EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT
Exhibit 10.1
AGREEMENT made as of the 30th day of May, 2008, by and between IDEARC INC., a
Delaware corporation (the “Company”), and XXXXX X. XXXXX (“Xx. Xxxxx”).
1. Employment. The Company hereby employs Xx. Xxxxx and Xx. Xxxxx hereby accepts such
employment upon the terms and conditions contained in this agreement.
1.1 Term. The term of this Agreement (the “Term”) will begin on May 30, 2008 and will
end May 31, 2011. Effective June 1, 2011, the Term will automatically be renewed for successive
one-year periods unless either party provides written notice of non-renewal to the other at least
six months before the end of the initial term or a subsequent renewal period.
1.2 Position and Duties. Subject to Section 1.3, Xx. Xxxxx shall serve as the Chief
Executive Officer of the Company, and will have the authority, duties and responsibilities
customarily associated with such title and position, and such additional rights, powers, authority,
functions, duties and responsibilities commensurate with such position as the Company’s Board of
Directors (the “Board”) may assign to him from time to time. Xx. Xxxxx will report directly to and
be subject to the control and direction of the Board, consistent with his position and applicable
law. As of or as soon as practicable after May 30, 2008, Xx. Xxxxx will be appointed to be a member
of the Board. The Company will use its reasonable efforts to ensure that Xx. Xxxxx will continue to
be a member of the Board during the term of this Agreement. At the request of the Board, Xx. Xxxxx
shall serve as an officer and director of the Company’s subsidiaries and other affiliates without
additional compensation.
1.3 Full Time. Xx. Xxxxx shall devote all of his business time, attention, knowledge
and skills faithfully and to the best of his ability to the performance of the duties and
responsibilities of his employment under this Agreement. Xx. Xxxxx will not render services to
others for compensation or serve on the board of directors or other governing body of another for
profit entity without the written consent of the Board, provided, however, that Xx. Xxxxx may
engage in personal, charitable and passive investment activities, so long as, in each such
instance, Xx. Xxxxx’x services or other activities do not conflict or interfere with his
obligations to, or his ability to perform the duties and responsibilities of his employment with,
the Company.
1.4 Company Policies. Xx. Xxxxx will observe and adhere to all applicable written
Company policies and procedures in effect from time to time, including, without limitation,
policies on business ethics and conduct, policies on the use of inside information and xxxxxxx
xxxxxxx, and policies regarding executive stock ownership requirements.
1.5 Representation and Warranty. Xx. Xxxxx represents and warrants that, except as
otherwise disclosed herein, he will not during the period of his employment hereunder, be employed
under contract, oral or written, by any other person, firm or entity, and is not and will not be
bound by the provisions of any other restrictive covenant or confidentiality agreement, and is not
aware of any other circumstance or condition (legal, health or otherwise) that would constitute an
impediment to, or restriction upon, his ability to enter into this Agreement and to perform the
duties and responsibilities of his employment under this Agreement.
1
2. Compensation.
2.1 Base Salary. During the Term, the Company will pay a base salary (“Base Salary”)
to Xx. Xxxxx at an initial annual rate of $1,000,000, in accordance with its regular payroll
practices. The Board and/or the Human Resources Committee of the Board (the “HR Committee”) will
review Xx. Xxxxx’x Base Salary annually. The Board, acting in its discretion, may increase (but
may not decrease) Xx. Xxxxx’x Base Salary in effect during the Term.
2.2 Annual Incentive Award. For each calendar year, Xx. Xxxxx will be eligible for an
incentive award under the Company’s short term or other annual incentive plan applicable to senior
executives generally, with an annual target incentive opportunity equal to no less than 100% of
Xx. Xxxxx’x Base Salary in such year. The award payable for each year shall be within a range of
0% to 200% and shall be determined based on performance criteria approved for such year by the
Human Resources Committee of the Board. The annual incentive award, if any, earned by Xx. Xxxxx
for any calendar year will be determined and payable consistent with the determination and payment
of annual incentive compensation to senior executives generally. The foregoing notwithstanding,
Xx. Xxxxx’x short term incentive award for 2008 will in no event be less than $500,000. The formula
incentive award (which, for this purpose, shall not include the guaranteed minimum award for 2008)
for any calendar year during which Xx. Xxxxx is employed for less than twelve months will be
prorated to reflect the number of months he is employed by the Company during such year.
2.3 Initial Cash Award. On or as soon as practicable after Xx. Xxxxx commences his
employment under this Agreement, Xx. Xxxxx will receive a cash payment of $400,000, subject to
applicable tax withholding.
2.4 Long Term Incentive Awards.
(a) Initial Award. The Company will issue to Xx. Xxxxx a one-time option to purchase
250,000 shares of Company common stock for a purchase price per share equal to the closing price
per share of the Company’s common stock on the NYSE on the first trading day of the month following
the month in which Xx. Xxxxx’x employment commences. The option will become vested on May 31,
2011, subject to Xx. Xxxxx’x continuous employment through such vesting date. The option will be
governed by the terms of an option agreement substantially in the form annexed as Exhibit A hereto.
(b) Annual Incentive Awards. Xx. Xxxxx will be eligible to participate in the
Company’s long term incentive award programs, with an annual long term incentive award opportunity
for 2008 and each subsequent calendar year equal to no less than 300% of Xx. Xxxxx’x Base Salary.
The number of shares of Company common stock covered by the target award for 2008 will be
determined as of the first NYSE trading day of the month following the month in which Xx. Xxxxx’x
employment commences, based upon the closing price on that date, and will be prorated for the
number of months employed by the Company during 2008. The award for 2008 will be pursuant to an
agreement substantially in the form of the 2008 Long-Term Incentive Award Agreement attached as
Exhibit B hereto.
2
3. Benefits and Expenses.
3.1 General. Xx. Xxxxx will be entitled to participate in such qualified and
nonqualified employee retirement plans, stock option or other equity or long term incentive
compensation plans, group health, long term disability and group life insurance plans, and any
other welfare and fringe benefit plans, arrangements, programs and perquisites sponsored or
maintained by the Company from time to time for the benefit of any other employees of the Company.
Xx. Xxxxx shall be entitled to four weeks’ annual vacation, to be taken in accordance with the
vacation policy of the Company applicable to its senior executives generally.
3.2 Specific Items. Unless the Board determines otherwise, during the term of this
Agreement Xx. Xxxxx will receive the additional benefits and perquisites described below.
(a) Tax and Financial Planning Services. For each calendar year during the term of
this Agreement, the Company will pay or reimburse Xx. Xxxxx for the payment of costs incurred for
tax return preparation, including any United States, state, or local returns, as well as for
professional estate and financial planning services, subject to a maximum annual amount of $15,000.
(b) Home Office. The Company will provide such computer and other electronic
equipment and services as are reasonably required in order to enable Xx. Xxxxx to tend to the
business of the Company outside of regular business hours and when he is otherwise away from the
Company’s offices.
(c) Other. The Company will reimburse Xx. Xxxxx for the reasonable cost of an annual
physical exam. The Company will reimburse Xx. Xxxxx for reasonable attorney fees and expenses
incurred by him in connection with the negotiation of this Agreement, subject to an aggregate
limitation of $35,000.
