EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT
Execution
Copy
THIS
EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT (this
"Agreement"), made and entered into as of August 15, 2007 (the "Effective
Date"), by and between Aeroflex Incorporated, a Delaware corporation, with
its
principal office located at 00 Xxxxx Xxxxxxx Xxxx, Xxxxxxxxx, Xxx Xxxx 00000
(together with its successors and assigns permitted under this Agreement,
"Aeroflex") and Xxxx X. Xxxxx, who resides at 00 Xxxxxxxx Xxxxx, Xxx Xxxxx,
Xxx
Xxxx 00000 ("Buyko"), amends and restates in its entirety the original agreement
made and entered into as of December 5, 2006 between Aeroflex and Buyko, (the
"Prior Agreement").
WITNESSETH:
WHEREAS,
pursuant
to the Agreement and Plan of Merger by and among AX Holding Corp., AC
Acquisition Corp (the "Merger Sub") and Aeroflex, dated as of May 25, 2007,
Merger Sub shall be merged with and into Aeroflex and the separate corporate
existence of Merger Sub shall cease and Aeroflex shall continue as the surviving
corporation (the "Transaction");
WHEREAS,
Aeroflex
has determined that it is in the best interests of Aeroflex and its stockholders
to continue to employ Buyko following the Transaction and to set forth in this
Agreement the obligations and duties of both Aeroflex and Buyko;
and
WHEREAS,
Aeroflex
wishes to assure itself of the services of Buyko for the period hereinafter
provided, and Buyko is willing to be employed by Aeroflex for said period,
upon
the terms and conditions provided in this Agreement;
NOW,
THEREFORE, in
consideration of the premises and mutual covenants contained herein and for
other good and valuable consideration, the receipt of which is mutually
acknowledged, Aeroflex and Buyko (individually a "Party" and together the
"Parties") agree as follows:
1. |
DEFINITIONS.
|
(a) "Beneficiary"
shall
mean the person or persons named by Buyko pursuant to Section 17 below or,
in
the event that no such person is named who survives Buyko, his
estate.
(b) "Board"
shall
mean the Board of Directors of Aeroflex.
(c) "Cause"
shall
mean:
(i) Buyko's
conviction of a felony;
(ii) continued
failure of Buyko to perform his obligations under this Agreement for a period
of
thirty (30) days following receipt of written notice to Buyko of such failure,
(iii) willful
malfeasance or willful misconduct in connection with Buyko's duties or any
act
or omission which is injurious to the financial condition or business reputation
of Aeroflex or its affiliates;
(iv) a
breach
by Buyko of the provisions of Sections 8
or 9
below to the demonstrable and material detriment of Aeroflex.
Notwithstanding
the foregoing, in no event shall Buyko's failure to perform the duties
associated with his position caused by his mental or physical disability
constitute Cause for his termination.
2
(d) "Change
in Control" shall
have the same meaning as in the Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company
Operating Agreement of VGG Holding LLC, dated as of August 15, 2007, as amended
from time to time.
(e) "Code"
shall
mean the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended from time to
time.
(f) "Disability"
shall
mean the illness or other mental or physical disability of Buyko, as determined
by a physician acceptable to Aeroflex and Buyko, resulting in his failure during
the Employment Term, as the case may be, (i) to perform substantially his
applicable material duties under this Agreement for a period of 90 consecutive
days or 180 days in any 12 month period and (ii) to return to the performance
of
his duties within 30 days after receiving written notice of
termination.
(g) "Employment
Term" shall
mean the period specified in Section 2(b) below.
(h) "Fiscal
Year" shall
mean the 12-month period beginning on July 1 and ending on the next subsequent
June 30, or such other 12-month period as may constitute Aeroflex's fiscal
year
at any time hereafter.
(i) "Good
Reason" shall
mean, at any time during the Employment Term, without Buyko's prior written
consent or his acquiescence:
(i) reduction
in his then current Salary;
(ii) reduction
in the bonus or incentive compensation opportunities available to
Buyko;
(iii) Aeroflex's
failure to pay Buyko any amounts otherwise vested and due him hereunder or
under
any plan or policy of Aeroflex;
(iv) substantial
diminution of Buyko's duties or responsibilities;
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(v) assignment
to Buyko of duties substantially incompatible with his position
as a senior executive officer; or
(vi) relocation
of Aeroflex's corporate headquarters to a location more than 35 miles from
the
location first above described.
provided,
that the divesture by Aeroflex of assets representing up to sixty percent (60%)
of Aeroflex's EBITDA shall not result in a diminution of Buyko's duties or
responsibilities..
