SEPARATION AGREEMENT
Exhibit 10.1
This Separation Agreement (this “Agreement”) is entered into by and among Xxxxx Xxxxxxx (hereinafter “Xxxxxxx” or “Employee”), Hertz Global Holdings, Inc. and The Hertz Corporation (hereinafter, together with their subsidiaries and divisions, “Hertz”, the “Company” or the “Companies”), duly acting under the authority of its officers and directors.
WHEREAS, Xxxxxxx and the Companies acknowledge the existence of the Hertz Global Holdings, Inc. Severance Plan for Senior Executives (the “Severance Plan”); and
WHEREAS, the parties have mutually agreed upon the following payments, benefits and other terms and conditions relating to the termination of Xxxxxxx’ employment by the Companies.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual promises, covenants and agreements stated herein, which Xxxxxxx and the Companies agree constitute good and valuable consideration, the parties stipulate and do mutually agree as follows:
1. Resignation from Office. Xxxxxxx hereby resigns from her position as Senior Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of the Companies, effective as of October 1, 2013. Except for her status as an employee of the Companies through December 31, 2013 as provided in Section 2, Xxxxxxx hereby resigns from all director, officer or other positions she holds on behalf of the Companies (which for the avoidance of doubt and in conformity with the definition of “Companies” shall include Hertz Global Holdings, Inc., The Hertz Corporation and all of their subsidiaries and divisions), effective as of October 1, 2013. Xxxxxxx agrees to sign all appropriate documentation, if any, prepared by the Companies to facilitate these resignations.
2. Employment Status/Separation. Xxxxxxx and the Companies hereby agree that, except as otherwise provided in the last sentence of Section 15(b) of this Agreement, Xxxxxxx’ employment with the Companies will be terminated effective December 31, 2013 (the “Separation Date”) and, except as otherwise specifically provided in this Agreement, neither Xxxxxxx nor the Companies shall have any further rights, obligations, or duties under any agreement or arrangement as of December 31, 2013. During the period between October 1, 2013 and December 31, 2013, Xxxxxxx will continue to be available for reasonable consultation, guidance, project completion, and travel to any of the Companies’ locations, if necessary, and as reasonably directed by Hertz’s Chief Executive Officer. From the date hereof until the Separation Date, Hertz will continue to pay Xxxxxxx her regular base salary, and she shall continue to be eligible for all benefits and perquisites that she currently enjoys, provided, that Xxxxxxx shall not be eligible for any new equity grants or other new incentive or bonus opportunities.
3. Accrued Obligations and Vested Benefits. Xxxxxxx is entitled to receive the following accrued obligations, which shall be paid no later than the next regularly scheduled payroll date after the Separation Date: (i) all salary earned or accrued but not yet paid through the Separation Date; (ii) reimbursement for any and all business expenses incurred prior to the Separation Date, subject to the terms of the Company’s reimbursement policy, and (iii) payment
for any earned and accrued, but unused vacation days. In addition, Xxxxxxx is fully vested in The Hertz Corporation Account Balance Defined Benefit Pension Plan (the “Hertz Retirement Plan”), The Hertz Corporation Benefit Equalization Plan (“BEP”), The Hertz Corporation Supplemental Retirement Plan (“SERP II”) and The Hertz Corporation Income Savings Plan (“401(k) Plan”) in accordance with the terms of those plans now in effect. The current account balance/monthly benefit and payment elections are set forth on Exhibit A attached hereto.
4. Severance Benefits. Provided that Xxxxxxx signs and does not timely revoke this Agreement, complies with the terms of this Agreement, and signs and delivers the Supplemental Release (as defined below) and does not revoke the Supplemental Release within the time period provided therein, Hertz shall provide Xxxxxxx with the following additional benefits:
x. Xxxxxxxxx Payments. The equivalent of 1.5 times the sum of Xxxxxxx’ base salary plus Bonus (as defined in the Severance Plan) for a total gross amount of one million nine hundred sixty-five thousand one hundred sixty-five dollars and zero cents ($1,965,165.00), paid to Xxxxxxx in xxxxx amounts after the Separation Date at the following times and in the following manner: (i) no severance payments shall be made to Xxxxxxx during the period beginning on the Separation Date and ending on the six-month anniversary of such date or, if earlier, the date of Xxxxxxx’ death, (ii) on the first Company payroll date after June 30, 2014 or, if earlier, the date of Xxxxxxx’ death, a gross lump sum equivalent to 6 months of severance payments ($655,055.00), plus interest on the foregoing amount from the Separation Date to the payment date at the applicable federal rate for instruments of less than one year, shall be paid to Xxxxxxx, (iii) on the last Company payroll date immediately preceding before December 31, 2014 or, if earlier, the date of Xxxxxxx’ death, a gross lump sum equivalent to 6 months of severance payments ($655,055.00) shall be paid to Xxxxxxx, and (iv) on the last Company payroll date immediately preceding June 30, 2015 or, if earlier, the date of Xxxxxxx’ death, a gross lump sum equivalent to 6 months of severance payments ($655,055.00) shall be paid to Xxxxxxx.