3.3 Conditions of Employment. Xx. Xxxxx’x place of employment will be at the
Company’s headquarters in the Dallas, Texas metropolitan area, subject to the need for business
travel in connection with the performance of his duties. The conditions of Xx. Xxxxx’x employment,
including, without limitation, office space and accouterments, secretarial, administrative and
other support, will be consistent with his status as the Chief Executive Officer and a member of
the Board. Xx. Xxxxx will be entitled to first-class travel and lodging while traveling on Company
business.
3.4 Reimbursement of Business Expenses. Xx. Xxxxx is authorized to incur reasonable
expenses in carrying out his duties and responsibilities under this Agreement, and the Company will
promptly reimburse him for all expenses that are so incurred upon presentation of appropriate
vouchers or receipts, subject to the Company’s expense reimbursement policies applicable to senior
executives generally as in effect from time to time.
3.5 Relocation Expenses. In accordance with Company policy, the Company shall
reimburse Xx. Xxxxx for the reasonable and necessary costs of relocating his household goods from
Chicago to the Dallas metropolitan area and other reasonable and necessary relocation expenses,
including, without limitation, duplicate living expenses incurred for his temporary
3
housing expenses in the Dallas metropolitan area until he has sold his home in the Chicago
metropolitan area. The Company will reimburse Xx. Xxxxx for reasonable costs incurred in commuting
on weekends to and from Chicago and Dallas for a reasonable period of time (not to exceed one year)
after his employment commences, it being understood that Xx. Xxxxx will use his reasonable efforts
to relocate as soon as practicable after he commences his employment with the Company. The Company
and Xx. Xxxxx will cooperate with each other in order to ensure that Xx. Xxxxx’x relocation is
conducted in an orderly and cost effective manner with minimal disruption to the business of the
Company. Any reimbursements covered under this paragraph that result in taxable income to Xx.
Xxxxx shall be fully grossed up by the Company for applicable taxes.
4. Termination of Employment Before End of Term.
4.1 Resignation. Xx. Xxxxx may terminate his employment before the end of the Term
upon 45 days prior written notice to the Company. Upon receipt of such notice, the Company, at its
sole discretion, may relieve Xx. Xxxxx of his active duties and may require Xx. Xxxxx to use any
accrued and unused paid time off, including vacation, during the notice period. The Company may
also waive such notice, and/or set an earlier termination date upon receipt of such notice, in
which event Xx. Xxxxx’x employment will terminate on the earlier termination date.
4.2 Termination by the Company for Cause. The Company may terminate Xx. Xxxxx’x
employment at any time for “Cause” if Xx. Xxxxx:
(a) Is convicted of or pleads nolo contendre to a felony;
(b) Commits fraud or a material act or omission involving dishonesty affecting the assets,
business or reputation of the Company or any of its subsidiaries or affiliates;
(c) Willfully fails or refuses to carry out the material responsibilities of his employment,
as reasonably determined by the Board;
(d) Engages in gross negligence, willful misconduct or a pattern of behavior that has had or
is reasonably likely to have a significant adverse effect on the Company or the ability of Xx.
Xxxxx to perform the duties and responsibilities of his employment; or
(e) Willfully engages in any act or omission that is in material violation of a material
policy of the Company, including, without limitation, policies on business ethics and conduct, and
policies on the use of inside information and xxxxxxx xxxxxxx.
For the avoidance of doubt, the Company shall not have grounds to terminate Xx. Xxxxx’x employment
for “Cause” merely because of unsatisfactory job performance. The Company may terminate Xx. Xxxxx’x
employment for Cause at any time, provided, however, that, unless the Company reasonably determines
that the act or omission giving rise to the termination for Cause is not curable, the Company will
provide 30 days written notice to Xx. Xxxxx of its intent to terminate Xx. Xxxxx for Cause, with an
explanation of the reason(s) for the termination for Cause, and if Xx. Xxxxx cures the act or
omission within the 30 day notice period, the Company
4
will rescind the notice of termination and Xx. Xxxxx’x employment will not be terminated for Cause
at the end of the 30 day notice period. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if Xx. Xxxxx is afforded
the opportunity to cure an act or omission and he successfully cures such act or omission (and thus
avoids a termination for Cause), the Company will have no obligation to again provide Xx. Xxxxx
with notice and another opportunity to cure with respect to a subsequent similar act or omission
giving rise to a subsequent termination for Cause. For purposes of this Section, no act or failure
to act by Xx. Xxxxx shall be deemed “willful” unless done, or omitted to be done, by him not in
good faith and without reasonable belief that such action of omission was in, or not opposed to,
the best interest of the Company.
4.3 Termination by the Company Without Cause. The Company may terminate Xx. Xxxxx’x
employment without Cause at any time before the end of the Term, subject to 45 days prior written
notice to Xx. Xxxxx. Following such notice, the Company, at its sole discretion, may relieve
Xx. Xxxxx of his active duties, provided that the Company provides pay in lieu of notice.
4.4 Termination Due to Disability. If Xx. Xxxxx becomes “Disabled,” the Company may
terminate his employment. For this purpose, Xx. Xxxxx will be considered “Disabled” if Xx. Xxxxx
is unable to substantially perform the customary duties and responsibilities of his employment for
150 consecutive calendar days or 150 or more calendar days during any 365 calendar day period by
reason of physical or mental incapacity which is expected to result in death or last indefinitely,
as determined by a duly licensed physician mutually agreeable to the parties (which agreement by
either party shall not be unreasonably withheld). Xx. Xxxxx acknowledges that, if he becomes
“Disabled” under the preceding definition, he will have become unable to perform the essential
functions of his position and there would be no reasonable accommodation which would not constitute
an undue hardship to the Company that the Company could make due to the nature of his position.
Xx. Xxxxx’x termination due to Disability will be effective immediately upon the Company mailing or
transmitting written notice of such termination to Xx. Xxxxx.
4.5 Termination Due to Death. If Xx. Xxxxx dies during the term of this Agreement,
his employment and this Agreement will terminate on the date of his death.
4.6 Termination by Xx. Xxxxx for Good Reason. Xx. Xxxxx may terminate his employment
for Good Reason at any time before the end of the Term. For this purpose, the term “Good Reason”
means any of the following:
(a) a material adverse change by the Company of Xx. Xxxxx’x status or position as the Chief
Executive Officer, including, without limitation, a material diminution of his position, duties,
responsibilities or authority or the assignment to him of duties or responsibilities that are
materially inconsistent with his status or position; or
(b) a termination of this Agreement pursuant to Section 1.1 by reason of the Company’s
issuance of notice of non-renewal; or
(c) a reduction by the Company of Xx. Xxxxx’x annual Base Salary or failure to pay same; or
5
(d) a reduction by the Company of Xx. Xxxxx’x total target incentive opportunity during a
calendar year in violation of Section 2; or
(e) a breach by the Company of any of its material obligations under this Agreement; or
(f) the relocation of Xx. Xxxxx’x principal place of employment by more than 50 miles from the
then current location; or
(g) in connection with a Change in Control, the failure or refusal by the successor or
acquiring company to expressly assume the obligations of the Company under this Agreement.
