AMENDED AND RESTATED EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT
Exhibit
10.8
AMENDED
AND RESTATED
THIS
AMENDED AND RESTATED EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT (“Agreement”) effective as of the 17th
day of December, 2008, by and between Xxxxxxx X. Xxxxxxx (“Xx.
Xxxxxxx”) and Sun Health
Specialty Services, Inc., a New Mexico corporation (“SHSS”).
WHEREAS,
SHSS is a wholly owned subsidiary of SunBridge Healthcare Corporation
(“SunBridge” or “Company”), which is a wholly owned subsidiary of Sun Healthcare
Group, Inc. (“SHG”);
WHEREAS,
SunBridge and other direct and indirect subsidiaries of SHG (referred to herein
as “the other LTC subsidiaries”) provide inpatient services throughout the
United States, in many instances under the “SunBridge” name;
WHEREAS,
SHSS has Services Agreements with SHG and the other LTC subsidiaries to provide
employees, including Xx. Xxxxxxx, to SHG, SunBridge and the other LTC
subsidiaries;
WHEREAS,
Xx. Xxxxxxx has been appointed as President and Chief Operating Officer of
SunBridge and SHG Services, Inc., the subsidiary of SHG that is a holding
company for other operating subsidiaries of SHG that are not other LTC
subsidiaries;
WHEREAS,
SHSS and Xx. Xxxxxxx are parties to that certain Employment Agreement dated
February 28, 2002, as amended on October 12, 2006, October 31, 2007 and March
31, 2008 (the “Existing Agreement”); and
WHEREAS,
SHSS and Xx. Xxxxxxx wish to amend and restate the Existing Agreement upon the
terms set forth in this Agreement to comply with Section 409A of the Internal
Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”) effective as of the date
hereof.
NOW,
THEREFORE, in consideration of the above recitals and the mutual covenants and
agreements contained herein, Xx. Xxxxxxx and SHSS agree as follows:
Section
1: Employment. SHSS
agrees to employ Xx. Xxxxxxx and Xx. Xxxxxxx agrees to accept employment with
SHSS, subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement. The
period of Xx. Xxxxxxx’ employment under this Agreement commenced as of February
28, 2002 (the effective date of the Existing Agreement, referred to herein as
the “Effective Date”) and shall continue until terminated in accordance with
Section 5 below. As used in this Agreement, the phrase “Term” refers
to Xx. Xxxxxxx’ period of employment from the Effective Date until the date his
employment is terminated.
Section
2: Duties
and Responsibilities. Xx. Xxxxxxx shall devote his full
employment time, efforts, skills and attention exclusively to advancing and
rendering profitable the business interests of SunBridge, the other LTC
subsidiaries and SHG Services by serving as President and Chief Operating
Officer thereof.
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Section
3: Compensation, Benefits and
Related Matters.
a.
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Annual
Base Salary. SHSS
shall pay to Xx. Xxxxxxx a base salary at an annual rate of $400,000
(“Base Salary”), such salary to be payable in accordance with SHSS’s
customary payroll practices (but not less frequently than monthly). The
annual base salary will be reviewed at least annually for possible merit
increases and any increase in Xx. Xxxxxxx’ annual base salary rate shall
thereafter constitute “Base Salary” for purposes of this
Agreement.
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b.
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Cash
Bonus/Incentive Compensation. In addition to the Base
Salary provided for in Section 3(a) above, Xx. Xxxxxxx shall be entitled
to receive an annual bonus (“Bonus”) in accordance with the Sun Healthcare
Group, Inc. Executive Bonus Plan, as it may be amended from time to time
by the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors of SHG; provided,
however, that no amendment shall be effective if it reduces the percentage
of Base Salary that would constitute the minimum or maximum potential
amount of the Bonus as compared to the prior year, unless such amendment
has been agreed to in writing by Xx. Xxxxxxx. The Bonus shall
be payable at the same time as other annual bonuses are paid to senior
management personnel with respect to that fiscal year. Subject
to the provisions of Section 6, in order to have earned and to be paid any
such Bonus, Xx. Xxxxxxx must be employed by SHSS on the date of such
payment. It is intended that the Bonus described in this Section 3(b)
qualify as “performance based compensation” under Section 162(m) of the
Code to the extent necessary to preserve the ability to deduct such Bonus.
In the event the minimum financial performance threshold is met as set
forth in the Plan, Xx. Xxxxxxx’ minimum Bonus shall be no less than 10% of
his Base Salary for the applicable fiscal
year.
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c.
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Equity
Incentive. Xx. Xxxxxxx shall be entitled to the
following equity incentive as of the date his employment
begins:
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1.
