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EXHIBIT 10.26
EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT
THIS AMENDED AND RESTATED EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT ("Agreement") is made
and entered into as of August 4, 1998, by and between ARDEN REALTY LIMITED
PARTNERSHIP, a Maryland limited partnership (the "Company"), ARDEN REALTY, INC.,
a Maryland corporation and the Company's general partner ("Arden" or the
"General Partner") and ▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇. ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ ("Executive").
1. EMPLOYMENT
The Company and Arden (hereinafter referred to collectively as the
"Employers") hereby employ Executive and Executive hereby accepts employment
upon the terms and conditions set forth below.
2. TERM AND RENEWAL
2.1. Term. The term of this Agreement shall commence on October 9, 1996
(the "Effective Date"), and shall continue for three years from the Effective
Date (the "Original Employment Term"), on the terms and conditions set forth
below, unless sooner terminated as provided in Section 5.
2.2. Extension. Following the expiration of the Original Employment
Term and provided that this Agreement has not been terminated pursuant to
Section 5, and every year thereafter, the Agreement shall be automatically
renewed for an additional 12-month period, effective on each anniversary date of
the Effective Date; provided, that if a Change in Control (as defined in Section
5.6), occurs during the original or extended term of this Agreement, this
Agreement shall continue in effect for a period not less than twenty-four (24)
months beyond the month in which such Change in Control occurred.
3. COMPENSATION
3.1. Base Compensation. For the services to be rendered by Executive
under this Agreement, Executive shall be entitled to receive, commencing as of
the Effective Date, an initial annual base compensation ("Base Compensation") of
$275,000, payable in substantially equal semi-monthly installments. The Base
Compensation shall be reviewed and adjusted annually as determined by the
Compensation Committee (the "Compensation Committee") of the Board of Directors
(the "Board") of General Partner.
3.2. Bonus Compensation. The Compensation Committee shall review
Executive's performance at least annually during each year of the Original
Employment Term and during any periods of automatic extension of this Agreement
pursuant to Section 2.2 and cause the Employers to award Executive a cash bonus
which the Compensation Committee shall reasonably determine as fairly
compensating and rewarding Executive for services rendered to the Employers
and/or as an incentive for continued service to the Employers. The amount of
such cash bonus shall be determined in the sole and absolute discretion of the
Compensation Committee and shall be dependent on, among other things, the
achievement of certain per share
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performance levels by the Employers, including, without limitation, growth in
funds from operations, and Executive's performance and contribution to
increasing the funds from operations.
3.3. "Gross-Up" of Compensation.
(a) Base Compensation/Base Gross-Up. The amount of the Base
Compensation and any bonus payable to Executive pursuant to Section 3.1 and 3.2
above, shall be "grossed up" as necessary (on an after-tax basis) to compensate
for any additional withholding taxes or other expenses due as a result of
Executive's employment by both the Company and Arden and the implementation of
the Compensation Split (as defined in Section 10 below) with respect to the
financial obligations of the Company and Arden, respectively.
(b) 280G "Gross-Up".
(i) Anything in this Agreement to the contrary
notwithstanding, if it shall be determined that any payment or distribution to
Executive or for his benefit (whether paid or payable or distributed or
distributable) pursuant to the terms of this Agreement or otherwise (the
"Payment") would be subject to the excise tax imposed by section 4999 of the
Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code") (the "Excise Tax"), then
Executive shall be entitled to receive from the Company an additional payment
(the "Gross-Up Payment") in an amount such that the net amount of the Payment
and the Gross-Up Payment retained by Executive after the calculation and
deduction of all Excise Taxes (including any interest or penalties imposed with
respect to such taxes) on the Payment and all federal, state and local income
tax, employment tax and Excise Tax (including any interest or penalties imposed
with respect to such taxes) on the Gross-Up Payment provided for in this Section
3.3(b) and taking into account any lost or reduced tax deductions on account of
the Gross-Up Payment, shall be equal to the Payment;
(ii) All determinations required to be made under
this Section 3.3(b), including whether and when the Gross-Up Payment is required
and the amount of such Gross-Up Payment, and the assumptions to be used in
arriving at such determinations shall be made by the Accountants (as defined
below) which shall provide Executive and the Company with detailed supporting
calculations with respect to such Gross-Up Payment within fifteen (15) business
days of the receipt of notice from Executive or the Company that Executive has
received or will receive a Payment. For the purposes of this Section 3.3(b), the
"Accountants" shall mean the Company's independent certified public accountants
serving immediately prior to the Change in Control (as defined in Section 5.6).
