EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT
Exhibit
10.34
THIS
AGREEMENT, dated as of January 29, 2008 (together with any Exhibits hereto,
the
“Agreement”),
is
entered into by and between BreitBurn Management Company, LLC (“BMC”),
Pro
GP Corp. (“PROGP”),
BreitBurn GP, LLC ( “BBGP”),
and
Xxxxxxx X. Xxxxx (the “Executive”).
As
used herein, the term “Employer”
shall
be deemed to refer to BMC, PROGP, and/or BBGP, as the context
requires.
WHEREAS,
the Executive and the Employer wish to continue their existing employment
relationship; and
WHEREAS,
the Employer and the Executive wish to enter into an Employment Agreement,
in
the capacities and on the terms set forth in this Agreement.
NOW,
THEREFORE, IT IS HEREBY AGREED AS FOLLOWS:
1. Definitions.
All
capitalized terms not defined herein shall have the meanings set forth in
Exhibit
A
hereto.
2. Employment
Period.
The
Employer hereby agrees to continue to employ the Executive, and the Executive
hereby agrees to continue such employment, subject to the terms and conditions
of this Agreement, during the period (the “Employment
Period”)
beginning on January 1, 2008 (the “Commencement
Date”)
and
ending on January 1, 2011 or such earlier date upon which the Executive’s
employment is terminated as provided herein. Provided that the Employment Period
has not already terminated, commencing on January 1, 2011 (and each January
1
thereafter), the term of this Agreement shall automatically be extended for
one
additional year, unless at least ninety days prior to any such January 1, the
Employer or the Executive gives written notice to the other party that it or
he,
as the case may be, does not wish to so extend the term of this Agreement.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Employment Period shall end on the Date
of
Termination.
3. Terms
of Employment.
(a)
Position
and Duties.
(i)
Position.
During
the Employment Period, the Executive shall be employed as the Executive Vice
President (Land, Legal and Government Relations) and General Counsel of the
Employer (“EVP/General
Counsel”),
with
the usual and customary duties of such office in entities of a similar nature
and size. The Executive shall also serve subsidiaries and affiliates of the
Employer in such other capacities, in roles consistent with his position as
EVP/General Counsel, in addition to the foregoing as the Employer shall
designate, and the Executive shall have such other duties, responsibilities
and
authority as the Boards of Directors of BMC, BBGP or PROGP, as applicable (the
“Board”
or
“Boards”
as
the
context requires)
may
specify from time to time, in each case, in roles consistent with his position
as EVP/General Counsel. In no event shall the Executive be entitled to any
additional compensation (from the Employer
or otherwise) for services rendered to any other affiliate of the Employer
(the
Employer and any other affiliated entities for which the Executive provides
such
services, the “BreitBurn
Entities”).
The
Executive shall report directly to the Co-Chief Executive Officers of the
Employer.
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(ii) Exclusivity.
During
the Employment Period, and excluding any periods of vacation and sick leave
to
which the Executive is entitled under this Agreement, the Executive shall devote
substantially full-time attention and time during normal business hours to
the
business and affairs of the BreitBurn Entities consistent with Section 3 hereof.
During the Employment Period it shall not be a violation of this Agreement
for
the Executive to (A) carry on other non-competitive business ventures with
the
consent of the Employer or its nominee (not to be unreasonably withheld), (B)
serve on the boards or committees of such ventures or trade associations or
civic or charitable organizations or to engage in activities with such entities,
(C) deliver lectures, fulfill speaking engagements or teach at educational
institutions and (D) 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 Employer in accordance with this
Agreement. The Executive shall be entitled to retain all compensation
attributable to activities permitted under this Section 3(a)(ii).
(iii) Allocation
of Costs.
The
respective Boards shall use their best efforts to resolve any ambiguities or
conflicts as to their respective obligations to the Executive under this
Agreement. The cost of the Executive’s compensation and benefits shall be paid
by BMC with the other Employer entities reimbursing BMC for their portion of
such costs that are allocable to them on the basis of the Executive’s estimated
time devoted to their respective businesses or on such other basis as the
Employer entities may mutually agree, provided,
that
costs associated with the RPUs and CPUs shall be borne by BBGP. Notwithstanding
the foregoing, each of BMC, PROGP, and/or BBGP shall be jointly and severally
liable for the performance of the obligations of the Employer
hereunder.
(iv) Location.
The
Executive’s services shall be performed at the Headquarters of the Employer, and
such location shall be in the Greater Los Angeles metropolitan area.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Employer may from time to time require the
Executive to travel temporarily to other locations on the business of the
Employer (and/or other BreitBurn Entities).
(v) Operation
of the Business.
It is
the Employer’s current intent to continue conducting its business in a manner
that would not impede the attainment of the Performance Objectives applicable
to
the CPUs, provided that the parties acknowledge that any action or inaction
by
the Board (or any other person owing a fiduciary duty to the Employer) with
respect to the conduct of the Employer’s business must be consistent with the
Board’s or such person’s view of applicable fiduciary duties and law.
Accordingly, the Employer agrees that, provided that its actions and inactions
are consistent with applicable fiduciary duties and law, the Employer shall
not
take any action (or permit any inaction) that materially impedes the attainment
of the Performance Objectives applicable to the CPUs. Notwithstanding the
foregoing, nothing contained in this Section 3(a)(v) nor any breach thereof
shall create any right in the Executive (or any successor in interest to the
Executive) to enjoin, preclude, constrain or otherwise interfere with any lawful
action taken by or on behalf of the Employer, whether by injunction,
restraining order, other equitable relief or otherwise or shall serve as the
basis for any claim by the Executive for any punitive, consequential or
incidental damages, and the Executive hereby agrees that his sole remedy for
a
breach of this Section 3(a)(v) shall be limited to the payments and benefits
to
which he may be entitled under the terms of this Agreement in the event that
he
terminates his employment for Good Reason.
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(b) Compensation.
(i)
Base
Salary.
During
the Employment Period, the Executive shall receive a base salary (the
“Base
Salary”)
at an
annual rate of $300,000, as the same may be increased (but not decreased)
thereafter in the discretion of the Employer. The Base Salary shall be paid
at
such regular intervals as the Employer pays executive salaries generally, but
in
no event less frequently than monthly. During the Employment Period, the Base
Salary shall be reviewed at least annually by the Employer for possible increase
in the discretion of the Employer. Any increase in the Base Salary shall not
serve to limit or reduce any other obligation to the Executive under this
Agreement. The Base Salary shall not be reduced after any such increase, and
the
term Base Salary as utilized in this Agreement shall refer to the Base Salary
as
so increased.
(ii) Short-Term
Incentives.
For
each calendar year ending during the Employment Period, the Executive shall
be
eligible to participate in the Employer’s short-term incentive plan at the
Executive Vice President level and to earn an annual cash bonus based on the
achievement of performance criteria established by the Board as soon as
administratively practicable following the beginning of each such year (the
“Annual
Bonus”).
For
each calendar year during the Employment Period, (A) the target Annual Bonus
shall be an amount equal to 75% of the Executive’s Base Salary, and (B) the
maximum Annual Bonus shall be an amount equal to 150% of the Executive’s Base
Salary. The Employer shall pay the Annual Bonus (if any) for each such calendar
year in a single, cash, lump sum after the end of the applicable calendar year
in accordance with procedures established by the Board, but in no event later
than the fifteenth day of the third month following the end of such calendar
year, subject to and conditioned upon the Executive’s continued employment with
the Employer through the date of payment of such Annual Bonus.
(iii) Long
Term Incentives.
