EXHIBIT 10.1
EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT
(Xxxxx XxXxxxxxxx)
This Employment Agreement (this "Agreement") dated as of October 2,
1998 is made by and between Xxxxx XxXxxxxxxx (the "Executive") and Xxxxxxx
Jewelers, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the "Company").
RECITALS
WHEREAS, the Company and the Executive entered into an agreement as of
May 1, 1997 (the Original Employment Agreement") and now wish to supersede the
Original Employment Agreement pursuant to this agreement; and
WHEREAS, the Executive is willing, upon the terms and conditions herein
set forth, to provide services hereunder;
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual promises and covenants
contained herein, and intending to be legally bound hereby, the parties hereto
agree as follows:
1. Employment.
Subject to Section 7, the Company hereby employs the Executive, and the
Executive hereby accepts such employment during the Term of Employment, as
President and Chief Executive Officer to perform such duties and
responsibilities, consistent with such position, as may be reasonably assigned
to the Executive from time to time by the Board of Directors of the Company (the
"Board") or its designee. (The definitions of capitalized terms used in this
Agreement are contained in Section 9 of this Agreement.)
2. Devotion of Time.
During the Term of Employment, the Executive shall perform his duties
hereunder faithfully and to the best of his ability, at the principal executive
office of the Company, under the direction of the Board or its designee. Except
for vacations and reasonable absences due to temporary illness and incapacity,
the Executive shall devote his full business time and attention to the
performance of his duties hereunder. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the
Executive may (i) make and manage passive personal business investments of his
choice and serve in any capacity with any civic, educational or charitable
organization, without seeking or obtaining approval by the Board, provided such
activities and service do not materially interfere or conflict with the
performance of his duties hereunder, and (ii) with the approval of the Board,
may serve on the boards of directors of other corporations or any trade
association. Nothing contained herein shall require Executive to follow any
directive or to perform any act which would violate any laws, ordinances,
regulations or rules of any governmental, regulatory or administrative body,
agency or authority, any court or judicial authority, or any public, private,
industry, professional, regulatory or licensing authority (collectively, the
"Regulations"). Executive shall act in good faith in accordance with all
Regulations.
3. Term of Employment.
The term of the Executive's employment hereunder shall commence on the
effective date of the Plan of Reorganization of the Company (the "Effective
Date") and shall end on the last day of the third full calendar year following
such date (the "Expiration Date"); provided, however, that on the Expiration
Date, and on each anniversary of the Expiration Date (the Expiration Date and
the date of each anniversary thereof being a "Renewal Date"), the term shall be
automatically extended so as to terminate one (1) year from such Renewal Date,
unless at least 90 days prior to such Renewal Date either party hereto gives
written notice to the other that the term shall not be so extended.
Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, it is hereby acknowledged and
understood that either party may give notice to the other at least 90 days prior
to the Expiration Date or any Renewal Date of its intent to renegotiate the
Terms of this Agreement in good faith, and such notice shall not be treated as a
notice of non-renewal for purposes of the definition of "Good Reason" or any
other purpose hereunder. The term, as extended in the manner described in the
preceding sentence, is referred to herein as the "Term of Employment."
Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Term of Employment may be terminated prior to
the expiration thereof, by the Company pursuant to Section 7.2 or by the
Executive pursuant to Section 7.3, in which event the Term of Employment shall
end on the Date of Termination.
4. Compensation.
During the Term of Employment, the Executive shall be compensated as
follows:
4.1. Base Salary. The Company shall pay the Executive a base salary at
the rate of $325,000 per annum, payable in arrears not less frequently than
monthly in accordance with the normal payroll practices of the Company. Such
base salary shall be subject to review each year by the Board in its sole
discretion, but shall in no event be decreased from its then-existing level.
4.2. Annual Bonus. In addition, the Executive shall be eligible to
receive a bonus ("Annual Bonus") with respect to each fiscal year of the
Company, beginning with its year ended on or about May 31, 1999, to the extent
that the performance targets for such year are achieved, provided, however, that
his Annual Bonus shall not exceed an amount (the "Annual Bonus Cap") equal to
100% of his base salary for such year. Such performance targets shall be agreed
upon by the Executive and the Board, in writing, prior to the beginning of each
fiscal year; provided, however for the fiscal year ending on or about May 31,
1999 such performance targets shall be established by the Board in its sole
discretion, as soon as practicable following the Effective Date, but in no event
later than 60 days following the Effective Date. On the Annual Bonus Payment
Date for such year, the Company shall pay the Executive his Annual Bonus
determined based on actual achievement of the performance targets. If the
Executive is actively employed by the Company on January 1 of each fiscal year
during the Term of Employment, the Company shall advance to the Executive an
amount equal to one-third of his Annual Bonus Cap for the fiscal year of the
Company that includes such date. The Executive shall be entitled to retain this
advance whether or not any of the performance targets are actually achieved and
whether or not his employment by the Company terminates following payment of
such amount.
