1
Exhibit 10.17
EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT
AGREEMENT by and between Xxxxx Leasing Technologies, Inc., a
Massachusetts corporation, and its subsidiaries (the "Company"), and Xxxxx Xxxxx
(the "Executive"), dated as of the 26th day of September, 1997 (this
"Agreement").
The Board of Directors of the Company (the "Board"), has determined
that it is in the best interests of the Company and its shareholders to assure
that the Company will have the continued dedication of the Executive,
notwithstanding the possibility, threat or occurrence of a Change of Control (as
defined in Section 2) of the Company. The Board believes it is imperative to
diminish the inevitable distraction of the Executive by virtue of the personal
uncertainties and risks created by a pending or threatened Change of Control and
to encourage the Executive's full attention and dedication to the Company
currently and in the event of any threatened or pending Change of Control, and
to provide the Executive with compensation and benefits arrangements upon a
Change of Control which ensure that the compensation and benefits expectations
of the Executive will be satisfied and which are competitive with those of other
corporations. Therefore, in order to accomplish these objectives, the Board has
caused the Company to enter into this Agreement.
NOW, THEREFORE, IT IS HEREBY, AGREED AS FOLLOWS:
1. Certain Definitions.
(a) The "Effective Date" shall mean the first date during the
Change of Control Period (as defined in Section 1(b)) on which a Change of
Control occurs. Anything in this Agreement to the contrary notwithstanding, if a
Change of Control occurs and if the Executive's employment with the Company is
terminated prior to the date on which the Change of Control occurs, and if it is
reasonably demonstrated by the Executive that such termination of employment (i)
was at the request of a third party who has taken steps reasonably calculated to
effect the Change of Control or (ii) otherwise arose in connection with or
anticipation of the Change of Control, then for all purposes of this Agreement
the "Effective Date" shall mean the date immediately prior to the date of such
termination of employment.
(b) The "Change of Control Period" shall mean the period
commencing on the date hereof and ending on the third anniversary of such date.
2. Change of Control. For the purpose of this Agreement, a "Change of
Control" shall mean:
(a) The acquisition by any individual, entity or group (within
the meaning of Section 13(d)(3) or 14(d)(2) of the Securities Exchange Act of
1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act")) (a "Person") of beneficial ownership
(within the meaning of Rule 13d-3 promulgated under the Exchange Act) of 50% or
more of either (i) the then outstanding shares of common stock of the Company
(the "Outstanding Company Common Stock") or (ii) the combined voting power of
the then outstanding voting securities of the Company entitled to vote generally
in the election of directors (the "Outstanding Company Voting Securities") or;
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(b) Individuals who, as of the date hereof, constitute the
Board (the "Incumbent Board") cease for any reason to constitute at least a
majority of the Board; provided, however, that any individual becoming a
director subsequent to the date hereof whose election, or nomination for
election by the Company's shareholders, was approved by a vote of at least a
majority of the directors then comprising the Incumbent Board shall be
considered as though such individual were a member of the Incumbent Board; or
(c) Approval by the shareholders of the Company of a
reorganization, merger or consolidation, in each case, unless, following such
reorganization, merger or consolidation, more than 60% of, respectively, the
then outstanding shares of common stock of the corporation resulting from such
reorganization, merger or consolidation and the combined voting power of the
then outstanding voting securities of such corporation entitled to vote
generally in the election of directors is then beneficially owned, directly or
indirectly, by all or substantially all of the individuals and entities who were
the beneficial owners, respectively, of the Outstanding Company Common Stock and
Outstanding Company Voting Securities immediately prior to such reorganization,
merger or consolidation in substantially the same proportions as their
ownership, immediately prior to such reorganization, merger or consolidation, of
the Outstanding Company Common Stock and Outstanding Company Voting Securities,
as the case may be; or
(d) Approval by the shareholders of the Company of (i) a
complete liquidation or dissolution of the Company or (ii) the sale or other
disposition of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company.
3. Employment Period. The Company hereby agrees to continue the
Executive in its employ, and the Executive hereby agrees to remain in the employ
of the Company, in accordance with the terms and provisions of this Agreement,
for the period commencing on the Effective Date and ending (subject to the terms
hereof) on the day following the first anniversary of such date (the "Employment
Period"); provided, however, that the Employment Period shall be automatically
extended upon its expiration for successive periods of one (1) month each, in
full accordance with the terms and provisions of this Agreement.