For at least one year after the occurrence of a Change in Control, Xx. Xxxxx will not have “Good
Reason” to terminate his employment merely because he is no longer the chief executive officer of a
public company, provided that his operational duties, responsibilities and authority are not
otherwise materially diminished. Xx. Xxxxx must specify in writing to the Company (or the successor
or acquiring company) the nature of the act or omission that Xx. Xxxxx deems to constitute Good
Reason and provide the Company (or the successor or acquiring company) 30 days after receipt of
such notice to review and, if required, correct the situation (and thus prevent Xx. Xxxxx’x
termination for Good Reason). Notice of termination for Good Reason must be provided, if at all,
within 90 days after the occurrence of the event or condition giving rise to such termination.
5. Payments and Benefits Upon Termination of Employment.
5.1 Termination of Employment by the Company without Cause or by Xx. Xxxxx for Good
Reason. If Xx. Xxxxx’x employment is terminated by the Company without Cause pursuant to
Section 4.3 or by Xx. Xxxxx for Good Reason pursuant to Section 4.6, then, subject to Section 7,
Xx. Xxxxx shall be entitled to receive the following payments and benefits:
(a) a single cash payment equal to the sum of (1) the unpaid amount, if any, of Base Salary
previously earned by Xx. Xxxxx through the date of his termination, and (2) the unpaid amount, if
any, of the short term incentive award earned by Xx. Xxxxx for the preceding year;
(b) payment of any business expenses that were previously incurred but not reimbursed and are
otherwise eligible for reimbursement;
(c) any payments or benefits which are payable to Xx. Xxxxx or his covered spouse, or a
dependent or beneficiary of Xx. Xxxxx, under and in accordance with the provisions of any employee
plan, program or arrangement of the Company, and settlement of any previously earned and unpaid
long-term incentive awards;
(d) a cash payment equal to the product of (1) the short term incentive award (if any) that
would have been earned by Xx. Xxxxx for the calendar year in which his employment terminates if his
employment had not terminated, multiplied by (2) a fraction, the numerator of which is the number
of days elapsed from the beginning of that calendar year until the date his
6
employment terminates, and the denominator of which is 365 (“Pro Rata Bonus”), which payment
will be made when the bonus for such calendar year would otherwise have been paid had Xx. Xxxxx’x
employment not been terminated;
(e) a single sum cash payment, to be made as soon as practicable (but not more than thirty
days following the later of the receipt by the Company of the above-referenced release or the date
of Xx. Xxxxx’x termination of employment), of an amount equal to 2.0 (1.5 in the case of a
termination for Good Reason pursuant to Section 4.6(b) above (relating to the Company’s non-renewal
of the Term)) times the sum of (1) the highest annual rate of Xx. Xxxxx’x Base Salary at any time
during the 24 months preceding the termination of his employment, and (2) Xx. Xxxxx’x target short
term incentive award for the calendar year in which his employment terminates (or, if greater, the
actual annual short term incentive award earned by Xx. Xxxxx for the preceding calendar year);
(f) Xx. Xxxxx shall become fully vested in the initial option award granted pursuant to
Section 2.4(a) and in his outstanding long term incentive plan awards granted pursuant to Section
2.4(b);
(g) if, immediately before the termination of his employment, Xx. Xxxxx and/or his spouse
and/or any of his dependents participates (other than via COBRA) in a Company group health plan,
then, for the 24 months following the date of such termination (or, if sooner, until corresponding
coverage is obtained under a successor employer’s plan), Xx. Xxxxx and/or such spouse and/or
dependents may elect to continue participating in such plan at the same benefit and contribution
levels in effect immediately before the termination of Xx. Xxxxx’x employment (which continuing
participation will be deemed to be in addition to and not in lieu of COBRA), or, if such coverage
is not permitted by the plan or by applicable law, the Company will provide COBRA continuation
coverage to Xx. Xxxxx, his spouse and/or dependents, at the Company’s sole expense, if and to the
extent any of such persons elects and is entitled to receive COBRA continuation coverage; ;
(h) Xx. Xxxxx will continue to receive for a period of 24 months after the termination of his
employment such perquisites (including, without limitation, financial planning services and
flexible spending allowance but excluding participation in the Company’s 401k savings plan) as were
made available to him at any time during the 12 months preceding the termination of his employment;
and
(i) Outplacement services for up to one year with a reputable firm selected by the Company.
5.2 Termination Due to Disability or Death. If Xx. Xxxxx’x employment is terminated
by the Company due to Disability pursuant to Section 4.4, or if Xx. Xxxxx’x employment terminates
by reason of his death, then, subject to Section 7, Xx. Xxxxx (or his beneficiary, as the case may
be) shall be entitled to receive the following payments and benefits:
(a) a single cash payment equal to the sum of (1) the unpaid amount, if any, of Base Salary
previously earned by Xx. Xxxxx through the date of his termination, and (2) the
7
amount of any business expenses that were previously incurred but not reimbursed and are
otherwise eligible for reimbursement;
(b) any payments or benefits which are payable to Xx. Xxxxx, his spouse or any of his
dependents or any beneficiary under and in accordance with the provisions of any employee plan,
program or arrangement of the Company;
(c) a single sum cash payment to be made as soon as practicable (but not more than thirty days
following the later of the receipt by the Company of the above-referenced release, if applicable,
or the date of Xx. Xxxxx’x termination of employment) equal to the sum of (1) an amount equal to
twelve months’ Base Salary, (2) the unpaid amount, if any, of the short term incentive award earned
by Xx. Xxxxx for the preceding year, and (3) an amount equal to his Pro Rata Bonus for the year in
which his employment terminates (which Pro Rata Bonus payment will be made when the annual bonus
for such year would otherwise have been paid had Xx. Xxxxx’x employment not been terminated);
(d) Xx. Xxxxx (or his beneficiary) shall become fully vested in the initial options granted
pursuant to Section 2.4(a) and in his outstanding long term incentive plan awards granted pursuant
to Section 2.4(b); and
(e) If, immediately before the termination of his employment, Xx. Xxxxx and/or his spouse
and/or any of his dependents participates (other than via COBRA) in a Company group health plan,
then, for the 24 months following the date of such termination (or, if sooner, until corresponding
coverage is obtained under a successor employer’s plan), Xx. Xxxxx (in the case of termination due
to Disability) and/or such spouse and/or dependents may elect to continue participating in such
plan at the same benefit and contribution levels in effect immediately before the termination of
Xx. Xxxxx’x employment (which continuing participation will be deemed to be in addition to and not
in lieu of COBRA), or, if such coverage is not permitted by the plan or by applicable law, the
Company will provide COBRA continuation coverage to Xx. Xxxxx, and/or his spouse and/or dependents,
at the Company’s sole expense, if and to the extent any of such persons elects and is entitled to
receive COBRA continuation coverage;.
5.3 Termination by the Company for Cause or Voluntary Termination by Xx. Xxxxx. If
the Company terminates Xx. Xxxxx’x employment for Cause pursuant to Section 4.2 or if Xx. Xxxxx
resigns his employment before the end of the Term (other than a termination by Xx. Xxxxx for Good
Reason pursuant to Section 4.6), then Xx. Xxxxx shall not be entitled to any additional payments or
benefits except for payments and benefits, if any, that may have been earned and are or will be
payable under and in accordance with the terms of any employee benefit plan in which Xx. Xxxxx is a
participant when his employment terminates.
5.4 No Participation in Executive Transition Plan. Xx. Xxxxx shall not participate in
or receive any payments or benefits under the Company’s Executive Transition Plan.
