EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT
EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT ("Agreement") dated as of July 17, 2003 between Quanta
Capital Holdings Ltd., a Bermuda corporation (the "Company"), and Xxxxx X. Xxxx
(the "Executive").
The parties hereto agree as follows:
ARTICLE 1
DEFINITIONS
SECTION 1.01 Definitions. For purposes of this Agreement, the following
terms have the meanings set forth below:
"Base Salary" has the meaning set forth in Section 4.01.
"Cause" means (a) theft or embezzlement by the Executive with respect to
the Company or its Subsidiaries; (b) the Executive's conviction of, or plea of
nolo contendere to, any felony or any misdemeanor involving moral turpitude; (c)
willful or prolonged absence from work by the Executive (other than by reason of
disability due to physical or mental illness) or willful failure or refusal by
the Executive to perform his duties and responsibilities, without the same being
corrected within thirty (30) days after being given written notice thereof; (d)
continued and habitual use of alcohol by the Executive to an extent which
materially impairs the Executive's performance of his duties, without the same
being corrected within thirty (30) days after being given written notice
thereof; (e) the Executive's use of illegal drugs, without the same being
corrected within thirty (30) days after being given written notice thereof; or
(f) the material breach by the Executive of any of the provisions contained in
this Agreement, including, without limitation, Section 3.01 and Section 11.01,
without the same (other than in the case of Section 11.01) being corrected
within thirty (30) days after being given written notice thereof.
"Change in Control" means any of the following occurring after the date
hereof:
a. Any person (within the meaning of the Securities Exchange Act of
1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act")), other than a Permitted
Person, is or becomes the "beneficial owner" (as defined in Rule
13d-3 under the Exchange Act), directly or indirectly, of Voting
Securities representing 40% or more of the total voting power of
all the then outstanding Voting Securities; or
b. The individuals who, as of the date hereof, constitute the Board
of Directors of the Company (the "Board") together with those who
become directors subsequent to such date and whose
recommendation, election or nomination for election to the Board
was approved by a vote of at least a majority of the directors
then still in office who either were directors as of such date or
whose recommendation, election or
nomination for election was previously so approved, cease for any
reason to constitute a majority of the members of the Board; or
c. The consummation of a merger, consolidation, recapitalization,
liquidation, sale or disposition by the Company of all or
substantially all of the Company's assets, or reorganization of
the Company, other than any such transaction which would (x)
result in at least 60% of the total voting power represented by
the voting securities of the surviving entity or, in the case of
an asset sale, the successor entity, outstanding immediately
after such transaction being beneficially owned, directly or
indirectly, by the stockholders of the Company immediately
preceding the transaction and (y) not otherwise be deemed a
Change in Control under subparagraphs a, b or d; or
d. The Board adopts a resolution to the effect that, for purposes
hereof, a Change in Control has occurred.
e. Where,
i. "Permitted Persons" means (A) the Company; (B) any
Related Party; or (C) any group (as defined in Rule 13d-3
under the Exchange Act) comprised of any or all of the
foregoing.
ii. "Related Party" means (A) a majority-owned subsidiary of
the Company; (B) a trustee or other fiduciary holding
securities under an employee benefit plan of the Company
or any majority-owned subsidiary of the Company; or (C) a
corporation owned directly or indirectly by the
stockholders of the Company in substantially the same
proportion as their ownership of Voting Securities.
iii. "Voting Security" means any security of the Company which
carries the right to vote generally in the election of
directors.
"Confidential Information" means information that is not generally known to
the public and that was or is used, developed or obtained by the Company or its
Subsidiaries in connection with their business. It shall not include information
(a) required to be disclosed by court or administrative order or the applicable
rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission or any exchange on which the
Company's securities are listed; (b) lawfully obtainable from other sources or
which is in the public domain through no fault of the Executive; or (c) the
disclosure of which is consented to in writing by the Company.
"Date of Termination" has the meaning set forth in Section 5.07.
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"Employment Period" has the meaning set forth in Section 2.01.
"Good Reason" means, without the Executive's written consent, (a) any
material diminution of the duties or responsibilities of the Executive, without
the same being corrected within thirty (30) days after being given written
notice thereof; (b) the Executive not being elected or reelected, at any time,
to the Board of Directors of the Company or a requirement that the Executive
report to anyone other than the Board of Directors of the Company; (c) the
occurrence of a Change in Control; (d) any material breach by the Company of the
provisions contained in this Agreement, without the same being corrected within
thirty (30) days after being given written notice thereof; (e) any reduction in
the Executive's Base Salary or bonus opportunity; or (f) the Company giving
written notice pursuant to Section 5.01 of its intention not to extend the
Employment Period.
"Intellectual Property" has the meaning set forth in Section 7.01.
"Notice of Termination" has the meaning set forth in Section 5.06.
"Noncompetition Period" has the meaning set forth in Section 9.01.
"Nonsolicitation Period" has the meaning set forth in Section 9.02.
"Offering" means the initial public offering or first private placement of
the Company's securities with net proceeds of the Company of at least $200
million.
"Person" means an individual, a partnership, a corporation, a limited
liability company, an association, a joint stock company, an estate, a trust, a
joint venture, an unincorporated organization or a governmental entity or any
department, agency or political subdivision thereof.
"Permanent Disability" means those circumstances where the Executive is
unable to continue to perform the usual customary duties of his assigned job or
as otherwise assigned in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement for a
period of six (6) months in any twelve (12) month period because of physical,
mental or emotional incapacity resulting from injury, sickness or disease.
