EXHIBIT 10(k)
EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT
AGREEMENT, dated as of the ____ day of _______________, 2001 (this
"Agreement"), by and between Xxx Xxxxxxxx Xxxxxxx, a Delaware corporation (the
"Company"), and ((NAME)) (the "Executive").
WHEREAS, the Company has determined that it is in its best interests
and that of its stockholders to continue to employ the Executive upon terms and
conditions intended to assure that the Company will have the continued
dedication of the Executive without distraction relating to employment and
severance terms and conditions, to encourage the Executive's full attention and
dedication to the Company, to provide the Executive with compensation, benefits
and severance arrangements that are competitive with those of other peer
companies and to protect the interests of the Executive and Company in the event
the employment of the Executive is terminated.
WHEREAS, the Executive desires to continue his employment with the
Company, subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement.
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, the Company and the Executive agree as follows:
SECTION 1. CERTAIN DEFINITIONS
(a) "AFFILIATED COMPANY " means any company controlled by, or under
common control with, the Company.
(b) "CHANGE OF CONTROL" means
(1) The acquisition by any individual, entity or group (within the
meaning of Section 13(d)(3) or 14(d)(2) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934,
as amended (the "Exchange Act")) (a "Person") of beneficial ownership (within
the meaning of Rule 13d-3 promulgated under the Exchange Act) of 20% or more of
either (A) the then-outstanding shares of common stock of the Company (the
"Outstanding Company Common Stock") or (B) the combined voting power of the
then-outstanding voting securities of the Company entitled to vote generally in
the election of directors (the "Outstanding Company Voting Securities");
provided, however, that, for purposes of this Section 1(b)(1), the following
acquisitions shall not constitute a Change of Control: (i) any acquisition
directly from the Company, (ii) any acquisition by the Company, (iii) any
acquisition by any employee benefit plan (or related trust) sponsored or
maintained by the Company or any Affiliated Company or (iv) any acquisition by
any corporation pursuant to a transaction that complies with Sections
1(b)(3)(A), 1(b)(3)(B) and 1(b)(3)(C);
[LAST NAME] - XXXXXXXX EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT
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(2) Individuals who, as of December 16, 1999, constituted the Board
(the "Incumbent Board") cease for any reason to constitute at least a majority
of the Board; provided, however, that any individual becoming a director
subsequent to December 16, 1999 whose election, or nomination for election by
the Company's stockholders, was approved by a vote of at least a majority of the
directors then comprising the Incumbent Board shall be considered as though such
individual were a member of the Incumbent Board, but excluding, for this
purpose, any such individual whose initial assumption of office occurs as a
result of an actual or threatened election contest with respect to the election
or removal of directors or other actual or threatened solicitation of proxies or
consents by or on behalf of a Person other than the Board;
(3) Consummation of a reorganization, merger, consolidation or sale or
other disposition of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company (a
"Business Combination"), in each case, unless, following such Business
Combination, (A) all or substantially all of the individuals and entities that
were the beneficial owners of the Outstanding Company Common Stock and the
Outstanding Company Voting Securities immediately prior to such Business
Combination beneficially own, directly or indirectly, more than 60% of the
then-outstanding shares of common stock and the combined voting power of the
then-outstanding voting securities entitled to vote generally in the election of
directors, as the case may be, of the corporation resulting from such Business
Combination (including, without limitation, a corporation that, as a result of
such transaction, owns the Company or all or substantially all of the Company's
assets either directly or through one or more subsidiaries) in substantially the
same proportions as their ownership immediately prior to such Business
Combination of the Outstanding Company Common Stock and the Outstanding Company
Voting Securities, as the case may be, (B) no Person (excluding any corporation
resulting from such Business Combination or any employee benefit plan (or
related trust) of the Company or such corporation resulting from such Business
Combination) beneficially owns, directly or indirectly, 20% or more of,
respectively, the then-outstanding shares of common stock of the corporation
resulting from such Business Combination or the combined voting power of the
then-outstanding voting securities of such corporation, except to the extent
that such ownership existed prior to the Business Combination, and (C) at least
a majority of the members of the board of directors of the corporation resulting
from such Business Combination were members of the Incumbent Board at the time
of the execution of the initial agreement or of the action of the Board
providing for such Business Combination; or
(4) Approval by the stockholders of the Company of a complete
liquidation or dissolution of the Company.
(c) "TARGET BONUS AMOUNT" means the greater of (1) the target bonus
applicable to the Executive, as defined in the Company's Incentive Bonus Plan or
any comparable provision of any successor annual bonus plan for the incentive
year during which the Executive's employment is terminated, or (2) the amount
actually paid to the Executive pursuant to Section 13 of the Company's Incentive
Bonus plan or any comparable provision of any successor annual bonus plan for
the incentive year immediately preceding the year of the Executive's termination
of employment.
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(d) "PEER EXECUTIVE" means a full-time employee who is treated by the
Company as a United States employee for employment and benefits purposes and
holds a position of grade 25 and above, excluding the Chief Executive Officer.
