EXHIBIT 10.4
ANKLE & FOOT CENTERS OF AMERICA, L.L.C.
EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT
AGREEMENT, dated as of November 17, 1997 between Ankle & Foot Centers of
America, L.L.C. a Delaware limited liability corporation (the "Company"), and
Xxxxx X. Xxxxxxx, (the "Executive"), and joined into for the purposes
hereinafter stated by American Medical Providers, Inc., a Delaware Corporation
("AMP").
In consideration of the premises and the respective covenants and
agreements of the parties herein contained, and intending to be legally bound
hereby, the parties agree as follows:
1. EMPLOYMENT. The Company hereby agrees to employ the Executive and the
Executive hereby agrees to serve the Company on the terms and conditions set
forth herein. In addition, the Executive and the Company hereby agree that
subject to and effective as of either of the following to occur: (a) the closing
of the proposed Initial Public Offering ("IPO") of American Medical Providers,
Inc., (formerly Podiatric Newco, Inc., ("AMP"), or (b) the sale or merger by
AMP of substantially all of the assets of AMP or by the Company's shareholders
of a controlling interest in AMP's stock, other than in connection with the IPO,
this Employment Agreement (the "Agreement") shall be assumed by "AMP")
and/or such company into which AMP is merged or by whom AMP is otherwise
acquired. Upon either of the events in (a) or (b) above, this Employment
Agreement shall supersede that certain letter agreement regarding employment
between the Company and Executive, dated as of August 5, 1996 (the "Prior
Agreement"), and the Prior Agreement shall thereupon automatically terminate
without further obligation by either Executive or the Company. Upon AMP's
assumption of this Agreement, all references to the Company herein shall
thereafter refer to AMP.
2. TERM OF EMPLOYMENT: DUTIES. From the period commencing on the date
hereof and ending immediately prior to the Effective Time (as defined in the S-1
registration filed by "AMP" in connection with its IPO (or in the event of a
sale or merger ("Sale or Merger") of the Company, as defined in the definitive
agreement associated therewith) the employment of the Executive shall be
governed by the terms and conditions set forth in the Prior Agreement. The term
of this Agreement (the "Term"), and Executive's employment with the Company
hereunder, shall commence at the Effective Time and, unless earlier terminated
in accordance with the terms hereof, shall continue until the third anniversary
of the Effective Time (such initial term of the Agreement referred to as the
"Initial Term"); PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that the Term shall automatically be
renewed for successive, additional three year periods at the end of the Initial
Term and each renewal term thereafter, unless either the Company or the
Executive provides at least one year's notice to the other of its intention not
to renew the Term; and PROVIDED, FURTHER, that if the "IPO", Sale, or Merger,
is terminated in accordance with its terms prior to the Effective Time or the
"IPO," the Sale or Merger is abandoned or otherwise does not close, (x) this
Agreement shall automatically terminate without further obligation by either
party hereto, (y) the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement shall not
apply and (z) the employment of the Executive shall continue to be governed by
the terms and conditions set forth in the Prior Agreement.
During the Term, the Executive shall be employed as the Senior Vice
President, Regional Operations Officer of the Company, reporting to the
President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company, with the traditional
duties, responsibilities and authority of such office of companies similar in
size to the Company. The Executive agrees that he shall perform his duties
hereunder faithfully and to the best of his abilities and in furtherance of the
business of the Company and its subsidiaries and shall devote substantially all
of his business time, energy and attention to the business of the Company and
its subsidiaries.
3. COMPENSATION AND RELATED MATTERS.
(a) BASE SALARY. During the Term, the Company shall pay to the Executive
an initial annual base salary, (the "Base Salary") as set forth on Exhibit A,
payable in accordance with the Company's normal payroll practices or as the
Company and the Executive may otherwise agree. The Base Salary shall be reviewed
by the Company annually and shall be subject to discretionary increase by the
Company from
time to time, but shall not be decreased from the rate in effect at any time and
from time to time during the Term.
(b) ANNUAL PERFORMANCE BONUS. Executive shall be entitled to participate
in the Company's Executive Officer Performance Bonus Plan or any similar or
successor annual bonus plan of the Company, (the "Performance Bonus Plan") and
to receive an annual performance bonus upon the achievement of one or more
annual performance goals, (the "Performance Goals") in accordance with the
terms of the Performance Bonus Plan; PROVIDED, that Executive's annual target
bonus under the Performance Bonus Plan (the "Annual Target Bonus") shall not
be less than 60% of the Base Salary in effect at the time the Performance Goals
for such plan year are established.
