Contract
EXECUTIVE
EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT
(the
“Agreement”),
effective as of February
12, 2007, between P&F
INDUSTRIES, INC.,
a
Delaware corporation (the “Company”),
and
XXXXXXX
X. XXXXXXXX
(the
“Executive”).
W
I T N E S S E T H
WHEREAS,
the
Executive is employed by the Company as its Chairman, President and Chief
Executive Officer;
WHEREAS,
the
Company and the Executive desire to enter into the Agreement as to the terms
of
his employment with the Company;
NOW
THEREFORE,
in
consideration of the foregoing, the mutual promises contained herein and other
good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby
acknowledged, the parties hereto hereby agree as follows:
1. POSITION/DUTIES.
(a) During
the Employment Term (as hereinafter defined), the Executive shall serve as
the
President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company and, if elected by the
Board of Directors of the Company (the “Board”),
Chairman. In this capacity, the Executive shall have such duties, authorities
and responsibilities commensurate with the duties, authorities and
responsibilities of persons in similar capacities in similarly sized companies,
and such other duties, authorities and responsibilities as the Board shall
designate that are consistent with the Executive’s positions. The Executive
shall report to the Board.
(b) During
the Employment Term, the Executive shall devote all of his business time, energy
and skill and his best efforts to the performance of his duties with the
Company; provided, however, that the foregoing shall not prevent the Executive
from (i) serving on the board of directors of non-profit organizations and,
with
the prior written approval of the Board, other companies, (ii) participating
in
charitable, civic, educational, professional, community or industry affairs
or
(iii) managing his and his family’s passive personal investments so long as such
activities in the aggregate do not materially interfere or conflict with the
performance of his duties hereunder or create a potential business
conflict.
2. EMPLOYMENT
TERM.
The
Executive’s term of employment under this Agreement shall be for a term
commencing on January 1, 2007 (the “Effective
Date”)
and,
unless terminated earlier as provided in Section 6, ending on December 31,
2011
(the “Employment
Term”).
3. BASE
SALARY.
The
Company agrees to pay the Executive a base salary at an annual rate of not
less
than $975,000, payable in accordance with the regular payroll practices of
the
Company. The Executive’s base salary shall be subject to annual review by the
Board (or a committee thereof) and may be increased, but not decreased, from
time to time by the Board. The base salary as determined herein from time to
time shall constitute “Base Salary” for purposes of this Agreement.
4. BONUS.
During
the Employment Term, the Executive shall be eligible for an annual discretionary
incentive payment under the Company’s Executive 162(m) Bonus Plan, as amended or
as may be amended from time to time (the “Plan”),
or
any successor annual bonus plan with a target of 90% of the Executive’s
then-current Base Salary (the “Target
Bonus”)
(as
prorated for partial years).
5. EMPLOYEE
BENEFITS.
(a) Benefit
Plans.
The
Executive shall be entitled to participate in any employee benefit plan that
the
Company has adopted or may adopt, maintain or contribute to for the benefit
generally of its senior executives at a level commensurate with his position,
subject to satisfying the applicable eligibility requirements. Notwithstanding
the foregoing, the Company may modify or terminate any employee benefit plan
at
any time.
(b) Make-Up
Payments. Through
the earlier of (i) December 31, 2016, (ii) the Executive’s death, or (iii) the
Executive’s termination for Cause (as hereinafter defined) or resignation
without Good Reason (as hereinafter defined), the Company will pay the Executive
$45,064.37 (each a “Make
Up Payment”)
on or
before March 15 of each year to cover premiums on a life insurance policy
(reflecting the prior change in the split dollar arrangement). This provision
shall survive any expiration of the Employment Term and any termination of
the
Executive’s employment (other than due to the Executive’s death or a termination
of the Executive’s employment prior to the expiration of the Employment Term by
the Company for Cause or by the Executive without Good Reason).
(c) Vacations.
The
Executive shall be entitled to an annual paid vacation of six weeks per calendar
year (as prorated for partial years) in accordance with the Company’s policy on
accrual and use applicable to senior executives.
(d) Business
and Entertainment Expenses.
Upon
presentation of appropriate documentation, the Executive shall be reimbursed
in
accordance with the Company’s expense reimbursement policy for all reasonable
and necessary business and entertainment expenses incurred in connection with
the performance of his duties hereunder.
(e) Automobile.
During
the Employment Term, the Company will provide the Executive, at the Company’s
expense, with a current model automobile similar to the automobile currently
furnished to the Executive.
In
addition, upon submission of appropriate documentation, the Company shall pay
or
reimburse the Executive for the cost of insurance, maintenance and gas incurred
for business purposes and other business related operating expenses incurred
for
such automobile during the Employment Term. The Executive shall be entitled
to
request a new automobile at the end of each three (3) year period commencing
on
the Effective Date.
6. TERMINATION.
The
Executive’s employment and the Employment Term shall terminate on the first of
the following to occur:
(a) Disability.
Upon 30
days’ prior written notice by the Company to the Executive of termination due to
Disability if the Executive does not return to full-time continuous employment
with the Company within such 30 days. For purposes of this Agreement,
“Disability”
shall
be defined as the Executive’s becoming physically or mentally disabled, whether
totally or partially, so that he has been unable to perform his material duties
hereunder for a period of 180 days (including weekends and holidays) during
any
365-day period.
(b) Death.
Automatically on the date of death of the Executive.
(c) Cause.
The
Company may terminate the Executive’s employment hereunder for Cause immediately
upon written notice by the Company to the Executive of a termination for Cause.
“Cause”
shall
mean the Executive’s:
(i) refusal
or willful failure to attempt in good faith to perform his duties (other than
as
a result of physical of mental incapacity);
(ii) gross
negligence or willful misconduct with regard to the Company, its assets or
employees of a material nature or any fraud, theft or material dishonesty with
regard to the Company or in the performance of his duties;
(iii) willful
misconduct which in the good faith judgment of the Board has or may materially
damage the Company economically or reputation wise;
(iv) commission
of any felony or any other crime involving fraud, dishonesty, securities law
violations or moral turpitude, provided that any conviction for, or pleading
guilty or nolo contendere to, any such felony or other crime shall conclusively
be deemed acknowledgement by the Executive of commission thereof;
(v) failure
to attempt in good faith to follow the written direction of the Board;
or
(vi) material
breach of a material term of this Agreement or any other material agreement
with
the Company that is not cured within 15 days of the giving of written notice
thereof.
