Contract
This Employment Agreement (the
“Agreement”) is made and entered into this 31st day of December, 2008
by and between Petroleum Development Corporation, a Nevada Corporation (the
“Company”), and Xxxxxx X. Xxxxxxxx ( “Xxxxxxxx”).
WHEREAS, the Company wishes to employ
Xxxxxxxx as Senior Vice President of Exploration and Production and to perform
the duties and services incident to such position for the Company, and Xxxxxxxx
wishes to be so employed by the Company, all upon the terms and conditions set
forth in this Agreement;
NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the
premises and mutual covenants and obligations set forth herein and for other
good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which is hereby
acknowledged and accepted, the parties hereto, intending to be legally bound,
agree as follows:
1.
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Effective Date and
Term
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a.
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Initial
Term. The effective date of this Agreement shall be
January 1, 2008 (the “Effective Date”), and the initial term shall be for
the period beginning on the Effective Date and ending December 31,
2009.
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b.
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Automatic
Extensions. The Term of this Agreement shall be extended
for an additional 12 months beginning on December 31, 2008 and on each
successive December 31 unless either party provides the other with at
least thirty (30) days prior written notice, or unless the contract has
been terminated by the parties in accordance with the provisions of
Section 7 of this Agreement. The period of time from the
Effective Date until the Termination Date, as defined in Section 7.b.,
shall be the “Term.”
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2.
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Place of
Employment
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The place
of employment shall be the Company’s offices in Denver, Colorado, unless
Xxxxxxxx and the Company mutually agree to an alternative
location. Xxxxxxxx acknowledges that there may be substantial
business travel associated with Xxxxxxxx’x position.
3.
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Position and
Responsibilities
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a.
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Position. Xxxxxxxx
shall serve as Senior Vice President of Exploration and Production of the
Company and shall initially report to the Chief Executive Officer of the
Company (the “Chief Executive Officer”) and be under the general direction
and control of the Chief Executive
Officer.
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b.
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Responsibilities. Xxxxxxxx
shall have obligations, duties, authority and power to do such acts as are
customarily done by a person holding the same or an equivalent position in
corporations of similar size to the Company. Xxxxxxxx shall
perform such managerial duties and
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responsibilities
for the Company as may be reasonably be assigned to him by the Chief
Executive Officer and, at no additional compensation, if
requested, shall serve on the Board of Directors of the Company (the
"Board") and in other such positions with any subsidiary corporation of
the Company, or any partnership, limited liability company or other entity
in which the Company has an interest (herein collectively called
“Affiliates”), as the Chief Executive Officer may from time to time
determine.
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c.
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Dedication of
Professional Services. Xxxxxxxx shall devote
substantially all of Xxxxxxxx’x business time, best efforts and attention
to promote and advance the business of the Company and its Affiliates to
perform diligently and faithfully all the duties, responsibilities and
obligations of Xxxxxxxx’x position with the Company. Xxxxxxxx
shall not be employed in any other business activity, other than with the
Company and its Affiliates, during the Term, whether or not such activity
is pursued for gain, profit or other pecuniary advantage without approval
by the Compensation Committee of the Board (the “Compensation Committee”);
provided, however, that this restriction shall not be construed as
preventing Xxxxxxxx from investing Xxxxxxxx’x personal assets in a
business which does not compete with the Company or its Affiliates, where
the form or manner of such investment will not require services of any
significance on the part of Brookman in the operation of the affairs of
the business in which such investment is made and in which Xxxxxxxx’x
participation is solely that of a passive
investor.
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d.
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Adherence to
Standards. Xxxxxxxx shall comply with the written
policies, standards, rules and regulations of the Company from time to
time established for all employees or executive officers of the Company
consistent with Xxxxxxxx'x position and level of
authority.
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e.
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Minimum Stock
Ownership. Xxxxxxxx shall comply with the Company’s
minimum stock ownership requirements for officers (other than the Chief
Executive Officer) such requirements being that by the fifth anniversary
of the date that Xxxxxxxx became Senior Vice President of Exploration and
Production and until Xxxxxxxx’x Termination Date, Xxxxxxxx shall maintain
a minimum stock ownership equal to two times Xxxxxxxx’x Base Salary, as
defined in Section 4.a.
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4.
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Compensation
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a.
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Base
Salary. The Company shall pay Xxxxxxxx an annual base
salary of $250,000 (the “Base Salary”) commencing on the Effective Date
and ending on the Termination Date. The Base Salary shall be
payable in accordance with the ordinary payroll practices of the
Company. The Base Salary shall be reviewed annually by the
Compensation Committee and may be changed by the Compensation Committee in
its sole discretion,
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taking
into account the base salaries, aggregate annual cash compensation, and
other compensation of individuals holding similar positions at other
comparable companies, the performance of Xxxxxxxx and the Company, and
other relevant factors.
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b.
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Succession-Related
Grant. On the date that Brookman assumes the position of
Senior Vice President of Exploration and Production of the Company,
Xxxxxxxx will receive a one-time award of restricted stock equal in value
to $250,000. For this purpose, the value of the restricted
stock will be determined by the Company’s compensation consultants and
will be based on the average closing price of the stock of the Company for
the month of December, 2007. The restricted stock will vest at
the rate of 20% for each complete year worked by Brookman under this
Agreement, beginning from the Effective
Date.
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c.
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Performance
Bonus. Brookman shall be eligible to earn an annual
performance bonus (the “Bonus”) during the Term based on criteria
established by the Compensation Committee in its sole discretion each
year.
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d.
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Special Restricted
Stock Grant. Xxxxxxxx shall receive a grant of one
thousand five hundred shares of restricted stock of the Company on January
1, 2009. The restricted stock will vest on January 1, 2010,
provided Xxxxxxxx is then in the employ of the
Company.
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e.
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Equity Compensation
Grant. As a long term incentive, on the Effective Date
under the Company’s Long-Term Equity Compensation Plan, Xxxxxxxx shall
participate in any equity compensation program provided to all executive
officers, based on criteria established by the Compensation Committee in
its sole discretion each year.
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f.
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Other
Compensation. Xxxxxxxx shall continue to be eligible to
participate in all other cash or stock compensation plans or programs
maintained by the Company, as in effect from time to time, in which other
senior executives of the Company are allowed to
participate.
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g.
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Recoupment of Certain
Compensation. If the Company has to restate all or a
portion of its financial statements due to the material noncompliance of
the Company with any financial reporting requirement under the securities
laws, the Employee shall, for the affected years, reimburse the Company
for any excess bonus paid to the Employee pursuant to Section
4.c. The reimbursements shall be equal to the difference
between the bonus paid to him for the affected years and the bonus that
would have been paid to the Employee had the financial results been
properly reported. Such reimbursement shall be paid to the Company within
ninety days after the Company notifies the Employee of the amount owed to
the Company.
