Termination Due to a Change of Control. If, within the two (2) year period commencing on a Change of Control of the Company, (A) the Executive experiences an Involuntary Termination, or (B) the Executive experiences circumstances constituting Good Reason and terminates his employment with the Company or a Company Entity for Good Reason prior to the first anniversary of the date on which such circumstances constituting Good Reason initially occur (which, for the avoidance of doubt, may be after the two (2) year anniversary of the Change of Control), the Executive shall be entitled to receive the compensation and benefits listed below, subject to his compliance with the terms of Section 5(f): (i) The Company shall pay or provide to the Executive the following payments and benefits: (A) Any Accrued Benefits, payable as soon as practicable after the Termination Date; (B) A lump sum payment equal to the Executive’s Base Salary multiplied by the Severance Multiple payable within sixty (60) days following the Termination Date; provided that, if the sixtieth (60th) day following the Termination Date falls in the calendar year following the calendar year in which the Termination Date occurs, payment will not be made prior to the first day of the calendar year following the calendar year in which the Termination Date occurs; provided further that, if the Executive is a Specified Employee on the Termination Date, any amounts payable under this Section 5(e)(i)(B) in excess of the Separation Pay Limit shall be paid to the Executive in a lump sum on the first day following the six (6) month anniversary of the Termination Date; (C) A lump sum payment equal to the Target Bonus multiplied by the Severance Multiple, payable on the Release Effective Date or as soon thereafter as is practicable, but no later than March 15 of the calendar year following the calendar year in which the Termination Date occurs; (D) A lump sum payment equal to the pro-rata Target Bonus, payable on the Release Effective Date or as soon thereafter as is practicable, but no later than March 15 of the calendar year following the calendar year in which the Termination Date occurs; (E) If the Executive continues to receive health benefits (including, medical, prescription, dental, vision and health care reimbursement account benefits) pursuant to the Company’s health plans under COBRA and pays the full COBRA premiums, the Company will reimburse the Executive for the COBRA premiums paid for such benefits for the Executive and his family through COBRA (with the exception of any COBRA premiums paid for health care reimbursement account benefits), for the Benefits Continuation Period, in accordance with the applicable plans, programs or policies, if any, of the Company or its successor, and on such terms applicable to comparably situated active employees during such period (which shall offset the Company’s COBRA obligation, if any); provided that the Executive may continue to receive health benefits pursuant to the Company’s health plans during a period of time in the Benefits Continuation Period during which the Executive would not otherwise be entitled to COBRA continuation coverage under Section 4980B of the Code if the Executive continues to pay premiums for such health benefits, and the Executive shall receive reimbursement for all premiums paid by the Executive for such continued health benefits on the date no later than December 31 of the calendar year immediately following the calendar year in which the applicable expenses have been incurred. If the Executive fails to accept available coverage from another employer or fails to notify the Company (or the Trustee) within thirty (30) days of Executive’s eligibility to receive coverage under another employer’s plan, the Executive’s reimbursements under this Section 5(e)(i)(E) shall immediately terminate and the Executive shall cease to be entitled to any such reimbursements under this Agreement and shall be required within three (3) months after such failure to reimburse the Company for the reimbursements paid to the Executive after such failure. In addition, the Executive agrees that the Company may offset against such reimbursement or deduct such reimbursement from any payments due to the Executive in full or partial payment of such reimbursement; provided that, no such offset shall be made in violation of Section 409A of the Code; (F) The Company (or the Trustee) shall pay to the Executive in a lump sum an amount equal to the value of the Company-sponsored outplacement program maintained by the Company immediately prior to the Change of Control, based on the Executive’s management level as of the Termination Date, which shall be paid within sixty (60) days following the Termination Date; provided that, if the sixtieth (60th) day following the Termination Date falls in the calendar year following the calendar year in which the Termination Date occurs, payment will not be made prior to the first day of the calendar year following the calendar year in which the Termination Date occurs; provided further that, if the Executive is a Specified Employee on the Termination Date, such amount shall be paid on the first day following the six (6) month anniversary of the Termination Date; (G) If the Executive is covered by any Company-sponsored executive life insurance program as of the Termination Date, the Company (or the Trustee) shall continue to pay for the Executive’s coverage until the end of the Severance Period. At the end of the Severance Period, the Executive will have thirty-one (31) days from the last day of the Severance Period to convert his life insurance coverage to an individual policy; (H) If the Executive is covered by any Company-sponsored supplemental long term disability insurance program as of the Termination Date, the Company (or the Trustee) shall continue to pay for the Executive’s coverage until the end of the Severance Period. At the end of the Severance Period, the Executive shall be entitled to keep this policy if he continues to pay the annual premiums; and (I) Any benefits or rights to which the Executive is entitled under any of the Company’s stock or equity plans in accordance with the terms and conditions of any such plans. (ii) In the event that the Executive becomes entitled to payments and benefits pursuant to Section 5(e)(i) in connection with a Change of Control that does not constitute a “change in ownership or effective control” or a change in the “ownership of a substantial portion of the assets” under Section 409A of the Code, and the rulings and regulations issued thereunder, the payments and benefits set forth in Sections 5(e)(i)(B), (C), (D), (E), (G) and (H) herein (in each case, based on a Severance Period of two (2) years from the Termination Date and a Severance Multiple of two (2)), shall be paid in accordance with the schedule set forth in Section 5(c)(i), except as otherwise provided in this Section 5(e)(ii). In addition, the services set forth in Section 5(c)(i)(F) (based on a Severance Period of eighteen (18) months) shall be provided in lieu of the payment set forth in Section 5(e)(i)(F). Notwithstanding the foregoing, with respect to the payment set forth in Section 5(e)(i)(B), an amount equal to the lesser of (x) the Separation Pay Limit or (y) the amount set forth in Section 5(e)(i)(B) shall be paid to the Executive on the Release Effective Date or as soon thereafter as is practicable, but no later than sixty (60) days following the Termination Date. In the event that the amount set forth in Section 5(e)(i)(B) exceeds the Separation Pay Limit, any excess amounts shall be paid at the time they would have otherwise been paid pursuant to Section 5(c)(i)(B). On the Termination Date, the Executive shall no longer be eligible to participate in any Company plan, program or policy, other than those described in this Section 5(e)(i) including, but not limited to, the Company’s long-term incentive plan, short-term disability plan, long-term disability plan, employee stock purchase plan, and business travel accident plan. (iii) Effect of Section 280G on Payments.