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A
non-qualified stock option (“Stock Option”) to purchase 100,000 shares of
Common Stock of SHG at an exercise price per share equal to the fair
market value of the Common Stock. One-fifth of the shares of Common Stock
underlying the Stock Option will vest on the later of (x) the date on
which the Stock Option is issued or (y) the date on which Sun Healthcare
Group, Inc. emerges from Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceedings (the “Initial
Vesting Date”) and thereafter an additional 20% of the shares of Common
Stock underlying the Stock Option will vest on each of the first four
anniversaries of the Initial Vesting Date provided Xx. Xxxxxxx is employed
by SHSS or any other subsidiary of SHG on each such date of vesting. The
Stock Option shall have a 7 year term. Xx. Xxxxxxx acknowledges
that SHG has satisfied its obligation to grant such Stock
Option.
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2.
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If,
during the Term, Xx. Xxxxxxx’ employment with SHSS is terminated for any
reason other than his death or Disability (as defined in Section 5(e)),
Good Cause (as defined in Section 5(a)) or his voluntary resignation
without Good Reason (as defined in Section 5(c)), then the unvested
portion of his Stock Options will thereupon immediately be
vested.
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d.
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Retirement
and Benefit Plans. During the Term, Xx. Xxxxxxx shall be
entitled to participate in all retirement plans, health benefit programs,
insurance programs and other similar employee welfare benefit arrangements
available generally to senior executive officers of SHSS providing
services to SunBridge from time to time. Such plans, programs and
arrangements are subject to change during the Term at the sole discretion
of the Company.
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e.
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Paid
Time Off. Xx. Xxxxxxx shall
be entitled to paid time off, in addition to holiday and sick time, of not
less than 160 hours per year, in accordance with SunBridge’s policy for
paid time off.
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f.
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Indemnification
Liability/Insurance. Xx. Xxxxxxx shall be entitled to
indemnification by SunBridge and/or SHSS to the fullest extent permitted
by applicable law and the charter and by laws of SunBridge and/or SHSS. In
addition, SunBridge shall maintain during Xx. Xxxxxxx’ employment
customary director’s and officers’ liability insurance and Xx. Xxxxxxx
shall be covered by such insurance.
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g.
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Taxes. All
compensation payable to Xx. Xxxxxxx shall be subject to withholding for
all applicable federal, state and local income taxes, occupational taxes,
Social Security and similar mandatory
withholdings.
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Section
4: Travel
and Housing. SunBridge
will relocate the principal executive offices for SunBridge’s senior management
team to Orange County, California. Such relocation shall be completed within a
reasonable time upon location of acceptable office space. Reasonable
out-of-pocket costs related to relocation of Xx. Xxxxxxx’ personal residence
from Arkansas to Orange County, including, but not limited to selling, buying,
packing, moving and transitional storage costs will be reimbursed. Until such
relocation is completed, Xx. Xxxxxxx shall be entitled to reimbursement for
reasonable travel and housing expenses incurred by him in connection with his
performance of services pursuant to this Agreement. Xx. Xxxxxxx
acknowledges that SHG has satisfied its obligations pursuant to this Section
4.
Section
5: Termination. SunBridge
and/or SHSS may, at any time in its sole discretion, terminate Xx. Xxxxxxx
as President and from all other positions with SHG and its direct and indirect
subsidiaries; provided, however, that SunBridge and/or SHSS shall provide Xx.
Xxxxxxx with at least five (5) business days prior written notice of such
termination and shall make the payments associated with such termination in
accordance with Section 6.
a.
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Termination
by SHSS for “Good Cause. SunBridge and/or SHSS may at
any time, by written notice to Xx. Xxxxxxx at least five (5) business days
prior to the date of termination specified in such notice and specifying
the acts or omissions
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believed
to constitute Good Cause (as defined below), terminate Xx. Xxxxxxx as
an officer and employee and from all other positions with SHSS, SunBridge
and the other LTC subsidiaries for Good Cause. SunBridge and/or SHSS may
relieve Xx. Xxxxxxx of his duties and responsibilities pending a
final determination of whether Good Cause exists, and such action shall
not constitute Good Reason (as defined below) for purposes of this
Agreement. Payment to Xx. Xxxxxxx upon a termination for Good Cause is set
forth in Section 6(a). “Good Cause” for termination shall mean any one of
the following:
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1.
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Any
criminal conviction under the laws of the United States or any state or
other political subdivision thereof which, in the good faith determination
of the Compensation Committee of SHG, renders Xx. Xxxxxxx unsuitable as an
officer of SunBridge and the other LTC subsidiaries or
employee.
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2.
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Xx.
Xxxxxxx’ continued failure to substantially perform the duties reasonably
requested by the Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) of SHG and commensurate
with his position as President of SunBridge and the other LTC subsidiaries
(other than any such failure resulting from his incapacity due to his
physical or mental condition) after a written demand for substantial
performance is delivered to him by the CEO of SHG, which demand
specifically identifies the manner in which the CEO of SHG believes that
he has not substantially performed his duties, and which performance is
not substantially corrected by him within a mutually agreed upon period of
time for performance of such demand;
and
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3.