b. Equity Awards. (i) Those options (“Options”) to purchase shares of common stock of Hertz Global Holdings, Inc. issued to Xxxxxxx pursuant to the Hertz Global Holdings, Inc. Stock Incentive Plan (the “Stock Incentive Plan”) and the Hertz Global Holdings, Inc. 2008 Omnibus Incentive Plan (the “Omnibus Plan”) that would have vested on or before March 31, 2014, if Xxxxxxx had remained employed by Hertz through March 31, 2014, shall vest immediately as of the eighth (8th) day following the date Employee executes the Supplemental Release and has not revoked the Supplemental Release, and (ii) the performance stock units (“Performance Stock Units”) awarded to Xxxxxxx under the Omnibus Plan that would have vested on or before March 31, 2014, if Xxxxxxx had remained employed by Hertz through March 31, 2014, shall vest on the date the Compensation Committees of the Companies (the “Compensation Committees”) certify the applicable 2013 performance criteria with respect to the Performance Stock Units (the “Certification Date”). For the avoidance of doubt, (w) Performance Stock Units granted in 2012 shall be earned on the basis of the Companies’ 2012 Corporate EBITDA or, if higher, combined 2012-2013 Corporate EBITDA, (x) Performance Stock Units granted in 2013 based on Corporate EBITDA and with a two-year performance
period of 2013-2014 shall be earned solely on the basis of the Companies’ 2013 Corporate EBITDA, (y) Performance Stock Units granted in 2013 based on Corporate EBITDA margin shall be earned on the basis of the Companies’ 2013 Corporate EBITDA margin and (z) the price-vested stock units granted in 2012 shall expire with no vesting thereof. If the Performance Stock Units earned pursuant to clause (w) for combined 2012-2013 Corporate EBITDA exceed the Performance Stock Units earned on the basis of 2012 Corporate EBITDA alone, any additional Performance Stock Units shall be deemed to have been earned ratably across the vesting tranches (i.e. Xxxxxxx would be entitled to one-third of such additional Performance Stock Units for each of the 2013 and 2014 vesting dates but would not be entitled to the one-third of such additional Performance Stock Units that otherwise would have vested in 2015 had Xxxxxxx remained an employee of the Companies until such date). All of Xxxxxxx’ vested Options, including those Options set forth herein, shall be exercisable through July 31, 2014, in accordance with the terms of the Stock Incentive Plan or the Omnibus Plan, as applicable, and any applicable award agreement, after which any Options not exercised shall be canceled. Except as set forth above, all of Xxxxxxx’ unvested Options shall terminate as of the Separation Date. All earned Performance Stock Units awarded to Xxxxxxx under the Omnibus Plan that vest pursuant to this Agreement shall be settled as promptly as practicable after the Certification Date, and all other Performance Stock Units shall be canceled on the Certification Date. A chart identifying Xxxxxxx’ vested Options and Performance Stock Units listed above is attached hereto as Exhibit A.
c. Bonus. Xxxxxxx will be considered eligible for 100% of her 2013 Bonus, multiplied by the Companies’ strategic performance modifier determined in respect of 2013, and otherwise calculated and paid in accordance with the Hertz Senior Executive Bonus Plan, on or before March 15, 2014.
d. Outplacement Services. In lieu of outplacement services, the Company will pay Xxxxxxx a lump sum of $25,000 on or before March 15, 2014, to use for outplacement assistance or in any other manner that Xxxxxxx sees fit.
e. Car Privileges. Xxxxxxx will be provided continued car privileges until December 31, 2014, in accordance with the same terms and conditions that were in effect on the Separation Date.
f. Health Plan Coverage. The Company will provide Xxxxxxx and her dependents with continued medical, dental and vision benefits under its health insurance plans for 18 months following the Separation Date (the “health and welfare benefits”). If Xxxxxxx makes timely application for such health and welfare benefits, the Company will pay the premiums for such coverage to the same extent paid by the Company immediately prior to the Separation Date through June 30, 2015, or the date on which Xxxxxxx becomes eligible for health insurance coverage through a new employer, whichever is earlier. If Xxxxxxx becomes employed with a new employer prior to June 30, 2015, Xxxxxxx agrees to notify the Company within 30 days of becoming eligible for health insurance benefits through her new employer. It is the intent of the parties that Xxxxxxx’ benefit continuation rights under the Consolidated Omnibus Budget
Reconciliation Act of 1985 (“COBRA”) or any similar state law begin to run on the Separation Date.
Xxxxxxx acknowledges and agrees that the consideration set forth in this Section 4 constitutes satisfaction and accord for any obligations due and owing to her pursuant to any employment agreement or other arrangement with the Companies. Xxxxxxx acknowledges and agrees that, unless she enters into this Agreement, she would not otherwise be entitled to receive the consideration set forth in this Section 4.
5. Waiver and Release.
a. In exchange for receiving the monies and benefits described in Section 4 above and Xxxxxxx’ continued employment through December 31, 2013, Xxxxxxx does for herself and her heirs, executors, administrators, successors, and assigns, hereby release, acquit, and forever discharge and hold harmless the Companies and each of their divisions, subsidiaries, and affiliated companies, and their respective successors, assigns, officers, directors, shareholders, employees, benefit and retirement plans (as well as trustees and administrators thereof) and agents, past and present (the “Released Parties”), of and from any and all actions, causes of action, claims, demands, attorneys’ fees, compensation, expenses, promises, covenants, and damages of whatever kind or nature, in law or in equity, which Xxxxxxx has, had or could have asserted, known or unknown, at common law or under any statute, rule, regulation, order or law, whether federal, state or local, or on any grounds whatsoever, including without limitation, any and all claims for any additional severance pay, vacation pay, bonus or other compensation, including but not limited to under the Severance Plan and Xxxxxxx’ Change in Control Severance Agreement; any and all claims of discrimination or harassment based on race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, disability, handicap, age or other unlawful discrimination; any and all claims arising under Title VII of the Federal Civil Rights Act; the Federal Civil Rights Act of 1991; the Americans with Disabilities Act; the Age Discrimination in Employment Act; the New Jersey Law Against Discrimination; or under any other state, federal, local or common law, with respect to any event, matter, claim, damage or injury arising out of her employment relationship with the Companies, and/or the separation of such employment relationship, and/or with respect to any other claim, matter, or event, from the beginning of the world to the date of Xxxxxxx’ execution of this Agreement.