Appears in 1 contract
Termination Due to a Change of Control. If, within the two (2) year period commencing on a Change of Control of the Company, (A) the Executive experiences an Involuntary Termination, or (B) the Executive experiences circumstances constituting Good Reason and terminates his employment with the Company or a Company Entity for Good Reason prior to the first anniversary of the date on which such circumstances constituting Good Reason initially occur (which, for the avoidance of doubt, may be after the two (2) year anniversary of the Change of Control)Reason, the Executive shall be entitled to receive the compensation and benefits listed below, subject to his compliance with the terms of Section 5(f):
(i) The Company shall pay or provide to the Executive the following payments and benefits:
(A) Any Accrued Benefits, Benefits payable as soon as practicable practical after the Termination Date;
(B) A lump sum payment equal to the Executive’s Base Salary multiplied by the Severance Multiple payable within sixty (60) days following the Termination Date; provided that, if the sixtieth (60th) day following the Termination Date falls in the calendar year following the calendar year in which the Termination Date occurs, payment will not be made prior to the first day of the calendar year following the calendar year in which the Termination Date occurs; provided further that, if the Executive is a Specified Employee on the Termination Date, any amounts payable under this Section 5(e)(i)(B) in excess of the Separation Pay Limit shall be paid to the Executive in a lump sum on the first day following the six (6) six-month anniversary of the Termination Date;
(C) A lump sum payment equal to the Target Bonus multiplied by the Severance Multiple, payable on the Release Effective Date or as soon thereafter as is practicable, but no later than March 15 of the calendar year following the calendar year in which the Termination Date occurs;
(D) A lump sum payment equal to the pro-rata Target Bonus, payable on the Release Effective Date or as soon thereafter as is practicable, but no later than March 15 Continuation of the calendar year following the calendar year in which the Termination Date occurs;
(E) If the Executive continues to receive health benefits (including, medical, prescription, dental, vision and health care reimbursement account benefits) pursuant to the Company’s health plans under COBRA and pays the full COBRA premiums, the Company will reimburse the Executive benefits for the COBRA premiums paid for such benefits Benefits Continuation Period for the Executive and his family through COBRA (with the exception of any COBRA premiums paid for health care reimbursement account benefits), for the Benefits Continuation PeriodCOBRA, in accordance with the applicable plans, programs or policies, if any, of the Company or its successor, and on such terms applicable to comparably situated active employees during such period (which shall offset the Company’s COBRA obligation, if any); provided that the Executive may shall continue to pay to the Company any applicable contribution amounts that the Executive would otherwise have to pay for such benefits if the Executive was still employed by the Company; provided further that if the Executive continues to receive health benefits pursuant to the Company’s health plans this Section 5(e)(i)(D) during a period of time during which, in the Benefits Continuation Period during which absence of the benefits provided in this Section 5(e)(i)(D), the Executive would not otherwise be entitled to COBRA continuation coverage under Section 4980B of the Code if the Executive continues to pay premiums for such health benefitsCode, and the Executive shall receive reimbursement for all premiums paid medical expenses which are covered by the Executive for such continued health benefits applicable plans, programs or policies on the date no later than December 31 of the calendar year immediately following the calendar year in which the applicable expenses have been incurred. If the Executive fails to accept available coverage from another employer or fails to notify the Company (or the Trustee) within thirty (30) days of Executive’s eligibility to receive coverage under another employer’s plan, the Executive’s reimbursements coverage under this Section 5(e)(i)(E5(e)(i)(D) shall immediately terminate and the Executive shall cease to be entitled to any such reimbursements benefits under this Agreement and shall be required within three (3) months after such failure to reimburse the Company for the reimbursements greater of any premiums or any benefits paid to the Executive after such failure. In addition, the Executive agrees that the Company may offset against such reimbursement or deduct such reimbursement from any payments due to the Executive in full or partial payment of such reimbursement; provided that, no such offset shall be made in violation of Section 409A of the Code;
(FE) The Company (or the Trustee) shall pay to the Executive in a lump sum an amount equal to the value of the Company-sponsored outplacement program maintained by the Company immediately prior to the Change of Control, based on the Executive’s management level as of the Termination Date, which shall be paid within sixty (60) days following the Termination Date; provided that, that if the sixtieth (60th) day following the Termination Date falls in the calendar year following the calendar year in which the Termination Date occurs, payment will not be made prior to the first day of the calendar year following the calendar year in which the Termination Date occurs; provided further that, if the Executive is a Specified Employee on the Termination Date, such amount shall be paid on the first day following the six (6) six-month anniversary of the Termination Date;
