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EXHIBIT 10.28
EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT
THIS EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT (this "Agreement"), is made and entered into as
of September 28, 1998, by and between Sabratek Corporation, a Delaware
corporation, with its principal office located at 0000 Xxxxx Xx. Xxxxx Xxxxxx,
Xxxxxx, Xxxxxxxx 00000 (together with its successors and assigns permitted under
this Agreement, "Sabratek") and K. Xxxx Xxxxx ("Xxxxx").
WITNESSETH:
WHEREAS, Sabratek has determined that it is in the best interests of
Sabratek and its stockholders to continue to employ Xxxxx and to set forth in
this Agreement the obligations and duties of both Sabratek and Xxxxx; and
WHEREAS, Sabratek wishes to assure itself of the services of Xxxxx for the
period hereinafter provided, and Xxxxx is willing to be employed by Sabratek for
said period, upon the terms and conditions provided in this Agreement;
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and mutual covenants
contained herein and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt of
which is mutually acknowledged, Sabratek and Xxxxx (individually a "Party" and
together the "Parties") agree as follows:
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1. DEFINITIONS.
(a) "BENEFICIARY" shall mean the person or persons named by Xxxxx pursuant
to Section 14 below or, in the event that no such person is named who survives
Xxxxx, his estate.
(b) "BOARD" shall mean the Board of Directors of Sabratek.
(c) "CAUSE" shall mean:
(i) Xxxxx being found guilty of a felony or an act of fraud or
embezzlement, in each case related to Sabratek or its business;
(ii) any repeated and demonstrated failure by Xxxxx to discharge
faithfully the responsibilities of his position that the Board in good faith
determines is extremely detrimental to the current and future interests of
Sabratek; or
(iii) a material breach by Xxxxx of any provision of this Agreement.
(d) "CHANGE IN CONTROL" shall mean the occurrence of any of the following
events:
(i) Consummation of the acquisition by any person (as such term is
defined in Section 13(d) or 14(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as
amended (the "1934 Act")) of beneficial ownership (within the meaning of Rule
l3d-3 promulgated under the 0000 Xxx) of 40 percent or more of the combined
voting power of the then outstanding voting securities of Sabratek; or
(ii) The individuals who, as of the date hereof, are members of the
Board cease for any reason to constitute a majority of the Board, unless the
election, or nomination for election by the stockholders of Sabratek, of any new
director or directors was approved by a vote of a majority of the Board, in
which case such new director or directors shall, for purposes of this Agreement,
be considered as a member or members of the Board; or
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(iii) Approval by stockholders of Sabratek of (A) a merger or consolidation
of Sabratek if the stockholders immediately before such merger or consolidation
do not, as a result of such merger or consolidation, own, directly or
indirectly, more than 60 percent of the combined voting power of the then
outstanding voting securities of the entity resulting from such merger or
consolidation in substantially the same proportion as their ownership of the
combined voting power of the voting securities of Sabratek outstanding
immediately before such merger or consolidation; or (B) a complete liquidation
or dissolution, or an agreement for the sale or other disposition, of all or
substantially all of the assets of Sabratek.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, a Change in Control shall not be deemed to
occur solely because 40 percent or more of the combined voting power of the then
outstanding securities is acquired by (i) a trustee or other fiduciary holding
securities under one or more employee benefit plans maintained for employees of
Sabratek, or (ii) any corporation that, immediately prior to such acquisition,
is owned directly or indirectly by the stockholders of Sabratek in the same
proportion as their ownership of stock of Sabratek immediately prior to such
acquisition.
(e) "CODE" shall mean the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended from
time to time.
(f) "COMMITTEE" shall mean the Compensation Committee of the Board.
(g) "DISABILITY" shall mean the illness or other mental or physical
disability of Xxxxx, as determined under the long-term disability plan of
Sabratek covering Xxxxx, or if no such plan exists, Padda's failure (i) to
perform substantially his material duties under this Agreement for a period of
six consecutive months, or for an aggregate of 270 days during any 12-month
period, and
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(ii) to return to the performance of his duties within 30 days after receiving
written notice of termination
(h) "SALARY" shall mean the annual salary provided for in Section
3 below, as adjusted from time to time.
