EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT
EXHIBIT
10.1
THIS
EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT (“Agreement”) is entered into this 26th day of October,
2009 (the “Effective Date”), by and between Xxxxxxx X. Xxxxxx (“Xx.
Xxxxxx”) and Sun Healthcare
Group, Inc., a Delaware corporation (“Sun” or “Company”).
WHEREAS,
Xx. Xxxxxx has served as the Chairman of the Board of Directors and Chief
Executive Officer (“CEO”) of Sun since November 2001;
WHEREAS,
Sun and Xx. Xxxxxx are parties to that certain Amended and Restated Employment
Agreement dated December 17, 2008 (the
“Existing Agreement”); and
WHEREAS,
this Agreement replaces and supersedes the Existing Agreement in its
entirety.
NOW,
THEREFORE, in consideration of the above recitals and the mutual covenants and
agreements contained herein, Xx. Xxxxxx and Sun agree as follows:
Section
1: Term of
Employment. Sun agrees to employ Xx. Xxxxxx and Xx. Xxxxxx
agrees to accept employment with Sun, subject to the terms and conditions of
this Agreement. Unless earlier terminated pursuant to the provisions of Sections
4 and 5 hereof, the initial term of employment of Xx. Xxxxxx under this
Agreement is for a period of three (3) years, commencing on the Effective Date,
and terminating on the third anniversary of the Effective Date. On
the first anniversary of the Effective Date, and on each anniversary of the
Effective Date thereafter, this Agreement shall be renewed for a one (1) year
period (the period from and after the Effective Date until the termination of
this Agreement is referred to as the “Term”) unless (i) earlier
terminated pursuant to the provisions of Sections 4 and 5 hereof, or (ii)
written notice of non-renewal is given by either party to the other at least 60
days prior to the anniversary of the Effective Date occurring in any given year,
in which case this Agreement shall be terminated on anniversary of the Effective
Date occurring in the second year following the year in which such notice of
non-renewal was provided. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Term
shall terminate, at the latest, on the tenth anniversary of the Effective
Date.
Section
2: Duties
and Responsibilities. Xx. Xxxxxx is employed as CEO and is
engaged as Chairman of the Board of Directors of Sun (“Board of
Directors”). During the Term, Xx. Xxxxxx shall devote his full
employment time, efforts, skills and attention exclusively to advancing and
rendering profitable the business interests of Sun, its direct and indirect
subsidiaries and their lines of business; provided, however,
that to the extent the following activities do not materially interfere or
conflict with his duties and responsibilities hereunder and as imposed by
applicable laws, rules and regulations, Xx. Xxxxxx may (i) continue to serve as
a member of the boards of directors of the companies previously disclosed in
writing to the Board of Directors, (ii) engage in charitable, civic and
religious affairs and (iii) with the prior written consent of the Board of
Directors, serve as a member of the board of directors of other companies,
subject to the provisions of Sun’s Governance Guidelines, as in effect from time
to time. Xx. Xxxxxx agrees to report to and render such services,
commensurate with his positions as Chairman or CEO, as the Board of Directors
may from time to time reasonably direct. In the event that Xx. Xxxxxx
serves
as
director or senior executive officer of one or more direct or indirect
subsidiaries of Sun, he shall do so without additional
compensation.
Section
3: Compensation, Benefits and
Related Matters.
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a.
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Annual
Base Salary. Sun shall pay during the Term to Xx. Xxxxxx
a base salary at an annual rate of $875,000 (“Base Salary”), such salary
to be payable in accordance with Sun’s customary payroll practices (but
not less frequently than monthly). Annually during the Term, on
or prior to each anniversary of the Effective Date, the Board of Directors
or the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors (the “Compensation
Committee”) shall review Xx. Xxxxxx’ annual base salary for possible merit
increases in its sole discretion, and any increase in Xx. Xxxxxx’ 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. Xxxxxx shall be entitled to
receive an annual bonus (“Bonus”) in accordance with the Sun Healthcare
Group, Inc. Executive Bonus Plan (the “Plan”), as it may be amended from
time to time by the Compensation Committee; provided, however, that no
amendment shall be effective if it reduces the percentage of Base
Salary that would constitute the target amount of the Bonus as compared to
the prior year, unless such amendment has been agreed to in writing by Xx.