SECTION 2. TERM OF AGREEMENT
The Company hereby agrees to continue the Executive in its employ, and
the Executive hereby agrees to remain in the employ of the Company, subject to
the terms and conditions of this Agreement, for the period commencing on the
date hereof (the "Effective Date") and ending on December 31, 2003 (the
"Employment Period"); provided, however, that commencing on December 31, 2002,
and on each annual anniversary of such date (such date and each anniversary
thereof being hereinafter referred to as a "Renewal Date"), unless previously
terminated, the Employment Period shall be automatically extended so as to
terminate two years from such Renewal Date, unless, at least 60 days prior to
the Renewal Date, the Company shall give notice to the Executive that the
Employment Period shall not be so extended. This Agreement shall automatically
terminate and be replaced and superseded by the Change of Control Employment
Agreement executed between the Company and the Executive (the "Change of Control
Agreement") upon the Effective Date of the Change of Control Agreement as
defined therein. The Company reserves the right to terminate the Employment
Period under this Agreement pursuant to this paragraph without terminating the
Executive's employment with the Company.
(a) COMMITMENT TO DUTIES. During the Employment Period, and excluding
any periods of vacation and medical or other leave of absence to which the
Executive is entitled, the Executive agrees to faithfully and diligently perform
all duties and responsibilities of his position and devote reasonable attention,
skill, energy, ability and time during normal business hours to the business and
affairs of the Company and, to the extent necessary, to discharge the
responsibilities assigned to the Executive hereunder, and to use the Executive's
reasonable best efforts to perform faithfully and efficiently such
responsibilities. During the Employment Period, it shall not be a violation of
this Agreement for the Executive to (1) serve on corporate, civic or charitable
boards or committees, (2) deliver lectures, fulfill speaking engagements or
teach at educational institutions and (3) manage personal investments, so long
as such activities do not significantly interfere with the performance of the
Executive's responsibilities as an employee of the Company in accordance with
this Agreement. It is expressly understood and agreed that, to the extent that
any such activities have been conducted by the Executive prior to the Effective
Date, the continued conduct of such activities (or the conduct of activities
similar in nature and scope thereto) subsequent to the Effective Date shall not
thereafter be deemed to interfere with the performance of the Executive's
responsibilities to the Company.
(b) CONFIDENTIALITY. During the Employment Period, the Executive shall
not disclose to anyone outside the Company, nor use in other than the Company's
business, any trade secret or confidential information or knowledge relating to
the Company's business or acquired by reason of employment with the Company.
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(c) ASSIGNMENT OF INVENTIONS AND IDEAS. In accordance with the
Executive's prior employment agreement with the Company, the Executive hereby
sells, assigns and transfers to the Company his entire interest in any invention
or idea, patentable or not, made or conceived solely or jointly by him (1)
during the Employment Period or previous period of employment with the Company,
whether or not during business hours and whether or not on Company premises, or
(2) within a period of one year after the Date of Termination as hereinafter
defined. The Executive agrees to promptly disclose such idea or invention to the
Company, execute and deliver all required instruments (including a specific
assignment of title to the Company), and do anything else reasonably necessary
to enable the Company, at its own expense, to secure patent and other property
rights in the United States and in foreign countries.
(d) COMPLIANCE WITH COMPANY POLICIES. During the Employment Period, the
Executive shall conform to and comply with the policies, rules and regulations
of the Company.
SECTION 3. TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT
The following terms and conditions shall apply to the Executive's
employment:
(a) POSITION AND DUTIES. The Executive shall continue to serve in his
current position or such other executive position as determined by the Company's
Chief Executive Officer.
(b) COMPENSATION
(1) BASE SALARY. The Executive shall receive an Annual Base Salary
("Annual Base Salary") of $________, which Annual Base Salary shall be payable
in periodic installments, no less frequently than semi-monthly. During the
Employment Period, the Annual Base Salary shall be reviewed for possible
increase every twelve to fifteen months, depending on position and salary range.
Any increase in the Annual Base Salary shall not limit or reduce any other
obligation of the Company under this Agreement. The Annual Base Salary shall not
be reduced after any such increase, and the term "Annual Base Salary" shall
thereafter refer to the Annual Base Salary as so increased.
(2) INCENTIVE, SAVINGS AND RETIREMENT PLANS. The Executive shall be
eligible to participate in all incentive, savings and retirement plans and
programs generally offered to other Peer Executives of the Company, as those
plans and programs may change from time to time.
(3) INSURANCE AND WELFARE BENEFIT PLANS. The Executive and/or the
Executive's family, as the case may be, shall be eligible for participation in
and shall receive all benefits under the Company's Executive Life Insurance Plan
and Estate Preservation Plan, and any other welfare benefit plans and programs
generally offered to other Peer Executives of the Company (which currently
include medical, dental, disability, spouse/dependent life insurance and travel
accident insurance plans and programs), as those plans and programs may exist
and change from time to time.
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(4) EXPENSES. The Executive shall be entitled to receive prompt
reimbursement for all reasonable expenses incurred by the Executive in
accordance with the policies, practices and procedures of the Company, in effect
from time to time, for Peer Executives of the Company.