(i) "TERM OF EMPLOYMENT" OR "TERM" shall mean the period specified in
Section 2(b) below.
(j) "YEAR" shall mean the calendar year, which is the fiscal year of
Sabratek.
2. EMPLOYMENT TERM, POSITIONS AND DUTIES.
(a) EMPLOYMENT OF XXXXX. Sabratek hereby continues to employ Xxxxx, and
Xxxxx hereby accepts continued employment with Sabratek, in the positions and
with the duties and responsibilities set forth below and upon such other terms
and conditions as are hereinafter stated.
(b) TERM OF EMPLOYMENT. The Term of Employment shall commence on the date
hereof and shall terminate on September 27, 2003; provided, however, that at the
end of each 12-month period after September 27, 2000 (unless either Party gives
six months' written notice to the other that the Term shall not continue), the
Term shall thereafter automatically extend for an additional 12-month period
(with the result that, in the absence of such notice, the Term shall never be
less than three years in length), unless the Term is sooner terminated as
provided in Section 9 below.
(c) TITLES AND DUTIES.
(i) Until the date of termination of his employment hereunder, Xxxxx
shall be employed as Chief Executive Officer, reporting to the full Board. In
his capacity as Chief Executive Officer, Xxxxx shall have the customary powers,
responsibilities and authorities of chief executive
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officers of corporations of the size, type and nature of Sabratek including,
without limitation, authority, in conjunction with the Board as appropriate, to
hire and terminate other employees of Sabratek.
(ii) During the Term of Employment, Sabratek shall use its best efforts
to secure the election of Xxxxx to the Board and to the chairmanship thereof.
(d) TIME AND EFFORT.
(i) Xxxxx agrees to devote his best efforts and abilities, and such of
his business time and attention as is reasonably necessary, to the affairs of
Sabratek in order to carry out his duties and responsibilities under this
Agreement.
(ii) Notwithstanding the foregoing, nothing shall preclude Xxxxx from
(A) serving on the boards of a reasonable number of trade associations,
charitable organizations and/or businesses not in competition with Sabratek, (B)
engaging in charitable activities and community affairs, and (C) managing his
personal investments and affairs; provided, however, that, such activities do
not materially interfere with the proper performance of his duties and
responsibilities specified in Section 2 (c).
3. SALARY.
Xxxxx shall receive from Sabratek a Salary, payable in accordance with the
regular payroll practices of Sabratek, in a minimum amount of $250,000. During
the Term the Committee shall review his Salary no less often than once each
Year, commencing January 1, 2000. On the basis of any such review, the Committee
may in its sole discretion increase Padda's Salary accordingly. The term
"Salary" as used in this Agreement shall refer to his Salary at any time as so
adjusted.
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4. BONUSES.
(a) ANNUAL BONUS. Xxxxx shall be eligible to receive an annual bonus for
each Year or portion thereof during the Term, which bonus shall not be (i) less
than 60% of his Salary if he achieves 100% of specified performance objectives,
or (ii) less than 70% of his Salary if he achieves 120% of specified performance
objectives for any Year. The performance objectives shall be determined and
approved at the beginning of each Year by the Committee and agreed to by Xxxxx.
(b) SPECIAL BONUS. Xxxxx shall be eligible to receive additional bonuses
during the Term. The Committee shall determine, in its discretion, the occasion
for payment, and the amount, of any such bonus.
5. LONG-TERM INCENTIVE COMPENSATION.
During the Term, Xxxxx shall be entitled to participate in Sabratek's
Long-Term Incentive Compensation Plan (the "LTIP"), a copy of which is attached
hereto as Attachment I, and receive awards thereunder in accordance with its
terms.
6. EQUITY OPPORTUNITY.
During the Term, Xxxxx shall be eligible to receive grants of options to
purchase shares of Sabratek's stock and awards of shares of Sabratek's stock,
either or both as determined by the Committee, under and in accordance with the
terms of applicable plans of Sabratek and related option and award agreements.