In the event that the Accountants are also serving as accountant or auditor for
the individual, entity or group effecting the Change in Control, Executive shall
appoint another nationally recognized public accounting firm to make the
determinations required hereunder (which accounting firm shall then be referred
to as the Accountants hereunder). All fees and expenses of the Accountants shall
be borne solely by the Company. For the purposes of determining whether any of
the Payments will be subject to the Excise Tax and the amount of such Excise
Tax, such Payments will be treated as "parachute payments" within the meaning of
section 280G of the Code, and all "parachute payments" in
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excess of the "base amount" (as defined under section 280G(b)(3) of the Code)
shall be treated as subject to the Excise Tax, unless and except to the extent
that in the opinion of the Accountants such Payments (in whole or in part)
either do not constitute "parachute payments" or represent reasonable
compensation for services actually rendered (within the meaning of section
280G(b)(4) of the Code) in excess of the "base amount," or such "parachute
payments" are otherwise not subject to such Excise Tax. For purposes of
determining the amount of the Gross-Up Payment, Executive shall be deemed to pay
Federal income taxes at the highest applicable marginal rate of federal income
taxation for the calendar year in which the Gross-Up Payment is to be made and
to pay any applicable state and local income taxes at the highest applicable
marginal rate of taxation for the calendar year in which the Gross-Up Payment is
to be made, net of the maximum reduction in federal income taxes which could be
obtained from the deduction of such state or local taxes if paid in such year
(determined without regard to limitations on deductions based upon the amount of
Executive's adjusted gross income), and to have otherwise allowable deductions
for federal, state and local income tax purposes at least equal to those
disallowed because of the inclusion of the Gross-Up Payment in Executive's
adjusted gross income. To the extent practicable, any Gross-Up Payment with
respect to any Payment shall be paid by the Company at the time Executive is
entitled to receive the Payment and in no event will any Gross-Up Payment be
paid later than five days after the receipt by Executive of the Accountant's
determination. Any determination by the Accountants shall be binding upon the
Company and Executive. As a result of uncertainty in the application of section
4999 of the Code at the time of the initial determination by the Accountants
hereunder, it is possible that the Gross-Up Payment made will have been an
amount less than the Company should have paid pursuant to this Section 3.3(b)
(the "Underpayment"). In the event that the Company exhausts its remedies
pursuant to Section 3.3(b)(ii) and Executive is required to make a payment of
any Excise Tax, the Underpayment shall be promptly paid by the Company to or for
Executive's benefit; and
(iii) 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 after 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. Executive shall not pay such claim
prior to the expiration of the 30-day period following the date on which
Executive gives such notice to the Company (or such shorter period ending on the
date that any payment of taxes, interest and/or penalties with respect to such
claim is due). If the Company notifies Executive in writing prior to the
expiration of such period that it desires to contest such claim, Executive
shall:
(A) give the Company any information
reasonably requested by the Company relating to such
claim;
(B) 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;
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(C) cooperate with the Company in good faith
in order to effectively contest such claim; and
(D) permit the Company to participate in any
proceedings relating to such claims;
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 Executive for and hold Executive harmless
from, on an after-tax basis, any Excise Tax or income tax (including interest
and penalties with respect thereto) imposed as a result of such representation
and payment of all related costs and expenses. Without limiting the foregoing
provisions of this Section 3.3(b), 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 Executive to pay the tax claimed and ▇▇▇ for a refund or contest
the claim in any permissible manner, and 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 Executive to pay such
claim and ▇▇▇ for a refund, the Company shall advance the amount of such payment
to Executive, on an interest-free basis, and shall indemnify Executive for and
hold Executive harmless from, on an after-tax basis, 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 (including as a result of any forgiveness by the Company of such
advance); provided, further, that any extension of the statute of limitations
relating to the payment of taxes for the taxable year of 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 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.