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4.3. Equity Signing Bonus.
4.3.1. On or promptly after the Effective Date, the Company
shall award Executive an initial restricted stock bonus of a number of Company
common shares equal to 2.0 percent of the Company's outstanding equity as of the
Effective Date (the "Initial Grant") which shall be granted and conditioned upon
the Executive executing a restricted stock agreement with terms and conditions
consistent with this section 4.3 (such date of grant referred to hereinafter as
the "Grant Date"). Twenty-five (25) percent of the Initial Grant shall be fully
vested on the date of Grant Date. The remaining shares of the Initial Grant
shall vest ratably on the first through third anniversaries of the Grant Date.
The non-vested portion of the Initial Grant shall become fully vested in the
event the Executive is terminated (i) by the Company without Cause (as defined
below), (ii) by the Executive for "Good Reason" as defined below, (iii) as a
result of the Death or Disability of the Executive, and (iv) in the event of a
Change of Control. In the event the Executive voluntarily terminates his
employment or is terminated for Cause, the non-vested portion of the Initial
Grant shall be forfeited. Such shares shall be restricted so that no share may
be transferred or alienated in any way (except as provided in Section 4.3.2
below and through passage under will or by the laws of descent and distribution
upon the Executive's death) until the shares are vested, at which time the
restriction will lapse with respect to the vested shares.
4.3.2. Within 30 days following the Grant Date the Company
will lend the Executive a single sum equal to the fair market value of the
Initial Grant divided by .6 (the reciprocal of the highest marginal federal
income tax bracket rounded up to the nearest whole percentage point) and reduced
by the fair market value of the Initial Grant ((FMV / .6) - FMV) (the "Loan").
The Loan will be on a full recourse basis and secured in accordance with the
terms of a security agreement (in a form mutually agreed upon by the Company and
the Executive). The Loan will bear interest at the minimum statutory interest
rate necessary for tax purposes. Interest on the Loan will be payable quarterly
in arrears. The Loan will be set forth in twelve (12) equal promissory notes
(the form of which shall be mutually agreed upon by the Company and the
Executive), delivered by the Executive to the Company (collectively, the
"Notes"). In the event the Employee voluntarily terminates his employment or is
terminated for Cause, the unpaid portion of the Loan will be accelerated and all
Notes will become due and payable within ninety (90) days of the Executive's
Date of Termination.
4.3.3. On each of the first twelve quarterly anniversaries of
the Grant Date, the Company shall pay Executive a bonus equal to the principal
(but not interest) amount of one of the twelve outstanding Notes. In the event
the Executive is terminated (i) by the Company without Cause (as defined below),
(ii) by the Executive for "Good Reason" as defined below, or (iii) as a result
of the Death or Disability of the Executive, the Company shall pay the Executive
or the Executive's estate, as the case may be, a one time lump sum bonus equal
to the principal (but not interest) amount of any remaining outstanding Notes.
4.4. Stock Options. On or promptly after the Effective Date (the
"Option Grant Date"), Executive will receive a grant of stock options on 50,000
shares of the Company's common stock representing 1.00 percent of the Company's
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common stock as of the Effective Date (the "Option"). The exercise price of the
Option shall be the fair market value of a share of Company common stock on the
Effective Date. Executive shall vest in one-third (1/3) of the Option on each of
the first through third anniversaries of the Option Grant Date. The Option shall
be an incentive stock option ("ISO") within the meaning of Section 422 of the
Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, with respect to the maximum number of
shares that can be granted under an ISO with the vesting period described above.
The Option shall become fully vested in the event the Executive is terminated
(i) by the Company without Cause (as defined below), (ii) by the Executive for
"Good Reason" as defined below, (iii) as a result of the Death or Disability of
the Executive, and (iv) in the event of a Change of Control. In the event the
Employee voluntarily terminates his employment or is terminated for Cause, the
non-vested portion of the Option shall be forfeited. The Option shall be
evidenced by a Stock Option Agreement between the Company and the Executive (the
form of which shall be mutually agreed upon by the Company and the Executive).
4.5. Other Incentive Compensation. The Executive shall be entitled to
participate at an appropriate level in all other compensation programs adopted
by the Company as determined by the Board.
5. Reimbursement of Expenses.
During the Term of Employment, the Company shall reimburse the
Executive for expenses in accordance with the Company's policies and the rules
and regulations of the Internal Revenue Service.