Xxxxxx. 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. Notwithstanding the foregoing, but subject to the
provisions of Section 5, in order to have earned and to be paid any such
Bonus, Xx. Xxxxxx must be employed by Sun on the date of such
payment.
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c.
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Restricted
Stock and Options. Xx. Xxxxxx shall participate in such
restricted stock and option plans of the Company as are made available
generally to senior executive officers of the Company. Any
grants under such plans shall be made by the Board of Directors (or
appropriate committee thereof) in its sole discretion and such plans are
subject to change during the Term at the sole discretion of the
Company.
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d.
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Retirement
and Benefit Plans. During the Term, Xx. Xxxxxx 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 Sun 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. During the Term, Xx. Xxxxxx shall be entitled
to paid time off in accordance with Sun’s policy for senior executive
officers.
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f.
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Indemnification
Liability/Insurance. Xx. Xxxxxx shall be entitled to
indemnification by Sun to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law
and the
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charter
and bylaws of Sun. In addition, Sun shall maintain during Xx.
Xxxxxx’ employment customary director’s and officers’ liability insurance
and Xx. Xxxxxx shall be covered by such
insurance.
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g.
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Taxes. All
compensation payable to Xx. Xxxxxx 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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h.
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Expenses. Xx.
Xxxxxx shall be entitled to reimbursement for expenses incurred by him in
connection with the discharge of his duties hereunder. All such
expense reimbursement shall be subject to and shall be submitted,
documented and paid in accordance with the expense reimbursement policies
of the Company, as such policies may change from time to
time. Xx. Xxxxxx agrees that he will provide such documentation
to the Company promptly after expenses are
incurred.
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Section
4: Termination. Sun
may, at any time, in its sole discretion, terminate Xx. Xxxxxx as Chairman and
CEO and from all other positions with Sun and its direct and indirect
subsidiaries; provided, however, that Sun shall provide Xx. Xxxxxx 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
5. Notwithstanding any provision in Section 1 hereof, the Term shall
end on the date of Xx. Xxxxxx’ termination of employment in accordance with this
Agreement.
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a.
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Termination
by Sun for “Good Cause.” Sun may at any time, by written
notice to Xx. Xxxxxx at least five (5) business days prior to the date of
termination specified in such notice and specifying the acts or omissions
believed to constitute Good Cause (as defined below), terminate Xx. Xxxxxx
as Chairman and CEO and from all other positions with Sun and its direct
and indirect subsidiaries for Good Cause. Sun may relieve Xx.
Xxxxxx 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. Xxxxxx upon a termination for Good
Cause is set forth in Section 5(a). “Good Cause” for
termination shall mean any one of the
following:
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1.
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Any
felony criminal conviction (including conviction pursuant to a nolo
contendere plea) under the laws of the United States or any state or other
political subdivision thereof which, in the sole discretion of the Board
of Directors, renders Xx. Xxxxxx unsuitable for the position of either
Chairman or CEO;
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2.
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Any
act of financial malfeasance or financial impropriety, as determined by
the Board of Directors in good
faith;
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3.
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Xx.
Xxxxxx’ continued willful failure to perform the duties reasonably
requested by the Board of Directors and commensurate with his positions as
Chairman and CEO (other than any such failure resulting from his
incapacity due to his physical or mental condition) after a written
demand
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for substantial performance is delivered
to him by the Board of Directors, which demand specifically identifies the
manner in which the Board of Directors believes that he has not substantially
performed his duties, and which performance is not substantially corrected by
him within ten (10) days of receipt of such demand;
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4.
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Any
material workplace misconduct or willful failure to comply with Sun’s
general policies and procedures as they may exist from time to time by Xx.
Xxxxxx which, in the good faith determination of the Board of Directors,
renders Xx. Xxxxxx unsuitable for the position of either Chairman or
CEO;
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5.
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Any
material breach by Xx. Xxxxxx of the provisions of this Agreement which
has not been cured by Xx. Xxxxxx thirty (30) days following delivery of
notice to Xx. Xxxxxx specifying such material breach, or the repetition of
any such material breach after it has been cured;
or
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6.
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Any
act of moral turpitude, as determined by the Board of Directors in good
faith.
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b.