"Reimbursable Expenses" has the meaning set forth in Section 4.04.
"Subsidiary" or "Subsidiaries" means, with respect to any Person, any
corporation, partnership, limited liability company, association or other
business entity of which (a) if a corporation, fifty (50) percent or more of the
total voting power of shares of stock entitled (without regard to the occurrence
of any contingency) to vote in the election of directors, managers or trustees
thereof is at the time owned or controlled, directly or indirectly, by that
Person or one or more of the other Subsidiaries of that Person or combination
thereof; or (b) if a partnership, limited liability company, association or
other business entity, fifty (50) percent or more of the partnership or other
similar ownership interest thereof is at the time owned or controlled, directly
or indirectly, by any Person or one or more Subsidiaries of that Person or a
combination
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thereof. For purposes of this definition, a Person or Persons will be deemed to
have a fifty (50) percent or more ownership interest in a partnership, limited
liability company, association or other business entity if such Person or
Persons are allocated fifty (50) percent or more of partnership, limited
liability company, association or other business entity gains or losses or
control the managing director or member or general partner of such partnership,
limited liability company, association or other business entity.
ARTICLE 2
EMPLOYMENT
SECTION 2.01 Employment. The Company shall employ the Executive, and the
Executive shall accept employment with the Company, upon the terms and
conditions set forth in this Agreement for the period beginning on the date of
the closing of the Offering (the date of the beginning of such period to be
referred to herein as the "Start Date") and ending as provided in Section 5.01
(the "Employment Period").
ARTICLE 3
POSITION AND DUTIES
SECTION 3.01 Position and Duties. During the Employment Period, the
Executive shall serve as President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company
and shall be the chief executive with respect to the management and oversight of
the worldwide operations of the Company and its Subsidiaries. In such capacity,
the Executive shall have such responsibilities, powers and duties as are
inherent in his positions (and the undertakings applicable to his positions) and
necessary to carry out his responsibilities and the duties required of him
hereunder and as may from time to time be prescribed by the Board of Directors
of the Company; provided that such responsibilities, powers and duties
prescribed by the Board of Directors of the Company are substantially consistent
with those customarily assigned to individuals serving in such position at
comparable companies and shall not, without his consent, include tasks or
responsibilities that would be inconsistent with those of President and Chief
Executive Officer. During the Employment Period, the Executive shall devote
substantially all of his working time and efforts to the business and affairs of
the Company and its Subsidiaries. The Executive shall not directly or indirectly
render any services of a business, commercial or professional nature to any
other person or for-profit organization not related to the business of the
Company or its Subsidiaries, whether for compensation or otherwise, without
prior written consent of the Company. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Executive
may serve on the board of directors or board of trustees a reasonable number of
non-profit organizations so long as such service does not interfere with the
performance of the Executive's duties hereunder. Except as indicated in the
preceding sentence and for the normal travel requirements of his position,
Executive's principal place of business shall be located in the New York
Metropolitan area, including New York City, Westchester County, New York, Long
Island, Fairfield County, Connecticut, and Morris, Essex, Bergen and other
locations in northern New Jersey.
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SECTION 3.02 The Company Board Seat. During the Employment Period, the
Company shall use its best efforts to cause the Executive to be elected to the
Board of Directors of the Company. In the event that the Executive's employment
with the Company terminates for any reason, the Executive shall resign from the
Board of Directors of the Company and any committee of such Board of Directors
on which he serves. In such capacity as a Director of the Company, the Executive
will provide oversight and stewardship for the Company's operations.
ARTICLE 4
BASE SALARY AND BENEFITS
SECTION 4.01 Base Salary. During the Employment Period, the Executive's
base salary will be $750,000 per annum (the "Base Salary"). The Base Salary will
be payable bi-monthly on the 15th and last working day of each month in arrears.
Annually during the Employment Period, the Compensation Committee of the Board
of Directors of the Company shall review with the Executive his job performance
and compensation, and, commencing with calendar year 2005, if deemed appropriate
by the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors of the Company, in its
discretion, the Executive's Base Salary may be increased. Once his Base Salary
has been increased, it may not thereafter be decreased.
SECTION 4.02 Bonuses. In addition to the Base Salary, the Executive shall
participate in an annual bonus plan on terms established from time to time by
the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors of the Company. The
Executive's target annual bonus will be 100% of his Base Salary. The executive
agrees to forfeit the bonus for the period ending December 31, 2003 if the
Company does not file a registration statement registering the resale of the
shares sold in the Offering within 180 days after the closing of the Offering to
the extent required under the Registration Rights Agreement between the Company
and Friedman, Billings, Xxxxxx Group, Inc. and executed in connection with the
Offering, other than as a result of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission
being unable to accept such filings.
SECTION 4.03 Benefits. In addition to the Base Salary, and any bonuses
payable to the Executive pursuant to this Agreement, the Executive shall be
entitled to the following benefits during the Employment Period:
(a) such major medical, life insurance and disability insurance
coverage as is, or may during the Employment Period, be provided generally
for other senior executive officers of the Company as set forth from time
to time in the applicable plan documents;
(b) five (5) weeks of paid vacation annually during the Employment
Period; and
(c) benefits under any plan or arrangement available generally for the
senior executive officers of the Company, subject to and consistent with
the terms
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and conditions and overall administration of such plans as set forth from
time to time in the applicable plan documents.