7. EXPENSE REIMBURSEMENT; CERTAIN OTHER COSTS.
During the Term, Xxxxx shall be entitled to prompt reimbursement by
Sabratek for all reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred by him in
performing services under this Agreement, upon his submission of such accounts
and records as may be reasonably required by Sabratek. In
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addition, Xxxxx shall be entitled to payment by Sabratek of all reasonable costs
and expenses, including attorneys' and consultants' fees and disbursements,
incurred by him in connection with adoption of this Agreement and any related
compensatory arrangements that Sabratek adopts solely for his benefit.
8. EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS.
During the Term Xxxxx shall be entitled to all benefits specifically
established for him, including, but not limited to, a $900 per month housing
allowance, and to participate in all employee benefit plans and programs made
available to Sabratek's senior executives or to its employees generally, as such
plans or programs may be in effect from time to time, including, without
limitation, pension and other retirement plans, profit-sharing plans, savings
and similar plans, group life insurance, accidental death and dismemberment
insurance, travel accident insurance, hospitalization insurance, surgical
insurance, major and excess major medical insurance, dental insurance,
short-term and long-term disability insurance, sick leave (including salary
continuation arrangements), holidays, vacation and any other employee benefit
plans or programs that may be sponsored by Sabratek from time to time, including
plans that supplement the above-listed types of plans, whether funded or
unfunded.
9. TERMINATION OF EMPLOYMENT.
(a) VOLUNTARY TERMINATION AND TERMINATION BY MUTUAL AGREEMENT. Xxxxx may
terminate his employment voluntarily at any time. If he does so, his entitlement
hereunder shall be the same as if Sabratek had terminated his employment for
Cause. The Parties may terminate this Agreement by mutual agreement at any time.
If they do so, Padda's entitlement shall be as the Parties mutually agree.
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(b) GENERAL. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, in the event
of termination of Padda's employment under this Agreement, he or his
Beneficiary, as the case may be, shall be entitled to receive (in addition to
payments and benefits under, and except as specifically provided in, subsections
(c) through (h) below, as applicable):
(i) his Salary through the date of termination;
(ii) any unused vacation from prior years according to Sabratek's
vacation policy;
(iii) any annual or special bonus awarded but not yet paid to him;
(iv) any deferred compensation payable under any deferred
compensation plan of Sabratek;
(v) any other compensation or benefits, including without limitation
long-term incentive compensation described in Section 5 above, benefits under
equity grants and awards described in Section 6 above and employee benefits
under plans described in Section 8 above, that have vested through the date of
termination or to which he may then be entitled in accordance with the
applicable terms and conditions of each grant, award or plan; and
(vi) reimbursement in accordance with Section 7 above of any business
expenses incurred by Xxxxx through the date of termination but not yet paid to
him.
(c) TERMINATION DUE TO DEATH. In the event that Padda's employment is
terminated due to his death, his Beneficiary shall be entitled, in addition to
the compensation and benefits specified in Section 9(b), to:
(i) Padda's Salary, at the rate in effect immediately before such
termination, payable through the end of the month in which the proceeds of his
life insurance under Sabratek's group plan are paid; and
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(ii) a prorated annual bonus for the Year in which his death occurs.
(d) TERMINATION DUE TO DISABILITY. In the event of Disability, Sabratek
or Xxxxx may terminate Padda's employment. If Padda's employment is terminated
due to Disability, he shall be entitled, in addition to the compensation and
benefits specified in Section 9(b), to a prorated annual bonus for the Year in
which his termination for Disability occurs.