6. Benefits.
During the Term of Employment, the Executive shall be entitled to
benefits, as follows:
6.1. Company Plans. The Executive shall be entitled to perquisites and
benefits established by the Company, from time to time, for management of the
Company (including, without limitation, health and dental insurance, disability
insurance, participation in the Company's 401(k) and deferred compensation
plans), subject to the policies and procedures of the Company of general
applicability in effect, from time to time, regarding participation in such
benefits.
6.2. Automobile. In addition, the Company, at its expense, shall
provide the Executive with an automobile of a kind to be selected by the
Executive for the business use of the Executive, provided that its payments for
such automobile and related costs for maintenance and insurance shall not
exceed, on average, $1,000 per month. At the Executive's option, the Company
shall pay the Executive a monthly allowance of $1,000 in lieu of providing him
with an automobile.
6.3. Insurance. In addition, the Company shall be obligated to pay the
premiums on a life insurance policy for the benefit of the Executive with a face
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amount of $1,000,000 and long-term disability insurance with coverage equal to
(i) one times the Executive's base salary, less (ii) the amount of long-term
disability insurance coverage provided to the Executive under Company-sponsored
long-term disability plans.
6.4. Relocation Allowance. If the Company has not relocated its
headquarters prior to the Effective Date, the Company shall pay the Executive a
relocation allowance equal to the lesser of (i) ten percent of his annual base
salary and (ii) the actual cost of the Executive's relocation to Austin, Texas,
at such time as the Executive leases or purchases a residence in the Austin,
Texas area.
6.5. Vacation. In addition, the Executive shall be entitled to four (4)
weeks of paid vacation during each year.
7. Termination of Employment.
7.1. Termination Due to Death or Disability. Subject to the payments
contemplated by Section 7.8, the Executive's employment by the Company shall
terminate upon the death of the Executive or upon the Executive becoming
Disabled.
7.2. Early Termination by the Company. Subject to the payments
contemplated by Sections 7.4 and 7.5, the Executive's employment by the Company
may be terminated at any time by the Company (after adoption of a resolution by
the Board to do so) as follows:
7.2.1. For Cause; or
7.2.2. For any other reason or no reason, it being
understood that no reason is required.
Such termination by the Company shall be effected by delivery by the Company to
the Executive of a written notice of termination (which notice shall include a
copy of the resolution adopted by the Board), specifying the Date of Termination
and stating in the case of termination for Cause, the grounds which the Board
has determined exist for such termination, and shall be subject to the
requirements for advance notice and opportunity to cure provided in this
Agreement, if and to the extent applicable.
7.3. Early Termination by the Executive. Subject to the payments
contemplated by Sections 7.4 and 7.5, the Executive's employment by the Company
may be terminated by the Executive at any time, as follows:
7.3.1. For Good Reason; or
7.3.2. For any other reason or no reason, it being understood
that no reason is required.
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Such termination by the Executive shall be effected by delivery by the Executive
to the Company of a written notice of termination, specifying the Date of
Termination and stating in the case of termination for Good Reason, the grounds
which the Executive has determined exist for such termination, and shall be
subject to the requirements for advance notice and opportunity to cure provided
in this Agreement, if and to the extent applicable.
7.4. Payments if Termination by the Company for Cause or by the
Executive Without Good Reason. In the event that the Executive's employment by
the Company is terminated by the Company for Cause or by the Executive without
Good Reason, the Company shall be obligated to:
7.4.1. Pay to the Executive his Accrued Salary and Benefits in
a lump sum in cash, within five (5) business days after the Date of Termination
(provided, however, that any portion of the Accrued Salary and Benefits which
consists of deferred compensation or post-termination benefits shall be
determined and paid in accordance with the terms of the relevant plan as
applicable to the Executive); and
7.4.2. Pay to the Executive a prorated portion of the Annual
Bonus with respect to the fiscal year of the Company in which the Date of
Termination occurs, in a lump sum in cash, on the Annual Bonus Payment Date for
such year, provided that the performance targets for such year are met.
