” shall mean the present value (as determined in accordance with sections 280G(b)(2)(A)(ii) and 280G(d)(4290G(d)(4) of the Code) of the Total Benefits net of all federal, state and local taxes imposed on Executive with respect thereto.

Golden Parachute Limit. Notwithstanding any other provision of this AgreementAgreement , in the event that any portion of the CIC Severance Benefits or any other payment or benefit received or to be received by Executive in connection with a "change in ownership or control" (within the meaning of Section 280G of the Code) of the Company occurring following the Effective Date (whether pursuant to the terms of this Agreement or any other plan, arrangement or agreement) (collectively, the “"Total Benefits”") would be subject to the excise tax imposed under Section 4999 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”) (the “"Excise Tax”"), the Total Benefits shall be reduced to the extent necessary so that no portion of the Total Benefits is subject to the Excise Tax; provided, however, that no such reduction in the Total Benefits shall be made if by not making such reduction, Executive’s 's Retained Amount (as hereinafter defined) would be greater than Executive’s 's Retained Amount if the Total Benefits are so reduced. All determinations required to be made under this Section 7.4 6(l) shall be made by tax counsel or a nationally recognized certified public accounting firm or other professional organization that is a certified public accounting firm recognized as an expert in determinations and calculations for purposes of Section 280G of the Code selected by the Company prior to a Change in Control and reasonably acceptable to Executive (“"Tax Counsel”"), which determinations shall be conclusive and binding on Executive and the Company absent manifest error. All fees and expenses of Tax Counsel shall be borne solely by the Company. Prior to any reduction in Executive’s 's Total Benefits pursuant to this Section 7.46(l), Tax Counsel shall provide Executive and the Company with a report setting forth its calculations and containing related supporting information. In the event any such reduction is required, the Total Benefits shall be reduced in the following order: (i) the COBRA Payments, (ii) the CIC Severance Amount (in reverse order of payment)Payment, (iii) any other portion of the Total Benefits that are not subject to Section 409A of the Code (other than Total Benefits resulting from any accelerated vesting of equity awards), (iv) other Total Benefits that are subject to Section 409A of the Code in reverse order of payment, and (v) Total Benefits that are not subject to Section 409A and arise from any accelerated vesting of any equity awards. “The parties hereto hereby elect to use the applicable federal rate that is in effect on the date this Agreement is entered into for purposes of determining the present value of any payments provided for hereunder for purposes of Section 280G of the Code. "Retained Amount” " shall mean the present value (as determined in accordance with sections Sections 280G(b)(2)(A)(ii) and 280G(d)(4) of the Code) of the Total Benefits net of all federal, state and local taxes imposed on Executive with respect thereto. In connection with making determinations under this Section 6(l), the Tax Counsel shall take into account the value of any reasonable compensation for services to be rendered by Executive before or after the Change in Control, including any noncompetition provisions that may apply to Executive, and Sterling shall cooperate in the valuation of any such services, including any noncompetition provisions.