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3
5.
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Employee
Benefits
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a.
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Participation in
Company Benefit Plans. During the Term, the Company
shall provide Xxxxxxxx with coverage under all employee pension and
welfare benefit programs, plans and practices commensurate with Xxxxxxxx’x
positions in the Company and to the extent permitted under the respective
employee benefit plan.
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b.
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Vacation. Xxxxxxxx
will be entitled to four (4) weeks of paid vacation in each calendar year,
to be taken at such times as is reasonably determined by Brookman to be
consistent with Xxxxxxxx’x responsibilities under this Agreement and the
Company’s vacation policy applicable to all
employees.
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c.
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Automobile. During
the Term, Xxxxxxxx shall be entitled to an annual automobile allowance as
approved by the Compensation Committee and updated from time to time at
its discretion.
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6.
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Restrictive
Covenants
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a.
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Confidential
Information. Xxxxxxxx hereby acknowledges that in
connection with Xxxxxxxx’x employment by the Company, Xxxxxxxx will be
exposed to and may obtain certain Confidential Information (as defined
below) (including, without limitation, procedures, memoranda, notes,
records and customer and supplier lists whether such information has been
or is made, developed or compiled by Xxxxxxxx or otherwise has been or is
made available to him) regarding the business and operations of the
Company and its subsidiaries or affiliates. Xxxxxxxx further
acknowledges that such Confidential Information is unique, valuable,
considered trade secrets and deemed proprietary by the
Company. For purposes of the Agreement, “Confidential
Information” includes, without limitation, any information heretofore or
hereafter acquired, developed or used by any of the Company or their
direct or indirect subsidiaries relating to Business Opportunities or
Intellectual Property or other geological, geophysical, economic,
financial or management aspects of the business, operations, properties or
prospects of the Company or their direct or indirect subsidiaries, whether
oral or in written form (including electronic). Xxxxxxxx agrees
that all Confidential Information is and will remain the property of the
Company or their direct or indirect subsidiaries, as the case may
be. Xxxxxxxx further agrees, except for disclosures occurring
in the good faith performance of Xxxxxxxx’x duties for the Company or
their direct or indirect subsidiaries, during the Term and for a period of
three (3) years after the Termination Date, to hold in the strictest
confidence all Confidential Information, and not to, directly or
indirectly, duplicate, sell, use, lease, commercialize, disclose or
otherwise divulge to any person or entity any portion of the Confidential
Information or use any Confidential Information, directly or
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indirectly,
for Xxxxxxxx’x own benefit or profit or allow any person, entity or third
party, other than the Company or their direct or indirect subsidiaries and
authorized executives of the same, to use or otherwise gain access to any
Confidential Information. Xxxxxxxx will have no obligation
under this Agreement with respect to any information that becomes
generally available to the public other than as a result of a disclosure
by Xxxxxxxx or Xxxxxxxx’x agent or other representative or becomes
available to Xxxxxxxx on a non-confidential basis from a source other than
the Company or their direct or indirect subsidiaries. Further,
Xxxxxxxx will have no obligation under this Agreement to keep confidential
any of the Confidential Information to the extent that a disclosure of it
is required by law or is consented to by the Company; provided, however,
that if and when such a disclosure is required by law, Xxxxxxxx promptly
will provide the Company with notice of such requirement, so that the
Company may seek an appropriate protective
order.
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b.
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Return of
Property. Xxxxxxxx agrees to deliver promptly to the
Company, upon termination of Xxxxxxxx’x employment hereunder, or at any
other time when the Company so requests, all documents and property
relating to the business of the Company or their direct or indirect
subsidiaries, including without limitation: all geological and geophysical
reports and related data such as maps, charts, logs, seismographs, seismic
records and other reports and related data, calculations, summaries,
memoranda and opinions relating to the foregoing, production records,
electric logs, core data, pressure data, lease files, well files and
records, land files, abstracts, title opinions, title or curative matters,
contract files, notes, records, drawings, manuals, correspondence,
financial and accounting information, customer lists, statistical data and
compilations, patents, copyrights, trademarks, trade names, inventions,
formulae, methods, processes, agreements, contracts, manuals, electronic
data, or any documents, whether written or digital
and whether prepared or compiled by Brookman or furnished to Xxxxxxxx
during the Term, relating to the business of the Company or their direct
or indirect subsidiaries and all copies thereof and therefrom; provided,
however, that Xxxxxxxx will be permitted to retain copies of any documents
or materials of a personal nature or otherwise related to Xxxxxxxx’x
rights under this Agreement. The aforementioned materials include
materials on Xxxxxxxx’x personal computers, which materials shall be
destroyed in a manner satisfactory to the
Company.
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c.
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Non-Compete
Obligations.
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(i)
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Non-Compete
Obligations During Employment Term. Xxxxxxxx agrees that during
the Term:
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(A)
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Brookman
will not, other than through the Company, engage or participate in any
manner, whether directly or indirectly through any family member or as an
employee, employer, consultant, agent, principal, partner, more than one
percent shareholder, officer, director, licensor, lender, lessor or in any
other individual or representative capacity, in any business or activity
which is engaged in leasing, acquiring, exploring, producing, gathering or
marketing hydrocarbons and related products; provided that the foregoing
shall not be deemed to restrain the participation by Xxxxxxxx’x spouse in
any capacity set forth above in any business or activity engaged in any
such activity and provided further that the Company may, in good faith,
take such reasonable action with respect to Xxxxxxxx’x performance of
Xxxxxxxx’x duties, responsibilities and authorities as set forth in this
Agreement as it deems necessary and appropriate to protect its legitimate
business interests with respect to any actual or apparent conflict of
interest reasonably arising from or out of the participation by Xxxxxxxx’x
spouse in any such competitive business or activity;
and
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(B)
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all
investments made by Brookman (whether in Xxxxxxxx’x own name or in the
name of any family members or other nominees or made by Xxxxxxxx’x
controlled affiliates), which relate to the leasing, acquisition,
exploration, production, gathering or marketing of hydrocarbons and
related products will be made solely through the Company; and Xxxxxxxx
will not (directly or indirectly through any family members or other
persons), and will not permit any of Xxxxxxxx’x controlled affiliates to:
(1) invest or otherwise participate alongside the Company or its direct or
indirect subsidiaries in any Business Opportunities, or (2) invest or
otherwise participate in any business or activity relating to a Business
Opportunity, regardless of whether any of the Company or its direct or
indirect subsidiaries ultimately participates in such business or
activity, in either case, except through the
Company. Notwithstanding the foregoing, nothing in this Section
6 shall be deemed to prohibit Brookman or any family member from owning,
or otherwise having an interest in, less than one percent (1%) of any
publicly-
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6
owned
entity or three percent (3%) or less of any private equity fund or similar
investment fund that invests in any business or activity engaged in any of
the activities set forth above, provided that Xxxxxxxx has no active role
with respect to any investment by such fund in any
entity.