SECTION 4.04 Expenses. The Company shall reimburse the Executive for all
reasonable expenses incurred by him in the course of performing his duties under
this Agreement which are consistent with the Company's policies in effect from
time to time with respect to travel, entertainment and other business expenses
for senior executives ("Reimbursable Expenses"), subject to the Company's
requirements with respect to reporting and documentation of expenses. If the
Executive relocates to Bermuda, the Company will provide to the Executive
benefits, including housing, customarily provided to similarly situated senior
executives residing in Bermuda and any private aircraft owned or leased by the
Company and its Subsidiaries at such time (if any), or such other air
transportation as is reasonably acceptable to the Executive, shall be made
available to him upon his reasonable request and at the Company's expense for
travel between Bermuda and the New York Metropolitan area.
SECTION 4.05 Stock Options and Restricted Stock. As soon as reasonably
practicable, but effective on the Start Date, the Company shall grant to the
Executive an option to acquire 1.1538% of the number of the Company's common
shares outstanding immediately following the Company's Offering of its common
shares, plus the number of shares issued upon any exercise of the over-allotment
option at an exercise equal to the offering price per share of the Company's
common shares in the Offering. The other terms of the stock option shall be as
set forth in the Company's 2003 Stock Option Plan. The stock option awards
provided for in this Section 4.05 are made as an inducement essential to the
Executive's entering into the Agreement. In addition, the Executive shall be
eligible to participate in the Company's long term incentive and share award
plans (and any similar plan adopted by the Company) under which awards of
options or other stock-based awards may be granted by the Compensation Committee
of the Board of Directors of the Company. In any year during the term of this
Agreement, the Executive shall be entitled to receive not less than the largest
award of restricted shares and stock options granted to any continuing member of
management of the Company and its Subsidiaries in such year (for the avoidance
of doubt, this provision does not apply to any stock-based awards made to any
new hire as an inducement essential to the initial employment of such
individual); provided that, notwithstanding the foregoing, in no event shall the
Executive be entitled to receive any grants of restricted shares during the
period commencing on the Start Date and ending 1 year from the Start Date.
SECTION 4.06 Review of Benefit Plans. As soon as practicable after the
Start Date, the Company shall appoint a committee consisting of members of the
Board of Directors of the Company and senior management of the Company,
including the Executive, to consider additional Company-sponsored plans,
including plans providing group life insurance, disability insurance, and
pension benefits.
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ARTICLE 5
TERM AND TERMINATION
SECTION 5.01 Term. The Employment Period will terminate on the fifth
anniversary of the Start Date unless otherwise agreed by the parties; provided,
that (a) the Employment Period shall terminate prior to such date upon the
Executive's death or Permanent Disability, and (b) the Employment Period may be
terminated at any time by the Company upon 30 days' prior written notice to the
Executive or by the Executive upon 60 days' prior written notice to the Company.
In addition, this Agreement will be automatically extended on the same terms and
conditions for successive one year periods following the original five (5) year
term until either the Company or the Executive, at least ninety (90) days prior
to the expiration of the original term or any extended term, shall give the
other party written notice of intention not to renew the Agreement.
SECTION 5.02 Termination Due to Death or Permanent Disability. If the
Employment Period shall be terminated due to the death of the Executive, the
Executive's estate or legal representative shall be paid solely (except as
provided in Section 5.05 below) (i) a portion of the bonus (if any) that would
have been payable to the Executive for the year of termination as determined by
the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors in accordance with the
annual bonus plan, prorated for the portion of the bonus year during which he
was employed by the Company, and (ii) an amount equal to two times the sum of
the Base Salary and the target annual bonus set forth in Section 4.02. Such
amount will be payable in a lump sum as soon as practicable following
termination of the Executive's employment and shall not be offset by any
proceeds received by the Executive's estate or legal representative from any
insurance coverages provided by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Company may fund its obligations under this
section through the separate purchase of life insurance on the life of the
Executive. If the Employment Period shall be terminated due to the Permanent
Disability of the Executive, the Executive (or his legal representative) shall
be paid solely (except as provided in Section 5.05 below) (i) a portion of the
bonus (if any) that would have been payable to the Executive for the year of
termination as determined by the Compensation Committee of the Board of
Directors in accordance with the annual bonus plan, prorated for the portion of
the bonus year during which he was employed by the Company, and (ii) at a rate
equal to 50% of the Base Salary on a monthly basis during the period of the
Executive's Permanent Disability up to a maximum period as set forth in the
Company's long-term disability plan, offset by any proceeds received by the
Executive or his legal representative from any insurance coverages provided by
the Company or any of its Subsidiaries. In addition, promptly following any such
termination, the Executive (or his estate or legal representative) shall also be
reimbursed all Reimbursable Expenses incurred by the Executive prior to such
termination.
SECTION 5.03 Termination for Good Reason or Without Cause. If the
Employment Period shall be terminated (a) by the Executive for Good Reason or
(b) by the Company not for Cause, subject to reduction as set forth in Section
12.01, the Executive shall be paid solely (except as provided in Section 5.05
below) (i) a portion of
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the bonus (if any) that would have been payable to the Executive for the year of
termination as determined by the Compensation Committee of the Board of
Directors in accordance with the annual bonus plan, prorated for the portion of
the bonus year during which he was employed by the Company, and (ii) an amount
equal to two times the sum of the Base Salary and the target annual bonus set
forth in Section 4.02. Such amount will be payable in a lump sum on the first
month anniversary of the Date of Termination. In addition, promptly following
any such termination, the Executive shall also be reimbursed all Reimbursable
Expenses incurred by the Executive prior to such termination.