Golden Parachute Limit. (i) Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, in the event that any portion of the CIC Severance Benefits or any other payment or benefit received or to be received by Executive (whether pursuant to the terms of this Agreement or any other plan, arrangement or agreement) (collectively, the “Total Benefits”) would be subject to the excise tax imposed under Section 4999 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”) (the “Excise Tax”), the Total Benefits shall be reduced to the extent necessary so that no portion of the Total Benefits is subject to the Excise Tax; provided, however, that no such reduction in the Total Benefits shall be made if by not making such reduction, Executive’s Retained Amount (as hereinafter defined) would be greater than Executive’s Retained Amount if the Total Benefits are so reduced. All determinations required to be made under this Section 7.4 6(k) shall be made by tax counsel selected by the Company Provident and reasonably acceptable to Executive (“Tax Counsel”), which determinations shall be conclusive and binding on Executive and the Company Provident absent manifest error. All fees and expenses of Tax Counsel shall be borne solely by the CompanyProvident. Prior to any reduction in Executive’s Total Benefits pursuant to this Section 7.46(k), Tax Counsel shall provide Executive and the Company with a report setting forth its calculations and containing related supporting information. In the event any such reduction is required, the Total Benefits shall be reduced in the following order: (i) the CIC COBRA Payments, (ii) the CIC Severance Amount (in reverse order of payment)Payment, (iii) any other portion of the Total Benefits that are not subject to Section 409A of the Code (other than Total Benefits resulting from any accelerated vesting of equity awards), (iv) other Total Benefits that are subject to Section 409A of the Code in reverse order of payment, and (v) Total Benefits that are not subject to Section 409A and arise from any accelerated vesting of any equity awards. “Retained Amount” shall mean The parties hereto hereby elect to use the applicable Federal rate that is in effect on the date this Agreement is entered into for purposes of determining the present value (as determined in accordance with sections 280G(b)(2)(A)(ii) and 280G(d)(4) of the Code) of the Total Benefits net of all federal, state and local taxes imposed on Executive with respect thereto.any payments provided for

Golden Parachute Limit. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, in the event that any portion of the Severance Benefits or any other payment or benefit received or to be received by Executive (whether pursuant to the terms of this Agreement or any other plan, arrangement or agreement) (collectively, the “Total Benefits”) would be subject to the excise tax imposed under Section 4999 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”) (the “Excise Tax”), the Total Benefits shall be reduced to the extent necessary so that no portion of the Total Benefits is subject to the Excise Tax; provided, however, that no such reduction in the Total Benefits shall be made if by not making such reduction, Executive’s 's Retained Amount (as hereinafter defined) would be more than ten percent (10%) greater than Executive’s 's Retained Amount if the Total Benefits are so reduced. All determinations required to be made under this Section 7.4 8.04 shall be made by tax counsel selected by the Company and reasonably acceptable to Executive (“Tax Counsel”), which determinations shall be conclusive and binding on Executive and the Company absent manifest error. All fees and expenses of Tax Counsel shall be borne solely by the Company. Prior to any reduction in Executive’s 's Total Benefits pursuant to this Section 7.4, 8.04. Tax Counsel shall provide Executive and the Company with a report setting forth its calculations and containing related supporting information. In the event any such reduction is required, the Total Benefits shall be reduced in the following order: (i) the Severance Amount (in reverse order of payment), (iii) any other portion of the Total Benefits that are not subject to Section 409A of the Code (other than Total Benefits resulting from any accelerated vesting of equity awards), (iv) other Total Benefits that are subject to Section 409A of the Code in reverse order of payment, and (v) Total Benefits that are not subject to Section 409A and arise from any accelerated vesting of any equity awards. “Retained Amount” shall mean the present value (as determined in accordance with sections Sections 280G(b)(2)(A)(ii) and 280G(d)(4) of the Code) of the Total Benefits net of all federal, state and local taxes imposed on Executive with respect thereto.

Golden Parachute Limit. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, in the event that any portion of the Severance Benefits or any other payment or benefit received or to be received by Executive in connection with a “change in ownership or control” (within the meaning of Section 280G of the Code) of Employer (whether pursuant to the terms of this Agreement or any other plan, arrangement or agreement) (collectively, the “Total Benefits”) would be subject to the excise tax imposed under Section 4999 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”) (the “Excise Tax”), the Total Benefits shall be reduced to the extent necessary so that no portion of the Total Benefits is subject to the Excise Tax; provided, however, that no such reduction in the Total Benefits shall be made if by not making such reduction, Executive’s Retained Amount (as hereinafter defined) would be greater than Executive’s Retained Amount if the Total Benefits are so reduced. All determinations required to be made under this Section 7.4 18 shall be made by tax counsel or a nationally recognized certified public accounting firm or other professional organization that is a certified public accounting firm recognized as an expert in determinations and calculations for purposes of Section 280G of the Code selected by the Company Employer and reasonably acceptable to Executive (“Tax Counsel”), which determinations shall be conclusive and binding on Executive and the Company Employer absent manifest error. All fees and expenses of Tax Counsel shall be borne solely by the CompanyEmployer. Prior to any reduction in Executive’s Total Benefits pursuant to this Section 7.418, Tax Counsel shall provide Executive and the Company Employer with a report setting forth its calculations and containing related supporting information. In the event any such reduction is required, the Total Benefits shall be reduced in the following order: (i) the Severance Amount (in reverse order of payment)Severance, (iiiii) any other portion of the Total Benefits that are not subject to Section 409A of the Code (other than Total Benefits resulting from any accelerated vesting of equity awards), (iviii) other Total Benefits that are subject to Section 409A of the Code in reverse order of payment, and (viv) Total Benefits that are not subject to Section 409A and arise from any accelerated vesting of any equity awards. “Retained Amount” shall mean the present value (as determined in accordance with sections Sections 280G(b)(2)(A)(ii) and 280G(d)(4) of the Code) of the Total Benefits net of all federal, state and local taxes imposed on Executive with respect thereto.