(e) TERMINATION BY SABRATEK FOR CAUSE. Sabratek may terminate Padda's
employment hereunder for Cause only upon written notice to Xxxxx not less than
45 days prior to any intended termination date, which notice shall specify the
grounds for such termination in reasonable detail. Cause shall in no event be
deemed to exist except upon a finding reflected in a resolution approved by a
majority (excluding Xxxxx) of the members of the Board (whose findings shall not
be binding upon or entitled to any deference by any court, arbitrator or other
decision-maker ruling on this Agreement). Upon receipt of such notice, Xxxxx
(and his counsel) shall have 30 days to present to the Board his position
regarding any dispute relating to the existence of such Cause. Unless rescinded
by the Board, termination shall be effective on the date specified in the
original notice.
In the event that Padda's employment is terminated for Cause, he shall be
entitled only to the compensation and benefits specified in Section 9(b).
(f) TERMINATION WITHOUT CAUSE.
(i) Termination without Cause shall mean: (A) termination of Padda's
employment by Sabratek and shall include any reason for termination other than
(i) due to death, Disability or Cause, (ii) by Xxxxx voluntarily, or (iii) by
mutual agreement of Xxxxx and Sabratek; or (B) Sabratek changes the primary
employment location of Xxxxx to a place that is outside the
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Chicago metropolitan area. Sabratek shall provide Xxxxx ten days' prior written
notice of termination by it without Cause.
(ii) In the event of termination by Sabratek of Padda's employment without
Cause, he shall be entitled, and Sabratek shall set aside in escrow pursuant to
the provisions of Section 9(i)(ii) (without regard to Subsection (A) through (D)
thereof) an amount sufficient to pay, in addition to the compensation and
benefits specified in Section 9(b), to:
(A) his Salary, at the rate in effect immediately before such
termination, for the longer of the remainder of the Term or three years; and
(B) a prorated annual bonus for any partial year and an annual bonus
for each remaining Year of the Term equal to the average of the three highest
annual bonuses awarded to him during the five Years preceding the Year of
termination, such bonus to be paid at the same time annual bonuses are
regularly paid; and
(C) continued coverage under the health program maintained by Sabratek
for the remainder of the Term; and
(D) the Cumulative Unit Value (as defined in and calculated under the
LTIP) for each unit awarded under the LTIP prior to the date of termination to
be paid in accordance with the terms thereof; and
(E) notwithstanding anything in this Section 9(f) to the contrary,
Sabratek shall have no further obligation to make any salary or bonus payments
for any period following the first date on which Xxxxx takes any action which
would fall within the definition of "Restrictive Covenant" as provided in
Section 12(a) hereof, whether or not such action occurs within the Restrictive
Period (as defined in Section 12(a) hereof).
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(g) VOLUNTARY TERMINATION BY XXXXX. Xxxxx shall have the right, upon 60
days' prior written notice, voluntarily to terminate his employment. If he
exercises this right, his employment shall cease and the Term shall terminate as
of the date stated in such notice, and he shall be entitled to receive
compensation and benefits as if Sabratek had terminated his employment for
Cause, as provided in Section 9(e).
(h) NOTICE THAT THE TERM SHALL NOT RENEW. In the event that either Party
notifies the other that the Employment Term shall not renew pursuant to the
terms of Section 2(b) above, Xxxxx shall continue to render services to Sabratek
through the end of the Term as in effect on the date of delivery of such notice,
unless: (A) the non-renewal decision was made by Sabratek, in which case, the
Committee or Xxxxx may elect to treat the notice as a termination without Cause
of Padda's employment; or (B) the non-renewal decision was made by Xxxxx, in
which case, the Committee may elect to treat the notice as a voluntary
termination of employment by Xxxxx.
(i) CHANGE IN CONTROL. (i) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this
Section 9, if, within twelve months following a Change in Control (A) Padda's
employment is terminated for any reason other than death or Disability, or (B)
Xxxxx terminates his employment, he shall be entitled to the compensation and
benefits provided in Sections 9(b) and 9(f)(ii), including, but not limited to,
any other compensation or benefits, including the Maximum Cumulative Unit Value
(as defined in the LTIP) for each unit awarded under the LTIP to the date of
termination, benefits under equity grants and awards described in Section 6
above and employee benefits under plans described
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in Section 8 above, that have vested through the date of termination or to which
he may then be entitled in accordance with the applicable terms and conditions
of each grant, award or plan.
