Exhibit 10.6
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EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT
THIS EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT (this "Agreement"), made and entered into as of July
29, 2002, by and between XXXXXX INDUSTRIES, INC., a Delaware corporation, with
its principal office located at 0000 Xxxxxxxx Xxxxx, Xxxxxxxxx, Xxxxxxxxxxxx
00000 (together with its successors and assigns permitted under this Agreement,
"Xxxxxx") and XXXXX XXXX ("Xxxx"), amends and restates in its entirety the
Employment Agreement made and entered into as of October 1, 1998, as amended on
January 26, 1999 and July 30, 1999 between Xxxxxx and Levy (the "Prior
Agreement").
WITNESSETH:
WHEREAS, Xxxxxx has determined that it is in the best interests of
Xxxxxx and its stockholders to continue to employ Levy and to set forth in this
Agreement the obligations and duties of both Xxxxxx and Xxxx; and
WHEREAS, Xxxxxx wishes to assure itself of the services of Levy for the
period hereinafter provided, and Levy is willing to be employed by Xxxxxx for
said period, upon the terms and conditions provided in this Agreement;
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and mutual covenants
contained herein and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt of
which is mutually acknowledged, Xxxxxx and Levy (individually a "Party" and
together the "Parties" ) agree as follows:
1. DEFINITIONS.
(a) "Beneficiary" shall mean the person or persons named by Levy
pursuant to Section 17 below or, in the event that no such person
is named who survives Levy, his estate.
(b) "Board" shall mean the Board of Directors of Xxxxxx.
(c) "Cause" shall mean:
(i) Levy's conviction of a felony involving an act or acts of
dishonesty on his part and resulting in gain or personal
enrichment at the expense of Xxxxxx;
(ii) willful and continued failure of Levy to perform his
obligations under this Agreement, resulting in demonstrable
material economic harm to Xxxxxx, or
(iii)a willful and material breach by Levy of the provisions of
Sections 14 or 15 below to the demonstrable and material
detriment of Xxxxxx.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, in no event shall Levy's failure to perform the
duties associated with his position caused by his mental or physical disability
constitute Cause for his termination.
For purposes of this Section 1(c), no act or failure to act on the part of Levy
shall be considered "willful" unless it is done, or omitted to be done, by him
in bad faith or without reasonable belief that his action or omission was in the
best interests of Xxxxxx. Any act or failure to act based upon authority given
pursuant to a resolution adopted by the Board or based upon the advice of
counsel for Xxxxxx shall be conclusively presumed to be done, or omitted to be
done, by Levy in good faith and in the best interests of Xxxxxx.
(d) "Change in Control" shall mean the occurrence of any of the
following events:
(i) the acquisition by any individual, entity or group (within
the meaning of Section 13(d)(3) or 14(d)(2) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934 as amended (the "Exchange
Act") (a "Person") of beneficial ownership (within the
meaning of Rule 13d-3 promulgated under the Exchange Act) of
voting securities of Xxxxxx when such acquisition causes
such Person to beneficially own 20 percent or more of the
combined voting power of the then outstanding voting
securities of Xxxxxx entitled to vote generally in the
election of directors (the "Outstanding Xxxxxx Voting
Securities"); provided, however, that for purposes of this
subsection (i), the following acquisitions shall not be
deemed to result in a Change of Control: (A) any acquisition
directly from Xxxxxx, (B) any acquisition by Xxxxxx, (C) any
acquisition by any employee benefit plan (or related trust)
sponsored or maintained by Xxxxxx or any corporation
controlled by Xxxxxx or (D) any acquisition pursuant to a
transaction that complies with clauses (A), (B) and (C) of
subsection (iii) below; and provided, further, that if any
Person's beneficial ownership of the Outstanding Xxxxxx
Voting Securities reaches or exceeds 20 percent as a result
of a transaction described in clause (A) or (B) above, and
such Person subsequently acquires beneficial ownership of
additional voting securities of Xxxxxx, such subsequent
acquisition shall be treated as an acquisition that causes
such Person to beneficially own 20 percent or more of the
Outstanding Xxxxxx Voting Securities; or
(ii) individuals who, as of the date hereof, constitute the Board
(the "Incumbent Board") cease for any reason to constitute
at least a majority of the Board; provided, however, that
any individual becoming a director subsequent to the date
hereof whose election, or nomination for election by
Xxxxxx'x stockholders, was approved by a vote of at least a
majority of the directors then comprising the Incumbent
Board shall be considered as though such individual were a
member of the Incumbent Board, but excluding for this
purpose any such individual whose initial assumption of
office occurs as a result of an actual or threatened
election contest with respect to the election or removal of
directors or other actual or threatened solicitation of
proxies or consents by or on behalf of a Person other than
the Board; or
(iii)consummation of a reorganization, merger or consolidation or
sale or other disposition of all or subsequently all of the
assets of Xxxxxx or the acquisition of assets of another
entity ("Business Combination"); excluding, however, such a
Business Combination pursuant to which (A) all or
substantially all of the individuals and entities who were
the beneficial owners of the Outstanding Xxxxxx Voting
Securities immediately prior to such Business Combination
beneficially own, directly or indirectly, more than 60
percent of, respectively, the then outstanding shares of
common stock and the combined voting power of the then
outstanding voting securities entitled to vote generally in
the election of directors, as the case may be, of the
corporation resulting from such Business Combination in
substantially the same proportions as their ownership,
immediately prior to such Business Combination of the
Outstanding Xxxxxx Voting Securities, (B) no Person
(excluding any employee benefit plan (or related trust) of
Xxxxxx or such corporation resulting from such Business
Combination) beneficially owns, directly or indirectly, 20
percent or more of, respectively, the then outstanding
shares of common stock of the corporation resulting from
such Business Combination or the combined voting power of
the then outstanding voting securities of such corporation
except to the extent that such ownership existed prior to
the Business Combination and (C) at least a majority of the
members of the board of directors of the corporation
resulting from such Business Combination (including, without
limitation, a corporation that as a result of such
transaction owns Xxxxxx or all or substantially all of
Xxxxxx'x assets either directly or through one or more
subsidiaries) were members of the Incumbent Board at the
time of the execution of the initial agreement, or of the
action of the Board, providing for such Business
Combination; or
(iv) approval by the stockholders of Xxxxxx of a complete
liquidation or dissolution of the Company.
