EXHIBIT 10 oo
FULL AND COMPLETE RELEASE OF LIABILITY AND SEVERANCE AGREEMENT
This Full and Complete Release of Liability and Severance Agreement
(the "Release Agreement") is made and entered into this 23rd day of November,
2001 by and between Kmart Corporation ("Kmart" or the "Company") and Xxxxxxx X.
Xxxxx ("Xxxxx"), an individual with an address of 00000 Xxxx Xxxx Xxxxxxx,
Xxxxxx XX 00000.
1. In exchange for the consideration contained in paragraph 2 below
and the other terms and provisions herein, Xxxxx hereby resigns as an officer of
Kmart and any of its affiliates and/or subsidiaries, effective as of November 9,
2001. Further, in exchange for the considerations contained in paragraph 2 below
and other terms and provisions herein, Xxxxx does hereby release and forever
discharge Kmart and any related or affiliated companies or divisions and their
current or former directors, officers, employees and agents from any and all
actions, causes of action, suits, controversies, claims and demands whatsoever
for, or by reason of any matter, cause or thing whatsoever, weather known or
unknown, including, but not limited to, all claims arising prior to the date
hereof under or in connection with the Worker Adjustment and Remaining
Notification Act, as amended, the Michigan Xxxxxxx-Xxxxxx Civil Rights Act, as
amended, the Michigan Whistle Blowers' Protection Act, as amended, the Michigan
Persons with Disabilities Civil Rights Act, as amended, the Age Discrimination
in Employment Act of 1967, as amended, the American with Disabilities Act of
1990, as amended, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended, the
Civil Rights Act of 1991, as amended, the employee Retirement Income Security
Act of 1974, as amended, the Older Workers Benefit Protection Act of 1990, as
amended, the Fair Labor Standards Act, as amended, the Family & Medical Leave
Act of 1993, as amended, the common law of the State of Michigan, for tort,
breach of express or implied employment contract or other contract, wrongful
discharge, intentional infliction of emotional distress and defamation or
injuries arising out of this employment. This Release Agreement shall not apply
to any claim (I) for benefits that may be due Xxxxx under any broad-based
benefit plan of Kmart that provides benefits after termination of employment,
(ii) for indemnification in accordance with paragraph 2(o), (iii) to assert any
affirmative defense in connection with any claim asserted against Xxxxx, and
(iv) to enforce Xxxxx'x rights under this Release Agreement. Xxxxx represents
that he has not filed any complaints, charges, or lawsuits arising out of his
employment, or any other matter arising on or prior to the date of this Release
Agreement. Xxxxx covenants and agrees that he will not seek recovery against
Kmart arising out of any of the matters set forth in this paragraph.
2. Xxxxx agrees to accept and Kmart agrees to provide the following
consideration:
a. Continuation of his base salary of Five Hundred Thousand Dollars
($500,000), less applicable withholding and deductions, for a period commencing
on the date hereof and ending on December 31, 2003, payable monthly. These
payments represent the severance payable to Xxxxx pursuant to the offer letter
between Xxxxx and the Company dated May 4, 2001 (the "Offer Letter"). These
payments will be mailed to Xxxxx'x home address on the 1st day of the month and
after expiration of the 7-day revocation period contained in paragraph 12.
b. Pursuant to COBRA, Xxxxx has the option to continue his Company
group medical and/or dental plan coverage at the COBRA rate provided his
enrolled dependents are not covered by any other group medical plan or by the
federal Medicare Plan. If continuation of coverage is elected by Xxxxx, Kmart
agrees to provide 18 months of coverage, or until Xxxxx obtains employment with
comparable coverage, whichever is sooner, to Xxxxx at the regular associate
contribution rate to be paid by Xxxxx on a monthly basis to the Kmart Benefits
Service Center. Xxxxx agrees to advise Kmart immediately upon obtaining other
employment.
c. Lump sum payment in the amount of Two Hundred Thousand Dollars
($200,000) which represents the payment of the 2002 Target bonus guaranteed for
the 2002 fiscal year under the Kmart Annual Incentive Compensation Plan if Xxxxx
continued his employment with the Company through January 30, 2002, pursuant of
the Offer Letter. This payment shall be made, less applicable withholding and
deductions, on January 30, 2002.
x. Xxxxx has received the sum of $500,000 pursuant to the terms of
the Confidentiality, Non-Complete and Non-Solicitation Agreement (the
"Non-Complete Agreement"). Notwithstanding the terms of the Non-Complete
Agreement requiring continuation of employment through January 31, 2004, Kmart
agrees that the entire $500,000 is deemed to be fully earned and vested and any
obligation for repayment of such amount is cancelled.
