EXHIBIT 10.I
TERMINATION AGREEMENT AND GENERAL RELEASE
THIS TERMINATION AGREEMENT AND GENERAL RELEASE (the "RELEASE") is made and
entered into as of this 31st day of August, 2001 (the "EFFECTIVE DATE"), by and
between TruServ Corporation, a Delaware corporation (the "COMPANY"), and Xxxxxx
X. Xxxx ("XXXX").
RECITALS
X. Xxxx has been employed by the Company as its Chief Executive Officer.
X. Xxxx has resigned his employment with the Company and has resigned
from all other positions he held with the Company.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the above premises and the following
mutual covenants and conditions, the parties agree as follows:
1. Termination of Employment. Effective the close of business on July 6,
2001, Xxxx and the Company agree that Xxxx resigned his employment with the
Company and has resigned from all other positions he held with the Company,
including, effective July 3, 2001, membership on its Board of Directors (the
"BOARD"), and the Company has accepted each and all such resignations. Xxxx
further agrees that he will not hereafter seek reinstatement, recall or
re-employment with the Company.
2. Payments. As a termination payment, Xxxx shall receive the following
amounts and entitlements in connection with this Release:
(a) Salary Continuation. The Company shall pay Xxxx the sum of $1,300,000,
payable in substantially equal installments over a period of twenty-four (24)
months (the "SEVERANCE PERIOD") in accordance with the Company's payroll policy
from time to time in effect, with the first such installment to be paid to Xxxx
on the first payroll date on or after September 1, 2001 (or, if later, on the
date this Release becomes effective as described in Paragraph 10(c)). The
termination payment shall be offset by any amounts Xxxx receives from July 6,
2001 through August 31, 2001, if such amounts are not attributable to accrued
but unused vacation pay as provided for in Paragraph 2(c) below. Ten Thousand
dollars ($10,000) of the termination payment hereunder shall be in consideration
of the release of any claim under the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of
1967, as amended, and as described in Paragraph 3 hereof, and Xxxx agrees that
such consideration is in addition to anything of value to which he is already
entitled. The remainder of the amounts and entitlements to be made under this
Paragraph 2 shall be in consideration of the release of all other claims
described below in Paragraph 3, the Protective Agreement described in Paragraph
7, and the obligations described in Paragraph 13.
(b) Bonus. Xxxx shall be eligible to receive a pro-rata portion of the
regular Management Incentive Plan bonus for 2001, should such payments be made
to other officers under that specific annual incentive program under the
Management Incentive Plan, based upon the actual number of completed calendar
months Xxxx was employed during fiscal year 2001. The amount, if any, of the
pro-rata bonus to be awarded shall be determined in the sole discretion of the
Board and any such pro-rata bonus shall be payable in a single lump sum at the
same time such bonuses are
paid by the Company to all other employees of the Company receiving bonuses for
fiscal year 2001 under such plan. The foregoing notwithstanding, Xxxx agrees
that he is not eligible for any long-term or special performance bonuses.
(c) Vacation/Expenses. Xxxx agrees that on the date he resigned, he was
entitled to a payment of $82,500 for thirty-three (33) days of accrued but
unused vacation. Xxxx acknowledges and agrees that from July 6, 2001 through
August 31, 2001, the payments that have been made to him by the Company were
intended to compensate him for such accrued vacation. The difference, if any,
between the $82,500 and the amount so paid during such period shall be paid to
him within thirty (30) days of the Effective Date. Xxxx further acknowledges and
agrees that, except as otherwise set forth in this Paragraph 2, he is not owed
any amounts as reimbursement for expenses incurred during the course of his
employment.
(d) Life Insurance. As of the Effective Date or as soon as practicable
thereafter, the Company shall provide Xxxx with a life insurance policy and/or
annuity that has a cash surrender value as of the Effective Date equal to
$35,000. The Company shall further provide Xxxx, as of the Effective Date or as
soon as practicable thereafter, a fully paid-up whole life insurance policy (or
combination of policies) on his life with total death benefits of $500,000.