(GF) If the Executive is covered by any Company-sponsored executive life insurance program as of the Termination Date, the Company (or the Trustee) shall continue to pay for the Executive’s coverage until the end of the Severance Period. At the end of the Severance Period, the Executive will have thirty-one (31) days from the last day of the Severance Period to convert his life insurance coverage to an individual policy;
(HG) If the Executive is covered by any Company-sponsored supplemental long term disability insurance program as of the Termination Date, the Company (or the Trustee) shall continue to pay for the Executive’s coverage until the end of the Severance Period. At the end of the Severance Period, Period the Executive shall be entitled to keep this policy if he continues to pay the annual premiums; and
(IH) Any benefits or rights to which the Executive is entitled under any of the Company’s stock or equity plans in accordance with the terms and conditions of any such plans.
(ii) In the event that the Executive becomes entitled to payments and benefits pursuant to Section 5(e)(i) in connection with a Change of Control that does not constitute a “change in ownership or effective control” or a change in the “ownership of a substantial portion of the assets” under Section 409A of the Code, and the rulings and regulations issued thereunder, the payments and benefits set forth in Sections 5(e)(i)(B), (C), (D), (EF), and (G) and (H) herein (in each case, based on a Severance Period of two three (23) years from the Termination Date and a Severance Multiple of two three (23)), ) shall be paid in accordance with the schedule set forth in Section 5(c)(i), except as otherwise provided in this Section 5(e)(ii). In addition, the services set forth in Section 5(c)(i)(F5(c)(i)(E) (based on a Severance Period of eighteen two and one-half (182 1/2) monthsyears) shall be provided in lieu of the payment set forth in Section 5(e)(i)(F5(e)(i)(E). Notwithstanding the foregoing, with respect to the payment set forth in Section 5(e)(i)(B), an amount equal to the lesser of (x) the Separation Pay Limit or (y) the amount set forth in Section 5(e)(i)(B) shall be paid to the Executive on the Release Effective Date or as soon thereafter as is practicable, but no later than sixty (60) days following the Termination Date. In the event that the amount set forth in Section 5(e)(i)(B) exceeds the Separation Pay Limit, any excess amounts shall be paid at the time they would have otherwise been paid pursuant to Section 5(c)(i)(B). On the Termination Date, the Executive shall no longer be eligible to participate in any Company plan, program or policy, other than that those described in this Section 5(e)(i) including, but not limited to, the Company’s long-term incentive plan, short-term disability plan, long-term disability plan, employee stock purchase plan, and business travel accident plan.
(iii) Effect Gross-up.
(A) In the event any payment that is either received by the Executive or paid by the Company on his behalf or any property, or any other benefit provided to him under this Agreement or under any other plan, arrangement or agreement with the Company or any other person whose payments or benefits are treated as contingent on a change of ownership or control of the Company (or in the ownership of a substantial portion of the assets of the Company) or any person affiliated with the Company or such person (but only if the payment or other benefit is in connection with the Executive’s employment by the Company) (collectively the “Payment”), is subject to the excise tax imposed by Section 4999 of the Code or any interest or penalties are incurred by the Executive with respect to such excise tax (such excise tax, together with any such interest and penalties, hereinafter collectively referred to as the “Excise Tax”), the Executive shall be entitled to receive an additional payment (a “Gross-Up Payment”) in an amount such that after payment by the Executive of all taxes (including any interest or penalties imposed with respect to such taxes), including, without limitation, any income taxes (and any interest and penalties imposed with respect thereto) and the Excise Tax imposed upon the Gross-Up Payment, the Executive retains an amount of the Gross-Up Payment equal to the Excise Tax imposed upon the Payments. Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this Section 5(e)(iii) if it shall be determined that the Executive is entitled to a Gross-Up Payment, but that the Payment does not exceed 110% of the greatest amount that could be paid to the Executive without giving rise to any Excise Tax (the “Safe Harbor Amount”), then no Gross-Up Payment shall be made to the Executive and the amounts payable under this Agreement shall be reduced so that the Payment, in the aggregate, is reduced to the Safe Harbor Amount. The reduction shall be made in a manner consistent with the requirements of Section 280G 409A. The reduction of the amounts payable hereunder, if applicable, shall be made first by reducing, but not below zero, the cash payments under Sections 5(c)(i)(B), 5(c)(iv)(A), and 5(e)(i)(B), as applicable (and in the event that such payments are installment payments, each such installment payment shall be reduced pro-rata, but not below zero), and by next reducing, but not below zero, the cash payments under Sections 5(c)(i)(C), 5(c)(iv)(B), and 5(e)(i)(C), as applicable. In the event that following reduction of the amounts set forth in the preceding sentence, additional amounts payable to the Executive must be reduced, any payments due to the Executive pursuant to the Company’s equity plans shall be reduced on Paymentsa pro-rata basis, but not below zero.