b. In the event any claim or suit is filed on Xxxxxxx’ behalf against any of the Released Parties by any person or entity, including but not limited to by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (“EEOC”) or any other government agency, Xxxxxxx hereby waives any and all rights to recover monetary damages or injunctive relief in her favor.
6. Exceptions to Release.
x. Xxxxxxx does not waive or release (i) any claims under applicable workers’ compensation or unemployment laws; (ii) any rights which cannot be waived as a matter of law; (iii) the right to enforce the terms of this Agreement; (iv) the right to any vested retirement plan benefits (including but not limited to vested benefits under the Hertz Retirement
Plan, the BEP, the SERP II and the 401(k) Plan) or the right to any vested benefits under the Stock Incentive Plan or the Omnibus Plan; and (v) benefit continuation rights under COBRA.
b. Nothing in this Agreement shall be construed to prohibit Xxxxxxx from filing a charge with the EEOC or participating in any investigation or proceeding conducted by the EEOC, nor shall any provision of this Agreement adversely affect Xxxxxxx’ right to engage in such conduct. Further, nothing in this Agreement shall be construed to prohibit Xxxxxxx from filing suit under the Older Workers Benefit Protection Act to challenge the enforceability of the release herein as to claims under the Age Discrimination in Employment Act.
7. Company Property.
a. On or before the Separation Date, Xxxxxxx shall return to the Company all Company property in Xxxxxxx’ possession or control, including but not limited to, business reports and records, client reports and records, customer information, personally identifiable information relating to others, business strategies, business contracts and proposals, business files, a listing of customers or clients, lists of potential customers or clients, technical data, testing or research data, research and development projects, business plans, financial plans, internal memoranda concerning any of the above, and all credit cards, cardkey passes, door and file keys, computer access codes, software, and other physical or personal property which Xxxxxxx received, had access to or had in her possession, prepared or helped prepare in connection with Xxxxxxx’ employment with the Companies and Xxxxxxx shall not make or retain any copies, duplicates, reproductions, or excerpts thereof. The term “Company Information” as used in this Agreement means (a) confidential information of the Companies including, without limitation, information received from third parties under confidential conditions; and (b) other technical, business, or financial information of the Companies, the use or disclosure of which might reasonably be construed to be contrary to the interest of the Companies.
x. Xxxxxxx acknowledges that in the course of her employment with the Companies, Xxxxxxx has acquired Company Information as defined above and that such Company Information has been disclosed to Xxxxxxx in confidence and for the Company’s use only. Xxxxxxx shall: (a) keep such Company Information strictly confidential; and (b) not disclose, communicate or use Company Information on Xxxxxxx’ behalf, or on behalf of any third party; provided, that nothing shall prevent Xxxxxxx from disclosing, communicating or using Company Information when required to do so by a court of competent jurisdiction, by any governmental agency having supervisory authority over the business of the Companies, or by any administrative body or legislative body (including a committee thereof) with jurisdiction to order Xxxxxxx to disclose, communicate or use such Company Information; provided, further, that Xxxxxxx shall promptly notify the Companies of any such required disclosure, and shall cooperate with the Companies in all reasonable respects, so that the Companies may, at the Companies’ expense, seek to avoid or minimize the required disclosure and/or to obtain an appropriate protective order or other appropriate relief to ensure that any information so disclosed is maintained in confidence to the maximum extent possible by the person receiving the information. In view of the nature of Xxxxxxx’ employment and the nature of the Company Information which Xxxxxxx has received during the course of employment, Xxxxxxx agrees that
any unauthorized disclosure to third parties of Company Information would cause irreparable damage to the trade secret status of such Company Information and to the Company, and that, therefore, the Company shall be entitled to seek an injunction prohibiting Xxxxxxx from any such disclosure, attempted disclosure, violation, or threatened violation.