(e) "Code" shall mean the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended
from time to time.
(f) "Committee" shall mean the Compensation Committee of the Board.
(g) "Consulting Period" shall mean the period specified in Section 13
below during which Levy serves as a consultant to Xxxxxx.
(h) "Disability" shall mean the illness or other mental or physical
disability of Levy, as determined by a physician acceptable to
Xxxxxx and Xxxx, resulting in his failure during the Employment
Term or the Consulting Period, as the case may be, (i) to perform
substantially his applicable material duties under this Agreement
for a period of twelve consecutive months and (ii) to return to
the performance of his duties within 90 days after receiving
written notice of termination.
(i) "Employment Term" shall mean the period specified in Section 2(b)
below.
(j) "Fiscal Year" shall mean the 52-week period beginning on or about
August 1 and ending on or about the next subsequent July 31, or
such other 12-month period as may constitute Xxxxxx'x fiscal year
at any time hereafter.
(k) "Good Reason" shall mean, at any time during the Employment Term,
in each case (except for clause (vi) below) without Levy's prior
written consent or his acquiescence:
(i) reduction in his then current Salary;
(ii) diminution, reduction or other adverse change in the bonus
or incentive compensation opportunities available to Levy
(with respect to the level of bonus or incentive
compensation opportunities, the applicable performance
criteria and otherwise the manner in which bonuses and
incentive compensation are determined) in the aggregate from
those available as of the date hereof in accordance with
Section 4(a) below;
(iii)Xxxxxx'x failure to pay Levy any amounts otherwise vested
and due him hereunder or under any plan or policy of Xxxxxx;
(iv) diminution of Levy's titles, position, authorities or
responsibilities, including not serving on the Board;
(v) assignment to Levy of duties incompatible with his position
of Chief Executive Officer;
(vi) termination by Levy of his employment within one year
following a Change in Control other than (a) for Cause or
(b) by reason of death or Disability;
(vii)imposition of a requirement that Levy report other than
directly to the full Board;
(viii) a material breach of the Agreement by Xxxxxx that is not
cured within 10 business days after written notification by
Levy of such breach; or
(ix) relocation of Xxxxxx'x corporate headquarters to a location
more than 35 miles from the location first above described.
(l) "Retirement" shall mean termination of Levy's employment
subsequent to the date hereof, other than (i) due to death or
Disability, (ii) for Cause or Good Reason or (iii) without Cause.
(m) "Salary" shall mean the annual salary provided for in Section 3
below, as adjusted from time to time.
(n) "Spouse" shall mean, during the Term of Employment and the
Consulting Period, the woman who as of any relevant date is
legally married to Levy.
(o) "Subsidiary" shall mean any corporation of which Xxxxxx owns,
directly or indirectly, more than 50 percent of its voting stock.
2. EMPLOYMENT TERM, POSITIONS AND DUTIES.
(a) Employment of Levy. Xxxxxx hereby continues to employ Levy, and Levy hereby
accepts continued employment with Xxxxxx, in the positions and with the duties
and responsibilities set forth below and upon such other terms and conditions as
are hereinafter stated. Levy shall render services to Xxxxxx principally at
Xxxxxx'x corporate headquarters, and shall do such traveling on behalf of Xxxxxx
as shall be reasonably required in the course of the performance of his duties
hereunder.
(b) Employment Term. The Employment Term shall commence as of July 29,
2002 and shall terminate on December 31, 2007, provided that the Employment Term
shall extend for additional one-year periods annually each January 1, unless
this agreement is terminated under the provisions of Section 10 below. In no
event, however, shall the Employment Term extend beyond December 31, 2010. (c)
Titles and Duties.
(i) Until the date of termination of his employment hereunder,
Levy shall be employed as Chief Executive Officer, reporting to the full Board.