4. Terms of Employment.
(a) Position and Duties.
(i) During the Employment Period, (A) the Executive's
position (including status, offices, titles and reporting requirements),
authority, duties and responsibilities shall be at least commensurate in all
material respects with the most significant of those held, exercised and
assigned at any time during the 90-day period immediately preceding the
Effective Date and (B) the Executive's services shall be performed at the
location where the Executive was employed immediately preceding the Effective
Date or any office which is the headquarters of the Company and is less than 35
miles from such location.
(ii) During the Employment Period, and excluding any
periods of vacation and sick leave to which the Executive is entitled, the
Executive agrees to devote reasonable attention and time during normal business
hours to the business and affairs of the Company and, to the extent necessary to
discharge the responsibilities assigned to the Executive hereunder,
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to use the Executive's reasonable best efforts to perform faithfully and
efficiently such responsibilities. During the Employment Period it shall not be
a violation of this Agreement for the Executive to (A) serve on corporate, civic
or charitable boards or committees, (B) deliver lectures, fulfill speaking
engagements or teach at educational institutions and (C) manage personal
investments, so long as such activities do not significantly interfere with the
performance of the Executive's responsibilities as an employee of the Company in
accordance with this Agreement. It is expressly understood and agreed that to
the extent that any such activities have been conducted by the Executive prior
to the Effective Date, the continued conduct of such activities (or the conduct
of activities similar in nature and scope thereto) subsequent to the Effective
Date shall not thereafter be deemed to interfere with the performance of the
Executive's responsibilities to the Company.
(b) Compensation.
(i) Base Salary. During the Employment Period, the
Executive shall receive an annual base salary ("Annual Base Salary"), which
shall be paid in equal installments on a monthly basis, at least equal to twelve
times the highest monthly base salary paid or payable to the Executive by the
Company and its affiliated companies in respect of the twelve-month period
immediately preceding the month in which the Effective Date occurs. During the
Employment Period, the Annual Base Salary shall be reviewed at least annually
and shall be increased at any time and from time to time as shall be
substantially consistent with increases in base salary generally awarded in the
ordinary course of business to other peer executives of the Company and its
affiliated companies. Any increase in Annual Base Salary shall not serve to
limit or reduce any other obligation to the Executive under this Agreement.
Annual Base Salary shall not be reduced after any such increase and the term
Annual Base Salary as utilized in this Agreement shall refer to Annual Base
Salary as so increased. As used in this Agreement, the term "affiliated
companies" shall include any company controlled by, controlling or under common
control with the Company.
(ii) Annual Bonus. In addition to Annual Base Salary,
the Executive may be awarded, for each fiscal year ending during the Employment
Period, an annual bonus (the "Annual Bonus") in cash as determined in the
discretion of the Company's President and Chief Executive Officer consistent
with the practices and procedures of the Company. Any such Annual Bonus shall be
paid no later than the end of the fourth month of the fiscal year next following
the fiscal year for which the Annual Bonus is awarded, unless the Executive
shall elect to defer the receipt of such Annual Bonus.
(iii) Special Bonus. In addition to Annual Base
Salary and Annual Bonus payable as hereinabove provided, if the Executive
remains employed with the Company and its affiliated companies to the first
anniversary of the Effective Date, the Company shall pay to the Executive a
special bonus (the "Special Bonus") in recognition of the Executive's services
during the crucial one-year transition period following the Change of Control in
cash in the amount of $585,000. The Special Bonus shall be paid no later than 30
days following the first anniversary of the Effective Date.
(iv) Incentive, Savings and Retirement Plans. During
the Employment Period, the Executive shall be entitled to participate in all
incentive, savings and retirement plans,
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practices, policies and programs applicable generally to other peer executives
of the Company and its affiliated companies, but in no event shall such plans,
practices, policies and programs provide the Executive with incentive
opportunities (measured with respect to both regular and special incentive
opportunities, to the extent, if any, that such distinction is applicable),
savings opportunities and retirement benefit opportunities, in each case, less
favorable, in the aggregate, than the most favorable of those provided by the
Company and its affiliated companies for the Executive under such plans,
practices, policies and programs as in effect at any time during the 90-day
period immediately preceding the Effective Date or if more favorable to the
Executive, those provided generally at any time after the Effective Date to
other peer executives of the Company and its affiliated companies.