(B) All determinations required to be made under this Section 5(e)(iii) including whether and when a Gross-Up Payment is required and the amount of such Gross-Up Payment and the assumptions to be utilized in arriving at such determination, shall be made by a nationally recognized accounting (or compensation and benefits consulting) firm selected by the Company (the “Accounting Firm”) which shall provide detailed supporting calculations both to the Company and the Executive within ten (10) business days of the receipt of notice from Executive that there has been a Payment, or such earlier time as is requested by the Company; provided that for purposes of determining the amount of any Gross-Up Payment, the Executive shall be deemed to pay federal income tax at the highest marginal rates applicable to individuals in the calendar year in which any such Gross-Up Payment is to be made and deemed to pay state and local income taxes at the highest effective rates applicable to individuals in the state or locality in which the Executive incurs income taxes in the calendar year in which any such Gross-Up Payment is to be made, net of the maximum reduction in federal income taxes that can be obtained from deduction of such state and local taxes, taking into account limitations applicable to individuals subject to federal income tax at the highest marginal rates. All fees and expenses of the Accounting Firm shall be borne solely by the Company. Any Gross-Up Payment, as determined pursuant to this Section 5(e)(iii), shall be paid by the Company to the Executive (or to the appropriate taxing authority on the Executive’s behalf) when the applicable tax is due. If the Accounting Firm determines that no Excise Tax is payable by the Executive, it shall so indicate to the Executive in writing. Any determination by the Accounting Firm shall be binding upon the Company and the Executive. As a result of the uncertainty in the application of Section 4999 of the Code, it is possible that the amount of the Gross-Up Payment determined by the Accounting Firm to be due to (or on behalf of) the Executive was lower than the amount actually due (“Underpayment”). In the event that the Company exhausts its remedies pursuant to Section 5(e)(iii)(C) and the Executive thereafter is required to make a payment of any Excise Tax, the Accounting Firm shall determine the amount of the Underpayment that has occurred and any such Underpayment shall be promptly paid by the Company to or for the benefit of the Executive.
(C) The Executive shall notify the Company in writing of any claim by the Internal Revenue Service that, if successful, would require the payment by the Company of any Gross-Up Payment. Such notification shall be given as soon as practicable but no later than ten (10) business days after the Executive is informed in writing of such claim and shall apprise the Company of the nature of such claim and the date on which such claim is requested to be paid. The Executive shall not pay such claim prior to the expiration of the thirty (30) day period following the date on which it gives such notice to the Company (or such shorter period ending on the date that any payment of taxes with respect to such claim is due). If the Company notifies the Executive in writing prior to the expiration of such period that it desires to contest such claim, the Executive shall (i) give the Company any information reasonably requested by the Company relating to such claim, (ii) take such action in connection with contesting such claim as the Company shall reasonably request in writing from time to time, including, without limitation, accepting legal representation with respect to such claim by an attorney reasonably selected by the Company, (iii) cooperate with the Company in good faith in order to effectively contest such claim and (iv) permit the Company to participate in any proceedings relating to such claim; provided, however, that the Company shall bear and pay directly all costs and expenses (including additional interest and penalties) incurred in connection with such contest. Without limitation on the foregoing provisions of this Section 5(e)(iii), the Company shall control all proceedings taken in connection with such contest and, at its sole option, may pursue or forego any and all administrative appeals, proceedings, hearings and conferences with the taxing authority in respect of such claim and may, at its sole option, either direct the Executive to pay the tax claimed and xxx for a refund or contest the claim in any permissible manner, and the Executive agrees to prosecute such contest to a determination before any administrative tribunal, in a court of initial jurisdiction and in one or more appellate courts, as the Company shall determine; provided, further, that if the Executive is required to extend the statute of limitations to enable the Company to contest such claim, the Executive may limit this extension solely to such contested amount. The Company’s control of the contest shall be limited to issues with respect to which a Gross-Up Payment would be payable hereunder and the Executive shall be entitled to settle or contest, as the case may be, any other issue raised by the Internal Revenue Service or any other taxing authority.
(D) If, after the receipt by the Executive of an amount paid or advanced by the Company pursuant to this Section 5(e)(iii), the Executive becomes entitled to receive any refund with respect to a Gross-Up Payment, the Executive shall promptly pay to the Company the amount of such refund received (together with any interest paid or credited thereon after taxes applicable thereto).
(E) All payments and benefits due to the Executive pursuant to this Section 5(e)(iii) shall be paid no later than the end of the calendar year following the calendar year in which the related taxes are remitted, or if no taxes are ultimately remitted, the end of the calendar year following the calendar year in which an audit is completed or there is a final and non-appealable settlement or other resolution.