3.4. Benefits.
(a) Medical Insurance. The Employers shall provide to
Executive, Executive's spouse and children, at its sole cost, such health,
dental and optical insurance as the Employers may from time to time make
available to their other executive employees.
(b) Life and Disability Insurance. The Employers shall provide
Executive such disability and/or life insurance as the Employers in their sole
discretion may from time to time make available to their other executive
employees.
(c) Pension Plans, Etc. The Executive shall be entitled to
participate in all pension, 401(k) and other employee plans and benefits
established by the Employers on at least the same terms as the Employers' other
executive employees.
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3.5. Automobile Allowance. The Employers shall provide Executive with a
reasonable automobile allowance during the term of Executive's employment with
the Employers.
3.6. Method of Payment. The monetary compensation payable and any
benefits due to Executive hereunder may be paid or provided in whole or in part,
from time to time, by the Employers and/or their respective subsidiaries and
affiliates, but shall at all times remain the responsibility of the Employers.
4. POSITION AND DUTIES
4.1. Position. Executive shall serve as President, Chief Operating
Officer and Director of the Employers. The Employers agree that the duties that
may be assigned Executive shall be the usual and customary duties of the offices
of President, Chief Operating Officer and Director. Executive shall have such
executive power and authority as shall reasonably be required to enable
Executive to discharge the duties of such offices. Executive may, at Executive's
discretion, serve the Employers and/or their respective subsidiaries and
affiliates in other offices and capacities in addition to the foregoing, but
shall not be required to do so. In the event the Employers and Executive
mutually agree that Executive shall terminate Executive's service in any one or
more of the aforementioned capacities, or Executive's service in one or more of
the aforementioned capacities is terminated, Executive's compensation, as
specified in this Agreement, shall not be diminished or reduced in any manner.
4.2. Devotion of Time and Effort. Executive shall use Executive's good
faith best efforts and judgment in performing Executive's duties as required
hereunder and to act in the best interests of the Employers. Executive shall
devote such time, attention and energies to the business of the Employers as are
reasonably necessary to satisfy Executive's required responsibilities and duties
hereunder.
4.3. Other Activities. Executive may engage in other activities for
Executive's own account while employed hereunder, including without limitation
charitable, community and other business activities, provided that such other
activities do not materially interfere with the performance of Executive's
duties hereunder.
4.4. Vacation. It is understood and agreed that Executive shall be
entitled to six weeks vacation per year. During such vacation periods, Executive
shall not be relieved of Executive's duties under this Agreement and there will
be no abatement or reduction of Executive's compensation hereunder.
4.5. Business Expenses. The Employers shall promptly, but in no event
later than ten days after submission of a claim of expenditure, reimburse
Executive for all reasonable business expenses including, without limitation,
business seminar fees, professional association dues, bar dues, country club
membership fees and other reasonable entertainment expenses incurred by
Executive in connection with the business of the Employers and/or their
respective subsidiaries and affiliates, upon presentation to the Employers of
written receipts for such expenses. Such reimbursement shall also include, but
not be limited to, reimbursement for all reasonable travel
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expenses, including all airfare, hotel and rental car expenses, incurred by
Executive in traveling in connection with the business of the Employers.
4.6. Employers' Obligations. The Employers shall provide Executive with
any and all necessary or appropriate current financial information and access to
current information and records regarding all material transactions involving
the Employers and/or their representative subsidiaries and affiliates, including
but not limited to acquisition of assets, personnel contracts, dispositions of
assets, service agreements and registration statements or other state or federal
filings or disclosures, reasonably necessary for Executive to carry out
Executive's duties and responsibilities hereunder. In addition, the Employers
agree to provide Executive, as a condition to Executive's services hereunder,
such staff, equipment and office space as is reasonably necessary for Executive
to perform Executive's duties hereunder.