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Any
material workplace misconduct or willful failure to comply with
SunBridge’s general policies and procedures as they may exist from time to
time by Xx. Xxxxxxx which, in the good faith determination of the
Compensation Committee of SHG, renders Xx. Xxxxxxx unsuitable as an
officer or employee.
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b.
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Termination
by SunBridge without Good Cause. SunBridge
and/or SHSS may at any time, by written notice to Xx. Xxxxxxx at least
five (5) business days prior to date of termination specified in such
notice, terminate Xx. Xxxxxxx as an officer or employee and from all other
positions with SHSS, SunBridge and the other LTC subsidiaries. If such
termination is made by SunBridge and/or SHSS other than by reason of Xx.
Xxxxxxx’ death, Disability (as defined in Section 5(e)) and Good Cause
does not exist, such termination shall be treated as a termination without
Good Cause and Xx. Xxxxxxx shall be entitled to payment in accordance with
Section 6(b).
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c.
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Termination
by Xx. Xxxxxxx for Good Reason. Xx. Xxxxxxx may, at any
time at his option within sixty (60) days following an event or condition
that constitutes Good Reason (as defined below), resign for Good Reason as
an officer and employee and from all other positions with SHSS, SunBridge
and the other LTC subsidiaries by written notice to SunBridge at least
thirty (30) days prior to the date of termination specified in such
notice; provided, however, that
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SunBridge
and/or SHSS has not substantially corrected the event or condition that
would constitute Good Reason prior to the date of termination. Payment to
Xx. Xxxxxxx upon a termination for Good Reason is set forth in Section
6(b).
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Good
Reason” shall mean the occurrence of any one of the following events or
conditions without Xx. Xxxxxxx’ written consent:
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1.
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A
meaningful and detrimental reduction in Xx. Xxxxxxx’ authority, duties or
responsibilities or a meaningful and detrimental change in his reporting
responsibilities (including being required to report to someone other than
the Xxxxxxx X. Xxxxxx);
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2.
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A
material failure of SunBridge and/or SHSS to comply with the compensation
provisions set forth in Sections 3(a) - 3(c) or the benefits provisions
set forth in Sections 3(d) - 3(f) (collectively, the “Benefits”) (other
than a reduction of Benefits uniformly applicable to other members of
senior management); or
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3.
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A
material relocation of Xx. Xxxxxxx’ principal work location from its
location in Orange County,
California;
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provided that SunBridge is
provided with notice and SunBridge and/or SHSS are provided opportunity to cure
such breach and Executive terminates his employment with SHSS, SunBridge and the
other LTC subsidiaries, in each case within the time periods prescribed under
this Section 5(c).
d.
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Voluntary
Resignation. Xx. Xxxxxxx may, at any time at his option
with thirty (30) calendar days written notice to SunBridge, voluntarily
resign without Good Reason as an officer and employee and from all
positions with SHSS, SunBridge and the other LTC subsidiaries. Payment to
Xx. Xxxxxxx upon his voluntary resignation without Good Reason is set
forth in Section 6(a). Resignation from employment shall automatically
constitute resignation from all positions of any subsidiary or affiliated
corporation.
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e.
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Death
or Disability. Xx. Xxxxxxx’ employment under this
Agreement shall terminate automatically as of the date of Xx. Xxxxxxx’
death. SunBridge and/or SHSS may, at any time by written notice to Xx.
Xxxxxxx at least five (5) business days prior to the date of termination
specified in such notice, terminate Xx. Xxxxxxx as an officer and employee
and from all other positions with SHSS, SunBridge and the other LTC
subsidiaries by reason of his Disability. “Disability” shall mean any
physical or mental condition or illness that prevents Xx. Xxxxxxx’ from
performing his duties hereunder in any material respect for a period of
120 substantially consecutive calendar days, as determined by a physician
selected by SunBridge and/or SHSS and reasonably acceptable to Xx. Xxxxxxx
or, if Xx. Xxxxxxx is incapacitated, reasonably acceptable to the Director
of Medicine or equivalent senior physician at Xxxx Hospital. Payment to
Xx. Xxxxxxx upon his termination by reason of his death or Disability is
set forth in Section 6(a).
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5
Section
6: Payments Upon
Termination.
a.
