EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT
Exhibit
10.2
This
EMPLOYMENT
AGREEMENT
(this
“Agreement”), dated as of March 1, 2008, is between XXXXXX
XXXXXXX LTD.,
a
Bermuda company (the “Employer”), and XXXXXXX
XXXXX XXXX (the
“Executive”).
WHEREAS,
the
Executive is currently employed by Xxxxxx Xxxxxxx Continental Europe, S.r.L.
(the “Italian Subsidiary”);
WHEREAS,
Executive’s
employment relationship with the Italian Subsidiary is collectively governed
by
Italian law,
the
Contratto
Collettivo Nazionale Dirigenti Aziende Industriali which
is
set to expire on December 31, 2008, and any extension thereto or successor
contract (the “National Contract”), an
Italian employment contract which will become effective April 1, 2008, and
the
applicable Italian Subsidiary policies
and
procedures;
WHEREAS,
the
Executive was elected as President
and Chief Operating Officer
of
Employer pursuant to a Board of Directors Resolution of Employer
(the
“Corporate Position”)
on
January 31, 2007;
WHEREAS,
the
Executive’s role and responsibilities now include leading the Employer’s Global
Power Group in addition to continuing to lead the Employer’s Global Engineering
and Construction Group, including a continuing supervisory role in the Italian
Subsidiary;
WHEREAS,
it is
anticipated that over the next four (4) years, the Executive will devote the
majority of his time and efforts to the Corporate Position at the Employer
while
continuing modified and reduced duties at the Italian Subsidiary;
WHEREAS,
the
Executive will enter into a new employment agreement with the Italian Subsidiary
to reflect his modified role;
WHEREAS,
the
Executive wishes to establish a United States contractual employment
relationship with Employer related to the Corporate Position which is fully
independent from the new Italian employment relationship with the Italian
Subsidiary; and
WHEREAS,
the
Executive and the Employer wish to outline the new United States employment
relationship based on the Executive’s new role and responsibilities, on the
terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement.
NOW
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, accordingly,
the Employer and the Executive by executing this Agreement hereby agree as
follows:
1.
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Employment,
Duties and Acceptance.
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1.1 Employment,
Duties.
The
Employer hereby agrees to employ the Executive for the Term (as defined in
Section 2.1) to render services to the Employer, in the capacity of
President and Chief Operating Officer (or such other title of at least
equivalent level consistent with the Executive’s duties from time to time as may
be assigned to the Executive by the Chief Executive Officer of the Employer
consistent with such position) of the Employer and to perform such other duties
consistent with such position (including service as a director or officer of
any
affiliate of the Employer if elected) as may be assigned by the Chief
Executive Officer of the Employer. The Executive shall have all authorities
as
are customarily and ordinarily exercised by executives in similar positions
in
similar businesses of similar size in the United States. Notwithstanding the
foregoing, the Executive may participate in civic, charitable, industry, and
professional organizations to the extent that such participation does not
materially interfere with the performance of Executive’s duties hereunder.
1.2 Acceptance.
The
Executive hereby accepts such employment relationship with the Employer and
agrees to render the services described above. During the Term, and consistent
with the above, the Executive agrees to serve the Employer faithfully and to
the
best of the Executive’s ability, to devote the Executive’s energy and skill to
such employment relationship, and to use the Executive’s best efforts, skill and
ability to promote the Employer’s interests.
1.3 Fiduciary
Duties to the Employer.
Executive
acknowledges and agrees that Executive owes a fiduciary duty of loyalty,
fidelity and allegiance to act at all times in the best interests of the
Employer and to do no act which would, directly or indirectly, injure the
Employer’s business, interests, or reputation. It is agreed that any direct or
indirect interest in, connection with, or benefit from any outside activities,
particularly commercial activities, which interest might in any way adversely
affect the Employer, involves a possible conflict of interest. In keeping with
Executive’s fiduciary duties to the Employer, Executive agrees that Executive
shall not knowingly become involved in a conflict of interest with the Employer,
or upon discovery thereof, allow such a conflict to continue. Moreover,
Executive shall not engage in any activity which might involve a possible
conflict of interest without first obtaining approval in accordance with the
Employer’s policies and procedures.
1.4 Location.
The
duties to be performed by the Executive hereunder shall be performed primarily
outside of the United States, subject to reasonable travel requirements
consistent with the nature of the Executive’s duties from time to time on behalf
of the Employer.
2.
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Term
of Employment.
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2.1 Term.
The
term
of the Executive’s employment under this Agreement (the “Term”) shall commence
on January 1, 2008 (the “Effective Date”), and shall end on December 31, 2011
unless such Term is terminated earlier pursuant to Section 4.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, the parties may mutually agree in writing to
extend such Term.
3.
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Compensation;
Benefits.
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3.1 Salary.
As
compensation for the services to be rendered pursuant to Subsection 1.1 of
this
Agreement, the Employer agrees to pay to the Executive during the Term a base
salary, payable monthly in arrears, at the annual rate of Euro 346,000 (the
“US
Base Salary”). On January 1, 2009, such US Base Salary shall be increased to the
annual rate of Euro 391,000. On each subsequent January 1 (or such other
appropriate date during each year of the Term when the salaries of executives
at
the Executive’s level are normally reviewed), the Employer shall review the US
Base Salary and determine if, and by how much, the US Base Salary should be
increased; provided,
however, the
US
Base Salary under this Agreement, including as subsequently adjusted upwards,
may not be decreased thereafter without the written consent of Executive, except
for across-the-board changes for executives at the Executive’s level. All
payments of US Base Salary or other compensation hereunder shall be less such
deductions or withholdings as are required by applicable law and
regulations.
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3.2 Bonus.
Executive
shall be eligible to participate, as determined by the Compensation Committee
of
the Board of Directors of the Employer (the “Board”), in the Employer’s annual
incentive program as in effect from time to time for executives at the
Executive’s level. The Executive shall be eligible for an annual incentive bonus
at a target opportunity of one hundred twenty percent (120%) of US Base Salary
(up to a maximum opportunity of two hundred and forty percent (240%) of US
Base
Salary) based upon the achievement of certain Corporate Center objectives
established in advance by the Board or its Compensation Committee (the “Annual
Bonus”). The actual amount of any Annual Bonus shall be determined by and in
accordance with the terms of the Employer’s annual incentive program as in
effect from time to time and the Executive shall have no absolute right to
an
Annual Bonus in any year.
3.3 Long-Term
Incentive.
The
Executive will receive on a date designated by the Board during the first open
trading window for Section 16 officers subsequent to the effectiveness of this
Agreement (known as the “Grant Date”) the following:
3.3.1 Restricted
Stock Unit Grant.
A
grant
of a number of restricted stock units which will be payable in shares of common
stock of the Employer (“Common Stock”) with an economic value as of the Grant
Date equal to approximately Euro 2,972,000 (the “Restricted Stock Units”). The
Restricted Stock Units will be granted under the Employer’s Omnibus Incentive
Plan. The Restricted Stock Units will be issued on the Grant Date. For purposes
of this Subsection 3.3.1, the determination of the number of Restricted Stock
Units to be granted to Executive shall be consistent with the methodology used
for valuing restricted stock units granted to employees which has been approved
and adopted by the Compensation Committee of the Board.