(c) LONG-TERM INCENTIVE. The Executive shall be eligible to participate
in any long-term incentive compensation and/or stock option plans maintained
from time to time by the Company. In addition, pursuant to prior action of the
Stock Option Committee of the Board, Executive has previously been granted an
option, (the "Market Option") to purchase Sixty-Five Thousand (65,000) shares
of the Company common stock, 001 par value, (the "Common Stock") at an
exercise price equal to the price to the public in connection with AMP's IPO,
with a term of 10 years from the date of grant. The Market Option will vest
twenty-five (25%) per annum on each of the first through fourth anniversaries of
the Effective Time; PROVIDED, that the Market Option will not become exercisable
in whole or in part in the event the Market Option is terminated in accordance
with its terms prior to the Effective Time or if the IPO, Sale or Merger is
abandoned or otherwise does not close; and PROVIDED, FURTHER, that the Market
Option shall be subject to the terms of the American Medical Providers, Inc.,
1997 Stock Incentive Plan and the stock option agreement to be entered into in
connection with the grant of the Market Option.
(d) BENEFITS. PERQUISITES AND EXPENSES. During the Term, the Executive
shall be eligible to participate in employee benefit and fringe benefit plans
and programs generally available to the executive officers of the Company and
such additional benefits as the Board may from time to time provide. In
addition, Executive shall be entitled to receive the personal benefits described
on Exhibit A hereto. Executive shall be entitled to reimbursement for business
expenses, including travel and entertainment; PROVIDED, that such reimbursement
shall be limited to reasonable and necessary expenses incurred by Executive in
connection with the performance of duties on behalf of the Company subject to:
(i) timely submission of a properly executed Company expense report form
accompanied by appropriate supporting documentation, and (ii) compliance with
Company policies and procedures governing business expense reimbursement and
reporting based upon principles and guidelines established by the Audit
Committee of the Board, including periodic audits by the Internal Audit
Department of the Company and/or the Audit Committee of the Board.
(e) RETIREMENT BENEFITS. The Executive shall be entitled to participate
in any Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan or any similar or successor plan,
(the "SERP") and in any tax qualified and any other supplemental pension plans
should such plans be generally available to the executive officers of the
Company.
4. TERMINATION OF EXECUTIVE. Prior to the expiration of the Term and
subject to the payment of any amounts required under Section 5, the Executive's
employment with the Company may be terminated, (a) by the Company for Cause, (as
defined herein) or without Cause, (b) by the Executive for or without Good
Reason (as defined herein), (c) by reason of the Executive's death or
Disability, (as defined herein) or (d) by the mutual written consent of the
parties hereto. For purposes of this Agreement:
(i) "Cause" means; (A) conviction of, plea of guilty, or voluntary
settlement of embezzlement, theft, or fraud involving the Company; (B)
actions which have had or will likely have a material adverse financial
effect on the Company as a whole for an extended period of time, where
appropriate evidence exists that such actions are directly attributable to
them; (i) gross management negligence or repeated ineptitude of the
Executive and/or; (ii) deliberate refusal of the Executive to follow the
instructions or directions of the Board; (C) conviction of or a plea of
guilty or NOLO CONTENDERE to a felony, other than a felony involving a
moving violation; (D) violation of the non-compete or confidentiality
provisions of this Agreement, PROVIDED that no such violation will be
deemed to have
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occurred if, within 30 days following receipt by Executive of a notice from
the Board identifying the violation, the Executive, (i) cures the
violation, and (ii) establishes that the violation was unintentional and
not reasonably likely to result in harm to the Company, in each case to the
reasonable satisfaction of the Board; (E) material incapacitation or
repeated absence from work due to reckless and self-abusive behavior or
conduct, such as alcoholism and/or drug abuse, which renders Executive
incapable of performing his duties; PROVIDED, that physical or mental
disability due to injury or disease shall not be grounds for termination
for Cause; (F) gross insubordination or persistent refusal to follow
reasonable instructions; or (G) inability to perform the duties of the
Executive's office or consistent failure to perform in accordance with
reasonable expectations due to incompetence, or due to repeated and
unexcused absence from work having a material adverse effect on the Company
provided that mere failure to achieve performance targets or expectations
(including without limitation, those set forth in the Performance Bonus
Plan) shall not in and of itself constitute Cause hereunder.
For purposes of this Agreement, the Board shall have 60 days to
terminate the Executive for Cause following the date on which the Board
discovers the existence of a specific set of facts that, in the aggregate,
then constitute Cause, after which period no Cause with respect to such
specific set of facts shall be deemed to exist; PROVIDED, that the
repetition or reoccurrence of the same or a similar set of facts shall
constitute separate ground for termination for Cause.