The
Executive may only be terminated for Cause by a vote of a majority of the full
Board (excluding the Executive for purposes of determining the number necessary
to constitute a majority) and, prior to any termination for Cause, the Executive
will be given 5 business days written notice specifying the alleged Cause event
and will be entitled to appear (with counsel) before the full Board to present
information regarding his views on the Cause event. After providing the notice
in foregoing sentence, the Board may suspend the Executive with pay until a
final determination pursuant to this paragraph has been made. In the event
of a
Cause termination after a Change in Control, the Company shall bear the burden
of proof by a preponderance of the evidence.
(d) Without
Cause.
Upon
written notice by the Company to the Executive of an involuntary termination
without Cause, other than for death or Disability.
(e) Good
Reason.
Upon
written notice by the Executive to the Company of a termination for Good Reason
provided that such notice is given within 60 days of the Good Reason event.
“Good
Reason”
shall
mean the occurrence of any of the following events, without the express written
consent of the Executive, unless such events are cured by the Company within
30
days following written notification by the Executive to the Company that he
intends to terminate his employment hereunder for one of the reasons set forth
below:
(i) any
reduction or diminution in the Executive’s title, including non-election or
removal from the position of Chairman unless the separation of the positions
of
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer is required by applicable law;
(ii) any
material reduction or diminution in the Executive’s then authorities, duties, or
responsibilities;
(iii) a
material reduction in the Executive’s Base Salary or benefits (but not including
any reduction related to a broader compensation reduction by the Company that
is
not limited to any particular employee or executive);
(iv) a
relocation of the Executive’s principal business location to an area outside of
a 35 mile radius of both the Executive’s principal business location and the
Executive’s principal residence at the time of such relocation; or
(v) a
material breach of the Agreement by the Company.
Notwithstanding
the foregoing, the Executive agrees that, during any period of incapacity,
the
Company may appoint or temporarily assign his duties to another or others
without such action resulting in Good Reason.
(f) Without
Good Reason.
Upon 60
days’ prior written notice by the Executive to the Company of the Executive’s
voluntary termination of employment without Good Reason (which the Company
may,
in its sole discretion, make effective earlier than any notice
date).
7. CONSEQUENCES
OF TERMINATION.
(a) Disability.
Subject
to Section 25, in the event the Executive’s employment is terminated due to
Disability the Company shall pay or provide the Executive (i) any unpaid Base
Salary through the date of termination paid in accordance with the Company’s
normal payroll policies as if the Executive were an employee; (ii) any bonus
earned but unpaid with respect to the fiscal year ending on or preceding the
date of termination, paid when bonuses are paid to the Company’s senior
executive officers for, but in any event not later than the March 15 following,
the year that such bonus was earned; (iii) reimbursement for any unreimbursed
expenses incurred through the date of termination in accordance with the
Company’s normal reimbursement procedures; (iv) any other amounts and benefits
the Executive is entitled to receive under any employee benefit plan in
accordance with the terms of the applicable plan (collectively items (i) through
(iv) shall be hereafter referred to as the “Accrued
Amounts”);
(v) a
pro-rata portion of the Executive’s bonus for the fiscal year in which the
Executive’s termination occurs based on actual results for the plan year
(determined by multiplying the amount of such bonus which would be due for
the
full fiscal year by a fraction, the numerator of which is the number of days
during the fiscal year of termination that the Executive is employed by the
Company and the denominator of which is 365) payable at the time that bonuses
are paid to other senior executives of the Company (the “Pro
Rata Bonus”);
(vi)
full vesting of all equity awards granted to the Executive on or after the
Effective Date; (vii) continued medical benefits (for the Executive and his
eligible dependents) while the Executive is disabled (subject to offset for
amounts the Executive receives from any other medical benefits available to
the
Executive) until the Executive’s 65th
birthday; and (viii) continued payment of the Make-Up Payments. Following a
termination due to Disability all equity awards granted to the Executive prior
to the Effective Date shall be governed in accordance with the terms of the
applicable grant agreements.
(b) Death.
In the
event the Executive’s employment is terminated due to the Executive’s death, the
Company shall pay or provide to the Executive’s estate (i) the Accrued Amounts
within 30 days following the Executive’s death; (ii) the Pro Rata Bonus; (iii)
full vesting of all equity awards granted to the Executive on or after the
Effective Date; and (iv) payment of monthly COBRA premiums until the earlier
of
3 years from the date of the Executive’s death or when the Executive’s
dependents are no longer eligible for COBRA coverage. Following a termination
due to the Executive’s death all equity awards granted to the Executive prior to
the Effective Date shall be governed in accordance with the terms of the
applicable grant agreements.
(c) Termination
For Cause Or Without Good Reason.
Subject
to Section 25, in the event the Executive’s employment is terminated (i) by the
Company for Cause, or (ii) by the Executive without Good Reason, the Company
shall pay to the Executive the Accrued Amounts within 30 days following such
termination. Following any such termination all equity awards granted to the
Executive shall be governed in accordance with the terms of the applicable
grant
agreements.
(d) Termination
Without Cause Or For Good Reason.
Subject
to Sections 8 and 25, in the event the Executive’s employment is terminated (x)
by the Company other than for Cause or (y) by the Executive for Good Reason,
the
Company shall pay or provide the Executive with (i) the Accrued Amounts; (ii)
continued payment of the Make-Up Payments; and (iii) subject to Section
9:
(A) continued
payments of Base Salary for 18 months paid in accordance with the Company’s
normal payroll policies as if the Executive were an employee;
(B) the
Pro
Rata Bonus; and
(C) payment
of monthly COBRA premiums until the earlier of (I) 18 months from the date
of
termination, (II) the Executive becoming eligible for medical benefits from
a
subsequent employer, or (III) the Executive otherwise becoming ineligible for
COBRA.