5. TERMINATION
5.1. By Employers Without Cause. The Employers may terminate this
Agreement without "cause" (as hereinafter defined) at any time following the
Effective Date, provided that the Employers first deliver to Executive the
Employers' written election to terminate this Agreement at least 90 days prior
to the effective date of termination.
5.2. Severance Payment.
(a) Amount. In the event the Employers terminate Executive's
services hereunder pursuant to Section 5.1, Executive shall continue to render
services to the Employers pursuant to this Agreement until the date of
termination and shall continue to receive compensation, as provided hereunder,
through the termination date. In addition to other compensation payable to
Executive for services rendered through the termination date, the Employers
shall pay Executive no later than the date of such termination, as a single
severance payment, an amount equal to the sum of: (i) three times Executive's
average annual Base Compensation paid hereunder for the preceding thirty-six
month period (or, if Executive has been employed less than thirty-six months,
the average annual Base Compensation for the period employed) plus (ii) an
amount equal to three times the highest annual bonus received by Executive
during the preceding thirty-six month period (or during the period Executive has
been employed hereunder if shorter than thirty-six months) (collectively, the
"Severance Amount"). In addition to payment of the Severance Amount, any
unvested stock options or restricted stock held by Executive shall become fully
vested as of the date of termination.
(b) Benefits. In the event Executive's employment hereunder is
terminated by the Employers without cause pursuant to Section 5.1 or by
Executive pursuant to Section 5.4 or 5.6, then in addition to paying Executive
the Severance Amount and providing for the full vesting of unvested stock
options or restricted stock held by Executive, the Employers shall continue to
provide to Executive and Executive's spouse and children, as applicable, all of
the benefits described in Section 3.3 for a period of three years commencing on
the date of such termination (the "Severance Benefits").
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5.3. By The Employers For Cause. The Employers may terminate Executive
for cause at any time, upon written notice to Executive. For purposes of this
Agreement, "cause" shall mean:
(a) Executive's conviction for commission of a felony or a
crime involving moral turpitude;
(b) Executive's willful commission of any act of theft,
embezzlement or misappropriation against the Employers which, in any such case,
is materially and demonstrably injurious to the Employers;
(c) Executive's willful and continued failure to substantially
perform Executive's duties hereunder (other than such failure resulting from
Executive's incapacity due to physical or mental illness), which failure is not
remedied within a reasonable time after written demand for substantial
performance is delivered by the Employers which specifically identifies the
manner in which the Employers believe that Executive has not substantially
performed Executive's duties; or
(d) Executive's death or Disability (as hereinafter defined).
For purposes of this Section 5.3, no act, or failure to act, on
Executive's part shall be deemed "willful" unless done, or omitted to be done,
by Executive not in good faith.
In the event Executive is terminated for cause pursuant to this Section
5.3, Executive shall have the right to receive Executive's compensation as
otherwise provided under this Agreement through the effective date of
termination. Executive shall have no further right to receive compensation or
other consideration from the Employers, or have any other remedy whatsoever
against the Employers, as a result of this Agreement or the termination of
Executive pursuant to this Section 5.3, except as set forth below with respect
to a termination due to Executive's Disability.
In the event Executive is terminated by reason of Executive's death or
Disability, the Employers shall immediately pay Executive the Severance Amount
and shall continue to provide to Executive's spouse and children, as applicable,
all of the benefits described in Section 3.1 for a period of three years
commencing on the date of such termination. Said payment shall be in addition to
any disability insurance payments to which Executive is otherwise entitled and
any other compensation earned by Executive hereunder. In addition, any unvested
stock options or restricted stock held by Executive shall become fully vested as
of the date of termination. For purposes of this Agreement, the term
"Disability" shall mean a physical or mental incapacity as a result of which
Executive becomes unable to continue the proper performance of Executive's
duties hereunder for six consecutive calendar months or for shorter periods
aggregating 180 business days in any 12 month period, but only to the extent
that such definition does not violate the Americans with Disabilities Act.