8
6. Change in Control.
6.1 General. Except as otherwise specified in this Section 6, Xx. Xxxxx will not be
entitled to any additional rights, payments or benefits as a result of a “Change in Control” (as
defined in Section 6.5 below). Notwithstanding the foregoing, if, within six months before or two
years after the occurrence of a Change in Control, Xx. Xxxxx’x employment is terminated without
Cause or if, within two years after the occurrence of a Change in Control, Xx. Xxxxx terminates his
employment for Good Reason, then, the Pro Rata Bonus element of Xx. Xxxxx’x xxxxxxxxx, as described
in Section 5.1(d) above, will be calculated based upon Xx. Xxxxx’x target short term incentive
bonus for the year of termination and payment of the Pro Rata Bonus will be made in a lump sum cash
payment at or promptly after the time of such termination.
6.2 Effect of a Change in Control on Long-Term Incentive Awards. All equity-based or
other long-term incentive awards granted by the Company to Xx. Xxxxx shall become vested in
accordance with their terms or, if earlier, upon the termination of Xx. Xxxxx’x employment after
the occurrence of a Change in Control for any reason other than by the Company (or a successor or
acquiring company) for Cause pursuant to Section 4.2 or by Xx. Xxxxx without Good Reason pursuant
to Section 4.1.
6.3 Gross-Up Payments.
(a) General. Except as otherwise specified in Section 6.4, if any payment or benefit
received or to be received by Xx. Xxxxx from the Company pursuant to the terms of this Agreement,
when combined with the payments and benefits Xx. Xxxxx is entitled to receive under any other plan,
program or arrangement (the “Payments”) would be subject to the excise tax (the “Excise Tax”)
imposed by Section 4999 of the Internal Revenue Code (the “Code”) as determined below, the Company
shall pay Xx. Xxxxx, at the time(s) specified below, an additional amount (the “Gross-Up Payment”)
such that the net amount Xx. Xxxxx retains, after deduction of the Excise Tax on the Payments and
any federal, state, and local income tax and the Excise Tax upon the Gross-Up Payment, and any
interest, penalties, or additions to tax payable by Xx. Xxxxx with respect thereto, shall be equal
to the total present value (using the applicable federal rate (as defined in section 1274(d) of the
Code) in such calculation) of the Payments at the time such Payments are to be made.
(b) Calculations. For purposes of determining whether any of the Payments shall be
subject to the Excise Tax and the amount of such excise tax:
(i) the total amount of the Payments shall be treated as “parachute payments” within
the meaning of section 280G(b)(2) of the Code, and all “excess parachute payments” within
the meaning of section 280G(b)(1) of the Code shall be treated as subject to the excise tax,
except to the extent that, in the written opinion of independent counsel or an independent
national accounting firm selected by the Company and reasonably acceptable to Xx. Xxxxx
(“Independent Adviser”), a Payment (in whole or in part) does not constitute a “parachute
payment” within the meaning of section 280G(b)(2) of the Code, or such “excess parachute
payments” (in whole or in part) are not subject to the Excise Tax;
9
(ii) the amount of the Payments that shall be subject to the Excise Tax shall be equal
to the lesser of (1) the total amount of the Payments or (2) the amount of “excess parachute
payments” within the meaning of section 280G(b)(1) of the Code (after applying clause (i),
above); and
(iii) the value of any non-cash benefits or any deferred payment or benefit shall be
determined by the Independent Adviser in accordance with the principles of
section 280G(d)(3) and (4) of the Code.
(c) Tax Rates. For purposes of determining the amount of the Gross-Up Payment,
Xx. Xxxxx shall be deemed to pay federal income taxes at the highest marginal rates of federal
income taxation applicable to individuals in the calendar year in which the Gross-Up Payment is to
be made and state and local income taxes, if any, at the highest marginal rates of taxation
applicable to individuals as are in effect in the state and locality of his residence in the
calendar year in which the Gross-Up Payment is to be made, net of the maximum reduction in federal
income taxes that can be obtained from deduction of such state and local taxes, taking into account
any limitations applicable to individuals subject to federal income tax at the highest marginal
rates.
(d) Time of Gross-Up Payments. The Gross-Up Payments provided for in this Section 6.3
shall be made upon the earlier of (a) the payment to Xx. Xxxxx of any Payment or (b) the imposition
upon Xx. Xxxxx, or any payment by him, of any Excise Tax.
(e) Adjustments to Gross-Up Payments. If it is established pursuant to a final
determination of a court or an Internal Revenue Service proceeding or the written opinion of the
Independent Adviser that the Excise Tax is less than the amount previously taken into account
hereunder, Xx. Xxxxx shall repay the Company, within 30 days of his receipt of notice of such final
determination or opinion, the portion of the Gross-Up Payment attributable to such reduction (plus
the portion of the Gross-Up Payment attributable to the Excise Tax and federal, state, and local
income tax imposed on the Gross-Up Payment being repaid by Xx. Xxxxx if such repayment results in a
reduction in Excise Tax or a federal, state, and local income tax deduction) plus any interest
received by Xx. Xxxxx on the amount of such repayment, provided that if any such amount has been
paid by Xx. Xxxxx as an Excise Tax or other tax, he shall cooperate with the Company in seeking a
refund of any tax overpayments, and he shall not be required to make repayments to the Company
until the overpaid taxes and interest thereon are refunded to him.
(f) Additional Gross-Up Payment. If it is established pursuant to a final
determination of a court or an Internal Revenue Service proceeding or the written opinion of the
Independent Adviser that the Excise Tax exceeds the amount taken into account hereunder (including
by reason of any payment the existence or amount of which cannot be determined at the time of the
Gross-Up Payment), the Company shall make an additional Gross-Up Payment in respect of such excess
within 30 days of the Company’s receipt of notice of such final determination or opinion.
(g) Change in Law or Interpretation. In the event of any change in or further
interpretation of section 280G or 4999 of the Code and the regulations promulgated thereunder,
10
Xx. Xxxxx shall be entitled, by written notice to the Company, to request a written opinion of
the Independent Adviser regarding the application of such change or further interpretation to any
of the foregoing, and the Company shall use its commercially reasonable efforts to cause such
opinion to be rendered as promptly as practicable.
(h) Fees and Expenses. All fees and expenses of the Independent Adviser incurred in
connection with this section shall be borne by the Company.
(i) Survival. The Company’s obligation to make a Gross-Up Payment with respect to
Payments made or accrued before the termination of this Agreement shall survive the termination of
the Agreement unless (1) Xx. Xxxxx’x employment is terminated by the Company for Cause or
voluntarily by Xx. Xxxxx without Good Reason, (2) Xx. Xxxxx fails to execute a release in
accordance with Section 7.1 of this Agreement, or (c) Xx. Xxxxx fails to comply with the
restrictive covenants contained in Section 8 of this Agreement, in which event the Company’s
obligation under this Section 6.3 shall terminate immediately.