8. Restrictive Covenants.
a. Covenant Not To Compete. Xxxxxxx agrees and acknowledges that because of the nature of her position and the sensitive and confidential nature of the information she was privy to while at Hertz, that for a period of eighteen (18) months beginning on the Separation Date, Xxxxxxx agrees that she will not, as a principal, employer, stockholder, partner, agent, consultant, independent contractor, employee, or directly or indirectly in any other individual or representative capacity, in the United States, or any other country where the Companies currently do business or were actively considering doing business during the 18 months preceding the Separation Date:
i. Directly or indirectly, without the Company’s prior written approval, engage in, continue in, or carry on a business competing with the business of the Company or any business substantially similar thereto, including owning or controlling any financial interest in any corporation, partnership, firm, or other form of business organization which competes with or is engaged in or carries on any aspect of such business or any business substantially similar thereto. For purposes of this Agreement the terms “competing business” and “competitor” shall be defined as any business primarily engaged in the rental, leasing or sharing of cars, crossovers or light trucks or in the rental or leasing of industrial, construction or material handling equipment, including without limitation, earthmoving equipment, material handling equipment, aerial and electrical equipment, air compressors, generators, pumps, small tools, compaction equipment, lighting and related aerial products and construction-related trucks. Companies within that criteria include, but are not limited to, Enterprise Holdings, Avis Budget Group, FSNA, Macquarie Capital, Penske Corporation, Payless, Ryder, U-Haul, Fox, Economy, Sixt, EuropeCar, United Rentals, RSC Equipment, Sunbelt Rentals, Aggreko North America, NES Rentals, Xxxxx Rentals, H&E Equipment Services, Xxxx Rentals, Sunstate Equipment, Co., Volvo Rents, Cat Rental Stores (Caterpillar), Courier Car Rentals, Edge Care Rentals, Midway Fleet Leasing, Red Dog Rental Services, Angel Aerial, Studio Services, Star Rentals and Home Depot Rentals and their respective franchisees, subsidiaries and affiliates;
ii. Section 8(a)(i) shall not be deemed to restrict Xxxxxxx from consulting or working for any competing business that also conducts business not conducted by the Company while Xxxxxxx was employed by the
Companies (“unrelated business”), so long as Xxxxxxx’ role whether direct or indirect (e.g., supervisor) is solely with respect to such unrelated business; or
iii. Except for an unrelated business as set forth in Section 8(a)(ii), consult with, advise, or assist in any way, whether or not for consideration, any corporation, partnership, firm, or other business organization which is now, becomes, or may become a competitor of the Company in any aspect of the Company’s business during Xxxxxxx’ employment with the Company, including, but not limited to, advertising or otherwise endorsing the products of any such competitor.
b. Nonsolicitation. Xxxxxxx further agrees that for a period of eighteen (18) months after the Separation Date, she will not herself or in aid of or through others directly or indirectly: (i) attempt to solicit, divert or otherwise induce any current employee of the Companies at the level of manager or above to terminate or modify his or her employment relationship with the Companies or to have any such employee perform any services for or on behalf of another company; or (ii) induce any consultants, contractors, vendors, suppliers or business partners of the Companies to terminate or modify their relationship with the Companies. This Section 8(b) shall not be deemed to be violated solely by (x) placing an advertisement or other general solicitation or (y) serving as a reference.
c. Construction/Enforcement. Xxxxxxx and the Companies agree that the duration and geographic scope of the restrictive covenants set forth in this Section 8 are reasonable. It is expressly agreed that if any restrictions set forth in Section 8 are found by any court having jurisdiction to be unreasonable because they are too broad in any respect, then and in each such case, the remaining restrictions herein contained shall nevertheless remain effective, and this Agreement, or any portion thereof, shall be considered to be amended so as to be considered reasonable and enforceable by such court, and the court shall specifically have the right to restrict the business, geographical or temporal scope of such restrictions to any portion of the business or geographic areas or time period described above to the extent the court deems such restriction to be necessary to cause the covenants to be enforceable, and in such event, the covenants shall be enforced to the extent so permitted.
9. Fiduciary Duties. Xxxxxxx will retain her fiduciary responsibilities to the Companies to the extent provided by law. In addition, until the Separation Date, Xxxxxxx agrees to continue to abide by applicable provisions of the principles and guidelines set forth in the Company’s Standards of Business Conduct, the terms of which are incorporated herein, including, but not limited to, the restrictions on xxxxxxx xxxxxxx and use of Company assets and information contained therein.
10. Representations of Employee. Xxxxxxx declares and represents that she has not filed or otherwise pursued any charges, complaints, lawsuits or claims of any nature against the Companies or any of its subsidiaries, affiliates or divisions, arising out of or relating to events occurring prior to the date of this Agreement, with any federal, state or local governmental
agency or court with respect to any matter covered by this Agreement. Except as provided in Section 6(b) and subject to the provisions thereof, Xxxxxxx agrees herein not to bring suit against the Companies for events occurring prior to the date of this Agreement and not to seek damages from the Companies by filing a claim or charge with any state or governmental agency.
11. Future Employment. Xxxxxxx agrees that she will not at any time in the future seek employment with Hertz and hereby waives any right that may accrue to her from any application for employment that she may make notwithstanding this provision. By this Agreement, Xxxxxxx intends to remove herself from consideration for future employment with Hertz and agrees that execution of this Agreement shall constitute good and sufficient cause to reject any application Xxxxxxx may make for employment. Xxxxxxx understands and agrees that she has no right to any reinstatement or re-employment by Hertz at any time. Nothing in this Agreement, however, shall preclude Hertz from offering or providing employment to Xxxxxxx after the Separation Date.
12. Nondisparagement/References. Xxxxxxx agrees not to make negative comments or otherwise disparage the Companies or their respective officers, directors, other employees at the level of manager or above, or material shareholders in any manner reasonably likely to be harmful to them or their business, business reputation or personal reputation. The Companies agree that the Companies will not, and the individuals holding the titles of Chief Executive Officer and Executive Vice President as of the date hereof and the members of the Boards of Directors of the Companies as of the date hereof will not, while employed by the Companies or serving as a director of the Companies, as the case may be, make negative comments about Xxxxxxx or otherwise disparage Xxxxxxx in any manner that is reasonably likely to be harmful to her business reputation or personal reputation. The parties hereto will not assist, encourage, discuss, cooperate, incite, or otherwise confer with or aid any others in discrediting the other or in pursuit of a claim or other action against the other, except as required by law. Xxxxxxx shall direct any employment inquiries or requests for references only to XxxxxXxxx Xxxxx, Executive Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer. Nothing contained in this Section 12 shall prevent any party from making truthful statements in any judicial, arbitration, governmental, or other appropriate forum for adjudication of disputes between the parties or in any response or disclosure by any party compelled by legal process or required by applicable law.