(v) Welfare Benefit Plans. During the Employment
Period, the Executive and/or the Executive's family, as the case may be, shall
be eligible for participation in and shall receive all benefits under welfare
benefit plans, practices, policies and programs provided by the Company and its
affiliated companies (including, without limitation, medical, prescription,
dental, disability, salary continuance, employee life, group life, accidental
death and travel accident insurance plans and programs) to the extent applicable
generally to other peer executives of the Company and its affiliated companies,
but in no event shall such plans, practices, policies and programs provide the
Executive with benefits which are less favorable, in the aggregate, than the
most favorable of such plans, practices, policies and programs in effect for the
Executive at any time during the 90-day period immediately preceding the
Effective Date or, if more favorable to the Executive, those provided generally
at any time after the Effective Date to other peer executives of the Company and
its affiliated companies.
(vi) Expenses. During the Employment Period, the
Executive shall be entitled to receive prompt reimbursement for all reasonable
employment expenses incurred by the Executive in accordance with the most
favorable policies, practices and procedures of the Company and its affiliated
companies in effect for the Executive at any time during the 90-day period
immediately preceding the Effective Date or, if more favorable to the Executive,
as in effect generally at any time thereafter with respect to other peer
executives of the Company and its affiliated companies.
(vii) Fringe Benefits. During the Employment Period,
the Executive shall be entitled to fringe benefits in accordance with the most
favorable plans, practices, programs and policies of the Company and its
affiliated companies in effect for the Executive at any time during the 90-day
period immediately preceding the Effective Date or, if more favorable to the
Executive, as in effect generally at any time thereafter with respect to other
peer executives of the Company and its affiliated companies.
(viii) Office and Support Staff. During the
Employment Period, the Executive shall be entitled to an office or offices of a
size and with furnishings and other appointments, and to exclusive personal
secretarial and other assistance, at least equal to the most favorable of the
foregoing provided to the Executive by the Company and its affiliated companies
at any time during the 90-day period immediately preceding the Effective Date
or, if more favorable to the Executive, as provided generally at any time
thereafter with respect to other peer executives of the Company and its
affiliated companies.
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(ix) Vacation. During the Employment Period, the
Executive shall be entitled to paid vacation in accordance with the most
favorable plans, policies, programs and practices of the Company and its
affiliated companies as in effect for the Executive at any time during the
90-day period immediately preceding the Effective Date or, if more favorable to
the Executive, as in effect generally at any time thereafter with respect to
other peer executives of the Company and its affiliated companies.
5. Termination of Employment.
(a) Death or Disability. The Executive's employment shall
terminate automatically upon the Executive's death during the Employment Period.
If the Company determines in good faith that the Disability of the Executive has
occurred during the Employment Period (pursuant to the definition of Disability
set forth below), it may give to the Executive written notice in accordance with
Section 12(b) of this Agreement of its intention to terminate the Executive's
employment. In such event, the Executive's employment with the Company shall
terminate effective on the 30th day after receipt of such notice by the
Executive (the "Disability Effective Date"), provided that, within the 30 days
after such receipt, the Executive shall not have returned to full-time
performance of the Executive's duties. For purposes of this Agreement,
"Disability" shall mean the absence of the Executive from the Executive's duties
with the Company on a full-time basis for 180 consecutive business days as a
result of incapacity due to mental or physical illness which is determined to be
total and permanent by a physician selected by the Company or its insurers and
acceptable to the Executive or the Executive's legal representative (such
agreement as to acceptability not to be withheld unreasonably).
(b) Cause. The Company may terminate the Executive's
employment during the Employment Period for Cause. For purposes of this
Agreement, "Cause" shall mean (i) a material breach by the Executive of the
Executive's obligations under Section 4(a) of this Agreement (other than as a
result of incapacity due to physical or mental illness) which is demonstrably
willful and deliberate on the Executive's part, which is committed in bad faith
or without reasonable belief that such breach is in the best interests of the
Company and which is not remedied in a reasonable period of time after receipt
of written notice from the Company specifying such breach or (ii) the conviction
of the Executive of a felony involving moral turpitude.