6.4 Reduction of Separation Payments in Lieu of Gross-Up. If it shall be determined
that Xx. Xxxxx is otherwise entitled to a Gross-Up Payment pursuant to Section 6.3, but that the
“Parachute Value” (as defined below) of all Payments does not exceed 110% of the “Safe Harbor
Amount” (as defined below), then Xx. Xxxxx shall not be entitled to any payment under Section 6.3
and, instead, the amounts otherwise payable to Xx. Xxxxx under this Agreement (and, if necessary,
under any other agreement or arrangement) shall be reduced so that the Parachute Value of all
Payments, in the aggregate, equals the Safe Harbor Amount. The reduction of amounts otherwise
payable to Xx. Xxxxx, if applicable, shall be made by first reducing the payments under
Section 5.1(e), unless an alternative method of reduction is elected by Xx. Xxxxx and permitted by
the Company. For the purposes hereof, (a) the term “Parachute Value” of a Payment means the
present value as of the date of the Change in Control for purposes of Section 280G of the Code of
the portion of such Payment that constitutes a “parachute payment” under Section 280G(b)(2), as
determined by the Independent Adviser for purposes of determining whether and to what extent the
Excise Tax will apply to such Payment; and (b) the term “Safe Harbor Amount” means the maximum
Parachute Value of all Payments that Xx. Xxxxx can receive without any Payments being subject to
the Excise Tax.
6.5 Definition of Change in Control. For the purposes hereof, a “Change in Control”
will be deemed to have occurred if and when, after the date of this Agreement,
(a) any person, as such term is used in Section 13(d) and 14(d) of the Securities Exchange Act
of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”), other than (1) the Company, (2) any trustee or other fiduciary
holding securities under an employee benefit plan of the Company, (3) any entity owned, directly or
indirectly, by the shareholders of the Company in substantially the same proportions as their
ownership of stock of the Company, or (4) any person who becomes a beneficial owner (as defined
below) in connection with a transaction described in clause (1) of subparagraph (c) below, is or
becomes the beneficial owner (as defined in Rule 13d-3 under the Exchange Act), directly or
indirectly, of securities of the Company (not including in the securities beneficially owned by
such person any securities acquired directly from the Company or its affiliates) representing 40
percent or more of the combined voting power of the Company’s then outstanding voting securities;
11
(b) the following individuals cease for any reason to constitute a majority of the directors
then serving: individuals who on the date hereof, constitute the Board and any new director (other
than a director whose initial assumption of office is in connection with an actual or threatened
election contest, including but not limited to a consent solicitation relating to the election of
directors of the Company) whose appointment or election by the Board or nomination for election by
the Company’s shareholders was approved or recommended by a vote of at least two-thirds of the
directors then still in office who were directors on the date hereof, or whose appointment,
election or nomination for election was previously so approved or recommended;
(c) there is consummated a merger or consolidation of the Company or any direct or indirect
subsidiary of the Company with any other entity, other than (1) a merger or consolidation which
results in the directors of the Company immediately prior to such merger or consolidation
continuing to constitute at least a majority of the board of directors of the Company, the
surviving entity or any parent thereof or (2) a merger or consolidation effected to implement a
recapitalization of the Company (or similar transaction) in which no person is or becomes the
beneficial owner, directly or indirectly, of securities of the Company (not including in the
securities beneficially owned by such person any securities acquired directly from the Company or
its affiliates) representing 40% or more of the combined voting power of the Company’s then
outstanding securities;
(d) the shareholders of the Company approve a plan of complete liquidation or dissolution of
the Company or there is consummated an agreement for the sale or disposition by the Company of all
or substantially all of the Company’s assets, other than a sale or disposition by the Company of
all or a majority of the Company’s assets, income or revenue to an entity, at least 50% of the
combined voting power of the voting securities of which are owned by shareholders of the Company in
substantially the same proportions as their ownership of the Company immediately prior to such
sale; or
(e) any other transaction or event occurs that is designated by the Board as a “Change in
Control” for purposes of this Agreement or that would be required to be reported as a “change in
control” on Form 8-K under the Exchange Act.
7. Release of Claims; Restoration of Payments; Section 409A Delayed Payments.
7.1 Release. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, Xx. Xxxxx’x
right to receive any and all separation payments or benefits under Sections 5.1(d) — 5.1(i),
5.2(b) — 5.2(e), 6.2 and/or 6.3 shall be conditioned on the execution and delivery of a general
release by Xx. Xxxxx in favor of the Company, its affiliates and their officers, directors and
employees, in substantially the form attached hereto as Exhibit C. Any such payment or benefit
shall be deferred until the expiration of the seven day revocation period prescribed by the Age
Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967, as amended, or any similar revocation period in effect on
the effective date of the termination of Xx. Xxxxx’x employment.
7.2 Restoration of Payments. Xx. Xxxxx’x right to receive any separation payments and
benefits pursuant to this Agreement shall be subject to his compliance with the restrictive
covenants set forth in Section 8 and repayment pursuant to this Section 7.2. If Xx. Xxxxx violates
or is in breach of any restrictions set forth in Section 8, then (a) Xx. Xxxxx shall not be
entitled to
12
any further separation payments and benefits under this Agreement, (b) Xx. Xxxxx shall be
obligated to immediately return to the Company any separation payments and the value of any
separation benefits previously received hereunder, and (c) Xx. Xxxxx shall have no further rights
or entitlements under this Agreement. This Section 7.2 shall not in any manner supersede or limit
any other right the Company may have to enforce or seek legal or equitable relief with respect to a
violation or breach by Xx. Xxxxx of the covenants set forth in Section 8.
7.3 Section 409A Delayed Payment Requirements. Notwithstanding any provision to the
contrary in this Agreement or in any employee plan or other agreement, plan, policy or program of
the Company, any payment otherwise required to be made to Xx. Xxxxx on account of his separation
from service (including, without limitation, payments and benefits payable under Section 5.1), to
the extent such payment is properly treated as deferred compensation subject to Section 409A of the
Code and the regulations and other applicable guidance issued by the Internal Revenue Service
thereunder, shall be delayed until the first business day after the expiration of six months from
the date of the termination of Xx. Xxxxx’x employment or, if earlier, the date of his death. On
the delayed payment date, there shall be paid to Xx. Xxxxx (or his estate, as the case may be) in a
single cash payment an amount equal to the aggregate amount of the payments delayed pursuant to the
preceding sentence. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Xx. Xxxxx shall be solely responsible, and the
Company shall have no liability, for any taxes, acceleration of taxes, interest or penalties
arising under Section 409A of the Code.
8. Restrictive Covenants.
8.1 Access to Secret and Confidential Information. The Company has furnished and
shall furnish to Xx. Xxxxx secret and confidential information with respect to the Company and its
affiliates (collectively “Secret and Confidential Information”), to which Xx. Xxxxx would not
otherwise have access and of which Xx. Xxxxx would not otherwise have knowledge. Secret and
Confidential Information includes, without limitation, technical and business information, whether
patentable or not, which is of a confidential, trade secret or proprietary character, and which is
either developed by Xx. Xxxxx alone, with others or by others; lists of customers; identity of
customers; identity of prospective customers; contract terms; bidding information and strategies;
pricing methods or information; computer software; computer software methods and documentation;
hardware; methods of operation; the procedures, forms and techniques used in servicing accounts;
and other information or documents that the Company or any of its affiliates requires to be
maintained in confidence for its or their continued business success.
8.2 Non-Disclosure of Secret and Confidential Information. In consideration of his
employment under this Agreement and as a condition of receiving and retaining payments and benefits
hereunder, Xx. Xxxxx shall not, during the period of his employment with the Company or at any time
thereafter, disclose to anyone, including, without limitation, any person, firm, corporation, or
other entity, or publish, or use for any purpose, any Secret and Confidential Information, except
as properly required in the ordinary course of the Company’s business or as directed and authorized
by the Company.