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e. Kmart will pay for Xxxxx to receive the Twelve-Month Key
Executive Outplacement Program provided through Right Management Consulting.
f. A payment, less applicable withholding and deductions,
representing the number of days of his 2001 vacation time that remains unused as
of the date of Xxxxx'x termination of employment. This payment will be mailed to
Xxxxx'x home address promptly after termination of Xxxxx'x employment.
x. Xxxxx shall be reimbursed by Kmart for the cost of an executive
physical conducted prior to December 31, 2002 (provided that such reimbursement
shall nor exceed $6,000) and the cost of preparation of 2001 federal and state
tax returns by his attorney and/or accountant (provided that such reimbursement
shall not exceed $5,000). Such reimbursement(s) shall be made promptly following
the presentation of a request for reimbursement accompanied by documentary
evidence of such services and the amount payable for such services.
h. Pursuant to the Offer Letter, Xxxxx is obligated to repay to
Kmart the sum of the One Hundred Thousand Dollars (100,000) paid to him upon his
employment with Kmart. Kmart hereby agrees that such repayment obligation is
rescinded and the entire amount of such payment is deemed to have been fully
earned by Xxxxx.
i. Kmart has granted 120,000 stock options to Xxxxx which options
vest in full if Xxxxx'x employment with the Company is continued through May 4,
2004 (the "Option"). Kmart agrees that the Options are hereby fully vested and
exercisable, the term of such Options shall continue and such Options may be
exercised at any time until December 1, 2006.
j. In the event that Xxxxx'x new employer does not offer or provide
Xxxxx with a relocation package that includes the payment to Xxxxx of closing
costs, real estate commissions, moving expenses and reimbursement of any loss on
the sale of his Bloomfield Hills, MI residence (the "Relocation Costs"), or in
the event Xxxxx relocates prior to such time as he obtains new employment, Kmart
will fully reimburse such Relocation Costs plus an additional amount such that
the net amount retained by Xxxxx, after deduction of any U.S. federal, state and
or local income or payroll tax equals to the Relocation Costs. Kmart will
reimburse Xxxxx for monthly mortgage payments (principal, interest and taxes)
during the period in which he is actively marketing such residence for sale, up
to a maximum of twelve (12) months.
k. Pursuant to the Non-Complete Agreement Xxxxx was granted 128,315
restricted shares of Kmart common stock and the opportunity to earn an
additional 300,000 restricted shares of Kmart common stock (collectively the
"Restricted Shares"0. Xxxxx agrees that in consideration of the terms of the
Release and Severance Agreement, all of such Restricted Shares shall be
cancelled and Xxxxx waives any rights related thereto.
x. Xxxxx acknowledges that pursuant to the Kmart Corporation Annual
Incentive Plan and the Kmart Corporation Long-Term Incentive Plan, Xxxxx has not
earned and is not entitled to the payment of any amount of bonus under either of
such plans, except as expressly set forth in subparagraph c above. Xxxxx further
agrees that he has not vested in and shall not be entitled to any benefits or
payments pursuant to the Kmart Special Supplemental Retirement Plan.
x. Xxxxx shall return to Kmart the Range Rover vehicle currently
leased to him through the Company and any other property in his possession.
n. Kmart agrees that it will reimburse Xxxxx for the costs
associated with legal representation incurred by Xxxxx (I) in connection with
Xxxxx'x resignation from Kmart, and (ii) for the purpose of asserting his rights
to compensation payable by Sears Xxxxxxx & Co., Inc., provided that such
reimbursement amount, in the aggregate, shall not exceed One Hundred Thousand
Dollars ($100,000) (excluding amounts previously submitted for reimbursement
prior to the date hereof.
o. Kmart shall continue to indemnify Xxxxx to the By-Laws and to
maintain D&O insurance coverage for Xxxxx consistent with that maintained on
behalf of the Company's continuing officers.
Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, Xxxxx will not be
required to seek other employment or
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otherwise mitigate the value of the payments and benefits contemplated by this
Release Agreement, nor shall any such payments and benefits be reduced by any
earnings or benefits that Xxxxx may receive from other employment (except as
expressly contemplated in paragraph 2(b) and (j). If Xxxxx dies, any payments or
benefits then or thereafter due hereunder will be paid to his designated
beneficiaries or, if none are designated or nine survive Xxxxx, his estate.