(ii) Immediately upon: (A) the filing by a third-party with the United
States Securities and Exchange Commission of any proxy or tender offer material
evidencing an intent to gain control of the Company; (B) the mailing of a proxy
statement by the Company to shareholders requesting an affirmative vote
regarding a Change in Control; or (C) the receipt of information by the Company
that 40 percent or more of its outstanding common stock has been acquired by any
person (as defined under the 1934 Act), the Company shall contribute to an
irrevocable grantor trust (a "Rabbi Trust") an amount sufficient to enable all
potential amounts due to Xxxxx under this Section to be paid. The Company shall
provide Xxxxx with a certification of the payment to such trust of all such
amounts. All such amounts which are due to Xxxxx shall be paid using the assets
of said trust except to the extent its terms preclude such payment, in which
event payment shall be made by the Company from its own funds, or unless the
Company elects to pay any or all such amounts from its own funds.
10. PARACHUTES.
(a) APPLICATION. If all, or any portion, of the payments provided under
this Agreement, and/or any other payments and benefits that Xxxxx receives or is
entitled to receive from Sabratek, including, but not limited to, amounts
generated from the exercise and sale of options granted to Xxxxx, constitutes an
excess "parachute payment" within the meaning of Section 280G(b) of the Code,
whether or not under an existing plan, arrangement or other agreement (each such
parachute payment, a "Parachute Payment") and will result in the imposition on
Xxxxx of an excise tax under Section 4999 of the Code, then, in addition to any
other benefits to which Xxxxx is entitled under this
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Agreement, Sabratek shall pay him an amount in cash equal to the sum of the
excise taxes payable by him by reason of receiving such Parachute Payments, plus
the amount necessary to put him in the same after-tax position (taking into
account any and all applicable federal, state and local excise, income or other
taxes at the highest possible applicable rates on such Parachute Payments
(including without limitation any payments under this Section 10) as if no
excise taxes had been imposed with respect to Parachute Payments (the "Parachute
Gross-up").
(b) COMPUTATION. The amount of any payment under this Section 10 shall be
computed by Sabratek's certified public accounting firm in consultation with
legal counsel acceptable to Xxxxx. Xxxxx and Sabratek shall provide the
accounting firm with all information that it reasonably deems necessary in order
to compute the Parachute Gross-up. The cost and expenses of the accounting firm
retained to perform the computations shall be borne by Sabratek.
(c) PAYMENT. In any event, Sabratek shall pay to Xxxxx, or pay on his
behalf, the Parachute Gross-up as computed by the accounting firm by the time
any taxes payable by him as a result of the Parachute Payments become due.
In the event that the Internal Revenue Service ("IRS") determines that the
amount of excise taxes thereon initially paid was insufficient to discharge
Padda's excise tax liability, Sabratek shall make additional payments to him as
may be necessary to reimburse him for discharging the full liability.
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11. CONFIDENTIALITY AND LOYALTY.
(a) GENERAL.
(i) Xxxxx hereby acknowledges that as a result of his employment with
Sabratek he has produced and had access to, and may hereafter produce and have
access to, material, records, data, trade secrets, inventions and information
not generally available to the public (collectively, "Confidential Information")
regarding Sabratek and that any such Confidential Information is the exclusive
property of Sabratek.
(ii) Accordingly, Xxxxx hereby agrees that, during and subsequent to the
Term, he shall hold in confidence and not directly or indirectly disclose, use,
copy or make lists of any such Confidential Information, except to the extent
that such information is or thereafter becomes lawfully available from public
sources, or such disclosure is authorized in writing by Sabratek, required by a
law or any competent administrative agency or judicial authority, or otherwise
as reasonably necessary or appropriate in connection with performance by Xxxxx
of his duties hereunder.
(b) RETURN OF DOCUMENTS. All records, files, documents and other materials
or copies thereof relating to Sabratek's business that Xxxxx prepares or uses
shall be and remain the sole property of Sabratek and shall not be removed from
Sabratek's premises without its written consent. Upon termination of Padda's
employment with Sabratek for any reason, he shall promptly deliver to Sabratek
all such items that are then in his possession or control.