Appears in 1 contract
Termination Due to a Change of Control. If, within the two (2) year period commencing on a Change of Control of the Company, (A) the Executive experiences an Involuntary Termination, or (B) the Executive experiences circumstances constituting Good Reason and terminates his employment with the Company or a Company Entity for Good Reason prior to the first anniversary of the date on which such circumstances constituting Good Reason initially occur (which, for the avoidance of doubt, may be after the two (2) year anniversary of the Change of Control), the Executive shall be entitled to receive the compensation and benefits listed below, subject to his compliance with the terms of Section 5(f):
(i) The Company shall pay or provide to the Executive the following payments and benefits:
(A) Any Accrued Benefits, payable as soon as practicable after the Termination Date;
(B) A lump sum payment equal to the Executive’s Base Salary multiplied by the Severance Multiple payable within sixty (60) days following the Termination Date; provided that, if the sixtieth (60th) day following the Termination Date falls in the calendar year following the calendar year in which the Termination Date occurs, payment will not be made prior to the first day of the calendar year following the calendar year in which the Termination Date occurs; provided further that, if the Executive is a Specified Employee on the Termination Date, any amounts payable under this Section 5(e)(i)(B) in excess of the Separation Pay Limit shall be paid to the Executive in a lump sum on the first day following the six (6) month anniversary of the Termination Date;
(C) A lump sum payment equal to the Target Bonus multiplied by the Severance Multiple, payable on the Release Effective Date or as soon thereafter as is practicable, but no later than March 15 of the calendar year following the calendar year in which the Termination Date occurs;
(D) A lump sum payment equal to the pro-rata Target Bonus, payable on the Release Effective Date or as soon thereafter as is practicable, practicable but no later than March 15 of the calendar year following the calendar year in which the Termination Date occurs;
(E) If the Executive continues to receive health benefits (including, medical, prescription, dental, vision and health care reimbursement account benefits) pursuant to the Company’s health plans under COBRA and pays the full COBRA premiums, the Company will reimburse the Executive for the COBRA premiums paid for such benefits for the Executive and his family through COBRA (with the exception of any COBRA premiums paid for health care reimbursement account benefits), for the Benefits Continuation Period, in accordance with the applicable plans, programs or policies, if any, of the Company or its successor, and on such terms applicable to comparably situated active employees during such period (which shall offset the Company’s COBRA obligation, if any); provided that the Executive may continue to receive health benefits pursuant to the Company’s health plans during a period of time in the Benefits Continuation Period during which the Executive would not otherwise be entitled to COBRA continuation coverage under Section 4980B of the Code if the Executive continues to pay premiums for such health benefits, and the Executive shall receive reimbursement for all premiums paid by the Executive for such continued health benefits on the date no later than December 31 of the calendar year immediately following the calendar year in which the applicable expenses have been incurred. If the Executive fails to accept available coverage from another employer or fails to notify the Company (or the Trustee) within thirty (30) days of Executive’s eligibility to receive coverage under another employer’s plan, the Executive’s reimbursements under this Section 5(e)(i)(E) shall immediately terminate and the Executive shall cease to be entitled to any such reimbursements under this Agreement and shall be required within three (3) months after such failure to reimburse the Company for the reimbursements paid to the Executive after such failure. In addition, the Executive agrees that the Company may offset against such reimbursement or deduct such reimbursement from any payments due to the Executive in full or partial payment of such reimbursement; provided that, no such offset shall be made in violation of Section 409A of the Code;
(F) The Company (or the Trustee) shall pay to the Executive in a lump sum an amount equal to the value of the Company-sponsored outplacement program maintained by the Company immediately prior to the Change of Control, based on the Executive’s management level as of the Termination Date, which shall be paid within sixty (60) days following the Termination Date; provided that, if the sixtieth (60th) day following the Termination Date falls in the calendar year following the calendar year in which the Termination Date occurs, payment will not be made prior to the first day of the calendar year following the calendar year in which the Termination Date occurs; provided further that, if the Executive is a Specified Employee on the Termination Date, such amount shall be paid on the first day following the six (6) month anniversary of the Termination Date;
(G) If the Executive is covered by any Company-sponsored executive life insurance program as of the Termination Date, the Company (or the Trustee) shall continue to pay for the Executive’s coverage until the end of the Severance Period. At the end of the Severance Period, the Executive will have thirty-one (31) days from the last day of the Severance Period to convert his life insurance coverage to an individual policy;
(H) If the Executive is covered by any Company-sponsored supplemental long term disability insurance program as of the Termination Date, the Company (or the Trustee) shall continue to pay for the Executive’s coverage until the end of the Severance Period. At the end of the Severance Period, the Executive shall be entitled to keep this policy if he continues to pay the annual premiums; and
(I) Any benefits or rights to which the Executive is entitled under any of the Company’s stock or equity plans in accordance with the terms and conditions of any such plans.