In his capacity as Chief Executive Officer, Levy shall have the customary
powers, responsibilities and authorities of chief executive officers of
corporations of the size, type and nature of Xxxxxx including, without
limitation, authority, in conjunction with the Board as appropriate, to hire and
terminate other employees of Xxxxxx.
(ii) During the Employment Term, Xxxxxx shall uses its best
efforts to secure the election of Levy to the Board. During the Employment Term,
if the Board forms an executive or similar committee, Levy shall serve thereon.
(d) Time and Effort.
(i) Levy agrees to devote his best efforts and abilities, and
such of his business time and attention as is reasonably necessary, to the
affairs of Xxxxxx in order to carry out his duties and responsibilities under
this Agreement.
(ii) Notwithstanding the foregoing, nothing shall preclude
Levy from (A) serving on the boards of a reasonable number of trade
associations, charitable organizations and/or businesses not in competition with
Xxxxxx, (B) engaging in charitable activities and community affairs and (C)
managing his personal investments and affairs; provided, however, that, such
activities do not materially interfere with the proper performance of his duties
and responsibilities specified in Section 2 (c) above.
3. SALARY.
(a) Initial Salary. Levy shall receive from Xxxxxx a Salary, payable in
accordance with the regular payroll practices of Xxxxxx, in a minimum amount of
$589,946.
(b) Cost-of-Living Increase. During the Employment Term Levy's Salary shall be
increased semiannually by an amount equal to the change in the cost of living
index since the prior semiannual adjustment, as reported in the "Consumer Price
Index, New York and Northeastern New Jersey, All Items, Series ID CUURA101SA0"
published by the United States Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics
(or, if such index is no longer published, a successor or comparable index that
is published), using June 30, 2002 as the base year of computation. Such amount
shall be calculated and paid to Levy in a single sum on or before the first day
of the second month following the applicable calendar half year, and thereafter
his Salary shall be adjusted to include the amount of any such increase. The
first calculation and payment shall be made with respect to the six month period
from and after August 1, 2002. If Levy's employment shall terminate during any
such six-month period, the cost-of-living increase provided in this Section 3(b)
shall be prorated accordingly.
(c) Salary Increase. Any amount to which Levy's Salary is increased, as provided
in Section 3(b) above or otherwise, shall not thereafter be reduced without his
consent, and the term "Salary" as used in this Agreement shall refer to his
Salary as thus increased.
4. ANNUAL BONUS.
Not later than one hundred twenty (120) days after the end of the fiscal year of
the Company and each subsequent fiscal year of the Company ending during the
employment term, the Company shall pay to Employee, as incentive compensation an
amount equal to three (3%) percent of the Consolidated Pretax Earnings of the
Company. For purposes hereof, the term "Consolidated Pretax Earnings" of the
Company shall mean, with respect to any fiscal year, the consolidated income, if
any, of the Company for such fiscal year as set forth in the audited,
consolidated financial statements (the "Financial Statements") of the Company
and its subsidiaries included in its Annual Report to stockholders for such
fiscal year, before deduction of taxes based on income or of the incentive
compensation to be paid to Employee for such fiscal year under this Agreement as
defined in this clause 4.
5. LONG-TERM INCENTIVE.
During the Employment Term, Levy shall be eligible for an award under
any long-term incentive compensation plan established by Xxxxxx for the benefit
of Levy or, in the absence thereof, under any such plan established for the
benefit of members of the senior management of Xxxxxx.
6. EQUITY OPPORTUNITY.
During the Employment Term, Levy shall be eligible to receive grants of
options to purchase shares of Xxxxxx'x stock and awards of shares of Xxxxxx'x
stock, either or both as determined by the Committee, under and in accordance
with the terms of applicable plans of Xxxxxx and related option and award
agreements. It is the intention of Xxxxxx to grant stock options to Levy during
the Employment Term. Also, to the extent permitted by any such plan, Levy shall
be eligible during any Consulting Period to receive grants of options and awards
of shares of Xxxxxx'x stock in the same manner.
7. EXPENSE REIMBURSEMENT; CERTAIN OTHER COSTS.
During the Employment Term and any Consulting Period, Levy shall be
entitled to prompt reimbursement by Xxxxxx for all reasonable out-of-pocket
expenses incurred by him in performing services under this Agreement. In
addition, Levy shall be entitled to payment by Xxxxxx of all reasonable costs
and expenses, including attorneys' and consultants' fees and disbursements,
incurred by him in connection with adoption of this Agreement and any related
compensatory arrangements that Xxxxxx adopts solely for his benefit.
8. PERQUISITES.
During the Employment Term and any Consulting Period, Xxxxxx shall
provide Levy with the following perquisites:
(a) an office of a size and with furnishings and other appointments,
and exclusive personal secretarial and other assistance, at least
equal to that provided to Levy by Xxxxxx as of the date hereof;
and
(b) use of an automobile and payment of related expenses on the same
terms as in effect on the date hereof or, if more favorable to
Levy, as made available generally to other executive officers of
Xxxxxx and its affiliates at any time thereafter.
9. EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS.
(a) General. During the Employment Term, Levy shall be entitled to
participate in all employee benefit plans and programs made available to
Xxxxxx'x senior executives or to its employees generally, as such plans or
programs may be in effect from time to time, including, without limitation,
pension and other retirement plans, profit-sharing plans, savings and similar
plans, group life insurance, accidental death and dismemberment insurance,
travel accident insurance, hospitalization insurance, surgical insurance, major
and excess major medical insurance, dental insurance, short-term and long-term
disability insurance, sick leave (including salary continuation arrangements),
holidays, vacation (not less than four weeks in any calendar year) and any other
employee benefit plans or programs that may be sponsored by Xxxxxx from time to
time, including plans that supplement the above-listed types of plans, whether
funded or unfunded.
(b) Medical Care Reimbursement and Insurance. During the Employment
Term and Consulting Period, Xxxxxx shall reimburse Levy for 100 percent of any
medical expenses incurred by him for himself and his Spouse that are not
reimbursed by insurance or otherwise, offset by any amounts that are
reimbursable by Medicare if Levy and his Spouse, when eligible, elect to be
covered by Medicare. Xxxxxx shall provide Levy and his Spouse, during his
lifetime, with life insurance, hospitalization insurance, surgical insurance,
major and excess major medical insurance and dental insurance in accordance with
the most favorable plans, policies, programs and practices of Xxxxxx and its
Subsidiaries made available generally to other senior executive officers of
Xxxxxx and its Subsidiaries as in effect from time to time.
(c) Disability Benefit. In consideration of the benefit payable to Levy
in the event of termination of his employment due to Disability, as provided in
Section 10(d) below, or, if applicable, in the event of termination of Levy's
consulting services due to Disability during the Consulting Period, as provided
in Section 13(d) below, Xxxxxx shall not be obligated to provide Levy with
long-term disability insurance. If Xxxxxx elects to provide Levy with such
insurance, he shall be the owner of any individual policies obtained and shall
pay the premiums thereon; provided, however, that Xxxxxx shall reimburse Levy
for any premiums that he pays.
10. TERMINATION OF EMPLOYMENT.
(a) Voluntary Termination and Termination by Mutual Agreement. Levy may
terminate his employment voluntarily at any time after December 31, 2002 in
accordance with the provisions of Section 10(g). If he does so, except for Good
Reason, his entitlement shall be the same as if Xxxxxx had terminated his
employment for Cause. The Parties may terminate this Agreement by mutual
agreement at any time. If they do so, Levy's entitlements shall be as the
Parties mutually agree.
(b) General. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, in the
event of termination of Levy's employment under this Agreement, he or his
Beneficiary, as the case may be, shall be entitled to receive (in addition to
payments and benefits under, and except as specifically provided in, subsections
(c) through (h) below, as applicable):
(i) his Salary through the date of termination;
(ii) any unused vacation from prior years;
(iii)any annual or special bonus awarded but not yet paid
to him; -
(iv) any other compensation or benefits, including without
limitation long-term incentive compensation described
in Section 5 above, benefits under equity grants and
awards described in Section 6 above and employee
benefits under plans described in Section 9 above, that
have vested through the date of termination or to which
he may then be entitled in accordance with the
applicable terms and conditions of each grant, award or
plan; and
(v) reimbursement in accordance with Sections 9(a) and (b)
above of any business and medical expenses incurred by
Levy or his Spouse, as applicable, through the date of
termination but not yet paid to him.
(c) Termination due to Death. In the event that Levy's employment is
terminated due to his death, his Beneficiary shall be entitled, in addition to
the compensation and benefits specified in Section 10(b), to his Salary payable
for the remainder of the Employment Term at the rate in effect immediately
before such termination.
(d) Termination due to Disability. In the event of Disability, Xxxxxx or
Xxxx may terminate Levy's employment. If Levy's employment is terminated due to
Disability, he shall be entitled, in addition to the compensation and benefits
specified in Section 10(b), to his Salary payable for the remainder of the
Employment Term at the rate in effect immediately before such termination,
offset by any long-term disability insurance benefit that Xxxxxx may have
elected to provide for him.
(e) Termination by Xxxxxx for Cause. Xxxxxx may terminate Levy's employment
hereunder for Cause only upon written notice to Levy not less than 30 days prior
to any intended termination, which notice shall specify the grounds for such
termination in reasonable detail. Cause shall in no event be deemed to exist
except upon a finding reflected in a resolution approved by a majority
(excluding Levy) of the members of the Board (whose findings shall not be
binding upon or entitled to any deference by any court, arbitrator or other
decision-maker ruling on this Agreement) at a meeting of which Levy shall have
been given proper notice and at which Levy (and his counsel) shall have a
reasonable opportunity to present his case. In the event that Levy's employment
is terminated for Cause, he shall be entitled only to the compensation and
benefits specified in Section 10(b).
(f) Termination Without Cause or by Levy for Good Reason.