As soon
as practicable following the Commencement Date, BBGP shall grant to the
Executive, under the BreitBurn Energy Partners L.P. 2006 Long-Term Incentive
Plan (the “Plan”),
(i)
an aggregate of 32,044 Restricted Phantom Units (consisting of an initial grant
of 24,344 Restricted Phantom Units and a grant with respect to calendar year
2008 of 7,700 Restricted Phantom Units) (together, the “RPUs”)
which
shall vest and convert into Units, subject to Section 5 below, as to one-third
of the RPUs on each of January 1, 2009, January 1, 2010 and January 1, 2011,
subject in each case to the Executive’s continued employment with the Employer
through each such date; and (ii) 77,000 Convertible Performance Units (the
“CPUs”)
which
shall convert into Units, subject to the attainment of applicable performance
objectives and Section 5 below, on the earlier to occur of (A) the attainment
of
the specified performance metrics adopted by the Board in resolutions dated
December 26, 2007 (the “Performance
Objectives”),
or
(B) January 1, 2013, subject to the Executive’s continued employment with the
Employer through any such date (except as provided in Section 5 below).
Outstanding RPUs and CPUs shall generally entitle the Executive to receive
payments in an amount equal to distributions made in respect of the Units
underlying such awards at such time and in such amounts as distributions are
received by the holders of Units generally (and, in the case of the CPUs, such
payments shall be subject to recoupment by BBGP in the event that such payments
exceed the level of distribution equivalent payments to which the Executive
is
ultimately entitled in respect of the CPUs, based on the level at which the
Performance Objectives are attained). Except as expressly provided in Section
5(d)(ii) below, conversion to, and payment to the Executive of, the Units
underlying CPUs shall occur upon or as soon as practicable following the vesting
of any such CPUs (whether pursuant to this Section 3(b)(iii) or Section 5
below), but in no event later than the applicable “short-term deferral period”
(within the meaning of Code Section 409A). The
terms
and conditions of the RPUs and the CPUs, including without limitation, any
provisions relating to cash distributions, performance or other vesting
conditions and restrictions thereon, shall, consistent with the terms provided
in this Agreement, be set forth in RPU and CPU award agreements, as applicable,
in forms prescribed by the Employer or BBGP (together, the “LTIP
Award Agreements”).
The
RPUs and the CPUs shall be governed by the terms of the Plan and the applicable
LTIP Award Agreements. The Executive shall be eligible to receive additional
awards under the Plan and to participate in any future long-term incentive
programs available generally to the Peer Executives in the future, both as
determined in the sole discretion of the Board of Directors of BBGP.
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(iv) Benefit
Plans and Policies.
During
the Employment Period, the Executive and the Executive’s eligible dependents
shall be eligible to participate in the savings and retirement plans and
policies, welfare plans and policies (including, without limitation, medical
and
dental) and fringe benefit plans and policies of the Employer, in each case,
that are made generally available to the Peer Executives on a basis no less
favorable than that provided generally to the Peer Executives. Notwithstanding
the foregoing, nothing herein shall, or shall be construed so as to, require
the
Employer to adopt or continue any plan or policy or to limit the Employer’s
right to amend or terminate any such plan or policy at any time.
(v) Automobile.
During
the Employment Period, the Employer shall pay directly, or the Executive shall
be entitled to receive prompt reimbursement of, actual expenses of up to $1,000
per month associated with the lease or purchase of an automobile, in addition
to
which the Employer shall pay or reimburse expenses related to the maintenance
and operation of such automobile in accordance with the Employer’s automobile
reimbursement policy applicable to the Peer Executives, as in effect from time
to time.
(vi) Expenses.
During
the Employment Period, the Executive shall be entitled to receive prompt
reimbursement for reasonable expenses incurred by the Executive on behalf of
or
in furtherance of the business of any BreitBurn Entity pursuant to the terms
and
conditions of the Employer’s applicable expense reimbursement policies. Such
expenses shall include Bar association fees and dues, reasonable mandatory
continuing legal education expenses and costs for online or hard copy access
to
legal publications and materials necessary to the Executive’s performance
hereunder. To the extent that any such expenses or any other reimbursements
or
fringe benefits provided to the Executive during the Employment Period are
deemed to constitute compensation to the Executive, including without limitation
any automobile expenses and/or club memberships reimbursed in accordance with
Section 3(b)(v) above and 3(b)(viii) below, respectively, such expenses shall
be
reimbursed no later than December 31 of the year following the year in which
the
expense was incurred. The amount of any such compensatory
expenses so reimbursed in one year shall not affect the amount eligible for
reimbursement in any subsequent year and the Executive’s right to reimbursement
of any such expenses shall not be subject to liquidation or exchange for any
other benefit.
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(vii) Vacation.
During
the Employment Period, the Executive shall be entitled to paid vacation in
accordance with the Employer’s applicable vacation policy, but in no event less
than four (4) weeks per year.
(viii) City
Club Membership.
During
the Employment Period, the Employer shall pay all initiation fees, monthly
dues,
and reasonable expenses incurred for business-related use of one city, athletic
or dining club. The Executive’s membership shall be the property of the
Executive.
4. Termination
of Employment.
(a)
Death
or Disability.
The
Executive’s employment with the Employer shall terminate automatically upon the
Executive’s death. In addition, if the Board determines in good faith that the
Executive has incurred a Disability, it may terminate the Executive’s employment
upon thirty days’ written notice provided in accordance with Section 13(b)
hereof if the Executive shall not have returned to full-time performance of
the
Executive’s duties hereunder prior to the expiration of such thirty-day notice
period.
(b) Cause.
The
Employer may terminate the Executive’s employment for Cause or without Cause at
any time, provided,
that
the Employer may not terminate the Executive’s employment for Cause prior to
obtaining the requisite approval of the Board as required by the definition
of
“Cause.”
(c) Good
Reason.
The
Executive may terminate his employment for Good Reason or without Good Reason.
(d) Notice
of Termination.
Any
termination by the Employer or the Executive shall be communicated by a Notice
of Termination to the other parties hereto given in accordance with Section
13(b) hereof. The failure by the Executive or the Employer to set forth in
the
Notice of Termination any fact or circumstance which contributes to a showing
of
Good Reason or Cause shall not waive any right of the Executive or the Employer,
respectively, hereunder or preclude the Executive or the Employer, respectively,
from asserting such fact or circumstance in enforcing the Executive’s or the
Employer’s rights hereunder.
5. Obligations
of the Employer upon Termination; Change of Control.
For the
avoidance of doubt, for purposes of this Section 5, a termination of the
Executive’s employment with the Employer shall only occur if the Executive’s
employment is terminated with all Employer entities (and any other BreitBurn
Entities with whom the Executive may be or become employed). Notwithstanding
the
foregoing, the parties hereby acknowledge that changes in the Executive’s status
as an employee of the various Employer entities and BreitBurn Entities
(including any transfer of the Executive’s employment between such entities and
any termination of the Executive’s employment relationship with one or more, but
fewer than all, such entities) may, but shall not necessarily, constitute Good
Reason hereunder, and that the effect
of
such changes on the Executive’s employment relationship shall be considered in
determining whether Good Reason exists hereunder.
5
(a)
Good
Reason; Other Than for Cause, Death or Disability.
If,
during the Employment Period, the Employer terminates the Executive’s employment
without Cause (other than as a consequence of the Executive’s death or
Disability, which terminations shall be governed by Section 5(c) below), or
the
Executive terminates his employment with the Employer for Good Reason, in either
case, in a manner that constitutes a
Separation from Service,
then
the Executive shall be entitled to receive the payments and benefits described
below in this Section 5(a).
(i) (A)
The
Executive shall be paid, in a single lump-sum payment within thirty (30) days
after the Executive’s Separation from Service (or any shorter period prescribed
by law), the aggregate amount of (1) the Executive’s earned but unpaid Base
Salary and accrued but unpaid vacation pay, if any, through the Date of
Termination, and (2) any unreimbursed business expenses incurred by the
Executive through the Date of Termination that are reimbursable under Section
3(b)(vi) above; and (B) to the extent not theretofore paid or provided, the
Employer shall timely pay or provide to the Executive any accrued benefits
and
other amounts or benefits required to be paid or provided prior to the Date
of
Termination under any other plan, program, policy, practice, contract or
agreement of the Employer and its affiliates according to their terms (the
payments and benefits described in this Section 5(a)(i), the “Accrued
Obligations”).