Buyko
shall provide Aeroflex written notice specifying such event or deficiency
constituting Good Reason within ninety (90) days following Buyko's knowledge
of
the occurrence of such event and Aeroflex shall have thirty (30) days after
receipt of such notice to cure the event or deficiency that would result in
Good
Reason.
(j) "Salary"
shall
mean the annual salary provided for in Section 3 below, as adjusted from time
to
time.
(k) "Spouse"
shall
mean, during the Employment Term, the woman who as of any relevant date is
legally married to Buyko.
(l) "Subsidiary"
shall
mean any corporation of which Aeroflex owns,
directly
or indirectly, more than 50 percent of its voting stock.
2. |
EMPLOYMENT
TERM, POSITIONS AND
DUTIES.
|
(a) Employment
of Buyko. Aeroflex
hereby continues to employ Buyko, and Buyko hereby accepts continued employment
with Aeroflex, in the positions and with the duties and responsibilities set
forth below and upon such other terms and conditions as are hereinafter stated.
Buyko shall render services to Aeroflex principally at Aeroflex's corporate
headquarters, but he shall do such traveling on behalf of Aeroflex as shall
be
reasonably required in the course of the performance of his duties
hereunder.
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(b) Employment
Term. The
Employment Term shall commence on the Effective Date and shall terminate on
August 15, 2012. In addition, the Employment Term shall automatically terminate
upon any termination of Executive's employment pursuant Section 5.
(c) Titles
and Duties.
(i) Until
the
date of termination of his employment hereunder, Buyko shall be employed as
the
Executive Vice President of Aeroflex and President of Aeroflex Microelectronics
Solutions, reporting to the chief executive officer of Aeroflex and the Board.
In his capacity as Executive Vice President and President, Buyko shall have
the
customary powers, responsibilities and authorities of an executive vice
president of corporations of the size, type and nature of Aeroflex.
(ii) During
the Employment Term, until a Change in Control, Buyko shall serve as a member
of
the Board of Directors of Aeroflex.
(d) Time
and Effort.
(i) Buyko
agrees to devote his best efforts and abilities and his full business time
and
attention to the affairs of Aeroflex in order to carry out his duties and
responsibilities under this Agreement.
(ii) Notwithstanding
the foregoing, nothing shall preclude Buyko from (A) serving on the boards
of a
reasonable number of trade associations, charitable organizations and/or
businesses not in competition with Aeroflex, (B) engaging in charitable
activities and community affairs and (C) managing his personal investments
and
affairs; provided, however, that, such activities do not materially interfere
with the proper performance of his duties and responsibilities specified in
Section 2 (c) above.
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3. |
SALARY.
|
(a) Salary.
Buyko
shall receive from Aeroflex an annual Salary, payable in accordance with the
regular payroll practices of Aeroflex, in a minimum amount of $425,000. The
Board agrees to review Buyko's Salary annually during the Employment Term and
Buyko's Salary may be increased (but not decreased) by the Board in its sole
discretion.
(b) Salary
Increase. Any
amount to which Buyko's Salary is increased, as provided in Section 3(a) above
or otherwise, shall not thereafter be reduced without his consent, and the
term
"Salary" as used in this Agreement shall refer to his Salary as thus
increased.
(c) ANNUAL
BONUS.
(i) For
Fiscal Year 2007, Buyko shall receive a guaranteed bonus of $600,000, payable
to
Buyko at the same time that Fiscal Year 2007 annual bonuses are paid to other
senior executives of Aeroflex.
(ii) For
each
Fiscal Year ending during the Employment Term, Buyko shall be eligible to
receive an annual bonus of between 50% and 150% of Salary based upon the
achievement of Aeroflex's EBITDA targets established by the Board. 50% of Salary
will be awarded if the Aeroflex's EBITDA is $10,000,000 less than the EBITDA
target established by the Board (the "Threshold EBITDA") and 150% of Salary
will
be awarded if Aeroflex’s EBITDA is $10,000,000 or more greater than the EBITDA
target established by the Board. Buyko's bonus shall be determined by linear
interpolation to Company performance falling between the two targets. No annual
bonus will be paid if Aeroflex's EBITDA is below the Threshold EBITDA. The
EBITDA targets shall be equitably adjusted by the Board in the event of any
divestiture, acquisition or other extraordinary event. The EBITDA target for
fiscal year 2008 is $130 million.