(ii) "Disability" means the Executive's absence from the full-time
performance of his duties with the Company for one hundred eighty (180)
days or more within any period of 12 consecutive months as a result of the
Executive's incapacity due to mental or physical illness; PROVIDED, that
during any period prior to the termination of Executive's employment by
reason of Disability in which Executive is absent from the full-time
performance of his duties with the Company due to Disability, the Company
shall continue to pay Executive his Base Salary at the rate in effect at
the commencement of such period of Disability;
(iii) "Good Reason" means, without the Executive's express written
consent, the occurrence of any of the following events:
(A) a reduction by the Company in the Executive's Base Salary or
Annual Target Bonus in effect from time to time; (B) a material
reduction in the aggregate level of participation in and/or compensation
and benefit opportunities under all other compensation and employee
benefit plans in which Executive is entitled to participate from time to
time; PROVIDED, HOWEVER,that changes affecting the participation in or
benefits under such plans (other than the Performance Bonus Plan, any
SERP and the benefits described in Exhibit (A)) with respect to
similarly situated executives of the Company shall not constitute Good
Reason hereunder; (C) a reduction in the Executive's titles, duties or
authority with the Company; (D) notification by the Company of its
intention not to renew this Agreement pursuant to the provisions of
Section 2; (E) the termination of the Executive's employment by the
executive for any reason within 12 months following a Change in Control
(as defined herein); (F) relocation of the Company's Corporate offices
by more than 25 miles from its present location at 0000 Xxxxxxx Xxxx,
Xxxxxxx, Xxxxx 00000; (G) a change in who Executive reports to occurs
or; (H) the termination, for any reason, other than death or disability
of the Employment of Xxxx X. XxXxxxx as President and Chief Executive
Officer.
(iv) "Change in Control," means the occurrence of any one of the
following events:
(A) any "person", (as such term is defined in Section 3(a)(9) of
the Securities Exchange Act of 0000, (xxx "Xxxxxxxx Xxx") and as used
in Sections 13(d)(3) and 14(d)(2) of the Exchange Act) becomes an
Acquiring Person, (as such term is defined in the Company's Shareholder
Protection Rights Agreement to be adopted at the Effective Time) or any
person that is not bound by the Shareholder Agreement of the Company to
be entered into in connection with the Merger, (the "Shareholder
Agreement") becomes the beneficial owner (as defined in Rule 13d-3
under the Exchange Act), directly or indirectly, of securities of the
Company representing 25% or more of the undiluted total voting power of
the Company's then outstanding securities eligible to vote for the
election of members of the Board, (the "Company Voting Securities");
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PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that no event described in the immediately preceding
clause shall be deemed to constitute a Change in Control by virtue of
any of the following: (i) an acquisition of Company Voting Securities by
the Company and/or one or more direct or indirect majority-owned
subsidiaries of the Company, (ii) an acquisition of Company Voting
Securities by any employee benefit plan sponsored or maintained by the
Company or any corporation controlled by the Company, (iii) an
acquisition by any underwriter temporarily holding securities pursuant
to an offering of such securities, or (iv) any acquisition by the
Executive or any "group", (as such term is defined in Rule 3d-5 under
the Exchange Act) of persons including the Executive; or
(B) Individuals who, at the beginning of any period of twenty-four
(24) consecutive months, constitute the Board, (the "Incumbent Board")
cease for any reason to constitute at least a majority thereof;
PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that any person becoming a director subsequent to the
beginning of such twenty-four (24) month period, whose election, or
nomination for election, by the Company's shareholders was approved by
either, (i) the Board consistent with the terms of the Shareholder
Agreement, during the period the Shareholder Agreement is in effect, or
(ii) a vote of at least 60% of the directors comprising the Incumbent
Board (either by a specific vote or by approval of the proxy statement
of the Company in which such person is named as a nominee for director,
without objection to such nomination) shall be, for purposes of this
paragraph (B), considered as though such person were a member of the
Incumbent Board; PROVIDED, FURTHER, that no individual initially elected
or nominated as a director of the Company as a result of an actual or
threatened election contest with respect to directors of any other
actual or threatened solicitation of proxies or consents by or on behalf
of any person other than the Board shall be deemed to be a member of the
Incumbent Board; or
(C) there is consummated a merger or consolidation of the Company
or a subsidiary thereof with or into any other corporation other than a
merger or consolidation which would result in the holders of the voting
securities of the Company outstanding immediately prior thereto holding
securities which, in combination with the ownership of any trustee or
other fiduciary holding securities under an employee benefit plan of the
Company, represent immediately after such merger or consolidation at
least 60% of the combined voting power of the then outstanding voting
securities of either the Company or the other entity which survives such
merger or consolidation or any parent of such other entity; or
(D) the stockholders of the Company approve, (i) a plan of
complete liquidation or dissolution of the Company, or (ii) an agreement
for the sale or disposition by the Company of all or substantially all
the Company's assets.