(c) Good Reason. The Executive's employment may be terminated
during the Employment Period by the Executive for Good Reason. For purposes of
this Agreement, "Good Reason" shall mean:
(i) the assignment to the Executive of any duties
inconsistent in any respect with the Executive's position (including status,
offices, titles and reporting requirements), authority, duties or
responsibilities or any other action by which results in a diminution in such
position, authority, duties or responsibilities, excluding for this purpose an
isolated, insubstantial and inadvertent action not taken in bad faith and which
is remedied by the Company promptly after receipt of notice thereof given by the
Executive;
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(ii) any failure by the Company to comply with the
provisions of Section 4(b) of this Agreement, other than an isolated,
insubstantial and inadvertent failure not occurring in bad faith and which is
remedied by the Company promptly after receipt of notice thereof given by the
Executive;
(iii) the Company's requiring the Executive to be
based at any office or location other than that described in Section 4(a)(i)(B)
of this Agreement;
(iv) any purported termination by the Company of the
Executive's employment otherwise than as expressly permitted by this Agreement;
or
(v) any failure by the Company to comply with and
satisfy Section 11(c) of this Agreement, provided that such successor has
received at least ten days prior written notice from the Company or the
Executive of the requirements of Section 11(c) of this Agreement.
For purposes of this Section 5(c), any good faith determination of "Good Reason"
made by the Executive shall be conclusive.
(d) Notice of Termination. Any termination by the Company for
Cause, or by the Executive for Good Reason, shall be communicated by Notice of
Termination to the other party hereto given in accordance with Section 12(b) of
this Agreement. For purposes of this Agreement, a "Notice of Termination" means
a written notice which (i) indicates the specific termination provision in this
Agreement relied upon, (ii) to the extent applicable, sets forth in reasonable
detail the facts and circumstances claimed to provide a basis for termination of
the Executive's employment under the provision so indicated and (iii) if the
Date of Termination (as defined below) is other than the date of receipt of such
notice, specifies the termination date (which date shall be not more than 15
days after the giving of such notice). The failure by the Executive or the
Company to set forth in the Notice of Termination any fact or circumstance which
contributes to a showing of Good Reason or Cause shall not waive any right of
the Executive or the Company hereunder or preclude the Executive or the Company
from asserting such fact or circumstance in enforcing the Executive's or the
Company's rights hereunder.
(e) Date of Termination. "Date of Termination" means (i) if
the Executive's employment is terminated by the Company for Cause, or by the
Executive for Good Reason, the date of receipt of the Notice of Termination or
any later date specified therein, as the case may be, (ii) if the Executive's
employment is terminated by the Company other than for Cause or Disability, the
Date of Termination shall be the date on which the Company notifies the
Executive of such termination and (iii) if the Executive's employment is
terminated by reason of death or Disability, the Date of Termination shall be
the date of death of the Executive or the Disability Effective Date, as the case
may be.
6. Obligation of the Company upon Termination.
(a) Good Reason; Other Than for Cause, Death or Disability.
If, during the Employment Period, the Company shall terminate the Executive's
employment other than for Cause, death or Disability or the Executive shall
terminate employment for Good Reason:
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(i) the Company shall pay to the Executive in a lump sum in
cash within 30 days after the Date of Termination the aggregate of the following
amounts: the sum of (1) the Executive's Annual Base Salary through the Date of
Termination to the extent not theretofore paid, (2) the Special Bonus, due to
the Executive pursuant to Section 4(b)(iii) of this Agreement, to the extent not
theretofore paid and (3) any compensation previously deferred by the Executive
(together with any accrued interest or earnings thereon) and any accrued
vacation pay, in each case to the extent not theretofore paid (the sum of the
amounts described in clauses (1), (2) and (3) of this Section 6(a)(i) shall be
hereinafter referred to as the "Severance Amount"); and
(ii) for the remainder of the Employment Period, or such
longer period as any plan, program, practice or policy may provide, the Company
shall continue benefits to the Executive and/or the Executive's family at least
equal to those which would have been provided to them in accordance with the
plans, programs, practices and policies described in Section 4(b)(v) of this
Agreement if the Executive's employment had not been terminated in accordance
with the most favorable plans, practices, programs or policies of the Company
and its affiliated companies as in effect and applicable generally to other peer
executives and their families during the 90-day period immediately preceding the
Effective Date or, if more favorable to the Executive, as in effect generally at
any time thereafter with respect to other peer executives of the Company and its
affiliated companies and their families, provided, however, that if the
Executive becomes reemployed with another employer and is eligible to receive
medical or other welfare benefits under another employer provided plan, the
medical and other welfare benefits described herein shall be secondary to those
provided under such other plan during such applicable period of eligibility
(such continuation of such benefits for the applicable period herein set forth
shall be hereinafter referred to as "Welfare Benefit Continuation"). For
purposes of determining eligibility of the Executive for retiree benefits
pursuant to such plans, practices, programs and policies, the Executive shall be
considered to have remained employed until the end of the Employment Period and
to have retired on the last day of such period; and
(iii) to the extent not theretofore paid or provided the
Company shall timely pay or provide to the Executive and/or the Executive's
family any other amounts or benefits required to be paid or provided or which
the Executive and/or the Executive's family is eligible to receive pursuant to
this Agreement and under any plan, program, policy or practice or contract or
agreement of the Company and its affiliated companies as in effect and
applicable generally to other peer executives and their families during the
90-day period immediately preceding the Effective Date or, if more favorable to
the Executive, as in effect generally thereafter with respect to other peer
executives of the Company and its affiliated companies and their families (such
other amounts and benefits shall be hereinafter referred to as the "Other
Benefits").