Golden Parachute Limit. Notwithstanding any other provision of this AgreementAgreement (including the proviso in Section 16(h)), in the event that any portion of the CIC Severance Benefits or any other payment or benefit received or to be received by Executive in connection with a "change in ownership or control" (within the meaning of Section 280G of the Code) of the Company occurring following the Effective Date (whether pursuant to the terms of this Agreement or any other plan, arrangement or agreement) (collectively, the “"Total Benefits”") would be subject to the excise tax imposed under Section 4999 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”) (the “"Excise Tax”"), the Total Benefits shall be reduced to the extent necessary so that no portion of the Total Benefits is subject to the Excise Tax; provided, however, that no such reduction in the Total Benefits shall be made if by not making such reduction, Executive’s 's Retained Amount (as hereinafter defined) would be greater than Executive’s 's Retained Amount if the Total Benefits are so reduced. All determinations required to be made under this Section 7.4 6(k) shall be made by tax counsel selected by the Company and reasonably acceptable to Executive (“"Tax Counsel”"), which determinations shall be conclusive and binding on Executive and the Company absent manifest error. All fees and expenses of Tax Counsel shall be borne solely by the Company. Prior to any reduction in Executive’s 's Total Benefits pursuant to this Section 7.46(k), Tax Counsel shall provide Executive and the Company with a report setting forth its calculations and containing related supporting information. In the event any such reduction is required, the Total Benefits shall be reduced in the following order: (i) the COBRA Payments, (ii) the CIC Severance Amount (in reverse order of payment)Payment, (iii) any other portion of the Total Benefits that are not subject to Section 409A of the Code (other than Total Benefits resulting from any accelerated vesting of equity awards), (iv) other Total Benefits that are subject to Section 409A of the Code in reverse order of payment, and (v) Total Benefits that are not subject to Section 409A and arise from any accelerated vesting of any equity awards. “Retained Amount” shall mean the present value (as determined in accordance with sections 280G(b)(2)(A)(ii) and 280G(d)(4) of the Code) of the Total Benefits net of all federal, state and local taxes imposed on Executive with respect thereto.Section

Golden Parachute Limit. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, in the event that any portion of the Severance Benefits or any other payment or benefit received or to be received by Executive in connection with a “change in ownership or control” (within the meaning of Section 280G of the Code) of the Company occurring following the Effective Date (whether pursuant to the terms of this Agreement or any other plan, arrangement or agreement) (collectively, the “Total Benefits”) would be subject to the excise tax imposed under Section 4999 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”) (the “Excise Tax”), the Total Benefits shall be reduced to the extent necessary so that no portion of the Total Benefits is subject to the Excise Tax; provided, however, that no such reduction in the Total Benefits shall be made if by not making such reduction, Executive’s Retained Amount (as hereinafter defined) would be greater than Executive’s Retained Amount if the Total Benefits are so reduced. All determinations required to be made under this Section 7.4 6(k) shall be made by tax counsel or a nationally recognized certified public accounting firm or other professional organization that is a certified public accounting firm recognized as an expert in determinations and calculations for purposes of Section 280G of the Code selected by the Company prior to a Change in Control and reasonably acceptable