13. Cooperation. During the three-year period following the Separation Date, Xxxxxxx agrees to reasonably cooperate with the Companies in the defense or prosecution of any claims or actions now in existence or which may be brought in the future against or on behalf of the Companies which relate to events or occurrences that occurred while Xxxxxxx was employed by the Companies and of which Xxxxxxx has relevant knowledge. Xxxxxxx’ reasonable cooperation in connection with such claims or actions shall include, but not be limited to, being available for telephone conferences with outside counsel and/or personnel of the Companies, being available for interviews, depositions, and/or to act as a witness on behalf of the Company, if reasonably requested, and at the Company’s reasonable request responding to any inquiries about the particular matter. Xxxxxxx further agrees to reasonably cooperate and truthfully with the Company in connection with any investigation or review by any federal, state or local
regulatory authority relating to events or occurrences that transpired while Xxxxxxx was employed with the Company and of which Xxxxxxx has relevant knowledge. The Companies shall pay (or promptly reimburse Xxxxxxx) for any and all reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred by Xxxxxxx in connection with such cooperation.
14. Indemnification. Xxxxxxx’ rights to indemnification under the By-laws of the Companies, as well as under other organizational documents, contractually or at law, shall continue with regard to actions or inactions by Xxxxxxx while an officer and/or employee of the Companies. In addition, the Companies shall continue to cover Xxxxxxx under the directors’ and officers’ liability insurance policies of the Companies on the same basis as other officers and directors while liability exists with regard to such actions or inactions.
15. Miscellaneous.
a. Denial of Wrongdoing. The parties understand and agree that this Agreement shall not be considered an admission of liability or wrongdoing by any party, and that the parties deny any liability and nothing in this Agreement can or shall be used by or against any party with respect to claims, defenses or issues in any litigation or proceeding except to enforce the Agreement itself. Hertz denies committing any wrongdoing or violating any legal duty with respect to Xxxxxxx’ employment or the termination of her employment.
b. Entire Agreement. Xxxxxxx further declares and represents that no promise, inducement, or agreement not herein expressed has been made to her; that this Agreement and the exhibits attached hereto contain the entire agreement among the parties, and that the terms of this Agreement are contractual and not a mere recital. This Agreement may not be changed unless the change is in writing and signed by Xxxxxxx and an authorized representative of each of the Companies. Parol evidence will be inadmissible to show agreement by and between the parties to any term or condition contrary to or in addition to the terms and conditions contained in this Agreement. This Agreement may be executed in separate counterparts, each of which is deemed to be an original and all of which together constitute one and the same agreement, whether delivered in person, by mail, by e-mail or by facsimile. Each plan or policy of the Companies referred to herein directly or by implication is incorporated herein only insofar as it does not contradict this Agreement (other than the Stock Incentive Plan and the Omnibus Plan). If any inconsistencies exist between this Agreement and any such plan or policy (other than the Stock Incentive Plan and the Omnibus Plan), this Agreement shall control. If any inconsistencies exist between this Agreement and the Stock Incentive Plan or the Omnibus Plan, those stock plans shall control. Nothing in any such plan, policy, or this Agreement shall change the at-will nature of Xxxxxxx’ employment with the Companies, by which either Xxxxxxx or the Companies can terminate Xxxxxxx’ employment without regard to cause; provided, that if the Companies terminate Xxxxxxx’ employment other than for “cause” (as defined under the Omnibus Plan) prior to the Separation Date, Xxxxxxx shall, subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement but without the requirement for Xxxxxxx to provide ongoing services to the Companies pursuant to Section 2, continue to be entitled to the payments and benefits specified in this Agreement.
c. Severability. Xxxxxxx understands and agrees that should any provision of this Agreement be declared or be determined by any court to be illegal or invalid, the validity of the remaining parts, terms or provisions shall not be affected thereby, and said invalid part, term, or provision shall be deemed not a part of this Agreement.
d. Successors and Assigns. This Agreement shall be binding upon the Companies and Xxxxxxx and their respective heirs, personal representatives, successors and assigns. Xxxxxxx may not assign any of her rights or obligations hereunder. The Company will require any successor (whether direct or indirect, by purchase, merger, consolidation or otherwise) to all or substantially all of the business and/or assets of the Company to assume expressly and agree to perform all of the Company’s obligations set forth in this Agreement in the same manner and to the same extent that the Company would be required to perform if no such succession or assign had taken place.
e. Injunctive Relief. In the event of a breach or threatened breach of any provision of this Agreement, including but not limited to Sections 7, 8, 12 and 13 of this Agreement, Xxxxxxx agrees that the Companies shall be entitled to seek injunctive or other equitable relief in a court of appropriate jurisdiction to remedy any such breach or threatened breach, and damages would be inadequate and insufficient. The existence of this right to injunctive and other equitable relief shall not limit any other rights or remedies that the Companies may have at law or in equity including, without limitation, the right to monetary, compensatory and punitive damages.
f. Governing Law. This Agreement shall be construed and enforced under the laws of the State of New Jersey without regard to its conflict of law rules.