(e) Medical Benefits. Until the expiration of the Severance Period, Xxxx
may elect to continue to participate in the Company's group health insurance
plan at the applicable "associates" contribution rate from time to time in
effect, to the extent such participation is otherwise permissible under the
terms of the Company's group health plan and under applicable law. If Xxxx is
not otherwise eligible to participate in the Company's group health plan, he may
participate in the Company's alumni retiree medical plan, to extent he is
eligible for participation under the terms of such plan. If Xxxx is not
currently eligible to participate in either of such plans, Xxxx may elect to
continue his health insurance coverage, as mandated by COBRA, which may continue
to the extent required by applicable law. If Xxxx elects health insurance
coverage under any of the foregoing options, the Company agrees that it shall,
during the Severance Period, pay for such coverage at the same rate the Company
pays for health insurance coverage for its active employees under its group
health plan (with Xxxx required to pay for any employee paid portion of such
coverage). Nothing herein shall be construed to extend the period of time over
which any COBRA continuation coverage may be provided to Xxxx and/or his
dependents beyond that mandated by law. Xxxx shall be required to pay the entire
cost of his health care coverage following the expiration of the Severance
Period, provided, however that any premiums payable by Xxxx under the terms of
the Company's alumni retiree medical plan shall, after the expiration of the
Severance Period, be offset by a credit of $105 per month per covered person for
as long as such coverage continues in effect.
(f) Outplacement/Financial Planning. The Company shall pay for
outplacement services for Xxxx consistent with Company policy for similarly
situated corporate officers, to be provided by an outplacement service provider
selected by the Company. It is agreed that the Company's sole obligation in this
respect is to pay for such outplacement services, as contracted with the
provider. Any dispute between Xxxx and the outplacement agency shall be deemed a
dispute solely between Xxxx and the outplacement agency and shall not in any way
be construed as a breach of this Release. In addition, the Company shall
reimburse Xxxx for his financial planning expenses related to the 2001 calendar
year, in an amount and in the manner consistent with the Company's policy for
reimbursing such expenses. At Xxxx'x sole option, Xxxx may elect to receive
$15,000 in lieu of such outplacement services and financial planning expenses.
(g) SERP. Xxxx acknowledges and agrees that the total benefit to which he
is entitled under the Company's non-qualified Supplemental Retirement Plan (the
"SERP") is equal to $3,036,333.76 (the "SERP BENEFIT"). Two-thirds of the SERP
Benefit shall be payable to Xxxx within sixty (60) calendar days of the
Effective Date and the remaining one-third of the SERP Benefit shall be payable
in full no later than six (6) months after the Effective Date. The Company will
pay Xxxx interest from the Effective Date until the date each such SERP Benefit
payment is made hereunder at the rate of eight percent (8%) per annum.
(h) Withholding. The Company and Xxxx acknowledge and agree that all
payments made pursuant to this Paragraph 2 are "wages" for purposes of FICA,
FUTA and income tax withholding and the Company shall therefore withhold from
any payments hereunder the amounts it determines to be necessary to satisfy all
tax withholding obligations.
(i) Other. No other sums (contingent or otherwise) shall be paid to Xxxx
in respect of his employment by the Company, and any such sums (whether or not
owed) are hereby expressly waived by Xxxx. The foregoing notwithstanding, Xxxx
shall be entitled to receive his account balance, if any, under the Company's
Section 401(k) Plan and the Company's Retirement Plan in accordance with the
terms of such Plans.