(b) Death. If the Executive's employment is terminated by
reason of the Executive's death during the Employment Period, this Agreement
shall terminate without further obligations to the Executive's legal
representatives under this Agreement, other than for (i) payment of the
Severance Amount (which shall be paid to the Executive's estate or beneficiary,
as applicable, in a lump sum in cash within 30 days of the Date of Termination)
and the timely payment or provision of the Welfare Benefit Continuation and
Other Benefits (excluding, in each case, Death Benefits (as defined below)) and
(ii) payment to the Executive's estate or beneficiary, as applicable, in a lump
sum in cash within 30 days of the Date of Termination of an amount equal to the
present value (determined as provided in Section 280G(d)(4) of the Internal
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Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code") of any cash amount to be received
by the Executive or the Executive's family as a death benefit pursuant to the
terms of any plan, policy or arrangement of the Company and its affiliated
companies, but not including any proceeds of life insurance covering the
Executive to the extent paid for directly or on a contributory basis by the
Executive (which shall be paid in any event as an Other Benefit) (the benefits
included in this clause (ii) shall be hereinafter referred to as the "Death
Benefits").
(c) Disability. If the Executive's employment is terminated by
reason of the Executive's Disability during the Employment Period, this
Agreement shall terminate without further obligation to the Executive, other
than for (i) payment of Severance Amount (which shall be paid to the Executive
in a lump sum in cash within 30 days of the Date of Termination) and the timely
payment or provision of the Welfare Benefit Continuation and Other Benefits
(excluding, in each case, Disability Benefits (as defined below)) and (ii)
payment to the Executive in a lump sum in cash within 30 days of the Date of
Termination of an amount equal to the present value (determined as provided in
Section 280G(d)(4) of the Code) of any cash amount to be received by the
Executive as a disability benefit pursuant to the terms of any plan, policy or
arrangement of the Company and its affiliated companies, but not including any
proceeds of disability insurance covering the Executive to the extent paid for
directly or on a contributory basis by the Executive (which shall be paid in any
event as an Other Benefit) (the benefits included in this clause (ii) shall be
hereinafter referred to as the "Disability Benefits").
(d) Cause; Other than for Good Reason. If the Executive's
employment shall be terminated for Cause during the Employment Period, this
Agreement shall terminate without further obligations to the Executive other
than the obligation to pay to the Executive Annual Base Salary through the Date
of Termination plus the amount of any compensation previously deferred by the
Executive, in each case to the extent theretofore unpaid. If the Executive
terminates employment during the Employment Period, excluding a termination for
Good Reason, this Agreement shall terminate without further obligations to the
Executive, other than for (i) the Severance Amount and the timely payment or
provision of Other Benefits if the Executive fulfills the criteria set forth in
Section 4(b)(iii); and (ii) the Executive's Annual Base Salary through the Date
of Termination and any compensation previously deferred by the Executive
(together with any accrued interest or earnings thereon) and any accrued
vacation pay (in each case to be paid to the Executive in a lump sum in cash
within 30 days of the Date of Termination).
7. Non-Exclusivity of Rights. Except as provided in Sections
6(a)(ii), 6(b) and 6(c) of this Agreement, nothing in this Agreement shall
prevent or limit the Executive's continuing or future participation in any plan,
program, policy or practice provided by the Company or any of its affiliated
companies and for which the Executive may qualify, nor shall anything herein
limit or otherwise affect such rights as the Executive may have under any
contract or agreement with the Company or any of its affiliated companies.