Following
any such termination all equity awards granted to the Executive shall be
governed in accordance with the terms of the applicable grant agreements.
Payments and benefits provided in this Section 7(d) shall be in lieu of any
termination or severance payments or benefits for which the Executive may be
eligible under any of the plans, policies or programs of the
Company.
8. CHANGE
IN CONTROL.
(a) Notwithstanding
anything herein to the contrary, subject to Sections 8(c) and 25, in the event
the Executive’s employment is terminated by the Company without Cause or the
Executive resigns for Good Reason within two years following a Change in Control
or within six months prior to a Change in Control but which the Executive
reasonably demonstrates (x) was at the request of a third party who is the
acquirer in the Change in Control or (y) otherwise arose in connection with,
or
in anticipation of, a Change in Control which actually occurs, then the Company
shall pay or provide to the Executive to the extent not theretofore provided
pursuant to Section 7(d) above, (i) the Accrued Amounts; (ii) continued payment
of the Make-Up Payments; and (iii) subject to Section 9:
(A) Within
60
days following such termination, a lump sum payment in an amount equal to the
greater of (I) and (II) where (I) equals 18 months Base Salary and (II) equals
the lesser of:
(1) two
times
the sum of (X) the Executive’s Base Salary plus (Y) the amount of any annual
bonus the Executive received for the year prior to the Change in Control;
or
(2) 3%
of the
value on the date of the Change in Control of the Company’s outstanding shares
on a fully diluted basis on the date of such Change in Control (without regard
for any outstanding options with an exercise price less than the consideration
paid for the Company’s shares in the Change in Control);
(B) the
Pro
Rata Bonus; and
(C) payment
of monthly COBRA premiums until the earliest to occur of (I) 18 months from
the
date of termination, (II) the Executive becoming eligible for medical benefits
from a subsequent employer, or (III) the Executive otherwise becoming ineligible
for COBRA.
Following
any such termination all equity awards granted to the Executive shall be
governed in accordance with the terms of the applicable grant
agreements.
(b) For
purposes of this Agreement, “Change
in Control”
will
mean the occurrence of one of the following events:
(i) any
“person” (as such term is defined in Section 3(a)(9) of the Securities Exchange
Act of 1934, as amended
(the
“Exchange
Act”)
and as
used in Sections 13(d)(3) and 14(d)(2) of the Exchange Act) is or becomes,
after
the Effective Date, a “beneficial owner” (as defined in Rule 13d-3 under the
Exchange Act), directly or indirectly, of securities of the Company representing
50% or more of the combined voting power of the Company’s then outstanding
securities eligible to vote for the election of the Board (the “Company
Voting Securities”);
provided, however, that an event described in this subsection (i) shall not
be
deemed to be a Change in Control if any of following becomes such a beneficial
owner:
(A) the
Company or any majority-owned subsidiary (provided, that this exclusion applies
solely to the ownership levels of the Company or the majority-owned
subsidiary),
(B) any
tax-qualified, broad-based employee benefit plan sponsored or maintained by
the
Company or any majority-owned subsidiary,
(C) any
underwriter temporarily holding securities pursuant to an offering of such
securities, or
(D) any
person pursuant to a Non-Qualifying Transaction (as defined below);
(ii) individuals
who, on the Effective Date, constitute the Board (the “Incumbent
Directors”)
cease
for
any reason to constitute at least a majority of the Board, provided that any
person becoming a director subsequent to the Effective Date whose election
or
nomination for election was approved by a vote of at least two-thirds of the
Incumbent Directors then on the Board (either by a specific vote or by approval
of the proxy statement of the Company in which such person is named as a nominee
for director, without objection to such nomination) shall be an Incumbent
Director.
(iii) the
consummation of a merger, consolidation, statutory share exchange or similar
form of corporate transaction involving the Company or any of its Subsidiaries
that requires the approval of the Company’s stockholders, whether for such
transaction or the issuance of securities in the transaction (a “Business
Combination”),
unless immediately following such Business Combination:
(A) 50%
or
more of the total voting power of:
(x)
the
corporation resulting from such Business Combination (the “Surviving
Corporation”),
or
(y)
if
applicable, the ultimate parent corporation that directly or indirectly has
beneficial ownership of 100% of the voting securities eligible to elect
directors of the Surviving Corporation (the “Parent
Corporation”),
is
represented by Company Voting Securities that were outstanding immediately
prior
to such Business Combination (or, if applicable, is represented by shares into
which such Company Voting Securities were converted pursuant to such Business
Combination), and such voting power among the holders thereof is in
substantially the same proportion as the voting power of such Company Voting
Securities among the holders thereof immediately prior to the Business
Combination;
(B) no
person
(other than any employee benefit plan (or related trust) sponsored or maintained
by the Surviving Corporation or the Parent Corporation), is or becomes the
beneficial owner, directly or indirectly, of 50% or more of the total voting
power of the outstanding voting securities eligible to elect directors of the
Parent Corporation (or, if there is no Parent Corporation, the Surviving
Corporation); and
(C)
at
least
a majority of the members of the board of directors of the Parent Corporation
(or if there is no Parent Corporation, the Surviving Corporation) following
the
consummation of the Business Combination were Incumbent Directors at the
time of
the Board’s approval of the execution of the initial agreement providing for
such Business Combination
(any
Business Combination which satisfies all of the criteria specified in (A),
(B)
and (C) above shall be deemed to be a “Non-Qualifying
Transaction”);
or
(iv) consummation
of the sale of all or substantially all of the Company’s assets or stockholder
approval of a liquidation or dissolution of the Company, unless the voting
common equity interests of the acquirer of such assets or an ongoing entity
(other than a liquidating trust), as the case may be, based on total voting
power, are at least more than 50% beneficially owned, directly or indirectly,
by
the Company’s shareholders in substantially the same proportions as such
shareholders owned the Company’s outstanding voting common equity interests
immediately prior to such sale or liquidation and, if a plan of liquidation
or
dissolution, such ongoing entity assumes all existing obligations of the Company
under this Plan.
