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Exhibit 10.17
Execution Copy
AGREEMENT ON EMPLOYEE MATTERS
This Agreement on Employee Matters ("Agreement") dated September 30,
1999, is made and entered into by and between GenCorp Inc., an Ohio corporation
("GenCorp"), and omnova solutions inc., an Ohio corporation ("OMNOVA") and a
wholly owned subsidiary of GenCorp.
WITNESSETH:
WHEREAS, the Board of Directors of GenCorp has determined that it is
advisable to distribute substantially all of the stock of OMNOVA to its
shareholders in a transaction intended to qualify under Section 355 of the
Internal Revenue Code (variously, the "Distribution" or the "Spin-Off");
WHEREAS, GenCorp and OMNOVA are entering into a Distribution Agreement
which, among other things, sets forth the principal transactions required to
effect the Distribution and sets forth other agreements that will govern certain
other matters following the Distribution; and
WHEREAS, in connection with the Distribution, GenCorp and OMNOVA desire
to provide for the allocation of certain assets and liabilities and for certain
other matters all relating to employment, employee benefit plans and
compensation arrangements.
NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and other good and
valuable consideration, the parties hereto hereby agree as follows:
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ARTICLE I
DEFINITIONS
1.1 Terms used but not defined herein shall have the meanings set forth
in the Distribution Agreement. As used in this Agreement, the following terms
shall have the following meanings (such meanings to be equally applicable to
both the singular and plural forms of the terms defined):
(a) CODE. The Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.
(b) DISTRIBUTION DATE. The date on which the shares of OMNOVA
are distributed to the shareholders of GenCorp.
(c) ERISA. The Employee Retirement Income Security Act of
1974, as amended.
(d) GENCORP CONTROLLED GROUP. Collectively, GenCorp and any
GenCorp Group member whose employees are required by Section 414 of the Code to
be treated as if they were employed by a single employer.
(e) GENCORP MEDICAL PLAN. The GenCorp Medical and Dental
Plans.
(f) GENCORP HOURLY PENSION PLAN. The Non-Contributory Pension
Plan of GenCorp Inc., as in effect immediately before the Closing Time.
(g) GENCORP PENSION PLAN TRUSTEE. The trustee or trustees
appointed pursuant to the GenCorp Salaried Pension Plan.
(h) GENCORP SALARIED PENSION PLAN. The Pension Plan for
Salaried Employees of GenCorp Inc. and Certain Participating Subsidiaries, as in
effect immediately before the Closing Time.
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(i) GENCORP STOCK FUND. The GenCorp Stock Fund under the Joint
Savings Plan.
(j) JOINT SAVINGS PLAN. The GenCorp Retirement Savings Plan
and the Profit Sharing Retirement and Savings Plan of GenCorp Inc. and Certain
Participating Subsidiaries, as amended to be jointly sponsored by GenCorp and
OMNOVA.
(k) OMNOVA CONTROLLED GROUP. Collectively, OMNOVA and any
OMNOVA Group member whose employees are required by Section 414 of the Code to
be treated as if they were employed by a single employer.
(l) OMNOVA EMPLOYEES. Any person who is employed by OMNOVA
pursuant to Section 2.1(a) hereof. OMNOVA Employees shall include OMNOVA
Salaried Employees and OMNOVA Hourly Employees.
(m) OMNOVA HOURLY EMPLOYEES. OMNOVA Employees other than
OMNOVA Salaried Employees.
(n) OMNOVA HOURLY PENSION PLAN. The Non-Contributory Pension
Plan of OMNOVA Solutions Inc.
(o) OMNOVA HOURLY PENSION PLAN PARTICIPANT. OMNOVA Hourly
Employees and former hourly employees of GenCorp who terminated employment, with
accrued benefits under the GenCorp Hourly Pension Plan, from (i) business
locations of OMNOVA which are active immediately after the Closing Time and (ii)
the former GenCorp business location in Newcomerstown, Ohio
(p) OMNOVA MEDICAL PLAN. The medical and dental benefit plans
adopted by OMNOVA for the benefit of its salaried employees after the
Distribution and the separate
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medical and dental benefit programs maintained by OMNOVA pursuant to collective
bargaining agreements.
(q) OMNOVA PENSION PLAN TRUSTEE. The trustee or trustees
appointed pursuant to the trust agreement under the OMNOVA Pension Plan.
(r) OMNOVA SALARIED EMPLOYEES. OMNOVA Employees who are
compensated on a salaried basis.
(s) OMNOVA SALARIED PENSION PLAN. The Pension Plan for
Salaried Employees of OMNOVA Solutions Inc.
(t) OMNOVA SALARIED PENSION PLAN PARTICIPANTS. OMNOVA Salaried
Employees and former salaried employees of GenCorp who terminated employment,
with accrued benefits under the GenCorp Salaried Pension Plan, from (i) business
locations of OMNOVA which are active immediately after the Closing Time and (ii)
the former GenCorp business location in Newcomerstown, Ohio.
(u) OMNOVA STOCK FUND. The OMNOVA Stock Fund under the Joint
Savings Plan.
(v) UNFUNDED DEFERRED COMPENSATION. Unfunded obligations of
GenCorp as of the Closing Time to pay deferred compensation and retirement
income under its Benefits Restoration Plan, Deferred Bonus Plan, Non-Employee
Directors Retirement and Deferred Compensation Plans, 1996 Supplemental
Retirement Plan for Management Employees, individual employment agreements, and
other miscellaneous plans related to discontinued operations, including such
additional amounts as may be attributable to earnings growth after the Closing
Time in accordance with the terms of the specific plan or agreement.
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(w) UNION EMPLOYEES. Any OMNOVA Employee who is included in a
collective bargaining unit.