3. General Release. As a material inducement to the Company to enter into
this Release and in consideration of the payments to be made by the Company to
Xxxx in Paragraph 2 above, Xxxx, with full understanding of the contents and
legal effect of this Release and having the right and opportunity to consult
with his counsel, releases and discharges the Company, its shareholders,
officers, directors, supervisors, members, managers, employees, agents,
representatives, attorneys, parent companies, divisions, subsidiaries and
affiliates, and all related entities of any kind or nature, and its and their
predecessors, successors, heirs, executors, administrators, and assigns
(collectively, the "RELEASED PARTIES") from any and all claims, actions, causes
of action, grievances, suits, charges, or complaints of any kind or nature
whatsoever, that he ever had or now has, whether fixed or contingent, liquidated
or unliquidated, known or unknown, suspected or unsuspected, and whether arising
in tort, contract, statute, or equity, before any federal, state, local or
private court, agency, arbitrator, mediator, or other entity, regardless of the
relief or remedy. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, it being the
intention of the parties to make this Release as broad and as general as the law
permits, this Release specifically includes any and all subject matter and
claims arising from any alleged violation by the Released Parties under the Age
Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967, as amended; Title VII of the Civil
Rights Act of 1964, as amended; the Civil Rights Act of 1866, as amended by the
Civil Rights Act of 1991 (42 U.S.C. section 1981); the Rehabilitation Act of
1973, as amended; the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as
amended; the Illinois Wage Payment and Collection Act; the Illinois Human Rights
Act, the Xxxx County Human Rights Ordinance, the Chicago Human Rights Ordinance,
and other similar state or local laws; the Americans with Disabilities Act; the
Family and Medical Leave Act; the Equal Pay Act; Executive Order 11246;
Executive Order 11141; and any other statutory claim, employment or other
contract or implied contract claim (including, but not limited to, any claims
arising under that certain Employment Agreement dated September 1, 1996, as
previously executed between Xxxx and Servistar Coast to Coast Corporation),
claim for equity or phantom equity, or common law claim for wrongful discharge,
breach of an implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing, defamation, or
invasion of privacy arising out of or involving his employment with the
Company, the termination of his employment with the Company, or involving any
continuing effects of his employment with the Company or termination of
employment with the Company. Xxxx
3
further acknowledges that he is aware that statutes exist that render null and
void releases and discharges of any claims, rights, demands, liabilities,
action and causes of action which are unknown to the releasing or discharging
party at the time of execution of the release and discharge. Xxxx hereby
expressly waives, surrenders and agrees to forego any protection to which he
would otherwise be entitled by virtue of the existence of any such statute in
any jurisdiction including, but not limited to, the State of Illinois.
4. Covenant Not to Xxx. Xxxx, for himself, his heirs, executors,
administrators, successors and assigns agrees not to bring, file, charge,
claim, xxx or cause, assist, or permit to be brought, filed, charged or claimed
any action, cause of action, or proceeding regarding or in any way related to
any of the claims described in Paragraph 3 hereof, and further agrees that this
Release is, will constitute and may be pleaded as, a bar to any such claim,
action, cause of action or proceeding. If any government agency or court assumes
jurisdiction of any charge, complaint, or cause of action covered by this
Release, Xxxx will not seek and will not accept any personal equitable or
monetary relief in connection with such investigation, civil action, suit or
legal proceeding.
5. Indemnification. Xxxx will fully indemnify the Company and its
shareholders, members, managers, officers, directors, employees and independent
contractors against and will hold its shareholders, members, managers,
officers, directors, employees and independent contractors harmless from any
and all claims, costs, damages, demands, expenses (including without limitation
attorneys' fees), judgments, losses or other liabilities of any kind or nature
whatsoever arising from or directly or indirectly related to any or all of this
Release and the conduct of Xxxx hereunder, including without limitation any
material breach or failure to comply with any or all of the provisions of this
Release.
6. No Disparaging, Untrue Or Misleading Statements. From and after July
3, 2001, Xxxx represents that he has not made, and agrees that he will not
make, to any third party any disparaging, untrue, or misleading written or oral
statements about or relating to the Company or its products or services (or
about or relating to any officer, director, agent, employee, or other person
acting on the Company's behalf). Xxxx acknowledges that his continuing
entitlement to payments and benefits under Paragraph 2 of the Release shall be
conditioned upon his continuing compliance with Paragraphs 6, 7, 10(a) and 13
of the Release and any violation of Paragraphs 6, 7, 10(a) or 13 by Xxxx shall
terminate the Company's obligation to continue to make payments and provide
benefits under Paragraph 2.