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(ii)
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Non-Compete
Obligations After Termination Date. Xxxxxxxx agrees that
Brookman will not engage or participate in any manner, whether directly or
indirectly through any family member or other person or as an employee,
employer, consultant, agent principal, partner, more than one percent
shareholder, officer, director, licensor, lender, lessor or in any other
individual or representative
capacity:
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(A)
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during
the one-year period following the Termination Date, in any business or
activity which is engaged in leasing, acquiring, exploring, producing,
gathering or marketing hydrocarbons and related products within (1) any
county or parish in which the Company owns any oil and gas interests or
conducts operations on the Termination Date or in which the Company has
owned any oil and gas interests or conducted operations at any time during
the six months immediately preceding the Termination Date or
(2) any county or parish adjacent to any county or parish
described in clause (1); and
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(B)
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during
the two-year period following the Termination Date, in any business or
activity which is in direct competition with the business of the Company
or its direct or indirect subsidiaries in the leasing, acquiring,
exploring, producing, gathering or marketing of hydrocarbons and related
products within the boundaries of, or within a two-mile radius of the
boundaries of, any mineral property interest of any of the Company or its
direct or indirect subsidiaries (including, without limitation, a mineral
lease, overriding royalty interest, production payment, net profits
interest, mineral fee interest or option or right to acquire any of the
foregoing, or an area of mutual interest as designated pursuant to
contractual agreements between the Company and any third party) or any
other property on which any of the Company or its direct or indirect
subsidiaries has an option, right, license or authority to conduct or
direct exploratory activities, such as three-dimensional seismic
acquisition or other seismic, geophysical and geochemical activities (but
not including any preliminary geological mapping), as of the Termination
Date or as of the end of the six-month period following such Termination
Date;
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provided
that, this subsection (ii) will not preclude Brookman from making
investments in securities of oil and gas companies which are registered on
a national stock exchange, if the aggregate amount owned by Brookman and
all family members and affiliates does not exceed 5% of such company’s
outstanding securities.
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(iii)
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Notwithstanding
the foregoing, nothing in this Section 6.c. shall be deemed to restrain
the participation by Xxxxxxxx’x spouse in any capacity set forth above in
any business or activity described
above.
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d.
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Non-Solicitation. During
the Term and for a period of twenty-four (24) months after the Termination
Date, Xxxxxxxx will not, whether for Xxxxxxxx’x own account or for the
account of any other person (other than the Company or its direct or
indirect subsidiaries), intentionally solicit, endeavor to entice away
from the Company or its direct or indirect subsidiaries, or otherwise
interfere with the relationship of the Company or its direct or indirect
subsidiaries with, (i) any person who is employed by the Company or its
direct or indirect subsidiaries (including any independent sales
representatives or organizations), or (ii) any client or customer of the
Company or its direct or indirect
subsidiaries.
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e.
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Assignment of
Developments. Brookman assigns and agrees to assign
without further compensation to the Company and its successors, assigns or
designees, all of Xxxxxxxx’x right, title and interest in and to all
Business Opportunities and Intellectual Property (as those terms are
defined below), and further acknowledges and agrees that all Business
Opportunities and Intellectual Property constitute the exclusive property
of the Company.
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For
purposes of this Agreement, “Business Opportunities” means all business ideas,
prospects, proposals or other opportunities pertaining to the lease,
acquisition, exploration, production, gathering or marketing of hydrocarbons and
related products and the exploration potential of geographical areas on which
hydrocarbon exploration prospects are located, which are developed by Xxxxxxxx
during the Term, or originated by any third party and brought to the attention
of Xxxxxxxx during the Term, together with information relating thereto
(including, without limitation, geological and seismic data and interpretations
thereof, whether in the form of maps, charts, logs, seismographs, calculations,
summaries, memoranda, opinions or other written or charted means).
For
purposes of this Agreement, “Intellectual Property” shall mean all ideas,
inventions, discoveries, processes, designs, methods, substances, articles,
computer programs and improvements (including, without limitation, enhancements
to, or further interpretation or processing of,
8
information
that was in the possession of Xxxxxxxx prior to the date of this Agreement),
whether or not patentable or copyrightable, which do not fall within the
definition of Business Opportunities, which Xxxxxxxx discovers, conceives,
invents, creates or develops, alone or with others, during the Term, if such
discovery, conception, invention, creation or development (i) occurs in the
course of Xxxxxxxx’x employment with the Company, or (ii) occurs with the use of
any of the time, materials or facilities of the Company or its direct or
indirect subsidiaries, or (iii) in the good faith judgment of the Board, relates
or pertains in any material way to the purposes, activities or affairs of the
Company or its direct or indirect subsidiaries.
f.
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Injunctive
Relief. Xxxxxxxx acknowledges that a breach of any of
the covenants contained in this Section 6 may result in material,
irreparable injury to the Company for which there is no adequate remedy at
law, that it will not be possible to measure damages for such injuries
precisely and that, in the event of such a breach or threat of breach, the
Company will be entitled to obtain a temporary restraining order and/or a
preliminary or permanent injunction restraining Brookman from engaging in
activities prohibited by this Section 6 or such other relief as may be
required to specifically enforce any of the covenants in this Section
6. To the extent that the Company seeks a temporary restraining
order (but not a preliminary or permanent injunction), Xxxxxxxx agrees
that a temporary restraining order may be obtained ex
parte.
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g.
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Adjustment of
Covenants. The parties consider the covenants and
restrictions contained in this Section 6 to be
reasonable. However, if and when any such covenant or
restriction is found to be void or unenforceable and would have been valid
had some part of it been deleted or had its scope of application been
modified, such covenant or restriction will be deemed to have been applied
with such modification as would be necessary and consistent with the
intent of the parties to have made it valid, enforceable and
effective.
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h.
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Forfeiture
Provision.
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(i)
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Detrimental
Activities. If Brookman engages in any activity that
violates any covenant or restriction contained in this Section 6, in
addition to any other remedy the Company may have at law or in equity, (A)
Xxxxxxxx will be entitled to no further payments or benefits from the
Company under this Agreement or otherwise, except for any payments or
benefits required to be made or provided under applicable law, (B) all
unexercised stock options, restricted stock and other forms of equity
compensation held by or credited to Xxxxxxxx will terminate effective as
of the date on which Brookman engages in that activity, unless terminated
sooner by operation of another term or condition of this Agreement or
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other
applicable plans and agreements, and (C) any exercise, payment or delivery
pursuant to any equity compensation award that occurred within one year
prior to the date on which Brookman engages in that activity may be
rescinded within one year after the first date that a majority of the
members of the Board first became aware that Brookman engaged in that
activity. In the event of any such rescission, Xxxxxxxx will
pay to the Company the amount of any gain realized or payment received as
a result of the rescinded exercise, payment or delivery, in such manner
and on such terms and conditions as may be
required.