3. Xxxxx agrees that any right to receive payments and/or benefits
under paragraph 2 above will cease if during the one-year period following his
termination of employment he directly or indirectly becomes an employee,
director, advisor, or otherwise affiliated with, any other entity or enterprise
whose business is in competition with the business of the Company. An entity or
enterprise whose business is in competition with the business of the Company
shall mean an entity or enterprise that operates retail stores selling general
merchandise and/or food (which excludes specialty retailers such as Home Depot,
Circuit City, Lowes and Best Buys) if at least 10 stores have a area of 50,000
or more square feet and at lest 10 of such stores with 50,000 or more square
feet are within 25 miles of one or more Kmart stores. In addition, Xxxxx agrees
that if he violates any of the provisions this paragraph, the Company shall be
entitled to an accounting and repayment of all profits or other benefits that
Xxxxx, or any other person or entity on whose behalf he is acting, may realize
arising from or related to any such violation. Xxxxx agrees and acknowledges
that the duration, scope and geographic area of the covenant not to complete
described in this paragraph are fair, reasonable and necessary in order to
protect the good will and other legitimate interests of the Company, that
adequate compensation has been received by Xxxxx for such obligations and that
these obligations do not prevent Xxxxx from earning a livelihood. If, however,
for any reason any court determines under applicable law that the provisions in
this paragraph pertaining to duration, scope and geographic area in relation to
non-competition are too broad or otherwise unreasonable, that the consideration
provided for hereunder is inadequate or that Xxxxx has been prevented unlawfully
from earning a livelihood (together, such provisions being hereinafter referred
to as "Restrictions"), such Restrictions shall be interpreted, modified or
rewritten, and such court is hereby requested and authorized by the Company and
Xxxxx to revise the Restrictions, to include the maximum Restriction as are
valid and enforceable under applicable law.
4. Xxxxx agrees that the acts done and evidences hereby, and release
granted hereunder, are done and granted to compromise any doubtful and disputed
claims and to avoid litigation, and are not a admission of liability on the part
of Kmart, by whom any liability is expressly denied.
5. Xxxxx acknowledges that his employment with Kmart will terminate
as of November 9, 2001. Xxxxx acknowledges that he has no seniority, recall,
reinstatement, or rehire rights with Kmart in any capacity and Xxxxx agrees that
after his employment with Kmart terminates, he will not seek employment with
Kmart or any of its affiliated or related companies, or entities at any time in
the future. Xxxxx also acknowledges that, except for base salary and benefits
for the reminder of his employment, and the other items of compensation set
forth herein, he is not entitled to any compensation from Kmart including any
compensation for unpaid salary, bonus, or in connection with any Kmart common
stock or stock options or otherwise.
6. Xxxxx agrees that he will not use, disclose, provide, or in any
way communicate, either directly or indirectly, "confidential information" or
"intellectual property" of the Company. "Confidential information" means any and
all information regarding the Company's business that has not been made
available to the general public by the Company. "Intellectual property" means
any and all ideas, inventions, formulas, processes, methods, apparatuses,
machines, patents, trademarks, trade names, service marks, copyrightable works,
artwork, designs, logos, original works of authorship, musical compositions,
computer software programs, databases, trade secrets and the like that a Company
associate has made, conceived or developed either alone or jointly with other in
the course of employment by, or using resources of, the Company or that are
otherwise acquired by the Company.
7. Xxxxx agrees that he will not make public nor disclose to anyone
except his financial advisor, tax consultant, or attorney (provided they agree
to keep confidential), unless compelled by law, the discussions surrounding this
Release Agreement as well as the terms of this Release Agreement.
8. Xxxxx agrees that he will not engage in any action or make any
public or private comments that disparage or criticize the Company or its
management or practices or that disrupt or impair its normal operations or xxxxx
the reputation of the Company with its customers, suppliers or the public; or
interfere with existing contractual relationships with customers, suppliers or
Company associates; provided that Xxxxx may make such
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public comments as are approved in advance by the Company or as may be required
by law. Kmart agrees that neither it, nor its officers, will engage in any
public or private comments that disparage or criticize Xxxxx.
9. Xxxxx agrees that for the one-year period following his
termination of employment, he will not either directly or indirectly, alone or
in conjunction with another party, including any employer of Xxxxx, solicit to
leave employment with Kmart, employ, attempt to employ or cause to be employed
by any third party, any individual who on the date of Xxxxx'x termination is, or
within six months prior thereof was, an employee of Kmart.