5. PAYMENTS UPON TERMINATION OF EXECUTIVE.
(a) If the employment of the Executive shall be terminated other than by
reason of death or Disability, (i) by the Company (other than for Cause), or
(ii) by the Executive for Good Reason, then the Company shall pay or provide to
the Executive, (or the Executive's beneficiary or estate):
(1) within thirty (30) days following the date of such termination of
employment ("Termination Date"), a lump-sum cash amount equal to the sum of,
(i) the Executive's unpaid Base Salary through the Termination Date, (ii) any
accrued but unpaid annual bonus under the Performance Bonus Plan in respect of
the annual bonus period preceding the bonus period in which the Termination Date
occurs, (iii) any unpaid reimbursable business expenses properly incurred
through the Termination Date, and (iv) a bonus payment equal to the Executive's
Annual Target Bonus in the year of termination, multiplied by a fraction the
numerator of which is the number of months in the bonus year of termination in
which the Executive has worked at least one day and the denominator of which is
12;
(2) within thirty (30) days following the Termination Date, a lump-sum
cash amount equal to the greater of; (A) the Executive's then Base Salary
payable over the remainder of the Term plus a bonus equal to the Executive's
Annual Target Bonus in the year of termination multiplied by a fraction the
numerator of which is the number of complete months remaining in the Term and
the denominator of which is 12, or (B)
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2.0 times the sum of: (i) the Executive's annual rate of Base Salary as of the
Termination Date plus, (ii) the Annual Target Bonus for the year in which the
Termination Date occurs, (in each such case, Executive's Base Salary and Annual
Target Bonus being determined without taking into account any reductions thereto
constituting Good Reason).
(3) for a period terminating on the earlier of; (A) the commencement of
the provision of substantially equivalent benefits by a new employer; or (B) the
later of, (i) the last day of the Term, or (ii) twenty-four (24) months
following the Termination Date, the Company shall continue to keep in full force
and effect, (or otherwise provide) all policies of medical, accident, disability
and life insurance with respect to the Executive and his dependents with
substantially the same level of coverage, upon substantially the same terms and
otherwise substantially to the same extent as such policies shall have been in
effect immediately prior to the Termination Date, and, as applicable, the
Company and the Executive shall share the costs of the continuation of such
insurance coverage in the same proportion as such costs were shared immediately
prior to the date of termination;
(4) for purposes of determining final average compensation, (or making any
similar calculation) and years of service, (for purposes of eligibility, vesting
and benefit accrual) under any tax-qualified or supplemental defined benefit
retirement plan, (including without limitation any SERP) Executive shall be
deemed to have remained employed by the Company hereunder until the end of the
Term and to have received his then current Base Salary and Annual Target Bonus
through the end of the Term; PROVIDED, that to the extent such benefits cannot
be accrued under and paid from any tax-qualified pension plan, such benefits
shall be accrued under and paid from any SERP or other supplemental plan.
(5) all options to purchase Common Stock held by the Executive shall
immediately become fully vested and exercisable and shall remain exercisable
until the later of; (A) the date that is 24 months following the Termination
Date; and (B) the expiration of the stated term of such options; and
(b) If the employment of the Executive shall be terminated, (i) by reason
of the Executive's death or Disability, (ii) by the Company for Cause, (iii) by
the Executive without Good Reason, or (iv) by the mutual written consent of the
parties hereto, (each a "Non-qualifying Termination"), then the Company shall
pay to the Executive (or the Executive's beneficiary or estate) within thirty
(30) days following the Termination Date a lump-sum cash amount equal to the sum
of the Executive's unpaid Base Salary through the Termination Date plus any
bonus payments which have been earned or become payable, to the extent not
theretofore paid, plus any unpaid reimbursable business expenses properly
incurred through the Termination Date. In addition, Executive (or the
Executive's beneficiary or estate) shall have no less than ninety days following
the termination of his employment pursuant to a Non-qualifying Termination to
exercise any outstanding options to the extent vested and exercisable as of the
Termination Date. If the employment of the Executive shall be terminated, by
reason of the Executive's death or Disability, for a period terminating on the
earlier of; (A) the commencement of the provision of substantially equivalent
benefits by a new employer; or (B) the later of, (i) the last day of the Term,
or (ii) twenty-four (24) months following the Termination Date, the Company
shall continue to keep in full force and effect, (or otherwise provide) all
policies of medical, accident, disability and life insurance with respect to the
Executive and his dependents with substantially the same level of coverage, upon
substantially the same terms and otherwise substantially to the same extent as
such policies shall have been in effect immediately prior to the Termination
Date, and, as applicable, the Company and the Executive shall share the costs of
the continuation of such insurance coverage in the same proportion as such costs
were shared immediately prior to the Termination Date;
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6. CERTAIN ADDITIONAL PAYMENTS BY THE COMPANY.