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(ii)
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Right of
Set-Off. Xxxxxxxx consents to a deduction from any
amounts the Company owes Xxxxxxxx from time to time (including amounts
owed as wages or other compensation, fringe benefits, or vacation pay, as
well as any other amounts owed to Xxxxxxxx by the Company), to the extent
of the amounts Xxxxxxxx owes the Company under Section 6
above. Whether or not the Company elects to make any set-off in
whole or in part, if the Company does not recover by means of set-off the
full amount Xxxxxxxx owes, calculated as set forth above, Xxxxxxxx agrees
to pay immediately the unpaid balance to the Company. In the
discretion of the Board, reasonable interest may be assessed on the
amounts owed, calculated from the later of (A) the date Xxxxxxxx engages
in the prohibited activity and (B) the applicable date of exercise,
payment or delivery.
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7.
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Termination of the
Agreement
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a.
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Notice of
Termination. Either Xxxxxxxx or the Board may terminate
this Agreement at any time and in Xxxxxxxx’x or their sole discretion upon
no less than thirty (30) days written Notice of Termination to the other
party. "Notice of Termination" shall mean a written notice
which shall indicate the specified termination provision in this Agreement
relied upon (Section 7.c., Section 7.d., Section 7.e., Section 7.f.,
Section 7.g. or Section 7.h.) and shall set forth in reasonable detail the
facts and circumstances claimed to provide a basis for termination of
Xxxxxxxx'x employment under the provision so indicated; provided, however,
no such purported termination shall be effective without such Notice of
Termination; provided further, however, any purported termination by the
Company or by Brookman shall be communicated by a Notice of Termination to
the other party hereto in accordance with Section 8 (“Notices”)
of this Agreement.
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b.
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Termination
Date. The “Termination Date” shall mean the date
specified in the Notice of Termination. The Termination Date shall not be
less than thirty (30) days after the date such Notice of Termination is
given.
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c.
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Termination by the
Company for Just Cause.
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(i)
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The
Company may terminate Xxxxxxxx for “Just Cause” (as defined in Section
7.c.ii), provided that the Company
shall:
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(A)
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Give
Xxxxxxxx Notice of Termination as specified in Section 7.a.,
and
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(B)
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Pay
Xxxxxxxx, within thirty (30) days after this Termination Date, Xxxxxxxx’x
Base Salary through the Termination Date at the rate in effect at the time
the Notice of Termination is given plus a good faith estimate by the
Company of any unpaid Bonus (in full for any completed annual period and
prorated for months completed in the current annual period), incentive,
deferred, retirement or other compensation, and provide any other
benefits, which have been earned or become payable as of the Termination
Date, pursuant to the terms of this or any other agreement, or
compensation or benefit plan, but which have not yet been paid or
provided.
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(ii)
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For
purposes of this Agreement “Just Cause” shall be a reasonable
determination of the Board that
Xxxxxxxx:
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(A)
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Failed
to substantially perform Xxxxxxxx’x duties with the Company (other than a
failure resulting from Xxxxxxxx’x incapacity due to physical or mental
illness) after a written demand for substantial performance has been
delivered to him by the Board, which demand specifically identifies the
manner in which the Board believes Xxxxxxxx has not substantially
performed Xxxxxxxx’x duties, and Xxxxxxxx has failed to cure such
deficiency within thirty (30) days of the receipt of such
notice;
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(B)
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Has
engaged in conduct the consequences of which are materially adverse to the
Company, monetarily or otherwise;
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(C)
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Has
pleaded guilty to or been convicted of a felony or a crime involving moral
turpitude or dishonesty; or
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(D)
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Has
materially breached the terms of this
Agreement.
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(E)
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Following
a Change in Control, Subsection (A) above shall be deleted from this
definition of “Just Cause”.
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d.
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Termination by the
Company Without Just Cause. In the event the Company
terminates this Agreement prior to its expiration (including
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extensions
as provided in Section 1.b) for any reason other than for Just Cause or
the death or Disability (as defined in Section 7.e.) of Xxxxxxxx, the
Company shall:
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(i)
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Pay
to Brookman within thirty (30) days after the Termination Date, a lump sum
severance payment equal to two times the sum
of:
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(A)
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Xxxxxxxx’x
highest Base Salary during the previous two years of employment
immediately preceding the Termination Date,
plus
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(B)
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the
highest Bonus paid to Brookman during the same two-year
period,
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(ii)
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Pay
to Brookman any unpaid expense reimbursement upon presentation by Brookman
of an accounting of such expenses in accordance with normal Company
practices, but no later than March 15 of the year following the year of
termination,
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(iii)
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Vest
any unvested Company stock options or restricted stock (excluding LTIP
shares under the Company’s Long-Term Incentive
Plan),
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(iv)
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Make
any other payments or provide any benefits earned under this or any other
employment agreement or plan, including the Company’s Long-Term Incentive
Plan (including LTIP shares under the Company’s Long-Term Incentive Plan),
and
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(v)
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Continue
coverage of Xxxxxxxx and any dependents covered at the time of termination
under the Company’s group health plans at the Company’s cost throughout
the period of time that Xxxxxxxx is eligible for federal COBRA health
continuation coverage.
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e.
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Termination in the
Event of Death or Disability. This Agreement shall
terminate in the event of the death of Xxxxxxxx or may be terminated by
the Company in the event of a Disability (as hereinafter defined) of
Xxxxxxxx upon proper notification to Xxxxxxxx (or Xxxxxxxx’x estate in the
event of Xxxxxxxx’x death), provided the Company shall pay to Brookman (or
to the estate of Xxxxxxxx in the event of termination due to the death of
Xxxxxxxx) the Base Salary described in Section 4.a. of this Agreement
which would have been earned for six (6) months after the Termination
Date. The benefits provided under this Section 7.e. shall be no
less favorable to Xxxxxxxx in terms of amounts, deductibles and costs to
him, if any, than such benefits provided by the Company to him and shall
not be interpreted so as to limit any benefits to which Xxxxxxxx, as a
terminated employee of the Company, or Xxxxxxxx’x family may be entitled
under the Company’s life insurance, medical, hospitalization or
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disability
plans following Xxxxxxxx’x Termination Date or under applicable law, and
any other benefits or payments earned by Xxxxxxxx under Xxxxxxxx’x or any
other agreement or plan. “Disability” means the inability of
Brookman to engage in any substantial gainful activity by reason of any
medically determinable physical or mental impairment that can be expected
to result in death or can be expected to last for a continuous period of
not less than twelve (12) months, as provided in Internal Revenue Code
Section 409A(a)(2)(C) and Treas. Reg. § 1.409A-3(i)(4). All
amounts payable under this Section 7.e. shall be paid in a lump-sum as
soon as practicable, but in no event later than two-and-one-half (2-1/2)
months following the close of the calendar year in which the death or
Disability occurred.