(ii) In
addition to the Accrued Obligations, provided that the Executive executes a
general release and waiver of claims substantially in the form attached hereto
as Exhibit
B
(as such
form may be updated to reflect changes in law, the “Release”)
within
forty-five (45) days after the Executive’s Separation from Service and does not
revoke such Release, and further subject to Section 12 below, the Executive
shall be entitled to receive the following payments and benefits (the
“Severance”):
(A)
A
payment
equal to 1.5 times the sum of (1) the Executive’s Base Salary as in effect
immediately prior to the Date of Termination, plus (2) the average of the
Executive’s Annual Bonuses earned (including any amounts deferred) during the
two years immediately preceding the Date of Termination (or in the event that
the Executive has not been employed for two full bonus years, then the average
of the Annual Bonus earned for the first year (if completed) and the forecasted
bonus for the current year based on performance parameters as described in
Section 3(b)(ii) hereof through the Date of Termination, extrapolated through
the end of such year) (in either case, the “Bonus
Amount”),
payable no later than sixty days after the date
on
which the Executive incurs a Separation from Service;
(B)
For
a
period of eighteen months following the date on which the Executive incurs
a
Separation from Service, but
in no
event longer than the period of
time
during which the Executive would be entitled to continuation coverage under
Code
Section 4980B absent this provision (the “COBRA
Period”),
the
Executive and the Executive’s eligible dependents shall continue to be provided
with medical, prescription and dental benefits at the levels in effect
immediately prior to the Date of Termination at the same cost to the Executive
as immediately prior to the Date of Termination,
provided that the Executive properly elects continuation healthcare coverage
under Code Section 4980B; following such continuation period, any further
continuation of such coverage under applicable law shall be at the Executive’s
sole expense. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Executive and his dependents
shall cease to receive such medical, prescription and dental benefits on the
date that the Executive becomes eligible to receive benefits under another
employer-provided group health plan;
6
(C) Any
unpaid Annual Bonus that would have become payable to the Executive pursuant
to
Section 3(b)(ii) hereof in respect of any calendar year that ends on or before
the Date of Termination, had the Executive remained employed through the payment
date of such Annual Bonus, payable in
the
calendar year in which the Separation from Service occurs, but in no event
later
than the date in such calendar year on which annual bonuses are paid to the
Peer
Executives generally;
and
(D) To
the
extent not previously vested and converted into Units or forfeited, (1) the
RPUs
shall vest and convert into Units in full upon the Executive’s Separation from
Service; and (2) the CPUs shall vest and convert into Units on a pro rata basis
as follows: the number of CPUs that vest and convert into Units shall be equal
to the total number of CPUs that would otherwise vest and convert into units
based on the extent to which the applicable Performance Objectives have been
satisfied as of the Date of Termination multiplied by the applicable percentage
set forth in the following schedule (the “CPU
Acceleration Percentage”)
(and
any CPUs that do not vest and convert into Units in accordance with this Section
5(a)(ii)(D) (and which have not otherwise vested and converted into Units prior
to the Date of Termination) shall be forfeited as of the Date of
Termination):
(a)
if such
termination occurs on or before December 31, 2008, such percentage shall be
equal to 40%;
(b)
if such
termination occurs on or before December 31, 2009, such percentage shall be
equal to 60%;
(c)
if such
termination occurs on or before December 31, 2010, such percentage shall be
equal to 80%; and
(d)
if such
termination occurs on or after January 1, 2011, such percentage shall be equal
to 100%.
(b) Cause;
Resignation Other than for Good Reason.
If the
Executive incurs a Separation from Service because the Employer terminates
the
Executive’s employment for Cause or the Executive terminates his employment
other than for Good Reason, the Employer shall pay to the Executive the Accrued
Obligations within thirty days after the Executive’s Separation from Service (or
any shorter period prescribed by law) or, in the case of payments or benefits
described in Section 5(a)(i)(B) above, as such payments or benefits become
due.
Any outstanding equity awards, including, without limitation, the RPUs and
CPUs
granted in accordance with Section 3(b)(iii) above, shall be treated in
accordance with the terms of the governing plan and award agreement.
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(c) Death
or Disability.
If the
Executive incurs a Separation from Service by reason of the Executive’s death or
Disability during the Employment Period:
(i) The
Accrued Obligations shall be paid to the Executive’s estate or beneficiaries or
to the Executive, as applicable, within thirty days after the Executive’s
Separation from Service (or any shorter period prescribed by law) or, in the
case of payments or benefits described in Section 5(a)(i)(B) above, as such
payments or benefits become due;
(ii) In
addition to the Accrued Obligations, subject to the Executive’s (or his
estate’s) execution and non-revocation of a Release, the Executive shall be
entitled to receive the following payments and benefits (the “Death/Disability
Payments”):
(A) (1)
the
RPUs shall vest and convert into Units in full upon the Executive’s Separation
from Service; and (2) the CPUs shall vest and convert into Units on a pro rata
basis as follows: the number of CPUs that vest and convert into Units shall
be
equal to the total number of CPUs that would otherwise vest and convert into
Units based on the extent to which the applicable Performance Objectives have
been satisfied as of the Date of Termination multiplied by the applicable CPU
Acceleration Percentage (and any CPUs that do not vest and convert into Units
in
accordance with this Section 5(c)(ii)(A) (and which have not otherwise vested
and converted into Units prior to the Date of Termination) shall be forfeited
as
of the Date of Termination);
(B) For
the
period commencing on the Executive’s Separation from Service and ending on the
earlier to occur of (1) the date on which the Employment Period would have
otherwise expired had the Executive not incurred a Separation from Service
(disregarding any renewals thereof that would occur subsequent to the Date
of
Termination), and (2) the date of the expiration of the COBRA Period, the
Executive and the Executive’s eligible dependents shall continue to be provided
with medical, prescription and dental benefits as if the Executive’s employment
had not been terminated at the same cost to the Executive (or the Executive’s
estate or dependents) as immediately prior to the Date of Termination provided
that the Executive or his dependents, if applicable, properly elect continuation
healthcare coverage under Code Section 4980B; following such continuation
period, any further continuation of such coverage under applicable law shall
be
at the Executive’s (or his estate’s or dependents’) sole expense;
and
(C) Any
unpaid Annual Bonus that would have become payable to the Executive pursuant
to
Section 3(b)(ii) hereof in respect of any calendar year that ends on or before
the Date of Termination, had the Executive remained employed through the payment
date of such Annual Bonus, payable in the calendar year in which the Separation
from Service occurs, but in no event later than the date in such calendar year
on which annual bonuses are paid to the Peer Executives generally.
(d) Non-renewal.
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(i) Employer
Non-Renewal.
(A) If
the
Employer provides a notice of non-renewal of the Employment Period as set forth
in Section 2 hereof and the Executive incurs a Separation from Service as a
result, the CPUs shall vest and convert into Units upon such Separation from
Service (to the extent not previously vested and converted into Units or
canceled) on a pro rata basis as follows: the number of CPUs that vests and
converts into Units shall be equal to the total number of CPUs that would
otherwise vest and convert into Units based on the extent to which the
applicable Performance Objectives have been satisfied as of the Date of
Termination multiplied by the applicable CPU Acceleration Percentage,
provided,
that
the vesting and conversion described in this Section 5(d)(i)(A) shall only
occur
if, following such notice of non-renewal by the Employer, the Executive does
not
voluntarily terminate his employment (other than upon death or Disability)
before the end of the Employment Period, as determined without regard to any
extension of the Employment Period that might otherwise occur following the
Date
of Termination in accordance with the second sentence of Section 2 hereof (a
“Post-Termination
Extension”).
For
purposes of clarification, subject to the Executive’s continued employment
through the end of the Employment Period, as determined without regard to any
Post-Termination Extension, in the event that the Employment Period terminates
on January 1, 2011 as a result of non-renewal by the Employer in accordance
with
Section 2 hereof,
the
final
one-third of the RPUs shall vest and convert into Units as scheduled in
accordance with Section 3(b)(iii) on January 1, 2011. Any RPUs or CPUs that
do
not vest and convert into Units on or prior to the Date of Termination) shall
be
forfeited as of the Date of Termination.