Amounts which are vested benefits or which the Executive is otherwise entitled
to receive under any plan, policy, practice or program of or any contract or
agreement with the Company or any of its affiliated companies at or subsequent
to the Date of Termination shall be payable in accordance with such plan,
policy, practice or program or contract or agreement except as explicitly
modified by this Agreement.
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8. Full Settlement; Resolution of Disputes.
(a) The Company's obligation to make the payments provided for
in this Agreement and otherwise to perform its obligations hereunder shall not
be affected by any set-off, counterclaim, recoupment, defense or other claim,
right or action which the Company may have against the Executive or others. In
no event shall the Executive be obligated to seek other employment or take any
other action by way of mitigation of the amounts payable to the Executive under
any of the provisions of this Agreement and, except as provided in Section
6(a)(ii) of this Agreement, such amounts shall not be reduced whether or not the
Executive obtains other employment. The Company agrees to pay promptly as
incurred, to the full extent permitted by law, all legal fees and expenses which
the Executive may reasonably incur as a result of any contest (regardless of the
outcome thereof) by the Company, the Executive or others of the validity or
enforceability of, or liability under, any provision of this Agreement or any
guarantee of performance thereof (including as a result of any contest by the
Executive about the amount of any payment pursuant to this Agreement), plus in
each case interest on any delayed payment at the applicable Federal rate
provided for in Section 7872(f)(2)(A) of the Code.
(b) If there shall be any dispute between the Company and the
Executive (i) in the event of any termination of the Executive's employment by
the Company, whether such termination was for Cause, or (ii) in the event of any
termination of employment by the Executive, whether Good Reason existed, then,
unless and until there is a final, nonappealable judgment by a court of
competent jurisdiction declaring that such termination was for Cause or that the
determination by the Executive of the existence of Good Reason was not made in
good faith, the Company shall pay all amounts, and provide all benefits, to the
Executive and/or the Executive's family or other beneficiaries, as the case may
be, that the Company would be required to pay or provide pursuant to Section
6(a) of this Agreement as though such termination were by the Company without
Cause or by the Executive with Good Reason; provided, however, that the Company
shall not be required to pay any disputed amounts pursuant to this paragraph
except upon receipt of an undertaking by or on behalf of the Executive to repay
all such amounts to which the Executive is ultimately adjudged by such court not
to be entitled.
9. Certain Additional Payments by the Company.
(a) Anything in this Agreement to the contrary
notwithstanding, in the event it shall be determined that any payment or
distribution by the Company to or for the benefit of the Executive (whether paid
or payable or distributed or distributable pursuant to the terms of this
Agreement or otherwise, but determined without regard to any additional payments
required under this Section 9) (a "Payment") would be subject to the excise tax
imposed by Section 4999 of the Code or any interest or penalties are incurred by
the Executive with respect to such excise tax (such excise tax, together with
any such interest and penalties, are hereinafter collectively referred to as the
"Excise Tax"), then the Executive shall be entitled to receive an additional
payment (a "Gross-Up Payment") in an amount such that after payment by the
Executive of all taxes (including any interest or penalties imposed with respect
to such taxes), including, without limitation, any income taxes (and any
interest and penalties imposed with respect thereto) and Excise Tax imposed upon
the Gross-Up Payment, the Executive retains an amount of the Gross-Up Payment
equal to the Excise Tax imposed upon the Payments.
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(b) Subject to the provisions of Section 9(c) of this
Agreement, all determinations required to be made under this Section 9,
including whether and when a Gross-Up Payment is required and the amount of such
Gross-Up Payment and the assumptions to be utilized in arriving at such
determination, shall be made by Coopers & Xxxxxxx L.L.P. (the "Accounting Firm")
which shall provide detailed supporting calculations both to the Company and the
Executive within 15 business days of the receipt of notice from the Executive
that there has been a Payment, or such earlier time as is requested by the
Company. In the event that the Accounting Firm is serving as accountant or
auditor for the individual, entity or group effecting the Change of Control, the
Executive shall appoint another nationally recognized accounting firm to make
the determinations required hereunder (which accounting firm shall then be
referred to as the Accounting Firm hereunder). All fees and expenses of the
Accounting Firm shall be borne solely by the Company. Any Gross-Up Payment, as
determined pursuant to this Section 9, shall be paid by the Company to the
Executive within five days of the receipt of the Accounting Firm's
determination. If the Accounting Firm determines that no Excise Tax is payable
by the Executive, it shall furnish the Executive with a written opinion that
failure to report the Excise Tax on the Executive's applicable federal income
tax return would not result in the imposition of a negligence or similar
penalty. Any determination by the Accounting Firm shall be binding upon the
Company and the Executive. As a result of the uncertainty in the application of
Section 4999 of the Code at the time of the initial determination by the
Accounting Firm hereunder, it is possible that Gross-Up Payments which will not
have been made by the Company should have been made ("Underpayment"), consistent
with the calculations required to be made hereunder. In the event that the
Company exhausts its remedies pursuant to Section 9(c) of this Agreement and the
Executive thereafter is required to make a payment of any Excise Tax, the
Accounting Firm shall determine the amount of the Underpayment that has occurred
and any such Underpayment shall be promptly paid by the Company to or for the
benefit of the Executive.