|
f.
|
Termination by
Xxxxxxxx for Good Reason.
|
(i)
|
In
the event Xxxxxxxx terminate this Agreement for Good Reason (as defined in
Section 7.f.ii), provided such Xxxxxxxx’x termination occurs within ninety
days of the Good Reason, the Company
shall:
|
(A)
|
Pay
to Brookman within thirty (30) days after the Termination Date,
a lump sum severance payment equal to two times the sum
of:
|
1.
|
Xxxxxxxx’x
highest Base Salary during the previous two years of employment
immediately preceding the Termination Date,
plus
|
2.
|
the
highest Bonus paid to Xxxxxxxx during the same two-year
period,
|
(B)
|
Pay
to Brookman any unpaid expense reimbursement upon presentation by Brookman
of an accounting of such expenses in accordance with normal Company
practices, but no later than March 15 of the year following the year of
termination,
|
(C)
|
Vest
any unvested Company stock options or restricted stock (excluding LTIP
shares under the Company’s Long-Term Incentive
Plan),
|
(D)
|
Make
any other payments or provide any benefits earned under this or any other
employment agreement or plan, including the Company’s Long-Term Incentive
Plan (including LTIP shares under the Company’s Long-Term Incentive Plan),
and
|
13
(E)
|
Continue
coverage of Brookman and any dependents covered at the time of termination
under the Company’s group health plans at the Company’s cost throughout
the period of time that Xxxxxxxx is eligible for federal COBRA health
continuation coverage.
|
(ii)
|
"Good
Reason" shall mean the occurrence of any of the following events without
Xxxxxxxx'x prior express written
consent:
|
(A)
|
A
material diminution in Xxxxxxxx’x Base
Salary;
|
(B)
|
A
material diminution in reward opportunities under the annual
Bonus;
|
(C)
|
Any
other action or inaction that constitutes a material breach by the Company
of this Agreement.
|
Xxxxxxxx
must provide notice to the Company of the condition described in paragraphs
(A)-(C) of this section within ninety (90) days, upon the notice of which the
Company will have a period of thirty (30) days during which it may remedy the
condition and not be required to pay the amount.
g.
|
Termination by
Xxxxxxxx for other than Good Reason. Xxxxxxxx may
terminate this Agreement for other than Good Reason upon proper Notice of
Termination as provided in Section 7.a. In such event the
Company shall pay to Xxxxxxxx:
|
(i)
|
Within
thirty (30) days after Xxxxxxxx’x Termination Date, in a lump-sum, the
compensation provided in Section 4 at the rate in effect at the time of
the Notice of Termination. If Xxxxxxxx’x termination occurs prior to the
end of the year, Xxxxxxxx shall not be entitled to any Bonus for the
year;
|
(ii)
|
Any
incentive, deferred or other compensation which has been earned or has
become payable pursuant to the terms of this or any other agreement or
compensation or benefit plan as of the Termination Date, but which has not
yet been paid, provided such payments shall be made under the schedule
originally contemplated in the agreement under which they were granted,
but if no such payment schedule is provided, the payments shall be made no
later than March 15 of the year following the year of
termination;
|
(iii)
|
Any
unpaid expense reimbursement upon presentation by Brookman of an
accounting of such expenses in accordance with
|
14
|
normal
Company practices, but not later than March 15 of the year following the
year of termination; and
|
(iv)
|
Any
other payments for benefits earned under this Agreement, which shall in no
event be paid later than March 15 of the year following the year of
termination.
|
h.
|
Termination following
Change of Control.
|
(i)
|
If
either (1) the Company terminates Xxxxxxxx’x employment within two years
following a Change of Control of the Company (as defined in Section
7.h.ii.) or (2) Xxxxxxxx gives notice to the Company of
termination of this Agreement during the thirty (30) day period beginning
one hundred twenty (120) days immediately following a Change in
Control, then the Company shall:
|
(A)
|
Pay
to Brookman within thirty (30) days after the Termination Date, a lump sum
severance payment equal to three times the sum
of:
|
1.
|
Xxxxxxxx’x
highest Base Salary during the previous two years of employment
immediately preceding the Termination Date,
plus
|
2.
|
the
highest Bonus paid to Xxxxxxxx during the same two-year
period.
|
(B)
|
Pay
to Brookman any unpaid expense reimbursement upon presentation by Brookman
of an accounting of such expenses in accordance with normal Company
practices, but no later than March 15 of the year following the year of
termination,
|
(C)
|
Vest
any unvested Company stock options or restricted stock (excluding LTIP
shares under the Company’s Long-Term Incentive
Plan),
|
(D)
|
Make
any other payments or provide any benefits earned under this or any other
employment agreement or plan, including the Company’s Long-Term Incentive
Plan (including LTIP shares under the Company’s Long-Term Incentive Plan),
and
|
(E)
|
Continue
coverage of Brookman and any dependents covered at the time of termination
under the Company’s group health plans at the Company’s cost throughout
the period of time that Xxxxxxxx is eligible for federal COBRA health
continuation coverage.
|
15
(ii)
|
"Change
of Control" of the Company shall occur on the earliest of the following
events:
|
(A)
|
Change
in Ownership: A change in ownership of the Company occurs on the date that
any one person, or more than one person acting as a group, acquires
ownership of stock of the Company that, together with stock held by such
person or group, constitutes more than 50% of the total fair market value
or total voting power of the stock of the Company, excluding the
acquisition of additional stock by a person or more than one person acting
as a group who is considered to own more than 50% of the total fair market
value or total voting power of the stock of the
Company.
|
(B)
|
Change
in Effective Control: A change in effective control of the Company occurs
on the date that either:
|
1.
|
Any
one person, or more than one person acting as a group, acquires (or has
acquired during the l2-month period ending on the date of the most recent
acquisition by such person or persons) ownership of stock of the Company
possessing 35% or more of the total voting power of the stock of the
Company; or
|
2.
|
A
majority of the members of the Board of Directors of the Company (the
“Board”) is replaced during any l2-month period by directors whose
appointment or election is not endorsed by a majority of the members of
the board of directors prior to the date of the appointment or election;
provided, that this paragraph (b) shall apply only to the Company if no
other corporation is a majority
shareholder.