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Payment
Upon Termination for Good Cause, Resignation without Good Reason, Death or
Disability. In the event of termination of his
employment pursuant to Sections 5(a), 5(d) or 5(e), Xx. Xxxxxxx, or
his estate where applicable, shall be paid any earned but unpaid Base
Salary through the date of termination and any accrued and unused paid
time off through the date of termination in accordance with Company
policy, which shall be paid to Xx. Xxxxxxx or his estate or beneficiary,
as applicable, in a lump sum in cash upon or promptly following (and in
all events within 30 days after) the date of termination of employment
(collectively, the “Accrued Obligations”). In addition, in the
case of a termination of employment pursuant to Sections 5(e), but not
Sections 5(a) or 5(d), Xx. Xxxxxxx or his estate shall be paid (i) any
accrued and unpaid bonus for any prior fiscal year, which shall be paid to
Xx. Xxxxxxx or his estate or beneficiary, as applicable, in a lump sum in
cash at the time that annual bonuses are paid to senior management
personnel with respect to that fiscal year, but in any event within
seventy-five (75) days after the conclusion of the fiscal year to which
such Bonus relates, and (ii) a pro rata portion (determined by multiplying
the bonus compensation he would have earned had he been employed for the
full year by a fraction the numerator of which shall be the number of
calendar days in the year in which his termination occurs that precede
such termination, and the denominator of which shall be the total number
of days in such year) of the bonus, if any, for the fiscal year in which
the termination occurs, which shall be paid at the same time as other
annual bonuses are paid to senior management personnel with respect to
that fiscal year, but in any event within seventy-five (75) days after the
conclusion of the fiscal year to which such Bonus
relates. Xx. Xxxxxxx shall also receive his vested
benefits in accordance with the terms of SHG’s compensation and benefit
plans, and his participation in such plans and all other perquisites shall
cease as of the date of termination, except to the extent Xx. Xxxxxxx may
elect to continue coverage as under any welfare benefit plans as required
by Part 6, Title I of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974,
as amended. Upon a termination under Section 5(a), 5(d) or 5(e), Xx.
Xxxxxxx shall not be entitled to any compensation or benefits under this
Agreement except as set forth in this Section
6(a).
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b.
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Payment
Upon Termination by SunBridge without Good Cause or by Xx. Xxxxxxx
for Good Reason. In the event of termination of employment pursuant
to Sections 5(b) or 5(c), Xx. Xxxxxxx shall be entitled to the
following payments and benefits:
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1.
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Xx.
Xxxxxxx shall be entitled to a lump sum severance payment in the amount of
two year’s Base Salary or, in the event such termination occurs on or
within two years following the date of a Change in Control, three year’s
Base Salary, with
such amount to be paid to Xx. Xxxxxxx on the date which is six (6) months
and one day after the date on which such termination
occurs. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Xx. Xxxxxxx’
right to receive the severance payment hereunder shall be conditioned upon
his
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execution
of a release in favor of SHG, which shall not be inconsistent with the
terms of this Agreement and which Xx. Xxxxxxx shall deliver to SHG within
twenty-one (21) days following the date of his termination of
employment.
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2.
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Xx.
Xxxxxxx shall be entitled to: (i) any earned but unpaid Bonus pursuant to
Section 3(b), payable to Xx. Xxxxxxx in a lump sum in cash at the time
that annual bonuses are paid to senior management personnel with respect
to that fiscal year, but in any event within seventy-five (75) days after
the conclusion of the fiscal year to which such Bonus relates, (ii) an
amount equal to the Bonus which he would have earned for the year in which
his termination occurs (based upon actual performance had his employment
continued through the end of the fiscal year), payable to Xx. Xxxxxxx at
the time that annual bonuses are paid to senior management personnel with
respect to that fiscal year, but in any event within seventy-five (75)
days after the conclusion of the fiscal year to which such Bonus relates,
and (iii) any Accrued Obligations payable to Xx. Xxxxxxx as set forth in
Section 6(a).
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3.
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Xx.
Xxxxxxx’ participation in any other retirement and benefit plans and
perquisites shall cease as of the date of termination, except Xx. Xxxxxxx
and his eligible dependents (as determined under SHG’s health plan) shall
be entitled to continuing coverage under SHG’s health plans on the same
basis as active employees until the earlier of (i) the first anniversary
of the date of termination or (ii) the date of Xx. Xxxxxxx or his
eligible dependents become eligible to participate in a plan of a
successor employer.
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A
termination of Xx. Xxxxxxx’ employment without Good Cause (other than by reason
of his death or Disability) within six (6) months preceding a Change in Control
shall be treated as if such termination occurred on the date of such Change in
Control if it is reasonably demonstrated that the termination was at the request
of the third party who has taken steps reasonably calculated to effect such
Change in Control or otherwise arose in connection with or in anticipation of
such Change in Control. In such case, any additional amount payable
to Xx. Xxxxxxx under Section 6(b)(1) above shall be paid to Xx. Xxxxxxx on the
date which is six (6) months and one day after the date on which the actual
termination (and not the Change in Control) occurred.
c.
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Change
in Control. For purposes of this Section 6, a “Change in
Control” shall be deemed to have occurred if any of the following events
occurs:
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1.