to Executive (“Tax Counsel”), which determinations shall be conclusive and binding on Executive and the Company absent manifest error. All fees and expenses of Tax Counsel shall be borne solely by the Company. Prior to any reduction in Executive’s Total Benefits pursuant to this Section 7.46(k), Tax Counsel shall provide Executive and the Company with a report setting forth its calculations and containing related supporting information. In the event any such reduction is required, the Total Benefits shall be reduced in the following order: (i) the COBRA Premium Payments, (ii) the Severance Amount (in reverse order of payment)Payment, (iii) any other portion of the Total Benefits that are not subject to Section 409A of the Code (other than Total Benefits resulting from any accelerated vesting of equity awards), (iv) other Total Benefits that are subject to Section 409A of the Code in reverse order of payment, and (v) Total Benefits that are not subject to Section 409A and arise from any accelerated vesting of any equity awards. “Retained Amount” shall mean the present value (as determined in accordance with sections 280G(b)(2)(A)(ii) and 280G(d)(4) of the Code) of the Total Benefits net of all federal, state and local taxes imposed on Executive with respect thereto.and

Golden Parachute Limit. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, in the event that any portion of the Severance Benefits a severance payment or any other payment or benefit received or to be received by Executive (whether pursuant to the terms of this Agreement or any other plan, arrangement or agreement) (collectively, the “"Total Benefits”") would be subject to the excise tax imposed under Section 4999 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”) (the “Excise Tax”), the Total Benefits shall be reduced to the extent necessary so that no portion of the Total Benefits is subject to the Excise Tax; provided, however, that no such reduction in the Total Benefits shall be made if by not making such reduction, Executive’s the Retained Amount (as hereinafter defined) would be more than 5% greater than Executive’s the Retained Amount if the Total Benefits are so reduced. All determinations required to be made under this Section 7.4 28 shall be made by tax counsel selected by the Company and reasonably acceptable to Executive (“Tax Counsel”), which determinations shall be conclusive and binding on Executive and the Company absent manifest error. All fees and expenses of Tax Counsel shall be borne solely by the Company. Prior to any reduction in Executive’s Total Benefits pursuant to this Section 7.4, Tax Counsel shall provide Executive and the Company with a report setting forth its calculations and containing related supporting information. In the event any such reduction is required, the Total Benefits shall be reduced in the following order: (i) the Severance Amount (in reverse order of severance payment), (iiiii) any other portion of the Total Benefits that are not subject to Section 409A of the Code (other than Total Benefits resulting from any accelerated vesting of equity and other compensation awards), (iviii) other Total Benefits that are subject to Section 409A of the Code in reverse order of payment(on a proportionate basis), and (viv) Total Benefits that are not subject to Section 409A and arise from any accelerated vesting of equity and other compensation awards. The parties hereto hereby elect to use the applicable federal rate that is in effect on the date this Agreement is entered into for purposes of determining the present value of any equity awardspayments provided for hereunder for purposes of Section 280G of the Code. “Retained Amount” shall mean the present value (as determined in accordance with sections Sections 280G(b)(2)(A)(ii) and 280G(d)(4) of the Code) of the Total Benefits net of all federal, state and local taxes imposed on Executive you with respect thereto.