Notwithstanding
the foregoing, a Change in Control of the Company shall not be deemed to occur
solely because any person acquires beneficial ownership of more than 50% of
the
Company Voting Securities, based on total voting power, as a result of the
acquisition of Company Voting Securities by the Company which reduces the number
of Company Voting Securities outstanding; provided, that, if after such
acquisition by the Company such person becomes the beneficial owner of Company
Voting Securities that increases the percentage of outstanding Company Voting
Securities beneficially owned by such person, a Change in Control of the Company
shall then occur.
(c) Notwithstanding
anything else herein, if
any
payment or benefit, within the meaning of Section 280G(b)(2) of the Internal
Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”),
to
the Executive or for Executive’s benefit paid or payable or distributed or
distributable pursuant to the terms of this Agreement or otherwise in connection
with, or arising out of, Executive’s employment with the Company or a change in
ownership or effective control of the Company or of a substantial portion of
its
assets, would be subject to the excise tax imposed by Section 4999 of the Code
or any interest or penalties are incurred by the Executive with respect to
such
excise tax (such excise tax, together with any such interest and penalties,
are
hereinafter collectively referred to as the “Excise
Tax”),
the
amounts and benefits provided under this Agreement or otherwise that are subject
to Section 280G of the Code as a result of the transaction will be automatically
reduced to an amount that equals the product of 2.99 multiplied by the
Executive’s “base amount” (as determined in accordance with Sections 280G and
4999 of the Code by the Company’s certified public accountants unless the
Company and the Executive mutually agree to the appointment of an independent
certified public accounting firm), such that the Executive will not be subject
to the Excise Tax. Unless otherwise elected by the Executive, such reduction
shall first be applied to any severance payments payable to the Executive under
this Agreement.
9. RELEASE.
Any and
all amounts payable and benefits or additional rights provided pursuant to
Sections 7(d)(iii) and 8(a)(iii) shall only be payable if the Executive
executes, delivers to the Company and does not revoke a general release of
all
claims against the Company in the form attached to the Agreement as Appendix
A
(with
such changes as the Company may request to support the legality and
effectiveness of the release).
10. RESTRICTIVE
COVENANTS.
(a) Confidentiality.
The
Executive agrees that he shall not, directly or indirectly, use, make available,
sell, disclose or otherwise communicate to any person, other than in the
reasonable good faith performance of his duties and for the benefit of the
Company, either during the period of the Executive’s employment or at any time
thereafter, any nonpublic, proprietary or confidential information, knowledge
or
data relating to the Company, any of its subsidiaries, affiliated companies
or
businesses, which shall have been obtained by the Executive during the
Executive’s employment by the Company. The foregoing shall not apply to
information that (i) was known to the public prior to its disclosure to the
Executive; (ii) becomes generally known to the public subsequent to disclosure
to the Executive through no wrongful act of the Executive or any representative
of the Executive; or (iii) the Executive is required to disclose by applicable
law, regulation or legal process (provided that the Executive provides the
Company with prior notice of the contemplated disclosure and reasonably
cooperates with the Company at its expense in seeking a protective order or
other appropriate protection of such information).
(b) Nonsolicitation.
During
the Executive’s employment with the Company and for the 18 month period
thereafter, the Executive agrees that he will not, except in the furtherance
of
his duties hereunder, directly or indirectly, individually or on behalf of
any
other person, firm, corporation or other entity, (i) solicit or hire any
employees, representatives or agents of the Company (or any of its affiliates)
or (ii) solicit any of the Company’s customers.
(c) Noncompetition.
The
Executive acknowledges that he performs services of a unique nature for the
Company that are irreplaceable, and that his performance of such services to
a
competing business will result in irreparable harm to the Company. Accordingly,
during the Executive’s employment hereunder and for the 18 month period
thereafter, the Executive agrees that the Executive will not, (i) enter the
employ of (whether as an employee, consultant, independent contractor or
otherwise, and whether or not for compensation), or render any services to,
any
person, firm, corporation or other entity, in whatever form, engaged or actively
planning to be engaged in any Competitive Business, (ii) directly or indirectly,
own, manage, operate, control or otherwise engage in such a Competitive Business
for his own account, or (iii) directly or indirectly, become interested in
a
Competitive Business as an individual, partner, shareholder, director, officer,
principal, agent, trustee or in any other relationship or capacity.
“Competitive
Business”
will
mean, as of any date, any business competitive with any business then being
conducted by the Company and operating in some or all of the same geographic
areas; provided that, upon the termination of the Executive’s employment such
determinations shall thereafter be determined as of the date of the termination.
The foregoing shall not be violated by the Executive’s providing services to a
noncompetitive portion of a group of related businesses which noncompetitive
portion consists of less than 20% of the overall revenues of such group of
related businesses measured based on the fiscal year prior to the fiscal year
in
which the Executive had his initial relationship with such noncompetitive
portion, nor by ownership of less than 2% of public company stock or debt or
a
passive interest of less than 2% in a pooled account, such as a hedge fund,
private equity fund or mutual fund.
(d) Nondisparagment.
During
the Employment Term and thereafter, the Executive agrees not to disparage
or
encourage or induce others to disparage the
Company or any of its affiliates or any of its and their past and present
officers, directors, employees, products or services. For
purposes of this Agreement, the term “disparage”
includes, without limitation, comments or statements to the press, to the
Company or any of its affiliates or any of its or thier officers,
directors, or employees
or to any individual or entity with whom the Company or any of its affiliates
has a business relationship (including, without limitation, any vendor,
supplier, customer or distributor of the Company or any of its affiliates)
that
would adversely affect in any manner: (i) the conduct of any business of the
Company or any of its affiliates (including, without limitation, any business
plans or prospects) or (ii) the business reputation of the Company or any of
its
affiliates or
any of
its and their officers, directors, employees, products or services.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, this Section 10(d) shall not apply to truthful
statements
made in the course of sworn testimony in administrative, judicial or arbitral
proceedings or normal competitive statements.
(e) Reformation.
If it
is determined by a court of competent jurisdiction in any state that any
restriction in this Section 10 is excessive in duration or scope or is
unreasonable or unenforceable under the laws of that state, it is the intention
of the parties that such restriction may be modified or amended by the court
to
render it enforceable to the maximum extent permitted by the law of that
state.
(f) Survival
of Provisions.