ARTICLE II
EMPLOYMENT AND BENEFIT PLANS
2.1 EMPLOYMENT OF OMNOVA EMPLOYEES AND UNION EMPLOYEES.
(a) Prior to the Distribution, while OMNOVA is still a
wholly-owned subsidiary of GenCorp, GenCorp shall transfer to OMNOVA the
employment of all (i) GenCorp employees who are employed primarily in the OMNOVA
Business, including any such employee on an approved leave of absence (including
disability) at the time of such transfer, and (ii) all GenCorp employees who are
employed at Corporate Headquarters, Corporate Technology Center and Flight
Operations, including any such employee on an approved leave of absence
(including disability) at the time of such transfer, but shall exclude (A)
employees named on Schedule A who shall remain GenCorp employees; (B) employees
designated for termination under the GenCorp Enhanced Involuntary Separation Pay
Plan and named on Schedule B; and (C) employees who have elected to retire under
the GenCorp 1999 Voluntary Enhanced Retirement Program, except the employees
named on Schedule C who shall become OMNOVA Employees until their retirement.
(b) OMNOVA shall employ all OMNOVA Employees transferred to
OMNOVA pursuant to Section 2.1(a). Subject to the terms and conditions of, and
except as otherwise provided in this Agreement, effective as of the Closing
Time, OMNOVA shall provide the OMNOVA Employees with terms and conditions of
employment, including, without limitation, employee benefits and other
perquisites, that are substantially similar to those provided to such persons
immediately prior to the Closing Time. However, nothing
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contained in this Agreement shall impair OMNOVA's ability to make such changes
in such terms and conditions of employment following the Distribution as OMNOVA
may deem to be necessary or appropriate for the operation of OMNOVA.
(c) Subject to Section 2.15, OMNOVA shall, at its own cost and
expense, (a) defend GenCorp from any and all claims, damages, actions or causes
of action ("Claims") which result from OMNOVA's employment and/or termination of
employment of any of the employees named on Schedule C hereto, and (b) indemnify
and hold GenCorp harmless from all damages, liabilities, losses, costs,
judgments, orders, assessments, interest, penalties, fines, settlement payments,
costs and expenses (including, without limitation, attorneys fees and other
investigation and defense costs and expenses) imposed upon or incurred by
GenCorp as a result of any such Claim. GenCorp shall promptly notify OMNOVA of
any Claim and OMNOVA shall be entitled to assume and maintain control over the
defense of any Claim and any negotiations and settlement thereof with counsel
reasonably acceptable to GenCorp provided that OMNOVA will not settle any such
Claim without the consent of GenCorp which consent shall not be unreasonably
withheld. In the event that OMNOVA fails to promptly assume and diligently
investigate and defend or settle any Claim then GenCorp shall have the right, at
OMNOVA's cost, expense and risk, from that time forward to have sole control of
the defense of the Claim and all negotiations for its settlement or compromise.
The party not controlling the defense of any such Claim shall have the right to
participate, at its sole expense, in the defense or settlement thereof.
(d) Subject to entering into mutually acceptable novation
agreements with the applicable Unions, OMNOVA shall assume all collective
bargaining agreements which are in effect as of the Closing Time at active
OMNOVA locations, and following the Distribution
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it will continue to employ all Union Employees pursuant to the terms and
conditions of such collective bargaining agreements.
2.2 JOINT SAVINGS PLAN. (a) Effective on the Distribution Date, the
GenCorp Retirement Savings Plan and the Profit Sharing Retirement and Savings
Plan of GenCorp Inc. and Certain Participating Subsidiaries will become multiple
employer plans (collectively, "Joint Savings Plan") in which both GenCorp and
OMNOVA will be unrelated participating employers. Day-to-day administration of
the Joint Savings Plan will be performed by GenCorp with cooperation and
assistance of OMNOVA pursuant to the separate Services and Support Agreement
between GenCorp and OMNOVA.
(b) GenCorp will continue to be both the administrator and
sponsor of the Joint Savings Plan, as defined in ERISA sections 3(16)(A) and
(B), for purposes of complying with the reporting and disclosure requirements
imposed by ERISA and the Code in administering the Joint Savings Plan.
Notwithstanding the preceding sentence, GenCorp and OMNOVA agree that no changes
will be made to the Joint Savings Plan, except as hereinafter described unless
(i) such changes are determined, with the advice of legal counsel, to be
required for compliance with applicable laws, or (ii) GenCorp and OMNOVA
mutually agree to such changes. In addition,
(1) The Administrative Committee for the Joint
Savings Plan, which will have general responsibility for interpreting
and assuring uniform administration of the provisions of the Joint
Savings Plan, will be composed of three (3) members of the GenCorp
Administrative Committee and two (2) members of the OMNOVA
Administrative Committee; and
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(2) The Benefits Management Committee for the Joint
Savings Plan, which will have the responsibilities related to
maintaining relationships with the trustee and investment managers and
investment of the trust fund, will be composed of two (2) members of
the GenCorp Benefits Management Committee and two (2) members of the
OMNOVA Benefits Management Committee.
(c) On and after the Distribution Date, employer matching
contributions on behalf of GenCorp employees will be made solely by GenCorp and
solely to the GenCorp Stock Fund and employer matching contributions on behalf
of OMNOVA Employees will be made solely by OMNOVA and solely to the OMNOVA Stock
Fund. Not later than the later of October 31, 2001 or two years after the
Distribution Date, the accounts of OMNOVA Employees and former OMNOVA Employees
will be transferred to a new separate savings plan to be established by OMNOVA.
Thereafter, neither OMNOVA nor its employees will participate in the GenCorp
Retirement Savings Plan.
(d) Following the Distribution, OMNOVA common stock held in
the accounts of GenCorp employees that is attributable to contributions made
before the Distribution may be retained in the OMNOVA Stock Fund, transferred to
the GenCorp Stock Fund or transferred to any other investment funds in the Joint
Savings Plan at the participant's election in accordance with the terms of the
Joint Savings Plan. Except as provided in the preceding sentence, contributions
made to or held under the Joint Savings Plan on behalf of GenCorp employees may
not be invested in the OMNOVA Stock Fund. OMNOVA common stock held in the
accounts of GenCorp employees that is attributable to employer matching
contributions that have been in the plan for at least two full plan years may be
withdrawn, in
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cash or in kind. Any dividends on OMNOVA common stock in accounts of GenCorp
employees will be reinvested in the OMNOVA Stock Fund.