(i) Termination without Cause shall mean termination of Levy's
employment by Xxxxxx and shall exclude termination (A) due to
death, Disability or Cause, (B) by Levy voluntarily or (C) by
mutual written agreement of Levy and Xxxxxx. Xxxxxx shall provide
Levy 15 days' prior written notice of termination by it without
Cause, and Levy shall provide Xxxxxx 15 days' prior written
notice of his termination for Good Reason.
(ii) In the event of termination by Xxxxxx of Levy's employment
without Cause or of termination by Levy of his employment for
Good Reason, he shall be entitled, in addition to the
compensation and benefits specified in Section 10(b), to:
(A) a lump-sum payment equal to the Salary payable to him for
the remainder of the Employment Term at the rate in effect
immediately before such termination;
(B) a lump sum payment equal to the annual bonuses for the
remainder of the Employment Term (including a prorated bonus
for any partial Fiscal Year) equal to the average of the
three highest annual bonuses awarded to him during the ten
Fiscal Years preceding the Fiscal Year of termination;
(C) continued medical reimbursement for the remainder of the
Employment Term and thereafter the lifetime medical benefits
described in Section 9(b) above;
(D) continued participation in all employee benefit plans or
programs available to Xxxxxx employees generally in which
Levy was participating on the date of termination of his
employment until the end of the Employment Term; provided;
however, that (x) if Levy is precluded from continuing his
participation in any employee benefit plan or program as
provided in this clause (D), he shall be entitled to the
after-tax economic equivalent of the benefits under the plan
or program in which he is unable to participate until the
end of the Employment Term, and (y) the economic equivalent
of any benefit foregone shall be deemed to be the lowest
cost that Levy would incur in obtaining such benefit on an
individual basis; and
(E) other benefits in accordance with applicable plans and
programs of the Company.
(iii)Prior written consent by Levy to any of the events described in
Section 1(k) above shall be deemed a waiver by him of his right to
terminate for Good Reason under this Section 10(f) solely by reason of
the events set forth in such waiver.
(g) Voluntary Termination by Levy. At any time after December 31, 2002,
Levy shall have the right, upon 60 days' prior written notice, voluntarily to
terminate his employment without Good Reason, in which event his employment
shall cease and the Employment Term shall terminate as of the date stated in
such notice, and the Consulting Period shall begin on the next succeeding
business day, and he shall be entitled to receive compensation and benefits as
if Xxxxxx had terminated his employment for Cause, as provided in Section 10(e).
(h) Change in Control. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this
Section 10, termination of Levy's employment within the one-year period
following a Change in Control for any reason other than Cause, death or
Disability, shall be governed by Section 10(f). In the event of any such
termination, Levy shall be entitled to compensation and benefits in accordance
with the provisions of Section 10(f)(ii).
11. NO DUTY TO MITIGATE.
Levy shall not be required to mitigate damages or the amount of any
payment provided for under this Agreement by seeking other employment or
otherwise, nor will any payment hereunder be subject to offset in the event Levy
does receive compensation for services from any other source.
12. PARACHUTES.
(a) Application. If all, or any portion, of the payments provided under
this Agreement, and/or any other payments and benefits that Levy receives or is
entitled to receive from Xxxxxx, a Subsidiary or any other person, whether or
not under an existing plan, arrangement or other agreement, constitutes an
excess "parachute payment" within the meaning of Section 280G(b) of the Code
(each such parachute payment, a "Parachute Payment") and will result in the
imposition on Levy of an excise tax under Section 4999 of the Code, then, in
addition to any other benefits to which Levy is entitled under this Agreement,
Xxxxxx shall pay him an amount in cash equal to the sum of the excise taxes
payable by him by reason of receiving Parachute Payments, plus the amount
necessary to put him in the same after-tax position (taking into account any and
all applicable federal, state and local excise, income or other taxes at the
highest possible applicable rates on such Parachute Payments (including without
limitation any payments under this Section 12) as if no excise taxes had been
imposed with respect to Parachute Payments (the "Parachute Gross-up").
(b) Computation. The amount of any payment under this Section 12 shall
be computed by a certified public accounting firm of national reputation
selected by Xxxxxx and acceptable to Levy. If Xxxxxx or Xxxx disputes the
computation rendered by such accounting firm, Xxxxxx shall select an alternative
certified public accounting firm of national reputation to perform the
applicable computation. If the two accounting firms cannot agree upon the
computations, Levy and Xxxxxx shall jointly appoint a third certified public
accounting firm of national reputation within 10 calendar days after the two
conflicting computations have been rendered. Such third accounting firm shall be
asked to determine within 30 calendar days the computation of the Parachute
Gross-up to be paid to Levy, and payments shall be made accordingly.
(c) Payment. In any event, Xxxxxx shall pay to Levy or pay on his behalf
the Parachute Gross-up as computed by the accounting firm initially selected by
Levy by the time any taxes payable by him as a result of the Parachute Payments
become due, with Levy agreeing to return the excess amount of such payment over
the final computation rendered from the process described in Section 12(b). Levy
and Xxxxxx shall provide the accounting firms with all information that any of
them reasonably deems necessary in order to compute the Parachute Gross-up. The
cost and expenses of all the accounting firms retained to perform the
computations described above shall be borne by Xxxxxx.