10. Xxxxx acknowledges that if he were to breach any of the
covenants he makes in this Release Agreement, the Company would suffer
significant injury, and that the Company would not otherwise make this agreement
without his covenants herein. Xxxxx also acknowledges that although very real
and material injury to the Company would occur as a result of any breach by
Xxxxx, it would nevertheless be impossible to accurately quantify in dollars the
damages the Company would suffer. Given the importance of these provisions,
Xxxxx agrees that it would be reasonable, in the event the Company in its sole
judgement determines that Xxxxx has breached paragraphs 3, 6, 7, 8 or 9, for
Xxxxx to pay liquidated damages to the Company. Xxxxx agrees that reasonable
liquidated damages would be equal to the remaining payments he would otherwise
receive under this Release Agreement and that the Company would have no
obligation to make any further payments.
11. If any provision or paragraph of this Release Agreement is ever
determined not enforceable, the remaining provisions and paragraphs shall in
full force and effect.
12. Xxxxx acknowledges that he has been given 21 days within which
to consider this Release Agreement and that he has 7 days following his
execution to revoke his signature. If Xxxxx revokes his consent hereto prior to
the expiration of such 7-day period, this Release Agreement shall not be
effective, and Kmart shall have no further obligations to Xxxxx hereunder.
13. This Release Agreement constitutes the final and entire
agreement between Xxxxx and Kmart regarding the subject matter hereof and there
are no oral or written agreements, understandings, or representations that vary
from the terms of this Release Agreement and the terms of this Release Agreement
can only be amended in writing signed by both Kmart and Xxxxx.
14. Xxxxx agrees to cooperate with the Company following the
termination of his employment by being reasonably available to testify on behalf
of the Company or any subsidiary or affiliate in any action, suit, or
proceeding, weather civil, criminal, administrative, or investigative; provided,
that nothing contained herein shall be deemed a waiver of Xxxxx'x right to
counsel or any testimonial or other privileges related thereto. In addition,
Xxxxx agrees to assist the Company, or any subsidiary or affiliate, in any such
action, suit or proceeding, by providing information and meeting and consulting
with the Board or its representatives or counsel, or representative or counsel
to the company, or any subsidiary or affiliate, as reasonably requested. The
Company agrees to reimburse Xxxxx for all expenses actually incurred in
connection with his provision of testimony or assistance.
15. Xxxxx acknowledges that this Release Agreement will be governed
by and constructed and enforced in accordance with the internal laws of the
State of Michigan, without reference to the conflicts of laws provisions. If a
dispute arises concerning any provisions of this Release Agreement it shall be
resolved by arbitration in Troy, Michigan in accordance with the rules of the
American Arbitration Association. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Company
shall not be required to engage in arbitration and may pursue injunctive or
other equitable relief in the event of a breach of the provisions of Sections 3,
6, 8 or 9 of this Agreement.
16. Unless otherwise noted herein, all payments and benefits to be
made hereunder shall be subject to applicable tax deductions and withholdings
and any applicable court orders.
XXXXX ACKNOWLEDGES THAT HE HAS READ THIS RELEASE AGREEMENT, THAT HE
HAS BEEN PROVIDED 21 DAYS TO CONSIDER THIS RELEASE AGREEMENT, THAT HE HAS BEEN
ADVISED THAT HE HAS 7 DAYS TO REVOKE HIS SIGNATURE, THAT HE HAS BEEN ADVISED
THAT HE SHOULD CONSULT WITH A ATTORNEY BEFORE HE EXECUTES THIS FULL AND
COMPLETE RELEASE OF LIABILITY, AND THAT HE UNDERSTANDS ALL OF ITS TERMS AND
EXECUTES IT
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VOLUNTARILY AND WITH FULL KNOWLEDGE OF ITS SIGNIFICANCE AND CONSEQUENCES
THEREOF.
/s/ Xxxxxxx X. Xxxxx
---------------------------------------
XXXXXXX X. XXXXX
Sworn to and subscribed before me this
23RD day of NOVEMBER, 2001.
/s/ Xxxxxxx X. Xxxxx
--------------------------------------
Notary Public
[NOTARY STAMP]
XXXXXXX X. XXXXX
NOTARY PUBLIC, BERRION COUNTY, MI
MY COMMISSION EXPIRES 03/26/2004
KMART CORPORATION
/s/ Xxxxx Rots
-------------------------------------------
Xxxxx Rots, Executive Vice President, Chief
Administrative Officer
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