7. Protective Agreement.
(a) Xxxx agrees that he will not, for any reason whatsoever, whether
voluntarily or involuntarily, use for himself or disclose to any person any
"Confidential Information" of the Company acquired by Xxxx during his
relationship with the Company, its predecessors, or any entity which has been
acquired by, or merged into, the Company. Confidential Information includes but
is not limited to: (a) any financial, business, planning, operations, services,
potential services, products, potential products, technical information and/or
know-how, formulas, production, purchasing, marketing, sales, personnel,
customer, broker, supplier or other information of the Company; (b) any papers,
data, records, processes, methods, techniques, systems, models, samples,
devices, equipment, compilations, invoices, customer lists or documents of the
Company; (c) any confidential information or trade secrets of any third party
provided to the Company in confidence or subject to other use or disclosure
restrictions or limitations; and (d) any other information, written,
4
oral or electronic, which pertains to the Company's affairs or interests or
with whom or how the Company does business. The Company acknowledges and agrees
that Confidential Information does not include (i) information properly in the
public domain, or (ii) information in Xxxx'x possession prior to the date of
his original employment with the Company, its predecessors, or any entity which
has been acquired by, or merged into, the Company, except to the extent that
such information is or has become a trade secret of the Company or is or
otherwise has become the property of the Company. Xxxx further acknowledges and
agrees that he is estopped from and will not dispute in any proceeding the
enforceability of this Paragraph 7(a).
(b) Except on behalf of the Company, Xxxx agrees that he will not, at
any time prior to June 30, 2003, directly or indirectly:
(1) solicit or accept if offered to him, with or without
solicitation, on his own behalf or on behalf of any other person or
entity, the services of any person who is a current employee of the
Company (or was an employee of the Company during the year preceding
such solicitation), nor solicit any of the Company's current employees
(or any individual who was an employee of the Company during the year
preceding such solicitation) to terminate employment or an engagement
with the Company, nor agree to hire any current employee (or any
individual who was an employee of the Company during the year
preceding such hire) of the Company into employment with him or any
other person or entity; or
(2) become associated, whether as an investor (excluding
investments representing less than one percent (1%) of the common
stock of a public company), lender, owner, stockholder, officer,
director, employee, agent, consultant or in any other capacity, in any
business activities of any franchise, cooperative or wholesale company
with a core business in the hardware industry with sales in excess of
$1,000,000,000.
(c) It is agreed that breach of this Paragraph 7 will result in
irreparable harm and continuing damages to the Company and its business and that
the Company's remedy at law for any such breach or threatened breach, will be
inadequate and, accordingly, in addition to such other remedies as may be
available to the Company at law or in equity in such event, any court of
competent jurisdiction may issue a temporary and permanent injunction, without
the necessity of the Company posting bond and without proving special damages or
irreparable injury, enjoining and restricting the breach, or threatened breach,
of this Paragraph 7, including, but not limited to, any injunction restraining
the breaching party from disclosing, in whole or part, any Confidential
Information. In addition to, but not in lieu of, the remedies contained herein,
the Company and Xxxx agree that for purposes of this Release, damages will be
difficult to assess and, in recognition thereof, Xxxx shall pay and the Company
shall accept as liquidated damages, and not as a penalty, the sum of $50,000.
Xxxx will pay all of the Company's costs and expenses, including reasonable
attorneys' and accountants' fees, incurred in enforcing this Paragraph 7.
8. Severability. If any provision of this Release shall be found by a
court to be invalid or unenforceable, in whole or in part, then such provision
shall be construed and/or modified or restricted to the extent and in the
manner necessary to render the same valid and enforceable, or shall be deemed
excised from this Release, as the case may require, and this Release shall be
construed and enforced to the maximum extent permitted by law, as if such
provision had been originally incorporated herein as so modified or restricted,
or as if such provision had not been originally
incorporated herein, as the case may be. The parties further agree to seek a
lawful substitute for any provision found to be unlawful; provided, that, if
the parties are unable to agree upon a lawful substitute, the parties desire
and request that a court or other authority called upon to decide the
enforceability of this Release modify the Release so that, once modified, the
Release will be enforceable to the maximum extent permitted by the law in
existence at the time of the requested enforcement.
9. Waiver. A waiver by the Company of a breach of any provision of this
Release by Xxxx shall not operate or be construed as a waiver or estoppel of
any subsequent breach by Xxxx. No waiver shall be valid unless in writing and
signed by an authorized officer of the Company.