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4. |
EXPENSE
REIMBURSEMENT; CERTAIN OTHER
COSTS.
|
During
the Employment Term, Buyko shall be entitled to prompt reimbursement by Aeroflex
for all reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred by him in performing services
under this Agreement, upon his submission of such accounts and records as may
be
reasonably required by Aeroflex. In addition, Buyko shall be entitled to payment
by Aeroflex of all reasonable costs and expenses, including attorneys' and
consultants' fees and disbursements, incurred by him in connection with adoption
of this Agreement.
(a) EMPLOYEE
BENEFIT PLANS.
During
the Employment Term, Buyko shall be entitled to participate in all employee
benefit plans and programs that are made available to Aeroflex's senior
executives or to its employees generally, as such plans or programs may be
in
effect from time to time, including, without limitation, pension and other
retirement plans, profit-sharing plans, savings and similar plans, group life
insurance, accidental death and dismemberment insurance, travel accident
insurance, hospitalization insurance, surgical insurance, major and excess
major
medical insurance, dental insurance, short-term and long-term disability
insurance, sick leave (including salary continuation arrangements), holidays,
vacation (not less than four weeks in any calendar year) and any other employee
benefit plans or programs that may be sponsored by Aeroflex from time to time,
including plans that supplement the above-listed types of plans, whether funded
or unfunded. In addition, During the Employment Term, Buyko shall be entitled
to
a car allowance of $750.00 per month.
5. |
TERMINATION
OF EMPLOYMENT.
|
(a) Termination
by Mutual Agreement. The
Parties may terminate this Agreement by mutual agreement at any time. If they
do
so, Buyko's entitlements shall be as the Parties mutually agree.
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(b) General.
Notwithstanding
anything to the contrary herein, in the event of termination of Buyko's
employment under this Agreement, he or his Beneficiary, as the case may be,
shall be entitled to receive (in addition to payments and benefits under Section
3(c)(i) or as specifically provided in, subsections (c) through (f) below,
as
applicable):
(i) his
Salary through the date of termination;
(ii) any
unused vacation from prior years;
(iii) any
reimbursements payable in accordance with Section 4 above of any business
expenses incurred by Buyko through the date of termination buy not yet paid
to
him; and
(iv) any
other
compensation or benefits that have vested through the date of termination or
to
which he may then be entitled in accordance with the applicable terms and
conditions of each grant, award or plan.
(c) Termination
due to Death. In
the
event that Buyko's employment terminates due to his death, his Beneficiary
shall
be entitled, in addition to the compensation and benefits specified in Section
5(b), to any annual bonus for the current Fiscal Year based on actual
performance of Aeroflex, prorated to the date of termination.
(d) Termination
due to Disability. In
the
event of Disability, Aeroflex or Buyko may terminate Buyko's employment. If
Buyko's employment terminates due to Disability, he shall be entitled, in
addition to the compensation and benefits specified in Section 5(b), to any
annual bonus for the current Fiscal Year based on actual performance of
Aeroflex, prorated to the date of termination.
(e) Termination
by Aeroflex for Cause. Aeroflex
may terminate Buyko's employment hereunder for Cause only upon written notice
to
Buyko prior to any intended termination, which notice shall specify the grounds
for such termination in reasonable detail. In the event that Buyko's employment
is terminated for Cause, he shall be entitled only to the compensation and
benefits specified in Section 5(b).
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(f) Termination
Without Cause or by Buyko for Good Reason.
(i) Termination
without Cause shall mean termination of Buyko's employment by Aeroflex and
shall
exclude termination (A) due to Retirement, death, Disability or Cause or (B)
by
mutual agreement of Buyko and Aeroflex. Aeroflex shall provide Buyko 15 days'
prior written notice of termination by it without Cause, and Buyko shall provide
Aeroflex 30 days' prior written notice of his termination for Good
Reason.