In the event that the Internal Revenue Service ("IRS") or the accounting
firm computing the Parachute Gross-up finally determines that the amount of
excise taxes thereon initially paid was insufficient to discharge Levy's excise
tax liability, Xxxxxx shall make additional payments to him as may be necessary
to reimburse him for discharging the full liability.
Levy shall apply to the IRS for a refund of any excise taxes paid and remit
to Xxxxxx the amount of any such refund that he receives. Xxxxxx shall reimburse
Levy for his expenses in seeking a refund of excise taxes and for any interest
and penalties imposed on excise taxes that he is required to pay.
13. CONSULTING PERIOD.
(a) General. Effective upon the end of the Employment Term (but only if
the Employment Term ends by reason of its expiration or, if earlier, upon
termination of Levy's employment (i) voluntarily, (ii) by mutual agreement or
(iii) by Retirement), Levy shall become a consultant to Xxxxxx, in recognition
of the continued value to Xxxxxx of his extensive knowledge and expertise.
Unless earlier terminated, as provided in Section 13(e), the Consulting Period
shall continue for ten years.
(b) Duties and Extent of Services.
(i) During the Consulting Period, Levy shall consult with
Xxxxxx and its senior executive officers regarding its respective businesses and
operations. Such consulting services shall not require more than 50 days in any
calendar year, nor more than one day in any week, it being understood and agreed
that during the Consulting Period Levy shall have the right, consistent with the
prohibitions of Sections 14 and 15 below, to engage in full-time or part-time
employment with any business enterprise that is not a competitor of Xxxxxx.
(ii) Levy's service as a consultant shall only be required at
such times and such places as shall not result in unreasonable inconvenience to
him, recognizing his other business commitments that he may have to accord
priority over the performance of services for Xxxxxx. In order to minimize
interference with Levy's other commitments, his consulting services may be
rendered by personal consultation at his residence or office wherever
maintained, or by correspondence through mail, telephone, fax or other similar
mode of communication at times, including weekends and evenings, most convenient
to him.
(iii) During the Consulting Period, Levy shall not be
obligated to serve as a member of the Board or to occupy any office on behalf of
Xxxxxx or any of its Subsidiaries.
(c) Compensation. During the Consulting Period, Levy shall receive from
Xxxxxx each year an amount equivalent to one-half of his Salary at the end of
the Employment Term, payable and subject to annual increase as provided in
Section 3 above.
(d) Disability. In the event of Disability during the Consulting
Period, Xxxxxx or Levy may terminate Levy's consulting services. If Levy's
consulting services are terminated due to Disability, he shall be entitled to
compensation, in accordance with Section 13(c), for the remainder of the
Consulting Period.
(e) Termination. The Consulting Period shall terminate after ten years
or, if earlier, upon Levy's death or upon his failure to perform consulting
services as provided in Section 13(b), pursuant to 30 days' written notice by
Xxxxxx to Xxxx of the grounds constituting such failure and reasonable
opportunity afforded Levy to cure the alleged failure. Upon any such
termination, payment of consulting fees and benefits (with the exception of
lifetime medical benefits under Section 9(b) above) shall cease.
(f) Other. During the Consulting Period, Levy shall be entitled to
expense reimbursement (including secretarial, telephone and similar support
services) and perquisites and medical benefits, pursuant to the terms of
Sections 7, 8 and 9(b), respectively.
14. CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION.
(a) General.
(i) Levy understands and hereby acknowledges that as a result
of his employment with Xxxxxx he will necessarily become informed of and have
access to certain valuable and confidential information of Xxxxxx and any of its
Subsidiaries, joint ventures and affiliates, including, without limitation,
inventions, trade secrets, technical information, computer software and
programs, know-how and plans ("Confidential Information"), and that any such
Confidential Information, even though it may be developed or otherwise acquired
by Levy, is the exclusive property of Xxxxxx to be held by him in trust solely
for Xxxxxx'x benefit.
(ii) Accordingly, Levy hereby agrees that, during the
Employment Term and the Consulting Period and subsequent to both, he shall not,
and shall not cause others to, use, reveal, report, publish, transfer or
otherwise disclose to any person, corporation or other entity any Confidential
Information without prior written consent of the Board, except to (A)
responsible officers and employees of Xxxxxx or (B) responsible persons who are
in a contractual or fiduciary relationship with Xxxxxx or who need such
information for purposes in the interest of Xxxxxx. Notwithstanding, the
foregoing, the prohibitions of this clause (ii) shall not apply to any
Confidential Information that becomes of general public knowledge other than
from Levy or is required to be divulged by court order or administrative
process.
(b) Return of Documents. Upon termination of his employment with Xxxxxx
for any reason or, if applicable, upon expiration of the Consulting Period, Levy
shall promptly deliver to Xxxxxx all plans, drawings, manuals, letters, notes,
notebooks, reports, computer programs and copies thereof and all other
materials, including without limitation those of a secret or confidential
nature, relating to Xxxxxx'x business that are then in his possession or
control.