SECTION 5.04 Termination for Cause or Other Than Good Reason. If the
Employment Period shall be terminated (a) for Cause, or (b) as a result of the
Executive's resignation or leaving of his employment, other than for Good
Reason, the Executive shall be entitled to receive solely the Base Salary
through the Date of Termination and reimbursement of all Reimbursable Expenses
incurred by the Executive prior to such termination.
SECTION 5.05 Benefits. If the Employment Period is terminated as a result
of a termination of employment as specified in Section 5.02 or 5.03, the
Executive and his spouse shall continue to receive major medical insurance
coverage benefits from the Company's plan in effect at the time of such
termination, at the expense of the Company, for a period equal to the lesser of
(x) twenty-four (24) months following the Date of Termination or (y) if
applicable, until the Executive is provided by another employer with benefits
substantially comparable (with no preexisting condition limitations) to the
benefits provided by such plan. The statutory health care continuation coverage
period under Section 4980B of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the
"Code"), will commence at the end of such period. In addition, if the Employment
Period is terminated as a result of a termination of employment as specified in
Section 5.02 or 5.03, any unvested stock options and any unvested shares of
restricted stock of the Company granted to the Executive prior to termination,
including under Section 4.05 and Section 4.06, shall be fully vested and all
options shall be exercisable though to their normal termination date without
respect to any requirement for continued employment. Except as otherwise
required by mandatory provisions of law, all of the Executive's rights to fringe
and other benefits under this Agreement or other plans or arrangements of the
Company and its Subsidiaries, if any, accruing after the termination of the
Employment Period as a result of a termination of employment as specified in
Section 5.04 will cease upon such termination; provided, that the foregoing
shall not apply with respect to the Executive's rights as set forth in any
deferred compensation plans maintained by the Company or its Subsidiaries, and
under Section 11.03.
SECTION 5.06 Notice of Termination. Any termination by the Company or by
the Executive for any reason shall be communicated by written Notice of
Termination to the other party hereto. For purposes of this Agreement, a "Notice
of Termination" shall mean a notice which shall indicate the specific
termination provision in this Agreement relied upon and shall set forth in
reasonable detail the facts and circumstances claimed to provide a basis for
termination of employment under the provision indicated.
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SECTION 5.07 Date of Termination. "Date of Termination" shall mean (a) if
the Employment Period is terminated as a result of a Permanent Disability, five
(5) days after a Notice of Termination is given, (b) if the Employment Period is
terminated for Good Reason, the date specified in the Notice of Termination, (c)
if the Employment Period is terminated for Cause, the date specified in the
Notice of Termination, and (d) if the Employment Period is otherwise terminated
under Section 5.01, after the applicable notice period specified in such section
has elapsed.
ARTICLE 6
CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION
SECTION 6.01 Nondisclosure and Nonuse of Confidential Information. The
Executive will not disclose or use at any time during or after the Employment
Period any Confidential Information of which the Executive is or becomes aware,
whether or not such information is developed by him, except to the extent that
such disclosure or use is directly related to and required by the Executive's
performance of duties assigned to the Executive pursuant to this Agreement.
ARTICLE 7
INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY
SECTION 7.01 Ownership of Intellectual Property. In the event that the
Executive as part of his activities on behalf of the Company generates, authors
or contributes to any invention, design, new development, device, product,
method of process (whether or not patentable or reduced to practice or
comprising Confidential Information), any copyrightable work (whether or not
comprising Confidential Information) or any other form of Confidential
Information relating directly or indirectly to the business of the Company as
now or hereinafter conducted (collectively, "Intellectual Property"), the
Executive acknowledges that such Intellectual Property is the sole and exclusive
property of the Company and its Subsidiaries and hereby assigns all right title
and interest in and to such Intellectual Property to the Company and its
Subsidiaries. Any copyrightable work prepared in whole or in part by the
Executive during the Employment Period will be deemed "a work made for hire"
under Section 201(b) of the Copyright Act of 1976, as amended, and the Company
and its Subsidiaries will own all of the rights comprised in the copyright
therein. The Executive will cooperate with the Company and its Subsidiaries to
protect the Company and its Subsidiaries' interests in and rights to such
Intellectual Property (including providing reasonable assistance in securing
patent protection and copyright registrations and executing all documents as
reasonably requested by the Company and its Subsidiaries, whether such requests
occur prior to or after termination of Executive's employment hereunder).
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ARTICLE 8
DELIVERY OF MATERIALS UPON TERMINATION OF EMPLOYMENT
SECTION 8.01 Delivery of Materials upon Termination of Employment. As
requested by the Company and its Subsidiaries, from time to time and upon the
termination of the Executive's employment with the Company for any reason, the
Executive will promptly deliver to the Company and its Subsidiaries all copies
and embodiments, in whatever form or medium, of all Confidential Information or
Intellectual Property in the Executive's possession or within his control
(including written records, notes, photographs, manuals, notebooks,
documentation, program listings, flow charts, magnetic media, disks, diskettes,
tapes and all other materials containing any Confidential Information or
Intellectual Property) irrespective of the location or form of such material
and, if requested by the Company and its Subsidiaries, will provide the Company
and its Subsidiaries with written confirmation that all such materials have been
delivered to the Company and its Subsidiaries.