|
(C)
|
Change
in Ownership of Substantial Assets: A change in the ownership of a
substantial portion of the Company's assets occurs on the date that any
one person, or more than one person acting as a group, acquires (or has
acquired during the l2-month period ending on the date of the most recent
acquisition by such person or persons) assets from the Company that have a
total gross fair market value equal to or more than 40% of the total gross
fair market value of the assets of the Company immediately prior to such
acquisition or acquisitions. For this purpose, “gross fair market value”
means the value of the assets of the Company, or the value of the assets
being disposed of,
|
16
|
determined
without regard to any liabilities associated with such
assets.
|
It is the
intent that this definition be construed consistent with the definition of
“Change of Control” as defined under Internal Revenue Code Section 409A and the
applicable Treasury Regulations, as amended from time to time.
i.
|
Internal Revenue Code
Section 409A Compliance.
|
Except
with respect to amounts paid pursuant to a schedule in a plan or arrangement
outside of this Agreement, it is intended that amounts payable under this
Section 7 not be considered non-qualified deferred compensation subject to
Internal Revenue Code Section 409A. Xxxxxxxx is a Specified Employee
under Internal Revenue Code Section 409A, therefore, to the extent such amounts
are considered non-qualified deferred compensation payable upon a separation
from service under Internal Revenue Code Section 409A, payment of those amounts
so deferred under Internal Revenue Code Section 409A may not be made until at
least six (6) months following Xxxxxxxx’x separation from service of the Company
(or, if earlier, the date of death of Xxxxxxxx).
j.
|
Release. Prior
to the payment by the Company of the amounts due under subsections (d),
(f) or (h) above, Employee shall execute the release attached hereto as
Exhibit A.
|
8.
|
Notices. For the purposes of this Agreement, notices and
all other communications provided for in the Agreement shall be in writing
and shall be deemed to have been duly given when personally delivered, by
facsimile transmission or sent by certified mail, return receipt
requested, postage prepaid, or by expedited (overnight) courier
with established national reputation, shipping prepaid or billed to
sender, in either case addressed to the respective addresses last given by
each party to the other (provided that all notices to the
Company shall be directed to the attention of the Secretary of the Company
) or to such other address as either party may have
furnished to the other in
writing in accordance herewith. All
notices and communication shall be deemed to have been received on the
date of delivery thereof, or on the second day after deposit thereof with
an expedited courier service, except that notice of change of address
shall be effective only upon
receipt.
|
Company
at:
|
Petroleum
Development Corporation
|
||
000
Xxxxxxx Xxxxxxxxx
|
|||
X.X.
Xxx 00
|
|||
Xxxxxxxxxx
XX 00000
|
|||
|
|||
Xxxxxxxx
at:
|
Xxxxxx
X. Xxxxxxxx
|
||
0000
Xxxxxx Xxxx Xxxxx
|
|||
Xxxxxx
Xxxx, XX 00000
|
17
9.
|
Life
Insurance. The Company may, at any time after the
execution of this Agreement, maintain any outstanding life insurance
policies and apply for and procure as owner and for its own benefit new
life insurance on Xxxxxxxx, in such amounts and in such form or forms as
the Company may determine. Xxxxxxxx shall, at the request of
the Company, submit to such medical examinations, supply such information,
and execute such documents as may be required by the insurance company or
companies to whom the Company has applied for such
insurance. Brookman hereby represents that to Xxxxxxxx’x
knowledge Xxxxxxxx is in excellent physical and mental
condition.
|
10.
|
Successors.
This Agreement shall be binding on the Company and any successor to any of
its businesses or assets. Without limiting the effect of the
prior sentence, the Company shall use its best efforts to require any
successor or assign (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 expressly assume and agree to perform this
Agreement in the same manner and to the same extent that the Company would
be required to perform it if no such succession or assignment had taken
place. As used in this Agreement, "Company" shall mean the Company as
hereinbefore defined and any successor or assign to its business and/or
assets as aforesaid which assumes and agrees to perform this Agreement or
which is otherwise obligated under this Agreement by the first sentence of
this Section, entitled Successors, by operation of law or
otherwise.
|
11.
|
Binding
Effect. This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and
be enforceable by Xxxxxxxx'x personal and legal representatives,
executors, administrators, successors, heirs, distributees, devisees and
legatees. If Brookman should die while any amounts would still
be payable to him hereunder if Xxxxxxxx had continued to live, all such
amounts, unless otherwise provided herein, shall be paid in accordance
with the terms of this Agreement to Xxxxxxxx'x
estate.
|
12.
|
Integration,
Modification and Waiver. This Agreement constitutes the
sole employment agreement between the parties, and any prior employment
agreement, written or oral, is terminated. No provision of this
Agreement may be modified, waived or discharged unless such waiver,
modification or discharge is agreed to in writing and signed by Brookman
and such officer of the Company as may be specifically designated by the
Board. No waiver by either party hereto at any time of any
breach by the other party hereto of, or compliance with, any condition or
provision of this Agreement to be performed by such other party shall be
deemed a waiver of similar or dissimilar provisions or conditions at the
same or at any prior or subsequent
time.
|
13.
|
Headings. Headings
used in this Agreement are for convenience only and shall not be used to
interpret or construe its
provisions.
|
18
14.
|
Waiver of
Breach. The waiver of either the Company or Brookman of
a breach of any provision of this Agreement shall not operate or be
construed as a waiver of any subsequent breach by either the Company or
Xxxxxxxx.
|
15.
|
Amendments. No
amendments or variations of the terms and conditions of this Agreement
shall be valid unless the same is in writing and signed by all of the
parties hereto.
|
16.
|
Survival of
Obligations. The provisions of Section 6 of this
Agreement shall continue to be binding upon Xxxxxxxx and Company in
accordance with their terms, notwithstanding the termination of Xxxxxxxx’x
employment with the Company for any reason or the expiration of this
Agreement.
|
17.
|
Severability. The
invalidity or unenforceability of any provision of this Agreement, whether
in whole or in part, shall not in any way affect the validity and/or
enforceability of any other provision contained herein. Any
invalid or unenforceable provision shall be deemed severable to the extent
of any such invalidity or unenforceability. It is expressly
understood and agreed that while the Company and Xxxxxxxx consider the
restrictions contained in this Agreement reasonable for the purpose of
preserving for the Company the good will, other proprietary rights and
intangible business value of the Company, if a final judicial
determination is made by a court having jurisdiction that the time or
territory or any other restriction contained in this Agreement is an
unreasonable or otherwise unenforceable restriction against Xxxxxxxx, the
provisions of such clause shall not be rendered void but shall be deemed
amended to apply as to maximum time and territory and to such other extent
as such court may judicially determine or indicate to be
reasonable.
|
18.