7.5. Payments if Termination by the Company Without Cause or by the
Executive For Good Reason. In the event that the Executive's employment by the
Company is terminated by the Company without Cause or by the Executive for Good
Reason, the Company shall be obligated to:
7.5.1. Pay to the Executive his Accrued Salary and Benefits in
a lump sum in cash, within five (5) business days after the Date of Termination
(provided, however, that any portion of the Accrued Salary and Benefits which
consists of deferred compensation or post-termination benefits shall be
determined and paid in accordance with the terms of the relevant plan as
applicable to the Executive);
7.5.2. Pay to the Executive in a lump sum within 5 business
days after the Date of Termination an amount determined by multiplying (A) three
times the Executive's annual base salary as in effect on the Date of Termination
by (B) a fraction, the numerator of which is 36 minus the number of months the
Executive has been in employed by the Company since the Effective date,
provided, however, that the numerator shall in no event be less than 18 and the
denominator of which is 36; provided, however, that if the Executive's
employment is terminated without Cause by the Company within 24 months of a
Change of Control or by the Executive in accordance with clause (v) of the
definition of Good Reason and the consideration paid to the shareholders of the
Company in connection with the event which triggered the Change of Control
exceeds the fair market value per share of the Company's common shares as of the
date of the Initial Grant (as set forth in Section 4.3), the numerator shall be
36; and
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7.5.3. Pay to the Executive his full Annual Bonus without
proration with respect to the fiscal year of the Company in which such
Termination occurs, in a lump sum in cash, on the Annual Bonus Payment Date for
such year, based on the Annual Bonus Cap for such year (without regard to
whether the performance targets for such year have been met).
7.5.4. Excise Tax Limitation.
(a) Notwithstanding anything contained in this
Agreement to the contrary, to the extent that any payment or distribution of any
type to or for the benefit of the Executive by the Company, any affiliate of the
Company, any person who acquires ownership or effective control of the Company
or ownership of a substantial portion of the Company's assets (within the
meaning of Section 280G of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended the
Code, and the regulations thereunder), or any affiliate of such person, whether
paid or payable or distributed or distributable pursuant to the terms of this
Agreement or otherwise (the "Total Payments") is or will be subject to the
excise tax imposed under Section 4999 of the Code (the "Excise Tax"), then the
Total Payments shall be reduced (but not below zero) if and to the extent that a
reduction in the Total Payments would result in the Executive retaining a larger
amount, on an after-tax basis (taking into account federal, state and local
income taxes and the Excise Tax), than if the Executive received the entire
amount of such Total Payments. The Company shall reduce or eliminate the Total
Payments, by reducing or eliminating the portion of the Total Payments payable
to the Executive under Section 7.5.2. In no event will the Executive be required
to forfeit any equity (restricted stock or stock options) distributable or
payable under the terms of this Agreement. If after eliminating the portion of
the Total Payments payable to the Executive under Section 7.5.2, the remaining
amount of the Total Payments is or will be subject to the Excise Tax, then the
Executive shall be entitled to receive an additional payment (a "Gross-Up
Payment") in an amount such that after payment by the Executive of all taxes
(including any interest or penalties imposed with respect to such taxes),
including and Excise Tax, imposed upon the Gross-Up Payment, the Executive
retains an amount of the Gross-Up Payment equal to the Excise Tax imposed on the
Total Payments.
(b) The determination of whether the Total
Payments shall be reduced as provided in Section 7.5.4. (a), the amount of such
reduction, whether a Gross-Up Payment is required as provided in Section
7.5.4.(a), and the amount of such Gross-Up Payment shall be made at the
Company's expense by an accounting firm selected by the Company from among the
six largest accounting firms in the United States (the "Accounting Firm"). The
Accounting Firm shall provide its determination (the "Determination"), together
with detailed supporting calculations and documentation to the Company and
Executive within ten (10) days of the Termination Date. If the Accounting Firm
determines that no Excise Tax is payable by the Executive with respect to the
Total Payments (or the Total Payments as reduced pursuant to Section 7.5.4(a)),
it shall furnish the Executive with an opinion reasonably acceptable to the
Executive that no Excise Tax will be imposed with respect to any such payments
and, absent manifest error, such Determination shall be binding, final and
conclusive upon the Company and the Executive. If a Gross-Up payment is
determined to be payable, it shall be paid to the Executive within five (5) days
after the Determination is delivered to the Company or the Executive. Any
determination by the Accounting Firm as to the amount of the Gross-Up shall be
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binding upon the Company and the Executive, absent manifest error. As a result
of uncertainty in the application of Section 4999 of the Code at the time of the
initial determination by the Accounting Firm hereunder, it is possible that
Gross-Up Payments not made by the Company should have been made
("Underpayment"), or that Gross-Up Payments will have been made by the Company
which should not have been made ("Overpayments"). In either such event, the
Accounting Firm shall determine the amount of the Underpayment or Overpayment
that has occurred. In the case of an Underpayment, the amount of such
Underpayment shall be promptly paid by the Company to or for the benefit of the
Executive. In the case of an Overpayment, the Executive shall, at the direction
and expense of the Company, take such steps as are reasonably necessary
(including the filing of returns and claims for refund), follow reasonable
instructions from, and procedures established by, the Company, and otherwise
reasonably cooperate with the Company to correct such Overpayment, provided,
however, that (i) Executive shall not in any event be obligated to return to the
Company an amount greater than net after-tax portion of the Overpayment that he
has retained or has recovered as a refund from the applicable taxing authorities
and (ii) this provision shall be interpreted in a manner consistent with the
intent of Subsection 7.5.4.(a), which is to make the Executive whole, on an
after-tax basis, from the application of the Excise Tax, it being understood
that the correction of an Overpayment may result in the Executive repaying to
the Company an amount which is less than the Overpayment.