(e) Following the Distribution, GenCorp common stock held in
the accounts of OMNOVA Employees that is attributable to contributions made
before the Distribution may be retained in the GenCorp Stock Fund, transferred
to the OMNOVA Stock Fund or transferred to any other investment fund in the
Joint Savings Plan at the Participant's election in accordance with the terms of
the Joint Savings Plan. Except as provided in the preceding sentence,
contributions made to or held under the Joint Savings Plan on behalf of OMNOVA
Employees may not be invested in the GenCorp Stock Fund. GenCorp common stock
held in the accounts of OMNOVA Employees that is attributable to employer
matching contributions that have been in the plan at least two full plan years
may be withdrawn, in cash or in kind. Any dividends after the Distribution Date
on GenCorp common stock in accounts of OMNOVA Employees will be reinvested in
the GenCorp Stock Fund.
2.3 OMNOVA SALARIED PENSION PLAN. (a) OMNOVA shall implement, before
the Closing Time, the OMNOVA Salaried Pension Plan, a qualified defined benefit
plan substantially similar to the GenCorp Salaried Pension Plan for the benefit
of OMNOVA Pension Plan Participants. OMNOVA Salaried Employees shall be eligible
for immediate participation in the OMNOVA Salaried Pension Plan as of the date
their employment is transferred to OMNOVA pursuant to Section 2.1(a). OMNOVA
Salaried Employees shall be credited under the OMNOVA Salaried Pension Plan, for
eligibility and vesting purposes, with the service credited to them under the
GenCorp Salaried Pension Plan. An OMNOVA Salaried Employee shall be credited
under the OMNOVA Salaried Pension Plan, for benefit accrual purposes, with the
service credited to him or her under the GenCorp Salaried Pension
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Plan only if a transfer described in subsection (b) of this Section is made with
respect to such OMNOVA Salaried Employee.
(b) OMNOVA Salaried Employees shall cease to accrue benefits
under the GenCorp Salaried Pension Plan as of the date their employment is
transferred to OMNOVA pursuant to Section 2.1(a). Such transfer shall not be an
event requiring a distribution of benefits under the GenCorp Salaried Pension
Plan.
(c) As soon as practicable after the Distribution Date,
GenCorp shall cause the GenCorp Pension Plan Trustee to segregate within the
GenCorp Pension Plan Trust the Segregated Salaried Pension Assets (as defined in
the following sentence) determined to be allocable with respect to accrued
benefits of OMNOVA Salaried Pension Plan Participants as of the Closing Time.
For purposes of the preceding sentence, the Segregated Salaried Pension Assets
shall mean assets with a value equal to the present value as of the Closing Time
of the accrued benefits of the OMNOVA Salaried Pension Plan Participants under
the GenCorp Salaried Pension Plan, determined by the plan's actuary using
interest assumptions prescribed by the PBGC for valuing annuities in plan
termination situations, plus an amount of surplus assets allocated in proportion
to the allocation of liabilities in accordance with ERISA section 4044.
(d) GenCorp and OMNOVA shall make or cause to be made all
required filings and submissions to appropriate governmental and regulatory
authorities and all necessary or appropriate amendments to the GenCorp Salaried
Pension Plan and the OMNOVA Salaried Pension Plan, and shall take all other
steps necessary and appropriate, to permit the transfer of the Segregated
Salaried Pension Assets from the GenCorp Pension Plan Trustee to the OMNOVA
Pension Plan Trustee. As soon as practicable after the filings,
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submissions, amendments and other steps described in this subsection are
completed, and after the expiration of any waiting periods imposed under
applicable law, GenCorp shall direct the GenCorp Pension Plan Trustee to
transfer to the OMNOVA Pension Plan Trustee, and OMNOVA shall direct the OMNOVA
Pension Plan Trustee to accept assets of the GenCorp Salaried Pension Plan equal
to the Segregated Salaried Pension Assets, as adjusted for contributions,
benefit payments, expenses and investment experience through the date of such
transfer. Such transfer shall be in cash, securities or other property or a
combination thereof, as mutually determined by GenCorp and OMNOVA and acceptable
to both the GenCorp Pension Plan Trustee and the OMNOVA Pension Plan Trustee.
After such transfer, each OMNOVA Salaried Pension Plan Participant for whom such
transfer was made shall be credited with benefits under the OMNOVA Salaried
Pension Plan attributable to service prior to the Closing Time at least equal to
his or her accrued benefit under the GenCorp Salaried Pension Plan, and the
GenCorp Salaried Pension Plan shall have no further obligations with respect to
such accrued benefit. GenCorp and OMNOVA shall prepare a list, certified by a
duly authorized officer of each, of all OMNOVA Salaried Pension Plan
Participants with respect to which a transfer pursuant to this subsection has
been made.
(e) GenCorp shall have no obligation to direct the transfer
described in subsection (d) of this Section unless and until GenCorp receives
either a favorable determination letter issued by the IRS as to the qualified
status of the OMNOVA Salaried Pension Plan under Section 401(a) of the code or
an opinion of counsel to OMNOVA that the OMNOVA Salaried Pension Plan meets the
requirements of Section 401(a) of the Code as to form. The OMNOVA Pension Plan
Trustee shall have no obligation to accept any transfer from the GenCorp
Salaried Pension Plan unless and until OMNOVA and the OMNOVA
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Pension Plan Trustee receives either a favorable determination letter issued by
the IRS as to the qualified status of the GenCorp Salaried Pension Plan under
Section 401(a) of the Code or an opinion of counsel to GenCorp that the GenCorp
Salaried Pension Plan meets the requirements of Section 401(a) of the Code as to
form. GenCorp and OMNOVA will cooperate as necessary to facilitate obtaining
such favorable determination letters.
(f) The OMNOVA Salaried Pension Plan shall be a continuation
of the GenCorp Salaried Pension Plan as to the OMNOVA Salaried Pension Plan
Participants for whom the transfer described in subsection (d) of this Section
was made and the transfer of assets and liabilities from the GenCorp Salaried
Pension Plan to the OMNOVA Pension Plan Trustee pursuant to this Agreement shall
not be deemed a termination or partial termination of the GenCorp Salaried
Pension Plan.