(a) Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, in the
event that any payment or distribution by the Company, by any affiliate of the
Company or by any person whose actions result in a change in control of the
Company, (to the extent the Company approves of the arrangements pursuant to
which the payment by such person is made to the Executive) to or for the benefit
of the Executive, (whether paid or payable or distributed or distributable
pursuant to the terms of the Agreement or otherwise, but determined without
regard to any additional payments required under this Section 6), (a
"Payment") would be subject to the excise tax imposed by Section 4999 of the
Code, or any interest or penalties are incurred by the Executive with respect to
such excise tax, (such excise tax, together with any such interest and
penalties, are hereinafter collectively referred to as the "Excise Tax") then
the Executive shall be entitled to receive an additional payment, (a "Gross-Up
Payment") in an amount such that, after payment by the Executive of all taxes,
(including any interest or penalties imposed with respect to such taxes)
including, without limitation, any income and employment taxes and Excise Tax,
imposed upon the Gross-Up Payment but before deduction for any federal, state or
local income or other tax upon the Payments, the Executive will retain a net
amount equal to the sum of, (i) the Payments, and (ii) an amount equal to the
product of any deductions, (or portions thereof) disallowed because of the
inclusion of the Gross-Up Payment in the Executive's adjusted gross income for
federal income tax purposes and the highest applicable marginal rate of federal
income taxation for the calendar year in which the Gross-Up Payment is to be
made. For purposes of determining the amount of the Gross-Up Payment, the
Executive shall be deemed to, (1) pay applicable federal income taxes at the
highest applicable marginal rates of federal income taxation (including
surcharges) for the calendar year in which the Gross-Up Payment is to be made,
(2) pay applicable state and local income taxes at the highest applicable
marginal rate of taxation, (including surcharges) for the calendar year in which
the Gross-Up Payment is to be made, net of the maximum reduction in federal
income taxes which could be obtained from deduction of such state and local
taxes, and (3) have otherwise allowable deductions for federal income tax
purposes at least equal to those disallowed because of the inclusion of the
Gross-Up Payment in the Executive's adjusted gross income.
(b) Subject to the provisions of Section 6(a), all determinations required
to be made under this Section 6, including whether and when a Gross-Up Payment
is required and the amount of such Gross-Up Payment and the assumptions to be
utilized in arriving at such determination, shall be made by the public
accounting firm that is retained by the Company as of the date immediately prior
to the change in control, (the "Accounting Firm") which shall provide detailed
supporting calculations both to the Company and the Executive within fifteen
(15) business days of the receipt of notice from the Company or the Executive
that there has been a Payment, or such earlier time as is requested by the
Company, (collectively, the "Determination"). In the event that the Accounting
Firm is serving as accountant or auditor for the individual, entity or group
effecting the change in control, the Executive may appoint another nationally
recognized public accounting firm reasonably acceptable to the Company to make
the determinations required hereunder, (which accounting firm shall then be
referred to as the Accounting Firm hereunder). All reasonable fees and expenses
of the Accounting Firm shall be borne solely by the Company and, subject to
applicable law and obligations to the Company's stockholders, the Company shall
enter into any agreement reasonably requested by the Accounting Firm that is
generally recognized as standard in connection with the performance of the
services hereunder. The Gross-Up Payment under this Section 6 with respect to
any Payment shall be made no later than thirty (30) days following the date of
such Payment. If the Accounting Firm determines that no Excise Tax is payable by
the Executive, it shall furnish the Executive with a written opinion to such
effect, and to the effect that failure to report the Excise Tax, if any, on the
Executive's applicable federal income tax return should not result in the
imposition of a negligence or similar penalty. The Determination by the
Accounting Firm shall be binding upon the Company and the Executive. As a result
of uncertainty in the application of Section 4999 of the Code at the time of the
Determination, it is possible that Gross-Up Payments which will not have been
made by the Company should have been made ("Underpayment") or Gross-Up
Payments are made by the Company which should not have been made,
("Overpayment") consistent with the calculations required to be made
hereunder. In the event that the Executive thereafter is required to make
payment of any additional Excise Tax, the Accounting Firm shall
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determine the amount of the Underpayment that has occurred and any such
Underpayment, (together with interest at the rate provided in Section
1274(b)(2)(B) of the Code) shall be promptly paid by the Company to or for the
benefit of the Executive. In the event the amount of the Gross-Up Payment
exceeds the amount necessary to reimburse the Executive for his Excise Tax, the
Accounting Firm shall determine the amount of the Overpayment that has been made
and any such Overpayment, (together with interest at the rate provided in
Section 1274(b)(2) of the Code) shall be promptly paid by the Executive to or
for the benefit of the Company. The Executive shall cooperate, to the extent his
reasonable expenses in connection therewith are reimbursed by the Company, with
any reasonable requests by the Company in connection with any contests or
disputes with the Internal Revenue Service in connection with the Excise Tax.
7. WITHHOLDING TAXES. The Company shall have the right to withhold from
any and all payments due to the Executive, (or his beneficiary or estate)
hereunder all taxes which, by applicable federal, state, local or other law, the
Company is required to withhold therefrom.
8. SUCCESSORS: BINDING AGREEMENT.
(a) This Agreement is personal in nature and none of the parties hereto
shall, without the consent of the other, assign, or transfer this Agreement or
any rights or obligations hereunder; PROVIDED, that in the event of the merger,
consolidation, transfer or sale of substantially all of the assets of the
Company with or to any other individual or entity, this Agreement shall, subject
to the provisions hereof, be binding upon and inure to the benefit of such
successor and such successor shall discharge and perform all the promises,
covenants, duties and obligations of the Company hereunder, all references
herein to the "Company" shall refer to such successor.