16. Tax Matters.
a. Withholding. All payments and benefits provided hereunder shall be subject to applicable tax withholdings and other standard deductions.
b. Code Section 409A.
i. Compliance. The intent of the parties is that payments and benefits under this Agreement be exempt from, or comply with, Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (“Section 409A”) so as to avoid the economic penalty provisions contained therein and, accordingly, to the maximum extent permitted, the Agreement shall be interpreted to maintain exemption from or compliance therewith. In no event whatsoever shall the Company be liable for any tax, interest or penalties that may be imposed on Xxxxxxx by Section 409A or any damages for failing to comply with Section 409A.
ii. Termination as Separation from Service. A termination of employment shall not be deemed to have occurred for purposes of any provision of this
Agreement providing for the payment of any amounts or benefits subject to Section 409A upon or following a termination of employment until such termination is also a “separation from service” within the meaning of Section 409A and for purposes of any such provision of this Agreement, references to a “resignation,” “termination,” “terminate,” “termination of employment” or like terms shall mean separation from service.
iii. Payments for Reimbursements, In-Kind Benefits. All reimbursements for costs and expenses under this Agreement shall be paid in no event later than the end of the calendar year following the calendar year in which Xxxxxxx incurs such expense. With regard to any provision herein that provides for reimbursement of costs and expenses or in-kind benefits, except as permitted by Section 409A, (A) the right to reimbursement or in-kind benefits shall not be subject to liquidation or exchange for another benefit, and (B) the amount of expenses eligible for reimbursements or in-kind benefits provided during any taxable year shall not affect the expenses eligible for reimbursement or in-kind benefits to be provided in any other taxable year, provided, however, that the foregoing clause (B) shall not be violated with regard to expenses reimbursed under any arrangement covered by Section 105(b) of the Code solely because such expenses are subject to a limit related to the period the arrangement is in effect.
iv. Installments as Separate Payment. If under this Agreement, an amount is paid in two or more installments, for purposes of Section 409A, each installment shall be treated as a separate payment.
17. Acceptance. Xxxxxxx further acknowledges that she has been provided twenty-one (21) days to consider and accept this Agreement from the date it was first given to her, although she may accept it at any time within those twenty-one (21) days.
18. Revocation. Xxxxxxx further acknowledges that she understands that she has seven (7) days after signing the Agreement to revoke it by delivering to XxxxxXxxx Xxxxx, Senior Vice President, Chief Human Resources Officer, The Hertz Corporation, 000 Xxxx Xxxxxxxxx, Xxxx Xxxxx, Xxx Xxxxxx 00000, written notification of such revocation within the seven (7) day period. If Xxxxxxx does not revoke the Agreement, the Agreement will become effective and irrevocable by her on the eighth day after she signs it (the “Effective Date”).
19. Supplemental Release. As a condition to receiving the amounts and benefits in Section 4, Xxxxxxx shall sign and deliver to the Company a supplemental release of claims (the “Supplemental Release”) in the form attached hereto as Exhibit B, within twenty-one days after the Separation Date and not revoke the same within the time period provided therein. If Xxxxxxx does not sign the Supplemental Release or if she revokes it, she shall not be entitled to receive any of the amounts or benefits under Section 4, but this Agreement (including the release contained herein) shall otherwise remain in full force and effect.
20. Legal Counsel. Xxxxxxx acknowledges that she understands that she has the right to consult with an attorney of her choice at her expense to review this Agreement and has been encouraged by the Companies to do so.
IN WITNESS HEREOF, and intending to be legally bound, I have hereunto set my hand.
WITH MY SIGNATURE HEREUNDER, I ACKNOWLEDGE THAT I HAVE CAREFULLY READ THIS AGREEMENT AND UNDERSTAND ALL OF ITS TERMS INCLUDING THE FULL AND FINAL RELEASE OF CLAIMS SET FORTH ABOVE.
I FURTHER ACKNOWLEDGE THAT I HAVE VOLUNTARILY ENTERED INTO THIS AGREEMENT; THAT I HAVE NOT RELIED UPON ANY REPRESENTATION OR STATEMENT WRITTEN OR ORAL, NOT SET FORTH IN THIS AGREEMENT; THAT I HAVE BEEN GIVEN THE OPPORTUNITY TO HAVE THIS AGREEMENT REVIEWED BY MY ATTORNEY AND THAT I HAVE BEEN ENCOURAGED BY HERTZ TO DO SO.
I ALSO ACKNOWLEDGE THAT I HAVE BEEN AFFORDED 21 DAYS TO CONSIDER THIS AGREEMENT AND THAT I HAVE 7 DAYS AFTER SIGNING THIS AGREEMENT TO REVOKE IT BY DELIVERING TO XXXXXXXXX XXXXX, AS SET FORTH ABOVE, WRITTEN NOTIFICATION OF MY REVOCATION.