3.3.2 Stock
Option Grant.
A grant
of stock options to purchase shares of Common Stock with an economic value
as of
the Grant Date equal to approximately Euro 2,972,000 (the “Options”). The
Options will be granted under the Employer’s Omnibus Incentive Plan and for
purposes of such Omnibus Incentive Plan:
(i) the
Options will be Nonqualified Stock Options;
(ii) the
exercise price will be equal to the Fair Market Value of a share of Common
Stock
as defined under the terms of the Employer’s Omnibus Incentive Plan on the Grant
Date; and
(iii) the
Expiration Date will be the last business day immediately preceding the fifth
anniversary of the Grant Date.
The
Options will be issued on the Grant Date. For purposes of this Subsection 3.3.2,
the determination of the number of Options to be granted to Executive shall
be
consistent with the methodology used for valuing stock options granted to
employees which has been approved and adopted by the Compensation Committee
of
the Board.
3.3.3 Vesting.
With
respect to the Restricted Stock Units and the Options issued on the Grant Date,
one-fourth (25%) of both the Restricted Stock Units and the Options will vest
on
December 31, 2008, another fourth will vest on December 31, 2009, another fourth
will vest on December 31, 2010, and the remaining one-fourth of both the
Restricted Stock Units and the Options will vest on December 31, 2011, provided
that the Executive is still employed on such dates, subject to the provisions
of
Section 4 of this Agreement. Executive shall not be eligible to receive any
additional regular cycle grants under the Employer’s Omnibus Incentive Plan
until after the fourth anniversary of the Grant Date.
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3.3.4 Grant
Agreements.
The
Restricted Stock Units and Options will be governed by separate agreements
entered into between the Executive and the Employer, and in the event of any
inconsistency between such separate agreements and the terms of this Agreement
(including, but not limited to Section 4), this Agreement shall govern and
control. For avoidance of doubt, nothing in the preceding sentence shall be
construed to limit the application of any provision of such separate agreements
that expressly refers to and incorporates a provision of this
Agreement.
3.4 Business
Expenses.
The
Employer shall pay or reimburse the Executive for all reasonable expenses
actually incurred or paid by the Executive during the Term in the performance
of
the Executive’s services for the Employer under this Agreement, subject to and
in accordance with applicable expense reimbursement and related policies and
procedures as in effect from time to time with the Employer.
3.5 Vacation.
During
the Term, the Executive shall be entitled to an annual paid vacation period
or
periods in accordance with the applicable executive vacation policy as in effect
from time to time with respect to the Italian Subsidiary, which in no event
shall be less than the vacation policy as in effect with the Italian Subsidiary
on the Effective Date.
3.6 Employee
Pension and Health and Welfare Plans.
During
the Term, the Executive shall, to the extent he otherwise is or becomes
eligible, be entitled to participate in those active defined benefit, defined
contribution, group insurance, medical, dental, disability and other benefit
plans of the Employer as from time to time in effect and on a basis no less
favorable than any other executive at the Executive’s level at the Employer.
3.7 Perquisites.
During
the Term, the Executive shall be provided by the Employer with the following
perquisites:
3.7.1 an
annual
physical examination;
3.7.2 home
office equipment and associated services for business use in Executive’s homes
not to exceed US$5,000 per year (which amount includes any applicable gross-up
for any taxes due for such payment);
3.7.3 annual
reimbursement for the reasonable fees associated with financial planning and
income tax advice and document preparation not to exceed US$5,000 per year
(which amount includes any applicable gross-up for any taxes due for such
payment); and
3.7.4 reimbursement
for a one-time cost of estate planning services, at a time selected by the
Executive during the Term, not to exceed US$10,000 in the aggregate (which
amount includes any applicable gross-up for any taxes due for such
payment).
3.8 Make
Whole Payment.
Within
30
days from the date of the effectiveness of this Agreement, the Employer shall
pay the Executive Euro 44,000 as a “make whole” payment.
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4.
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Termination.
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4.1 Termination
Events.
4.1.1 Executive’s
employment and the Term shall terminate immediately upon the occurrence of
any
of the following:
(i) Death:
the
death
of the Executive;
(ii) Disability:
the
physical or mental disability of the Executive, whether totally or partially,
such that with or without reasonable accommodation the Executive is unable
to
perform the Executive’s material duties for the Employer, for a period of not
less than one hundred and eighty (180) consecutive days; or
(iii) For
Cause By the Employer:
notice
of
termination for “Cause”. As used herein, “Cause” means:
(A) conviction
of a felony;
(B) actual
or
attempted theft or embezzlement of the Employer’s assets;
(C) use
of
illegal drugs;
(D) material
breach of the Agreement that the Executive has not cured within thirty (30)
days
after the Employer has provided the Executive notice of the material breach
which shall be given within sixty (60) days of the Employer’s knowledge of the
occurrence of the material breach;
(E) commission
of an act of moral turpitude that in the judgment of the Board can reasonably
be
expected to have an adverse effect on the business, reputation or financial
situation of the Employer and/or the ability of the Executive to perform the
Executive's duties;
(F) gross
negligence or willful misconduct in performance of the Executive’s duties;
(G) breach
of
fiduciary duty to the Employer;
(H) willful
refusal to perform the duties of Executive’s titled position; or
(I) a
material violation, as determined by the Board in its sole discretion, of the
Xxxxxx Xxxxxxx Code of Business Conduct and Ethics.
4.1.2 For
Good Reason By the Executive:
The
Executive may immediately terminate the Executive’s position with the Employer
for Good Reason and, in such event, the Term shall terminate. As used herein,
“Good Reason” means a material negative change in the employment relationship
without the Executive’s consent, as evidenced by, among other things, the
occurrence of any of the following:
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(i) material
diminution in title, duties, responsibilities or authority with the Employer;
(ii) reduction
of US Base Salary and benefits except for across-the-board changes for
executives at the Executive’s level;
(iii) exclusion
from executive benefit/compensation plans;
(iv) relocation
of the Executive’s principal business location by the Employer of greater than
fifty (50) miles;
(v) material
breach of the Agreement by the Employer;
(vi) resignation
in compliance with securities/corporate governance applicable law (such as
the
US Xxxxxxxx-Xxxxx Act) or rules of professional conduct specifically applicable
to such Executive, or
(vii) termination
without Cause by the Italian Subsidiary of the Italian employment
agreement.
For
each
event described above in this Section 4.1.2, the Executive must notify the
Employer within ninety (90) days of the occurrence of the event and the Employer
shall have thirty (30) days after receiving such notice in which to
cure.
4.1.3 Without
Cause By the Employer:
The
Employer may terminate the Executive’s employment thirty (30) days following
notice of termination without Cause given by the Employer and, in such event,
the Term shall terminate. During such thirty (30) day notice period, the
Employer may require that the Executive cease performing some or all of the
Executive’s duties and/or not be present at the Employer’s offices and/or other
facilities.