(ii) In the event that the Executive becomes entitled to payments and benefits pursuant to Section 5(e)(i) in connection with a Change of Control that does not constitute a “change in ownership or effective control” or a change in the “ownership of a substantial portion of the assets” under Section 409A of the Code, and the rulings and regulations issued thereunder, the payments and benefits set forth in Sections 5(e)(i)(B), (C), (D), (E), (G) and (H) herein (in each case, based on a Severance Period of two three (23) years from the Termination Date and a Severance Multiple of two three (23)), shall be paid in accordance with the schedule set forth in Section 5(c)(i), except as otherwise provided in this Section 5(e)(ii). In addition, the services set forth in Section 5(c)(i)(F) (based on a Severance Period of eighteen (18) monthstwo and one-half years) shall be provided in lieu of the payment set forth in Section 5(e)(i)(F). Notwithstanding the foregoing, with respect to the payment set forth in Section 5(e)(i)(B), an amount equal to the lesser of (x) the Separation Pay Limit or (y) the amount set forth in Section 5(e)(i)(B) shall be paid to the Executive on the Release Effective Date or as soon thereafter as is practicable, but no later than sixty (60) days following the Termination Date. In the event that the amount set forth in Section 5(e)(i)(B) exceeds the Separation Pay Limit, any excess amounts shall be paid at the time they would have otherwise been paid pursuant to Section 5(c)(i)(B). On the Termination Date, the Executive shall no longer be eligible to participate in any Company plan, program or policy, other than those described in this Section 5(e)(i) including, but not limited to, the Company’s long-term incentive plan, short-term disability plan, long-term disability plan, employee stock purchase plan, and business travel accident plan.
(iii) Effect of Section 280G on Payments.
Appears in 1 contract
Termination Due to a Change of Control. If, within the two (2) year period commencing on a Change of Control of the Company, (A) the Executive experiences an Involuntary Termination, or (B) the Executive experiences circumstances constituting Good Reason and terminates his employment with the Company or a Company Entity for Good Reason prior to the first anniversary of the date on which such circumstances constituting Good Reason initially occur (which, for the avoidance of doubt, may be after the two (2) year anniversary of the Change of Control)Reason, the Executive shall be entitled to receive the compensation and benefits listed below, subject to his compliance with the terms of Section 5(f):
(i) The Company shall pay or provide to the Executive the following payments and benefits:
(A) Any Accrued Benefits, Benefits payable as soon as practicable practical after the Termination Date;
(B) A lump sum payment equal to the Executive’s Base Salary multiplied by the Severance Multiple payable within sixty (60) days following the Termination Date; provided that, if the sixtieth (60th) day following the Termination Date falls in the calendar year following the calendar year in which the Termination Date occurs, payment will not be made prior to the first day of the calendar year following the calendar year in which the Termination Date occurs; provided further that, if the Executive is a Specified Employee on the Termination Date, any amounts payable under this Section 5(e)(i)(B) in excess of the Separation Pay Limit shall be paid to the Executive in a lump sum on the first day following the six (6) six-month anniversary of the Termination Date;
(C) A lump sum payment equal to the Target Bonus multiplied by the Severance Multiple, payable on the Release Effective Date or as soon thereafter as is practicable, but no later than March 15 of the calendar year following the calendar year in which the Termination Date occurs;
(D) A lump sum payment equal to the pro-rata Target Bonus, payable on the Release Effective Date or as soon thereafter as is practicable, but no later than March 15 Continuation of the calendar year following the calendar year in which the Termination Date occurs;
(E) If the Executive continues to receive health benefits (including, medical, prescription, dental, vision and health care reimbursement account benefits) pursuant to the Company’s health plans under COBRA and pays the full COBRA premiums, the Company will reimburse the Executive benefits for the COBRA premiums paid for such benefits Benefits Continuation Period for the Executive and his family through COBRA (with the exception of any COBRA premiums paid for health care reimbursement account benefits), for the Benefits Continuation PeriodCOBRA, in accordance with the applicable plans, programs or policies, if any, of the Company or its successor, and on such terms applicable to comparably situated active employees during such period (which shall offset the Company’s COBRA obligation, if any); provided that the Executive may shall continue to pay to the Company any applicable contribution amounts that the Executive would otherwise have to pay for such benefits if the Executive was still employed by the Company; provided further that if the Executive continues to receive health benefits pursuant to the Company’s health plans this Section 5(e)(i)(D) during a period of time during which, in the Benefits Continuation Period during which absence of the benefits provided in this Section 5(e)(i)(D), the Executive would not otherwise be entitled to COBRA continuation coverage under Section 4980B of the Code if the Executive continues to pay premiums for such health benefitsCode, and the Executive shall receive reimbursement for all premiums paid medical expenses which are covered by the Executive for such continued health benefits applicable plans, programs or policies on the date no later than December 31 of the calendar year immediately following the calendar year in which the applicable expenses have been incurred. If the Executive fails to accept available coverage from another employer or fails to notify the Company (or the Trustee) within thirty (30) days of Executive’s eligibility to receive coverage under another employer’s plan, the Executive’s reimbursements coverage under this Section 5(e)(i)(E5(e)(i)(D) shall immediately terminate and the Executive shall cease to be entitled to any such reimbursements benefits under this Agreement and shall be required within three (3) months after such failure to reimburse the Company for the reimbursements greater of any premiums or any benefits paid to the Executive after such failure. In addition, the Executive agrees that the Company may offset against such reimbursement or deduct such reimbursement from any payments due to the Executive in full or partial payment of such reimbursement; provided that, no such offset shall be made in violation of Section 409A of the Code;