(c) DUTY OF LOYALTY. Xxxxx hereby agrees to abide by Sabratek's reasonable
policies, as in effect from time to time, respecting avoidance of interests
conflicting with those of Sabratek.
(d) REMEDIES AND SANCTIONS. In the event that Xxxxx is found to be in
violation of Section 11(a), (b) or (c), Sabratek shall be entitled to relief as
provided in Section 13 below.
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12. NONCOMPETITION/NONSOLICITATION.
(a) RESTRICTIVE COVENANT. Xxxxx hereby agrees that, except with the express
prior written consent of Sabratek, for a period of one year after termination of
his employment with Sabratek for any reason (the "Restrictive Period"), he will
not directly or indirectly compete with the business of Sabratek as conducted on
the date of such termination, including, but not by way of limitation, by (i)
directly or indirectly owning, managing, operating, controlling, financing, (ii)
directly or indirectly serving as an employee, officer or director of or
consultant to, or (iii) soliciting or inducing, or attempting to solicit or
induce, any employee or agent of Sabratek to terminate employment with Sabratek
and become employed by, any person, firm, partnership, corporation, trust or
other entity that owns or operates an entity that is engaged in the same or
similar business as Sabratek as conducted on the date of such termination (the
"Restrictive Covenant").
If Xxxxx violates the Restrictive Covenant and Sabratek brings legal action
for injunctive or other relief, Sabratek shall not, as a result of the time
involved in obtaining such relief, be deprived of the benefit of the full period
of the Restrictive Covenant. Accordingly, the Restrictive Covenant shall be
deemed to endure for the period specified in this Section 12(a), computed from
the date the relief is granted but reduced by the time between the period when
the Restrictive Period began to run and the date of the first violation of the
Restrictive Covenant by Xxxxx.
(b) EXCEPTIONS. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in Section 12(a),
the Restrictive Covenant shall not:
(i) apply if Sabratek terminates Padda's employment without Cause, as
provided in Section 9(f) above; or
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(ii) prohibit Xxxxx from owning directly or indirectly capital stock or
similar securities which do not represent more than five percent of the
outstanding capital stock of any business similar to that of Sabratek as
conducted on the date of such termination.
(c) REMEDIES AND SANCTIONS. In the event that Xxxxx is found to be in
violation of Section 12(a) above, Sabratek shall be entitled to relief as
provided in Section 13 below.
13. REMEDIES/SANCTIONS.
Xxxxx hereby acknowledges that the restrictions contained in Sections 11
(a), (b) and (c) and 12(a) above are reasonable and necessary for the protection
of the legitimate business interests of Sabratek, for which monetary damages
alone may not provide an adequate remedy, that any violation of these
restrictions would cause substantial injury to Sabratek and such interests, that
Sabratek would not have entered into this Agreement without receiving the
additional consideration offered by Xxxxx in binding himself to these
restrictions and that such restrictions were a material inducement to Sabratek
to enter into this Agreement.
In the event of any violation or threatened violation of these
restrictions, Sabratek (a) shall be relieved of any further obligations under
the Agreement, (b) shall be entitled to monetary damages resulting from such
violation, and (c) in addition to and not in limitation of, any other rights,
remedies or damages available to Sabratek under this Agreement or otherwise at
law or in equity, shall be entitled to preliminary and permanent injunctive
relief to prevent or restrain any such violation by Xxxxx and any and all
persons directly or indirectly acting for or with him, as the case may be.
14. BENEFICIARIES/REFERENCES.
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Xxxxx shall be entitled to select (and change, to the extent permitted
under any applicable law) a Beneficiary or Beneficiaries to receive any
compensation or benefit payable under this Agreement following his death by
giving Sabratek written notice thereof. In the event of Padda's death, or of a
judicial determination of his incompetence, reference in this Agreement to Xxxxx
shall be deemed to refer, as appropriate, to his Beneficiary, estate or other
legal representative.