4.1.4 Without
Good Reason By the Executive:
The
Executive may voluntarily terminate the Executive’s position effective thirty
(30) days following notice to the Employer of the Executive’s intent to
voluntarily terminate without Good Reason and, in such event, the Term shall
terminate. During such thirty (30) day notice period, the Employer may require
that the Executive cease performing some or all of the Executive’s duties and/or
not be present at the Employer’s offices and/or other facilities.
4.1.5 Definition
of Termination Date.
For
all
purposes of this Agreement, the Executive’s “Termination Date” shall be the
earlier of (i) the date upon which Executive’s employment terminates pursuant to
this Section 4.1, or (ii) the expiration of the Term.
4.2 Payments
Upon a Termination Event.
4.2.1 Entitlements
Upon Termination For Any Reason.
Following
any termination of the Executive’s employment, the Employer shall pay or provide
to the Executive, or the Executive’s estate or beneficiary, as the case may be:
(i) US
Base
Salary earned through the Termination Date;
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(ii) the
balance of any awarded (i.e.,
the
amount and payment of the specific award has been fully approved by the
Compensation Committee) but as yet unpaid, annual cash incentive or other
incentive awards for the calendar year prior to the calendar year during which
the Executive’s Termination Date occurs;
(iii) a
payment
representing the Executive’s accrued but unused vacation;
(iv) any
vested, but not forfeited benefits on the Termination Date under the Employer’s
employee benefit plans in accordance with the terms of such plans; and
(v) any
benefit continuation and conversion rights to which the Executive is entitled
under the Employer’s employee benefit plans.
4.2.2 Payments
Upon Involuntary Termination by the Employer Without Cause or Voluntary
Termination of the Executive with Good Reason.
Following a termination by the Employer without Cause or by the Executive for
Good Reason, the
Employer shall pay or provide to the Executive in addition to the payments
in
Subsection 4.2.1 immediately above:
(i) an
amount
equal to twenty-four (24) months of US Base Salary at the rate in effect on
the
Termination Date, payable in a lump sum within 30 days following the Termination
Date;
(ii) an
amount
equal to 200% of the Executive’s annual cash incentive payment at target,
payable in a lump sum within 30 days following the Termination Date:
(iii) two
additional years of age and service to be credited under the Employer’s pension
plan and/or supplemental pension plan, if and to the extent the Executive was
participating in any such plans on the Termination Date;
(iv) two
years
of continued health and welfare benefit plan coverage following the Termination
Date (excluding any additional vacation accrual or sick leave) at active
employee levels, if and to the extent the Executive was participating in any
such plans on the Termination Date, provided that the Executive remits monthly
premiums for the full cost of any health benefits;
(v) a
cash
payment each month during the two-year period following the Termination Date
equal to the full monthly premium for the medical and health benefits described
in clause (iv) above minus the active employee cost of such coverage, such
monthly amount to be grossed-up by the Employer for any applicable income taxes;
(vi) except
as
prohibited by law, removal of transfer and other restrictions from all shares
of
capital stock of the Employer registered in the Executive’s name;
(vii) full
vesting of all stock options to purchase shares of capital stock of the
Employer, restricted stock, and restricted stock units; and
(viii) executive
level career transition assistance services by a firm selected by the Executive
and approved by the Employer in an amount not to exceed US$8,000 in the
aggregate (which amount includes any applicable gross-up for any taxes due
for
such payment).
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Notwithstanding
any other provision of this Agreement, as consideration for the pay and benefits
that the Employer shall provide the Executive pursuant to this Section 4.2.2,
the Executive shall provide the Employer an enforceable waiver and release
agreement in a form that the Employer normally requires.
4.2.3 Entitlements
Upon Expiration of the Term.
For the
avoidance of doubt, following the natural expiration of the Term of this
Agreement under Section 2.1, only the general entitlements of Subsection 4.2.1
apply.
4.3 Change
of Control.
4.3.1 Definitions.
(i) Affiliated
Company.
For
purposes of this Agreement, “Affiliated Company” means any company, directly or
indirectly, controlled by, controlling or under common control with
Employer.
(ii) 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 voting securities of Employer
where such acquisition causes such Person to own 20% or more of the combined
voting power of the then outstanding voting securities of Employer entitled
to
vote generally in the election of directors (the “Outstanding Employer Voting
Securities”), provided,
however,
that
for purposes of this subparagraph (A), the following acquisitions shall not
be
deemed to result in a Change of Control: (I) any acquisition directly from
Employer or any corporation or other legal entity controlled, directly or
indirectly, by Employer, (II) any acquisition by Employer or any corporation
or
other legal entity controlled, directly or indirectly, by Employer, (III) any
acquisition by any employee benefit plan (or related trust) sponsored or
maintained by Employer or any corporation or other legal entity controlled,
directly or indirectly, by Employer or (IV) any acquisition by any corporation
pursuant to a transaction that complies with clauses (I), (II) and (III) of
subparagraph (C) below; and provided,
further,
that if
any Person’s beneficial ownership of the Outstanding Employer Voting Securities
reaches or exceeds 20% as a result of a transaction described in clauses (I)
or
(II) above, and such Person subsequently acquires beneficial ownership of
additional voting securities of Employer, such subsequent acquisition shall
be
treated as an acquisition that causes such Person to own 20% or more of the
Outstanding Employer Voting Securities; or
(B) Individuals
who, as of the date hereof, constitute the Board (such individuals, 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 Employer’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,
but excluding, for this purpose, any such individual whose initial assumption
of
office occurs as a result of an actual or threatened election contest with
respect to the election or removal of directors or other actual or threatened
solicitation of proxies or consents by or on behalf of a Person other than
the
Board; or
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(C) The
approval by the shareholders of Employer of a reorganization, merger or
consolidation or sale or other disposition of all or substantially all of the
assets of Employer (“Business Combination”) or, if consummation of such Business
Combination is subject, at the time of such approval by shareholders, to the
consent of any government or governmental agency, the obtaining of such consent
(either explicitly or implicitly by consummation); excluding, however, such
a
Business Combination pursuant to which (I) all or substantially all of the
individuals and entities who were the beneficial owners of the Outstanding
Employer Voting Securities immediately prior to such Business Combination
beneficially own, directly or indirectly, more than 60% of, respectively, the
then outstanding shares of common stock and the combined voting power of the
then outstanding voting securities entitled to vote generally in the election
of
directors, as the case may be, of the corporation resulting from such Business
Combination (including, without limitation, a corporation that as a result
of
such transaction owns Employer or all or substantially all of Employer’s assets
either directly or through one or more subsidiaries) in substantially the same
proportions as their ownership, immediately prior to such Business Combination
of the Outstanding Employer Voting Securities, (II) no Person (excluding any
(1)
corporation owned, directly or indirectly, by the beneficial owners of the
Outstanding Employer Voting Securities as described in subclause (I) immediately
preceding, or (2) employee benefit plan (or related trust) of Employer or such
corporation resulting from such Business Combination, or any of their respective
subsidiaries) beneficially owns, directly or indirectly, 20% or more of,
respectively, the then outstanding shares of common stock of the corporation
resulting from such Business Combination or the combined voting power of the
then outstanding voting securities of such corporation except to the extent
that
such ownership existed prior to the Business Combination and (III) at least
a
majority of the members of the board of directors of the corporation resulting
from such Business Combination were members of the Incumbent Board at the time
of the execution of the initial agreement, or of the action of the Board,
providing for such Business Combination; or
(D) approval
by the shareholders of Employer of a complete liquidation or dissolution of
Employer.