|
Governing
Law. This Agreement shall be construed and enforced
pursuant to the laws of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, without giving
effect to its conflict of laws.
|
19.
|
Executive Officer
Status. Xxxxxxxx acknowledges that Brookman may be
deemed to be an "executive officer" of the Company for purposes of the
Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "1933 Act"), and the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "1934 Act") and, if so, Brookman
shall comply in all respects with all the rules and regulations under the
1933 Act and the 1934 Act applicable to him in a timely and non-delinquent
manner. In order to assist the Company in complying with its obligations
under the 1933 Act and 1934 Act, Xxxxxxxx shall provide to the Company
such information about Xxxxxxxx as the Company shall reasonably request
including, but not limited to, information relating to personal history
and stockholdings. Xxxxxxxx shall immediately report to the
General Counsel of the Company or other designated officer of the Company
all changes in beneficial ownership of any shares of the Company Common
Stock deemed to be beneficially owned by Xxxxxxxx and/or any members of
Xxxxxxxx'x immediate family.
|
19
20.
|
Pronouns. All
pronouns and any variations thereof shall be deemed to refer to the
masculine, feminine, neuter, singular, or plural, as the identity of the
person or entity may require. As used in this Agreement: (1) words of the
masculine gender shall mean and include corresponding neuter words or
words of the feminine gender, (2) words in the singular shall mean and
include the plural and vice versa, and (3) the word "may" gives sole
discretion without any obligation to take any
action.
|
21.
|
Counterparts. This
Agreement may be executed in one or more counterparts, each of which shall
be deemed to be an original, but all of which together shall constitute
but one document.
|
22.
|
Exhibits. Any
Exhibits attached hereto are incorporated herein by reference and are an
integral part of this Agreement.
|
23.
|
Withholding of
Taxes. The Company will withhold from any amounts payable under the
Agreement, all federal, state, local or other taxes as legally will be
required to be withheld.
|
24.
|
Consent to
Jurisdiction and Service of
Process
|
a.
|
Section
6 Disputes. In the event of any dispute,
controversy or claim between the Company and Xxxxxxxx arising out of or
relating to the interpretation, application or enforcement of the
provisions of Section 6, the Company and Xxxxxxxx agree and consent to the
personal jurisdiction of the state and local courts of Allegheny County,
Pennsylvania and/or the United States District Court for the Western
District of Pennsylvania for resolution of the dispute, controversy or
claim, and that those courts, and only those courts, will have
jurisdiction to determine any dispute, controversy or claim related to,
arising under or in connection with Section 6 of this Agreement. The
Company and Xxxxxxxx also agree that those courts are convenient forums
for the parties to any such dispute, controversy or claim and for any
potential witnesses and that process issued out of any such court or in
accordance with the rules of practice of that court may be served by mail
or other forms of substituted service to the Company at the address of its
principal executive offices and to Xxxxxxxx at him last known address as
reflected in the Company’s records.
|
b.
|
Disputes Other Than
Under Section 6. In the event of any dispute relating to
this Agreement, other than a dispute relating solely to Section 6, the
parties will use their best efforts to settle the dispute, claim,
question, or disagreement. To this effect, they will consult and negotiate
with each other in good faith and, recognizing their mutual interests,
attempt to reach a just and equitable solution satisfactory to both
parties. If such a dispute cannot be settled through negotiation, the
parties agree first to try in good faith to settle the dispute by
mediation administered by the American
|
20
|
Arbitration
Association under its Commercial Mediation Rules before resorting to
arbitration, litigation, or some other dispute resolution procedure. If
the parties do not reach such solution through negotiation or mediation
within a period of sixty (60) days, then, upon notice by either party to
the other, all disputes, claims, questions, or differences will be finally
settled by arbitration administered by the American Arbitration
Association in accordance with the provisions of its Commercial
Arbitration Rules. The arbitrator will be selected by agreement of the
parties or, if they do not agree on an arbitrator within thirty (30) days
after either party has notified the other of him or its desire to have the
question settled by arbitration, then the arbitrator will be selected
pursuant to the procedures of the American Arbitration Association (the
“AAA”) in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The determination reached in such
arbitration will be final and binding on all parties. Enforcement of the
determination by such arbitrator may be sought in any court of competent
jurisdiction. Unless otherwise agreed by the parties, any such arbitration
will take place in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and will be conducted in
accordance with the Commercial Arbitration Rules of the
AAA.
|
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Company and
Brookman have duly executed this Agreement as of the date first above
written.
Petroleum
Development Corporation
|
Xxxxxx
X. Xxxxxxxx
|
|||
By:
|
/s/
Xxxxxxxx Xxxxx
|
/s/
Xxxxxx
X. Xxxxxxxx
|
||
Xxxxxxxx
Xxxxx
|
Xxxxxx
X. Xxxxxxxx
|
|||
Position:
|
Chair
of the
|
|||
Compensation
Committee
|
21
EXHIBIT
A
GENERAL RELEASE OF
CLAIMS
This
General Release ("Release") is entered into as of this ____ day of _________,
2008, by and between Petroleum Development Corporation (the “Company”), and
__________________, an employee of the Company (the “Employee”) (collectively,
the “Parties”).
WHEREAS,
Employee and the Company are parties to an Employment Agreement (the
"Agreement") dated _________________, 2008, governing the terms and conditions
applicable if Employee’s employment is terminated for various
reasons;
WHEREAS,
pursuant to the terms of the Agreement, the Company has agreed to provide
Employee certain benefits and payments under the terms and conditions specified
therein, provided that Employee has executed and not revoked a general release
of claims in favor of the Company;
WHEREAS,
Employee’s employment with the Company is being terminated effective [enter
date]; and
WHEREAS,
the Parties wish to terminate their relationship amicably and to resolve, fully
and finally, all actual and potential claims and disputes relating to Employee’s
employment with and termination from the Company and all other relationships
between Employee and the Company, up to and including the date of execution of
this Release.
NOW,
THEREFORE, in consideration of these Recitals and the promises and mutual
covenants contained herein, and for other good and valuable consideration, the
receipt and sufficiency of which are expressly acknowledged, the Parties,
intending to be legally bound, agree as follows:
1. Termination of
Employment. Employee’s employment with the Company shall
terminate on [enter date] (the "Termination Date").
2. Severance
Benefits. Pursuant to the terms of the Agreement, and in
consideration of Employee’s release of claims and the other covenants and
agreements contained herein and therein, and provided that Employee has signed
this Release and delivered it to the Company and has not exercised any
revocation rights as provided in Section 6 below, the Company shall provide the
severance benefits described in Section 7 of the Agreement (the "Benefits") in
the time and manner provided therein; provided, however, that the Company's
obligations will be excused if Employee breaches any of the provisions of this
Agreement including, without limitation, Sections 7, 8 and 9
hereof. Employee acknowledges and agrees that the Benefits constitute
consideration beyond that which, but for the mutual covenants set forth in this
Release and the covenants contained in the Agreement, the Company otherwise
would not be obligated to provide, nor would Employee otherwise be entitled to
receive.