(c) Remedies and Sanctions. In the event that Levy is found to be in
violation of Section 14(a) or (b) above, Xxxxxx shall be entitled to relief as
provided in Section 16 below.
15. NONCOMPETITION/NONSOLICITATION.
(a) Prohibitions. During the Employment Term and, if applicable, the
Consulting Period, Levy shall not, without prior written authorization of the
Board, directly or indirectly, through any other individual or entity:
(i) become on officer or employee of, or render any service to,
any direct competitor of Xxxxxx;
(ii) solicit or induce any customer of Xxxxxx to cease purchasing
goods or services from Xxxxxx or to become a customer of any
competitor of Xxxxxx; or
(iii)solicit or induce any employee of Xxxxxx to become employed
by any competitor of Xxxxxx.
(b) Remedies and Sanctions. In the event that Levy is found to be in
violation of Section 15(a) above, Xxxxxx shall be entitled to relief as provided
in Section 16 below.
(c) Exceptions. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in Section 15(a)
above, its provisions shall not:
(i) apply if Xxxxxx terminates Levy's employment without Cause
or Levy terminates his employment for Good Reason, each as
provided in Section 10(f) above; or
(ii) be construed as preventing Levy from investing his assets in
any business that is not a direct competitor of Xxxxxx.
16. REMEDIES/SANCTIONS.
Levy acknowledges that the services he is to render under this
Agreement are of a unique and special nature, the loss of which cannot
reasonably or adequately be compensated for in monetary damages, and that
irreparable injury and damage may result to Xxxxxx in the event of any breach of
this Agreement or default by Levy. Because of the unique nature of the
Confidential Information and the importance of the prohibitions against
competition and solicitation, Levy further acknowledges and agrees that Xxxxxx
will suffer irreparable harm if he fails to comply with his obligations under
Section 14(a) or (b) above or Section 15(a) above and that monetary damages
would be inadequate to compensate Xxxxxx for any such breach. Accordingly, Levy
agrees that, in addition to any other remedies available to either Party at law,
in equity or otherwise, Xxxxxx will be entitled to seek injunctive relief or
specific performance to enforce the terms, or prevent or remedy the violation,
of any provisions of this Agreement.
17. BENEFICIARIES/REFERENCES.
Levy shall be entitled to select (and change, to the extent permitted
under any applicable law) a beneficiary or beneficiaries to receive any
compensation or benefit payable under this Agreement following his death by
giving Xxxxxx written notice thereof. In the event of Levy's death, or of a
judicial determination of his incompetence, reference in this Agreement to Levy
shall be deemed to refer, as appropriate, to his beneficiary, estate or other
legal representative.
18. WITHHOLDING TAXES.
All payments to Levy or his Beneficiary under this Agreement shall be
subject to withholding on account of federal, state and local taxes as required
by law.
19. INDEMNIFICATION AND LIABILITY INSURANCE.
Nothing herein is intended to limit Xxxxxx'x indemnification of Levy,
and Xxxxxx shall indemnify him to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law
consistent with Xxxxxx'x Certificate of Incorporation and By-Laws as in effect
at the beginning of the Employment Term, with respect to any action or failure
to act on his part while he is an officer, director or employee of Xxxxxx or any
Subsidiary. Xxxxxx shall cause Levy to be covered at all times by directors' and
officers' liability insurance on terms no less favorable than the directors' and
officers' liability insurance maintained by Xxxxxx in effect on the date hereof
in terms of coverage and amounts. Xxxxxx shall continue to indemnify Levy as
provided above and maintain such liability insurance coverage for him after the
Employment Term and, if applicable, the Consulting Period for any claims that
may be made against him with respect to his service as a director or officer of
Xxxxxx or a consultant to Xxxxxx.
20. EFFECT OF AGREEMENT ON OTHER BENEFITS.
The existence of this Agreement shall not prohibit or restrict Levy's
entitlement to participate fully in compensation, employee benefit and other
plans of Xxxxxx in which senior executives are eligible to participate.
21. ASSIGNABILITY; BINDING NATURE.
This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the
Parties and their respective successors, heirs (in the case of Levy) and
assigns. No rights or obligations of Xxxxxx under this Agreement may be assigned
or transferred by Xxxxxx except pursuant to (a) a merger or consolidation in
which Xxxxxx is not the continuing entity or (b) sale or liquidation of all or
substantially all of the assets of Xxxxxx, provided that the surviving entity or
assignee or transferee is the successor to all or substantially all of the
assets of Xxxxxx and such surviving entity or assignee or transferee assumes the
liabilities, obligations and duties of Xxxxxx under this Agreement, either
contractually or as a matter of law.
Xxxxxx further agrees that, in the event of a sale of assets or
liquidation as described in the preceding sentence, it shall use its best
efforts to have such assignee or transferee expressly agree to assume the
liabilities, obligations and duties of Xxxxxx hereunder; provided, however, that
notwithstanding such assumption, Xxxxxx shall remain liable and responsible for
fulfillment of the terms and conditions of this Agreement; and provided,
further, that in no event shall such assignment and assumption of this Agreement
adversely affect Levy's right upon a Change in Control, as provided in Section
10(h) above. No rights or obligations of Levy under this Agreement may be
assigned or transferred by him.