(iii) Change
of Control Period.
For
purposes of this Agreement, the “Change of Control Period” shall mean the period
commencing on the date of a Change of Control and ending on the thirteenth-month
anniversary of such date.
(iv) Good
Reason.
For
purposes of Section 4.3, “Good Reason” (as defined in Section 4.1.2) shall also
include a termination by the Executive for any reason during the 30-day period
immediately following the first one-year anniversary of the Start Date (as
defined below).
(v) Recent
Annual Bonus.
For
purposes of this Agreement, a “Recent Annual Bonus” shall mean a prior year’s
Annual Bonus in cash equal to at least the highest “annual short-term incentive
award” (as such terminology is defined in the Xxxxxx Xxxxxxx Annual Executive
Short-Term Incentive Plan) received by the Executive under the Xxxxxx Xxxxxxx
Annual Executive Short-Term Incentive Plan, or any comparable bonus under any
predecessor or successor plan, including any bonus or portion thereof that
has
been awarded but deferred, for the last three full fiscal years prior to the
Start Date. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary, in the event that during
any three year look-back period above, any annual bonus paid and received by
Executive under the Xxxxxx Xxxxxxx Annual Executive Short-Term Incentive Plan
(or any respective predecessor annual incentive plan) was paid by a Xxxxxx
Xxxxxxx affiliate other than the Employer, then any such annual bonus paid
by
either Employer or any other Xxxxxx Xxxxxxx affiliate during the three-year
look-back period shall be deemed to be paid by Employer for purposes of this
computation.
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(vi) Start
Date.
For
purposes of this Agreement, “Start Date” shall mean the first date of the Change
of Control Period. Anything in this Agreement to the contrary notwithstanding,
if a Change of Control occurs and if the Executive’s employment with the
Employer 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 (A) was at the request of a third party who has taken steps
reasonably calculated to effect a Change of Control or (B) otherwise arose
in
connection with or anticipation of a Change of Control, then for all purposes
of
this Agreement the “Start Date” shall mean the date immediately prior to the
Termination Date.
4.3.2 Obligations
of the Employer upon Executive’s Voluntary Termination with Good Reason or
Employer’s Involuntary Termination of Executive Without Cause (Other Than for
Death or Disability) During Change of Control Period.
If,
during the Change of Control Period, the Employer terminates the Executive’s
employment without Cause (other than for death or Disability) or the Executive
terminates his employment for Good Reason:
(i) Lump
Sum Payment.
the
Employer shall pay to the Executive in a lump sum in cash within 30 days after
the Termination Date the aggregate of the following amounts:
(A) Accrued
Obligations.
the
sum
of (I) the Executive’s US Base Salary through the Termination Date to the extent
not theretofore paid, (II) the product of (1) the
higher of: (a)
any
Recent Annual Bonus, or (b) the Annual Bonus paid or payable, including any
bonus or portion thereof which has been earned but deferred (and annualized
for
any fiscal year consisting of less than twelve full months or during which
the
Executive was employed for less than twelve full months), for the most recently
completed fiscal year during the Change of Control Period, if any (such higher
amount being referred to as the “Highest Annual Bonus”) and (2) a fraction, the
numerator of which is the number of days in the current fiscal year through
the
Termination Date, and the denominator of which is 365, and (III) 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 subclauses
(I),
(II) and (III), (the “Accrued Obligations”);
(B) Three
Times Amount.
the
amount equal to:
(I) three
(3); MULTIPLIED
BY
(II) the
sum
of
(1) the
Executive’s US Base Salary; PLUS
(2) Euro
195,000; PLUS
(3) the
Highest Annual Bonus;
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provided,
however,
that
payment Euro 585,000 of the above-described amount shall be conditioned upon
formalization of a settlement agreement which both the Executive and the
Employer (and/or the Italian Subsidiary, as appropriate) agree in good faith
to
execute within 30 days of the Termination Date before the appropriate
authorities in order to make such settlement agreement final and unchallengeable
under Italian law; in this respect, the Executive, by executing this Agreement,
expressly gives his consent to such formalization and to appear before the
appropriate authorities upon the Employer’s or the Italian Subsidiary’s request.
In such situation, the Employer shall provide a form of such settlement
agreement that the Executive shall execute before the Italian authorities
(including Direzione
Provinciale del Lavoro
or
Executive’s Union Associations, at the Employer’s choice). It is intended by the
parties to mutually agree upon the terms of such settlement agreement when
and
if it is ever necessary to enter into such settlement agreement and to enter
into it in good faith and within 30 days of the Termination Date to accomplish
the objective of this paragraph (B). Such settlement agreement shall waive
and/or release any and all entitlements which Executive may receive under
Italian law and the National Contract (including any social security
contribution required to be paid on such amounts by the Italian Subsidiary)
related to a simultaneous or contemporaneous termination of Executive’s
employment with the Italian Subsidiary due to Executive’s voluntary termination
with Good Reason or his involuntary termination without Cause (other than for
death or Disability), including but not necessarily limited to:
(a) Indennità
Sostitutiva del Preavviso (Indemnity
in Lieu of Notice); and
(b) any
monies received in satisfaction of any claim of the Executive related to the
termination of the Italian employment relationship under Italian law and/or
the
National Contract, save for Trattamento
di Fine Rapporto
(T.F.R.)
(Severance Indemnity) and the final payments due by law (such as the indemnity
in lieu of accrued paid-leave, quota of 13 monthly compensation (and 14 monthly
compensation, if applicable), etc.); and
(c) any
monies received in satisfaction of any claim or action brought by Executive
in
relation to the termination of the Italian employment relationship, in
particular and by way of example, any Indennità
Supplementare
or
payment of any further compensation for damages, if any.
(C) Retirement
Plan Make Whole.
an
amount equal to the excess of (I) the actuarial equivalent of the benefit under
the Employer’s qualified defined benefit retirement plan (the “Retirement Plan”)
(utilizing actuarial assumptions no less favorable to the Executive than those
in effect under the Retirement Plan immediately prior to the Start Date) which
the Executive would receive if the Executive’s employment continued for three
years after the Termination Date assuming for this purpose that all accrued
benefits are fully vested, and, assuming that the Executive’s compensation in
each of the three years is that required by Sections 3.1 and 3.2 above, over
(II) the actuarial equivalent of the Executive’s actual benefit (paid or
payable), if any, under the Retirement Plan as of the Termination Date plus
amounts, if any, that the Executive would have contributed under the Retirement
Plan during such Change of Control Period; and
(D) Payment
of Equity Awards.
payment
for any shares of restricted common shares issued under the Employer’s or an
Affiliated Company’s Management and Sales Incentive Plan or any other plan
(whether or not vested), to the extent such shares are tendered to the Employer
or an Affiliated Company, as applicable, by the Executive within 20 days after
the Termination Date, at a price per share equal to the highest of (I) the
market price on the New York Stock Exchange of a common share of Employer at
the
close of business on the date of such tender, (II) the highest price paid for
a
common share of Employer in any Change of Control transaction occurring on
or
after the Start Date, or (III) the market price on the New York Stock Exchange
of a common share of Employer at the close of business on the date of any such
Change of Control transaction;
11
(ii) Medical
Coverage.