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5.4. By Executive For Good Reason. Executive may terminate this
Agreement for good reason upon at least 10 days prior written notice to the
Employers. For purposes of this Agreement, "good reason" shall mean:
(a) the Employers' material breach of any of their respective
obligations hereunder and either such breach is incurable or, if curable, has
not been cured within fifteen (15) days following receipt of written notice by
Executive to the Employers of such breach by either of the Employers;
(b) any removal of Executive from one or more of the offices
specified in the first sentence of Section 4.1 without cause and without
Executive's prior written consent; or
(c) any material decrease in Executive's authority or
responsibilities hereunder without Executive's prior written consent.
In the event that Executive terminates this Agreement for good reason
pursuant to this Section 5.4, Executive shall have the right to receive
Executive's compensation as provided hereunder through the effective date of
termination and shall also have the same rights and remedies against the
Employers as Executive would have had if the Employers had terminated
Executive's employment without cause pursuant to Section 5.1 (including the
right to receive the Severance Amount payable and the Severance Benefits to be
provided under Section 5.2).
5.5. Executive's Voluntary Termination. Executive may, at any time,
terminate this Agreement without good reason upon written notice delivered to
the Employers at least ninety (90) days prior to the effective date of
termination. In the event of such voluntary termination of this Agreement by
Executive: (i) Executive shall have the right to receive Executive's
compensation as provided hereunder through the effective date of termination,
and (ii) the Employers, on the one hand, and Executive, on the other hand, shall
not have any further right or remedy against one another except as provided in
Sections 6, 7 and 8 hereof which shall remain in full force and effect.
5.6. Change in Control. Executive may terminate this Agreement, upon at
least ten (10) days' prior written notice to the Employers, at any time within
two (2) years after a "change in control" (as hereinafter defined) of the
Employers. In the event Executive terminates this Agreement within two (2) years
after a change in control pursuant to this Section 5.6, (i) Executive shall
continue to render services pursuant hereto and shall continue to receive
compensation, as provided hereunder, through the termination date, (ii) the
Employers shall pay Executive no later than the date of such termination, as a
single severance payment, an amount equal to the Severance Amount and (iii)
following such termination, the Employers shall provide the Severance Benefits
as required by Section 5.2. For purposes of this Agreement, a "change in
control" shall mean the occurrence of any of the following events:
(a) the individuals constituting the Board as of the Effective
Date (the "Incumbent Board") cease for any reason to constitute at least
two-thirds (2/3rds) of the Board; provided, however, that if the election, or
nomination for election by the General Partner's
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stockholders, of any new director was approved by a vote of at least two-thirds
(2/3rds) of the Incumbent Board, such new director shall be considered a member
of the Incumbent Board;
(b) an acquisition of any voting securities of the General
Partner (the "Voting Securities") by any "person" (as the term "person" is used
for purposes of Section 13(d) or Section 14(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of
1934, as amended (the "1934 Act")) immediately after which such person has
"beneficial ownership" (within the meaning of Rule 13d-3 promulgated under the
▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇) ("Beneficial Ownership") of 20% or more of the combined voting power
of the General Partner's then outstanding Voting Securities; or
(c) approval by the stockholders of the General Partner of:
(i) a merger, consolidation, share exchange or
reorganization involving the General Partner, unless
(A) the stockholders of the General Partner,
immediately before such merger, consolidation, share exchange
or reorganization, own, directly or indirectly immediately
following such merger, consolidation, share exchange or
reorganization, at least 80% of the combined voting power of
the outstanding voting securities of the corporation that is
the successor in such merger, consolidation, share exchange or
reorganization (the "Surviving Company") in substantially the
same proportion as their ownership of the Voting Securities
immediately before such merger, consolidation, share exchange
or reorganization; and
(B) the individuals who were members of the
Incumbent Board immediately prior to the execution of the
agreement providing for such merger, consolidation, share
exchange or reorganization constitute at least two-thirds
(2/3rds) of the members of the board of directors of the
Surviving Company;
(ii) a complete liquidation or dissolution of the
General Partner; or
(iii) an agreement for the sale or other disposition
of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company or the General Partner.