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Termination
by Sun without Good Cause. Sun may at any time, by
written notice to Xx. Xxxxxx at least five (5) business days prior to the
date of termination specified in such notice, terminate Xx. Xxxxxx as
Chairman and CEO and from all other positions with Sun and its direct and
indirect subsidiaries. If such termination is made by Sun other
than by reason of Xx. Xxxxxx’ death, Disability (as defined in Section
4(e)) or expiration of the Term, and Good Cause does not exist, such
termination shall be treated as a termination without Good Cause and Xx.
Xxxxxx shall be entitled to payment in accordance with Section
5(b).
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c.
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Termination
by Xx. Xxxxxx for Good Reason. Xx. Xxxxxx may, at any
time at his option within sixty (60) days following the initial existence
of the particular event or condition that constitutes Good
Reason (as defined below), resign for Good Reason as Chairman and CEO and
from all other positions with Sun and its direct and indirect subsidiaries
by written notice to Sun at least thirty (30) days prior to the date of
termination specified in such notice; provided, however, that Sun has not
substantially corrected the event or condition that would constitute Good
Reason prior to the date of termination. Payment to Xx. Xxxxxx
upon a termination for Good Reason is set forth in Section
5(b). Xx. Xxxxxx’ continued employment shall not, by itself,
constitute consent to or a waiver of rights with respect to any
circumstances constituting Good Reason
hereunder.
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“Good
Reason” shall mean the occurrence of any one of the following events or
conditions without Xx. Xxxxxx’ written consent:
(i) A
meaningful and detrimental reduction in Xx. Xxxxxx’ authority, duties or
responsibilities or a meaningful and detrimental change in his reporting
responsibilities;(ii)A material
failure of Sun to comply with the
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compensation
provisions set forth in Sections 3(a) and 3(b) or 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
(iii) A material relocation of Xx. Xxxxxx’ principal work location from its
current location in Orange County, California;
provided that Sun is provided with notice and
opportunity to cure such breach and Xx. Xxxxxx terminates his employment with
Sun, in each case within the time periods prescribed under this Section
4(c).
d.
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Voluntary
Resignation. Xx. Xxxxxx may, at any time at his option
with thirty (30) calendar days written notice to Sun, voluntarily resign
without Good Reason as Chairman and CEO and from all other positions with
Sun and its direct and indirect subsidiaries. Payment to Xx.
Xxxxxx upon his voluntary resignation without Good Reason is set forth in
Section 5(a). Resignation from Sun shall automatically
constitute resignation from all positions of any
subsidiary.
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e.
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Death
or Disability. Xx. Xxxxxx’ employment under this
Agreement and the Term shall terminate automatically as of the date of Xx.
Xxxxxx’ death. Sun may, at any time by written notice to Xx.
Xxxxxx at least five (5) business days prior to the date of termination
specified in such notice, terminate Xx. Xxxxxx as Chairman and CEO and
from all other positions with Sun and its direct or indirect subsidiaries
by reason of his Disability. “Disability” shall mean any
physical or mental condition or illness that prevents Xx. Xxxxxx’ 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 Sun or, if Xx. Xxxxxx is incapacitated, reasonably acceptable
to the Director of Medicine or equivalent senior physician at Xxxx
Hospital. Payment to Xx. Xxxxxx upon his termination by reason
of his death or Disability is set forth in Section
5(a).
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Section
5: Payments Upon
Termination.
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a.
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Payment
Upon Termination for Good Cause, Resignation without Good Reason, Death or
Disability. In the event of termination of employment
during the Term pursuant to Sections 4(a), 4(d) or 4(e), Xx. Xxxxxx, or
his estate where applicable, shall be paid any earned but unpaid Base
Salary through the date of Xx. Xxxxxx’ separation from service with Sun
(the “Severance Date”) and any accrued and unused paid time off
through the Severance Date, which shall be paid to Xx. Xxxxxx 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 Severance
Date (collectively, the “Accrued Obligations”). In addition, in
the case of a termination of employment pursuant to Sections 4(e), but not
Sections 4(a) or 4(d), Xx. Xxxxxx or his estate shall be paid (i) any
accrued and unpaid Bonus for any prior fiscal year, which shall be paid to
Xx. Xxxxxx 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
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any event
within seventy-five (75) days after the Severance Date, and (ii) a pro rata
portion (based on the number of days of employment in the fiscal year of
termination divided by 365 or 366, as applicable) of the Bonus, if any, for the
fiscal year in which the termination occurs, which shall be paid 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. Xx. Xxxxxx shall also receive
his vested benefits in accordance with the terms of Sun’s compensation and
benefit plans, and his participation in such plans and all other perquisites
shall cease as of the Severance Date, except to the extent Xx. Xxxxxx may elect
to continue coverage 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 4(a), 4(d) or 4(e), Xx. Xxxxxx shall not be entitled
to any compensation or benefits under this Agreement except as set forth in this
Section 5(a).