8.3 Duty to Return Company Documents and Property. Upon the termination of
Xx. Xxxxx’x employment with the Company for any reason, Xx. Xxxxx shall immediately return and
deliver to the Company any and all papers, books, records, documents, memoranda and
13
manuals, e-mail, electronic or magnetic recordings or data, including all copies thereof,
belonging to the Company or relating to its business, in Xx. Xxxxx’x possession, whether prepared
by Xx. Xxxxx or others. If at any time after the termination of employment, Xx. Xxxxx determines
that he has any Secret and Confidential Information in his possession or control, Xx. Xxxxx shall
immediately return to the Company all such Secret and Confidential Information, including all
copies and portions thereof.
8.4 Disclosure. While he is employed with the Company, Xx. Xxxxx shall promptly
disclose to the Company all ideas, inventions, computer programs, and discoveries, whether or not
patentable or copyrightable, which Xx. Xxxxx may conceive or make, alone or with others, during the
period of his employment, whether or not during working hours, and which directly or indirectly:
(a) Relate to matters within the scope, field, duties or responsibility of Xx. Xxxxx’x
employment with the Company; or
(b) Are based on Xx. Xxxxx’x knowledge of the actual or anticipated business or interest of
the Company; or
(c) Are aided by the use of time, materials, facilities or information of the Company.
Xx. Xxxxx assigns to the Company, without further compensation, all rights, titles and interest in
all such ideas, inventions, computer programs and discoveries in all countries of the world.
Xx. Xxxxx recognizes that all ideas, inventions, computer programs and discoveries of the type
described above, conceived or made by Xx. Xxxxx alone or with others within one year after
termination of employment (voluntary or otherwise), are likely to have been conceived in
significant part either while employed by the Company or as a direct result of knowledge Xx. Xxxxx
had of proprietary information. Accordingly, Xx. Xxxxx agrees that such ideas, inventions or
discoveries shall be conclusively presumed to have been conceived during Xx. Xxxxx’x employment
with the Company.
8.5 Inventions. Any and all writings, computer software, inventions, improvements,
processes, procedures and/or techniques which Xx. Xxxxx may make, conceive, discover, or develop,
either solely or jointly with any other person or persons, at any time during the term of his
employment, whether at the request or upon the suggestion of the Company or otherwise, which relate
to or are useful in connection with any business now or hereafter carried on or contemplated by the
Company, including developments or expansions of its present fields of operations, shall be the
sole and exclusive property of the Company. Xx. Xxxxx shall take all actions necessary so that the
Company can prepare and present applications for copyright or Letters Patent therefor, and can
secure such copyright or Letters Patent wherever possible, as well as reissue renewals, and
extensions thereof, and can obtain the record title to such copyright or patents. Xx. Xxxxx shall
not be entitled to any additional or special compensation or reimbursement regarding any such
writings, computer software, inventions, improvements, processes, procedures and techniques.
Xx. Xxxxx acknowledges that the Company from time to time may have agreements with other persons or
entities which impose obligations or restrictions on the Company regarding inventions made during
the course of work thereunder or regarding
14
the confidential nature of such work. Xx. Xxxxx shall be bound by all such obligations and
restrictions and take all action necessary to discharge the obligations of the Company.
8.6 Non-Solicitation and Non-Competition Restrictions. In consideration of the
payments and benefits provided to Xx. Xxxxx under this Agreement and other good and valuable
consideration, and to protect the Company’s Secret and Confidential Information, Xx. Xxxxx
covenants as follows:
(a) Non-Competition. During the period of Xx. Xxxxx’x employment or other service
with the Company and for one year thereafter, Xx. Xxxxx shall not, without the prior written
consent of the Company, (1) personally engage in Competitive Activities (as defined below); or
(2) work for, own, manage, operate, control, or participate in the ownership, management,
operation, or control of, or provide consulting or advisory services to, any person, partnership,
firm, corporation, institution or other entity engaged in Competitive Activities, or any company or
person affiliated with such person or entity engaged in Competitive Activities; provided that
Xx. Xxxxx’x purchase or holding, for investment purposes, of securities representing less than 5%
of the outstanding value or voting interest of a publicly traded company shall not constitute
“ownership” or “participation in the ownership” for purposes of this paragraph. For the avoidance
of doubt, this subsection (a) shall not prohibit Xx. Xxxxx from being employed by, or providing
services to, a consulting firm, provided that Xx. Xxxxx does not personally engage in Competitive
Activities or provide consulting or advisory services to any individual, partnership, firm,
corporation, institution or other entity engaged in Competitive Activities, or any person or entity
affiliated with such individual, partnership, firm, corporation, institution or other entity
engaged in Competitive Activities.
(b) Competitive Activities. For the purposes hereof, the term “Competitive
Activities” means activities relating to products or services of the same or similar type as the
products or services which are sold (or, pursuant to an existing business plan, will be sold) to
paying customers of the Company or any affiliate. Notwithstanding the previous sentence, an
activity shall not be treated as a Competitive Activity if the geographic marketing area of the
relevant products or services does not overlap with the geographic marketing area for the
applicable products and services of the Company and its affiliates.
(c) Interference With Business Relations. During the period of Xx. Xxxxx’x employment
or other service with the Company and for one year thereafter, Xx. Xxxxx shall not, without the
prior written consent of the Company:
(i) recruit, induce or solicit any employee or officer, directly or indirectly, of the
Company or an affiliate for employment or for retention as a consultant or service provider;
(ii) hire or participate (with another person or entity) in the process of hiring
(other than for the Company or an affiliate of the Company) any person who is then an
employee or officer of the Company or its affiliate, or provide names or other information
about any employees of the Company or its affiliate to any person or entity (other than the
Company or its affiliate), directly or indirectly, under circumstances that
15
could lead to the use of any such information for purposes of recruiting, soliciting or
hiring;
(iii) interfere, directly or indirectly, with the relationship of the Company or its
affiliate with any of its employees, agents, or representatives;
(iv) solicit or induce, or in any manner attempt to solicit or induce, directly or
indirectly, any client, customer, or prospect of the Company or its affiliate (1) to cease
being, or not to become, a customer of the Company or its affiliate, or (2) to divert any
business of such customer or prospect from the Company or its affiliate; or
(v) otherwise interfere with, disrupt, or attempt to interfere with or disrupt, the
relationship, contractual or otherwise, between the Company or its affiliate and any of its
customers, clients, prospects, suppliers, consultants, employees, agents, or
representatives.
8.7 Reformation. If a court concludes that any time period and/or the geographic area
specified in Section 8.6 is unenforceable, then the time period will be reduced by the number of
months, or the geographic area will be reduced by the elimination of the overbroad portion, or
both, as the case may be, so that the restrictions may be enforced in the geographic area and for
the time to the fullest extent permitted by law.
8.8 Tolling. If Xx. Xxxxx violates any of the restrictions contained in Section 8.6,
the restrictive period will be suspended and will not run in favor of Xx. Xxxxx from the time of
the commencement of any violation until the time when Xx. Xxxxx cures the violation to the
Company’s satisfaction.