(b) This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be enforceable by the
Executive's personal or legal representatives, executors, administrators,
successors, heirs, distributees, devisees and legatees. If the Executive shall
die while any amounts remain payable to the Executive hereunder, all such
amounts, unless otherwise provided herein, shall be paid in accordance with the
terms of this Agreement to such person or persons appointed in writing by the
Executive to receive such amounts or, if no person is so appointed, to the
Executive's estate.
9. RESOLUTION OF DISPUTES; LEGAL FEES: NO MITIGATION.
(a) Except as provided in Sections 10 and 11, all disputes hereunder shall
be settled by final, binding arbitration, conducted before a panel of three (3)
arbitrators in Texas in accordance with the rules of the American Arbitration
Association then in effect. Judgment on the arbitration award may be entered in
any court having jurisdiction. The Company shall bear the expenses of such
arbitration.
(b) If any contest or dispute shall arise under this Agreement involving
termination of the Executive's employment with the Company or involving the
failure or refusal of the Company to perform fully in accordance with the terms
hereof, the Company shall advance and reimburse the Executive, on a current
basis, all legal fees and expenses, if any, incurred by the Executive in
connection with such contest or dispute; PROVIDED,that the Executive agrees to
return any advanced or reimbursed expenses to the extent the arbitrators, (or
the court, in the case of a dispute described in Section 10 or 11) determine
that the Company has prevailed as to the material issues raised in determination
of the dispute.
(c) The Company's obligation to make any payments provided for in this
Agreement to the Executive and otherwise to perform its obligations hereunder
shall not be affected by any setoff, counterclaim, recoupment, defense or other
claim, right or action which the Company may have against the Executive or
others. In no event shall the Executive be obligated to seek other employment or
take other action by way of mitigation of the amounts payable to the Executive
under any of the provisions of this Agreement, and such amounts shall not be
reduced whether or not the Executive obtains other employment.
10. NON-COMPETITION.
(a) DISCLOSURE. The Executive has disclosed to the Board, in writing, all
heathcare-related interests, investments, or business activities, whether as
proprietor, stockholder, partner, co-venturer, director, officer, employee,
independent contractor, agent, consultant, or in any other capacity or manner
whatsoever. The
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Executive shall notify the Board, in writing, of any changes in or additions to
such interests, activities or investments permitted in accordance with terms of
this Agreement, within 15 days of such change or addition.
(b) PROHIBITED ACTIVITY. Without the written consent of a majority of the
Independent Directors, the Executive may not engage in any of the following
actions during the period that is; (A) prior to the Executive's termination of
employment with the Company; (B) within two years following the termination of
his employment with the Company during the Initial Term if such termination is
by the Company for Cause or by the Executive other than for Good Reason; and (C)
within one year following his termination of employment during the Term but
after the Initial Term if such termination is by the Company for Cause or by the
Executive other than Good Reason.
(i) own, either directly or indirectly, any interest in any business that
competes with the "Primary Business" in which the Company or any subsidiary or
affiliate is engaged, within a radius of 20 miles from any site, facility, or
location which is owned, managed or operated by or affiliated with the Company
or any of its subsidiaries and affiliates, including Podiatric Physician
practices of any kind. For purposes of this Agreement, "Primary Business"
shall mean the delivery of Podiatric healthcare services in markets where the
Company or its subsidiaries own, operate or manage Physician Practices or
Ambulatory Surgery Centers. These Podiatric healthcare services can include but
are not limited to; (A) individual Podiatric Physician Practices and/or
Podiatric physician-based organizations such as primary care and specialty
clinics, Podiatric Physician-hospital organizations ("PMOs") or medical
service organizations ("MSOs"), or Podiatric Physician medical groups; and (B)
ambulatory programs such as home health care, ambulatory surgery, occupational
and sports medicine centers, and other diagnostic, rehabilitative and treatment
services for Podiatric patients. Some of these services, sites and facilities
may be located in satellite areas for the purpose of extending the Physician
Practice's geographic service area and to serve as access points and/or referral
sources for either the local delivery system or the Physician Practice's
geographic service area and to serve as access points and/or referral sources
for either the local delivery system or the Physician Practice's. The Board may
modify, from time to time, the definition of Primary Business to include any
additional Podiatric business or service activity in which the Company may
engage during the Term or to exclude any business or service in which the
Company ceases to engage. The definition of "Primary Business" may also be
modified to include any Podiatric business or service into which, as of the
Termination Date, the Company definitively intends to expand, regardless of
whether such expansion actually occurs after the Executive's termination. For
purposes of the preceding sentence, the date on which a modification of the
definition of "Primary Business" shall be effective shall be the date on which
the Executive is provided written notice of such modification, (the "Notice
Date") PROVIDED, HOWEVER,that no such modification as to which notice is
provided on or after the Termination Date shall be effective against the
Executive; and PROVIDED, FURTHER, that no such modification shall be effective
with respect to any interests, investments or business activities engaged in by
Executive prior to the Notice Date of such modification and properly disclosed
prior to such Notice Date pursuant to Section 10(a);
(ii) participate or serve, either directly or indirectly, whether as a
proprietor, stockholder, partner, co-venturer, director, officer, employee,
independent contractor, agent, consultant, or in any other capacity or manner
whatsoever in any business or service activity that competes with the Primary
Business;
(iii) directly or indirectly, solicit or recruit any individual employed
by the Company, its subsidiaries or affiliates for the purpose of being employed
by him or by any competitor of the Company on whose behalf he is acting as an
agent, representative or employee, or convey any confidential information or
trade secrets regarding other employees of the Company, its subsidiaries or
affiliates to any other person; or
(iv) directly or indirectly, influence or attempt to influence customers
of the Company or any of its subsidiaries or affiliates to direct their business
to any competitor of the Company; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that neither, (i) the
"beneficial ownership" by Executive, either individually or as a member of a
"group," as such terms are used in Rule 13d under the Exchange Act, as a
passive investment, of not more than five percent (5%) of the voting stock of
any publicly held corporation, nor (ii) the beneficial ownership by
8
Executive of any interest described in the first sentence of Section 10(a) and
properly and timely disclosed in accordance with the terms therewith, shall
alone constitute a violation of this Agreement.