Golden Parachute Limit. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, in the event that any portion of the Severance Benefits or any other payment or benefit received or to be received by Executive in connection with a "change in ownership or control" (within the meaning of Section 280G of the Code) of the Company occurring following the Effective Date (whether pursuant to the terms of this Agreement or any other plan, arrangement or agreement) (collectively, the “"Total Benefits”") would be subject to the excise tax imposed under Section 4999 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”) (the “"Excise Tax”"), the Total Benefits shall be reduced to the extent necessary so that no portion of the Total Benefits is subject to the Excise Tax; provided, however, that no such reduction in the Total Benefits shall be made if by not making such reduction, Executive’s 's Retained Amount (as hereinafter defined) would be greater than Executive’s 's Retained Amount if the Total Benefits are so reduced. All determinations required to be made under this Section 7.4 6(k) shall be made by tax counsel or a nationally recognized certified public accounting firm or other professional organization that is a certified public accounting firm recognized as an expert in determinations and calculations for purposes of Section 280G of the Code selected by the Company prior to a Change in Control and reasonably acceptable to Executive (“"Tax Counsel”"), which determinations shall be conclusive and binding on Executive and the Company absent manifest error. All fees and expenses of Tax Counsel shall be borne solely by the Company. Prior to any reduction in Executive’s 's Total Benefits pursuant to this Section 7.46(k), Tax Counsel shall provide Executive and the Company with a report setting forth its calculations and containing related supporting information. In the event any such reduction is required, the Total Benefits shall be reduced in the following order: (i) the COBRA Premium Payments, (ii) the Severance Amount (in reverse order of payment)Payment, (iii) any other portion of the Total Benefits that are not subject to Section 409A of the Code (other than Total Benefits resulting from any accelerated vesting of equity awards), (iv) other Total Benefits that are subject to Section 409A of the Code in reverse order of payment, and (v) Total Benefits that are not subject to Section 409A and arise from any accelerated vesting of any equity awards. “The parties hereby elect to use the applicable federal rate that is in effect on the date this Agreement is entered into for purposes of determining the present value of any payments provided for hereunder for purposes of Section 280G of the Code. "Retained Amount” " shall mean the present value (as determined in accordance with sections Sections 280G(b)(2)(A)(ii) and 280G(d)(4) of the Code) of the Total Benefits net of all federal, state and local taxes imposed on Executive with respect thereto. In connection with making determinations under this Section 6(k), Tax Counsel shall take into account the value of any reasonable compensation for services to be rendered by Executive before or after the Change in Control, including any noncompetition provisions that may apply to Executive, and Sterling shall cooperate in the valuation of any such services, including any noncompetition provisions.

Golden Parachute Limit. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, in the event that any portion of the Severance Benefits Payment or any other payment or benefit received or to be received by Executive you (whether pursuant to the terms of this Agreement or any other plan, arrangement or agreement) (collectively, the “"Total Benefits”") would be subject to the excise tax imposed under Section 4999 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”) (the “Excise Tax”), the Total Benefits shall be reduced to the extent necessary so that no portion of the Total Benefits is subject to the Excise Tax; provided, however, that no such reduction in the Total Benefits shall be made if by not making such reduction, Executive’s your Retained Amount (as hereinafter defined) would be [more than 5%] greater than Executive’s your Retained Amount if the Total Benefits are so reduced. All determinations required to be made under this Section 7.4 paragraph 6 shall be made by tax counsel selected by the Company NMRX and reasonably acceptable to Executive you (“Tax Counsel”), which determinations shall be conclusive and binding on Executive you and the Company NMRX absent manifest error. All fees and expenses of Tax Counsel shall be borne solely by the Company. Prior to any reduction in Executive’s Total Benefits pursuant to this Section 7.4, Tax Counsel shall provide Executive and the Company with a report setting forth its calculations and containing related supporting informationNMRX. In the event any such reduction is required, the Total Benefits shall be reduced in the following order: (i) the Severance Amount (in reverse order of payment)Payment, (iiiii) any other portion of the Total Benefits that are not subject to Section 409A of the Code (other than Total Benefits resulting from any accelerated vesting of equity and other compensation awards), (iviii) other Total Benefits that are subject to Section 409A of the Code in reverse order of payment(on a proportionate basis), and (viv) Total Benefits that are not subject to Section 409A and arise from any accelerated vesting of equity and other compensation awards. The parties hereto hereby elect to use the applicable federal rate that is in effect on the date this Agreement is entered into for purposes of determining the present value of any equity awardspayments provided for hereunder for purposes of Section 280G of the Code. “Retained Amount” shall mean the present value (as determined in accordance with sections 280G(b)(2)(A)(ii) and 280G(d)(4) of the Code) of the Total Benefits net of all federal, state and local taxes imposed on Executive you with respect thereto.