The
obligations contained in this Section 10 shall survive the termination or
expiration of the Executive’s employment with the Company and shall be fully
enforceable thereafter.
11. COOPERATION.
Upon
the receipt of reasonable notice from the Company (including outside counsel),
the Executive agrees that while employed by the Company and thereafter, the
Executive will respond and provide information with regard to matters in which
he has knowledge as a result of his employment with the Company, and will
provide reasonable assistance to the Company, its affiliates and their
respective representatives in defense of any claims that may be made against
the
Company or its affiliates, and will assist the Company and its affiliates in
the
prosecution of any claims that may be made by the Company or its affiliates,
to
the extent that such claims may relate to the period of the Executive’s
employment with the Company. The Executive agrees to promptly inform the Company
if he becomes aware of any lawsuits involving such claims that may be filed
or
threatened against the Company or its affiliates. The Executive also agrees
to
promptly inform the Company (to the extent he is legally permitted to do so)
if
he is asked to assist in any investigation of the Company or its affiliates
(or
their actions), regardless of whether a lawsuit or other proceeding has then
been filed against the Company or its affiliates with respect to such
investigation, and shall not do so unless legally required. Upon presentation
of
appropriate documentation, the Company shall pay or reimburse the Executive
for
all reasonable out-of-pocket travel, duplicating or telephonic expenses incurred
by the Executive in complying with this Section 11.
12. EQUITABLE
RELIEF AND OTHER REMEDIES.
(a) The
Executive acknowledges and agrees that the Company’s remedies at law for a
breach or threatened breach of any of the provisions of Section 10 or Section
11
would be inadequate and, in recognition of this fact, the Executive agrees
that,
in the event of such a breach or threatened breach, in addition to any remedies
at law, the Company, without posting any bond, shall be entitled to obtain
equitable relief in the form of specific performance, temporary restraining
order, a temporary or permanent injunction or any other equitable remedy which
may then be available.
(b) In
the
event of a violation of Section 10 or 11 of this Agreement, any severance being
paid to the Executive by the Company pursuant to this Agreement (or any
successor agreement) or otherwise shall immediately cease.
13. NO
ASSIGNMENTS.
(a) This
Agreement is personal to each of the parties hereto. Except as provided in
Section 13(b) below, no party may assign or delegate any rights or obligations
hereunder without first obtaining the written consent of the other party
hereto.
(b) The
Company may assign this Agreement to any successor to all or substantially
all
of the business and/or assets of the Company provided the Company shall require
such successor to expressly assume and agree to perform this Agreement and,
if
applicable, any Change in Control Agreement (but without creating any rights
on
a second change in control), in the same manner and to the same extent that
the
Company would be required to perform it if no such succession had taken
place.
14. NOTICE.
For the
purpose of this Agreement, notices and all other communications provided for
in
this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been duly given
(i) on the date of delivery if delivered by hand, (ii) on the date of
transmission, if delivered by confirmed facsimile, (iii) on the first business
day following the date of deposit with the overnight delivery service if
delivered by guaranteed overnight delivery service, or (iv) on the fourth
business day following the date mailed by United States registered or certified
mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid, addressed as
follows:
If
to the
Executive:
At
the
last address (or to the facsimile number) shown on the records of the
Company;
With
a
copy to:
Xxxxxxxxxxxx
Xxxx & Xxxxxxxxx LLP
0000
X
Xxxxxx, X.X.
Xxxxx
000, Xxxx Xxxxx
Xxxxxxxxxx,
XX 00000
Facsimile:
(000) 000-0000
Attn:
Xxxxxxx X. Xxxxx, Esq.
If
to the
Company:
P&F
Industries, Inc.
000
Xxxxxxxxxxx Xxxx
Xxxxx
000
Xxxxxxxx,
Xxx Xxxx 00000
Facsimile:
(000) 000-0000
Attn:
Chief Operating Officer
With
a
copy to:
Certilman
Balin Xxxxx & Xxxxx, LLP
00
Xxxxxxx Xxxxxx
Xxxx
Xxxxxx, Xxx Xxxx 00000
Facsimile:
(000) 000-0000
Attn:
Xxxxxx X. Xxxxxxxxxxx, Esq.
and
Proskauer
Rose LLP
0000
Xxxxxxxx
Xxx
Xxxx,
Xxx Xxxx 00000-0000
Facsimile:
(000) 000-0000
Attn:
Xxxxxxx Xxxxxx, Esq.
or
to
such other address as either party may have furnished to the other in writing
in
accordance herewith, except that notices of change of address shall be effective
only upon receipt.
15. SECTION
HEADINGS;
INCONSISTENCY.
The
section headings used in this Agreement are included solely for convenience
and
shall not affect, or be used in connection with, the interpretation of this
Agreement. In the event of any inconsistency between the terms of this Agreement
and any form, award, plan or policy of the Company, the terms of this Agreement
shall control.
16. SEVERABILITY.
The
provisions of this Agreement shall be deemed severable and the invalidity of
unenforceability of any provision shall not affect the validity or
enforceability of the other provisions hereof.
17. COUNTERPARTS.
This
Agreement may be executed in several counterparts, each of which shall be deemed
to be an original but all of which together will constitute one and the same
instruments.
18. ARBITRATION.
Any
dispute or controversy arising under or in connection with this Agreement or
the
Executive’s employment with the Company, other than injunctive relief under
Section 12 hereof, shall be settled exclusively by arbitration, conducted before
a single arbitrator in New York, New York (applying New York law) in accordance
with the National Rules for the Resolution of Employment Disputes of the
American Arbitration Association then in effect. The decision of the arbitrator
will be final and binding upon the parties hereto. Judgment may be entered
on
the arbitrator’s award in any court having jurisdiction. The parties acknowledge
and agree that in connection with any such arbitration and regardless of outcome
(a) each party shall pay all its own costs and expenses, including without
limitation its own legal fees and expenses, and (b) joint expenses shall be
borne equally among the parties; provided, however, in the event that the
arbitrator determines that the Executive is the prevailing party, then the
Company shall pay or reimburse all reasonable legal fees and expenses incurred
by the Executive.