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Any
“person” or “group” (within the meaning of Sections 13(d) and 14(d)(2) of
the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “1934 Act”)),
other than a trustee or other fiduciary holding securities under an
employee benefit plan of SHG (an “Acquiring Person”), is or becomes the
“beneficial owner” (as defined in Rule 13d-3 under the
1934
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Act),
directly or indirectly, of more than 33 1/3% of the then outstanding
voting stock of SHG;
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2.
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A
merger or consolidation of SHG with any other corporation, other than a
merger or consolidation which would result in the voting securities of SHG
outstanding immediately prior thereto continuing to represent (either by
remaining outstanding or by being converted into voting securities of the
surviving entity) at least 51% of the combined voting power of the voting
securities of SHG or surviving entity outstanding immediately after such
merger or consolidation;
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3.
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A
sale or other disposition by SHG of all or substantially all of SHG’s
assets;
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4.
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During
any period of two (2) consecutive years, individuals who at the beginning
of such period constitute the Board of Directors and any new director
(other than a director who is a representative or nominee of an Acquiring
Person) whose election by the Board of Directors or nomination for
election by SHG’s shareholders was approved by a vote of at least a
majority of the directors then still in office who either were directors
at the beginning of the period or whose election or nomination was
previously so approved, no longer constitute a majority of the Board of
Directors;
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provided, however, in no
event shall any acquisition of securities, a change in the composition of the
Board of Directors or a merger or other consolidation pursuant to a plan of
reorganization under chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code with respect to SHG
(“Chapter 11 Plan”), or a liquidation under the Bankruptcy Code constitute a
Change in Control. In addition, notwithstanding Sections 6(c)(1), 6(c)(2),
6(c)(3) and 6(c)(4), a Change in Control shall not be deemed to have occurred in
the event of a sale or conveyance in which SHG continues as a holding company of
an entity or entities that conduct the business or businesses formerly conducted
by SHG, or any transaction undertaken for the purpose of reincorporating SHG
under the laws of another jurisdiction, if such transaction does not materially
affect the beneficial ownership of SHG’s capital stock. Xx. Xxxxxxx’ continued
employment without objection following a Change in Control shall not, by itself,
constitute consent to or a waiver of rights with respect to any circumstances
constituting Good Reason hereunder. A Change in Control shall not, by itself,
constitute Good Reason hereunder.
Section
7: Additional
Payments.
x.
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Xxxxx-Up
Payments. Notwithstanding anything herein to the
contrary, if it is determined that any payment to Xx. Xxxxxxx pursuant to
this Agreement would be subject to the excise tax imposed by Section 4999
of the Internal Revenue Code or any interest or penalties with respect to
such excise tax (such excise tax, together with any interest or penalties
thereon, is herein referred to as an “Excise Tax”), then Xx. Xxxxxxx shall
be entitled to an additional payment (a
“Gross-Up
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Payment”)
in an amount that will place Xx. Xxxxxxx in the same after-tax economic
position that he would have enjoyed if the Excise Tax had not applied to
the payment. The amount of the Gross-Up Payment shall be determined by an
accounting firm retained by SHG (the “Accounting Firm”) using such
formulas as the Accounting Firm deems appropriate. No Gross-Up Payment
shall be payable hereunder if the Accounting Firm determines that the
payments are not subject to an Excise
Tax.
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b.
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Determination
of Gross-Up Payment. Subject to the provisions of
Section 7(c), all determinations required under this Section 7, including
whether a Gross-Up Payment is required, the amount of the payments
constituting parachute payments, and the amount of the Gross-Up Payment,
shall be made by the Accounting Firm, which shall provide detailed
supporting calculations both to SHG and Xx. Xxxxxxx within fifteen
business days of Xx. Xxxxxxx’ date of termination or any other date
reasonably requested by SHG or Xx. Xxxxxxx on which a determination under
Section 7 is necessary or advisable. Within five days of the receipt by
Xx. Xxxxxxx and SHG of the Accounting Firm’s determination of the initial
Gross-Up Payment, SHG shall pay the amount of such Gross-Up Payment to the
applicable taxing authorities for the benefit of Xx. Xxxxxx. If the
Accounting Firm determines that no Excise Tax is payable by Xx. Xxxxxxx,
SHG shall cause the Accounting Firm to provide Xx. Xxxxxxx and SHG with an
opinion that SHG has substantial authority under the Internal Revenue Code
and regulations thereunder not to report an Excise Tax on Xx. Xxxxxxx’
federal income tax return. Any determination by the Accounting Firm shall
be binding upon Xx. Xxxxxxx and SHG. If the initial Gross-Up Payment is
insufficient to cover the amount of the Excise Tax that is ultimately
determined to be owing by Xx. Xxxxxxx with respect to any payment
(hereinafter an “Underpayment”), SHG, after exhausting its remedies under
Section 7(c) below, shall promptly pay to the applicable taxing
authorities for the benefit of Xx. Xxxxxxx (or directly to Xx. Xxxxxxx in
the event Xx. Xxxxxxx previously paid the related tax amounts) an
additional Gross-Up Payment in respect of the
Underpayment.