(5) FRINGE BENEFITS. The Executive shall be eligible for all fringe
benefits generally offered to other Peer Executives of the Company, as those
benefits may change from time to time.
(6) VACATION. The Executive shall be entitled to paid vacation provided
generally to other Peer Executives of the Company in accordance with the plans,
policies, programs and practices of the Company, as they may change from time to
time.
(7) EFFECT OF TERMINATION. Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement
to the contrary, upon termination of employment for any reason, the Executive's
employment shall cease on the Date of Termination and the Executive shall have
no further right to the payments or benefits described in this Section 3, but
shall look to the right to the payments and benefits described in Section 5.
SECTION 4. TERMINATION OF EMPLOYMENT
(a) DEATH. The Executive's employment shall terminate automatically if
the Executive dies during the Employment Period.
(b) DISABILITY. If the Company determines in good faith that a
Disability (as defined herein) of the Executive has occurred, it may give to the
Executive written notice in accordance with Section 4(e) of its intention to
terminate the Executive's employment. In such event, the Executive's employment
with the Company shall terminate effective on the 30th day after receipt of such
notice by the Executive (the "Disability Effective Date"), provided that, within
the 30 days after such receipt, the Executive shall not have returned to
full-time performance of the Executive's duties. "Disability" means the absence
of the Executive from the Executive's duties with the Company on a full-time
basis for at least three months as a result of incapacity due to a mental or
physical impairment that is determined to entitle the Executive to receive
benefits under Xxx Xxxxxxxx Xxxxxxx Long-Term Disability Plan or any successor
long-term disability plan.
(c) CAUSE. The Company may terminate the Executive's employment for
Cause. "Cause" for this purpose means:
(1) the Executive's continued failure to perform substantially his
duties with the Company or any of its subsidiaries (other than any such failure
resulting from incapacity due to physical or mental impairment), after a written
demand for performance is delivered to the Executive by the Board or the Chief
Executive Officer of the Company that specifically identifies the manner in
which the Board or the Chief Executive Officer believes that Executive has not
performed his duties;
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(2) the Executive's engaging in illegal conduct or misconduct which
is injurious to the Company;
(3) the Executive's failure to comply with any restriction set forth
in Section 8(c) of this Agreement;
(4) the Executive's violation of a material Company policy, rule or
regulation; or
(5) the Executive's conviction of a felony or a plea of nolo
contendere by Executive with respect thereto.
(d) GOOD REASON. The Executive's employment may be terminated by the
Executive for Good Reason. "Good Reason" for this purpose means:
(1) any substantial failure by the Company to comply with Section
3(a) or 3(b) of this Agreement, provided that the Executive has first (a) given
written notice to the Company of the alleged violation of Section 3(a) or (b)
within 60 days of the action or incident giving rise to the alleged violation
and (b) the Company has failed to remedy the alleged violation within 30 days
after the receipt of notice thereof;
(2) any purported termination by the Company of the Executive's
employment other than as expressly permitted by this Agreement; or
(3) any failure by the Company to comply with and satisfy Section
11(c).
(e) NOTICE OF TERMINATION. Any termination by the Company for Cause,
or by the Executive for Good Reason, shall be communicated by Notice of
Termination to the other party hereto given in accordance with Section 13(b).
"Notice of Termination" means a written notice that (1) indicates the specific
termination provision in this Agreement relied upon, (2) to the extent
applicable, sets forth in reasonable detail the facts and circumstances claimed
to provide a basis for termination of the Executive's employment under the
provision so indicated, and (3) if the Date of Termination (as defined herein)
is other than the date of receipt of such notice, specifies the Date of
Termination (which Date of Termination shall be not more than 30 days after the
giving of such notice). The failure by the Executive or the Company to set forth
in the Notice of Termination any fact or circumstance that contributes to a
showing of Good Reason or Cause shall not waive any right of the Executive or
the Company, respectively, hereunder or preclude the Executive or the Company,
respectively, from asserting such fact or circumstance in enforcing the
Executive's or the Company's respective rights hereunder.
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(f) DATE OF TERMINATION. "Date of Termination" means (1) if the
Executive's employment is terminated by the Company for Cause, or by the
Executive for Good Reason, the date of receipt of the Notice of Termination or
any later date specified in the Notice of Termination, as the case may be, (2)
if the Executive's employment is terminated by the Company other than for Cause
or Disability, the Date of Termination shall be the date on which the Company
notifies the Executive of such termination or any later date specified in the
Notice of Termination, as the case may be, and (3) if the Executive's employment
is terminated by reason of death or Disability, the Date of Termination shall be
the date of death of the Executive or the Disability Effective Date, as the case
may be.