19. INDEMNIFICATION.
The
Company hereby agrees to indemnify the Executive and hold him harmless to the
extent provided under the by-laws of the Company against and in respect to
any
and all actions, suits, proceedings, claims, demands, judgments, costs, expenses
(including reasonable attorney’s fees), losses, and damages resulting from the
Executive’s good faith performance of his duties and obligations with the
Company. This obligation shall survive the termination of the Executive’s
employment with the Company.
20. LIABILITY
INSURANCE.
The
Company shall cover the Executive under directors and officers liability
insurance both during and, while potential liability exists, after the term
of
this Agreement in the same amount and to the same extent as the Company covers
its other officers and directors.
21. MISCELLANEOUS.
No
provision of this Agreement may be modified, waived or discharged unless such
waiver, modification or discharge is agreed to in writing and signed by the
Executive and such officer or director as may be designated by the Board. No
waiver by either party hereto at any time of any breach by the other party
hereto of, or compliance with, any condition or provision of this Agreement
to
be performed by such other party shall be deemed a waiver of similar or
dissimilar provisions or conditions at the same or at any prior or subsequent
time. This Agreement together with all exhibits hereto sets forth the entire
agreement of the parties hereto in respect of the subject matter contained
herein. No agreements or representations, oral or otherwise, express or implied,
with respect to the subject matter hereof have been made by either party which
are not expressly set forth in this Agreement. The validity, interpretation,
construction and performance of this Agreement shall be governed by the laws
of
the State of New York without regard to its conflicts of law
principles.
22. NO
MITIGATION; TERMINATION CLAIM LIMIT.
In no
event shall the Executive be obliged to seek other employment or take any other
action by way of mitigation of the amounts payable to the Executive under any
of
the provisions of this Agreement, nor shall the amount of any payment hereunder
be reduced by any compensation earned by the Executive as a result of employment
by another employer, except as provided in Section 13(b) hereof. Any claim
by
the Executive for damages as a result of a termination based on Section 6(c)(iv)
shall not be brought prior to resolution of the criminal case and the Executives
damages shall be limited to (a) the monetary amounts the Executive would have
received in the event of a termination without Cause and (b) the intrinsic
value
on the termination date of any equity vested at, or upon, such termination
that
the Executive forfeited or did not receive because of the classification of
the
termination for Cause (and the Executive shall have no right to the equity,
which shall be cancelled upon the termination for Cause).
23. REPRESENTATIONS.
The
Executive represents and warrants to the Company that he has the legal right
to
enter into this Agreement and to perform all of the obligations on his part
to
be performed hereunder in accordance with its terms and that he is not a party
to any agreement or understanding, written or oral, which could prevent him
form
entering into this Agreement or performing all of his obligations
hereunder.
24. WITHHOLDING.
The
Company may withhold from any and all amounts payable under this Agreement
such
federal, state and local taxes as may be required to be withheld pursuant to
any
applicable law or regulation.
25. SECTION
409A COMPLIANCE.
(a) The
intent of the parties is that payments and benefits under this Agreement comply
with Section 409A of the Code and the regulations and guidance promulgated
thereunder (collectively “Code
Section 409A”)
and,
accordingly, to the maximum extent permitted, this Agreement shall be
interpreted to be in compliance therewith. If the Executive notifies the Company
(with specificity as to the reason therefore) that the Executive believes that
any provision of this Agreement (or of any award of compensation, including
equity compensation or benefits) would cause the Executive to incur any
additional tax or interest under Code Section 409A and the Company concurs
with
such belief or the Company (without any obligation whatsoever to do so)
independently makes such determination, the Company shall, after consulting
with
the Executive, reform such provision to try to comply with Code Section 409A
through good faith modifications to the minimum extent reasonably appropriate
to
conform with Code Section 409A. To the extent that any provision hereof is
modified in order to comply with Code Section 409A, such modification shall
be
made in good faith and shall, to the maximum extent reasonably possible,
maintain the original intent and economic benefit to the Executive and the
Company of the applicable provision without violating the provisions of Code
Section 409A.
(b) Notwithstanding
any provision to the contrary in this Agreement, if the Executive is deemed
on
the date of termination to be a “specified employee” within the meaning of that
term under Code Section 409A(a)(2)(B), then with regard to any payment or the
provision of any benefit that is required to be delayed in compliance with
Code
Section 409A(a)(2)(B), such payment or benefit shall not be made or provided
(subject to the last sentence of this Section 25(b)) prior to the earlier of
(i)
the expiration of the six (6)-month period measured from the date of the
Executive’s “separation from service” (as such term is defined under Code
Section 409A), and (ii) the date of the Executive’s death (the “Delay
Period”).
Upon
the expiration of the Delay Period, all payments and benefits delayed pursuant
to this Section 25(b) (whether they would have otherwise been payable in a
single sum or in installments in the absence of such delay) shall be paid or
reimbursed to the Executive in a lump sum, and any remaining payments and
benefits due under this Agreement shall be paid or provided in accordance with
the normal payment dates specified for them herein. Notwithstanding the
foregoing, to the extent that the foregoing applies to the provision of any
ongoing welfare benefits to the Executive that would not be required to be
delayed if the premiums therefore were paid by the Executive, the Executive
shall pay the full cost of the premiums for such welfare benefits during the
Delay Period and the Company shall pay the Executive an amount equal to the
amount of such premiums paid by the Executive during the Delay Period promptly
after its conclusion.
(c) In
no
event whatsoever shall the Company be liable for any additional tax, interest
or
penalties that may be imposed on the Executive by Code Section 409A or any
damages for failing to comply with Code Section 409A.
26. XXXXXXXX-XXXXX.
The
Executive hereby acknowledges and agrees that he is subject to Section 304
of
the Xxxxxxxx-Xxxxx Act of 2002, and that pursuant thereto he may under certain
circumstances be obligated to pay back to the Company certain amounts previously
received by him.
IN
WITNESS WHEREOF,
the
parties hereto have executed this Agreement as of the date first written
above.