7.6. Proration of Annual Bonus. For purposes of Section 7.4, the
Executive's Annual Bonus with respect to any fiscal year of the Company shall be
prorated by a fraction, the numerator of which is the number of months in such
fiscal year in which the Executive was employed by the Company (including the
month in which his employment was terminated) and the denominator of which is
12. The amount advanced, if any, to the Executive pursuant to Section 4.2 shall
be credited against the payment of such prorated Annual Bonus. Notwithstanding
anything to the contrary contained in this Agreement, if the Executive's
employment by the Company is terminated due to his death or Disability, he shall
be entitled to receive his full Annual Bonus without any proration thereof, but
less any portion of such Bonus already paid him.
7.7. Election to Defer. The Company shall implement a deferred
compensation plan which shall entitle the Executive to elect to defer a portion
of his Base Salary and Annual Bonus on terms mutually acceptable to the Company
and the Executive.
7.8. Payment if Termination due to Death or Disability. In the event
that the Executive's employment by the Company is terminated due to the
Executive's death or disability, the Company shall be obligated to:
7.8.1. Pay to the Executive his Accrued Salary and Benefits,
in a lump sum in cash, within five (5) business days after the Date of
Termination (provided, however, that any portion of the Accrued Salary and
Benefits which consists of deferred compensation or post-termination benefits
shall be determined and paid in accordance with the terms of the relevant plan
as applicable to the Executive);
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7.8.2. Pay to the Executive his full Annual Bonus without
proration with respect to the fiscal year of the Company in which such
Termination occurs, in a lump sum in cash, on the Annual Bonus Payment Date for
such year, based on the Annual Bonus Cap for such year (without regard to
whether the performance targets for such year have been met);
7.8.3. Pay to the Executive an amount equal to 18 months of
the Executive's base salary as of the Date of Termination, with such payment to
be made in equal monthly installments.
The payments described in this Section 7.8 shall be in addition to any
life insurance and disability benefits payable to the Executive from the
Company.
7.9. No Additional Severance Payments. Except as provided in Section
4.3., 4.4. and this Section 7, the Executive shall not be entitled to any
payments by the Company in the event of the termination of his employment by the
Company. In such event, the Executive shall have no obligation to seek other
employment to mitigate damages and any income earned by the Executive from other
employment or self-employment shall not be offset against any of the Company's
payment obligations under this Section 7.
8. Confidential Information.
8.1. Nondisclosure of Confidential Information. During and after the
Term of Employment, Executive will not disclose to any person, or use or
otherwise exploit for the Executive's own benefit or for the benefit of anyone
other than the Company, any Confidential Information of the Company, whether
prepared by the Executive or not. At the request of the Company, the Executive
agrees to deliver to the Company, at any time during the Term of Employment, or
thereafter, all Confidential Information which he may possess or control. The
Executive agrees that all Confidential Information of the Company (whether now
or hereafter existing) conceived, discovered or made by him during the Term of
Employment exclusively belongs to the Company (and not to the Executive). The
Executive will promptly disclose such Confidential Information to the Company
and perform all actions reasonably requested by the Company to establish and
confirm such exclusive ownership.
8.2. Exceptions to Nondisclosure Obligations. The provisions of Section
8.1 shall not apply to (i) information disclosed in the performance of the
Executive's duties to the Company based on his good faith belief that such
disclosure is in the best interests of Company; (ii) information that is public
knowledge; (iii) information disseminated by the Company to third parties in the
ordinary course of business; (iv) information lawfully received by the Executive
from a third party who, based upon inquiry by the Executive, is not bound by a
confidential relationship to the Company; (v) information disclosed under a
requirement of law or as directed by applicable legal authority having
jurisdiction over the Executive; or (vi) information necessary in order to
enforce his rights under this Agreement or necessary to defend himself against a
claim asserted directly or indirectly by the Company or any of its affiliated
companies.
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8.3. Survival of Nondisclosure Obligations. The terms of this Section 8
shall survive the termination of this Agreement regardless of who terminates
this Agreement or the reasons therefor.