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b.
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Payment
Upon Termination by Sun without Good Cause or by Xx. Xxxxxx for Good
Reason. In the event of a termination of Xx. Xxxxxx’
employment during the Term pursuant to Sections 4(b) or 4(c), subject to
the provisions of Section 7(f):
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1.
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Xx.
Xxxxxx shall be entitled to a severance benefit in an amount equal to (i)
Xx. Xxxxxx’ then current annual Base Salary multiplied by 2.25, plus (ii)
any accrued and unpaid Bonus for any prior fiscal year, plus (iii) a pro
rata portion of the Bonus for the fiscal year in which the termination
occurs (determined by multiplying the Bonus Xx. Xxxxxx would have received
based upon actual performance had his employment continued through the end
of the fiscal year by a fraction, the numerator of which is the number of
days during the year of termination that Xx. Xxxxxx is employed by the
Company and the denominator of which is 365 or 366, as
applicable). The amount payable pursuant to clause (i) above
shall be paid to Xx. Xxxxxx in a lump sum cash payment in the month
immediately following the month in which the Severance Date
occurs. The amount payable pursuant to clause (ii) above shall
be paid to Xx. Xxxxxx at the time that annual bonuses are paid to senior
management personnel with respect to the applicable fiscal year, but in
any event within seventy-five (75) days after the Severance
Date. The amount payable pursuant to clause (iii) shall be paid
to Xx. Xxxxxx at the time that annual bonuses are paid to senior
management personnel with respect to the applicable fiscal year in which
the Severance Date occurs, but in any event within seventy-five (75) days
after the conclusion of such fiscal
year.
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2.
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In
the event such termination occurs on or within two years following the
date of a Change in Control, Xx. Xxxxxx shall not be entitled to the
amount described in Section 5(b)(1) above but shall instead be entitled to
an amount equal to (i) the sum of his then current annual Base Salary and
his target Bonus for the then current fiscal year multiplied by 2, plus (ii)
any
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accrued
and unpaid Bonus for any prior fiscal year, plus (iii) a pro rata portion of the
target Bonus for the fiscal year in which the termination occurs (assuming the
Company achieves 100% of the financial performance target or targets for such
fiscal year that are utilized in determining the amount of the Bonus and
determined by multiplying the amount Xx. Xxxxxx would have received had his
employment continued through the end of the fiscal year by a fraction, the
numerator of which is the number of days during the performance year of
termination that Xx. Xxxxxx is employed by the Company and the denominator of
which is 365 or 366, as applicable). The amounts payable pursuant to clauses (i)
and (iii) above shall be paid to Xx. Xxxxxx in a lump sum in the month
immediately following the month in which the Severance Date occurs. The amount
payable pursuant to clause (ii) above shall be paid to Xx. Xxxxxx at the time
that annual bonuses are paid to senior management personnel with respect to the
applicable fiscal year, but in any event within seventy-five (75) days after the
Severance Date.
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3.
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Xx.
Xxxxxx’ participation in any other retirement and benefit plans and
perquisites shall cease as of the Severance Date, except Sun shall pay
premiums pursuant to COBRA for continuing coverage under Sun’s health
plans for Xx. Xxxxxx and his eligible dependents (as determined under
Sun’s health plans), or, at Xx. Xxxxxx’ option (which shall be
communicated by written notice to Sun prior to the month such election is
to take effect), provide a separate cash payment monthly equal to the
amount of the COBRA premium until the earlier of (i) the eighteen-month
anniversary (or, in the case of a Change in Control termination referred
to in Section 5(b)(2) above, the twenty-four-month anniversary) of the
last day of the month in which the Severance Date occurs or (ii) the date
of Xx. Xxxxxx becomes eligible to participate in a plan of another
employer or (iii), as to any of his eligible dependents, the date on which
the eligible dependent becomes eligible to participate in a plan of
another employer. Any cash payment due to Xx. Xxxxxx pursuant
to this Section 5(b)(3) shall be paid by Sun not later than the end of the
month to which such payment
relates.