for
five
years after the Executive’s Termination Date, or such longer period as may be
provided by the terms of the appropriate medical or health plan, program,
practice or policy, the Employer 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 medical or health plans, programs, practices and
policies if the Executive’s employment had not been terminated or, if more
favorable to the Executive, and to the extent he otherwise is or becomes
eligible therefor, as in effect generally at any time thereafter with respect
to
other peer executives of the Employer and the Affiliated Companies and their
families; provided,
however,
that
the Executive remits monthly premiums for the full cost of any medical and
health benefits; and provided
further that
if
the Executive becomes reemployed with another employer and is eligible to
receive medical or other health benefits under another employer provided plan,
the medical and other health benefits described herein shall be secondary to
those provided under such other plan during such applicable period of
eligibility. For purposes of determining eligibility (but not the time of
commencement of benefits) 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 fifth anniversary of the Termination Date
and
to have retired on such fifth anniversary;
(iii) Medical
Payments.
the
Employer shall make a cash payment each month during the five-year period
commencing after the Executive’s Termination Date, equal to the full monthly
premium for the medical and health benefits described in Section 4.3.2(v) above
minus the active employee cost of such coverage, such amount to be grossed-up
for any applicable income taxes;
(iv) Outplacement
Services.
the
Employer shall, at its sole expense as incurred, provide the Executive with
outplacement services the scope and provider of which shall be selected by
the
Executive in the Executive’s sole discretion; and
(v) Other
Benefits.
to the
extent not theretofore paid or provided, the Employer shall timely pay or
provide to the Executive any other amounts or benefits required to be paid
or
provided or which the Executive is eligible to receive under any plan, program,
policy or practice or contract or agreement of the Employer and the Affiliated
Companies (such other amounts and benefits shall be hereinafter referred to
as
the “Other Benefits”).
4.3.3 Obligations
of the Employer upon Executive’s Death.
If
the
Executive’s employment is terminated by reason of the Executive’s death during
the Change of Control Period, the Employer shall provide the Executive’s estate
or beneficiaries with the Accrued Obligations and the timely payment or delivery
of the Other Benefits, and shall have no other severance obligations under
this
Agreement. The Accrued Obligations shall be paid to the Executive’s estate or
beneficiary, as applicable, in a lump sum in cash within 30 days of the
Termination Date. With respect to the provision of Other Benefits, the term
“Other Benefits” as utilized in this Subsection 4.3.3 shall include, without
limitation, and the Executive’s estate and/or beneficiaries shall be entitled to
receive, benefits at least equal to the most favorable benefits provided by
the
Employer and the Affiliated Companies to the estates and beneficiaries of peer
executives of the Employer and the Affiliated Companies under such plans,
programs, practices and policies relating to death benefits, if any, as in
effect with respect to other peer executives and their beneficiaries at any
time
during the 120-day period immediately preceding the Start Date or, if more
favorable to the Executive’s estate and/or the Executive’s beneficiaries, as in
effect on the date of the Executive’s death with respect to other peer
executives of the Employer and the Affiliated Companies and their
beneficiaries.
12
4.3.4 Obligations
of the Employer upon Executive’s Disability.
If the
Executive’s employment is terminated by reason of the Executive’s Disability
during the Change of Control Period, the Employer shall provide the Executive
with the Accrued Obligations and the timely payment or delivery of the Other
Benefits, and shall have no other severance obligations under this Agreement.
The Accrued Obligations shall be paid to the Executive in a lump sum in cash
within 30 days of the Termination Date. With respect to the provision of Other
Benefits, the term “Other Benefits” as utilized in this Subsection 4.3.4 shall
include, and the Executive shall be entitled after the Disability Start Date
to
receive, disability and other benefits at least equal to the most favorable
of
those generally provided by the Employer and the Affiliated Companies to
disabled executives and/or their families in accordance with such plans,
programs, practices and policies relating to disability, if any, as in effect
generally with respect to other peer executives and their families at any time
during the 120-day period immediately preceding the Start Date or, if more
favorable to the Executive and/or the Executive’s family, as in effect at any
time thereafter generally with respect to other peer executives of the Employer
and the Affiliated Companies and their families.
4.3.5 Obligations
of the Employer upon Executive’s Voluntary Termination Without Good Reason or
Employer’s Involuntary Termination of Executive With Cause During Change of
Control Period.
If
the
Executive’s employment is terminated for Cause during the Change of Control
Period, the Employer shall provide to the Executive (i) the Executive’s US Base
Salary through the Termination Date, (ii) the amount of any compensation
previously deferred by the Executive, and (iii) Other Benefits, in each case
to
the extent theretofore unpaid, and shall have no other severance obligations
under this Agreement. If the Executive voluntarily terminates employment during
the Change of Control Period, excluding a termination for Good Reason, the
Employer shall provide to the Executive the Accrued Obligations and the timely
payment or delivery of Other Benefits, and shall have no other severance
obligations under this Agreement. In such case, all Accrued Obligations shall
be
paid to the Executive in a lump sum in cash within 30 days of the Termination
Date.
4.3.6 Certain
Additional Payments by the Employer.
(i) Definitions.
The
following terms shall have the following meanings for purposes of this
Subsection 4.3.6.
(A) Excise
Tax.
“Excise
Tax” shall mean the excise tax imposed by Section 4999 of the Internal Revenue
Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), together with any interest or penalties
imposed with respect to such excise tax.
(B) Net
After-Tax Amount.
The
“Net
After-Tax Amount” of a Payment shall mean the Value of a Payment net of all
taxes imposed on the Executive with respect thereto under Sections 1 and 4999
of
the Code and applicable state and local law, determined by applying the highest
marginal rates that are expected to apply to the Executive’s taxable income for
the taxable year in which the Payment is made.
(C) Parachute
Value.
“Parachute Value” of a Payment shall mean the present value as of the date of
the change of control for purposes of Section 280G of the Code of the portion
of
such Payment that constitutes a “parachute payment” under Section 280G(b)(2), as
determined by the Accounting Firm for purposes of determining whether and to
what extent the Excise Tax will apply to such Payment.
(D) Payment.
A
“Payment” shall mean any payment or distribution in the nature of compensation
(within the meaning of Section 280G(b)(2) of the Code) to or for the benefit
of
the Executive, whether paid or payable pursuant to this Agreement or
otherwise.
13
(E) Safe
Harbor Amount.
The
“Safe
Harbor Amount” means the maximum Parachute Value of all Payments that the
Executive can receive without any Payments being subject to the Excise
Tax.
(F) Value.
“Value”
of a Payment shall mean the economic present value of a Payment as of the date
of the change of control for purposes of Section 280G of the Code, as determined
by the Accounting Firm (as defined below) using the discount rate required
by
Section 280G(d)(4) of the Code.
(ii) Gross-Up
Payment.