SECTION 5. OBLIGATIONS OF THE COMPANY UPON TERMINATION
(a) GOOD REASON, OTHER THAN FOR CAUSE OR DISABILITY. If during the
Employment Period, the Company terminates the Executive's employment other than
for Cause or Disability or the Executive terminates employment for Good Reason:
(1) Within 30 days after the Date of Termination, the Company shall pay the
aggregate of the following amounts in a lump sum in cash to the Executive:
(a) the Executive's Annual Base Salary through the Date of Termination to
the extent not previously paid;
(b) to the extent not previously paid and to the extent such deferrals are
not continued pursuant to a Termination Settlement Agreement, any
compensation previously deferred by the Executive under the Company's
Supplemental Savings Plan, Incentive Bonus Plan and/or Stock
Equivalent Unit Plan (together with any accrued interest or earnings
thereon), in accordance with the terms of those plans; and
(c) any accrued vacation pay, to the extent not previously paid.
(2) The Executive shall be offered a Termination Settlement Agreement
prepared by the Company which includes the following material terms and is
subject to the following conditions:
(a) SEVERANCE PAY - The Company shall pay the Executive the sum of (i) two
years of the Executive's Annual Base Salary, and (ii) two times the Target
Bonus Amount ("Severance Pay"). The Executive may elect to receive
Severance Pay either as (1) a lump sum payment, (2) continuing semi-monthly
payments over a period of two years, or (3) continuing semi-monthly
payments over a period of less than two years, followed by a lump sum
payment of the balance due within 30 days of the last semi-monthly payment.
If on the Date of Termination the Executive is within five years of
earliest eligibility for retirement under Xxx Xxxxxxxx Xxxxxxx Retirement
Plan, he may elect to receive Severance Pay as continuing payments over a
period longer than two years, as set forth below.
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Severance Pay which is paid as continuing payments, but not Severance Pay
which is paid as a lump sum, will be included in the calculation of Average
Annual Compensation and will result in receipt of age and service credit,
all in accordance with the terms of Xxx Xxxxxxxx Xxxxxxx Retirement Plan.
If the Executive elects to retire and begin receiving pension payments
during a period in which Severance Pay is being provided as continuing
payments, he will receive a lump sum payment of the balance of any
Severance Pay due under the Termination Settlement Agreement. Once pension
payments begin, the Executive is eligible for only those pension payment
and benefits and services available to retirees.
(b) RETIREMENT -
(1) VESTED RIGHT PENSION. If, on the Date of Termination or during
the period during which the Executive receives Severance Pay
as continuing payments, the Executive is not
retirement-eligible but has five or more years of credited
service, the Executive will be eligible to receive a vested
rights pension under Xxx Xxxxxxxx Xxxxxxx Retirement Plan.
(2) RETIREMENT-ELIGIBLE ON DATE OF TERMINATION. If, on the Date of
Termination, the Executive is eligible for a pension under Xxx
Xxxxxxxx Xxxxxxx Retirement Plan, the Executive may elect to
retire and begin receiving pension payments at any time after
the Date of Termination.
(3) WITHIN FIVE YEARS OF RETIREMENT ELIGIBILITY. If, on the Date
of Termination, the Executive is not retirement-eligible but
is within five years of earliest eligibility for retirement,
the Executive may elect to receive Severance Pay as extended
continuing payments apportioned throughout the time period
from the Date of Termination until the earliest date of
retirement eligibility, and thereby receive age and service
credit to the earliest date of retirement eligibility under
Xxx Xxxxxxxx Xxxxxxx Retirement Plan.
(c) STOCK OPTION PLAN - If the Executive is not eligible for early, normal
or late retirement under the terms of Xxx Xxxxxxxx Xxxxxxx Retirement
Plan on the last day he receives Severance Pay, all options held by
the Executive, which are not otherwise exercisable under the terms of
the Stock Option Plan or a successor plan, shall become exercisable
and all options held by the Executive shall remain exercisable for a
period of three years thereafter provided, however, that in no event
shall any option be exercisable beyond ten years from its date of
grant. If the Executive is eligible for early, normal or late
retirement under the terms of Xxx Xxxxxxxx Xxxxxxx Retirement Plan on
the last day he receives Severance Pay, all options held by the
Executive for one or more years, which are not otherwise exercisable
under the terms of the Stock Option Plan or a successor plan, shall
become exercisable and remain exercisable for a period of five years
thereafter provided, however, that in no event shall any option be
exercisable beyond ten years from its date of grant.
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(d) BENEFITS - For the period of time after the Executive's Date of
Termination during which the Executive receives Severance Pay as
continuing payments, but not if the Executive receives Severance pay
as a lump sum, the Company shall continue to permit the Executive
and/or the Executive's family, where applicable to participate in the
following plans and benefits:
Medical Plan
Dental Plan
Employees' Savings Plan
Supplemental Savings Plan
Executive Life Insurance Plan
Spouse and Child Life Insurance Plan
Flexible Spending Accounts
provided, however, that, if the Executive becomes re-employed with
another employer and is eligible to receive medical or other welfare
benefits under another employer provided plan, any medical and other
welfare benefits provided by the Company shall be secondary to those
provided under such other plan during such applicable period of
eligibility.