(ii) In
the
event of termination by Aeroflex of Buyko's employment without Cause or of
termination by Buyko of his employment for Good Reason, subject to the execution
of a general release in favor of Aeroflex, it affiliates and their current
and
former officers, directors and employees, in substantially the form attached
as
Exhibit A, which is not revoked, he shall be entitled, in addition to the
compensation and benefits specified in Section 5(b), to:
(A) his
Salary, payable for the remainder of the Employment Term (assuming
Buyko's employment had not terminated) at
the
rate in effect immediately before such termination;
(B) annual
bonuses for the remainder of the Employment Term (assuming Buyko's employment
had not terminated) (including a prorated bonus for any partial Fiscal Year)
equal to the average of the highest annual bonuses (not to exceed 3 years)
awarded to him during the Fiscal Years (not to exceed 10 years) commencing
after
the Effective Date (including, without limitation, any bonus awarded to Buyko
in
the year of termination, which is unpaid as of the date of termination)
(provided that if Buyko is terminated prior to the payment of any annual bonus
following the Effective Date, the annual bonus shall be 100% of Salary), such
bonuses to be paid at the same time annual bonuses are regularly paid by
Aeroflex to Buyko; and
9
(C) For
the
continued benefit of Buyko and his eligible
dependents, Aeroflex shall maintain in full force and effect until the earlier
of (A) December 31 of the second calendar year following the calendar year
of
termination or (B) Buyko's commencement of full-time employment with a new
employer, at the same cost as is paid
by
similarly-situated continuing employees all medical and health plans and
programs for which
Buyko
was
eligible immediately prior to the date of termination, provided that
Buyko's
continued
participation is possible under the general terms and provisions of such
plans
and
programs, and subject further to such periodic changes in such plans and
programs as are
generally applicable to all participants in such plans and programs.
Buyko
will
be
responsible
for any income tax liability arising out of any continued participation in
such
health and
medical plans and programs, and no additional
employment service credits shall be given for the period of such continued
participation;
and
(D) other
benefits in accordance with applicable plans and
programs of Aeroflex.
(iii) Prior
written consent by Buyko to any of the events described in Section 1(i) above
shall be deemed a waiver by him of his right to terminate for Good Reason under
this Section 5(f) solely by reason of the events set forth in such
waiver.
6. |
NO
DUTY TO MITIGATE; NO
OFFSET.
|
Buyko
shall not be required to mitigate damages or the amount of any payment provided
for under this Agreement by seeking other employment or otherwise, nor will
any
payment hereunder be subject to offset in the event Buyko does receive
compensation for services from any other source.
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7. |
PARACHUTES.
|
(a) Transaction.
(i) Application.
If,
within twelve months following the closing of the Transaction, Buyko is
terminated by Aeroflex without Cause or Buyko terminates employment for Good
Reason and, in connection with the Transaction, all, or any portion, of the
payments provided under this Agreement, and/or any other payments and benefits
that Buyko receives or is entitled to receive from Aeroflex or a Subsidiary,
whether or not under an existing plan, arrangement or other agreement,
constitutes an "excess parachute payment" within the meaning of Section 280G(b)
of the Code (each such parachute payment, a "Parachute Payment") and will result
in the imposition on Buyko of an excise tax under Section 4999 of the Code,
then, in addition to any other benefits to which Buyko is entitled under this
Agreement, Aeroflex shall pay him an amount in cash equal to the sum of the
excise taxes payable by him by reason of receiving Parachute Payments, plus
the
amount necessary to put him in the same after-tax position (taking into account
any and all applicable federal, state and local excise, income or other taxes
at
the highest possible applicable rates on such Parachute Payments (including
without limitation any payments under this Section 12) as if no excise taxes
had
been imposed with respect to Parachute Payments (the "Parachute
Gross-up").
(ii) Computation.
The
amount of any payment under this Section 10 shall be computed by a certified
public accounting firm of national reputation selected by Aeroflex and
acceptable to Buyko. If Aeroflex or Buyko disputes the computation rendered
by
such accounting firm, Aeroflex shall select an alternative certified public
accounting firm of national reputation to perform the applicable computation.
If
the two accounting firms cannot agree upon the computations, Buyko and Aeroflex
shall jointly appoint a third certified public accounting firm of national
reputation within 10 calendar days after the two conflicting computations have
been rendered. Such third accounting firm shall be asked to determine within
30
calendar days the computation of the Parachute Gross-up to be paid to Buyko,
and
payments shall be made accordingly.
11
(iii) Payment.
In
any
event, Aeroflex shall pay to Buyko or pay on his behalf the Parachute Gross-up
as computed by the accounting firm initially selected by Buyko by the time
any
taxes payable by him as a result of the Parachute Payments become due, with
Buyko agreeing to return the excess amount of such payment over the final
computation rendered from the process described in Section 7(b). Buyko and
Aeroflex shall provide the accounting firms with all information that any of
them reasonably deems necessary in order to compute the Parachute Gross-up.
The
cost and expenses of all the accounting firms retained to perform the
computations described above shall be borne by Aeroflex.
In
the
event that the Internal Revenue Service ("IRS") or the accounting firm computing
the Parachute Gross-up finally determines that the amount of excise taxes
thereon initially paid was insufficient to discharge Buyko's excise tax
liability, Aeroflex shall make additional payments to him as may be necessary
to
reimburse him for discharging the full liability.