(B) Neither
the Employer’s election not to renew the Employment Period nor a termination of
the Executive’s employment resulting therefrom shall constitute a termination of
the Executive’s employment hereunder without Cause for purposes of this
Agreement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, subject to the Executive’s execution
and non-revocation of a Release, the Employer shall pay to the Executive, at
the
time when annual bonuses are paid to the Peer Executives in respect of the
year
in which the Separation from Service occurs (but in no event later than the
fifteenth day of the third month following the end of such year), to the extent
not previously paid, an Annual Bonus in respect of the year in which the
Separation from Service occurs.
(ii) Executive
Non-Renewal.
If the
Executive provides a notice of non-renewal of the Employment Period in
accordance with Section 2 hereof and the Executive experiences a Separation
from
Service as a result, then, following such a termination, a pro rata portion
of
the CPUs shall remain outstanding and eligible to vest and convert into Units
in
accordance with the terms of the applicable LTIP Award Agreement (if not
previously vested and converted into Units or canceled) as follows: the number
of CPUs that remains outstanding and eligible to vest and convert into Units
in
accordance with the terms of the applicable LTIP Award Agreement following
the
Date of Termination shall be equal to the total number of CPUs multiplied by
a
fraction, (A) the numerator of which is an integer equal to the number of whole
years elapsed from the Commencement Date through and including the Date of
Termination, and (B) the denominator of which equals five, provided,
that
the eligibility for post-termination vesting and conversion into Units of the
CPUs described in this Section 5(d)(ii) shall only occur if, following such
notice of non-renewal by the Executive, the Executive does not voluntarily
terminate his employment (other than upon death or Disability) before the end
of
the Employment Period, as determined without regard to any Post-Termination
Extension. Any CPUs
that
do not remain eligible to vest and convert into Units in accordance with this
Section 5(d)(ii) (and which have not otherwise vested and converted into Units
or terminated prior to the Date of Termination) shall be forfeited as of the
Date of Termination. The
Executive’s election not to renew the Employment Period and a termination of his
employment resulting therefrom shall be deemed to constitute a termination
by
the Executive without Good Reason for purposes of this Agreement.
For
purposes of clarification, subject to the Executive’s continued employment
through the end of the Employment Period, as determined without regard to any
Post-Termination Extension, in the event that the Employment Period terminates
on January 1, 2011 as a result of non-renewal by the Executive in accordance
with Section 2 hereof,
the
final
one-third of the RPUs shall vest and convert into Units as scheduled in
accordance with Section 3(b)(iii) on January 1, 2011.
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(iii) Accrued
Obligations.
In the
case of any termination in accordance with this Section 5(d), the Accrued
Obligations shall be paid to the Executive within thirty days after the
Executive’s Separation from Service (or any shorter period prescribed by law)
or, in the case of payments or benefits described in Section 5(a)(i)(B) above,
as such payments or benefits become due.
(e) Change
of Control.
Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, if a Change in Control (as
defined in the Plan) occurs during the Employment Period, then, to the extent
not previously vested and converted into Units, the RPUs shall vest in full
upon
such Change in Control, provided,
that
notwithstanding the foregoing, such RPUs shall not convert into Units and be
paid to the Executive until the earlier to occur of (1) the originally
applicable vesting date described in Section 3(b)(iii) above, or (2) the
Executive’s Separation from Service.
(f) Termination
of Offices and Directorships.
Upon
termination of the Executive’s employment for any reason, the Executive shall be
deemed to have resigned from all offices and directorships, if any, then held
with the Employer or any BreitBurn Entity, and shall take all actions reasonably
requested by the Employer to effectuate the foregoing.
6. Non-exclusivity
of Rights.
Nothing
in this Agreement shall prevent or limit the Executive’s participation in any
other plan, program, policy or practice provided by any BreitBurn Entity (other
than policies relating to severance payments or obligations on termination
of
employment for any reason ) and for which the Executive may qualify, nor shall
anything herein limit or otherwise affect such rights as the Executive may
have
under any contract or agreement with any BreitBurn Entity. Amounts which are
vested benefits or which the Executive is otherwise entitled to receive under
any plan, policy, practice or program of or any contract or agreement with
any
BreitBurn Entity or any of its affiliates at or subsequent to the Date of
Termination shall be payable, if at all, in accordance with such plan, policy,
practice or program or contract or agreement except as explicitly modified
by
this Agreement.
7. No
Mitigation.
The
Employer’s obligation to make the payments provided for in this Agreement and
otherwise to perform its obligations hereunder shall not be affected by any
set-off, counterclaim, recoupment, defense or other claim, right or action
which
the Employer or any of their affiliates may have against the Executive or
others. In no event shall the Executive be obligated to seek other employment
or
take any other action by way of mitigation of the amounts payable to the
Executive as Severance or Death/Disability Payments, and,
except as provided in Section 5(a)(ii)(B) hereof, such amounts shall not be
reduced whether or not the Executive obtains other employment.
10
8. Executive’s
Covenants.
(a)
Confidential
Information.
The
Executive shall hold in a fiduciary capacity for the benefit of the Employer
and
each BreitBurn Entity all secret or confidential information, knowledge and
data
relating to the Employer and each BreitBurn Entity, and their respective
businesses, including without limitation any trade secrets, which shall have
been obtained by the Executive during the Executive’s employment with the
Employer and which shall not be or have become public knowledge or known within
the relevant trade or industry (other than by acts by the Executive or
representatives of the Executive in violation of this Agreement) (together,
“Proprietary
Information”).
The
Executive shall not, at any time during or after his employment, directly or
indirectly, without the prior written consent of the Board or as may otherwise
be required by law or legal process, use for his own benefit such Proprietary
Information or communicate or divulge any such Proprietary Information to anyone
(other than an authorized BreitBurn Entity or any such entity’s designee);
provided,
that if
the Executive receives actual notice that the Executive is or may be required
by
law or legal process to communicate or divulge any such Proprietary Information,
unless otherwise prohibited by law or regulation, the Executive shall promptly
so notify the Board. Anything herein to the contrary notwithstanding, the
provisions of this Section 8 shall not apply with respect to any litigation,
arbitration or mediation involving this Agreement or any other agreement between
the Executive and the Employer or any BreitBurn Entity; provided,
that
the Executive shall take all reasonable steps to maintain such Proprietary
Information as confidential, including, without limitation, seeking protective
orders and filing documents containing such information under seal. Nothing
herein shall be construed as prohibiting the Executive from using or disclosing
such Proprietary Information as may be reasonably necessary in his proper
performance of services hereunder.
(b) Non-Solicitation.
(i) While
employed by the Employer and for a period of two years following the Date of
Termination, regardless of the reason for the termination, other than in the
ordinary course of the Executive’s duties for the Employer or any BreitBurn
Entity, the Executive shall not, without the prior consent of the Board,
directly or indirectly solicit, induce, or encourage any employee of any
BreitBurn Entity or any of their respective affiliates who is employed on the
Date of Termination (or at any time within six months of such date) to terminate
his or her employment with such entity; and
(ii) While
employed by the Employer and thereafter, regardless of the reason for the
termination, the Executive shall not, without the prior consent of the Board,
use any Proprietary
Information
to hire
any employee of the Employer or any BreitBurn Entity or any of their respective
affiliates within six months after that employee’s termination of employment
with any BreitBurn Entity or any of their respective affiliates.
The
Employer acknowledges that its employees may join entities with which the
Executive is affiliated and that such event shall not constitute a violation
of
this Agreement
if the Executive was not involved in the solicitation, hiring or identification
of such employee as a potential recruit.
11
(c) Irreparable
Harm.
In
recognition of the facts that irreparable injury will result to the Employer
in
the event of a breach by the Executive of his obligations under Sections 8(a)
or
8(b) above, that monetary damages for such breach would not be readily
calculable, and that the Employer would not have an adequate remedy at law
therefor, the Executive acknowledges, consents and agrees that, in the event
of
any such breach, or the threat thereof, the Employer shall be entitled, in
addition to any other legal remedies and damages available, to specific
performance thereof and to temporary and permanent injunctive relief (without
the necessity of posting a bond) to restrain the violation or threatened
violation of such obligations by the Executive.