(d) any Person is or becomes the Beneficial Owner of
securities of the General Partner representing ten percent (10%) or more of the
combined voting power of the General Partner's then outstanding securities and
(A) the identity of the Chief Executive Officer of the General Partner is
changed during the period beginning sixty (60) days before the attainment of the
ten percent (10%) beneficial ownership and ending two (2) years thereafter, or
(B) individuals constituting at least one-third (1/3) of the members of the
Board at the beginning of such period shall leave the Board during the period
beginning sixty (60) days before the attainment of the ten percent (10%)
beneficial ownership and ending two (2) years thereafter.
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6. CONFIDENTIALITY
During the term of Executive's employment under this Agreement,
Executive will have access to and become acquainted with various information
relating to the Employers' business operations, marketing data, business plans,
strategies, employees, contracts, financial records and accounts, projections
and budgets, and similar information. Executive agrees that to the extent such
information is not generally available to the public and gives either of the
Employers an advantage over competitors who do not know of or use such
information, such information and documents constitute "trade secrets" of the
Employers. Executive further agrees that all such information and documents
relating to the business of the Employers, whether they are prepared by
Executive or come into Executive's possession in any other way, are owned by the
Employers and shall remain the exclusive property of the Employers. Executive
shall not misuse, misappropriate or disclose any trade secrets of the Employers,
directly or indirectly, or use them for Executive's own benefit, either during
the term of this Agreement or at any time thereafter, except as may be necessary
or appropriate in the course of Executive's employment with the Employers,
unless such action is either previously agreed to in writing by the Employers or
required by law.
7. NON-SOLICITATION
For a period of one (1) year following the date Executive's employment
hereunder is terminated, Executive shall not solicit or induce any of the
Employers' employees, agents or independent contractors to end their
relationship with either of the Employers, or recruit, hire or otherwise induce
any such person to perform services for Executive, or any other person, firm or
company. The restrictions set forth in this Section 7 shall not apply if
Executive's employment is terminated pursuant to Section 5.1, 5.4 or 5.6.
8. NON-COMPETITION AFTER TERMINATION
For a period of one (1) year following the date Executive's employment
hereunder is terminated, Executive shall not engage in the acquisition,
renovation, management or leasing of any office properties in the Los Angeles,
Orange and San Diego counties of Southern California. In addition, Executive
shall not engage in any active or passive investment in or reasonably relating
to the acquisition, renovation, management or leasing of office properties in
the Los Angeles, Orange and San Diego counties of Southern California for a
period of one (1) year following the date of termination, with the exception of
the ownership of up to one percent (1%) of the securities of any publicly-traded
companies involved in such activities. Nothing herein shall relieve or limit
Executive's obligation to comply with Sections 6 and 7. The restrictions set
forth in this Section 8 shall not apply if Executive's employment is terminated
pursuant to Section 5.1, 5.4 or 5.6.
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9. INDEMNIFICATION
To the fullest extent permitted under applicable law, the Employers
shall indemnify, defend and hold Executive harmless from and against any and all
causes of action, claims, demands, liabilities, damages, costs and expenses of
any nature whatsoever (collectively, "Damages") directly or indirectly arising
out of or relating to Executive discharging Executive's duties hereunder on
behalf of the Employers and/or their respective subsidiaries and affiliates, so
long as Executive acted in good faith within the course and scope of Executive's
duties with respect to the matter giving rise to the claim or Damages for which
Executive seeks indemnification.