(g) In the event a former employee of GenCorp who participated
in the GenCorp Salaried Pension Plan prior to the Distribution Date becomes an
OMNOVA Employee eligible to participate in the OMNOVA Salaried Pension Plan
after the Distribution Date, GenCorp and OMNOVA agree that the liabilities to
pay pension benefits to such individual and the assets attributable to such
liabilities, in an amount which (based on the certification of the actuary for
the Plans) meets the requirements of Section 414(1) of the Code and the
regulations thereunder, will be transferred by the GenCorp Pension Plan Trustee
from the GenCorp Salaried Pension Plan to the OMNOVA Salaried Pension Plan and
the OMNOVA Pension Plan Trustee in the manner described in, and in compliance
with, Section 414(1) of the Code and the regulations thereunder. In the event of
any such transfer, such employee shall be credited under the OMNOVA Salaried
Pension Plan, for eligibility, vesting and benefit accrual purposes, with the
service credited to him under the GenCorp Salaried Pension Plan.
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(h) The GenCorp Salaried Pension Plan shall provide that an
individual who is an employee of OMNOVA on the Distribution Date shall not be
eligible to commence receiving benefits from the GenCorp Salaried Pension Plan
until he terminates employment with OMNOVA after the Distribution Date. Until
the completion of the transfer of assets and liabilities from the GenCorp
Salaried Pension Plan to the OMNOVA Salaried Pension Plan and the OMNOVA Pension
Plan Trustee described in subsection (c) of this Section, benefits under the
OMNOVA Salaried Pension Plan payable to a OMNOVA Salaried Employee thereunder
shall be computed on the basis of his or her total service with GenCorp and
OMNOVA, but shall be reduced by any benefits accrued by such OMNOVA Salaried
Employee under the GenCorp Salaried Pension Plan.
(i) In the event that an OMNOVA Salaried Pension Plan
Participant files a claim for payment of pension benefits under the GenCorp
Salaried Pension Plan after the transfer of assets and liabilities from the
GenCorp Salaried Pension Plan to the OMNOVA Salaried Pension Plan and the OMNOVA
Pension Plan Trustee described in subsection (c) of this Section, OMNOVA agrees
to (i) reimburse GenCorp for all costs and expenses incurred to defend such
claim other than through its normal appeal process involving the GenCorp
Administrative Committee; and (ii) cause the OMNOVA Pension Plan Trustee to
transfer, to the GenCorp Salaried Pension Plan and the GenCorp Pension Plan
Trustee, assets from the OMNOVA Salaried Pension Plan equal to the liabilities,
if any, which the GenCorp Salaried Pension Plan is determined by a court of
competent jurisdiction to owe to such OMNOVA Salaried Pension Plan Participant.
In the event of any such transfer, the service upon which the OMNOVA Salaried
Pension Plan Participant's accrued benefit under the GenCorp Salaried
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Pension Plan is based shall be excluded from the service counted for
eligibility, vesting and benefit accrual purposes under the OMNOVA Salaried
Pension Plan.
2.4 OMNOVA HOURLY PENSION PLAN. (a) OMNOVA shall implement, before the
Closing Time, the OMNOVA Hourly Pension Plan, a qualified defined benefit plan
substantially similar to the GenCorp Hourly Pension Plan for the benefit of
OMNOVA Hourly Pension Plan Participants. OMNOVA Hourly Employees who participate
in the GenCorp Hourly Pension Plan immediately before the Closing Time shall be
eligible for immediate participation in the OMNOVA Hourly Pension Plan as of the
Closing Time. OMNOVA Hourly Employees shall be credited under the OMNOVA Hourly
Pension Plan, for eligibility and vesting purposes, with the service credited to
them under the GenCorp Hourly Pension Plan. An OMNOVA Hourly Employee shall be
credited under the OMNOVA Hourly Pension Plan, for benefit accrual purposes,
with the service credited to him or her under the GenCorp Hourly Pension Plan
only if a transfer described in subsection (b) of this Section is made with
respect to such OMNOVA Hourly Employee.
(b) OMNOVA Hourly Employees shall cease to accrue benefits
under the GenCorp Hourly Pension Plan as of the time their employment is
transferred to OMNOVA. Such transfer shall not be an event requiring
distribution of benefits under the GenCorp Hourly Pension Plan.
(c) As soon as practicable after the Distribution Date,
GenCorp shall cause the GenCorp Pension Plan Trustee to segregate within the
GenCorp Pension Plan Trust the Segregated Hourly Pension Assets (as defined in
the following sentence) determined to be allocable with respect to accrued
benefits of OMNOVA Hourly Pension Plan Participants as of the Closing Time. For
purposes of the preceding sentence, the Segregated Hourly Pension
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Assets shall mean assets with a value equal to the present value as of the
Closing Time of the accrued benefits of the OMNOVA Hourly Pension Plan
Participants under the GenCorp Hourly Pension Plan, determined by the plan's
actuary using interest assumptions prescribed by the PBGC for valuing annuities
in plan termination situations, plus an amount of surplus assets allocated in
proportion to the allocation of liabilities in accordance with ERISA section
4044.
(d) GenCorp and OMNOVA shall make or cause to be made all
required filings and submissions to appropriate governmental and regulatory
authorities and all necessary or appropriate amendments to the GenCorp Hourly
Pension Plan and the OMNOVA Hourly Pension Plan, and shall take all other steps
necessary and appropriate, to permit the transfer of the Segregated Hourly
Pension Assets from the GenCorp Pension Plan Trustee to the OMNOVA Pension Plan
Trustee. As soon as practicable after the filings, submissions, amendments and
other steps described in this subsection are completed, and after the expiration
of any waiting periods imposed under applicable law, GenCorp shall direct the
GenCorp Pension Plan Trustee to transfer to the OMNOVA Pension Plan Trustee, and
OMNOVA shall direct the OMNOVA Pension Plan Trustee to accept assets of the
GenCorp Hourly Pension Plan equal to the Segregated Hourly Pension Assets, as
adjusted for contributions, benefit payments, expenses and investment experience
through the date of such transfer. Such transfer shall be in cash, securities or
other property or a combination thereof, as mutually determined by GenCorp and
OMNOVA and acceptable to both the GenCorp Pension Plan Trustee and the OMNOVA
Pension Plan Trustee. After such transfer, each OMNOVA Hourly Pension Plan
Participant for whom such transfer was made shall be credited with benefits
under the OMNOVA Hourly Pension Plan attributable to service prior to the
Closing Time at least equal
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to his or her accrued benefit under the GenCorp Hourly Pension Plan, and the
GenCorp Hourly Pension Plan shall have no further obligations with respect to
such accrued benefit. GenCorp and OMNOVA shall prepare a list, certified by a
duly authorized officer of each, of all OMNOVA Hourly Pension Plan Participants
with respect to which a transfer pursuant to this Subsection has been made.