22. REPRESENTATIONS.
The Parties respectively represent and warrant that each is fully
authorized and empowered to enter into this Agreement and that the performance
of its or his obligations, as the case may be, under this Agreement will not
violate any agreement between such Party and any other person, firm or
organization. Xxxxxx represents and warrants that this Agreement has been duly
authorized by all necessary corporate action and is valid, binding and
enforceable in accordance with its terms.
23. ENTIRE AGREEMENT.
Except to the extent otherwise provided herein, this Agreement contains
the entire understanding and agreement between the Parties concerning the
subject matter hereof and supersedes any prior agreements, whether written or
oral, between the Parties concerning the subject matter hereof, including
without limitation the Prior Agreement. Payments and benefits provided under
this Agreement are in lieu of any payments or other benefits under any severance
program or policy of Xxxxxx to which Levy would otherwise be entitled.
24. AMENDMENT OR WAIVER.
No provision in this Agreement may be amended unless such amendment is
agreed to in writing and signed by both Levy and an authorized officer of
Xxxxxx. No waiver by either Party of any breach by the other Party of any
condition or provision contained in this Agreement to be performed by such other
Party shall be deemed a waiver of a similar or dissimilar condition or provision
at the same or any prior or subsequent time. Any waiver must be in writing and
signed by the Party to be charged with the waiver. No delay by either Party in
exercising any right, power or privilege hereunder shall operate as a waiver
thereof.
25. SEVERABILITY.
In the event that any provision or portion of this Agreement shall be
determined to be invalid or unenforceable for any reason, in whole or in part,
the remaining provisions of this Agreement shall be unaffected thereby and shall
remain in full force and effect to the fullest extent permitted by law.
26. SURVIVAL.
The respective rights and obligations of the Parties under this
Agreement shall survive any termination of Levy's employment with Xxxxxx.
27. GOVERNING LAW/JURISDICTION.
This Agreement shall be governed by and construed and interpreted in
accordance with the laws of New York, without reference to principles of
conflict of laws.
28. COSTS OF DISPUTES.
Xxxxxx shall pay, at least monthly, all costs and expenses, including
attorneys' fees and disbursements, of Levy in connection with any proceeding,
whether or not instituted by Xxxxxx or Xxxx, relating to any provision of this
Agreement, including but not limited to the interpretation, enforcement or
reasonableness thereof; provided, however, that, if Levy instituted the
proceeding and the judge or other decision-maker presiding over the proceeding
affirmatively finds that his claims were frivolous or were made in bad faith, he
shall pay his own costs and expenses and, if applicable, return any amounts
theretofore paid to him or on his behalf under this Section 28. Pending the
outcome of any proceeding, Xxxxxx shall pay Levy all amounts due to him without
regard to the dispute; provided, however, that if Xxxxxx shall be the prevailing
party in such a proceeding, Levy shall promptly repay all amounts that he
received during pendency of the proceeding (other than amounts received pursuant
to this Section 28).
29. NOTICES.
Any notice given to either Party shall be in writing and shall be
deemed to have been given when delivered either personally, by fax, by overnight
delivery service (such as Federal Express) or sent by certified or registered
mail postage prepaid, return receipt requested, duly addressed to the Party
concerned at the address indicated below or to such changed address as the Party
may subsequently give notice of.
If to Xxxxxx or the Board:
Xxxxxx Industries, Inc.
0000 Xxxxxxxx Xxxxx
Xxxxxxxxx, Xxxxxxxxxxxx 00000
Fax No. 000-000-0000
With a copy to:
Blau, Kramer, Wactlar & Xxxxxxxxx, P.C.
000 Xxxxxxx Xxxxxxxxxx, Xxxxx 000
Xxxxxxx, XX 00000
Fax No. 000-000-0000
If to Levy:
000 Xxxx Xxxxx Xxxxx
Xxxxxx, Xxxxxxxxxxxx 00000
With a copy to:
Xxxxx Xxxx
c/x Xxxxxx Industries, Inc.
0000 Xxxxxxxx Xxxxx
Xxxxxxxxx, Xxxxxxxxxxxx 00000
Fax No. 000-000-0000
30. HEADINGS.
The headings of the sections contained in this Agreement are for
convenience only and shall not be deemed to control or affect the meaning or
construction of any provision of this Agreement.
31. COUNTERPARTS.
This Agreement may be executed in counterparts, each of which when so
executed and delivered shall be an original, but all such counterparts together
shall constitute one and the same instrument.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned have executed this Agreement as of
July 29, 2002.
XXXXXX INDUSTRIES, INC.
Attest: ___________________________ By: _________________________
Xxx X. Xxxxx
Attest: ____________________________ By: _________________________
Xxxx X. Xxxxxx
EMPLOYEE
Witness: ___________________________ _________________________
Xxxxx Xxxx