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4.
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Upon
any such termination, Xx. Xxxxxx shall be entitled to receive any Accrued
Obligations payable to Xx. Xxxxxx as set forth in Section
5(a).
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5.
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Notwithstanding
the foregoing, Xx. Xxxxxx’ right to receive the severance payments
described in this Section 5(b) shall be and is conditioned upon his
execution and delivery of (and not revoking) a general release in favor of
Sun, which shall not be inconsistent with the terms of this Agreement, and
such other documents and instruments as are reasonably required by Sun,
each of which Xx. Xxxxxx shall deliver to Sun within twenty-one (21) days
following the Severance Date.
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A
termination of Xx. Xxxxxx’ employment during the Term 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, Xx. Xxxxxx
shall be entitled (in addition to the benefits described in Section 5(b)(1)
which were triggered in connection with the original Severance Date) to the
difference between the non-discounted present value of the benefits described in
Section 5(b)(2) above less the non-discounted present value of the benefits
described in Section 5(b)(1) above (each determined as of the Severance Date),
which difference shall be paid to Xx. Xxxxxx upon or within thirty (30) days
following the occurrence of such Change in Control.
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c.
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“Change
in Control.” For purposes of this Section 5, 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 Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “1934 Act”)), other
than a trustee or other fiduciary holding securities under an employee
benefit plan of the Company (an “Acquiring Person”), is or becomes the
“beneficial owner” (as defined in Rule 13d-3 under the 1934 Act), directly
or indirectly, of more than 33 1/3% of the then outstanding voting stock
of the Company;
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2.
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A
merger or consolidation of the Company with any other corporation, other
than a merger or consolidation which would result in the voting securities
of the Company 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 the Company 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 the Company of all or substantially all of
the Company’s assets;
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4.
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During
any period of not more than one (1) year (beginning on or after the
Effective Date), 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 the
Company’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 the
Company (“Chapter 11 Plan”), or a liquidation under the Bankruptcy Code
constitute a Change in Control and provided further that in no
event shall any transaction be considered a Change in Control if it does not
constitute a change in the ownership or effective control of Sun or a change in
the ownership of a substantial portion of Sun’s assets, each within the meaning
of Xxxxxxx 000X xx xxx Xxxxxx Xxxxxx Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended
(the “Code”) and the Treasury Regulations promulgated thereunder (“Section
409A”). In addition, notwithstanding Sections 5(c)(1), 5(c)(2),
5(c)(3) and 5(c)(4), a Change in Control shall not be deemed to have occurred in
the event of a sale or conveyance in which the Company continues as a holding
company of an entity or entities that conduct the business or businesses
formerly conducted by the Company, or any transaction undertaken for the purpose
of reincorporating the Company under the laws of another jurisdiction, if such
transaction does not materially affect the beneficial ownership of the Company’s
capital stock. A Change in Control shall not, by itself, constitute
Good Reason hereunder.
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d.
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Cooperation. Following
the expiration or a termination of this Agreement for any reason, Xx.
Xxxxxx shall provide such cooperation as is reasonably required by the
Company, including, without limitation, consulting with the Company with
respect to litigation and/or matters that relate to facts and
circumstances that occurred during the term of his employment by the
Company, and executing such documents and instruments relating to such
term of employment as are reasonably requested by
Sun.
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Section
6: Reduction
in Compensation to Avoid Excise Tax. Notwithstanding anything
herein to the contrary, if the excise tax imposed by Section 4999 of the Code or
any similar or successor tax (the “Excise Tax”) applies to any payments,
benefits and/or amounts received (or otherwise to be received) by Xx. Xxxxxx
pursuant to Section 5(b) or otherwise, including, without limitation, amounts
received or deemed received, within the meaning of any provision of the Code, by
Xx. Xxxxxx as a result of (and not by way of limitation) any automatic vesting,
lapse of restrictions and/or accelerated target or performance achievement
provisions, or otherwise, applicable to outstanding grants or awards to Xx.