(d) Return
of Property.
Upon the termination of the Executive’s employment with the
Employer
for any
reason, the Executive shall immediately return and deliver to the
Employer
any and
all Proprietary Information, and any and all other papers, books, records,
documents, memoranda and manuals, e-mail, electronic or magnetic recordings
or
data, including all copies thereof, belonging to the
Employer
or any
other BreitBurn Entity or relating to their business, in the Executive’s
possession, whether prepared by the Executive or others. If at any time after
the Employment Period, the Executive determines that he has any Proprietary
Information or other such materials
in his
possession or control, or any copy thereof, the Executive shall immediately
return to the Employer all such information and materials, including all copies
and portions thereof. Nothing herein shall prevent the Executive from retaining
a copy of his personal papers, information or documentation relating to his
compensation.
9. Successors.
(a)
Assignment
by the Executive.
This
Agreement is personal to the Executive and without the prior written consent
of
the Board shall not be assignable by the Executive otherwise than by will or
the
laws of descent and distribution. This Agreement, including any benefits or
compensation payable hereunder, shall inure to the benefit of and be enforceable
by the Executive’s legal representatives, including, without limitation, his
heirs and/or beneficiaries. For the avoidance of doubt, if the Executive dies
prior to the payment of amounts that are owed to him under this Agreement,
such
amounts shall be paid, in accordance with the terms of this Agreement, to the
Executive’s estate.
(b) Assignment
by the Employer.
This
Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be binding upon the Employer and
its
successors and assigns; provided,
that
such assignment shall not relieve any Employer of its obligations under Section
10 of this Agreement. Except
as
specified in the preceding sentence, no rights or obligations of the Employer
under this Agreement may be assigned or transferred by the Employer without
the
Executive’s prior written consent, except that such rights or obligations may be
assigned or transferred in connection with a merger, consolidation,
reorganization or other similar corporate transaction following which Provident
Energy Trust, a trust organized under the laws of Alberta, Canada (together
with
its successors and assigns, “Provident”)
will
no longer own, directly or indirectly, at least 50% of the equity securities
of
BMC or BBGP (determined on a fully diluted basis), or a sale of all or
substantially all of BreitBurn Partners’ assets provided that the assignee or
transferee is the successor
to all or substantially all of BreitBurn Partners’ assets and assumes the
liabilities, obligations and duties of the Employer under this
Agreement.
12
(c) Express
Assumption of Agreement.
The
Employer shall 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 Employer or any assign permitted under Section 9(b) above
to assume expressly and agree to perform this Agreement in the same manner
and
to the same extent that the Employer would be required to perform it if no
such
succession had taken place. As used in this Section 9(c), “Employer” shall mean
the Employer as hereinbefore defined and any successor to its business and/or
assets or assigns as aforesaid which assumes and agrees to perform this
Agreement by operation of law or otherwise.
10. Indemnification
and Directors’ and Officers’ Insurance.
(a)
General.
During
the Employment Period and thereafter, the Employer shall indemnify the Executive
to the fullest extent permitted under law from and against any expenses
(including but not limited to attorneys’ fees, expenses of investigation and
preparation and fees and disbursements of the Executive’s accountants or other
experts), judgments, fines, penalties and amounts paid in settlement actually
and reasonably incurred by the Executive in connection with any proceeding
in
which the Executive was or is made party, was or is involved (for example,
as a
witness) or is threatened to be made a party to, in any case, by reason of
the
fact the Executive was or is employed by the Employer or was performing services
for any BreitBurn Entity. Such indemnification shall continue as to the
Executive during the Employment Period and for at least six years from the
Date
of Termination with respect to acts or omissions which occurred prior to his
cessation of employment with the Employer and shall inure to the benefit of
the
Executive’s heirs, executors and administrators. The Employer shall advance to
the Executive all costs and expenses incurred by him in connection with any
proceeding covered by this provision within twenty calendar days after receipt
by the Employer of a written request for such advance. Such request shall
include an undertaking by the Executive to repay the amount of such advance
if
it shall ultimately be determined that he is not entitled to be indemnified
against any such costs and/or expenses.
(b) Insurance.
The
Employer agrees to maintain directors’ and officers’ liability insurance
policies covering the Executive on a basis no less favorable than provided
to
the Peer Executives, which coverage shall continue as to the Executive even
if
he has ceased to be a director, member, employee or agent of the BreitBurn
Entities with respect to acts or omissions which occurred prior to such
cessation. In addition, the Employer shall obtain and maintain attorneys’ errors
and omissions liability insurance from a carrier rated no less than “A” by A.M.
Best Co. (or a comparable rating agency) with a minimum combined single limit
of
$5 million each occurrence and $15 million aggregate naming the Executive as
the
insured. The insurance contemplated under this Section 10(b) shall inure to
the
benefit of the Executive’s heirs, executors and administrators.
13
11. Arbitration
Agreement.
(a)
General.
Any
controversy, dispute or claim between the Executive and any BreitBurn Entity,
or
any of their respective parents, subsidiaries, affiliates or any of their
officers, directors, agents or other employees, relating to the Executive’s
employment or the termination
thereof, shall be resolved by final and binding arbitration, at the request
of
any party hereto. The arbitrability of any controversy, dispute or claim under
this Agreement or any other agreement between the parties hereto shall be
determined by application of the substantive provisions of the Federal
Arbitration Act (9 U.S.C. sections 1 and 2) and by application of the
procedural provisions of California law, except as provided herein. Arbitration
shall be the exclusive method for resolving any dispute and all remedies
available from a court of competent jurisdiction shall be available;
provided,
that
either party may request provisional relief from a court of competent
jurisdiction if such relief is not available in a timely fashion through
arbitration. The claims which are to be arbitrated include, but are not limited
to, any claim arising out of or relating to this Agreement, the LTIP Award
Agreements or the employment relationship between the Executive and the
Employer, claims for wages and other compensation, claims for breach of contract
(express or implied), claims for violation of public policy, wrongful
termination, tort claims, claims for unlawful discrimination and/or harassment
(including, but not limited to, race, religious creed, color, national origin,
ancestry, physical disability, mental disability, gender identity or expression,
medical condition, marital status, age, pregnancy, sex or sexual orientation)
to
the extent allowed by law, and claims for violation of any federal, state,
or
other government law, statute, regulation, or ordinance, except for claims
for
workers’ compensation and unemployment insurance benefits. This Agreement shall
not be interpreted to provide for arbitration of any dispute that does not
constitute a claim recognized under applicable law.
(b) Selection
of Arbitrator.
The
Executive and the Employer shall select a single neutral arbitrator by mutual
agreement. If the Executive and the Employer are unable to agree on a neutral
arbitrator within thirty days of a demand for arbitration, either party may
elect to obtain a list of arbitrators from the Judicial Arbitration and
Mediation Service (“JAMS”)
or the
American Arbitration Association (“AAA”),
and
the arbitrator shall be selected by alternate striking of names from the list
until a single arbitrator remains. The party initiating the arbitration shall
be
the first to strike a name. Any demand for arbitration must be in writing and
must be made by the aggrieved party within the statute of limitations period
provided under applicable state and/or federal law for the particular claim(s).
Failure to make a written demand within the applicable statutory period
constitutes a waiver of the right to assert that claim in any forum.
(c) Venue;
Process.
Arbitration proceedings shall be held in Los Angeles, California. The arbitrator
shall apply applicable state and/or federal substantive law to determine issues
of liability and damages regarding all claims to be arbitrated, and shall apply
the Federal Rules of Evidence to the proceeding. The parties shall be entitled
to conduct reasonable discovery and the arbitrator shall have the authority
to
determine what constitutes reasonable discovery. The arbitrator shall hear
motions for summary judgment/adjudication as provided in the Federal Rules
of
Civil Procedure. Within thirty days following the hearing and the submission
of
the matter to the arbitrator, the arbitrator shall issue a written opinion
and
award which shall be signed and dated. The arbitrator’s award shall decide all
issues submitted by the parties, but the arbitrator may not decide any issue
not
submitted. The opinion and award shall include factual findings and the reasons
upon which the decision is based. The arbitrator shall be permitted to award
only those remedies in law or equity which are requested by the parties and
allowed by law.