(e) GenCorp shall have no obligation to direct the transfer
described in subsection (d) of this Section unless and until GenCorp receives
either a favorable determination letter issued by the IRS as to the qualified
status of the OMNOVA Hourly Pension Plan under Section 401 (a) of the code or an
opinion of counsel to OMNOVA that the OMNOVA Hourly Pension Plan meets the
requirements of Section 401(a) of the Code as to form. The OMNOVA Pension Plan
Trustee shall have no obligation to accept any transfer from the GenCorp Hourly
Pension Plan unless and until OMNOVA and the OMNOVA Pension Plan Trustee
receives either a favorable determination letter issued by the IRS as to the
qualified status of the GenCorp Hourly Pension Plan under Section 401(a) of the
Code or an opinion of counsel to GenCorp that the GenCorp Hourly Pension Plan
meets the requirements of Section 401(a) of the Code as to form. GenCorp and
OMNOVA will cooperate as necessary to facilitate obtaining such favorable
determination letters.
(f) The OMNOVA Hourly Pension Plan shall be a continuation of
the GenCorp Hourly Pension Plan as to the OMNOVA Hourly Pension Plan
Participants for whom the transfer described in subsection (d) of this Section
was made and the transfer of assets and liabilities from the GenCorp Hourly
Pension Plan to the OMNOVA Pension Plan Trustee pursuant to this Agreement shall
not be deemed a termination or partial termination of the GenCorp Hourly Pension
Plan.
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(g) The GenCorp Hourly Pension Plan shall provide that an
individual who is an employee of OMNOVA on the Distribution Date shall not be
eligible to commence receiving benefits from the GenCorp Hourly Pension Plan
until he terminates employment with OMNOVA after the Distribution Date. Until
the completion of the transfer of assets and liabilities from the GenCorp Hourly
Pension Plan to the OMNOVA Hourly Pension Plan and the OMNOVA Pension Plan
Trustee described in subsection (c) of this Section, benefits under the OMNOVA
Hourly Pension Plan payable to an OMNOVA Hourly Employee thereunder shall be
computed on the basis of his or her total service with GenCorp and OMNOVA, but
shall be reduced by any benefits accrued by such OMNOVA Hourly Employee under
the GenCorp Hourly Pension Plan.
(h) In the event that an OMNOVA Hourly Pension Plan
Participant files a claim for payment of pension benefits under the GenCorp
Hourly Pension Plan after the transfer of assets and liabilities from the
GenCorp Hourly Pension Plan to the OMNOVA Hourly Pension Plan and the OMNOVA
Pension Plan Trustee described in subsection (c) of this Section, OMNOVA agrees
to (i) reimburse GenCorp for all costs and expenses incurred to defend such
claim other than through its normal appeal process involving the GenCorp
Administrative Committee; and (ii) cause the OMNOVA Pension Plan Trustee to
transfer, to the GenCorp Hourly Pension Plan and the GenCorp Pension Plan
Trustee, assets from the OMNOVA Hourly Pension Plan equal to the liabilities, if
any, which the GenCorp Hourly Pension Plan is determined by a court of competent
jurisdiction to owe to such OMNOVA Hourly Pension Plan Participant. In the event
of any such transfer, the service upon which the OMNOVA Hourly Pension Plan
Participant's accrued benefit under the GenCorp Hourly
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Pension Plan is based shall be excluded from the service counted for
eligibility, vesting and benefit accrual purposes under the OMNOVA Hourly
Pension Plan.
2.5 XXXXXX PLANS. Both the (i) GenCorp Retirement Income Plan for
Employees of Xxxxxx Films Operations ("Xxxxxx Pension Plan") and (ii) GenCorp
Savings and Investment Plan for Employees of Xxxxxx Films Operations ("Xxxxxx
Savings Plan") cover only employees in the Auburn, PA. manufacturing facility
which will be an active business location of OMNOVA after the Distribution Date.
As soon as practicable after the Distribution Date, GenCorp shall (a) cause the
GenCorp Pension Plan Trustee to transfer the assets attributable to the Xxxxxx
Pension Plan to the OMNOVA Pension Plan Trustee, and (b) cause Mellon Trust,
trustee for the Xxxxxx Savings Plan, to transfer the assets of that plan to a
new trust established by OMNOVA.
2.6 OMNOVA WELFARE BENEFIT PLANS. (a) OMNOVA MEDICAL PLAN. As of the
Closing Time, OMNOVA Employees (and their eligible dependent(s)) shall be
covered by the OMNOVA Medical Plan, which shall be substantially identical to
the medical plan coverage provided to OMNOVA Employees immediately prior to the
Closing Time. The OMNOVA Medical Plan made available to OMNOVA Employees and
their dependent(s) as of the Closing Time shall waive any applicable waiting
periods for coverage of OMNOVA Employees and their dependent(s) which did not
exist with respect to such OMNOVA Employee or dependent(s) immediately prior to
the Closing Time. The OMNOVA Medical Plan shall not contain any exclusion or
limitation with respect to any pre-existing condition of any OMNOVA Employee or
dependent(s) which did not apply with respect to such OMNOVA Employee or
dependent immediately prior to the Closing Time. For purposes of the two
preceding sentences, service with GenCorp and OMNOVA prior to the Closing Time
shall be taken into
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account for purposes of meeting any such waiting period or pre-existing
condition, exclusion or limitation.