If
there
is a reasonable basis for a refund claim with respect to excise taxes paid,
as
determined in the sole discretion of Aeroflex, Buyko shall apply to the IRS
for
a refund of any excise taxes paid and remit to Aeroflex the amount of any such
refund that he receives. Aeroflex shall reimburse Buyko for his expenses in
seeking a refund of excise taxes and for any interest and penalties imposed
on
excise taxes that he is required to pay.
12
(b) Change
in Control.
If, in
connection with a Change in Control or other transaction following the Effective
Date, Aeroflex determines in good faith that any payments or benefits (whether
made or provided pursuant to this Agreement or otherwise) provided to Buyko
constitute "parachute payments" within the meaning of Section 280G of the Code
(“Parachute
Payments”),
and
may be subject to an excise tax imposed pursuant to Section 4999 of the Code,
the Buyko's Parachute Payments will be reduced to an amount determined by
Aeroflex in good faith to be the maximum amount that may be provided to Buyko
without resulting in any portion of such Parachute Payments being subject to
such excise tax (the amount of such reduction, the “Cutback
Benefits”).
Buyko shall be entitled to select which Parachute Payments shall be
reduced hereunder; provided that if Buyko fails to so select, Aeroflex shall
select which Parachute Payments will be reduced. Notwithstanding the
foregoing, Aeroflex shall use reasonable efforts to obtain the approval of
the
Cutback Benefits by Aeroflex's shareholders in the manner contemplated by
Q&A 7 of Treas. Reg. Section 1.280G, it being understood and agreed that
Aeroflex does not guarantee that such approval will be obtained. If, and
only if, Aeroflex determines that such approval is obtained, Buyko shall be
entitled to receive the Cutback Benefits without regard to the first sentence
of
this paragraph.
(c) Any
Parachute Gross-up payments due to Buyko under this Section 10 shall be paid
no
later than the end of the calendar year following the calendar year in which
Buyko pays the excise tax to which such Parachute Gross-up payment
relates.
8. |
CONFIDENTIAL
INFORMATION.
|
(a) General.
(i) Buyko
understands and hereby acknowledges that as a result of his employment with
Aeroflex he will necessarily become informed of and have access to certain
valuable and confidential information of Aeroflex and any of its Subsidiaries,
joint ventures and affiliates, including, without limitation, inventions, trade
secrets, technical information, computer software and programs, know-how and
plans ("Confidential Information"), and that any such Confidential Information,
even though it may be developed or otherwise acquired by Buyko, is the exclusive
property of Aeroflex to be held by him in trust solely for Aeroflex's
benefit.
13
(ii) Accordingly,
Buyko hereby agrees that, during the Employment Term and thereafter, he shall
not, and shall not cause others to, use, reveal, report, publish, transfer
or
otherwise disclose to any person, corporation or other entity any Confidential
Information without prior written consent of the Board, except to (A)
responsible officers and employees of Aeroflex or (B) responsible persons who
are in a contractual or fiduciary relationship with Aeroflex or who need such
information for purposes in the interest of Aeroflex. Notwithstanding the
foregoing, the prohibitions of this clause (ii) shall not apply to any
Confidential Information that becomes of general public knowledge other than
from Buyko or is required to be divulged by court order or administrative
process; provided that
Buyko
shall give prompt written notice to Aeroflex of such requirement, disclose no
more information than is so required, and cooperate with any attempts by
Aeroflex to obtain a protective order or similar treatment.
(b) Return
of Documents. Upon
termination of his employment with Aeroflex for any reason, Buyko shall promptly
deliver to Aeroflex all plans, drawings, manuals, letters, notes, notebooks,
reports, computer programs and copies thereof and all other materials, including
without limitation those of a secret or confidential nature, relating to
Aeroflex's business that are then in his possession or control.
(c) Remedies
and Sanctions. In
the
event that Buyko is found to be in violation of Section 8(a) or (b) above,
Aeroflex shall be entitled to relief as provided in Section 10
below.
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9. |
NONCOMPETITION/NONSOLICITATION.
|
(a) Prohibitions.