Regardless of the method by which the Executive elects to receive
Severance Pay, the Executive shall not be eligible after the Date of
Termination for certain employee benefits, including:
Additional grants under the Stock Option Plan
Additional grants under the Incentive Bonus Plan
The Salary Continuation Plan
The Long-term Disability Plan
Vacation Accruals
Holiday Pay
The Tuition Refund Plan
(e) ESTATE PRESERVATION PLAN -- For purposes of the Estate Preservation
Plan, termination of an Executive's employment with the Company shall
be considered to occur on the later of the Date of Termination or the
last day on which the Executive receives Severance Pay as continuing
payments, if applicable.
(f) OUTPLACEMENT SERVICES - The Company shall provide the Executive with
customary outplacement services for a maximum period of one year.
(g) RELEASE OF ALL CLAIMS - The provision of all pay and benefits to the
Executive under a Termination Settlement Agreement shall be contingent
on the Executive's execution of a general release of claims against
the Company and specified affiliates and plans, as well as certain
related agents, parties, and entities.
(h) OTHER OBLIGATIONS -- The Termination Settlement Agreement shall also
require the Executive to reaffirm the obligations set forth in Section
8 herein.
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(b) DEATH. If the Executive's employment is terminated by reason of the
Executive's death during the Employment Period, the Company shall have no
further obligations to the Executive's legal representatives under this
Agreement, except as follows:
(1) Within 30 days after the Date of Termination, the Company shall pay the
aggregate of the following amounts in a lump sum in cash to the Executive's
estate or beneficiary, as applicable:
(a) the Executive's Annual Base Salary through the Date of Termination to
the extent not previously paid;
(b) any compensation previously deferred by the Executive under the
Company's Supplemental Savings Plan, Incentive Bonus Plan and/or Stock
Equivalent Unit Plan (together with any accrued interest or earnings
thereon), to the extent not previously paid and in accordance with the
terms of those plans; and
(c) any accrued vacation pay, to the extent not previously paid.
(2) To the extent not previously paid or provided, the Company shall timely
pay or provide any other amounts or benefits required to be paid or provided or
that the Executive or Executive's family, estate or beneficiary, as applicable,
is eligible to receive under any plan, program, policy or practice or contract
or agreement of the Company.
(c) DISABILITY. If the Executive's employment is terminated by reason of
the Executive's Disability during the Employment Period, the Company shall have
no further obligations to the Executive under this Agreement, except as follows:
(1) Within 30 days after the Date of Termination, the Company shall pay the
aggregate of the following amounts in a lump sum in cash to the Executive:
(a) the Executive's Annual Base Salary through the Date of Termination to
the extent not previously paid;
(b) any compensation previously deferred by the Executive under the
Company's Supplemental Savings Plan, Incentive Bonus Plan and/or Stock
Equivalent Unit Plan (together with any accrued interest or earnings
thereon), to the extent not previously paid and in accordance with the
terms of those plans; and
(c) any accrued vacation pay, to the extent not previously paid.
(2) To the extent not previously paid or provided, the Company shall timely
pay or provide any other amounts or benefits required to be paid or provided or
that the Executive or Executive's family is eligible to receive under any plan,
program, policy or practice or contract or agreement of the Company.
(d) CAUSE. If the Executive's employment is terminated for Cause during the
Employment Period, the Company shall have no further obligations to the
Executive under this Agreement, except as follows:
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(1) Within 30 days after the Date of Termination, the Company shall pay the
aggregate of the following amounts in a lump sum in cash to the Executive:
(a) the Executive's Annual Base Salary through the Date of Termination to
the extent not previously paid;
(b) any compensation previously deferred by the Executive under the
Company's Supplemental Savings Plan, Incentive Bonus Plan and/or Stock
Equivalent Unit Plan (together with any accrued interest or earnings
thereon), to the extent not previously paid and in accordance with the
terms of those plans; and
(c) any accrued vacation pay, to the extent not previously paid.
(2) To the extent not previously paid or provided, the Company shall timely
pay or provide any other amounts or benefits required to be paid or provided or
that the Executive or Executive's family is eligible to receive under any plan,
program, policy or practice or contract or agreement of the Company.
An Executive whose employment is terminated for Cause shall also be subject
to forfeiture of stock options and other rights and remedies as set forth in
Section 8(d) herein.
(e) VOLUNTARY OTHER THAN FOR GOOD REASON. If the Executive voluntarily
terminates employment during the Employment Period, excluding a termination for
Good Reason, the Company shall have no further obligations to the Executive
under this Agreement, except as follows:
(1) Within 30 days after the Date of Termination, the Company shall pay the
aggregate of the following amounts in a lump sum in cash to the Executive:
(a) the Executive's Annual Base Salary through the Date of Termination to
the extent not previously paid;
(b) if elected by the Executive, any compensation previously deferred by
the Executive under the Company's Supplemental Savings Plan, Incentive
Bonus Plan and/or Stock Equivalent Unit Plan (together with any
accrued interest or earnings thereon), to the extent not previously
paid; and
(c) any accrued vacation pay, to the extent not previously paid.
(2) To the extent not previously paid or provided, the Company shall timely
pay or provide any other amounts or benefits required to be paid or provided or
that the Executive or Executive's family is eligible to receive under any plan,
program, policy or practice or contract or agreement of the Company.