/s/ Xxxxx Xxxxxxx |
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XXXXX XXXXXXX |
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Date: |
September 23, 2013 |
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THE HERTZ CORPORATION |
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HERTZ GLOBAL HOLDINGS, INC. | ||
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By: |
/s/ XxxxxXxxx Xxxxx |
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By: |
/s/ XxxxxXxxx Xxxxx |
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Name: |
XxxxxXxxx Xxxxx |
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Name: |
XxxxxXxxx Xxxxx |
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Title: |
EVP, Chief HR Officer |
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Title: |
EVP, Chief HR Officer |
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Date: |
September 23, 2013 |
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Date: |
September 23, 2013 |
EXHIBIT A
STOCK OPTIONS AND PERFORMANCE STOCK UNITS
Stock Options
Grant Date |
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# Outstanding |
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Strike |
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# Vested |
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# Vesting by |
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# Forfeited |
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|
|
|
|
|
| |
11/02/2007 |
|
50,000 |
|
$ |
21.22 |
|
50,000 |
|
— |
|
— |
|
02/28/2008 |
|
186,567 |
|
$ |
12.97 |
|
186,567 |
|
— |
|
— |
|
03/04/2010 |
|
172,707 |
|
$ |
9.70 |
|
129,530 |
|
43,177 |
|
— |
|
03/01/2011 |
|
119,462 |
|
$ |
14.60 |
|
59,731 |
|
29,865 |
|
29,866 |
|
Performance Stock Units
Grant Date |
|
Initial Units |
|
Payout |
|
Adjusted |
|
# Already |
|
# Vesting |
|
# Forfeited |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
03/01/2011 |
|
48,773 |
|
138.8% - Note 1 |
|
67,697 |
|
33,848 |
|
33,849 |
|
— |
|
03/06/2012 |
|
62,742 |
|
Note 2 |
|
62,742 |
|
19,888 |
|
21,940 |
|
20,914 |
|
03/06/2012 |
|
27,613 |
|
Note 3 |
|
27,613 |
|
— |
|
— |
|
27,613 |
|
03/06/2012 |
|
27,613 |
|
Note 4 |
|
27,613 |
|
— |
|
— |
|
27,613 |
|
02/28/2013 |
|
55,460 |
|
Note 5 |
|
55,460 |
|
— |
|
18,487 |
|
36,973 |
|
02/28/2013 |
|
23,769 |
|
Note 6 |
|
23,769 |
|
— |
|
7,923 |
|
15,846 |
|
02/28/2013 |
|
6,191 |
|
Note 7 |
|
6,191 |
|
— |
|
3,096 |
|
3,095 |
|
Notes:
(1) The final vesting is 138.8% for this grant which was based on 2011 and 2012 performance. So the shares vesting in 2014 are 48,773 x 138.8% x 50% = 33,849 shares. The vesting schedule for this grant was 25%/25%/50%.
(2) The final vesting percentage will be based on 2013 actual performance which is unknown at this time so 100% was used for this schedule. As the 2012 shares vested at 95.1% the 2013 vesting will also take into account the “make-up” amount. Specifically the amount shown is 62,742 x 100% x 66 2/3% minus 19,888 shares paid in 2012 = 21,940 shares. Note, if the August CE is achieved for the year final payout will be 135.3%. If this is achieved, the 2014 shares vesting will be 62,742 x 135.3% x 66 2/3% minus 19,888 shares paid in 2012 = 36,705 shares. The vesting schedule for this grant was 33 1/3% each year.
(3) These shares do not vest until 2015.
(4) These shares do not vest until 2016.
(5) The final vesting percentage will be based on 2013 actual performance which is unknown at this time so 100% was used for this schedule. At 100% the shares vesting are 55,460 times 33 1/3% = 18,487. Note, if the August CE is achieved for the year payout will be 91.1%. If this is achieved, the 2014 shares vesting will be 55,460 x 91.1% x 33 1/3% = 16,841. The vesting schedule for this grant was 33 1/3 % each year.
(6) The vesting percentage is 100% if 2013 Corporate EBITDA margin exceeds 13.6%. Assuming this happens the 2014 shares vesting are 23,769 x 100% x 33 1/3% = 7,923. The vesting schedule for this grant was 33 1/3% each year.
(7) The vesting percentage is 100% if 2013 Corporate EBITDA margin exceeds 13.6%. Assuming this happens the 2014 shares vesting are 6,191 x 100% x 50% = 3,096. The vesting schedule for this grant was 50% each year.
EXHIBIT A CONTINUED
HERTZ RETIREMENT PLAN BENEFITS PROJECTION
|
|
Estimated Benefits Payable January 1, 2014 |
| |||||||
Form of Payment |
|
Qualified Plan |
|
BEP |
|
SERP II |
| |||
Monthly Life Annuity |
|
$ |
315 |
|
N/A |
|
N/A |
| ||
Monthly Life Annuity with 5 Years Certain |
|
312 |
|
N/A |
|
N/A |
| |||
Monthly Cash Refund Annuity |
|
260 |
|
N/A |
|
N/A |
| |||
50% Joint and Survivor Annuity |
|
290 |
|
N/A |
|
N/A |
| |||
75% Joint and Survivor Annuity |
|
279 |
|
N/A |
|
N/A |
| |||
100% Joint and Survivor Annuity |
|
269 |
|
N/A |
|
N/A |
| |||
Lump Sum Distribution |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |||
- PBGC Rate = 1.50% |
|
64,917 |
|
$ |
205,334 |
|
$ |
1,569,959 |
| |
- PBGC Rate = 2.50% |
|
64,917 |
|
205,334 |
|
1,378,879 |
| |||
- PBGC Rate = 3.50% |
|
64,917 |
|
205,334 |
|
1,220,319 |
| |||
SERP II lump sum benefits are estimated using three interest rates for comparison purposes. The actual calculation will reflect the PBGC rate in effect at payment date. The current rate is 1.50%.