Xxxxxx under any of Sun’s incentive plans (collectively, the “Total Payments”),
then the Total Payments shall be reduced (but not below zero) so that the
maximum amount of the Total Payments (after reduction) shall be one dollar
($1.00) less than the amount which would cause the Total Payments to be subject
to the Excise Tax; provided that such reduction to the Total Payments shall be
made only if the total after-tax benefit to Xx. Xxxxxx is greater after giving
effect to such reduction than if no such reduction had been made. If
such a reduction is required, the Company shall reduce or eliminate the Total
Payments by first reducing or eliminating any accelerated vesting of stock
options that then have a term of one year or less and are then under-water, then
by reducing or eliminating any cash severance benefits, then by reducing or
eliminating any accelerated vesting of any other stock options, then by reducing
or eliminating any accelerated vesting of other equity awards, and then by
reducing or eliminating any other remaining Total Payments, in each case in
reverse order beginning with the payments which are to be paid the farthest in
time from the date of the
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related
change in control event. The preceding provisions of this Section 6 shall take
precedence over the provisions of any other plan, arrangement or agreement
governing Xx. Xxxxxx’ rights and entitlements to any benefits or compensation.
The Company agrees that, prior to and in connection with any Change in Control,
the Company will reasonably consider alternatives (if any) Xx. Xxxxxx may have
to eliminate or mitigate the impact of any Excise Tax on his Total
Payments.
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a.
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Determination
of Reduction. The amount of the reduction in
compensation shall be determined by an accounting firm retained by Sun
(the “Accounting Firm”) using such formulas as the Accounting Firm deems
appropriate. No compensation to Xx. Xxxxxx shall be reduced
pursuant to the provisions of this Section 6 if the Accounting Firm
determines that the payments to Xx. Xxxxxx are not subject to an Excise
Tax.
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b.
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Payment
of Excise Tax. If a reduction
in compensation that results in no Excise Tax being payable does not
result in Xx. Xxxxxx having a more positive after-tax financial position
than he would have enjoyed without the reduction but with the resulting
application of the Excise Tax, then, at the option of Xx. Xxxxxx, he can
choose to pay the amount of the Excise Tax and avoid the reduction in
compensation. The amount of the Excise Tax shall be determined
by the Accounting Firm using such formulas as the Accounting Firm deems
appropriate. In the event the Xx. Xxxxxx chooses to pay the
Excise Tax, he will have no right of reimbursement or payment of
additional compensation from the
Company.
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Section
7: Protection of Sun’s
Interests.
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a.
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Ownership
of Property. Xx. Xxxxxx acknowledges and agrees that any
and all property developed, discovered or created by him during the
pendency of his employment by the Company, including, without limitation,
any and all copyrights, trademarks, trade secrets or other intellectual
property is and shall remain the sole and exclusive property of the
Company and Xx. Xxxxxx hereby sells, assigns and otherwise transfers all
of his right, title and interest in and to such property, if any, to the
Company.
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b.
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Confidentiality. Xx.
Xxxxxx agrees that he will not at any time, during or after the term of
this Agreement, except in performance of his obligations to Sun hereunder
or with the prior written consent of the Board of Directors, directly or
indirectly disclose to any person or organization any secret or
“Confidential Information” that Xx. Xxxxxx may learn or has learned by
reason of his association with Sun and its direct and indirect
subsidiaries. For purposes of all of this Section 7 only, “Sun”
shall also include Sun’s direct and indirect subsidiaries. The
term “Confidential Information” means any information not previously
disclosed to the public or to the trade by Sun’s management with respect
to Sun’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
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10
profits
associated with any of Sun’s products or lines of business), business plans,
prospects or opportunities.
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c.
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Exclusive
Property. Xx. Xxxxxx confirms that all Confidential
Information is and shall remain the exclusive property of
Sun. All business records, papers and documents kept or made by
Xx. Xxxxxx relating to the business of Sun shall be and remain the
property of Sun. Upon the expiration or termination of Xx.
Xxxxxx’ employment with Sun for any reason or upon the request of Sun at
any time, Xx. Xxxxxx shall promptly deliver to Sun, and shall not without
the consent of the Board of Directors, retain copies of, Confidential
Information, or any written materials not previously made available to the
public, or records and documents made by Xx. Xxxxxx or coming into Xx.
Xxxxxx’ possession concerning the business or affairs of
Sun.
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d.
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Nonsolicitation. Xx.
Xxxxxx shall not, during his employment under this Agreement, and for two
(2) years 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 Sun or any customer, patient or client of Sun to
terminate his or her association or contract with Sun, nor in any manner,
directly or indirectly, interfere with the relationship between Sun and
any of such persons or entities.