In the event that the Executive engages in the conduct proscribed by this
Section 10, the Executive agrees to repay any lump-sum severance amount received
pursuant to Section 5 of this Agreement, and all outstanding stock options held
by the Executive shall expire as of the date of the Executive's commencement of
such proscribed conduct. It is further expressly agreed that the Company will or
would suffer irreparable injury if Executive were to compete with the Company or
any subsidiary or affiliate in violation of this Agreement and that the Company
would by reason of such competition be entitled to preliminary or injunctive
relief in a court of appropriate jurisdiction, and Executive further consents
and stipulates to the entry of such preliminary or injunctive relief in such a
court prohibiting Executive from competing with the Company or any subsidiary or
affiliate in violation of this Agreement upon an appropriate finding by such
court that Executive has violated this Section 10.
(c) UNENFORCEABLE PROVISIONS. It is the desire and the intent of the
parties that the provisions of this Section 10 shall be enforceable to the
fullest extent permissible under applicable law and public policy. Accordingly,
if this Section 10 or any portion thereof shall be adjudicated to be invalid or
unenforceable whether because of the duration and scope of the covenants set
forth herein or otherwise, the length and scope of the restrictions set forth in
this Section 10 shall be reduced to the extent necessary so that this covenant
may be enforced to the fullest extent possible under applicable law.
11. CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION. The Executive acknowledges that in his
employment hereunder, and during prior periods of employment with the Company
and/or its subsidiaries, he has occupied and will continue to occupy a position
of trust and confidence. The Executive shall not, except as may be required to
perform his duties hereunder or as required by applicable law, until the
expiration of the applicable periods described in Section 10(b) or until such
information shall have become public other than by the Executive's unauthorized
disclosure, disclose to others or use, whether directly or indirectly, any
Confidential Information regarding the Company, its subsidiaries and affiliates.
"Confidential Information" shall mean information about the Company, its
subsidiaries and affiliates, and their respective clients and customers that is
not publicly disclosed by the Company or otherwise generally available to
members of the public seeking such information and that was learned by the
Executive in the course of his employment by the Company, its subsidiaries and
affiliates, including, (without limitation) any proprietary knowledge, trade
secrets, data, formulae, information and client and customer lists and all
papers, resumes, and records, (including computer records) of the documents
containing such Confidential Information. The Executive acknowledges that such
Confidential Information is specialized, unique in nature and of great value to
the Company, its subsidiaries and affiliates, and that such information gives
the Company, its subsidiaries and affiliates a competitive advantage. The
Executive agrees to deliver or return to the Company, at the Company's request
at any time or upon termination or expiration of his employment or as soon
thereafter as possible, all documents, computer tapes and disks, records, lists,
data, drawings, prints, notes and written information, (and all copies thereof)
furnished by the Company, its subsidiaries or affiliates or prepared by the
Executive during the term of his employment by the Company, its subsidiaries and
affiliates.
In the event that the Executive engages in any conduct proscribed by this
Section 11, the Executive agrees to repay any lump-sum severance amount received
pursuant to Section 5 of this Agreement, and all outstanding stock options held
by the Executive shall expire as of the date of the Executive's commencement of
such proscribed conduct. It is further expressly agreed that the Company will or
would suffer irreparable injury if Executive were to disclose or threaten to
disclose Confidential Information regarding the Company or any subsidiary or
affiliate in violation of this Agreement or otherwise fail to comply with the
provisions of this Section 11, and that the Company would, by reason of such
disclosure or threatened disclosure or other failure to comply, be entitled to
preliminary or permanent injunctive relief in a court of appropriate
jurisdiction, and Executive further consents and stipulates to the entry of such
preliminary or permanent injunctive relief in such a court prohibiting Executive
from disclosing Confidential Information in violation of this Agreement or
otherwise requiring Executive to comply with the provisions of this Section 11
upon an appropriate finding by such court that Executive has violated this
Section 11.