8.9 Remedies. It is intended that, in view of the nature of the Company’s business,
the restrictions contained in this Section 8 of the Agreement shall be considered reasonable and
necessary to protect the Company’s legitimate business interests and that any violation of these
restrictions would result in irreparable injury to the Company. In the event of a breach or a
threatened breach by Xx. Xxxxx of any restrictive covenant contained herein, the Company shall be
entitled to a temporary restraining order and injunctive relief restraining Xx. Xxxxx from the
commission of any breach, and to recover the Company’s attorneys’ fees, costs and expenses related
to the breach or threatened breach. Nothing contained herein shall be construed as prohibiting the
Company from pursuing any other remedies available to it for any breach or threatened breach,
including, without limitation, the restoration and other remedies specified in this Agreement
and/or the recovery of money damages, attorneys’ fees, and costs. These covenants and restrictions
shall each be construed as independent of any other provisions in the Agreement, and the existence
of any claim or cause of action by Xx. Xxxxx against the Company, whether predicated on this
Agreement or otherwise, shall not constitute a defense to the enforcement by the Company of such
covenants and restrictions.
8.10 Severability. Should a court determine that any paragraph or sentence, or any
portion of a paragraph or sentence of this Section 8 is invalid, unenforceable, or void, this
determination shall not have the effect of invalidating or validating the remainder of the
paragraph, sentence or any other provision of this Section 8. Further, it is intended that the
court
16
should construe this Section 8 by limiting and reducing it only to the extent necessary to be
enforceable under then applicable law.
8.11 Future Employment. If, before the expiration of the period covered by
Section 8.6(a) hereof, Xx. Xxxxx seeks or is offered employment by any other company, firm, person
or entity, Xx. Xxxxx shall provide a copy of this Section 8 to the prospective employer before
accepting employment with that prospective employer, and shall notify the Company of such offer of
employment and identify such prospective employer to the Company. The Company shall treat such
information as Confidential Information, subject to its right to seek enforcement of Xx. Xxxxx’x
obligations under this Agreement.
9. No Duty to Mitigate. Except as otherwise specifically provided herein, Xx. Xxxxx’x
entitlement to payments or benefits upon or following the termination of his employment will not be
subject to mitigation or a duty to mitigate by Xx. Xxxxx.
10. Recoupment Upon Certain Restatement of Financial Statements. If the Company is
required to restate all or a portion of its financial statement(s) for any period and if the
Company’s Human Resources Committee determines that such restatement is attributable in whole or in
significant part to fraud, negligence, or intentional misconduct on the part of Xx. Xxxxx or known
to Xx. Xxxxx, then, subject to applicable law, the Human Resources Committee, acting in its
discretion may require Xx. Xxxxx to reimburse the Company for the amount of any incentive
compensation paid to him, cause the cancellation of outstanding equity compensation awards, and
seek reimbursement of any gains otherwise realized by him in respect of the exercise or settlement
of any such awards if and to the extent that (a) the amount of such incentive compensation was or
will be based upon the achievement of certain financial results that were subsequently reduced due
to such restatement, and (b) the amount of the incentive compensation that was, would have been or
would be paid or provided to Xx. Xxxxx if the financial results had been properly reported would
have been lower than the amount actually paid or provided.
11. Successors and Beneficiaries.
11.1 Successors and Assigns of the Company. The Company shall require any successor
or assignee, whether direct or indirect, by purchase, merger, consolidation or otherwise, to all or
substantially all the business or assets of the Company and its subsidiaries taken as a whole,
expressly and unconditionally to assume and agree to perform or cause to be performed the Company’s
obligations under this Agreement. In any such event, the term “Company,” as used herein shall mean
the Company, as defined above, and any such successor or assignee.
11.2 Xx. Xxxxx’x Beneficiary. For the purposes hereof, Xx. Xxxxx’x beneficiary will
be the person or persons designated as such in a written beneficiary designation filed with the
Company, which may be revoked or revised in the same manner at any time prior to Xx. Xxxxx’x death.
In the absence of a properly filed written beneficiary designation or if no designated beneficiary
survives Xx. Xxxxx, Xx. Xxxxx’x estate will be deemed to be the beneficiary hereunder.
17
11.3 Nonassignability. With the exception of Xx. Xxxxx’x beneficiary designation,
neither Xx. Xxxxx nor Xx. Xxxxx’x beneficiary may pledge, transfer or assign in any way the right
to receive payments or benefits hereunder, and any attempted pledge, transfer or assignment shall
be void and of no force or effect.
12. Legal Fees to Enforce Rights after a Change in Control. If, following a Change in
Control, the Company fails to comply with any of its obligations under this Agreement or the
Company takes any action to declare this Agreement void or unenforceable or institutes any
litigation or other legal action designed to deny, diminish or to recover from Xx. Xxxxx (or
Xx. Xxxxx’x beneficiary) the payments and benefits intended to be provided, then Xx. Xxxxx (or
Xx. Xxxxx’x beneficiary, as the case may be) shall be entitled to select and retain counsel at the
expense of the Company to represent Xx. Xxxxx (or Xx. Xxxxx’x beneficiary) in connection with the
good faith initiation or defense of any litigation or other legal action, whether by or against the
Company or any director, officer, stockholder or other person affiliated with the Company or any
successor thereto in any jurisdiction.
13. Arbitration.
13.1 Dispute Resolution. Except as otherwise specifically provided in Section 8.9
(relating to the Company’s right to obtain injunctive or other equitable relief from a court), any
claim or controversy arising out of or relating to this Agreement or the breach hereof shall be
resolved exclusively by arbitration.
13.2 Claim Initiation/Time Limits. A party must notify the other party in writing of
a request to arbitrate a dispute within the same statute of limitations period applicable to the
legal claim asserted. The written request for arbitration must specify (a) the factual basis on
which the claim is made; (b) the statutory provision or legal theory under which the claim is made;
and (c) the nature and extent of any relief or remedy sought.
13.3 Procedures. The arbitration will be administered in accordance with the
Employment Dispute Resolution Rules of the American Arbitration Association (“AAA”), in the Dallas,
Texas metropolitan area (or, if different, in the metropolitan area in which Xx. Xxxxx is then or
was last employed) before an experienced employment law arbitrator licensed to practice law in that
jurisdiction who has been selected in accordance with such Rules. The Company will pay the fees of
the AAA and the arbitrator and will bear the administrative expenses of any such arbitration
proceeding. Each party may be represented by counsel of its or his own choosing and at its or his
own expense; provided, however, that attorneys’ fees and costs may be awarded to a prevailing party
in the discretion of the arbitrator. The arbitrator’s award will be enforceable, and a judgment
may be entered thereon, in a federal or state court of competent jurisdiction in the state where
the arbitration was held. The decision of the arbitrator will be final and binding.
14. Governing Law. This Agreement Shall be governed by the laws of the State of
Texas, excluding its conflict of law rules or any other principle that could require the
application of the law of any other jurisdiction.
18
15. Indemnification; D&O Insurance.
(a) In the absence of a separate written indemnification agreement between the Company and
Xx. Xxxxx, the Company shall indemnify Xx. Xxxxx and hold him harmless from and against any claim,
liability and expense (including, without limitation, reasonable attorney fees) made against or
incurred by him in connection with his employment by the Company or his membership on the Board, in
a manner and to an extent that is not less favorable to Xx. Xxxxx than the indemnification
protection that is afforded by the Company to any other senior officer or director and that is
consistent with industry custom and standards.