Assumptions:
· Employment terminates on December 31, 2013.
· Estimated 2013 pensionable earnings of $1,285,126.
· Optional benefit forms are based on UP84 Mortality Table and a PBGC interest rate of 1.50%.
· The BEP and SERP II benefits are shown payable as a lump sum based on previously submitted distribution elections.
Key employees of publicly traded companies may not receive distributions of post-2004 nonqualified benefit accruals until at least six months following separation from service. You would be considered a key employee.
The pension set forth in this letter is based on two assumptions. First, the Qualified Plan will continue in effect and remain qualified under all applicable government laws and regulations. Second, distributions under the Qualified Plan are not subject to benefit restrictions as defined in the Pension Protection Act of 2006. The estimated benefits were calculated based upon a variety of factors including length of employment, the Qualified Plan’s funding status and certain actuarial assumptions. To the extent that any of these factors should change, the actual benefit amount may be materially different.
EXHIBIT B
SUPPLEMENTAL RELEASE
In exchange for receiving the monies and benefits described in Section 4 of the Separation Agreement and my continued employment through December 31, 2013, I do for myself and my heirs, executors, administrators, successors, and assigns, hereby release, acquit, and forever discharge and hold harmless the Companies and each of their divisions, subsidiaries, and affiliated companies, and their respective successors, assigns, officers, directors, shareholders, employees, benefit and retirement plans (as well as trustees and administrators thereof) and agents, past and present (the “Released Parties”), of and from any and all actions, causes of action, claims, demands, attorneys’ fees, compensation, expenses, promises, covenants, and damages of whatever kind or nature, in law or in equity, which I have, had or could have asserted, known or unknown, at common law or under any statute, rule, regulation, order or law, whether federal, state or local, or on any grounds whatsoever, including without limitation, any and all claims for any additional severance pay, vacation pay, bonus or other compensation, including but not limited to under the Hertz Global Holdings, Inc. Severance Plan for Senior Executives and my Change in Control Severance Agreement; any and all claims of discrimination or harassment based on race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, disability, handicap, age or other unlawful discrimination; any and all claims arising under Title VII of the Federal Civil Rights Act; the Federal Civil Rights Act of 1991; the Americans with Disabilities Act; the Age Discrimination in Employment Act; the New Jersey Law Against Discrimination; or under any other state, federal, local or common law, with respect to any event, matter, claim, damage or injury arising out of my employment relationship with the Companies, and/or the separation of such employment relationship, and/or with respect to any other claim, matter, or event, from the beginning of the world to the date of my execution of this Supplemental Release.
In the event any claim or suit is filed on my behalf against any of the Released Parties by any person or entity, including but not limited to by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (“EEOC”) or any other government agency, I hereby waive any and all rights to recover monetary damages or injunctive relief in my favor.
I do not waive or release (i) any claims under applicable workers’ compensation or unemployment laws; (ii) any rights which cannot be waived as a matter of law; (iii) the right to enforce the terms of the Separation Agreement or this Supplemental Release; (iv) the right to any vested retirement plan benefits (including but not limited to vested benefits under the Hertz Retirement Plan, the BEP, the SERP II and the 401(k) Plan) or the right to any vested benefits under the Stock Incentive Plan or the Omnibus Plan; and (v) benefit continuation rights under COBRA.
Nothing in this Supplemental Release shall be construed to prohibit me from filing a charge with the EEOC or participating in any investigation or proceeding conducted by the EEOC, nor shall any provision of this Supplemental Release adversely affect my rights to
engage in such conduct. Further, nothing in this Supplemental Release shall be construed to prohibit me from filing suit under the Older Workers Benefit Protection Act to challenge the enforceability of the release herein as to claims under the Age Discrimination in Employment Act.
I declare and represent that I have not filed or otherwise pursued any charges, complaints, lawsuits or claims of any nature against the Companies or any of its subsidiaries, affiliates or divisions, arising out of or relating to events occurring prior to the date of this Supplemental Release, with any federal, state or local governmental agency or court with respect to any matter covered by this Supplemental Release. Except as provided in the preceding paragraphs and subject to the provisions thereof, I agree herein not to bring suit against the Companies for events occurring prior to the date of this Supplemental Release and not to seek damages from the Companies by filing a claim or charge with any state or governmental agency.
I further acknowledge that I have been provided at least twenty-one (21) days to consider and accept this Supplemental Release from the date it was first given to me, but I may not sign the Supplement Release until after the Separation Date.
I further acknowledge that I understand that I have seven (7) days after signing this Supplemental Release to revoke it by delivering to XxxxxXxxx Xxxxx, Senior Vice President, Chief Human Resources Officer, The Hertz Corporation, 000 Xxxx Xxxxxxxxx, Xxxx Xxxxx, Xxx Xxxxxx 00000, written notification of such revocation within the seven (7) day period. If I do not revoke this Supplemental Release, this Supplemental Release will become effective and irrevocable by me on the eighth day after I sign it.
I acknowledge that I understand that I have the right to consult with an attorney of my choice at my expense to review this Supplemental Release and have been encouraged by the Companies to do so.
|
| |
XXXXX XXXXXXX |
| |
|
| |
Date: |
|
|