9. Definitions. Capitalized terms used in this Agreement shall have the meanings
set forth in this Section 9.
"Accrued Salary and Benefits" means, as of the Date of Termination, the
sum of (i) the Executive's base salary under Section 4.1 through such date to
the extent not theretofore paid, and (ii) any vacation pay, expense
reimbursements and other cash entitlements accrued by the Executive as of such
date to the extent not theretofore paid.
"Annual Bonus" is defined in Section 4.2.
"Annual Bonus Cap" is defined in Section 4.2.
"Annual Bonus Payment Date" means with respect to any fiscal year of
the Company, a date which is not later than thirty days after the day on which
the Company's independent public accountants sign their report with respect to
such year.
"Board" is defined in Section 1.
"Cause" shall mean any of the following:
(i) The Executive's conviction for, or plea of nolo contendere to, any
felony:
(ii) The Executive's willful fraud or material dishonesty in connection
with the Executive's performance of his duties hereunder;
(iii) The Executive's failure, other than due to illness, disability or
death or as a result of any event that constitutes Good Reason hereunder, to
substantially perform his duties hereunder that results in material harm to the
Company; or
(iv) The Executive's gross negligence in the performance of his duties
hereunder (other than arising solely due to physical or mental disability) that
results in material harm to the Company;
in each case, for purposes of clauses (iii) and (iv), after the Board has
provided the Executive with 30 days' written notice of such circumstances and
the possibility of an event giving rise to termination for Cause, and the
Executive fails to cure such circumstances within those 30 days.
"Code" shall mean the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended from
time to time.
"Change of Control" shall mean the occurrence of (i) the dissolution or
liquidation of the Company, (ii) a reorganization, merger or consolidation of
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the Company with one or more corporations as a result of which the Company is
not the surviving corporation or as a result of which it is the surviving
corporation and its outstanding voting securities are converted to or
reclassified as cash, securities of another corporation or other property
(unless the principal purpose of such transaction is to change the state of the
Company's incorporation), (iii) upon a sale of assets of the Company or its
subsidiaries have a fair market value equal to more than 50% of the total fair
market value of the Company's assets to an entity which is not controlling,
controlled by or under common control with the Company, or (iv) the acquisition
of a record or beneficial interest in more than 30% of the then outstanding
voting securities of the Company, either in a single transaction or a series of
transactions, by an entity or "group" within the meaning of Section 13(d) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the rules and regulations promulgated
thereunder which is not an affiliate of the Company.
"Company" is defined in the introduction.
"Confidential Information" means any confidential information of the
Company including, without limitation, any study, data, calculations, software
storage media or other compilation of information, patent, patent application,
copyright, trademark, trade name, service xxxx, service name, "know-how", trade
secrets, customer lists, details of client or consultant contracts, pricing
policies, operational methods, marketing plans or strategies, product
development techniques or plans, business acquisition plans or any portion or
phase of any scientific or technical information, ideas, discoveries, designs,
computer programs (including source or object codes), processes, procedures,
formulas, improvements of other proprietary or intellectual property of the
Company or relating to its business, whether or not in written or tangible form,
and whether or not registered, and including all files, records, manuals, books,
catalogues, memoranda, notes, summaries, plans, reports, records, documents and
other evidence thereof, whether existing now or hereafter discovered or
developed.
"Date of Termination" means (i) in the event of a termination of the
Executive's employment pursuant to Section 7.2, the date specified in the
written notice of termination from the Company, (ii) in the event of a
termination of the Executive's employment pursuant to Section 7.3, the date
specified in the written notice of termination from the Executive, (iii) in the
event of the Executive's death, the date of the Executive's death and (iv) in
the event of the Executive's Disability, the date he is determined to be
Disabled.
"Disabled" or "Disability" means, with respect to the Executive, the
occurrence of an event or events that renders the Executive with respect to his
physical or mental condition unable to perform, in the view of the Board and as
certified in writing by a competent medical physician, his duties hereunder and
which results in his being entitled to benefits under the Company's disability
insurance plan.
"Effective Date" is defined in the introduction.
"Executive" means Xxxxx XxXxxxxxxx or his estate, if deceased.
"Expiration Date" is defined in Section 3.
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"Good Reason" means any of the following:
(i) A change in the Executive's status, title, position or
responsibilities (including reporting responsibilities) which, in the
Executive's reasonable judgment, represents an adverse change from his status,
title position or responsibilities as in effect immediately prior thereto; the
assignment to the Executive of any duties or responsibilities which, in the
Executive's reasonable judgment, are inconsistent with his or her status, title,
position or responsibilities; or any removal of the Executive from or failure to
reappoint or reelect him to any of such offices or positions, except in
connection with the termination of his employment for Disability, Cause, as a
result of his death or by the Executive other than for Good Reason.