15. WITHHOLDING TAXES.
All payments to Xxxxx or his Beneficiary under this Agreement shall be
subject to withholding on account of federal, state and local taxes as required
by law.
16. INDEMNIFICATION AND LIABILITY INSURANCE.
Nothing herein is intended to limit Sabratek's indemnification of Xxxxx,
and Sabratek shall indemnify him to the fullest extent permitted by applicable
law consistent with Sabratek's Certificate of Incorporation and By-Laws as in
effect at the beginning of the Term, with respect to any action or failure to
act on his part while he is an officer, director or employee of Sabratek.
Sabratek shall cause Xxxxx to be covered at all times by directors' and
officers' liability insurance on terms no less favorable than the directors' and
officers' liability insurance maintained by Sabratek in effect on the date
hereof in terms of coverage and amounts. Sabratek shall continue to indemnify
Xxxxx as provided above and maintain such liability insurance coverage for him
after the Term for any claims that may be made against him with respect to his
service as a director or officer of Sabratek.
17. EFFECT OF AGREEMENT ON OTHER BENEFITS.
The existence of this Agreement shall not prohibit or restrict Padda's
entitlement to participate fully in compensation, employee benefit and other
plans of Sabratek in which senior executives are eligible to participate.
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18. ASSIGNABILITY; BINDING NATURE.
This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the
Parties and their respective successors, heirs (in the case of Xxxxx) and
assigns. No rights or obligations of Sabratek under this Agreement may be
assigned or transferred by Sabratek except pursuant to (a) a merger or
consolidation or (b) sale or liquidation of all or substantially all of the
assets of Sabratek, provided that the surviving entity or assignee or transferee
is the successor to all or substantially all of the assets of Sabratek and, in
the case of a sale or other transfer of assets or a merger in which Sabratek is
not the surviving entity, such surviving entity or assignee or transferee agrees
in writing to assume the liabilities, obligations and duties of Sabratek under
this Agreement. Notwithstanding such assignment, Sabratek shall remain liable
and responsible for fulfillment of the terms and conditions of this Agreement;
and provided further, that in no event shall such assignment of this Agreement
adversely affect Padda's right upon a Change in Control, as provided in Section
9(i) above. No rights or obligations of Xxxxx under this Agreement may be
assigned or transferred by him.
19. REPRESENTATIONS.
The Parties respectively represent and warrant that each is fully
authorized and empowered to enter into this Agreement and that the performance
of its or his obligations, as the case may be, under this Agreement will not
violate any agreement between such Party and any other person, firm or
organization. Sabratek represents and warrants that this Agreement has been duly
authorized by all necessary corporate action and is valid, binding and
enforceable in accordance with its terms.
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20. ENTIRE AGREEMENT.
Except to the extent otherwise provided herein, this Agreement contains the
entire understanding and agreement between the Parties concerning the subject
matter hereof and supersedes any prior agreements, whether written or oral,
between the Parties concerning the subject matter hereof, including without
limitation, the agreement made and entered into as of January 1, 1996 between
Sabratek and Xxxxx as heretofore amended and supplemented, provided that the
execution of this Agreement shall not adversely affect (i) any award previously
made to Xxxxx under any compensation plan maintained by Sabratek, or (ii) any
statements regarding the vesting of options or other benefits in such prior
agreements. Payments and benefits provided under this Agreement are in lieu of
any payments or other benefits under any severance program or policy of Sabratek
to which Xxxxx would otherwise be entitled.
21. AMENDMENT OR WAIVER.
No provision in this Agreement may be amended unless such amendment is
agreed to in writing and signed by both Xxxxx and an authorized officer of
Sabratek. No waiver by either Party of any breach by the other Party of any
condition or provision contained in this Agreement to be performed by such other
Party shall be deemed a waiver of a similar or dissimilar condition or provision
at the same or any prior or subsequent time. Any waiver must be in writing and
signed by the Party to be charged with the waiver. No delay by either Party in
exercising any right, power or privilege hereunder shall operate as a waiver
thereof.