(b) OMNOVA EMPLOYEE MEDICAL CLAIMS. As of the Closing Time,
the OMNOVA Medical Plan shall have sole responsibility for all obligations,
financial and otherwise, with respect to medical expense claims submitted by
OMNOVA Employees and their dependent(s) from and after the Closing Time, and
such claims will be processed and paid by OMNOVA's third party administrator.
(c) CLAIM APPEALS. As of the Closing Time, OMNOVA shall have
sole responsibility for the determination of claim appeals filed by OMNOVA
Employees under the OMNOVA Medical Plan. Claim appeals filed by employees of
OMNOVA under the GenCorp Medical Plan will be determined by GenCorp under the
GenCorp Medical Plan.
(d) FLEXIBLE BENEFIT PLANS. (i) OMNOVA shall implement, as of
the Closing Time, a flexible spending account plan, a dependent care
reimbursement plan, a health care reimbursement plan and a pre-tax premium plan
(collectively referred to as the "OMNOVA Flexible Benefit Plan") with provisions
substantially similar to similar plans provided to OMNOVA Employees by GenCorp
prior to the Closing Time; and (ii) Plan Year 1999 deferrals and reimbursements
by or to OMNOVA Employees under the GenCorp Flexible Benefit Plan, shall be
carried over and applied to their accounts under the OMNOVA Flexible Benefit
Plan. Within a reasonable time after the Closing Time, GenCorp will pay to
OMNOVA the net aggregate dependent day care reimbursement and health care
reimbursement account balances of OMNOVA Employees held by GenCorp as of the
Closing Time.
2.7 POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS. GenCorp currently provides certain health
care and life insurance benefits to most retired employees in the United States
with varied coverage by
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employee groups. The health care plans generally provide for cost sharing in the
form of retiree contributions, deductibles and coinsurance between the company
and its retirees. A portion of the unfunded benefit obligation reported in
GenCorp's financial statements for such postretirement benefits attributable to
OMNOVA Hourly Employees and former employees of GenCorp who terminated
employment from (i) business locations of OMNOVA active as of the Closing Time,
and (ii) the former GenCorp business location in Newcomerstown, Ohio, will be
assumed by OMNOVA.
2.8 GENCORP 1993 AND 1997 STOCK OPTION PLANS. (a) Prior to the
Distribution Date, exercisable options under the GenCorp 1993 and 1997 Stock
Option Plans for (1) active employees, (2) retirees, and (3) other former
employees whose options remain exercisable, will be split into options to
acquire GenCorp common stock and OMNOVA common stock. Except with respect to
options held by the chief executive officers of GenCorp and OMNOVA, the number
of exercisable options in each company will each equal the number of exercisable
options under the GenCorp Stock Option Plans. With respect to exercisable
options held by the chief executive officers, (1) Xx. Xxxxx'x options will be
converted into 66 2/3% GenCorp options and 33 1/3% OMNOVA options, and (2) Xx.
Xxxxxxxx'x options will be converted into 66 2/3% OMNOVA options and 33 1/3%
GenCorp options. The exercise price of each resulting option will bear the same
ratio to the market price, as of the Distribution Date, of the respective
company's stock, as the exercise price of the original GenCorp option bore to
the market price of GenCorp shares immediately before the Distribution Date.
GenCorp and OMNOVA agree that each will issue the appropriate shares of their
common stock to non-employees who exercise the options described in this
subsection (a) subject, in the case of
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OMNOVA, to OMNOVA having an effective Registration Statement under the
Securities Act of 1933 in respect of the shares of stock to be issued by OMNOVA
to non-employees.
(b) Unexercisable options under the GenCorp 1997 Stock Option
Plan for GenCorp employees will be replaced with a number of unexercisable
GenCorp options under that plan which will, based upon (1) the market price of
GenCorp shares immediately after the Distribution Date and (2) the exercise
prices for those options, have an aggregate intrinsic value equal to that of the
unexercisable GenCorp options immediately before the Distribution Date.
(c) Unexercisable options under the GenCorp 1997 Stock Option
Plan for OMNOVA Employees will be replaced with a number of unexercisable OMNOVA
options which will, based upon (1) the market price of OMNOVA shares immediately
after the Distribution Date and (2) the exercise price for such options, have an
aggregate intrinsic value equal to that of the unexercisable GenCorp options
immediately before the Distribution.
(d) In converting the stock option plans for the Distribution,
the exercisable and unexercisable aggregate intrinsic value of the options
immediately after the conversion will be equal to the aggregate intrinsic value
immediately before the conversion. The ratio of the exercise price per option to
the market value per share will not be reduced and the vesting provisions and
option period of the OMNOVA and GenCorp options will be the same as for the
original GenCorp options. Accordingly, no compensation expense will be
recognized by OMNOVA or GenCorp.
2.9 UNFUNDED DEFERRED COMPENSATION.
(a) Subject to legal requirements for employee acquiescence,
GenCorp's legal obligation to pay Unfunded Deferred Compensation for: (1) all
active employees
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transferred to OMNOVA, (2) all retired employees who terminated employment from
business locations of OMNOVA which are active as of the Closing Time, and (3)
all GenCorp directors resigning to become members of the OMNOVA Board will be
assumed by OMNOVA.
(b) The legal obligation to pay Unfunded Deferred Compensation
for: (1) all active employees remaining GenCorp employees, (2) all GenCorp
directors remaining on the GenCorp Board, (3) all other retired employees, and
(4) all retired directors, will be retained by GenCorp.
(c) Former employees and directors of GenCorp or OMNOVA will
be able to elect a lump-sum payment of their Unfunded Deferred Compensation,
subject to (1) a 10% reduction in order to avoid adverse tax consequences, and
(2) all applicable tax withholding. Active employees and directors may receive
lump-sum payments of their Unfunded Deferred Compensation upon termination of
employment or board service with GenCorp or OMNOVA based upon appropriate
advance elections or discretionary approval by the company's benefit management
committee.
(d) GenCorp hereby indemnifies OMNOVA for the obligations to
pay Unfunded Deferred Compensation assumed by OMNOVA pursuant to subsection (a),
and will pay only those amounts of such Unfunded Deferred Compensation that
OMNOVA proves it is unable to pay.