Golden Parachute Limit. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, in the event that any portion of the CIC Severance Benefits or any other payment or benefit received or to be received by Executive in connection with a “change in ownership or control” (within the meaning of Section 280G of the Code) of the Company occurring following the Effective Date (whether pursuant to the terms of this Agreement or any other plan, arrangement or agreement) (collectively, the “Total Benefits”) would be subject to the excise tax imposed under Section 4999 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”) (the “Excise Tax”), the Total Benefits shall be reduced to the extent necessary so that no portion of the Total Benefits is subject to the Excise Tax; provided, however, that no such reduction in the Total Benefits shall be made if by not making such reduction, Executive’s Retained Amount (as hereinafter defined) would be greater than Executive’s Retained Amount if the Total Benefits are so reduced. All determinations required to be made under this Section 7.4 6(l) shall be made by tax counsel or a nationally recognized certified public accounting firm or other professional organization that is a certified public accounting firm recognized as an expert in determinations and calculations for purposes of Section 280G of the Code selected by the Company prior to a Change in Control and reasonably acceptable to Executive (“Tax Counsel”), which determinations shall be conclusive and binding on Executive and the Company absent manifest error. All fees and expenses of Tax Counsel shall be borne solely by the Company. Prior to any reduction in Executive’s Total Benefits pursuant to this Section 7.46(l), Tax Counsel shall provide Executive and the Company with a report setting forth its calculations and containing related supporting information. In the event any such reduction is required, the Total Benefits shall be reduced in the following order: (i) the COBRA Payments, (ii) the CIC Severance Amount (in reverse order of payment)Payment, (iii) any other portion of the Total Benefits that are not subject to Section 409A of the Code (other than Total Benefits resulting from any accelerated vesting of equity awards), (iv) other Total Benefits that are subject to Section 409A of the Code in reverse order of payment, and (v) Total Benefits that are not subject to Section 409A and arise from any accelerated vesting of equity awards in reverse order of payment; provided that in all events for purposes of clauses (iii)-(v), any equity awardsTotal Benefit which is not subject to calculation of its value under Treas. Reg. §1.280G-1 Q&A 24(b) or (c) shall be reduced before any Total Benefit which is subject to calculation of its value under Treas. Reg. §1.280G-1 Q&A 24(b) or (c). The parties hereby elect to use the applicable federal rate that is in effect on the date this Agreement is entered into for purposes of determining the present value of any payments provided for hereunder for purposes of Section 280G of the Code. “Retained Amount” shall mean the present value (as determined in accordance with sections Sections 280G(b)(2)(A)(ii) and 280G(d)(4) of the Code) of the Total Benefits net of all federal, state and local taxes imposed on Executive with respect thereto. In connection with making determinations under this Section 6(l), Tax Counsel shall take into account the value of any reasonable compensation for services to be rendered by Executive before or after the Change in Control, including any noncompetition provisions that may apply to Executive, and Sterling shall cooperate in the valuation of any such services, including any noncompetition provisions.