10. Miscellaneous Provisions.
(a) Xxxx agrees that he will keep the terms and amounts set forth in
this Release completely confidential and will not disclose any information
concerning this Release's terms and amounts to any person other than his
attorney, accountant, tax advisor, or immediate family. Xxxx agrees and
acknowledges that he will make no announcement about his resignation or about
the affairs of the Company, which is in any manner inconsistent with the terms
of this Release, and further agrees and acknowledges that any press or other
written, oral or electronic public releases, or statements concerning his
resignation or about the affairs of the Company shall be issued by the Company
only. The foregoing notwithstanding, Xxxx shall not be prohibited from
recounting his professional accomplishments while employed by the Company for
the sole purpose of obtaining future employment.
(b) Xxxx represents and certifies that he has carefully read and
fully understands all of the provisions and effects of this Release, has
knowingly and voluntarily entered into this Release freely and without
coercion, and acknowledges that on August 21, 2001, the Company advised him to
consult with an attorney prior to executing this Release and further advised
him that he had twenty-one (21) days (until September 11, 2001) within which to
consider this Release. Xxxx is voluntarily entering into this Release and
neither the Company nor its agents, representatives, or attorneys made any
representations concerning the terms or effects of this Release other than
those contained in the Release itself.
(c) Xxxx acknowledges that he has seven (7) days from the date this
Release is executed in which to revoke his acceptance of this Release, and this
Release will not be effective or enforceable until such seven (7)-day period
has expired.
11. Complete Agreement. This Release sets forth the entire agreement
between the parties, and fully supersedes any and all prior agreements or
understandings between the parties pertaining to actual or potential claims
arising from Xxxx'x employment with the Company or the termination of Xxxx'x
employment with the Company.
12. Reimbursement. If Xxxx or his heirs, executors, administrators,
successors or assigns (a) in the sole discretion of the Board, breaches
Paragraphs 6, 7, 10(a) or 13 of this Release, or (b) attempts to challenge the
enforceability of this Release, or (c) files a charge of discrimination, a
lawsuit, or a claim of any kind for any matter released herein, all further
payments and benefits owed under Paragraph 2 of the Release shall terminate and
Xxxx or his heirs, executors, administrators, successors or assigns shall be
obligated to tender back to the Company all payments made to him or
6
them under Paragraph 2 of this Release (except for $10,000, which represents the
consideration received by Xxxx in exchange for the release and waiver of rights
or claims under the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967, as amended),
and to indemnify and hold harmless the Company from and against all liability,
costs and expenses, including attorneys' fees, arising out of said breach,
challenge or action by Xxxx, his heirs, executors, administrators, successors or
assigns.
13. Future Cooperation. In connection with any and all claims, disputes,
negotiations, governmental or internal investigations, lawsuits or
administrative proceedings (the "LEGAL MATTERS") involving the Company, or any
of its current or former officers, employees or Board members (collectively, the
"DISPUTING PARTIES" or, individually, a "DISPUTING PARTY"), Xxxx agrees to make
himself available, upon reasonable notice from the Company and without the
necessity of subpoena, to provide information or documents, provide declarations
or statements regarding a Disputing Party, meet with attorneys or other
representatives of a Disputing Party, prepare for and give depositions or
testimony, and/or otherwise cooperate in the investigation, defense or
prosecution of any or all such Legal Matters, as may, in the sole judgment of
the Company, be reasonably requested. The Company agrees to make reasonable
efforts to accommodate Xxxx'x schedule in requesting his services under this
Paragraph 13. The Company further agrees to reimburse Xxxx'x reasonable out of
pocket expenses incurred in complying with the terms of this Paragraph 13. If
the total number of hours of service required to be performed by Xxxx at the
request of a Disputing Party under this Paragraph 13 exceeds one hundred (100),
Xxxx shall be compensated at the rate of $200 per hour for each hour in excess
of one hundred upon submission of an itemized statement of services rendered.
14. Arbitration. Any controversy, claim or dispute between the parties
relating to Release or Xxxx'x employment or termination of employment, whether
or not the controversy, claim or dispute arises under this Release (other than
any controversy or claim arising under Paragraph 7), shall be resolved by
arbitration in Chicago, Illinois in accordance with the National Rules for the
Resolution of Employment Disputes ("Rules") of the American Arbitration
Association through a single arbitrator selected in accordance with the Rules.