SECTION 6. NON-EXCLUSIVITY OF CERTAIN RIGHTS
Nothing in this Agreement shall prevent or limit the Executive's
continuing or future participation in any plan, program, policy or practice
provided by the Company and for which the Executive may qualify. Amounts that
are vested benefits or that the Executive is otherwise entitled to receive under
any plan, policy, practice or program of or any contract or agreement with the
Company at or subsequent to the Date of Termination shall be payable in
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accordance with such plan, policy, practice or program or contract or agreement,
except as explicitly modified by this Agreement. Notwithstanding the foregoing,
other than the Change of Control Agreement,[AND THE AGREEMENTS DESCRIBED IN
ANNEX A HERETO WHICH IS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE HEREIN] (a) this Agreement
shall supersede any other agreement between the parties with respect to the
subject matter hereof, and (b) if the Executive receives severance pay and
benefits under Section 5, the Executive shall not be entitled to receive
severance pay or benefits under any other plan, program, policy or arrangement
of the Company providing severance benefits.
SECTION 7. FULL SETTLEMENT
In no event shall the Executive be obligated to seek other employment
or, unless otherwise expressly provided herein, take any other action by way of
mitigation of the amounts payable to the Executive under any of the provisions
of this Agreement, and such amounts shall not be reduced whether or not the
Executive obtains other employment, except as expressly provided in Section
5(a)(2) herein.
SECTION 8. OBLIGATIONS OF THE EXECUTIVE
(a) RESIGNATIONS. As of Executive's Date of Termination, he shall
immediately resign as an officer and director of the Company and its Affiliated
Companies. The Executive agrees to execute any and all documentation of such
resignations upon request by the Company, but he shall be treated for all
purposes as having so resigned as of such Date of Termination, regardless of
when or whether he executed any such documentation.
(b) COMPANY PROPERTY. As of the Executive's Date of Termination, he
shall return all equipment, files, documents, credit cards, and any other
property of any sort belonging to the Company.
(c) ADDITIONAL RESTRICTIONS: NON-COMPETITION AND NON-SOLICITATION;
CONFIDENTIALITY; INVENTIONS; PROHIBITED STATEMENTS.
(1) During the Employment Period and for a period of two years after the Date
of Termination, the Executive shall not directly or indirectly:
(i) as an employee, consultant, independent contractor, officer, director,
individual proprietor, investor, partner, stockholder, agent, principal,
joint venturer, or in any other capacity whatsoever (other than as the holder
of not more than one percent of the combined voting power of the outstanding
equity of a publicly held corporation or company), be employed, work,
consult, advise, assist, or engage in any activity regarding any business,
product, service or other matter which: (A) is substantially similar to or
competes with any business, product, service or other matter regarding which
the Executive worked for the Company, or any of its subsidiaries, during the
three (3) years prior to the Date of Termination; or (B) concerns subject
matters about which Executive gained proprietary information of the Company,
or any of its subsidiaries, during the three (3) year period prior to the
Executive's termination of employment;
[LAST NAME] - XXXXXXXX EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT
PAGE 12 OF 18
(ii) either alone or in association with others, solicit, divert or take
away, or attempt to divert or to take away, the business or patronage of any
of the clients, customers or accounts, or prospective clients, customers or
accounts, of the Company which were contacted, solicited or served, directly
or indirectly, by Executive while employed by the Company; or
(iii) either alone or in association with others: (A) solicit or encourage
any employee or independent contractor of the Company to terminate his/her
relationship with the Company; or (B) recruit, hire or solicit for employment
or for engagement as an independent contractor, any person who is or was
employed by the Company at any time during the Executive's employment with
the Company; provided, that this Paragraph (iii) shall not apply to such
person whose employment with the Company has been terminated for a period of
one year or longer.
(2) After the Date of Termination as well as during the Employment Period,
the Executive shall not disclose or use at any time any secret or confidential
information or knowledge obtained or acquired by the Executive during, after, or
by reason of, employment with the Company or any of its subsidiaries, as
provided under applicable law and any and all agreements between the Executive
and the Company or any of its subsidiaries regarding Executive's employment with
the Company or the subsidiary.
(3) After the Date of Termination as well as during the Employment Period, to
the extent permitted by law, the Executive shall not make, publish or state, or
cause to be made, published or stated, any defamatory or disparaging statement,
writing or communication pertaining to the character, reputation, business
practices, competence or conduct of the Company, its subsidiaries, shareholders,
directors, officers, employees, agents, representatives or successors.
(4) The geographic scope of the provisions of Section 8(c)(1) above shall
extend to anywhere the Company or any of its subsidiaries is doing business, has
done business or intends to do business.
(5) If any restriction set forth in Section 8(c) above is found by any court
of competent jurisdiction to be unenforceable because it extends for too long a
period of time or over too great a range of activities or in too broad a
geographic area, it shall be interpreted to extend only over the maximum period
of time, range of activities or geographic area as to which it may be
enforceable.