14
(d) Costs.
The
cost of the arbitrator and other incidental costs of arbitration that would
not
be incurred in a court proceeding shall be borne by the Employer. The parties
shall each bear their own costs and attorneys’ fees in any arbitration
proceeding, provided,
that
the arbitrator shall have the authority to require either party to pay the
costs
and attorneys’ fees of the other party to the extent permitted under applicable
federal or state law, as a part of any remedy that may be ordered.
(e) Waiver
of Rights.
Both
the Employer and the Executive understand that, by agreeing to use arbitration
to resolve disputes, they are giving up any right that they may have to a judge
or jury trial with regard to all issues concerning employment or otherwise
covered by this Section 11.
12. Internal
Revenue Code Section 409A.
(a) Certain
compensation and benefits payable under this Agreement are not intended to
constitute “nonqualified deferred compensation” within the meaning of Code
Section 409A, while other compensation and benefits payable under this Agreement
may constitute “nonqualified deferred compensation” which is intended to comply
with the requirements of Code Section 409A. To the extent that the Board
determines that any compensation or benefits payable under this Agreement may
not be compliant with or exempt from Code Section 409A, the Board and the
Executive shall cooperate and work together in good faith to timely amend this
Agreement in a manner intended to comply with the requirements of Code Section
409A or an exemption therefrom (including
amendments with retroactive effect), or take any other actions as they deem
necessary or appropriate to (a) exempt such compensation and benefits from
Code
Section 409A and/or preserve the intended tax treatment with respect to such
compensation and benefits, or (b) comply with the requirements of Code Section
409A. To the extent applicable, this Agreement shall be interpreted in
accordance with the provisions of Code Section 409A.
(b)
Potential
Six-Month Delay.
Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, no compensation
and
benefits, including without limitation any Severance payments or
Death/Disability Payments, shall be paid to the Executive during the 6-month
period following his Separation from Service to the extent that the Employer
reasonably determines that paying such amounts at the time or times indicated
in
this Agreement would result in a prohibited distribution under Section
409A(a)(2)(b)(i) of the Code. If the payment of any such amounts is delayed
as a
result of the previous sentence, then on the first business day following the
end of such 6-month period (or
such earlier date upon which such amount can be paid under Code Section 409A
without resulting in a prohibited distribution, including as a result of the
Executive’s
death),
the
Employer shall pay to the Executive a lump-sum amount equal to the cumulative
amount that would have otherwise been payable to the Executive during such
6-month period, plus interest thereon from the date of the Executive’s
Separation from Service through the payment date at a rate equal to the
then-current “applicable Federal rate” determined under Section 7872(f)(2)(A) of
the Code.
15
13. Miscellaneous.
(a)
Governing
Law; Captions; Amendment.
This
Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of
the
State of California, 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 otherwise than by a written agreement executed by the parties hereto
or
their respective successors and legal representatives.
(b) Notice.
All
notices and other communications hereunder shall be in writing and shall be
given by hand delivery to the other party, by registered or certified mail,
return receipt requested, postage prepaid, or by any other means agreed to
by
the parties, addressed as follows:
If
to
the Executive:
at the
Executive’s most recent address on the records of the Employer;
If
to
the Employer:
BreitBurn
Management Company LLC
Attn.:
Xxxxxxx Xxxxxxxx
000
Xxxxx
Xxxxxx Xxxxxx, Xxxxx 0000
Xxx
Xxxxxxx, XX 00000
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) Code
of Conduct.
The
Executive hereby agrees to execute, concurrently herewith, the Employer’s Code
of Conduct Policy, receipt of which the Executive hereby
acknowledges.
(d) Severability;
Provisions Survive.
The
invalidity or unenforceability of any provision of this Agreement shall not
affect the validity or enforceability of any other provision of this Agreement.
The respective rights and obligations of the parties hereunder shall survive
any
expiration or termination of the Employment Period to the extent necessary
to
carry out the intentions of the parties as embodied in this
Agreement.
(e) Withholding.
The
Employer may withhold from any amounts payable under this Agreement such
federal, state, local or foreign taxes as shall be required to be withheld
pursuant to any applicable law or regulation.
(f) Employer
Representations.
The
Employer represents and warrants that (i) the execution, delivery and
performance of this Agreement by it has been fully and validly authorized,
(ii)
the entities signing this Agreement are duly authorized to do so, (iii) the
execution and delivery of this Agreement does not violate any order, judgment
or
decree or any agreement, plan or corporate governance document to which it
is a
party or by which it is bound and (iv) upon execution and delivery of this
Agreement by the parties, it shall be a valid and binding obligation of the
Employer, enforceable against it in accordance with its terms, except to the
extent that enforceability may be limited by applicable laws, including, without
limitation, bankruptcy, insolvency or similar laws affecting the enforcement
of
creditors’ rights generally.
16
(g) Executive
Representations and Acknowledgements.
The
Executive hereby represents and warrants to the Employer that (i) the Executive
is entering into this Agreement voluntarily and that the performance of his
obligations hereunder will not violate any agreement between the Executive
and
any other person, firm, organization or other entity, and (ii) the Executive
is
not bound by the terms of any agreement with any previous employer or other
party to refrain from competing, directly or indirectly, with the business
of
such previous employer or other party that would be violated by his entering
into this Agreement and/or providing services to the Employer or its affiliates
pursuant to the terms of this Agreement. The Executive hereby acknowledges
(A) that the Executive has consulted with or has had the opportunity to
consult with independent counsel of his own choice concerning this Agreement,
and has been advised to do so by the Employer, and (B) that the Executive
has read and understands this Agreement, is fully aware of its legal effect,
and
has entered into it freely based on his own judgment.
(h) No
Waiver.
No
party’s failure to insist upon strict compliance with any provision of this
Agreement or to assert any right hereunder shall be deemed to be a waiver of
such provision or right or any other provision or right arising under this
Agreement. Any waiver of any provision or right under this Agreement shall
be
effective only if in a writing, specifically referencing the provision being
waived and signed by the party against whom the enforcement of the waiver is
being sought.
(i) Entire
Agreement; Construction.
This
Agreement, together with the LTIP Award Agreements and the Employer’s Code of
Conduct Policy, constitutes the entire agreement of the parties with respect
to
the subject matter hereof and shall supersede and replace all prior
representations, warranties, agreements and understandings, both written and
oral, made by the Employer, any other BreitBurn Entity or the Executive with
respect to the subject matter covered hereby, provided,
that to
the extent there is any inconsistency between this Agreement and the Employer’s
Code of Conduct Policy, the terms of this Agreement shall control and,
provided
further,
that it
is not the intent of the parties that this Agreement supersede the terms of
any
awards of interests in BreitBurn Partners or BECLP granted or issued prior
to
the Commencement Date. The parties to this Agreement have participated jointly
in the negotiation and drafting of this Agreement. If an ambiguity or question
of intent or interpretation arises with respect to any term or provision of
this
Agreement, this Agreement shall be construed as if drafted jointly by the
parties hereto, and no presumption or burden of proof shall arise favoring
or
disfavoring any party hereto by virtue of the authorship of any of the terms
or
provisions hereof.
(j) Counterparts.
This
Agreement may be executed in one or more counterparts, each of which shall
be
deemed an original but all of which taken together shall constitute one and
the
same instrument.
[Signature
page follows]
17
IN
WITNESS WHEREOF, the Executive has hereunto set the Executive’s hand and the
Employer has caused these presents to be executed in its name on its behalf,
all
as of the day and year first above written.