(c) The Executive shall notify the Company in writing of any
claim by the Internal Revenue Service that, if successful, would require the
payment by the Company of the Gross-Up Payment. Such notification shall be given
as soon as practicable but no later than ten business days after the Executive
is informed in writing of such claim and shall apprise the Company of the nature
of such claim and the date on which such claim is requested to be paid. The
Executive shall not pay such claim prior to the expiration of the 30-day period
following the date on which it gives such notice to the Company (or such shorter
period ending on the date that any payment of taxes with respect to such claim
is due). If the Company notifies the Executive in writing prior to the
expiration of such period that it desires to contest such claim, the Executive
shall:
(i) give the Company any information reasonably requested by
the Company relating to such claim,
(ii) take such action in connection with contesting such claim
as the Company shall reasonably request in writing from time to time, including,
without limitation, accepting legal representation with respect to such claim by
an attorney reasonably selected by the Company,
(iii) cooperate with the Company in good faith in order
effectively to contest such claim, and
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(iv) permit the Company to participate in any proceedings
relating to such claim;
provided, however, that the Company shall bear and pay directly all costs and
expenses (including additional interest and penalties) incurred in connection
with such contest and shall indemnify and hold the Executive harmless, on an
after-tax basis, for any Excise Tax or income tax (including interest and
penalties with respect thereto) imposed as a result of such representation and
payment of costs and expenses. Without limitation on the foregoing provisions of
this Section 9(c), the Company shall control all proceedings taken in connection
with such contest and, at its sole option, may pursue or forgo any and all
administrative appeals, proceedings, hearings and conferences with the taxing
authority in respect of such claim and may, at its sole option, either direct
the Executive to pay the tax claimed and xxx for a refund or contest the claim
in any permissible manner, and the Executive agrees to prosecute such contest to
a determination before any administrative tribunal, in a court of initial
jurisdiction and in one or more appellate courts, as the Company shall
determine; provided, however, that if the Company directs the Executive to pay
such claim and xxx for a refund, the Company shall advance the amount of such
payment to the Executive, on an interest-free basis and shall indemnify and hold
the Executive harmless, on an after-tax basis, from any Excise Tax or income tax
(including interest or penalties with respect thereto) imposed with respect to
such advance or with respect to any imputed income with respect to such advance;
and further provided that any extension of the statute of limitations relating
to payment of taxes for the taxable year of the Executive with respect to which
such contested amount is claimed to be due is limited solely to such contested
amount Furthermore, the Company's control of the contest shall be limited to
issues with respect to which a Gross-Up Payment would be payable hereunder and
the Executive shall be entitled to settle or contest, as the case may be, any
other issue raised by the Internal Revenue Service or any other taxing
authority.
(d) If, after the receipt by the Executive of an amount
advanced by the Company pursuant to Section 9(c) of this Agreement, the
Executive becomes entitled to receive any refund with respect to such claim, the
Executive shall (subject to the Company's complying with the requirements of
Section 9(c) of this Agreement) promptly pay to the Company the amount of such
refund (together with any interest paid or credited thereon after taxes
applicable thereto). If, after the receipt by the Executive of an amount
advanced by the Company pursuant to Section 9(c) of this Agreement, a
determination is made that the Executive shall not be entitled to any refund
with respect to such claim and the Company does not notify the Executive in
writing of its intent to contest such denial of refund prior to the expiration
of 30 days after such determination, then such advance shall be forgiven and
shall not be required to be repaid and the amount of such advance shall offset,
to the extent thereof, the amount of Gross-Up Payment required to be paid.