Anything in this Agreement to the contrary notwithstanding, in the event it
shall be determined that any Payment would be subject to the Excise Tax, then
the Executive shall be entitled to receive an additional payment (a “Gross-Up
Payment”) in an amount such that after payment by the Executive of all taxes
(and 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. Any Gross-Up Payment will be made as soon as
reasonably practicable but in no event later than December 31 of the year
following the year in which the Excise Tax is incurred.
(iii) Determination
of the Gross-Up Payment.
Subject
to the provisions of paragraph (iv) immediately below, all determinations
required to be made under this Subsection 4.3.6, 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
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP or such other nationally recognized certified public
accounting firm as may be designated by the Executive (the “Accounting Firm”).
The Accounting Firm shall provide detailed supporting calculations both to
the
Employer 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 Employer. 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 may 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 Employer. Any Gross-Up Payment,
as determined pursuant to this Subsection 4.3.6, shall be paid by the Employer
to the Executive within five days of the receipt of the Accounting Firm’s
determination. Any determination by the Accounting Firm shall be binding upon
the Employer 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 Employer should have been made (“Underpayment”),
consistent with the calculations required to be made hereunder. In the event
that the Employer exhausts its remedies pursuant to paragraph (iv) below 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 Employer to or for
the
benefit of the Executive.
(iv) Notification.
The
Executive shall notify the Employer in writing of any claim by the Internal
Revenue Service that, if successful, would require the payment by the Employer
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. The Executive shall apprise the Employer 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 the Executive gives such notice to the Employer (or such
shorter period ending on the date that any payment of taxes with respect to
such
claim is due). If the Employer notifies the Executive in writing prior to the
expiration of such period that the Employer desires to contest such claim,
the
Executive shall:
14
(A) give
the
Employer any information reasonably requested by the Employer relating to such
claim;
(B) take
such
action in connection with contesting such claim as the Employer 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 Employer;
(C) cooperate
with the Employer in good faith in order effectively to contest such claim;
and
(D) permit
the Employer to participate in any proceedings relating to such
claim;
provided,
however, that
the
Employer 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) imposed as a result
of such representation and payment of costs and expenses. Without limitation
on
the foregoing provisions of this paragraph (iv), the Employer shall control
all
proceedings taken in connection with such contest and, at its sole discretion,
may pursue or forgo any and all administrative appeals, proceedings, hearings
and conferences with the applicable taxing authority in respect of such claim
and may, at its sole discretion, 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 Employer shall determine; provided,
however, that
if
the Employer directs the Executive to pay such claim and xxx for a refund,
the
Employer 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) imposed with respect to such advance or with respect to any imputed
income in connection with such advance; and provided, further, 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
Employer’s control of the contest shall be limited to issues with respect to
which the 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.
(v) Entitlement
to Refund.
If,
after
the receipt by the Executive of an amount advanced by the Employer pursuant
to
paragraph (iv) above, the Executive becomes entitled to receive any refund
with
respect to such claim, the Executive shall (subject to the Employer’s complying
with the requirements of paragraph (iv)) promptly pay to the Employer 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 Employer pursuant to paragraph (iv), a determination is made
that the Executive shall not be entitled to any refund with respect to such
claim and the Employer 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.
15
(vi) Consent
to Withholding.
Notwithstanding any other provision of this Subsection 4.3.6, the Employer
may,
in its sole discretion, withhold and pay over to the Internal Revenue Service
or
any other applicable taxing authority, for the benefit of the Executive, all
or
any portion of the Gross-Up Payment, and the Executive hereby consents to such
withholding.
4.3.7 Immediate
Payment of Annual Bonus. As
soon
as technically possible following the Start Date, the Executive shall receive
an
immediate payment in cash of the Annual Bonus under the Xxxxxx Xxxxxxx Annual
Executive Short-Term Incentive Plan, or any successor plan, for the year in
which the Change of Control takes place equal to the Annual Bonus the Executive
received (if any) for the calendar year immediately preceding the year in which
the Change of Control took place. If it is determined, after the end of the
year
in which the Change of Control took place, that the amount of the Annual Bonus
that is actually due to the Executive for such year under the Xxxxxx Xxxxxxx
Annual Executive Short-Term Incentive Plan, or any successor plan, exceeds
the
amount paid pursuant to the preceding sentence, the excess shall be paid to
the
Executive no
later
than the fifteenth day of the third month of the fiscal year next following
the
fiscal year for which this Annual Bonus is paid under this Section
4.3.7.
It is
expressly agreed that the overall Annual Bonus paid for the year in which the
Change of Control takes place in no event shall be lower than the Recent Annual
Bonus.
4.4 No
Mitigation.
Upon
termination of the Executive’s employment with the Employer, the Executive shall
be under no obligation to seek other employment or otherwise mitigate the
obligations of the Employer under this Agreement.
5.
|
Protection
of Confidential Information; Non-Competition and
Non-Solicitation.
|
5.1 Confidential
Information.
The
Executive acknowledges that the Executive’s services will be unique, that they
will involve the development of Employer-subsidized relationships with key
customers, suppliers, and service providers as well as with key Employer
employees and that the Executive’s work for the Employer will give the Executive
access to highly confidential information not available to the public or
competitors, including trade secrets and confidential marketing, sales, product
development and other data and information which it would be impracticable
for
the Employer to effectively protect and preserve in the absence of this
Section 5 and the disclosure or misappropriation of which could materially
adversely affect the Employer. Accordingly, the Executive agrees:
5.1.1 except
in
the course of performing the Executive’s duties provided for in
Section 1.1, not at any time, whether before, during or after the
Executive’s employment with the Employer, to divulge to any other entity or
person any confidential information acquired by the Executive concerning the
Employer’s or its subsidiaries’ or affiliates’ financial affairs or business
processes or methods or their research, development or marketing programs or
plans, or any other of its or their trade secrets. The foregoing prohibitions
shall include, without limitation, directly or indirectly publishing (or
causing, participating in, assisting or providing any statement, opinion or
information in connection with the publication of) any diary, memoir, letter,
story, photograph, interview, article, essay, account or description (whether
fictionalized or not) concerning any of the foregoing, publication being deemed
to include any presentation or reproduction of any written, verbal or visual
material in any communication medium, including any book, magazine, newspaper,
theatrical production or movie, or television or radio programming or
commercial. In the event that the Executive is requested or required to make
disclosure of information subject to this Section 5.1.1 under any court
order, subpoena or other judicial process, then, except as prohibited by law,
the Executive will promptly notify the Employer, take all reasonable steps
requested by the Employer to defend against the compulsory disclosure and permit
the Employer to control with counsel of its choice any proceeding relating
to
the compulsory disclosure. The Executive acknowledges that all information,
the
disclosure of which is prohibited by this section, is of a confidential and
proprietary character and of great value to the Employer and its subsidiaries
and affiliates;
16
5.1.2 to
deliver promptly to the Employer on termination of the Executive’s employment
with the Employer, or at any time that the Employer may so request, all
confidential memoranda, notes, records, reports, manuals, drawings, software,
electronic/digital media records, blueprints and other documents (and all copies
thereof) relating to the Employer’s (and its subsidiaries’ and affiliates’)
business and all property associated therewith, which the Executive may then
possess or have under the Executive’s control.