ARTICLE 9
NONCOMPETITION AND NONSOLICITATION
SECTION 9.01 Noncompetition. The Executive acknowledges that during his
employment with the Company, he will become familiar with trade secrets and
other Confidential Information concerning the Company, its Subsidiaries, and
their respective predecessors, and that his services will be of special, unique
and extraordinary value to the Company and its Subsidiaries. In addition, in
consideration of the rights to the payments set forth in Article 5 of this
Agreement, the Executive hereby agrees that at any time during the Employment
Period, and for a period ending twelve (12) months after the termination of
Executive's employment (the "Noncompetition Period"), he will not directly or
indirectly own, manage, control, participate in, render services (as an
employee, consultant or in any other capacity) for or in any manner engage in
any business competing with the insurance and reinsurance businesses of the
Company or its Subsidiaries as such businesses exist as of the termination of
Executive's employment, within any geographical area in which the Company or its
Subsidiaries engage in such businesses; provided, however, that, if such
termination is by the Company not for Cause or by the Executive for Good Reason
under Section 5.03, the Executive shall be bound by this Section 9.01 only to
extent that the Company provides to the Executive the benefits set forth in
Section 5.03 and Section 5.05; provided, further, that, if such termination is
by reason of Executive's resignation or leaving of his employment other than for
Good Reason, the Executive shall be bound by this Section 9.01 for the period of
up to twelve (12) months if the Company, at its sole option, within thirty (30)
days following such termination, elects in writing to (a) pay the Executive an
amount equal to two times the sum of the Base Salary and the target annual bonus
set forth in Section 4.02 (such amount to be payable in equal monthly
installments over such period), and (b) provide the benefits set forth in
Section 5.05. It shall not be considered a violation of this Section 9.01 for
the Executive to be a passive owner of not more than 2% of the outstanding
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stock of any class of a corporation which is publicly traded, so long as the
Executive has no active participation in the business of such corporation.
SECTION 9.02 Nonsolicitation. The Executive hereby agrees that (a) during
the Employment Period and for a period of twelve (12) months after the
termination of Executive's employment (the "Nonsolicitation Period") the
Executive will not, directly or indirectly through another entity, induce or
attempt to induce any employee of the Company or its Subsidiaries to leave the
employ of the Company or its Subsidiaries, or in any way interfere with the
relationship between the Company or its Subsidiaries and any employee thereof
and (b) during the Nonsolicitation Period, the Executive will not induce or
attempt to induce any customer, supplier, client, insured, reinsured, reinsurer,
broker, licensee or other business relation of the Company or its Subsidiaries
to cease doing business with the Company or its Subsidiaries.
SECTION 9.03 Enforcement. If, at the enforcement of Sections 9.01 or 9.02,
a court holds that the duration, scope or area restrictions stated herein are
unreasonable under circumstances then existing, the parties agree that the
maximum duration, scope or area reasonable under such circumstances will be
substituted for the stated duration, scope or area and that the court will be
permitted to revise the restrictions contained in this Article 9 to cover the
maximum duration, scope and area permitted by law.
ARTICLE 10
EQUITABLE RELIEF
SECTION 10.01 Equitable Relief. The Executive acknowledges that (a) the
covenants contained herein are reasonable, (b) the Executive's services are
unique, and (c) a breach or threatened breach by him of any of his covenants and
agreements with the Company and its Subsidiaries contained in Sections 6.01,
7.01, 8.01, 9.01 or 9.02 could cause irreparable harm to the Company and its
Subsidiaries for which they would have no adequate remedy at law. Accordingly,
and in addition to any remedies which the Company and its Subsidiaries may have
at law, in the event of an actual or threatened breach by the Executive of his
covenants and agreements contained in Sections 6.01, 7.01, 8.01, 9.01 or 9.02,
the Company and its Subsidiaries shall have the absolute right to apply to any
court of competent jurisdiction for such injunctive or other equitable relief as
such court may deem necessary or appropriate in the circumstances, and the
Company and its Subsidiaries will be entitled to enforce such rights
specifically, without posting a bond or other security.
ARTICLE 11
REPRESENTATIONS; CERTAIN COVENANTS
SECTION 11.01 Executive's Representations. The Executive hereby represents
and warrants to the Company and its Subsidiaries that (a) the execution,
delivery and performance of this Agreement by the Executive does not and will
not
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conflict with, breach, violate or cause a default under any contract, agreement,
instrument, order, judgment or decree to which the Executive is a party or by
which he is bound, (b) the Executive is not a party to or bound by any
noncompetition agreement with any other Person and (c) upon the execution and
delivery of this Agreement by the Company, this Agreement will be the valid and
binding obligation of the Executive.
SECTION 11.02 Company's Representations. The Company hereby represents and
warrants to the Executive that (a) it has all necessary corporate power and
authority to execute and deliver this Agreement and to perform its obligations
hereunder and (b) the execution and delivery of this Agreement by the Company
has been duly and validly authorized by all necessary corporate action. The
Company also agrees, following its initial public offering, to use reasonable
best efforts to file and maintain an effective Registration Statement on Form
S-8 (or any similar successor form) covering the issuance to the Executive of
(i) the shares of the Company's common stock upon the exercise of the option
referred to in Section 4.05 (the "Option Shares").