During
Buyko's employment with Aeroflex and until the later of (x) the period in which
Buyko is entitled to continued severance payments pursuant to Section 5 and
(y)
one year following the Buyko's termination of employment for any reason, Buyko
shall not, without prior written authorization of the Board, directly or
indirectly,
(i) whether
individually, as a director, manager, member, stockholder, partner, owner,
employee, consultant or agent of any business, or in any other capacity, other
than on behalf of Aeroflex or a subsidiary, organize, establish, own, operate,
manage, control, engage in, participate in, invest in, permit his name to be
used by, act as a consultant or advisor to, render services for (alone or in
association with any person, firm, corporation or business organization), or
otherwise assist any person or entity that engages in or owns, invests in,
operates, manages or controls any venture or enterprise which engages or
proposes to engage in any business conducted by Aeoflex or any of its
subsidiaries on the date of Buyko's termination of employment or within twelve
(12) months of Buyko's termination of employment in the geographic locations
where Aeroflex and its subsidiaries engage or propose to engage in such
business;
(ii) solicit
or induce any customer of Aeroflex to cease purchasing goods or services from
Aeroflex or to become a customer of any competitor of Aeroflex; or
(iii) solicit
or attempt to solicit any employee of Aeroflex or any of its subsidiaries (a
"Current Employee") or any person who was an employee of Aeroflex or any of
its
subsidiaries during the twelve (12) month period immediately prior to the date
Buyko's employment terminates (a "Former Employee") to
terminate such employee's employment relationship with Aeroflex in order, in
either case, to enter into a similar relationship with Buyko, or any other
person or any entity or hire any employee or Former Employee.
15
(b) Remedies
and Sanctions. In
the
event that Buyko is found to be in violation of Section 9(a) above, Aeroflex
shall be entitled to relief as provided in Section 10 below.
(c) Exceptions.
Notwithstanding
anything to the contrary in Section 9(a) above, its provisions shall not be
construed as preventing Buyko from investing his assets in any business that
is
not a direct competitor of Aeroflex.
10. |
REMEDIES/SANCTIONS.
|
Buyko
acknowledges that the services he is to render under this Agreement are of
a
unique and special nature, the loss of which cannot reasonably or adequately
be
compensated for in monetary damages, and that irreparable injury and damage
may
result to Aeroflex in the event of any breach of this Agreement or default
by
Buyko. Because of the unique nature of the Confidential Information and the
importance of the prohibitions against competition and solicitation, Buyko
further acknowledges and agrees that Aeroflex will suffer irreparable harm
if he
fails to comply with his obligations under Section 8(a) or (b) above or Section
9(a) above and that monetary damages would be inadequate to compensate Aeroflex
for any such breach. Accordingly, Buyko agrees that, in addition to any other
remedies available to either Party at law, in equity or otherwise, Aeroflex
will
be entitled to seek injunctive relief or specific performance to enforce the
terms (without the posting of a bond), or prevent or remedy the violation,
of
any provisions of this Agreement. In addition, without limiting Aeroflex's
remedies for any breach of any restriction on Buyko set forth in Sections 8(a)
or (b) above or Section 9(a) above, except as required by law, Aeroflex will
have no obligation to pay or provide any of the amounts or benefits under
Section 5 above.
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11. |
BENEFICIARIES/REFERENCES.
|
Buyko
shall be entitled to select (and change, to the extent permitted under any
applicable law) a beneficiary or beneficiaries to receive any compensation
or
benefit payable under this Agreement following his death by giving Aeroflex
written notice thereof; provided, however, that absent any then effective
contrary notice, his beneficiary shall be his surviving Spouse. In the event
of
Buyko's death, or of a judicial determination of his incompetence, reference
in
this Agreement to Buyko shall be deemed to refer, as appropriate, to his
beneficiary, estate or other legal representative.
12. |
WITHHOLDING
TAXES.
|
All
payments to Buyko or his Beneficiary under this Agreement shall be subject
to
withholding on account of federal, state and local taxes as required by
law.
13. |
INDEMNIFICATION
AND LIABILITY INSURANCE.
|
Nothing
herein is intended to limit Aeroflex's indemnification of Buyko, and Aeroflex
shall indemnify him to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law consistent
with Aeroflex's Certificate of Incorporation and By-Laws as in effect on the
Effective Date, with respect to any action or failure to act on his part while
he is an officer, director or employee of Aeroflex or any Subsidiary. Aeroflex
shall cause Buyko to be covered at all times by directors' and officers'
liability insurance on terms no less favorable than provided to other directors'
and officers'. Aeroflex shall continue to indemnify Buyko as provided above
and
maintain such liability insurance coverage for him after the Employment Term
for
any claims that may be made against him with respect to his service as a
director or officer of Aeroflex.