(FE) The Company (or the Trustee) shall pay to the Executive in a lump sum an amount equal to the value of the Company-sponsored outplacement program maintained by the Company immediately prior to the Change of Control, based on the Executive’s management level as of the Termination Date, which shall be paid within sixty (60) days following the Termination Date; provided that, if the sixtieth (60th) day following the Termination Date falls in the calendar year following the calendar year in which the Termination Date occurs, payment will not be made prior to the first day of the calendar year following the calendar year in which the Termination Date occurs; provided further that, if the Executive is a Specified Employee on the Termination Date, such amount shall be paid on the first day following the six (6) six-month anniversary of the Termination Date;
(GF) If the Executive is covered by any Company-sponsored executive life insurance program as of the Termination Date, the Company (or the Trustee) shall continue to pay for the Executive’s coverage until the end of the Severance Period. At the end of the Severance Period, the Executive will have thirty-one (31) days from the last day of the Severance Period to convert his life insurance coverage to an individual policy;
(HG) If the Executive is covered by any Company-sponsored supplemental long term disability insurance program as of the Termination Date, the Company (or the Trustee) shall continue to pay for the Executive’s coverage until the end of the Severance Period. At the end of the Severance Period, the Executive shall be entitled to keep this policy if he continues to pay the annual premiums; and
(IH) Any benefits or rights to which the Executive is entitled under any of the Company’s stock or equity plans in accordance with the terms and conditions of any such plans.
(ii) In the event that the Executive becomes entitled to payments and benefits pursuant to Section 5(e)(i) in connection with a Change of Control that does not constitute a “change in ownership or effective control” or a change in the “ownership of a substantial portion of the assets” under Section 409A of the Code, and the rulings and regulations issued thereunder, the payments and benefits set forth in Sections 5(e)(i)(B), (C), (D), (EF), and (G) and (H) herein (in each case, based on a Severance Period of two (2) years from the Termination Date and a Severance Multiple of two (2)), shall be paid in accordance with the schedule set forth in Section 5(c)(i), except as otherwise provided in this Section 5(e)(ii). In addition, the services set forth in Section 5(c)(i)(F5(c)(i)(E) (based on a Severance Period of eighteen (18) months) shall be provided in lieu of the payment set forth in Section 5(e)(i)(F5(e)(i)(E). Notwithstanding the foregoing, with respect to the payment set forth in Section 5(e)(i)(B), an amount equal to the lesser of (x) the Separation Pay Limit or (y) the amount set forth in Section 5(e)(i)(B) shall be paid to the Executive on the Release Effective Date or as soon thereafter as is practicable, but no later than sixty (60) days following the Termination Date. In the event that the amount set forth in Section 5(e)(i)(B) exceeds the Separation Pay Limit, any excess amounts shall be paid at the time they would have otherwise been paid pursuant to Section 5(c)(i)(B). On the Termination Date, the Executive shall no longer be eligible to participate in any Company plan, program or policy, other than that those described in this Section 5(e)(i) including, but not limited to, the Company’s long-term incentive plan, short-term disability plan, long-term disability plan, employee stock purchase plan, and business travel accident plan.
(iii) Effect Gross-up.
(A) In the event any payment that is either received by the Executive or paid by the Company on his behalf or any property, or any other benefit provided to him under this Agreement or under any other plan, arrangement or agreement with the Company or any other person whose payments or benefits are treated as contingent on a change of ownership or control of the Company (or in the ownership of a substantial portion of the assets of the Company) or any person affiliated with the Company or such person (but only if the payment or other benefit is in connection with the Executive’s employment by the Company) (collectively the “Payment”), is subject to the excise tax imposed by Section 4999 of the Code or any interest or penalties are incurred by the Executive with respect to such excise tax (such excise tax, together with any such interest and penalties, hereinafter collectively referred to as the “Excise Tax”), the Executive shall be entitled to receive an additional payment (a “Gross-Up Payment”) in an amount such that after payment by the Executive of all taxes (including any interest or penalties imposed with respect to such taxes), including, without limitation, any income taxes (and any interest and penalties imposed with respect thereto) and the Excise Tax imposed upon the Gross-Up Payment, the Executive retains an amount of the Gross-Up Payment equal to the Excise Tax imposed upon the Payments. Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this Section 5(e)(iii) if it shall be determined that the Executive is entitled to a Gross-Up Payment, but that the Payment does not exceed 110% of the greatest amount that could be paid to the Executive without giving rise to any Excise Tax (the “Safe Harbor Amount”), then no Gross-Up Payment shall be made to the Executive and the amounts payable under this Agreement shall be reduced so that the Payment, in the aggregate, is reduced to the Safe Harbor Amount. The reduction shall be made in a manner consistent with the requirements of Section 280G 409A. The reduction of the amounts payable hereunder, if applicable, shall be made first by reducing, but not below zero, the cash payments under Sections 5(c)(i)(B), 5(c)(iv)(A), and 5(e)(i)(B), as applicable (and in the event that such payments are installment payments, each such installment payment shall be reduced pro-rata, but not below zero), and by next reducing, but not below zero, the cash payments under Sections 5(c)(i)(C), 5(c)(iv)(B), and 5(e)(i)(C), as applicable. In the event that following reduction of the amounts set forth in the preceding sentence, additional amounts payable to the Executive must be reduced, any payments due to the Executive pursuant to the Company’s equity plans shall be reduced on Paymentsa pro-rata basis, but not below zero.