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c.
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Procedures. Xx.
Xxxxxxx shall notify SHG in writing of any claim by the Internal Revenue
Service that, if successful, would require the payment by SHG of a
Gross-Up Payment. Such notice shall be given as soon as practicable after
Xx. Xxxxxxx knows of such claim and Xx. Xxxxxxx shall apprise SHG of the
nature of the claim and the date on which the claim is requested to be
paid. Xx. Xxxxxxx agrees not to pay the claim until the expiration of the
thirty-day period following the date on which Xx. Xxxxxxx notifies SHG, or
such shorter period ending on the date the taxes with respect to such
claim are due (the “Notice Period”). If SHG notifies Xx. Xxxxxxx in
writing prior to the expiration of the Notice Period that it desires to
contest the claim, Xx. Xxxxxxx shall: (i) give SHG any information
reasonably requested by SHG relating to the claim; (ii) take such action
in connection with the claim as SHG may reasonably request, including,
without limitation, accepting legal representation with respect to such
claim by an attorney reasonably selected by SHG and reasonably acceptable
to Xx. Xxxxxxx; (iii) cooperate with SHG in good faith in contesting the
claim; and (iv) permit
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SHG
to participate in any proceedings relating to the claim. Xx. Xxxxxxx shall
permit SHG to control all proceedings related to the claim and, at its
option, permit SHG to pursue or forgo any and all administrative appeals,
proceedings, hearings, and conferences with the taxing authority in
respect of such claim. If requested by SHG, Xx. Xxxxxxx agrees either to
pay the tax claimed and xxx for a refund or contest the claim in any
permissible manner and 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 SHG shall determine; provided, however, that
if SHG directs Xx. Xxxxxxx to pay such claim and pursue a refund, SHG
shall pay such claim on Xx. Xxxxxxx’ behalf (the “Claim Payment”). SHG’s
control of the contest related to the claim shall be limited to the issues
related to the Gross-Up Payment and Xx. Xxxxxxx shall be entitled to
settle or contest, as the case may be, any other issue raised by the
Internal Revenue Service or other taxing authority. If SHG does not notify
Xx. Xxxxxxx in writing prior to the end of the Notice Period of its desire
to contest the claim, SHG shall pay to the applicable taxing authorities
on Xx. Xxxxxxx’ behalf an additional Gross-Up Payment in respect of
the excess parachute payments that are the subject of the claim. Any
Gross-Up Payment shall be made without additional tax consequences to Xx.
Xxxxxxx.
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d.
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Repayments. If,
after a Claim Payment is made by SHG, Xx. Xxxxxxx becomes entitled to a
refund with respect to the claim to which such Claim Payment relates, Xx.
Xxxxxxx shall pay SHG the amount of the refund (together with any interest
paid or credited thereon after taxes applicable thereto). If, after a
Claim Payment is made by Sun, a determination is made that Xx. Xxxxxxx
shall not be entitled to any refund with respect to the claim and SHG does
not promptly notify Xx. Xxxxxxx of its intent to contest the denial of
refund, then the amount of the Claim Payment shall offset the amount of
the additional Gross-Up Payment then owing to Xx.
Xxxxxxx.
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e.
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Further
Assurances. SHSS shall indemnify Xx. Xxxxxxx and hold
him harmless, on an after-tax basis, from any costs, expenses, penalties,
fines, interest or other liabilities (“Losses”) incurred by Xx. Xxxxxxx
with respect to the exercise by SHG of any of its rights under Section 7,
including, without limitation, any Losses related to SHG’s decision to
contest a claim or any imputed income to him resulting from any Claim
Payment or action taken on Xx. Xxxxxxx’ behalf by SHSS hereunder. SHSS
shall pay all legal fees and expenses incurred under Section 7 and shall
promptly reimburse Xx. Xxxxxxx for the reasonable expenses incurred
by him in connection with any actions taken by SHSS or SHG or required to
be taken by Xx. Xxxxxxx hereunder. SHSS shall also pay all of the fees and
expenses of the Accounting Firm, including, without limitation, the fees
and expenses related to the opinion referred to in Section
7(b).
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f.
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Section
409A. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this
Section 7, any payment under this Section 7 shall be paid to Xx. Xxxxxxx
promptly but in no event later than the last day of the end of Xx.
Xxxxxxx’ taxable year following the taxable year in which Xx. Xxxxxx (or
SHG) pays or remits the related
taxes.
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10
Section
8: Protection of SHG’s
Interests.
a.
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Confidentiality. Xx.