14. |
EFFECT
OF AGREEMENT ON OTHER
BENEFITS.
|
The
existence of this Agreement shall not prohibit or restrict Buyko's entitlement
to participate fully in compensation, employee benefit and other plans of
Aeroflex in which senior executives are eligible to participate.
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15. |
ASSIGNABILITY;
BINDING NATURE.
|
This
Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the Parties and
their respective successors, heirs (in the case of Buyko) and assigns. No rights
or obligations of Aeroflex under this Agreement may be assigned or transferred
by Aeroflex except pursuant to (a) a merger or consolidation in which
Aeroflex is not the continuing entity or (b) sale or liquidation of all or
substantially all of the assets of Aeroflex, provided that the surviving entity
or assignee or transferee is the successor to all or substantially all of the
assets of Aeroflex and such surviving entity or assignee or transferee assumes
the liabilities, obligations and duties of Aeroflex under this Agreement, either
contractually or as a matter of law.
16. |
REPRESENTATIONS.
|
The
Parties respectively represent and warrant that each is fully authorized and
empowered to enter into this Agreement and that the performance of its or his
obligations, as the case may be, under this Agreement will not violate any
agreement between such Party and any other person, firm or organization.
Aeroflex represents and warrants that this Agreement has been duly authorized
by
all necessary corporate action and is valid, binding and enforceable in
accordance with its terms.
17. |
ENTIRE
AGREEMENT.
|
Except
to
the extent otherwise provided herein, this Agreement contains the entire
understanding and agreement between the Parties concerning the subject matter
hereof and supersedes any prior agreements, whether written or oral, between
the
Parties concerning the subject matter hereof, including without limitation
the
Prior Agreement. Payments and benefits provided under this Agreement are in
lieu
of any payments or other benefits under any severance program or policy of
Aeroflex to which Buyko would otherwise be entitled.
18
18. |
AMENDMENT
OR WAIVER.
|
No
provision in this Agreement may be amended unless such amendment is agreed
to in
writing and signed by both Buyko and an authorized officer of Aeroflex. No
waiver by either Party of any breach by the other Party of any condition or
provision contained in this Agreement to be performed by such other Party shall
be deemed a waiver of a similar or dissimilar condition or provision at the
same
or any prior or subsequent time. Any waiver must be in writing and signed by
the
Party to be charged with the waiver. No delay by either Party in exercising
any
right, power or privilege hereunder shall operate as a waiver
thereof.
19. |
SEVERABILITY.
|
In
the
event that any provision or portion of this Agreement shall be determined to
be
invalid or unenforceable for any reason, in whole or in part, the remaining
provisions of this Agreement shall be unaffected thereby and shall remain in
full force and effect to the fullest extent permitted by law.
20. |
SURVIVAL.
|
The
respective rights and obligations of the Parties under this Agreement shall
survive any termination of Buyko's employment with Aeroflex.
21. |
GOVERNING
LAW/JURISDICTION.
|
This
Agreement shall be governed by and construed and interpreted in accordance
with
the laws of New York,
without
reference to principles of conflict of laws.
22. |
NOTICES.
|
Any
notice given to either Party shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have
been given when delivered either personally, by fax, by overnight delivery
service (such as Federal Express) or sent by certified or registered mail
postage prepaid, return receipt requested, duly addressed to the Party concerned
at the address indicated below or to such changed address as the Party may
subsequently give notice of.
19
If
to
Aeroflex or the Board:
Aeroflex
Incorporated
00
Xxxxx
Xxxxxxx Xxxx
Xxxxxxxxx,
XX 00000
Attention:
General Counsel
FAX:
(000) 000-0000
With
a
copy to:
Veritas
Capital Management II, LLC
000
Xxxxxxx Xxxxxx, 00xx Xxxxx
Xxx
Xxxx,
Xxx Xxxx 00000
Attention:
Xxxxxx X. XxXxxx
And
a
copy to:
Xxxxxxx
Xxxx & Xxxxx LLP
000
Xxxxx
Xxxxxx
Xxx
Xxxx,
XX 00000
Attention: |
Xxxxxxxx
Xxxx
|
Telephone: |
(000)
000-0000
|
Fax: |
(000)
000-0000
|
If
to
Buyko:
Xxxx
X.
Xxxxx
00
Xxxxxxxx Xxxxx
Xxx
Xxxxx, Xxx Xxxx 00000
23. |
HEADINGS.
|
The
headings of the sections contained in this Agreement are for convenience only
and shall not be deemed to control or affect the meaning or construction of
any
provision of this Agreement.