5.2 Employer
Protections.
In
consideration of the Employer’s entering into this Agreement, the Executive
agrees that at all times during the Term and thereafter for the time period
described hereinbelow, the Executive shall not, directly or indirectly, for
Executive or on behalf of or in conjunction with, any other person, company,
partnership, corporation, business, group, or other entity (each, a
“Person”):
5.2.1 Non-Competition:
until
the
first anniversary of the Termination Date, engage in any activity for or on
behalf of a Competitor, as director, employee, shareholder (excluding any such
shareholding by the Executive of no more than 5% of the shares of a
publicly-traded company), consultant or otherwise, which is the same as or
similar to activity in which Executive engaged at any time during the last
two
(2) years of employment by the Employer; or
5.2.2 Non-Solicitation:
until
the
second anniversary of the Termination Date:
(i) Of
Employees:
call
upon
any Person who is, at such Termination Date, engaged in activity on behalf
of
the Employer or any subsidiary or affiliate of the Employer for the purpose
or
with the intent of enticing such Person to cease such activity on behalf of
the
Employer or such subsidiary or affiliate; or
(ii) Of
Customers:
solicit,
induce, or attempt to induce any customer of the Employer to cease doing
business in whole or in part with or through the Employer or a subsidiary or
affiliate, or to do business with any Competitor.
For
purposes of this Agreement, “Competitor” means a person or entity who or which
is engaged in a material line of business conducted by the Employer. For
purposes of this Agreement, “a material line of business conducted by the
Employer” means an activity of the Employer generating gross revenues to that
entity of more than twenty-five million dollars (US$25,000,000) in the
immediately preceding fiscal year of that entity.
5.3 Remedies
and Injunctive Relief.
If
the
Executive commits a breach or threatens to breach any of the provisions of
Section 5.1 or 5.2 hereof, the Employer shall have the right and remedy to
have the provisions of this Agreement specifically enforced by injunction or
otherwise by any court having jurisdiction, it being acknowledged and agreed
that any such breach will cause irreparable injury to the Employer in addition
to money damage and that money damages alone will not provide a complete or
adequate remedy to the Employer, it being further agreed that such right and
remedy shall be in addition to, and not in lieu of, any other rights and
remedies available to the Employer under law or in equity.
17
5.4 Severability.
If any
of the covenants contained in Sections 5.1, 5.2 or 5.3, or any part
thereof, hereafter are construed to be invalid or unenforceable, the same shall
not affect the remainder of the covenant or covenants, which shall be given
full
effect, without regard to the invalid portions.
5.5 Extension
of Term of Covenants Following Violation.
The
period during which the prohibitions of Section 5.2 are in effect shall be
extended by any period or periods during which the Executive is in violation
of
Section 5.2.
5.6 Choice
of Forum and Modification by Court.
Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 9.1, only with specific respect to
any
of the covenants contained in Sections 5.1 and 5.2, or any part thereof, it
is
agreed that any court anywhere in the world has jurisdiction to hear those
particular issues. If any of the covenants contained in Sections 5.1 and 5.2
are
held to be unenforceable, the parties agree that the court making such
determination shall have the power to revise or modify such provision to make
it
enforceable to the maximum extent permitted by applicable law and, in its
revised or modified form, said provision shall then be enforceable.
5.7 Modification
by One Court Not to Affect Covenants in Another Country.
The
parties hereto intend to and hereby confer jurisdiction only to enforce the
specific covenants contained in Sections 5.1 and 5.2 upon the courts of any
country within the geographical scope of such covenants. In the event that
the
courts of any one or more of such countries hold such covenants wholly
unenforceable by reason of the breadth of such covenants or otherwise, it is
the
intention of the parties’ hereto that such determination not bar or in any way
affect the Employer’s right to the relief provided above in the courts of any
other countries within the geographical scope of such covenants as to breaches
of such covenants in such other respective jurisdictions, the above covenants
as
they relate to each country being for this purpose severable into diverse and
independent covenants.
6.
|
Intellectual
Property.
|
6.1 Employer’s
Rights.
Notwithstanding
and without limiting the provisions of Section 5, the Employer shall be the
sole owner of all the products and proceeds of the Executive’s services
hereunder, including, but not limited to, all materials, ideas, concepts,
formats, suggestions, developments, arrangements, packages, programs and other
intellectual properties that the Executive may acquire, obtain, develop or
create in connection with or during the Term, free and clear of any claims
by
the Executive (or anyone claiming under the Executive) of any kind or character
whatsoever (other than the Executive’s right to receive payments hereunder), the
Executive shall, at the request of the Employer, execute such assignments,
certificates or other instruments as the Employer may from time to time deem
necessary or desirable to evidence, establish, maintain, perfect, protect,
enforce or defend its right, title or interest in or to any such
properties.
18
7.
|
Indemnification.
|
7.1 General
Rule.
In
addition to any rights to indemnification to which the Executive is entitled
under the Employer’s charter and by-laws, as the case may be, to the extent
permitted by applicable law, the Employer will indemnify, from the assets of
the
Employer supplemented by insurance in an amount determined by the Employer,
the
Executive at all times, during and after the Term, and, to the maximum extent
permitted by applicable law, shall pay the Executive’s expenses (including
reasonable attorneys’ fees and expenses, which shall be paid in advance by the
Employer as incurred, subject to recoupment in accordance with applicable law)
in connection with any threatened or actual action, suit or proceeding to which
the Executive may be made a party, brought by any shareholder of the Employer,
directly or derivatively or by any third party by reason of any act or omission
or alleged act or omission in relation to any affairs of the Employer, or any
subsidiary or affiliate of the Employer of the Executive as an officer, director
or employee of the Employer or of any subsidiary or affiliate of the Employer.
The Employer shall use its best efforts to maintain during the Term and
thereafter insurance coverage sufficient in the determination of the Employer
to
satisfy any indemnification obligation of the Employer arising under this
Section 7.
8.
|
Notices.
|
8.1 To
the Employer.
All
notices, requests, consents and other communications required or permitted
to be
given hereunder shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been duly given
if delivered personally, one day after sent by overnight courier or three days
after mailed first class, postage prepaid, by registered or certified mail,
as
follows (or to such other address as either party shall designate by notice
in
writing to the other in accordance herewith):
If
to the
Employer, to:
Xxxxxx
Xxxxxxx Ltd.
Xxxxxxxxxx Xxxxxxxxx Xxxx
Xxxxxxx, XX 00000-0000
Attention: Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary
Xxxxxxxxxx Xxxxxxxxx Xxxx
Xxxxxxx, XX 00000-0000
Attention: Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary
8.2 To
the Executive.
If
to the
Executive, to the Executive’s principal residence as reflected in the records of
the Employer.
9.
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General.
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9.1 Governing
Law.
This
Agreement shall be governed by and construed and enforced in accordance with
the
laws of the State of New Jersey applicable to agreements made between residents
thereof and to be performed entirely in New Jersey.
9.2 Headings.
The
section headings contained herein are for reference purposes only and shall
not in any way affect the meaning or interpretation of this
Agreement.