9
12. NOTICE. For the purposes of this Agreement, any notices, demands and
all other communications required or permitted hereunder shall be in writing and
shall be deemed to have been duly given upon; (A) transmitter's confirmation of
a receipt of a facsimile transmission; (B) confirmed delivery by a standard
overnight carrier; or (C) the expiration of five business days after the day
when mailed by certified or registered mail, postage prepaid, addressed as
follows, (or at such other address as the parties hereto shall specify by like
notice);
If to Executive: Xxxxx X. Xxxxxxx
0000 Xxxxxxx Xxxx, Xxxxx 0000
Xxxxxxx, XX 00000
If to Company: Ankle and Foot Centers of America,
LLC
or American Medical Providers, Inc.
0000 Xxxxxxx Xxxx, Xxxxx 0000
Xxxxxxx, Xxxxx 00000
Attention: Chief Executive Officer
13. AMENDMENT WAIVER. No provisions of this Agreement may be waived,
modified or discharged unless such waiver, modification or discharge is agreed
to in a written document signed by the Executive and such officer of the
Company, as may be specifically designated by the Board. No waiver by either
party hereto at any time of any breach by the other party hereto of, or
compliance with, any condition or provision of this Agreement to be performed by
such other party shall be deemed a waiver of similar or dissimilar provisions or
conditions at the same or at any prior or subsequent time. No agreements or
representations, oral or otherwise, express or implied, with respect to the
subject matter hereof have been made by either party which are not set forth
expressly in this Agreement.
14. ENTIRE AGREEMENT. This Agreement and Exhibit A hereto set forth the
entire agreement of the parties hereto in respect of the subject matter
contained herein and supersede all prior agreements, promises, covenants,
arrangements, communications, representations or warranties, whether oral or
written, by any officer, employee or representative of any party hereto.
15. GOVERNING LAW: VENUE: VALIDITY. The interpretation, construction and
performance of this Agreement shall be governed by and construed and enforced in
accordance with the internal laws of the State of Texas without regard to the
principle of conflicts of laws and, at the election of the Executive, the venue
of any dispute arising under this Agreement shall be Texas. The invalidity or
unenforceability of any provision of this Agreement shall not affect the
validity or enforceability of any other provision of this Agreement, which other
provisions shall remain in full force and effect.
16. HEADINGS. Section headings in this Agreement are included herein for
convenience of reference only and shall not constitute a part of this Agreement
for any other purpose.
17. SEVERABILITY. In the event that a court of competent jurisdiction
determines that any portion of this Agreement is in violation of any statute or
public policy, only the portions of this Agreement that violate such statute or
public policy shall be stricken. All portions of this Agreement that do not
violate any statute or public policy shall continue in full force and effect.
Further, any court order striking any portion of this Agreement shall modify the
stricken terms as narrowly as possible to give as much effect as possible to the
intentions of the parties under this Agreement.
10
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Agreement as of the
day of December, 1997.
Ankle and Foot Centers of America,
LLC.
By: /s/XXXX X. XxXXXXX
Name: Xxxx X. XxXxxxx
Title:
Executive:XXXXX X. XXXXXXX
Xxxxx X. Xxxxxxx
Joined into for the purpose here above stated by American Medical
Providers, Inc., this day of December, 1997.
By: /s/XXXX X. XxXXXXX
Name: Xxxx X. XxXxxxx
Title:
11
EXHIBIT A
COMPENSATION AND LEAVE POLICIES
BASE COMPENSATION
Commencing with the Initial Public Offering (the "IPO") Date (the "IPO
Date") of AMP, (or the Sale Merger of AMP's Shares other than the IPO ("Sale
or Merger Date"), Executive shall be paid by the Company a base salary of not
less than One Hundred Eighty Thousand Dollars, ($180,000.00) per annum.
INVENTIVE COMPENSATION
Executive shall participate in the Company's Executive Officers Performance
Plan with his annual "Target Bonus" not being less than 60% of his Base
Salary.
LEAVE-VACATION AND HOLIDAYS
Executive shall be entitled to leave of four (4) weeks per annum, to be
taken in accordance with Employer's regular vacation policies. Executive shall
be entitled to at least nine (9) paid holidays per annum in accordance with
Employer regular paid holidays policies.
BENEFITS
Health Insurance including major medical for personal, at no cost to
Executive family and dependents at customary rates for family coverage.
Life Insurance equivalent to three times Executive salary.
Disability insurance equivalent to 60% of Base salary upon permanent
disability.
OTHER PAYMENTS:
Executive shall be reimbursed up to $1,000 for the cost of an annual
physical.
Executive shall receive a minimum of $800 per month as an automobile
allowance.
Executive shall be reimbursed up to $250.00 per month for membership dues.
Executive shall be reimbursed for expenses of "continuing education"
including such reasonable travel, as is required in connection therewith.
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