SECTION 11.03 General Indemnification. The Company agrees that if the
Executive is made a party, or is threatened to be made a party, to any pending
or threatened action, suit or proceeding, whether civil, criminal,
administrative or investigative (each, a "Proceeding"), by reason of the fact
that he is or was a director, officer or employee of the Company or is or was
serving at the request of the Company as a director, officer, member, employee
or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other
enterprise, including service with respect to employee benefit plans, the
Executive shall be indemnified and held harmless by the Company to the fullest
extent permitted or authorized by applicable law and the Company's certificate
of incorporation or bylaws, against all cost, expense, liability and loss
reasonably incurred or suffered by the Executive in connection therewith,
including, without limitation, attorneys' fees and disbursements and judgments,
and the Company shall advance expenses in connection therewith, to the fullest
extent permitted or authorized by applicable law and the Company's certificate
of incorporation or bylaws. Such indemnification shall continue as to the
Executive even if he has ceased to be a director, member, employee or agent of
the Company or other entity and shall inure to the benefit of the Executive's
heirs, executors and administrators. The Company agrees to continue and maintain
a directors' and officers' liability insurance policy covering the Executive to
the extent the Company provides such coverage for its other executive officers.
SECTION 11.04 Tax Returns and Legal Fees. The Executive shall be entitled
to the reimbursement by the Company of up to $10,000 per year for financial
planning and tax preparation services. The Company shall reimburse the Executive
for all reasonable expenses incurred by him for legal advice in finalizing the
Agreement, subject to a maximum of $20,000.
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ARTICLE 12
CERTAIN ADDITIONAL PAYMENTS
SECTION 12.01 Gross-ups and Indemnifications.
(a) Gross-up for Code Section 4999 Excise Taxes. Notwithstanding any
other provision in this Agreement to the contrary, and except as set forth
below, in the event it shall be determined under the provisions of this
Section 12 hereof that any payment or distribution by the Company, or by
any successor or affiliate of the Company (the "Payor"), to or for the
benefit of the Executive (whether paid or payable or distributed or
distributable pursuant to the terms of this Agreement or otherwise,
including without limitation any other Agreement, arrangement or agreement
with such Payor, and including a determination (i) with regard to the value
of any accelerated vesting of Options or stock awards or other forms of
compensation, if such vesting occurs as a result of a Change in Control;
but (ii) without regard to any additional payments required or calculated
under this Section 12) (a "Payment"), would be subject to the excise tax
imposed by Internal Revenue Code section 4999, 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") (which is
itself payable subject to applicable tax withholdings). This Gross-Up
Payment shall be equal to 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, (i) any income and
FICA taxes (and any interest and penalties imposed with respect thereto)
and (ii) Excise Tax imposed upon the Gross-Up Payment, the Executive
retains an amount of the Gross-Up Payment equal to the Excise Tax imposed
upon the Payments. The Company's obligation to make Gross-Up Payments under
this Section 12 shall not be conditioned upon the Executive's termination
of employment after any Change in Control. For purposes of determining the
amount of the Gross-Up Payment, the Executive shall be deemed to pay
federal income taxes at the highest marginal rate of federal income
taxation in the calendar year in which the Gross-Up Payment is to be made,
and state and local income taxes at the highest marginal rate of taxation
in either the state and locality of the Executive's place of employment at
the time of the Change in Control or in the state and locality of residence
at the time or times of payment, as applicable, net of the maximum
reduction in federal income taxes that could be obtained from the deduction
of the state and local taxes.
(1) Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this Section 12(a), if
it shall be determined that the Executive is entitled to a Gross-up
Payment, but that the Payments are less than $10,000 more than the greatest
amount (the "Reduced Amount") that could be paid to the Executive such that
the receipt of Payment would not give rise to any Excise Tax, then no
Gross-Up Payment shall be made to the Executive, and the Payment, in the
aggregate, shall be reduced to the
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Reduced Amount. The reduction of the amounts payable hereunder, if
applicable, shall be made by reducing the payments under Sections 5.03 and
5.05 hereof, but in any event shall be made in such a manner as to maximize
the value of all Payments actually made to the Executive. For purposes of
reducing the Payments to the Reduced Amount, only amounts payable under the
Agreement (and no other Payments) shall be reduced. If the reduction of
amounts payable under this Agreement would not result in the payment of the
Reduced Amount, no amounts payable under this Agreement shall be reduced.
(2) The Company shall provide written notice to the Executive with
respect to each Payment promptly after it occurs, setting forth the nature
of such Payment. Subject to the provisions of Section 12(a), all
determinations required to be made under this Article 12, including whether
and when a Gross-Up Payment is required and the amount of such Gross-Up
Payment and the assumptions to be utilized in arriving at such
determination, shall be made by a law firm or public accounting firm
selected among those regularly consulted by the Company during the
twelve-month period immediately prior to the Change in Control regarding
federal income tax matters (the "Firm"). Within 15 days after the Firm has
been notified by the Executive or the Company that a parachute payment has
occurred, such Firm shall provide detailed supporting calculations with
respect to such Payment both to the Company and the Executive. All fees and
expenses of the Firm shall be borne solely by the Company. Any Gross-Up
Payment, as determined pursuant to this Section, shall be paid by the
Company to the Executive within five days of the receipt of the Firm's
determination. Any determination by the Firm shall be binding upon the
Company and the Executive. As a result of any uncertainty in the
application of Code section 4999 at the time of the initial determination
by the Firm hereunder, it is possible that Gross-Up Payments which will not
have been made by the Company should have been made ("Underpayment"),
consistent with the calculations required to be made hereunder. In the
event that the Company exhausts its remedies pursuant to Article 12 and the
Executive thereafter is required to make a payment of any Excise Tax, the
Firm shall determine the amount of the Underpayment that has occurred and
any such Underpayment shall be promptly paid by the Company to or for the
benefit of the Executive.