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e.
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Non-Disparagement. Xx.
Xxxxxx shall not during his employment under this Agreement and for two
(2) years following termination of the Agreement, for whatever reason,
make any statements that are intended to or that would reasonably be
expected to harm Sun 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. Sun and its officers and directors will not
make any statements that are intended to or that would reasonably be
expected to harm Xx. Xxxxxx or his reputation or that reflect negatively
on Matros’ performance, skills or
ability.
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f.
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Violation
of Covenants.
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1.
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Without
intending to limit the remedies available to Sun, Xx. Xxxxxx acknowledges
that a breach of any of the covenants in this Section 7 may result in
material irreparable injury to Sun 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, Sun
shall be entitled to obtain a temporary restraining order and/or a
preliminary or permanent injunction restraining Xx. Xxxxxx from engaging
in activities prohibited by this Section 7 or such other relief as may be
required to specifically enforce any of the covenants in this Section
7.
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11
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2.
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In
the event that Xx. Xxxxxx breaches any of the covenants in this Section 7,
Sun shall be entitled to cease payment of any further compensation or
benefits pursuant to Section 5(b) or otherwise (other than compensation
payable pursuant to Section 5(b)(1)(ii)) and recover from Xx. Xxxxxx any
amounts paid to him pursuant to the provisions of Section 5(b)(1)(i),
Section 5(b)(2)(i) or Section
5(b)(2)(iii).
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Section
8: Miscellaneous
Provisions.
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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. 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,
including the Existing Agreement, 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. Xxxxxx or Sun, 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. Xxxxxx and Sun
shall mutually select the arbitrator. If Xx. Xxxxxx and Sun 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 Sun to
obtain the injunctive relief described in Section 7(f) pending final
resolution of matters that are sent to
arbitration.
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e.
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Attorneys’
Fees. Sun shall pay or reimburse Xx. Xxxxxx 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. Xxxxxx if Xx. Xxxxxx prevails on the merits of any claim,
action or proceeding (i) contesting or
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12
otherwise
relating to the existence of Good Cause in the event of Xx. Xxxxxx’ 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. Xxxxxx’ termination of
employment during the Term for Good Reason.
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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
Sun:
Sun
Healthcare Group, Inc.
Attention: General
Counsel
18000 Xxx
Xxxxxx, Xxxxx 000
Xxxxxx,
Xxxxxxxxxx 00000-0000
To Xx.
Xxxxxx:
Xx.
Xxxxxxx Xxxxxx
14 Xxxxxx
Xxxxx
Xxxxxxx
Xxxxx, Xxxxxxxxxx 00000
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h.
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Section
409A.
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1.
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If
Xx. Xxxxxx is a “specified employee” within the meaning of Treasury
Regulation Section 1.409A-1(i) as of the date of Xx. Xxxxxx’ 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 5
hereof constitutes a “deferral of compensation” within the meaning of
Section 409A, Xx. Xxxxxx shall not be entitled to any such payment 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. Any amounts
otherwise payable to Xx. Xxxxxx upon or in the six (6) month period
following his separation from service that are not so paid by reason of
this Section 8(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. Xxxxxx’ separation from service (or, if
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13
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 3(h),
5(b)(3) and 8(e) are taxable to Xx. Xxxxxx, any reimbursement
payment due to Xx. Xxxxxx pursuant to such provision shall be paid to Xx.
Xxxxxx on or before the last day of Xx. Xxxxxx’ taxable year following the
taxable year in which the related expense was incurred. The
benefits and reimbursements pursuant to Sections 3(h), 5(b)(3)and 8(e) are
not subject to liquidation or exchange for another benefit and the amount
of such benefits and reimbursements that Xx. Xxxxxx receives in one
taxable year shall not affect the amount of such benefits and
reimbursements that Xx. Xxxxxx 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. Xxxxxx’ exercise of authority or discretion hereunder shall comply
with and avoid the imputation of any tax, penalty or interest under
Section 409A. 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.
XXXXXXX
X. XXXXXX
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/s/ Xxxxxxx X. Xxxxxx
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SUN
HEALTHCARE
GROUP, INC. |
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/s/ Xxxxxxx Xxxxxx
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Its
Executive Vice
President |
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