9.3 Entire
Agreement.
This
Agreement sets forth the entire agreement and understanding of the parties
relating to the subject matter hereof, and supersedes all prior agreements,
arrangements and understandings, written or oral, relating to the subject matter
hereof. No representation, promise or inducement has been made by either party
that is not embodied in this Agreement, and neither party shall be bound by
or
liable for any alleged representation, promise or inducement not so set
forth.
9.4 Assignability.
9.4.1 Nonassignability
by Executive.
This
Agreement, and the Executive’s rights and obligations hereunder, may not be
assigned by the Executive, nor may the Executive pledge, encumber or anticipate
any payments or benefits due hereunder, by operation of law or otherwise.
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9.4.2 Assignability
by the Employer.
The
Employer may assign its rights, together with its obligations,
hereunder:
(i) to
any
affiliate; or
(ii) to
a
third party in connection with any sale, transfer or other disposition of all
or
substantially all of any business to which the Executive’s services are then
principally devoted;
provided,
however,
that no
assignment pursuant to this paragraph 9.4.2 shall relieve the Employer from
its
obligations hereunder to the extent the same are not timely discharged by such
assignee.
9.4.3 Assumption
of Agreement by Successors.
The
Employer 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 Employer to assume expressly and agree to perform this
Agreement in the same manner and to the same extent that the Employer would
be
required to perform it if no such succession had taken place.
9.5 Survival.
The
respective rights and obligations of the parties hereunder shall survive any
termination of this Agreement or the Term to the extent necessary to the
intended preservation of such rights and obligations.
9.6 Amendment.
This
Agreement may be amended, modified, superseded, canceled, renewed or extended
and the terms or covenants hereof may be waived, only by a written instrument
executed by the parties hereto, or in the case of a waiver, by the party waiving
compliance. The failure of either party at any time or times to require
performance of any provision hereof shall in no manner affect the right at
a
later time to enforce the same. No waiver by either party of the breach of
any
term or covenant contained in this Agreement, whether by conduct or otherwise,
in any one or more instances, shall be deemed to be, or construed as, a further
or continuing waiver of any such breach, or a waiver of the breach of any other
term or covenant contained in this Agreement.
9.7 Counterparts.
This
Agreement may be executed in two or more counterparts, each of which shall
he
deemed to be an original but all of which together will constitute one and
the
same instrument.
9.8 Acknowledgement
of Ability to Have Counsel Review.
The
parties acknowledge that this Agreement is the result of arm’s-length
negotiations between sophisticated parties each afforded the opportunity to
utilize representation by legal counsel. Each and every provision of this
Agreement shall be construed as though both parties participated equally in
the
drafting of same, and any rule of construction that a document shall be
construed against the drafting party shall not be applicable to this
Agreement.
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10.
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Dispute
Resolution.
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10.1 Arbitration.
Subject
to the rights of the Employer pursuant to Section 5.3 above, any
controversy, claim or dispute arising out of or relating to this Agreement,
the
breach thereof, or the Executive’s employment by the Employer shall be settled
by arbitration with three arbitrators. The arbitration will be administered
by
the American Arbitration Association in accordance with its National Rules
for
Resolution of Employment Disputes. The arbitration proceeding shall be
confidential, and judgment on the award rendered by the arbitrator may be
entered in any court having jurisdiction. Any such arbitration shall take place
in the Clinton, New Jersey area, or in any other mutually agreeable location.
In
the event any judicial action is necessary to enforce the arbitration provisions
of this Agreement, sole jurisdiction shall be in the federal and state courts,
as applicable, located in New Jersey. Any request for interim injunctive relief
or other provisional remedies or opposition thereto shall not be deemed to
be a
waiver or the right or obligation to arbitrate hereunder. The arbitrator shall
have the discretion to award reasonable attorneys’ fees, costs and expenses to
the prevailing party. To the extent a party prevails in any dispute arising
out
of this Agreement or any of its terms and provisions, all reasonable costs,
fees
and expenses relating to such dispute, including the parties’ reasonable legal
fees, shall be borne by the party not prevailing in the resolution of such
dispute, but only to the extent that the arbitrator or court, as the case may
be, deems reasonable and appropriate given the merits of the claims and defenses
asserted.
11.
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Free
to Contract.
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11.1 Executive
Representations and Warranty.
The
Executive represents and warrants to the Employer that Executive is able freely
to accept engagement and employment by the Employer as described in this
Agreement and that there are no existing agreements, arrangements or
understandings, written or oral, that would prevent Executive from entering
into
this Agreement, would prevent Executive or restrict Executive in any way from
rendering services to the Employer as provided herein during the Term or would
be breached by the future performance by the Executive of Executive’s duties
hereunder. The Executive also represents and warrants that no fee, charge or
expense of any sort is due from the Employer to any third person engaged by
the
Executive in connection with Executive’s employment by the Employer hereunder,
except as disclosed in this Agreement.
12.
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Subsidiaries
and Affiliates.
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12.1 Definitions.
As
used
herein, the term “subsidiary” shall mean any corporation or other business
entity controlled directly or indirectly by the Employer or other business
entity in question, and the term “affiliate” shall mean and include any
corporation or other business entity directly or indirectly controlling,
controlled by or under common control with the Employer or other business entity
in question.
13.
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Code
Section 409A Legal
Requirement.
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13.1 Six
Month Delay in Payment.
Notwithstanding
anything to the contrary in this Agreement, if the Executive constitutes a
“specified employee” as defined and applied in Section 409A of the Code as of
his Termination Date, to the extent any payment under this Agreement constitutes
deferred compensation (after taking into account any applicable exemptions
from
Section 409A of the Code), and to the extent required by Section 409A of the
Code, no payments due under this Agreement may be made until the earlier of:
(i)
the first day following the sixth month anniversary of Executive’s Termination
Date, or (ii) the Executive’s date of death; provided, however, that any
payments delayed during this six-month period shall be paid in the aggregate
in
a lump sum as soon as administratively practicable following the sixth month
anniversary of the Executive’s Termination Date. For purposes of Section 409A of
the Code, each “payment” (as defined by Section 409A of the Code) made under
this Agreement shall be considered a “separate payment.” In addition, for
purposes of Section 409A of the Code, the cash payments to facilitate
post-termination medical and health coverage described in Sections 4.2.2(v)
and
4.3.2(iii) shall be deemed exempt from Section 409A of the Code to the full
extent possible under the “short-term deferral” exemption of Treasury Regulation
§ 1.409A-1((b)(4) and (with respect to amounts paid no later than the
second calendar year following the calendar year containing the Executive’s
Termination Date) the “two-years/two-times” separation pay exemption of Treasury
Regulation § 1.409A-1(b)(9)(iii), which are hereby incorporated by
reference.
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IN
WITNESS WHEREOF,
the
parties have executed this Agreement as of the date first above
written.
XXXXXX
XXXXXXX LTD.
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By:
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/s/
Xxxxxxx X. Xxxxxxxxx
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Name:
Xxxxxxx X. Xxxxxxxxxx
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Title:
Chief Executive Officer
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/s/
Xxxxxxx xxxxx Xxxx
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Xxxxxxx
xxxxx Xxxx
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