The decision of the arbitrator shall be rendered within thirty (30) days of the
close of the arbitration hearing and shall include written findings of fact and
conclusions of law reflecting the appropriate substantive law. Judgment upon the
award rendered by the arbitrator may be entered in any court having jurisdiction
thereof in the County of Xxxx, State of Illinois. In reaching his or her
decision, the arbitrator shall have no authority (a) to authorize or require the
parties to engage in discovery (provided, however, that the arbitrator may
schedule the time by which the parties must exchange copies of the exhibits
that, and the names of the witnesses whom, the parties intend to present at the
hearing), (b) to interpret or enforce Paragraph 7 of the Release (for which
Paragraph 18 shall provide the exclusive venue), (c) to change or modify any
provision of this Release, or (d) to award punitive damages or any other damages
not measured by the prevailing party's actual damages and may not make any
ruling, finding or award that does not conform to this Release. Each party shall
bear all of his or its own legal fees, costs and expenses of arbitration and
one-half (1/2) of the costs of the arbitrator.
15. Amendment. This Release may not be altered, amended, or modified
except in writing signed by both Xxxx and the Company.
16. Joint Participation. The parties hereto participated jointly in the
negotiation and preparation of this Release, and each party has had the
opportunity to obtain the advice of legal counsel and to review and comment upon
the Release. Accordingly, it is agreed that no rule of construction shall apply
against any party or in favor of any party. This Release shall be construed as
if the parties jointly prepared this Release, and any uncertainty or ambiguity
shall not be interpreted against one party and in favor of the other.
17. Notice. All notices, request, demands, claims and other communications
hereunder shall be in writing. Any notice, request, demand, claim or other
communication hereunder shall be deemed duly given (i) three (3) business days
after it is sent by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested,
postage prepaid, (ii) when receipt is electronically confirmed, if sent by fax
(provided that a hard copy shall be promptly sent by first class mail), or (iii)
one (1) business day following deposit with a recognized national overnight
courier service for next day delivery, charges prepaid, and, in each case,
addressed to the intended recipient, as set forth below:
To the Company: TruServ Corporation
0000 X. Xxxx Xxxx Xxxxxx
Xxxxxxx, XX 00000-0000
Attn: Xxxxxx Xxxxxx
Senior Vice President, Chief Administrative Officer and
General Counsel
To the Employee: Xxxxxx X. Xxxx
18. Applicable Law. This Release shall be governed by, and construed in
accordance with, the laws of the State of Illinois, without reference to its
conflict of law provisions. Furthermore, as to Paragraph 7, Xxxx agrees and
consents to submit to personal jurisdiction in the state of Illinois in any
state or federal court of competent subject matter jurisdiction situated in Xxxx
County, Illinois. Xxxx further agrees that the sole and exclusive venue for any
suit arising out of, or seeking to enforce, the terms of Paragraph 7 of this
Release shall be in a state or federal court, of competent subject matter
jurisdiction situated in Xxxx County, Illinois. In addition, Xxxx waives any
right to challenge in another court any judgment entered by such Xxxx County
court or to assert that any action instituted by the Company in any such court
is in the improper venue or should be transferred to a more convenient forum.
19. Headings. The headings in this Release are inserted for convenience
only and are not to be considered a constriction of the provisions hereof.
8
20. Execution of Release. This Release may be executed in several
counterparts, each of which shall be considered an original, but which when
taken together, shall constitute one Release.
PLEASE READ THIS AGREEMENT AND CAREFULLY CONSIDER ALL OF ITS PROVISIONS
BEFORE SIGNING IT. THIS AGREEMENT CONTAINS A RELEASE OF ALL KNOWN AND UNKNOWN
CLAIMS, INCLUDING THOSE UNDER THE FEDERAL AGE DISCRIMINATION IN EMPLOYMENT ACT,
AND OTHER FEDERAL, STATE AND LOCAL LAWS PROHIBITING DISCRIMINATION IN
EMPLOYMENT.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Xxxx and the Company have voluntarily signed this
Termination Agreement and General Release consisting of nine (9) pages on the
date set forth above.
TruServ Corporation
By: /s/ XXXXXX XXXXXX
-----------------------------------
Its: Senior Vice President /s/ XXXXXX X. XXXX
---------------------------------- -----------------------------
Xxxxxx X. Xxxx
9