(6) The obligations contained in this Section 8 shall continue in effect
following termination of employment for any reason except that, in the event of
a Change of Control, the restrictions contained in Sections 8(c)(1)(i),
8(c)(1)(iii), and 8(c)(3) above shall cease and the Executive shall no longer be
bound by the obligations thereunder.
[LAST NAME] - XXXXXXXX EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT
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(d) RIGHTS AND REMEDIES IN THE EVENT OF CERTAIN BREACHES
If the Company reasonably determines that the Executive has materially
violated any of the Executive's obligations under Section 8(c) above, or if a
Executive is terminated for Cause, then, in addition to any other remedies at
law or in equity it may have, the Company shall have the following rights and
remedies:
(1) The Company may immediately terminate all termination settlement pay and
benefits provided to the Executive under a Termination Settlement Agreement, as
described in Section 5(a)(2), if applicable, and shall have no further
obligation to provide such pay and benefits to the Executive hereunder.
(2) The Company may cancel any and all options previously granted to the
Executive under Xxx Xxxxxxxx Xxxxxxx 1971 Stock Option Plan or any successor
thereto, including but not limited to grants that according to their terms are
vested, effective as of the date on which such violation began (the "Violation
Date"); and
(3) The Company may demand the return of any gain realized by the Executive
as a result of the Executive's exercise of any option during the period
commencing one year prior to the Executive's termination of employment and
continuing through the Violation Date. Upon demand, the Executive shall pay to
the Company the amount of any gain realized or payment received as a result of
such exercises. At the option of the Company, such payment shall be made by
returning to the Company the number of shares of common stock of the Company
which the Executive received in connection with such exercise (with the Company
then refunding the option price paid by the Executive), or in cash in the amount
of the gain realized. If after such demand the Executive fails to return said
shares or amounts, the Company shall have the right to offset said amounts
against any amounts, including compensation, owed to the Executive by the
Company or to commence judicial proceedings against the Executive to recover
said shares or amounts.
(4) The non-competition restrictions set forth in Section 8(c)(1) supersede
any non-competition restrictions of a lesser duration as set forth in any
agreement between a Executive and the Company or any subsidiary or predecessor
or any plan.
(e) ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF RIGHT TO TAKE OTHER ACTIONS. The Executive
acknowledges that legal remedies would be inadequate to remedy the irreparable
harm that would result to the Company from a breach of his obligations under
Section 8(c) above, and therefore agrees that injunctive relief would be
appropriate to avoid or remedy any such breach or potential breach, in addition
to the specific rights and remedies set forth in Section 8(d) above, to the
extent applicable.
[LAST NAME] - XXXXXXXX EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT
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SECTION 9. DISPUTE RESOLUTION. Any dispute arising under, or relating
to, this Agreement, any other agreement between the Executive and the Company or
its Affiliates, the Executive's employment with the Company or the termination
thereof, shall be resolved expeditiously by binding arbitration by a single
arbitrator to be held in Boston, Massachusetts, in accordance with the laws of
the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and the then-current Commercial Arbitration
Rules of the American Arbitration Association (the "Arbitration Rules").
Either the Executive or the Company may initiate binding arbitration by
written notice delivered to the other party. Within 14 days after the initiation
of arbitration, the parties shall seek to identify one mutually acceptable
impartial third party to serve as sole arbitrator. Any such arbitrator shall:
(a) be a partner (or comparable officer) in a law firm in Boston, Massachusetts
having more than 75 lawyers; (b) have been active for 20 or more years in the
practice of corporate law or litigation; and (c) be active, on substantially a
full-time basis, in such practice at the time the dispute is noticed. If the
parties are unable or fail to agree upon the arbitrator within 14 days after the
initiation of arbitration, the arbitrator shall be selected in accordance with
the Arbitration Rules.
All information exchanged or presented to the arbitrator in the
proceedings, whether in oral, written or other form, and the results of the
proceedings, shall be confidential and except as required by law shall not be
disclosed to any person or entity without prior written permission from the
party who offered or presented the information. For any dispute resolved by
arbitration pursuant to this section, the arbitrator shall award attorneys' fees
and costs, and costs associated with the arbitration proceeding, to the party
determined by the arbitrator to be the prevailing party. Pending such award of
attorneys' fees and costs and arbitration costs, the parties shall divide
equally the administrative charges, arbitrator's fees and related expenses of
the arbitration, but each party shall pay its own legal fees incurred in
connection with such arbitration.
The arbitrator shall issue a written decision, stating the reasons for
the decision, within 30 days of the termination of the arbitration proceedings.
The arbitrator shall not be empowered to modify any rights or obligations of
either the Executive or the Company under this Agreement or any other agreement
between the Executive and the Company or its Affiliates. The decision of the
arbitrator acting within the scope of his or her authority shall be final and
binding upon the parties and may be entered, enforced and executed upon in any
court having jurisdiction over the party against whom enforcement of such award
is sought.
Nothing contained in this section shall limit the right of the Company,
at its sole option, to seek or obtain equitable or other relief or remedies from
any court of competent jurisdiction for the Executive's violation of Section
8(c) of this Agreement.