EXECUTIVE | ||
/s/ Xxxxxxx X. Xxxxx | ||
Xxxxxxx X. Xxxxx |
||
PRO GP CORP. | ||
|
|
|
By: | /s/ Xxxxxxx X. Xxxxxxxx | |
Name: Xxxxxxx X. Xxxxxxxx |
||
Title: Co-Chief Executive Officer |
BREITBURN MANAGEMENT COMPANY, LLC | ||
|
|
|
By: | /s/ Xxxxxxx X. Xxxxxxxx | |
Name: Xxxxxxx X. Xxxxxxxx |
||
Title: Co-Chief Executive Officer |
BREITBURN GP, LLC | ||
|
|
|
By: | /s/ Xxxxxxx X. Xxxxxxxx | |
Name: Xxxxxxx X. Xxxxxxxx |
||
Title: Co-Chief Executive Officer |
18
DEFINITIONS
“AAA”
has
the
meaning assigned thereto in Section 11(b) hereof.
“Accrued
Obligations”
has
the
meaning assigned thereto in Section 5(a)(i) hereof.
“Agreement”
has
the
meaning assigned thereto in the Recitals hereof.
“Annual
Bonus”
has
the
meaning assigned thereto in Section 3(b)(ii) hereof.
“Base
Salary”
has
the
meaning assigned thereto in Section 3(b)(i) hereof.
“BBGP”
has
the
meaning assigned thereto in the Recitals hereof.
“BECLP”
means
BreitBurn Energy Company, L.P., a Delaware limited partnership.
“BMC”
has
the
meaning assigned thereto in the Recitals hereof.
“Board”
or
“Boards”
has
the
meaning assigned thereto in Section 3(a)(i) hereof.
“Bonus
Amount”
has
the
meaning assigned thereto in Section 5(a)(ii)(A) hereof.
“BreitBurn
Entity”
has
the
meaning assigned thereto in Section 3(a)(i) hereof.
“BreitBurn
Partners”
means
BreitBurn Energy Partners, L.P., a Delaware limited partnership.
“Cause”
means
the following:
(i) the
willful and continued failure of the Executive to perform substantially the
Executive’s duties for the Employer or any BreitBurn Entity (as described in
Section 3(a) hereof) (other than any such failure resulting from incapacity
due
to physical or mental illness), after a written demand for substantial
performance is delivered to the Executive by the Employer (after a vote to
this
effect by a majority of the Board) which specifically identifies the manner
in
which the Board believes that the Executive has not substantially performed
the
Executive’s duties and the Executive is given a reasonable opportunity of not
more than twenty (20) business days to cure any such failure to substantially
perform;
(ii) the
willful engaging by the Executive in illegal conduct or gross misconduct, in
each case which is materially and demonstrably injurious to the Employer or
any
BreitBurn Entity; or
(iii) (A)
any
act of fraud, or material embezzlement or material theft by the Executive,
in
each case, in connection with the Executive’s duties hereunder or in the
course
of
the Executive’s employment hereunder or (B) the Executive’s admission in any
court, or conviction, or plea of nolo contendere, of a felony involving moral
turpitude, fraud, or material embezzlement, material theft or material
misrepresentation, in each case, against or affecting the Employer or any
BreitBurn Entity.
19
For
purposes of this provision, no act or failure to act, on the part of the
Executive, shall be considered “willful” unless it is done, or omitted to be
done, by the Executive in bad faith or without reasonable belief that the
Executive’s action or omission was in the best interests of the Employer or any
BreitBurn Entity. Any act, or failure to act, based upon authority given
pursuant to a resolution duly adopted by the Employer, including, without
limitation, the Board, or based upon the advice of counsel for the Employer
shall be conclusively presumed to be done, or omitted to be done, by the
Executive in good faith and in the best interests of the Employer and the
BreitBurn Entities. Notwithstanding the foregoing, termination of the
Executive’s employment shall not be deemed to be for Cause unless and until
there shall have been delivered to the Executive a copy of a resolution of
the
Board duly adopted by an affirmative vote of the Board at a meeting of the
Board
held for such purpose (after reasonable notice is provided to the Executive
and
the Executive is given an opportunity, together with counsel for the Executive,
to be heard before the Board), finding that, in the good faith opinion of the
Board, the Executive is guilty of the conduct described in clauses (i), (ii)
or
(iii) above, and specifying the particulars thereof in detail; provided,
that if
the Executive is a member of the Board, the Executive shall not vote on such
resolution nor shall the Executive be counted.
“COBRA
Period”
has
the
meaning assigned thereto in Section 5(a)(ii)(B) hereof.
“Code”
means
the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended and any regulations or other
official guidance promulgated thereunder.
“Commencement
Date”
has
the
meaning assigned thereto in Section 2 hereof.
“CPU
Acceleration Percentage”
has
the
meaning assigned thereto in Section 5(a)(ii)(D) hereof.
“CPUs”
has
the
meaning assigned thereto in Section 3(b)(iii) hereof.
“Date
of Termination”
means
(i) if the Executive’s employment is terminated by the Employer with or without
Cause, or by the Executive with or without Good Reason, other than due to death
or Disability, the date specified in accordance with applicable provisions
of
this Agreement in the Notice of Termination (which date shall not be more than
thirty days after the giving of such notice), provided,
that
any notice period may be waived by the Employer without compensation in lieu
thereof upon the Executive’s election to terminate employment with or without
Good Reason; (ii) if the Executive’s employment is terminated by reason of the
Executive’s death or Disability, the date of the Executive’s death or the
thirtieth day following notification by the Employer of termination due to
Disability in accordance with Section 4(a) hereof, as the case may be; (iii)
if
a notice of non-renewal of the Employment Period is provided by any party in
accordance with Section 2 of this Agreement (and the Executive elects to
terminate his employment immediately following the expiration of the Employment
Period), the last day of the Employment Period; or (iv) any other date mutually
agreed to by the parties hereto.
20
“Death/Disability
Payments”
has
the
meaning assigned thereto in Section 5(c)(ii) hereof.
“Disability”
shall
mean a “disability” within the meaning of Code Section 409A.
“Employer”
has
the
meaning assigned thereto in the Recitals hereof.
“Employment
Period”
has
the
meaning assigned thereto in Section 2 hereof.
“Executive”
has
the
meaning assigned thereto in the Recitals hereof.
“Good
Reason”
means
the occurrence of any of the following without the Executive’s written
consent:
(i)
|
a
material diminution in the Executive’s Base
Salary;
|
(ii)
|
a
material diminution in the Executive’s authority, duties, or
responsibilities;
|
(iii)
|
a
material diminution in the authority, duties, or responsibilities
of the
supervisor to whom the Executive is required to
report;
|
(iv)
|
a
material diminution in the budget over which the Executive retains
authority;
|
(v)
|
a
material change in the geographic location at which the Executive
must
perform services under this Agreement;
or
|
(vi)
|
any
other action or inaction that constitutes a material breach by the
Employer of this Agreement, including without limitation, a material
breach of Section 3(a)(v) hereof;
|
provided,
that
the Executive’s resignation shall only constitute a resignation for “Good
Reason” hereunder if (a) the Executive provides the Employer with written notice
setting forth the specific facts or circumstances constituting Good Reason
within thirty days after the initial existence of such facts or circumstances,
(b) the Employer has failed to cure such facts or circumstances within thirty
days after receipt of such written notice, and (c) the date of the Executive’s
Separation from Service occurs no later than seventy-five days after the initial
occurrence of the event constituting Good Reason.
“JAMS”
has
the
meaning assigned thereto in Section 11(b) hereof.
“LTIP
Award Agreements”
has
the
meaning assigned thereto in Section 3(b)(iii) hereof.
“Notice
of Termination”
means
a
written notice which (i) indicates the specific termination provision in this
Agreement relied upon; (ii) 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 (iii) if the
Date of Termination is other than the
date
of receipt of such notice, specifies the termination date (which date shall
be
not more than thirty (30) days after the giving of such notice).
21
“Performance
Objectives”
has
the
meaning assigned thereto in Section 3(b)(iii) hereof.
“Plan”
has
the
meaning assigned thereto in Section 3(b)(iii) hereof.