3. Effective
Date. Provided that it has not been revoked pursuant to
Section 6 hereof, this Release will become effective on the eighth (8th) day
after the date of its execution by Employee (the "Effective Date").
22
4. Effect of
Revocation. Employee acknowledges and agrees that if Employee
revokes this Release pursuant to Section 6 hereof, Employee will have no right
to receive the Benefits.
5. General
Release. In consideration of the Company’s obligations,
Employee hereby releases, acquits and forever discharges Company and each of its
subsidiaries and affiliates and each of their respective officers, employees,
directors, successors and assigns from any and all claims, actions or causes of
action in any way related to his employment with the Company or the termination
thereof, whether arising from tort, statute or contract, including but not
limited to, claims of defamation, claims arising under the Employee Retirement
Income Security Act of 1974, as amended, the Age Discrimination in Employment
Act of 1967, as amended by the Older Workers Benefit Protection Act of 1990,
Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended, the Americans with
Disabilities Act, the Family and Medical Leave Act, the discrimination and wage
payment laws of Colorado and any other federal, state or local statutes or
ordinances of the United States, it being Employee’s intention and the intention
of the Company to make this release as broad and as general as the law
permits. Employee understands that this Agreement does not waive any
rights or claims that may arise after his execution of it and does not apply to
claims arising under the terms of this Agreement.
6. Review and Revocation
Period. Employee acknowledges that the Company has advised
Employee that Employee may consult with an attorney of Employee’s own choosing
(and at Employee’s expense) prior to signing this Release and that Employee has
been given at least twenty-one (21) days during which to consider the provisions
of this Release, although Employee may sign and return it sooner. Employee
further acknowledges that Employee has been advised by the Company that after
executing this Release, Employee will have seven (7) days to revoke this
Release, and that this Release shall not become effective or enforceable until
such seven (7) day revocation period has expired. Employee
acknowledges and agrees that if Employee wishes to revoke this Release, Employee
must do so in writing, and that such revocation must be signed by Employee and
received by the Chairman of the Board of the Company (or the Chairman of the
Compensation Committee) no later than 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time on the seventh
(7th) day after Employee has executed this Release. Employee acknowledges and
agrees that, in the event that Employee revokes this Release, Employee will have
no right to receive any benefits hereunder, including the Benefits. Employee
represents that Employee has read this Release and understands its terms and
enters into this Release freely, voluntarily and without coercion.
7. Confidentiality, Non-Compete
and Non-Solicitation. Employee reaffirms his commitments in
Sections 6.a., 6.c. and 6.d. of the Agreement.
8. Cooperation in
Litigation. At the Company's reasonable request, Employee
shall use his good faith efforts to cooperate with the Company, its Affiliates,
and each of its and their respective attorneys or other legal representatives
("Attorneys") in connection with any claim, litigation or judicial or arbitral
proceeding which is material to the Company and is now pending or may
hereinafter be brought against the Released Parties by any third party;
provided, that, Employee’s cooperation is essential to the Company's
case. Employee’s duty of cooperation will include, but not be limited
to (a) meeting with the Company's and/or its Affiliates' Attorneys by telephone
or in person at mutually convenient times and places in order to state
truthfully Employee’s knowledge of matters at issue and recollection of events;
(b) appearing at the Company's, its Affiliates' and/or their Attorneys' request
(and, to the extent possible, at a time convenient to Employee that does not
conflict with the needs or requirements of Employee’s then-current employer) as
a witness at depositions or trials, without necessity of a subpoena, in order
23
9. Non-Admission of
Liability. Nothing in this Release will be construed as an
admission of liability by Employee or the Released Parties; rather, Employee and
the Released Parties are resolving all matters arising out of the
employer-employee relationship between Employee and the Company and all other
relationships between Employee and the Released Parties.
10. Binding
Effect. This Release will be binding upon the Parties and
their respective heirs, administrators, representatives, executors, successors
and assigns, and will inure to the benefit of the Parties and their respective
heirs, administrators, representatives, executors, successors and
assigns.
11. Governing
Law. This Release will be governed by and construed and
enforced in accordance with the laws of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
applicable to agreements negotiated, entered into and wholly to be performed
therein.
12. Severability. Each
of the respective rights and obligations of the Parties hereunder will be deemed
independent and may be enforced independently irrespective of any of the other
rights and obligations set forth herein. If any provision of this
Release should be held illegal or invalid, such illegality or invalidity will
not affect in any way other provisions hereof, all of which will continue,
nevertheless, in full force and effect.
13. Counterparts. This
Release may be signed in counterparts and each counterpart will be deemed to be
an original but together all such counterparts will be deemed a single
agreement.
14. Entire Agreement;
Modification. This Release constitutes the entire
understanding between the Parties with respect to the subject matter hereof and
may not be modified without the express written consent of both
Parties. This Release supersedes all prior written and/or oral and
all contemporaneous oral agreements, understandings and negotiations regarding
its subject matter. This Release may not be modified or canceled in
any manner except by a writing signed by both Parties.
15. Acceptance. Employee
may confirm his acceptance of the terms and conditions of this Release by
signing and returning two (2) original copies of this Release to the
24
Chairman
of the Board of the Company, no later than 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time twenty-one
(21) days after Employee’s receipt of notice of termination.
EMPLOYEE
ACKNOWLEDGES AND REPRESENTS THAT EMPLOYEE HAS FULLY AND CAREFULLY READ THIS
RELEASE PRIOR TO SIGNING IT AND UNDERSTANDS ITS TERMS. EMPLOYEE FURTHER
ACKNOWLEDGES AND AGREES THAT EMPLOYEE HAS BEEN, OR HAS HAD THE OPPORTUNITY TO
BE, ADVISED BY INDEPENDENT LEGAL COUNSEL OF EMPLOYEE’S OWN CHOICE AS TO THE
LEGAL EFFECT AND MEANING OF EACH OF THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF THIS RELEASE,
AND IS ENTERING INTO THIS RELEASE FREELY AND VOLUNTARILY AND NOT IN RELIANCE ON
ANY PROMISES OR REPRESENTATIONS OTHER THAN AS SET FORTH IN THIS
RELEASE.
IN
WITNESS WHEREOF, the Company and the Employee have duly executed this Release as
of the date first above written.
Petroleum
Development Corporation
|
[Full
Name]
|
|||
By:
|
||||
[Full
Name]
|
||||
Position:
|
Chair
of the
|
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Compensation
Committee
|
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