24. |
COUNTERPARTS.
|
This
Agreement may be executed in counterparts, each of which when so executed and
delivered shall be an original, but all such counterparts together shall
constitute one and the same instrument.
20
IN
WITNESS WHEREOF, the
undersigned have executed this Agreement as of the date first written
above.
Aeroflex
Incorporated
|
|||
Attest:
|
|
By:
/s/
Xxxx Xxxxxxxxx, Xx.
|
|
Senior
Vice President
|
|||
Witness: |
/s/
Xxxxxxx Xxxxx
|
/s/
Xxxx Xxxxx
|
|
Xxxx
X. Xxxxx
|
21
Exhibit
A
GENERAL
RELEASE
I,
Xxxx
Xxxxx, in consideration of and subject to the terms and conditions set forth
in
the Employment Agreement dated as of August 15, 2007 (the "Employment
Agreement") to which this General Release is attached, and other good and
valuable consideration, do hereby release and forever discharge
Aeroflex
Incorporated (the "Company"), VGG Holding LLC, AX Holding Corp. and their
current and former officers, directors, partners, members, shareholders,
investors, employees, attorneys, agents, predecessors, successors, affiliates,
assigns and legal representatives (together, the "Company Released
Parties"), from
any
and all claims, charges, manner of actions and causes of action, suits, debts,
dues, accounts, bonds, covenants, contracts, agreements, judgments, charges,
claims, and demands whatsoever which I, my heirs, executors, administrators
and
assigns have, or may hereafter have against the Company Released Parties arising
out of or by reason of any cause, matter or thing whatsoever, whether known
or
unknown, from the beginning of the world to the date hereof ("Claims"),
including, without limitation, in connection with or relating to, my employment
or termination of employment with the Company and its subsidiaries, the
Employment Agreement, all employment-related matters arising under any federal,
state or local statute, rule or regulation or principle of contract law or
common law and any
claims of employment discrimination, unlawful harassment or
retaliation
claims
and claims arising under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, 42 U.S.C.
§
2000 et seq.,
the
Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, 29 U.S.C. § 1001
et seq.,
the
Fair Labor Standards Act (to the extent allowed by law), 29 U.S.C. § 201
et seq.,
Age
Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967, 29 U.S.C. § 621, et seq.,
the
Reconstruction Era Civil Rights Act, 42 U.S.C. § 1981 et seq.,
the
Americans with Disabilities Act of 1993, 42 U.S.C. § 12900 et seq.,
the
Family and Medical Leave Act of 1990 (to the extent allowed by law), 42 U.S.C.
§
12101, et seq.,
the
New
York State Human Rights Law, N.Y. Exec. Law § 290 et seq.,
the New
York State Labor Law, N.Y. Labor Law § 1 et seq.,
and the
New York City Human Rights Law, N.Y.C. Admin. Code § 8-107 et seq.,
provided, that this General Release shall not constitute a release of any Claims
that arise from a breach of (i) Sections 3(c)(i), 5, 7 and/or 13 of the
Employment Agreement, (ii) the Contribution Agreement between VGG Holding LLC
and me, (iii) the Amended and Restated Limited Liability Agreement of VGG
Holding LLC, as amended from time to time or (iv) any benefit under any
tax-qualified plan sponsored, maintained or contributed to by the
Company..
I
acknowledge that I have been advised to consult with legal counsel. I
acknowledge that I have been provided with the opportunity to review and
consider this General Release for twenty-one (21) days from the date it was
provided to me. If I elect to sign before the expiration of the twenty-one
(21)
days, I acknowledge that I will have chosen, of my own free will without any
duress, to waive my right to the full twenty-one (21) day period. I understand
that I may revoke this General Release within seven (7) days after my execution
by sending a written notice of revocation to __________ at the Company at
____________________, received within the seven-day revocation
period.
I
acknowledge that I have not relied on any representations or statements not
set
forth in the Employment Agreement or in this General Release. Unless otherwise
publicly-filed by the Company, I will not disclose the contents or substance
of
this General Release to any third parties, other than my spouse, attorneys,
accountants, or as required by law, and I will instruct each of the foregoing
not to disclose the same. I am signing this General Release knowingly,
voluntarily and with full understanding of its terms and effects.
This
General Release will be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws
of
the State of New York. If any provision in this General Release is held invalid
or unenforceable for any reason, the remaining provisions shall be construed
as
if the invalid or unenforceable provision had not been included.
In
witness hereof, I have executed this General Release this ___ day of _____,
200_.
Xxxx X. Xxxxx |