(e) OMNOVA hereby indemnifies GenCorp for the obligation to
pay Unfunded Deferred Compensation retained by GenCorp pursuant to subsection
(b), and will pay only those amounts of Unfunded Deferred Compensation that
GenCorp proves it is unable to pay.
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2.10 ANNUAL BONUSES. Bonus amounts under GenCorp's Executive Incentive
Compensation Plan for the period ending November 30, 1999 will be determined
based upon (1) actual performance up to the Distribution Date, and (2) budgeted
performance, for the remainder of the period, according to GenCorp's annual
operating plan. Subject to all legal requirements for employee acquiescence,
bonus obligations will be assumed by OMNOVA for all OMNOVA Employees, and paid
in cash on January 17, 2000. Bonus obligations will be paid in cash on January
17, 2000 by GenCorp for all GenCorp employees and for terminated GenCorp
employees who are not employed by OMNOVA.
2.11 LONG TERM INCENTIVE COMPENSATION. Performance awards under
GenCorp's Long-Term Incentive Program for the three-year performance period
ending November 30, 1999 will be determined based upon (1) actual performance up
to the Distribution Date, and (2) budgeted performance, for the remainder of the
period, according to GenCorp's annual operating plan. Pro rata performance
awards will be paid under the GenCorp plan for the performance periods ending
November 30, 2000 and November 30, 2001. Pro rata performance awards for each
partial performance period will be determined based upon (1) actual performance
up to the Distribution Date, and (2) budgeted performance, for the remainder of
the fiscal year ending November 30, 1999, according to GenCorp's annual
operating plan. Subject to legal requirements for employee acquiescence,
performance award obligations for the three-year performance period ending
November 30, 1999 will be assumed by OMNOVA for all OMNOVA Employees and paid in
cash on January 17, 2000. Performance award obligations for the three-year
performance period ending November 30, 1999 will be paid in cash on January 17,
2000 by GenCorp for all GenCorp employees and for terminated GenCorp employees
who are not employed by OMNOVA. All pro rata
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performance awards will be paid in cash to all eligible employees of GenCorp and
OMNOVA by GenCorp before October 31, 1999.
2.12 DIRECTOR COMPENSATION. Subject to legal requirements for director
acquiescence, benefit obligations under the Retirement Plan for Nonemployee
Directors of GenCorp Inc. and the Deferred Compensation Plan for Nonemployee
Directors of GenCorp Inc. (hereafter the "GenCorp Director Plans") for GenCorp
directors resigning to become members of the OMNOVA Board will be assumed by
OMNOVA. Benefit obligations under the GenCorp Director Plans for GenCorp
directors remaining on the GenCorp Board and retired directors will be retained
by GenCorp.
2.13 ENHANCED RETIREMENT AND SEPARATION PAY PLANS. GenCorp adopted a
Voluntary Enhanced Retirement Program (VERP) and Enhanced Involuntary Separation
Pay Plan (EISP) which are associated with and contingent upon the Distribution.
Pension and Separation Pay obligations under the VERP and EISP for GenCorp
employees who become OMNOVA Employees in connection with the Spin-Off will be
assumed and paid by OMNOVA. Pension and Separation Pay obligations under the
VERP and EISP for GenCorp employees who do not become employed by OMNOVA in
connection with the Spin-Off will be retained and paid by GenCorp. The total
number and identity of participants and the timing of their departure are not
yet known.
2.14 TRANSITION ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES. For a transition period
extending up to October 31, 2001, the Joint Savings Plan and other benefit
programs currently applicable to GenCorp active employees and retirees will be
administered under a Services and Support Agreement between GenCorp and OMNOVA.
The purpose of the transition services arrangement will be to allow for an
orderly transition of administrative responsibility for
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ongoing GenCorp benefit programs to administrative staffs of GenCorp, and for
the implementation and administration of new employee benefit plans for OMNOVA.
In accordance with the Services and Support Agreement, (i) GenCorp will
reimburse OMNOVA specified allocated costs plus all direct expenses incurred by
OMNOVA on behalf of GenCorp, and (ii) OMNOVA will reimburse GenCorp specified
allocated costs plus all direct expenses incurred by GenCorp on behalf of
OMNOVA.
2.15 LIABILITIES TO OMNOVA EMPLOYEES ARISING PRIOR TO DISTRIBUTION
DATE. GenCorp shall retain sole responsibility for (a) payments of any and all
wages, vacation pay, bereavement pay, jury duty pay, disability income,
supplemental unemployment benefits, fringe benefits (excluding medical/dental
claims described in Section 2.5(b)) or other perquisites of employment, or
similar benefits, payroll taxes and other payroll related expenses, (b) workers'
compensation claims or related litigation claims, (c) claims filed with the
equal Employment Opportunity Commission or related litigation claims and (d)
other similar employment-related claims, in any such case arising out of or
relating to (i) the employment of the OMNOVA Employees by GenCorp prior to the
Closing Time or (ii) the employment of former employees whose employment with
OMNOVA or GenCorp or the Controlled Group of either terminated on or before the
Closing Time.
2.16 AT WILL EMPLOYMENT. Nothing in this Agreement shall limit the at
will nature of the employment of any of the OMNOVA Employees who do not have any
other contractual rights with respect to employment by OMNOVA or the right of
GenCorp or OMNOVA to alter or terminate any employee benefit plan.
2.17 SEPARATION PAY. GenCorp and OMNOVA agree that with respect to
individuals who, in connection with the Distribution, cease to be employees of
GenCorp and become
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employees of OMNOVA at any time, such cessation shall not be deemed a severance
of employment from GenCorp for purposes of the GenCorp Involuntary Separation
Pay Plan. GenCorp shall retain and be solely responsible for, and shall
indemnify OMNOVA against, all liabilities and obligations whatsoever in
connection with claims made by or on behalf of former employees of GenCorp in
respect of separation pay and similar obligations relating to the termination or
alleged termination of any such person's employment from GenCorp on or before
the Distribution Date.