10. PAYMENT OF FINANCIAL OBLIGATIONS BY EMPLOYERS
The payment or provision to the Executive by the Employers of any
remuneration, benefits or other financial obligations pursuant to this
Agreement, including, without limitation, the payment of Executive's Base
Compensation, any cash bonuses, the provision of benefits enumerated in Section
3.3, the reimbursement of business expenses pursuant to Section 4.5, the payment
(if applicable) of the Severance Amount and provision of the Severance Benefits
and any indemnification obligations, shall be allocated (the "Compensation
Split") 80% to the Company and 20% to Arden initially, subject to adjustment
from time to time by the Compensation Committee.
11. GENERAL PROVISIONS
11.1. Assignment; Binding Effect. None of the Employers or Executive
may assign, delegate or otherwise transfer this Agreement or any of their
respective rights or obligations hereunder without the prior written consent of
the other party. Any attempted prohibited assignment or delegation shall be
void. This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of any
permitted successors or assigns of the parties and the heirs, executors,
administrators and/or personal representatives of Executive.
11.2. Notices. All notices, requests, demands and other communications
that are required or may be given under this Agreement shall be in writing and
shall be deemed to have been duly given when received if personally delivered;
when transmitted if transmitted by telecopy, electronic or digital transmission
method with electronic confirmation of receipt; the day after it is sent, if
sent for next-day delivery to a domestic address by recognized overnight
delivery service (e.g., FedEx); and upon receipt, if sent by certified or
registered mail, return receipt requested. In each case notice shall be sent to:
Arden Realty, Inc.
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Attention: President
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c/o Arden Realty, Inc.
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Facsimile:(▇▇▇) ▇▇▇-▇▇▇▇
Any party may change its address for the purpose of this Section 11.2
by giving the other party written notice of its new address in the manner set
forth above.
11.3. Entire Agreement. This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement
of the parties, and supersedes all prior agreements (including, without
limitation, that certain employment agreement by and between Executive, the
Company and Arden dated October 9, 1996), understandings and negotiations,
whether written or oral, between the Employers and Executive with respect to the
employment of Executive by the Employers.
11.4. Amendments; Waivers. This Agreement may be amended or modified,
and any of the terms and covenants 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. Any waiver by any party in any one or more instances of any
term or covenant contained in this Agreement shall neither be deemed to be nor
construed as a further or continuing waiver of any such term or covenant of this
Agreement.
11.5. Provisions Severable. In case any one or more provisions of this
Agreement shall be invalid, illegal or unenforceable, in any respect, the
validity, legality and enforceability of the remaining provisions contained
herein shall not, in any way, be affected or impaired thereby. If any provision
hereof is determined by any court of competent jurisdiction to be invalid or
unenforceable by reason of such provision extending the covenants and agreements
contained herein for too great a period of time or over too great a geographical
area, or being too extensive in any other respect, such provision shall be
interpreted to extend only over the maximum period of time and geographical
area, and to the maximum extent in all other respects, as to which it is valid
and enforceable, all as determined by such court in such action.
11.6. Attorney's Fees. If any legal action, arbitration or other
proceeding, is brought for the enforcement of this Agreement, or because of an
alleged dispute, breach or default in connection with any of the provisions of
this Agreement, each of the parties hereto shall be responsible for payment of
any attorneys' fees and other costs incurred by them in that action or
proceeding, without regard to whomever is the prevailing party in such action or
proceeding.
11.7. Governing Law. This Agreement shall be construed, performed and
enforced in accordance with, and governed by the laws of the State of California
without giving effect to the principles of conflict of laws thereof.
11.8. Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in one or more
counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, but all of which shall
constitute the same instrument.
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Agreement
effective as of the date first written above.
THE COMPANY:
ARDEN REALTY LIMITED
PARTNERSHIP, a Maryland limited
partnership
By: ARDEN REALTY, INC.,
a Maryland corporation
Its General Partner
By:_______________________________
▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇. ▇▇▇▇▇
Chief Executive Officer
ARDEN:
ARDEN REALTY, INC.,
a Maryland corporation
By:_______________________________
▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇. ▇▇▇▇▇
Chief Executive Officer
EXECUTIVE:
__________________________________
▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇. ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇
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