(3) The Executive shall notify the Company in writing of any written
communication from the Internal Revenue Service or other taxing authority
concerning the Gross-Up Payment or other matters arising under this Article
12. Such notification shall be given as soon as practicable but no later
than ten (10) business days after the Executive receives such written
communication and shall apprise the Company of the content of such
communication. Failure to give timely notice shall not be deemed to
prejudice the Executive's rights to Gross-Up Payment and rights of
indemnity hereunder. The Executive shall not pay any claim pursuant to such
written communication prior to the expiration of the 30-day period
following the date on which the Executive gives such notice to the Company
(or such shorter period ending on the date that any payment of taxes with
respect to such claim is due). If the Company notifies the Executive in
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writing prior to the expiration of such period that it desires to contest
such claim, the Executive shall (i) give the Company any information
reasonably requested by the Company relating to such claim, (ii) take such
action in connection with contesting such claim as the Company shall
reasonably request in writing from time to time, including, without
limitation, accepting legal representation with respect to such claim by an
attorney reasonably selected by the Company, (iii) cooperate with the
Company in good faith in order to effectively contest such claim, and (iv)
permit the Company to participate in any proceedings relating to such
claim; provided, however, that the Company shall bear and pay directly all
costs and expenses (including additional interest and penalties) incurred
in connection with such contest and shall indemnify and hold the Executive
harmless, such that after payment by the Executive of any and all income
taxes, Excise Taxes and FICA taxes (including any interest and penalties
imposed with respect thereto) ("Taxes") that may be imposed as a result of
such representation and payment of costs and expenses by the Company, the
Executive retains an amount equal to such Taxes. Without limitation on the
foregoing provisions of this Article 12, the Company shall control all
proceedings taken in connection with such contest and, at its sole option,
may pursue or forgo any and all administrative appeals, proceedings,
hearings and conferences with the taxing authority in respect of such claim
and may, at its sole option, either direct the Executive to pay Taxes
claimed and xxx for a refund or contest the claim in any permissible
manner, and the Executive agrees to prosecute such contest to a
determination before any administrative tribunal, in a court of initial
jurisdiction and in one or more appellate courts, as the Company shall
determine; provided, however, that if the Company directs the Executive to
pay such claim and xxx for a refund, the Company shall advance the amount
of such payment to the Executive, on an interest-free basis, and shall
indemnify and hold the Executive harmless such that, after payment by the
Executive of Taxes imposed with respect to such advance or with respect to
any imputed income with respect to such advance, the Executive retains an
amount equal to such Taxes. Furthermore, the Company's control of the
contest shall be limited to issues with respect to which a Gross-Up Payment
would be payable hereunder and the Executive shall be entitled to settle or
contest, as the case may be, any other issue raised by the Internal Revenue
Service or any other taxing authority unrelated to the subject matter of
this Agreement.
(4) If, after the receipt by the Executive of an amount advanced by the
Company pursuant to Article 12, the Executive becomes entitled to receive
any refund with respect to such claim, the Executive shall (subject to the
Company's complying with the requirements of Article 12) promptly pay to
the Company the amount of such refund (together with any interest paid or
credited thereon after Taxes applicable thereto). If, after the receipt by
the Executive of an amount advanced by the Company pursuant to Article 12,
a determination is made that the Executive shall not be entitled to any
refund with respect to such claim and the Company does not notify the
Executive in writing of its intent to contest such denial of refund prior
to the expiration of 30 days after such determination, then
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such advance shall be deemed to be a part of the Gross-Up Payment and shall
not be required to be repaid.
(5) The Executive, by providing notice to the Company under the
Agreement's administrative notification rules, may designate a beneficiary
or contingent beneficiaries to receive the benefits and payments hereunder
and the Gross-Up Payment described in this Article 12 in the event of the
Executive's death following the Executive's termination of service but
prior to payment in full by the Company, its successor or assigns. The
Executive may, from time to time, revoke or change any such designation of
beneficiary. Any designation of beneficiary made pursuant to this Agreement
shall be controlling for this purpose over any other designation made by
the Executive, testamentary or otherwise; provided, that if the Company
shall be in doubt as to the right of a beneficiary to receive payments, it
may determine in its sole discretion to pay such amounts to the legal
representative of the Executive's estate.
(6) Any other liability for unpaid or unwithheld Excise Taxes, other
than those described above, is borne exclusively by the Company, in
accordance with Code section 3403. The assumption of such liability by the
Company shall not in any manner relieve the Company of any of its
obligations under Article 12 of the Agreement.
(b) Indemnification for Agreement Enforcement Costs. The Company shall
promptly pay any and all reasonable fees and expenses incurred by the
Executive in seeking to obtain or enforce any rights or benefits provided
by this Agreement, including all reasonable attorneys' fees and expenses,
accountants' fees and expenses, and court costs (if any) that may be
incurred by the Executive in pursuing a claim for payment of benefits under
this Agreement, provided that the Executive is successful, through
settlement, on the merits, or otherwise, as to at least part of the
disputed claim by reason of litigation, arbitration, or settlement. In the
event that any of the fees and expenses paid under this Section 12(b) are
determined by the Company, the Internal Revenue Service, or any taxing
authority to be taxable to the Executive, the Company shall reimburse the
Executive for all taxes paid by the Executive with respect to such payment
of fees and expenses (including for this purpose any interest and penalties
imposed with respect thereto) (the "Tax Reimbursement for Indemnification
Payments") in such an amount that after payment by the Executive of all
Federal, state and local taxes imposed on such Tax Reimbursement for
Indemnification Payments, the Executive retains an amount equal to the Tax
Reimbursement for Indemnification Payments (following the same procedures
for calculating a gross-up payment set forth in Section 12(a) above).