[LAST NAME] - XXXXXXXX EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT
PAGE 15 OF 18
SECTION 10. COOPERATION/INFORMATION REQUESTS
After the Executive's Date of Termination, the Executive agrees to make
himself reasonably available to the Company to respond to requests by the
Company for information concerning matters involving facts or events relating to
the Company or its Affiliated Companies that may be in the Executive's
knowledge, and to assist the Company and its Affiliated Companies as reasonably
requested with respect to pending and future litigations, arbitrations, or other
dispute resolutions. The Company will reimburse the Executive for his reasonable
travel expenses and other costs incurred under this section.
SECTION 11. SUCCESSORS
(a) This Agreement is personal to the Executive, and, without the prior
written consent of the Company, shall not be assignable by the Executive other
than by will or the laws of descent and distribution. This Agreement shall inure
to the benefit of and be enforceable by the Executive's legal representatives.
(b) This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be binding upon
the Company and its successors and assigns.
(c) The Company will require any successor (whether direct or indirect,
by purchase, merger, consolidation or otherwise) to all or substantially all of
the business and/or assets of the Company to assume expressly and agree to
perform this Agreement 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.
"Company" means the Company as hereinbefore defined and any successor to its
business and/or assets as aforesaid that assumes and agrees to perform this
Agreement by operation of law or otherwise.
SECTION 12. INDEMNIFICATION
The Company agrees that if the Executive is made a party, or is
threatened to be made a party, to any action, suit or proceeding, whether civil,
criminal, administrative or investigative (a "Proceeding"), by reason of the
fact that he is or was a director, officer or employee of the Company or is or
was serving at the request of the Company as a director, officer, member,
employee or agent of another corporation, limited liability corporation,
partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise, including service with
respect to employee benefit plans, the Executive shall be indemnified and held
harmless by the Company to the fullest extent legally permitted or authorized by
the Company's certificate of incorporation or bylaws or resolutions of the
Company's Board of Directors or, if greater, by the laws of the State of
Delaware, against all cost, expense, liability and loss (including, without
limitation, attorney's fees, judgments, fines, ERISA excise taxes or other
liabilities or penalties and amounts paid or to be paid in settlement)
reasonably incurred or suffered by the Executive in connection therewith, and
not otherwise received by him from another source, such as insurance, and such
indemnification shall continue as to the Executive even if he has ceased to be a
director, member, employee or agent of the Company or other entity and shall
inure to the benefit of the Executive's heirs and legal representatives.
[LAST NAME] - XXXXXXXX EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT
PAGE 16 OF 18
SECTION 13. MISCELLANEOUS
(a) This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance
with the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, without reference to
principles of conflict of laws. The captions of this Agreement are not part of
the provisions hereof and shall have no force or effect. This Agreement may not
be amended or modified other than by a written agreement executed by the parties
hereto or their respective successors and legal representatives.
(b) All notices and other communications hereunder shall be in writing
and shall be given by hand delivery to the other party or by registered or
certified mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid, addressed as follows:
if to the Executive:
((NAME))
((STREETADDRESS))
((CITYSTATEZIP))
if to the Company:
Xxx Xxxxxxxx Xxxxxxx
Prudential Xxxxx Xxxxxxxx
Xxxxxx, Xxxxxxxxxxxxx 00000
Attention: General Counsel
or to such other address as either party shall have furnished to the other in
writing in accordance herewith. Notice and communications shall be effective
when actually received by the addressee.
(c) The invalidity or unenforceability of any provision of this
Agreement shall not affect the validity or enforceability of any other provision
of this Agreement.
(d) The Company may withhold from any amounts payable under this
Agreement such United States federal, state or local or foreign taxes as shall
be required to be withheld pursuant to any applicable law or regulation.
(e) The Executive's or the Company's failure to insist upon strict
compliance with any provision of this Agreement or the failure to assert any
right the Executive or the Company may have hereunder, including, without
limitation, the right of the Executive to terminate employment for Good Reason
pursuant to Section 4(d) hereof, shall not be deemed to be a waiver of such
provision or right or any other provision or right of this Agreement.
(f) Except with respect to the Change of Control Agreement, [AND THE
AGREEMENT DESCRIBED IN ANNEX A HERETO WHICH IS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE HEREIN]
the Executive and the Company acknowledge that this agreement supersedes any
other agreement or plan provisions concerning the subject matter hereof.
(g) This Agreement may be executed in several counterparts, each of
which shall be deemed an original and said counterparts shall constitute but one
and the same instrument.
[LAST NAME] - XXXXXXXX EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT
PAGE 17 OF 18
(h) Except as expressly set forth in this Agreement, upon the
expiration of this Agreement, the respective rights and obligations of the
Company and the Executive shall survive such expiration to the extent necessary
to carry out the rights and obligations of the parties.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Executive has hereunto set the Executive's hand
and the Company has caused these presents to be executed in its name on its
behalf, all as of the day and year first above written.
--------------------
((NAME))
XXX XXXXXXXX XXXXXXX
By
-------------------
TITLE:
[LAST NAME] - XXXXXXXX EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT
PAGE 18 OF 18