22. SEVERABILITY.
In the event that any provision or portion of this Agreement shall be
determined to be invalid or unenforceable for any reason, in whole or in part,
the remaining provisions of this Agreement
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shall be unaffected thereby and shall remain in full force and effect to the
fullest extent permitted by law.
23. SURVIVAL.
The respective rights and obligations of the Parties under this Agreement
shall survive any termination of Padda's employment with Sabratek.
24. GOVERNING LAW/JURISDICTION.
This Agreement shall be governed by and construed and interpreted in
accordance with the laws of Illinois, without reference to principles of
conflict of laws.
25. ARBITRATION.
Any dispute or controversy other than a dispute or controversy arising
under Sections 11 or 12 hereof (actions regarding which may be brought in any
court (i) having situs within Xxxx County, Illinois and (ii) having jurisdiction
over the dispute or controversy) arising under or in connection with this
Agreement shall be settled exclusively by arbitration, conducted before a panel
of three arbitrators sitting in a location selected by Xxxxx within thirty (30)
miles from the main office of Sabratek, in accordance with the rules of the
American Arbitration Association then in effect. Judgment may be entered on the
arbitrator's award in any court having jurisdiction; provided, however, that the
Executive shall be entitled to seek specific performance of his right to be paid
through the date of termination during the pendency of any dispute or
controversy arising under or in connection with this Agreement.
26. LEGAL FEES.
All reasonable expenses and legal fees paid or incurred by Xxxxx pursuant
to any bona fide dispute or question of interpretation relating to this
Agreement, including all such expenses and fees,
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if any, incurred in contesting any termination of this Agreement by Sabratek or
in seeking to obtain or enforce any right or benefit provided by this Agreement,
shall be paid or reimbursed by Sabratek, provided, however, that if this
Agreement is terminated for Cause or if this Agreement is terminated voluntarily
by Xxxxx other than due to a breach of this Agreement by Sabratek, Sabratek
shall be obligated to pay any of Padda's expenses and legal fees arising
therefrom only if Xxxxx is successful on the merits pursuant to a legal
judgment, arbitration or settlement.
27. NOTICES.
Any notice given to either Party shall be in writing and shall be deemed to
have been given when delivered either personally, by fax, by overnight delivery
service (such as Federal Express) or sent by certified or registered mail
postage prepaid, return receipt requested, duly addressed to the Party concerned
at the address indicated below or to such changed address as the Party may
subsequently give notice of:
If to Sabratek or the Board:
Sabratek Corporation
0000 Xxxxx Xx. Xxxxx Xxxxxx
Xxxxxx, Xxxxxxxx 00000
Attention: President
FAX: (000) 000-0000
with a copy to:
Xxxx & Xxxxxxx
000 Xxxxx Xxxxxxxx Xxxxxx
Xxxxxxx, Xxxxxxxx 00000
Attention: Xxxxx X. Xxxx
PHONE: (000) 000-0000
FAX: (000) 000-0000
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If to Xxxxx:
Sabratek Corporation
0000 Xxxxx Xx. Xxxxx Xxxxxx
Xxxxxx, Xxxxxxxx 00000
Attention: Chairman
FAX: (000) 000-0000
and
K. Xxxx Xxxxx
0000 Xxxxx Xxxxxxxx, 0xx Xxxxx
Xxxxxxx, Xxxxxxxx 00000
28. HEADINGS.
The headings of the sections contained in this Agreement are for
convenience only and shall not be deemed to control or affect the meaning or
construction of any provision of this Agreement.
29. COUNTERPARTS.
This Agreement may be executed in counterparts, each of which when so
executed and delivered shall be an original, but all such counterparts together
shall constitute one and the same instrument.
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned have Agreement as of the date first
written above.
Sabratek Corporation
By:_____________________________________
Xxxxx X. Xxxxxxx, Xx., Chairman
of the Compensation Committee
_____________________________________
K. Xxxx Xxxxx
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