P&F INDUSTRIES, INC. | ||
|
|
|
By: | /s/ Xxxxxx X. Xxxxxx, Xx. | |
Name: Xxxxxx X. Xxxxxx, Xx. Its:
Vice President
|
||
/s/
Xxxxxxx X. Xxxxxxxx
Xxxxxxx
X. Xxxxxxxx
|
APPENDIX
A
FORM
OF RELEASE
AGREEMENT AND
GENERAL RELEASE AND WAIVER,
dated
as of ______________ (the “Agreement”), by and between XXXXXXX
X. XXXXXXXX
(the
“Employee”) and P&F
INDUSTRIES, INC.,
a
Delaware corporation (the “Company”).
The
Employee and the Company mutually want to enter into this Agreement concerning
the Employee’s separation from the Company. Where appropriate in the context of
this Agreement, the term “Company” includes, the Company’s past, present and
future subsidiaries, affiliates, divisions, parents, and any of its or their
respective predecessors, successors, assigns, assets, employee benefit plans
or
funds and its or their past, present and future directors, officers,
fiduciaries, trustees, administrators, representatives, shareholders, agents,
employees, and independent contractors, whether acting on behalf of the Company
or in their individual capacities.
1. The
Employee acknowledges and agrees that (a) his last date of employment with
the
Company was __________ (the “Termination Date”), (b) the Termination Date was
the termination date of his employment with the Company for purposes of
participation in and coverage under all benefit plans and programs sponsored
by
or through the Company, (c) the Company shall have no obligation to rehire
the
Employee, or to consider him for employment, after the Termination Date, and
(d)
he will not seek employment with the Company at any time in the
future.
2. The
Employee acknowledges that he has carefully read this Agreement in its entirety,
the terms and implications of this Agreement have been fully explained to the
Employee, the Employee has had answered to his satisfaction any questions he
has
asked with regard to the meaning and significance of any provision of this
Agreement, and that he fully understands the significance of all of the terms
and conditions of this Agreement.
3. The
Employee acknowledges that he has been given the opportunity to consider this
Agreement for twenty-one (21) days and decide for himself whether or not he
wants to sign it.
4. The
Employee acknowledges that he has been advised to consult with an attorney
of
his choice concerning this Agreement and the implications to the Employee of
signing or not signing it.
5. The
Employee acknowledges that he has carefully considered other alternatives to
executing this Agreement, and has decided that he wants to sign it.
6. The
Employee may accept this Agreement by signing it and returning it to
_____________, P&F Industries, Inc., 000 Xxxxxxxxxxx Xxxx, Xxxxx 000,
Xxxxxxx, Xxx Xxxx, 00000, within twenty-one (21) days of his receipt of this
Agreement. The Employee is entitled to change his mind and revoke this Agreement
by indicating his desire to do so in writing delivered to __________ at the
address above (or by fax at ( )
- ) by no later than 5:00 p.m.
EST on the seventh (7th) day after the date he signs this Agreement (the
“Revocation Period”). This Agreement will not become effective and the Employee
will not receive any of the benefits set out below until the eighth (8th) day
after the Employee signs it (the “Effective Date”). If the last day of the
Revocation Period falls on a Saturday, Sunday or holiday, the last day of the
Revocation Period will be deemed to be the next business day.
7. In
consideration for the Employee’s signing and not revoking this Agreement, the
Company has agreed to pay the Employee the consideration set forth in Section
[IF TERMINATION IS NOT IN CONNECTION WITH A CHANGE IN CONTROL - 7(d)(iii)]
[IF
TERMINATION IS IN CONNECTION WITH A CHANGE IN CONTROL - 8(a)(iii)] of that
certain Executive Employment Agreement, dated as of _____________, 2007, by
and
between the Company and the Employee (the “Employment Agreement”). The Company
and the Employee expressly agree that the Company is not otherwise obligated
to
pay such consideration; that the Employee is not otherwise entitled to receive
any of such consideration; and that, if the Employee does not sign this
Agreement or revokes this Agreement during the Revocation Period, the Company
will have no further obligations to the Employee under this Agreement,
including, without limitation, the obligation to make the payments set forth
in
Section 7 of this Agreement.
8. By
entering into this Agreement, the parties do not admit, and specifically deny,
any liability or wrongdoing, or violation of any law, statute, order, regulation
or policy. It is expressly understood and agreed that this Agreement is being
entered into solely for the purpose of avoiding the costs of litigation and
amicably resolving all matters in controversy, disputes, causes of action,
claims, contentions and differences of any kind whatsoever which have been
or
could have been alleged by the respective parties against each
other.
9. The
Employee acknowledges that he knows that there are various state and federal
laws which prohibit employment discrimination on the basis of age, sex, race,
color, creed, national origin, marital status, religion, disability or veteran
status and that these laws are enforced through the Federal Equal Employment
Opportunity Commission, the New York State Division of Human Rights and various
city, county and local human rights agencies. In addition, the Employee
acknowledges that he knows that there are other federal, state, and local laws
of other types or description regarding employment, including, but not limited
to, claims arising from or derivative of the Employee’s employment with the
Company.
10. The
consideration set forth in Section 7 of this Agreement is in full and complete
satisfaction of all claims whatsoever the Employee may have against the Company
arising from the Employee’s employment and/or separation from employment with
the Company, or from any other matter whatsoever up to and including the date
of
this Agreement, whether known or unknown. Without limiting the generality of
the
foregoing, the Employee hereby releases, waives, and forever discharges any
and
all claims of any kind against the Company arising from the Employee’s
employment and/or separation from employment with the Company, or from any
other
matter whatsoever up to and including the date of this Agreement, whether known
or unknown, that he may have or had, including, but not limited to, fraud,
claims arising under Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967, as amended,
29 U.S.C. §621 et.
seq.,
Title
VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended, 42 U.S.C. §2000 et.
seq.,
the
Civil Rights Act of 1866, 00 X.X.X. §0000, 00 X.X.X. §0000, The Equal Pay Act,
as amended, 29 U.S.C. §206(d)(1), the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938, as
amended, 29 U.S.C. §201 et.
seq.,
the
Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993, 29 U.S.C. §2601 et.
seq.,
the
Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended, 29 U.S.C. §1001
et.
seq.,
the
Americans with Disabilities Act, 42 U.S.C. §12101 et.