(B) All determinations required to be made under this Section 5(e)(iii) including whether and when a Gross-Up Payment is required and the amount of such Gross-Up Payment and the assumptions to be utilized in arriving at such determination, shall be made by a nationally recognized accounting (or compensation and benefits consulting ) firm selected by the Company (the “Accounting Firm”) which shall provide detailed supporting calculations both to the Company and the Executive within ten (10) business days of the receipt of notice from Executive that there has been a Payment, or such earlier time as is requested by the Company; provided that for purposes of determining the amount of any Gross-Up Payment, the Executive shall be deemed to pay federal income tax at the highest marginal rates applicable to individuals in the calendar year in which any such Gross-Up Payment is to be made and deemed to pay state and local income taxes at the highest effective rates applicable to individuals in the state or locality in which the Executive incurs income taxes in the calendar year in which any such Gross-Up Payment is to be made, net of the maximum reduction in federal income taxes that can be obtained from deduction of such state and local taxes, taking into account limitations applicable to individuals subject to federal income tax at the highest marginal rates. All fees and expenses of the Accounting Firm shall be borne solely by the Company. Any Gross-Up Payment, as determined pursuant to this Section 5(e)(iii), shall be paid by the Company to the Executive (or to the appropriate taxing authority on the Executive’s behalf) when the applicable tax is due. If the Accounting Firm determines that no Excise Tax is payable by the Executive, it shall so indicate to the Executive in writing. Any determination by the Accounting Firm shall be binding upon the Company and the Executive. As a result of the uncertainty in the application of Section 4999 of the Code, it is possible that the amount of the Gross-Up Payment determined by the Accounting Firm to be due to (or on behalf of) the Executive was lower than the amount actually due (“Underpayment”). In the event that the Company exhausts its remedies pursuant to Section 5(e)(iii)(C) and the Executive thereafter is required to make a payment of any Excise Tax, the Accounting Firm shall determine the amount of the Underpayment that has occurred and any such Underpayment shall be promptly paid by the Company to or for the benefit of the Executive.
(C) The Executive shall notify the Company in writing of any claim by the Internal Revenue Service that, if successful, would require the payment by the Company of any Gross-Up Payment. Such notification shall be given as soon as practicable but no later than ten (10) business days after the Executive is informed in writing of such claim and shall apprise the Company of the nature of such claim and the date on which such claim is requested to be paid. The Executive shall not pay such claim prior to the expiration of the thirty (30) day period following the date on which it gives such notice to the Company (or such shorter period ending on the date that any payment of taxes with respect to such claim is due). If the Company notifies the Executive in writing prior to the expiration of such period that it desires to contest such claim, the Executive shall (i) give the Company any information reasonably requested by the Company relating to such claim, (ii) take such action in connection with contesting such claim as the Company shall reasonably request in writing from time to time, including, without limitation, accepting legal representation with respect to such claim by an attorney reasonably selected by the Company, (iii) cooperate with the Company in good faith in order to effectively contest such claim and (iv) permit the Company to participate in any proceedings relating to such claim; provided, however, that the Company shall bear and pay directly all costs and expenses (including additional interest and penalties) incurred in connection with such contest. Without limitation on the foregoing provisions of this Section 5(e)(iii), the Company shall control all proceedings taken in connection with such contest and, at its sole option, may pursue or forego any and all administrative appeals, proceedings, hearings and conferences with the taxing authority in respect of such claim and may, at its sole option, either direct the Executive to pay the tax claimed and xxx for a refund or contest the claim in any permissible manner, and the Executive agrees to prosecute such contest to a determination before any administrative tribunal, in a court of initial jurisdiction and in one or more appellate courts, as the Company shall determine; provided, further, that if the Executive is required to extend the statute of limitations to enable the Company to contest such claim, the Executive may limit this extension solely to such contested amount. The Company’s control of the contest shall be limited to issues with respect to which a Gross-Up Payment would be payable hereunder and the Executive shall be entitled to settle or contest, as the case may be, any other issue raised by the Internal Revenue Service or any other taxing authority.
(D) If, after the receipt by the Executive of an amount paid or advanced by the Company pursuant to this Section 5(e)(iii), the Executive becomes entitled to receive any refund with respect to a Gross-Up Payment, the Executive shall promptly pay to the Company the amount of such refund received (together with any interest paid or credited thereon after taxes applicable thereto).
(E) All payments and benefits due to the Executive pursuant to this Section 5(e)(iii) shall be paid no later than the end of the calendar year following the calendar year in which the related taxes are remitted, or if no taxes are ultimately remitted, the end of the calendar year following the calendar year in which an audit is completed or there is a final and non-appealable settlement or other resolution.
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