(ii) A breach by the Company of the compensation and benefit
provisions set forth in Sections 4 through 6;
(iii) A written notice of non-renewal of this Agreement being
given by the Company to the Executive pursuant to Section 3.
(iv) The inability of the Company and the Executive to reach
agreement on the terms of a new employment agreement prior to the Expiration
Date or any Renewal Date that follows notice by the Company to the Executive of
its intent to renegotiate the terms of this Agreement.
(v) Any termination by the Executive within twenty-four (24)
months of the occurrence of a Change in Control;
(vi) A material breach by the Company of any other term of
this Agreement;
provided, however that none of the events described in (i) through (vi) above
shall be considered Good Reason, if the Executive consents, in writing, to the
proposed action by the Company which would otherwise constitute Good Reason
prior to the time the event actually occurs; and further provided that no event
described in clauses (i), (ii), (vi) above, shall be considered Good Reason
until the Executive has provided the Company with written notice which (a)
describes the event or occurrences which the Executive believes constitute Good
Reason and (b) provides the Company with a minimum of fifteen (15) days in which
to correct or address such events or occurrences, after which if no such
correction occurs to the reasonable satisfaction of the Executive, such event
shall be deemed to be Good Reason.
"Renewal Date" is defined in Section 3.
"Term of Employment" is defined in Section 3.
10. General.
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10.1 Notice. Any notice, request, demand or other communication
required or permitted to be given under this Agreement shall be given in writing
and delivered personally, or sent by certified or registered mail, return
receipt requested, as follows (or to such other addressee or address as shall be
set forth in a notice given in the same manner).
If to Executive: Xxxxx XxXxxxxxxx
000 Xxxxx Xxxxxx
Xxxxxx, Xxxxx 00000
If to Company: Xxxxxxx Jewelers, Inc.
Xxxxx 000
0000 Xxxxxxxxxx Xxxxx
Xxxxxx, Xxxxx 00000
Attn: Chairman of the Board
Any such notices shall be deemed to be given on the date personally delivered or
such return receipt is issued.
10.2. Executive's Representations. The Executive hereby warrants and
represents to the Company that the Executive has carefully reviewed this
Agreement, including his obligations hereunder, and has consulted with such
attorneys and advisors as the Executive considers appropriate in connection with
this Agreement, and is not subject to any covenants, agreements or restrictions,
including without limitation any covenants, agreements or restrictions arising
out of the Executive's prior employment which would be breached or violated by
the Executive's execution of this Agreement or by the Executive's performance of
his duties hereunder.
10.3. Validity. If, for any reason, any provision hereof shall be
determined to be invalid or unenforceable, the validity and effect of the other
provisions hereof shall not be affected thereby.
10.4. Severability. Whenever possible, each provision of this Agreement
will be interpreted in such 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 in any respect under any applicable law or rule in any
jurisdiction, such invalidity, illegality or unenforceability will not affect
any other provision or any other jurisdiction, but this Agreement will be
reformed, construed and enforced in such jurisdiction as if such invalid,
illegal or unenforceable provision had never been contained herein.
10.5. Tax Withholding. The Company shall provide for the withholding of
any taxes required to be withheld by federal, state, or local law with respect
to any payment in cash, shares of stock and/or other property made by or on
behalf of the Company to or for the benefit of the Executive under this
Agreement or otherwise. The Company may, at its option: (i) withhold such taxes
from any cash payments owing from the Company to the Executive, (ii) require the
Executive to pay to the Company in cash such amount as may be required to
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satisfy such withholding obligations and/or (iii) make other satisfactory
arrangements with the Executive to satisfy such withholding obligations.
10.6. Waiver of Breach; Attorneys' Fees. The waiver by the Company or
the Executive of a breach of any provision of this Agreement by the other party
shall not operate or be construed as a waiver of any other breach of such other
party. Each of the parties to this Agreement will be entitled to enforce its
respective rights under this Agreement and to exercise all other rights existing
in its favor. In the event either party takes legal action or commences an
arbitration proceeding to enforce any of the terms or provisions of this
Agreement, the nonprevailing party shall pay the successful party's costs and
expenses, including but not limited to, attorneys' fees, incurred in such action
or proceeding.
10.7. Governing Law. This Agreement shall be governed by, construed,
applied and enforced in accordance with the laws of the state of Texas, except
that no doctrine of choice of law shall be used to apply any law other than that
of Texas, and no defense, counterclaim or right of set-off given or allowed by
the laws of any other state or jurisdiction, or arising out of the enactment,
modification or repeal of any law, regulation, ordinance or decree of any
foreign jurisdiction, shall be interposed in any action hereon.