Xxxxxxx agrees that he will not at any time, during or after the term of
this Agreement, except in performance of his obligations to SHG, SunBridge
and the other LTC subsidiaries, hereunder or with the prior written
consent of the Board of Directors of SHG, directly or indirectly disclose
to any person or organization any secret or “Confidential Information”
that Xx. Xxxxxxx may learn or has learned by reason of his association
with SHG. For purposes of all of this Section 8 only, SHG shall also
include all of its direct and indirect subsidiaries. The term
“Confidential Information” means any information not previously disclosed
to the public or to the trade by SHG’s management with respect to SHG’s
products, services, business practices, facilities and methods, salary and
benefit information, trade secrets and other intellectual property,
systems, procedures, manuals, confidential reports, product price lists,
pricing information, customer lists, financial information (including
revenues, costs or profits associated with any of SHG’s products or lines
of business), business plans, prospects or
opportunities.
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b.
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Exclusive
Property. Xx. Xxxxxxx confirms that all Confidential
Information is and shall remain the exclusive property of SHG. All
business records, papers and documents kept or made by Xx. Xxxxxxx
relating to the business of SHG shall be and remain the property of SHG.
Upon the termination of Xx. Xxxxxxx’ employment for any reason or upon the
request of SHG at any time, Xx. Xxxxxxx shall promptly deliver to SHG, and
shall not without the consent of the Board of Directors of SHG, retain
copies of, Confidential Information, or any written materials not
previously made available to the public, or records and documents made by
Xx. Xxxxxxx or coming into Xx. Xxxxxxx’ possession concerning the business
or affairs of SHG.
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c.
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Nonsolicitation. Xx.
Xxxxxxx shall not, during his employment under this Agreement, and for one
(1) year following the termination of this Agreement, for whatever reason
or cause, in any manner induce, attempt to induce, or assist others to
induce, or attempt to induce, any employee, agent, representative or other
person associated with SHG or any customer, patient or client of SHG to
terminate his or her association or contract with SHG, nor in any manner,
directly or indirectly, interfere with the relationship between SHG and
any of such persons or entities.
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d.
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Non-Disparagement. Xx.
Xxxxxxx shall not during his employment under this Agreement and for two
years following termination of the Agreement, for whatever reason, make
any statements that are intended to or that would reasonably be expected
to harm SHG or any of its subsidiaries or affiliates, their respective
predecessors, successors, assigns and employees and their respective past,
present or future officers, directors, shareholders, employees, trustees,
fiduciaries, administrators, agents or representatives. SHG and its
officers and directors will not make any statements that are intended to
or that would
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11
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reasonably
be expected to harm Xx. Xxxxxxx or his reputation or that reflect
negatively on Xx. Xxxxxxx’ performance, skills or
ability.
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e.
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Relief. Without
intending to limit the remedies available to SHG, Xx. Xxxxxxx
acknowledges that a breach of any of the covenants in Section 8 may result
in material irreparable injury to SHG for which there is no adequate
remedy at law, that it will not be possible to measure damages for such
injuries precisely and that, in the event of such a breach or threat
thereof, SHG shall be entitled to obtain a temporary restraining order
and/or a preliminary or permanent injunction restraining Xx. Xxxxxxx from
engaging in activities prohibited by Section 8 or such other relief as may
be required to specifically enforce any of the covenants in Section
8.
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Section 9:
Miscellaneous
Provisions.
a.
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Amendments,
Waivers, Etc. No provision of this Agreement may be
modified, waived or discharged unless such waiver, modification or
discharge is agreed to in writing signed by both parties. No waiver by
either party hereto at any time of any breach by the other party hereto
of, or compliance with, any condition or provision of this Agreement to be
performed by such other party shall be deemed a waiver of similar or
dissimilar provisions or conditions at the same or at any prior or
subsequent time.
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b.
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Validity. The
invalidity or unenforceability of any provision of this Agreement shall
not affect the validity or enforceability of any other provision of this
Agreement, which shall remain in full force and
effect.
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c.
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Entire
Agreement. This
Agreement sets forth the entire agreement and understanding of the parties
hereto with respect to the matters covered hereby and supersedes all prior
agreements and understandings of the parties with respect to the subject
matter hereof. No agreements or representations, oral or otherwise,
express or implied, with respect to the subject matter hereof have been
made by either party which are not expressly set forth in this Agreement
and this Agreement shall supersede all prior agreements, negotiations,
correspondence, undertakings and communications of the parties, oral or
written, with respect to the subject matter
hereof.
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d.
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Resolution
of Disputes. Any disputes arising under or in connection
with this Agreement may, at the election of Xx. Xxxxxxx or SHG or
SunBridge, be resolved by binding arbitration, to be held in Orange
County, California in accordance with the rules and procedures of the
American Arbitration Association. If arbitration is elected, Xx. Xxxxxxx
and SHG and SunBridge shall mutually select the arbitrator. If Xx. Xxxxxxx
and SHG and SunBridge cannot agree on the selection of an arbitrator, each
party shall select an arbitrator and the two arbitrators shall select a
third arbitrator who shall resolve the dispute. Judgment upon the award
rendered by the arbitrator may be entered in any court having jurisdiction
thereof. Nothing herein shall limit the ability of SHG and SunBridge to
obtain the injunctive relief
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12
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described
in Section 8(d) pending final resolution of matters that are sent to
arbitration.