Golden Parachute Limit. (i) Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, in the event that any portion of the Severance Benefits or any other payment or benefit received or to be received by Executive (whether pursuant to the terms of this Agreement or any other plan, arrangement or agreement) (collectively, the “"Total Benefits”") would be subject to the excise tax imposed under Section 4999 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”) ” (the “Excise Tax”), the Total Benefits shall be reduced to the extent necessary so that no portion of the Total Benefits is subject to the Excise Tax; provided, however, that no such reduction in the Total Benefits shall be made if by not making such reduction, Executive’s Retained Amount (as hereinafter defined) would be greater than Executive’s Retained Amount if the Total Benefits are so reduced. All determinations required to be made under this Section 7.4 6(k) shall be made by tax counsel selected by the Company Provident and reasonably acceptable to Executive (“Tax Counsel”), which determinations shall be conclusive and binding on Executive and the Company Provident absent manifest error. All fees and expenses of Tax Counsel shall be borne solely by the CompanyProvident. Prior to any reduction in Executive’s Total Benefits pursuant to this Section 7.46(k), Tax Counsel shall provide Executive and the Company with a report setting forth its calculations and containing related supporting information. In the event any such reduction is required, the Total Benefits shall be reduced in the following order: (i) the COBRA Premium Payments, (ii) the Severance Amount (in reverse order of payment)Payment, (iii) any other portion of the Total Benefits that are not subject to Section 409A of the Code (other than Total Benefits resulting from any accelerated vesting of equity awards), (iv) other Total Benefits that are subject to Section 409A of the Code in reverse order of payment, and (v) Total Benefits that are not subject to Section 409A and arise from any accelerated vesting of any equity awards. The parties hereto hereby elect to use the applicable Federal rate that is in effect on the date this Agreement is entered into for purposes of determining the present value of any payments provided for hereunder for purposes of Section 280G of the Code. “Retained Amount” shall mean the present value (as determined in accordance with sections 280G(b)(2)(A)(ii) and 280G(d)(4290G(d)(4) of the Code) of the Total Benefits net of all federal, state and local taxes imposed on Executive with respect thereto.

Golden Parachute Limit. Notwithstanding any other provision of this AgreementAgreement , in the event that any portion of the CIC Severance Benefits or any other payment or benefit received or to be received by Executive in connection with a “change in ownership or control” (within the meaning of Section 280G of the Code) of the Company occurring following the Effective Date (whether pursuant to the terms of this Agreement or any other plan, arrangement or agreement) (collectively, the “Total Benefits”) would be subject to the excise tax imposed under Section 4999 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”) (the “Excise Tax”), the Total Benefits shall be reduced to the extent necessary so that no portion of the Total Benefits is subject to the Excise Tax; provided, however, that no such reduction in the Total Benefits shall be made if by not making such reduction, Executive’s Retained Amount (as hereinafter defined) would be greater than Executive’s Retained Amount if the Total Benefits are so reduced. All determinations required to be made under this Section 7.4 6(k) shall be made by tax counsel or a nationally recognized certified public accounting firm or other professional organization that is a certified public accounting firm recognized as an expert in determinations and calculations for purposes of Section 280G of the Code selected by the Company prior to a Change in Control and reasonably acceptable to Executive (“Tax Counsel”), which determinations shall be conclusive and binding on Executive and the Company absent manifest error. All fees and expenses of Tax Counsel shall be borne solely by the Company. Prior to any reduction in Executive’s Total Benefits pursuant to this Section 7.46(k), Tax Counsel shall provide Executive and the Company with a report setting forth its calculations and containing related supporting information. In the event any such reduction is required, the Total Benefits shall be reduced in the following order: (i) the COBRA Payments, (ii) the CIC Severance Amount (in reverse order of payment)Payment, (iii) any other portion of the Total Benefits that are not subject to Section 409A of the Code (other than Total Benefits resulting from any accelerated vesting of equity awards), (iv) other Total Benefits that are subject to Section 409A of the Code in reverse order of payment, and (v) Total Benefits that are not subject to Section 409A and arise from any accelerated vesting of any equity awards. The parties hereto hereby elect to use the applicable federal rate that is in effect on the date this Agreement is entered into for purposes of determining the present value of any payments provided for hereunder for purposes of Section 280G of the Code. “Retained Amount” shall mean the present value (as determined in accordance with sections Sections 280G(b)(2)(A)(ii) and 280G(d)(4) of the Code) of the Total Benefits net of all federal, state and local taxes imposed on Executive with respect thereto. In connection with making determinations under this Section 6(k), the Tax Counsel shall take into account the value of any reasonable compensation for services to be rendered by Executive before or after the Change in Control, including any noncompetition provisions that may apply to Executive, and Sterling shall cooperate in the valuation of any such services, including any noncompetition provisions.