2.18 INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE FORMS. GenCorp and OMNOVA agree that,
pursuant to the "Alternative Procedure" provided in Section 5 of Revenue
Procedure 96-60, 1996-2 C.B. 399, with respect to filing and furnishing Internal
Revenue Service Forms W-2, W-3 and 941, respectively: (a) GenCorp and OMNOVA
shall report on a "predecessor-successor" basis as set forth therein; (b)
GenCorp shall be relieved from furnishing Forms W-2 to GenCorp's employees whose
employment is transferred to OMNOVA in connection with the Spin-Off and to whom
GenCorp would have been obligated to furnish such Forms; and (c) OMNOVA shall
assume GenCorp's obligation to furnish such Forms to all such employees for the
full 1999 calendar year. Upon OMNOVA's request, GenCorp will promptly provide
OMNOVA with the information relating to periods ending on the Closing Time
necessary for OMNOVA to prepare and distribute Forms W-2 to such employees for
the year ending December 31, 1999, which Forms W-2 will include all remuneration
earned by such employees from both GenCorp and OMNOVA during the year ending
December 31, 1999.
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ARTICLE III
ACCESS AND SHARING OF INFORMATION
3.1 SHARING OF INFORMATION. Each of GenCorp and OMNOVA agrees to
provide the other, as soon as practicable after the Distribution Date, with such
information regarding employee benefit plan participants prior to the
Distribution Date (including term of service for eligibility, vesting and
benefit accrual purposes under such Plans and a listing of accrued benefits) as
may be reasonably requested by a party to establish and administer effectively
its employee benefit plans.
3.2 ACCESS TO INFORMATION. (a) From and after the Closing Time each
party hereto shall afford the other party and its accountants, counsel and other
designated representative reasonable access (including using reasonable efforts
to give duplicating rights during normal business hours) to all records, books,
contracts, instruments, computer data and other data and information in such
party's possession relating to the business and affairs of such other party
(other than data and information subject to an attorney/client or other
privilege), insofar as such access is reasonably required by such other party
including, without limitation, for audit, accounting and litigation purposes and
administration of employee benefit plans, as well as for purposes of fulfilling
disclosure and reporting obligations.
(b) For a period of up to 24 months from and after the
Distribution Date, (or longer as required in connection with the Joint Savings
Plan) each party shall make available to the other during normal business hours
and in a manner which will not unreasonably interfere with such party's
business, its financial, tax, accounting, legal, employee benefits and such
other staff and services to the extent that the same may be reasonably required
in connection
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with the preparation of tax returns, audits, claims, administration of employee
benefit plans and otherwise to assist in effecting an orderly transition
following the Distribution.
ARTICLE IV
MISCELLANEOUS
4.1 COMPLETE AGREEMENT. This Agreement, together with the Distribution
Agreement, and the exhibits thereto, shall constitute the entire agreement
between the parties hereto with respect to the subject matter hereof and shall
supersede all previous negotiations, commitments and writings with respect to
such subject matter.
4.2. GOVERNING LAW. This Agreement and (unless otherwise provided) all
amendments hereof shall be governed by the internal laws of the State of Ohio,
without regard to the conflicts of law principles thereof.
4.3 ASSIGNMENT. This Agreement and all of the provisions hereof shall
be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the parties and their respective
successors and assigns; provided, however, that neither this Agreement nor any
of the rights, interests or obligations hereunder shall be assigned (other than
by merger or pursuant to a sale of all or substantially all of a party's assets
to one person) by either of the parties hereto without the prior written consent
of the other party, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld; provided,
however, that no such assignment shall relieve the assigning party of any
liabilities or obligations hereunder. Any transfer or assignment of any of the
rights, interests or obligations hereunder in violation of the terms hereof
shall be void and of no force or effect.
4.4 NOTICES. All notices, requests, claims, demands and other
communications hereunder shall be in writing and shall be given (and shall be
deemed to have been duly given upon receipt) by delivery in person, mailed by
registered or certified mail (return receipt
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requested) or sent by telecopy or by a recognized overnight courier service,
addressed as follows:
To OMNOVA at: OMNOVA Solutions Inc.
000 Xxxxx Xxxx
Xxxxxxxx, Xxxx 00000-0000
Attention: General Counsel
Fax Number: 000-000-0000
To GenCorp at: GenCorp Inc.
Xxxxxxx 00 & Xxxxxxx Xxxx
Xxxxxx Xxxxxxx, XX 00000
Attention: General Counsel
Fax Number: 000-000-0000
or to such other address as any party hereto may have furnished to the other
parties by a notice in writing in accordance with this Section.
4.5 AMENDMENT. This Agreement may be amended, modified or supplemented
only by a written agreement signed by all the parties hereto.
4.6 WAIVER. No waiver by any party of any of the provisions of this
Agreement will be deemed, or will constitute, a waiver of any other provision,
whether similar, nor will any waiver constitute a continuing waiver. No waiver
will be binding unless executed in writing by the party making the waiver.
4.7 COUNTERPARTS. This Agreement may be executed in any number of
counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original instrument and all of
which together shall constitute one and the same instrument.
4.8 INTERPRETATION. The Section headings contained in this Agreement
are solely for the purpose of reference, are not part of the agreement of the
parties hereto and shall not in any way affect the meaning or interpretation of
this Agreement.
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4.9 NO THIRD PARTY BENEFICIARY. Nothing in this Agreement, express or
implied, shall confer on any person other than the parties any rights or
remedies under or by virtue of this Agreement.
4.10 DISPUTE RESOLUTION. Any dispute between the parties concerning the
performance of this Agreement which cannot be resolved by good faith negotiation
of the parties shall be determined in accordance with the provisions of the
Alternative Dispute Resolution Agreement.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be
duly executed as of the date first above written. GENCORP INC.
By: /s/ Xxxxxxx X. Xxxxxxxx
-----------------------------------
Name: Xxxxxxx X. Xxxxxxxx
--------------------------------
Title: Senior Vice President
--------------------------------
OMNOVA SOLUTIONS INC.
By: /s/ Xxxxx X. XxXxx
-----------------------------------
Name: Xxxxx X. XxXxx
---------------------------------
Title: Senior Vice President
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