“Post-Termination
Extension”
has
the
meaning assigned thereto in Section 5(d)(i)(A) hereof.
“Provident”
has
the
meaning assigned thereto in Section 9(b) hereof.
“Peer
Executives”
means
the Executive Vice Presidents of the Employer other than the
Executive.
“PROGP”
has
the
meaning assigned thereto in the Recitals hereof.
“Release”
has
the
meaning assigned thereto in Section 5(a)(ii) hereof.
“RPUs”
has
the
meaning assigned thereto in Section 3(b)(iii) hereof.
“Separation
from Service”
means
the Executive’s “separation from service” from the Employer within the meaning
of Code Section 409A(a)(2)(A)(i).
“Severance”
has
the
meaning assigned thereto in Section 5(a)(ii) hereof.
“Unit”
shall
have the meaning assigned thereto in the Plan.
22
EXHIBIT
B
FORM
OF RELEASE
For
valuable consideration, the receipt and adequacy of which are hereby
acknowledged, the undersigned does hereby release and forever discharge the
“Releasees”
hereunder, consisting of BreitBurn Management Company, LLC, Pro GP Corp.,
BreitBurn GP, LLC (the
“Company”),
and
each of the Company’s partners, associates, affiliates, subsidiaries,
successors, heirs, assigns, agents, directors, officers, employees,
representatives, and all persons acting by, through, or under them, or any
of
them, of and from any and all manner of action or actions, cause or causes
of
action, in law or in equity, suits, debts, liens, contracts, agreements,
promises, liability, claims, demands, damages, losses, costs, attorneys’ fees or
expenses, of any nature whatsoever, known or unknown, fixed or contingent
(“Actions”),
which
the undersigned now has or may hereafter have against the Releasees, or any
of
them, by reason of any matter, cause, or thing whatsoever arising from the
beginning of time to the date hereof (hereinafter called “Claims”),
provided,
however,
that
Claims shall not include any such Actions against any person or entity other
than the Company, its subsidiaries, affiliates, successors or assigns, in any
case, that is not properly the subject of defense and/or indemnity by the
Company (determined without regard to whether the Company actually defends
or
indemnifies such action or cause of action) (the “Excluded
Claims”).
The
Claims released herein include, without limiting the generality of the
foregoing, any Claims in any way arising out of, based upon, or related to
the
undersigned’s employment by the Releasees, or any of them, or the termination
thereof; any claim for wages, salary, commissions, bonuses, incentive payments,
profit-sharing payments, expense reimbursements, leave, vacation, severance
pay
or other benefits; any claim for benefits under any stock option, restricted
stock or other equity-based incentive plan of the Releasees, or any of them
(or
any related agreement to which any Releasee is a party); any alleged breach
of
any express or implied contract of employment; any alleged torts or other
alleged legal restrictions on Releasee’s right to terminate the employment of
the undersigned; and any alleged violation of any federal, state or local
statute or ordinance including, without limitation, Title VII of the Civil
Rights Act of 1964, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, the Equal Pay
Act,
the Family Medical Leave Act, the Americans With Disabilities Act, the Employee
Retirement Income Security Act, the National Labor Relations Act, the California
Labor Code, the California Family Rights Act and the California Fair Employment
and Housing Act, each as amended. Notwithstanding the foregoing, this Release
shall not operate to release any rights or claims (and such rights or claims
shall not be included in the definition of “Claims”) of the undersigned (i) with
respect to payments or benefits under Section 5 of that certain Employment
Agreement, dated as of January 29, 2008, between BreitBurn Management Company,
LLC, Pro GP Corp., BreitBurn GP, LLC and the undersigned (the “Employment
Agreement”),
(ii)
with respect to Sections 7, 10 and 11 of the Employment Agreement, (iii) to
accrued or vested benefits he may have, if any, under any applicable plan,
policy, program, arrangement or agreement of any BreitBurn Entity (as defined
in
the Employment Agreement), including, without limitation, pursuant to any equity
or long-term incentive plans, programs or agreements, (iv) to indemnification
and/or advancement of expenses pursuant to the corporate governance documents
of
any BreitBurn Entity or applicable law, or the protections of any director’ and
officers’
liability policies of any BreitBurn Entity, (v) with respect to claims which
arise after the date the undersigned executes this Release, or (vi) with respect
to any Excluded Claims.
23
THE
UNDERSIGNED ACKNOWLEDGES THAT HE HAS BEEN ADVISED BY LEGAL COUNSEL AND IS
FAMILIAR WITH THE PROVISIONS OF CALIFORNIA CIVIL CODE SECTION 1542, WHICH
PROVIDES AS FOLLOWS:
“A
GENERAL RELEASE DOES NOT EXTEND TO CLAIMS WHICH THE CREDITOR DOES NOT KNOW
OR
SUSPECT TO EXIST IN HIS OR HER FAVOR AT THE TIME OF EXECUTING THE RELEASE,
WHICH
IF KNOWN BY HIM OR HER MUST HAVE MATERIALLY AFFECTED HIS OR HER SETTLEMENT
WITH
THE DEBTOR.”
THE
UNDERSIGNED, BEING AWARE OF SAID CODE SECTION, HEREBY EXPRESSLY WAIVES ANY
RIGHTS HE MAY HAVE THEREUNDER, AS WELL AS UNDER ANY OTHER STATUTES OR COMMON
LAW
PRINCIPLES OF SIMILAR EFFECT.
IN
ACCORDANCE WITH THE OLDER WORKERS BENEFIT PROTECTION ACT OF 1990, THE
UNDERSIGNED IS HEREBY ADVISED AS FOLLOWS:
(1) HE
HAS
THE RIGHT TO CONSULT WITH AN ATTORNEY BEFORE SIGNING THIS RELEASE;
(2) HE
HAS
FORTY-FIVE (45) DAYS FROM HIS SEPARATION FROM SERVICE (AS DEFINED IN THE
EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT) TO CONSIDER THIS RELEASE BEFORE SIGNING IT;
AND
(3) HE
HAS
SEVEN (7) DAYS AFTER SIGNING THIS RELEASE TO REVOKE IT, AND THIS RELEASE WILL
BECOME EFFECTIVE UPON THE EXPIRATION OF THAT REVOCATION PERIOD.
The
undersigned represents and warrants that there has been no assignment or other
transfer of any interest in any Claim which he may have against Releasees,
or
any of them, and the undersigned agrees to indemnify and hold Releasees, and
each of them, harmless from any liability, Claims, demands, damages, costs,
expenses and attorneys’ fees incurred by Releasees, or any of them, as the
result of any such assignment or transfer or any rights or Claims under any
such
assignment or transfer. It is the intention of the parties that this
indemnity does not require payment as a condition precedent to recovery by
the
Releasees against the undersigned under this indemnity.
The
undersigned agrees that if he hereafter commences any suit arising out of,
based
upon, or relating to any of the Claims released hereunder or in any manner
asserts against Releasees, or any of them, any of the Claims released hereunder,
then the undersigned shall pay to Releasees, and each of them, in addition
to
any other damages caused to Releasees thereby, all attorneys’ fees incurred by
Releasees in defending or otherwise responding to said suit or Claim.
24
Nothing
herein shall prevent the undersigned from raising or asserting any defense
in
any suit, claim, proceeding or investigation brought
by any of the Releasees, and by raising or asserting any such defense, the
undersigned shall not become obligated to pay attorneys’ fees under
this
paragraph.
The
undersigned further understands and agrees that neither the payment of any
sum
of money nor the execution of this Release shall constitute or be construed
as
an admission of any liability whatsoever by the Releasees, or any of them,
who
have consistently taken the position that they have no liability whatsoever
to
the undersigned.
The
undersigned acknowledges that different or additional facts may be discovered
in
addition to what is now known or believed to be true by him with respect to
the
matters released in this Agreement, and the undersigned agrees that this
Agreement shall be and remain in effect in all respects as a complete and final
release of the matters released, notwithstanding any different or additional
facts.
IN
WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has executed this Release this ____ day of
___________________, 20__.
[NAME] |
|||
25