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e.
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Attorneys’
Fees. SunBridge shall pay or reimburse Xx. Xxxxxxx on an
after-tax basis for all costs and expenses (including, without limitation,
court costs, costs of arbitration and reasonable legal fees and expenses
which reflect common practice with respect to the matters involved)
incurred by Xx. Xxxxxxx as a result of any claim, action or proceeding (i)
contesting or otherwise relating to the existence of Good Cause in the
event of Xx. Xxxxxxx’ termination of employment during the Term for Good
Cause; (ii) enforcing any right, benefit or obligation under this
Agreement, or otherwise enforcing the terms of this Agreement or any
provision thereof; or (iii) asserting or otherwise relating to the
existence of Good Reason in the event of Xx. Xxxxxxx’ termination of
employment during the Term for Good Reason; provided, however that this
provision shall not apply if the relevant trier-of-fact determines that
Xx. Xxxxxxx’ claim or position was without reasonable
foundation.
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f.
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Governing
Law. The
validity, interpretation, construction and performance of this Agreement
shall be governed by the laws of the State of
California.
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g.
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Notice. For
the purpose of this Agreement, notice, demands and all other communication
provided for in this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be deemed to
have been duly given when delivered by hand delivery or overnight courier
or mailed by United States certified or registered mail, return receipt
requested, postage prepaid, addressed as follows or to other addresses as
each party may have furnished to the
other:
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To
SunBridge or SHSS:
Attention:
General Counsel
000 Xxx
Xxxxxx X.X.
Xxxxxxxxxxx,
Xxx Xxxxxx 00000
To Xx.
Xxxxxxx:
Xxxxxxx
X. Xxxxxxx
0000 X.
Xxxxx Xxxx.
Xxxxxxx Xxxxx,
Xxxxxxxxxx 00000
h.
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Section
409A.
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1.
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If
Xx. Xxxxxxx is a “specified employee” within the meaning of Treasury
Regulation Section 1.409A-1(i) as of the date of Xx. Xxxxxxx’ separation
from service (within the meaning of Treasury Regulation Section
1.409A-1(h)(1), without regard to the optional alternative definitions
available thereunder) and any payment or benefit provided in Section 6
hereof constitutes a “deferral of compensation” within the meaning of
Section 409A of the Code, Xx. Xxxxxxx shall not be entitled to any such
payment
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13
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or
benefit until the earlier of: (i) the date which is six (6) months after
his separation from service for any reason other than death, or (ii) the
date of his death. The provisions of this paragraph shall only
apply if, and to the extent, required to avoid the imputation of any tax,
penalty or interest pursuant to Section 409A of the Code. Any
amounts otherwise payable to Xx. Xxxxxxx upon or in the six (6) month
period following his separation from service that are not so paid by
reason of this Section 9(h)(1) shall be paid (without interest) as soon as
practicable (and in all events within thirty (30) days) after the date
that is six (6) months after Xx. Xxxxxxx’ separation from service (or, if
earlier, as soon as practicable, and in all events within thirty (30)
days, after the date of his death).
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2.
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To
the extent that any reimbursements pursuant to Sections 4, 6(b)(3), 7(e)
and 9(e) are taxable to Xx. Xxxxxxx, any reimbursement payment due to Xx.
Xxxxxxx pursuant to such provision shall be paid to Xx. Xxxxxxx on or
before the last day of Xx. Xxxxxxx’ taxable year following the taxable
year in which the related expense was incurred. The benefits
and reimbursements pursuant to Sections 4, 6(b)(3), 7(e) and 9(e) are not
subject to liquidation or exchange for another benefit and the amount of
such benefits and reimbursements that Xx. Xxxxxxx receives in one taxable
year shall not affect the amount of such benefits and
reimbursements that Xx. Xxxxxxx receives in any other taxable
year.
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3.
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It
is intended that any amounts payable under this Agreement and Sun’s and
Xx. Xxxxxxx’ exercise of authority or discretion hereunder shall comply
with and avoid the imputation of any tax, penalty or interest under
Section 409A of the Code. This Agreement shall be construed and
interpreted consistent with that
intent.
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The
parties hereto have executed this Agreement as of the date first above
written.
/s/ Xxxxxxx X.
Xxxxxxx
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Xxxxxxx
X. Xxxxxxx
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SUN
HEALTH SPECIALTY SERVICES, INC.
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By
/s/ Xxxxxxx
Xxxxxx
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Its
Vice
President
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14