(b) The Company shall cover Xx. Xxxxx 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.
16. Withholding. The Company and its affiliates may withhold from any and all amounts
payable under this Agreement such federal, state and local taxes and other amounts as may be
required to be withheld pursuant to applicable law.
17. Entire Agreement. This Agreement (including any exhibits, schedules and other
documents referred to herein) contains the entire understanding between the parties hereto with
respect to the subject matter hereof and supersedes any prior and/or contemporaneous
understandings, agreements or representations, written or oral, relating to the subject matter
hereof.
18. Inconsistency. In the event of any inconsistency between the specific terms of
this Agreement, as they pertain to the payments and benefits (including, without limitation,
vesting rights) to which Xx. Xxxxx may be entitled in connection with his employment or the
termination of his employment hereunder, and the terms of any form, award, plan or policy of the
Company relating to the same subject matter, the specific terms of this Agreement shall control.
19. Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in separate counterparts, each of
which will be an original and all of which taken together shall constitute one and the same
agreement, and any party hereto may execute this Agreement by signing any such counterpart.
20. Severability. Whenever possible, each provision of this Agreement shall be
interpreted in such a manner as to be effective and valid under applicable law but if any provision
of this Agreement is held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable under any applicable law or rule,
the validity, legality and enforceability of the other provision of this Agreement will not be
affected or impaired thereby.
21. Modification, Amendment, Waiver or Termination. No provision of this Agreement
may be modified, amended, waived or terminated except by an instrument in writing signed by the
parties to this Agreement. No course of dealing between the parties will modify, amend, waive or
terminate any provision of this Agreement or any rights or obligations of any party under or by
reason of this Agreement. No delay on the part of the Company in exercising any right hereunder
shall operate as a waiver of such right. No waiver, express or implied, by a party of any right or
any breach by the other party shall constitute a waiver of any other right of such party or breach
by such other party.
19
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Agreement on the date first above written.
IDEARC INC. | ||||||
By: | /s/ Xxxx Xxxxxxxx | |||||
Xxxx Xxxxxxxx | ||||||
Acting Executive Vice President — General Counsel |
||||||
/s/ Xxxxx X. Xxxxx | ||||||
Xxxxx X. Xxxxx |
20
EXHIBIT C
FORM OF RELEASE PROVISIONS
FORM OF RELEASE PROVISIONS
In consideration of the premises and the payments and benefits to be made or provided by the
Company to the Executive under this Release and the Employment Agreement, the Executive, for the
Executive and for the executors and administrators of the Executive’s estate, heirs, successors and
assigns, hereby releases and forever discharges the Company and its officers, directors, employees
and stockholders from any and all claims, actions, causes of action, suits, sums of money, debts,
dues, accounts, reckonings, bonds, bills, covenants, contracts, controversies, agreements,
promises, demands or damages of any nature whatsoever or by reason of any matter, cause or thing
regardless of whether known or unknown at present, which against the Company or any of its
officers, directors, employees or stockholders Executive ever had, now has or may have arising out
of or relating to any transaction, dealing, relationship, conduct, act or omission, or any other
matters or things occurring or existing at any time prior to and including the date of this Release
(collectively defined herein as “Claims”). This Release includes, but is not limited to, all Claims
the Executive might have under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended, 42 U.S.C.
§§2000e, et. seq.; 42 U.S.C. §§1981, et. seq.; the Texas Commission on Human Rights Act, Tex. Rev.
Civ. Stat. Art. 5221k; the Americans with Disabilities Act, 29 U.S.C. §§2000e, et. seq.; the Age
Discrimination in Employment Act; the Older Workers Benefits Protection Act; the federal Family and
Medical Leave Act; the Texas Labor Code, Section 451 et. seq.; and any and all statutory and common
law causes of action for defamation; slander; slander per se; defamation per se; false light;
tortious interference with prospective business relationships; assault; sexual assault; battery;
sexual harassment; sexual discrimination; hostile work environment; discrimination; retaliation;
workers’ compensation retaliation; wrongful termination; intentional infliction of emotional
distress; breach of a duty or obligation of any kind or description, including any implied covenant
of good faith and fair dealing; and for breach of contract or any tort whatsoever, as well as any
expenses or attorney’s fees associated with such Claims. The parties acknowledge that this Release
does not either affect the rights and responsibilities of the Equal Employment Opportunity
Commission to enforce the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, or justify interfering with the
protected right of an employee to file a charge or participate in an investigation or proceeding
conducted by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission under the Age Discrimination in Employment
Act. In the event the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission commences a proceeding against the
Company in which Executive is a named party, Executive agrees to waive and forego any monetary
claims which may be alleged by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission to be owed to Executive.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, nothing in the provisions of this Release shall act as a release by
the Executive of any Claims against the Company with respect to (i) the enforcement of this
Release, (ii) any amounts or benefits to which the Executive is entitled under this Release, (iii)
the Executive’s rights under and in accordance with the terms of any employee plan in which
Executive participates, and (iv) any Claims arising with respect to acts, events or occurrences
taking place after the date of this Release.
Executive shall not make any statements, either directly or through other persons or entities,
which are disparaging to the Company or any of its affiliates, management, officers, directors,
shareholders, services, products, operations, prospects or other matters relating to the Company’s
businesses. The Company, through its officers and directors, shall not make any
- 1 -
statements, either directly or through other persons or entities, which are disparaging to
Executive.
The Company has advised the Executive in writing to consult with an attorney prior to
executing this Release. By executing this Release, the Executive acknowledges that (a) the
Executive has been provided an opportunity to consult with an attorney or other advisor of the
Executive’s choice regarding the terms of this Release, (b) Executive has been given twenty-one
(21) days in which to consider whether the Executive wishes to enter into this Release, (c)
Executive has elected to enter into this Agreement knowingly and voluntarily, (d) Executive’s
waiver of rights or claims is in exchange for the good and valuable consideration herein; and (e)
if Executive does so within fewer than twenty-one (21) days from receipt of this Release, Executive
has knowingly and voluntarily waived the remaining time. This Release will become effective,
enforceable and irrevocable on the eighth day after the date on which it is executed by the
Executive (the “Effective Date”). During the seven-day period prior to the Effective Date, the
Executive may revoke this Release by delivering a written notice of revocation to the Company.
Each of the parties to this Release shall keep confidential the specific terms of this
Release, and shall not disclose the terms of this Release to any person except, in the case of the
Executive, to the Executive’s spouse, and in the case of both parties, to their respective
financial, tax, and legal advisers of Executive and the Company, unless required to disclose same
to others by legal process, in which event the party so ordered shall to the extent practical under
the circumstances first give notice to the other party in order that such other party may have an
opportunity to seek a protective order. This Release may be disclosed or appended as an exhibit to
any securities filing required to be made by the Company, however, after having been so disclosed
or appended, the parties shall remain obligated to keep confidential any information not so
disclosed.
The Executive has returned to the Company all property of the Company, including but not
limited to, any computers, telephones, documents, books, records (whether in electronic format or
hard copy), reports, files, correspondence, notebooks, manuals, notes, specifications, mailing
lists, credit cards and data in the Executive’s possession or control. If the Executive later
determines that he has any secret or confidential information remaining in his possession or
control, the Executive shall immediately return to the Company all such secret and confidential
information in the Executive’s possession and control, including all copies and portions thereof.
- 2 -