10. Confidential Information; Non-Compete. The Executive shall hold in
a fiduciary capacity for the benefit of the Company all secret or confidential
information, knowledge or data relating to the Company or any of its affiliated
companies, and their respective businesses, which shall have been obtained by
the Executive during the Executive's employment by the Company or any of its
affiliated companies and which shall not be or become public knowledge (other
than by acts by the Executive or representatives of the Executive in violation
of this Agreement). After termination of the Executive's employment with the
Company, the Executive shall not,
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without the prior written consent of the Company or as may otherwise be required
by law or legal process, communicate or divulge any such information, knowledge
or data to anyone other than the Company and those designated by it. In no event
shall an asserted violation of the provisions of this Section 10 constitute a
basis for deferring or withholding any amounts otherwise payable to the
Executive under this Agreement. For a period of twelve months from and after the
Date of Termination, the Executive shall not, directly or indirectly, be or
become employed or associated with any microticket leasing business in the
United States which is in competition with the Company.
11. Successors.
(a) This Agreement is personal to the Executive and without
the prior written consent of the Company shall not be assignable by the
Executive otherwise than by will or the laws of descent and distribution. This
Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be enforceable by the Executive's
legal representatives.
(b) This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be
binding upon the Company and its successors and assigns
(c) 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 this Agreement in the same manner and to the same
extent that the Company would be required to perform it if no such succession
had taken place. As used in this Agreement, "Company" shall mean the Company as
hereinbefore defined and any successor to its business and/or assets as
aforesaid which assumes and agrees to perform this Agreement by operation of
law, or otherwise.
12. Miscellaneous.
(a) This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in
accordance with the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, without reference
to principles of conflict of laws. The captions of this Agreement are not part
of the provisions hereof and shall have no force or effect. This Agreement may
not be amended or modified otherwise than by a written agreement executed by the
parties hereto or their respective successors and legal representatives.
(b) All notices and other communications hereunder shall be in
writing and shall be given by hand delivery to the other party or by registered
or certified mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid, addressed as
follows: If to the Executive:
Xxxxx Xxxxx
c/x Xxxxx Leasing Technologies, Inc.
000 Xxxxxx Xxxxxx
Xxxxxxx, XX 00000
If to the Company:
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Xxxxx Leasing Technologies, Inc.
000 Xxxxxx Xxxxxx
Xxxxxxx, XX 00000
Attention: Xxxxxxx X. Xxxxxx, Executive
Vice President, Chief Financial Officer,
Chief Operating Officer
With a copy to:
Xxxxxx X. Xxxxxxxx, Esq.
Xxxxxxx & Xxxxxx
000 Xxxxxxx Xxxxxx
Xxxxxx, XX 00000
or to such other address as either party shall have furnished to the other in
writing in accordance herewith. Notice and communications shall be effective
when actually received by the addressee.
(c) The invalidity or unenforceability of any provision of
this Agreement shall not affect the validity or enforceability of any other
provision of this Agreement.
(d) The Company may withhold from any amounts payable under
this Agreement such Federal, state or local taxes as shall be required to be
withheld pursuant to any applicable law or regulation.
(e) The Executive's or the Company's failure to insist upon
strict compliance with any provision hereof or any other provision of this
Agreement or the failure to assert any right the Executive or the Company may
have hereunder, including, without limitation, the right of the Executive to
terminate employment for Good Reason pursuant to Section 5(c)(i)-(v) of this
Agreement, shall not be deemed to be a waiver of such provision or right or any
other provision or right of this Agreement.
(f) The Executive and the Company acknowledge that, except as
may otherwise be provided under any other written agreement between the
Executive and the Company, the employment of the Executive by the Company is "at
will" and, prior to the Effective Date, may be terminated by either the
Executive or the Company at any time. Moreover, if prior to the Effective Date,
the Executive's employment with the Company terminates, then the Executive shall
have no further rights under this Agreement.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Executive has hereunto set the Executive's hand
and, pursuant to the authorization from its Board of Directors, the Company has
caused these presents to be executed in its name on its behalf, all as of the
day and year first above written.
/s/ Xxxxx Xxxxx
-----------------------------------
Xxxxx Xxxxx
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Xxxxx Leasing Technologies, Inc.
By: /s/ Xxxxx Xxxxxxxxx
--------------------------------
Its: President
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