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ARTICLE 13
MISCELLANEOUS
SECTION 13.01 Certain Procedures. There are currently no disciplinary or
grievance procedures in place, there is no collective agreement in place, and
there is no probationary period.
SECTION 13.02 Consent to Amendments. The provisions of this Agreement may
be amended or waived only by a written agreement executed by the Company and the
Executive, and delivered to each such contracting party. No other course of
dealing between the parties to this Agreement or any delay in exercising any
rights hereunder will operate as a waiver of any rights of any such parties.
SECTION 13.03 Successors and Assigns. All covenants and agreements
contained in this Agreement by or on behalf of any of the parties hereto will
bind and inure to the benefit of the respective successors and assigns of the
parties hereto whether so expressed or not, provided that the Executive may not
assign his rights or delegate his obligations under this Agreement without the
written consent of the Company and its Subsidiaries; provided further that the
Company and its Subsidiaries may not assign the rights of the Company and its
Subsidiaries hereunder except to a Person that expressly assumes the obligations
of the Company and its Subsidiaries hereunder.
SECTION 13.04 Severability. Whenever possible, each provision of this
Agreement will be interpreted in such manner as to be effective and valid under
applicable law, but if any provision of this Agreement is held to be prohibited
by or invalid under applicable law, such provision will be ineffective only to
the extent of such prohibition or invalidity, without invalidating the remainder
of this Agreement.
SECTION 13.05 Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed simultaneously
in two or more counterparts, any one of which need not contain the signatures of
more than one party, but all of which counterparts taken together will
constitute one and the same agreement.
SECTION 13.06 Descriptive Headings. The descriptive headings of this
Agreement are inserted for convenience only and do not constitute a part of this
Agreement.
SECTION 13.07 Notices. All notices, demands or other communications to be
given or delivered under or by reason of the provisions of this Agreement will
be in writing and will be deemed to have been given when delivered personally to
the recipient, two (2) business days after the date when sent to the recipient
by reputable express courier service (charges prepaid) or four (4) business days
after the date when mailed to the recipient by certified or registered mail,
return receipt requested and postage prepaid. Such notices, demands and other
communications will be sent to the Executive and to the Company at the addresses
set forth below.
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If to the Executive: To the last address of the Executive on record with
the Company.
If to the Company: Quanta Capital Holding Ltd., 00 Xxxxxx Xxxxxx, Xxxxxxxx,
Xxxxxxx. Copies (which shall not constitute notice) of notices to the Company
shall also be sent to: Xxxxx X. Xxxxxxx, Esq., Xxxxx & XxXxxxxx, 000 Xxxxx
Xxxxxx, Xxx Xxxx, Xxx Xxxx 00000, or to such other address or to the attention
of such other person as the recipient party has specified by prior written
notice to the sending party.
SECTION 13.08 Withholding. The Company may withhold from any amounts
payable under this Agreement such federal, state, local or foreign taxes as
shall be required to be withheld pursuant to any applicable law or regulation.
SECTION 13.09 No Third Party Beneficiary. This Agreement will not confer
any rights or remedies upon any person other than the Company and its
Subsidiaries, the Executive, and their respective heirs, executors, successors
and assigns.
SECTION 13.10 Entire Agreement. This Agreement (including the documents
referred to herein) constitutes the entire agreement among the parties and
supersedes any prior understandings, agreements or representations by or among
the parties, written or oral, that may have related in any way to the subject
matter hereof.
SECTION 13.11 Construction. The language used in this Agreement will be
deemed to be the language chosen by the parties to express their mutual intent,
and no rule of strict construction will be applied against any party. Any
reference to any federal, state, local or foreign statute or law will be deemed
also to refer to all rules and regulations promulgated thereunder, unless the
context requires otherwise. The use of the word "including" in this Agreement
means "including without limitation" and is intended by the parties to be by way
of example rather than limitation.
SECTION 13.12 Survival. Sections 5.05, 6.01, 7.01, 8.01, 11.03 and Articles
9, 10, 12 and 13 will survive and continue in full force in accordance with
their terms notwithstanding the occurrence of the Date of Termination
SECTION 13.13 GOVERNING LAW. ALL QUESTIONS CONCERNING THE CONSTRUCTION,
VALIDITY AND INTERPRETATION OF THIS AGREEMENT WILL BE GOVERNED BY THE INTERNAL
LAW OF NEW YORK, WITHOUT REGARD TO PRINCIPLES OF CONFLICT OF LAWS.
SECTION 13.14 Jurisdiction. The parties agree to the nonexclusive
jurisdiction of the federal and state courts situated in New York County, New
York, for the resolution of any dispute arising under this Agreement, the Stock
Option Agreement or the Restricted Stock Agreements referenced in Section 4.05.
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Agreement as of
the date and year first above written.
QUANTA CAPITAL HOLDINGS, LTD.
By: /s/ Xxxxxxx X. Xxxxxx
---------------------
Xxxxxxx X. Xxxxxx - Deputy Chairman
and Chief Operating Officer
By: /s/ Xxxxx X. Xxxx
-----------------
Xxxxx X. Xxxx
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