10.8. Specific Performance. The parties hereto agree and acknowledge
that money damages may not be an adequate remedy for any breach of the
provisions of Section 8 of this Agreement and that the Company may in its sole
discretion apply for specific performance and/or injunctive relief, including
temporary restraining orders, preliminary injunctions and permanent injunctions
in order to enforce or prevent any violations of such provisions of this
Agreement.
10.9. Forum. The Executive and the Company agree that any action or
proceeding arising out of this Agreement (excluding any actions or proceedings
subject to the mandatory arbitration provisions of Section 10.10, but including
any action to confirm an award of such arbitrators and enter judgment thereon)
may be commenced in the courts of the State of Texas located in the County of
Xxxxxx or the United States District Courts located in the County of Xxxxxx. The
Executive and the Company consent to in personam jurisdiction with respect to
such courts, agree that venue will be proper in such courts and waive any
objections based upon forum non conveniens. The choice of forum set forth in
this Section 10.9 shall not be deemed to preclude the enforcement of any
judgment obtained in such forum or the taking of any action under Agreement to
enforce same in any other jurisdiction.
10.10. Arbitration. The Company and the Executive agree that, with the
exception of actions for specific performance, restraining orders or other
injunctive relief pursuant to Section 10.8 and actions to enforce an arbitration
award, all claims and disputes between the Company and the Executive in
connection with this Agreement or otherwise related to the Executive's
employment by the Company (including without limitation the termination of
Executive's employment) shall be submitted to final and binding arbitration
administered and conducted by the American Arbitration Association in Austin,
Texas pursuant to its Labor Arbitration Rules then in effect; provided, that,
that the party seeking to submit a claim or dispute hereunder to arbitration
14
shall give the other party written notice of any arbitration proceeding at least
60 days' prior to such proceeding; provided, further, that the parties mutually
agree to negotiate in good faith to resolve their differences prior to such
arbitration proceeding.
10.11. Assignment; Third Parties. The Executive may not assign,
transfer, pledge, hypothecate, encumber or otherwise dispose of this Agreement
or any of his respective rights or obligations hereunder, without the prior
written consent of the Company. Except as expressly provided herein, the Company
may not assign or transfer this Agreement or any of its rights or obligations
hereunder, without the prior written consent of the Executive. The Company may
assign its rights and obligations hereunder to its successor in connection with
a merger, consolidation, sale of assets, acquisition, recapitalization or other
similar transaction (and such successor shall thereafter be deemed the "Company"
for purposes of this Agreement). The provisions of this Agreement shall be
binding upon, and shall inure to the benefit of, the respective heirs, legal
representatives and successors of the parties hereto.
10.12. Prior Understandings. This Agreement, together with the exhibits
and schedules attached hereto which are incorporated herein by this reference,
embodies the entire understanding of the parties hereto and supersedes all other
oral or written agreements or understandings between them regarding the subject
matter hereof. No change, alteration or modification hereof may be made except
in a writing specifically referring hereto and signed by the Executive and the
Chairman of the Board of the Company or his designee. The headings in this
Agreement are for convenience and reference only and shall not be construed as
part of this Agreement or to limit or otherwise affect the meaning hereof.
Section references refer to this Agreement unless otherwise specified.
10.13. Further Action. The Executive and the Company agree to perform
any further acts and to execute and deliver any documents which may be
reasonable to carry out the provisions hereof.
10.14. Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in counterparts,
each of which shall be deemed an original, but all of which together shall
constitute one and the same instrument.
10.15. Indemnification. During the Term of Employment and thereafter,
the Company shall indemnify the Executive to the fullest extent permitted by
applicable law, and the Executive shall be entitled to the protection of any
insurance policies the Company may elect to maintain generally for the benefit
of its directors and officers, with respect to all expenses, judgments, fines,
settlements and other amounts (including, without limitation, attorneys' fees)
incurred or sustained by the Executive in connection with any action, suit or
proceeding to which he may be made a party by reason of being or having been a
director, officer or employee of the Company or his serving or having served any
other enterprise as a director, officer or employee at the request of the
Company.
15
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have set their hands as of the
day and year first written above.
EXECUTIVE:
/s/ Xxxxx XxXxxxxxxx
-------------------------
XXXXX XxXXXXXXXX
COMPANY:
XXXXXXX JEWELERS, INC.
By: /s/ E. Xxxxx Xxxxx
------------------------
EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT
CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER
AND SECRETARY
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