seq.,
the
Civil Rights Act of 1991, 105 Stat. 1071, Executive Order 11246, the
Xxxxxxxx-Xxxxx Act of 2002 (a federal whistleblower law), the New York State
Human Rights Law, New York City Human Rights Law, New York Equal Pay Law and
N.Y. Lab. Law, Section’s 201-c (adoptive parent leave) and 740 (whistle blower
statute (private employees)), all as amended, and any other federal, state
and
local fair employment practice law, workers’ compensation law, unemployment
insurance law, and any other employee relations duties and obligations, whether
imposed by express or implied contract, tort (including, but not limited to,
all
intentional torts, negligence, negligent hiring, training, supervision or
retention), common law, equity, public policy statute, executive order or law,
any claims for physical or emotional distress or injuries, or any other duty
obligation of any kind or description, as well as any rights or claims the
Employee or his attorney or other representative have or may have for costs,
expenses, attorneys’ fees or otherwise. The foregoing shall not apply to the
Employee’s right to receive the payments and benefits provided under Sections
[IF TERMINATION IS NOT IN CONNECTION WITH A CHANGE IN CONTROL - 7(d)(i) and
(ii)] [IF TERMINATION IS IN CONNECTION WITH A CHANGE IN CONTROL - 8(a)(i) and
(ii)] of the Employment Agreement, nor to the Employee’s rights, if any, to
indemnification as an officer of the Company or a fiduciary of any Company
benefit plan. In addition, nothing in this Agreement shall be construed to
prevent the Employee from filing a charge with, or participating in an
investigation conducted by, any governmental agency, including, without
limitation, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission or applicable state/city
fair employment practices agency, to the extent required or permitted by law,
or
to prevent any challenge by the Employee to the waiver and release of any claims
as set forth herein.
11. The
Employee agrees to keep this Agreement confidential and not to reveal its
contents to anyone except his attorney, his immediate family or his financial
consultant, or as required by law. The Employee will be responsible for any
disclosure by them. The Company agrees to keep this Agreement confidential
and
not to reveal the contents to anyone except its attorneys, accountants,
officers, directors and human resources director. The foregoing will not
prohibit disclosure of this Agreement as required by law or regulation,
including, but not limited to, those of the U.S. Securities And Exchange
Commission and the rules of any exchange, quotation system and/or self
regulatory organization on which or with which the Company’s securities are
quoted, listed and/or traded, as the case may be; provided that if the Employee
is required to make a disclosure pursuant to the foregoing he agrees to give
the
Company prompt written notice thereof and cooperate with the Company’s efforts
to seek a protective order.
12. The
Employee represents and warrants that he has returned all property belonging
to
the Company and has deleted from his home or personal computer, personal e-mail
accounts and electronic filings all Company information.
13. The
parties hereto agree and acknowledge that Sections [IF TERMINATION IS NOT IN
CONNECTION WITH A CHANGE IN CONTROL - 7(d)] [IF TERMINATION IS IN CONNECTION
WITH A CHANGE IN CONTROL - 8(a)], 10, 11, 12, 16, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 25 and
26
of the Employment Agreement shall remain in full force and effect and shall
remain fully enforceable following the Effective Date.
14. The
payments set forth in Section 7 of this Agreement are subject to taxes and
all
applicable withholding requirements.
15. Except
as
specifically set forth in this Agreement, this Agreement constitute the entire
agreement between the Employee and the Company with respect to the subject
matter hereof and may only be modified, altered or changed in writing, signed
by
both the Company and the Employee.
16. This
Agreement has been executed freely, knowingly and voluntarily by the Employee
without duress, coercion, or undue influence, with a full understanding of
its
terms. The Employee acknowledges and agrees that, prior to executing this
Agreement, he has been provided with sufficient time in which to consider this
Agreement and that, in deciding to execute this Agreement, he has relied on
his
own judgment and further acknowledges that he is fully aware of its contents
and
of its legal effects. The parties to this Agreement agree that no fact, evidence
or transaction currently unknown to them but which may hereafter become known
to
them shall affect in any way or manner the final or unconditional nature of
this
Agreement.
17. This
Agreement shall be interpreted and construed and enforced in accordance with
the
laws of the State of New York, excluding choice of law principles
thereof.
18. This
Agreement shall be binding upon, and shall inure to the benefit of, the parties
hereto and their respective successors, assigns and legal representatives.
19. The
waiver by either party of a breach of any provision of this Agreement shall
not
operate or be construed as a waiver of any subsequent breach. If any provision
of this Agreement, or part thereof, shall be held to be invalid or
unen-forceable, such invalidity or unenforceability shall attach only to such
provision and not in any way affect or render invalid or unenforceable any
other
provisions of this Agreement, and this Agreement shall be carried out as if
such
invalid or unenforceable provision, or part thereof, had been reformed, and
any
court of competent jurisdiction is authorized to so reform such invalid or
unenforceable provision, so that it would be valid, legal and enforceable to
the
fullest extent permitted by applicable law.
20. BY
SIGNING THIS AGREEMENT, THE EMPLOYEE STATES THAT: HE HAS READ IT; HE UNDERSTANDS
IT AND KNOWS THAT HE IS GIVING UP IMPORTANT RIGHTS; HE AGREES WITH EVERYTHING
IN
IT; HE WAS TOLD, IN WRITING, TO CONSULT AN ATTORNEY BEFORE SIGNING IT; HE HAS
HAD 21 DAYS TO REVIEW THE AGREEMENT AND THINK ABOUT WHETHER OR NOT HE WANTED
TO
SIGN IT; AND HE HAS SIGNED IT KNOWINGLY AND VOLUNTARILY.
[Remainder
of page intentionally left blank.]
WHEREFORE,
the
Employee and the Company now voluntarily and knowingly execute this Agreement
as
of the day and year first written above.
P&F INDUSTRIES, INC. | ||
|
|
|
By: |
|
|
__________________________
(Please print)
Title: __________________________
|
||
__________________________ Richard
X. Xxxxxxxx |
Sworn to by Xxxxxxx X. Xxxxxxxx before me this ____ day of ______________, 200___.
___________________________
Notary
Public