EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT DATED AS OF OCTOBER 17, 2005 BETWEEN CAROL MEYROWITZ AND THE TJX COMPANIES, INC.
EXHIBIT 10.1
DATED AS OF OCTOBER 17, 2005
BETWEEN XXXXX XXXXXXXXX AND THE TJX COMPANIES, INC.
INDEX
| PAGE | ||||
1. EFFECTIVE DATE; TERM OF AGREEMENT |
1 | |||
2. SCOPE OF EMPLOYMENT |
1 | |||
3. COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS |
2 | |||
4. TERMINATION OF EMPLOYMENT; IN GENERAL |
4 | |||
5. BENEFITS UPON NON-VOLUNTARY TERMINATION OF EMPLOYMENT OR UPON
EXPIRATION OF THE AGREEMENT |
5 | |||
6. OTHER TERMINATION; VIOLATION OF CERTAIN AGREEMENTS |
7 | |||
7. BENEFITS UPON CHANGE IN CONTROL |
8 | |||
8. AGREEMENT NOT TO SOLICIT OR COMPETE |
8 | |||
9. ASSIGNMENT |
9 | |||
10. COOPERATION WITH COMPANY |
9 | |||
11. NOTICES |
10 | |||
12. CERTAIN EXPENSES |
10 | |||
13. WITHHOLDING; CERTAIN TAX MATTERS |
10 | |||
14. GOVERNING LAW |
10 | |||
15. ARBITRATION |
10 | |||
16. ENTIRE AGREEMENT |
11 | |||
EXHIBIT A Certain Definitions |
A-1 | |||
EXHIBIT B Definition of “Change of Control” |
B-1 | |||
EXHIBIT C Change of Control Benefits |
C-1 | |||
-i-
XXXXX XXXXXXXXX
AGREEMENT dated as of October 17, 2005 between XXXXX XXXXXXXXX (“Executive”) and The TJX
Companies, Inc., a Delaware corporation whose principal office is in Xxxxxxxxxx, Xxxxxxxxxxxxx
00000.
RECITALS
Executive is currently employed by The TJX Companies, Inc. (the “Company”) in a
consulting/advisory capacity. The Company and Executive intend that, effective beginning as of the
Effective Date specified below, Executive shall serve the Company as President on the terms set
forth below and, to that end, deem it desirable and appropriate to enter into this Agreement.
AGREEMENT
The parties hereto, in consideration of the mutual agreements hereinafter contained, agree as
follows:
1. EFFECTIVE DATE; TERM OF AGREEMENT. This Agreement shall become effective as of
October 17, 2005 (the “Effective Date”). Executive’s employment hereunder shall continue on the
terms provided herein until October 16, 2008 (the “End Date”), subject to earlier termination as
provided herein (such period of employment hereinafter called the “Employment Period”).
2. SCOPE OF EMPLOYMENT.
(a) Nature of Services. Executive shall diligently perform the duties and assume the
responsibilities of President of the Company and such additional executive duties and
responsibilities as shall from time to time be assigned to her by the Chief Executive Officer of
the Company.
(b) Extent of Services. Except for illnesses and vacation periods, Executive shall
devote substantially all her working time and attention and her best efforts to the performance of
her duties and responsibilities under this Agreement. However, Executive may (i) make any passive
investments where she is not obligated or required to, and shall not in fact, devote any managerial
efforts, (ii) subject to Board approval (which approval shall not be unreasonably withheld or
withdrawn), participate in charitable or community activities or in trade or professional
organizations, or (iii) subject to Board approval (which approval shall not be unreasonably
withheld or withdrawn), hold directorships in public companies, except only that the Board shall
have the right to limit such services as a director or such participation in charitable or
community activities or in trade or professional organizations whenever the Board shall believe
that the time spent on such activities infringes in any material respect upon the time
required by Executive for the performance of her duties under this Agreement or is otherwise
incompatible with those duties.
3. COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS.
(a) Base Salary. Executive shall be paid a base salary at the rate hereinafter
specified, such Base Salary to be paid in the same manner and at the same times as the Company
shall pay base salary to other executive employees. The rate at which Executive’s Base Salary
shall be paid shall be $1,100,000 per year or such other rate (not less than $1,100,000 per year)
as the Board may determine after Board review not less frequently than annually beginning in
calendar 2006. Any increase in Executive’s Base Salary for a year that is decided after a Board
review occurring after April 1 of such year shall take effect as of April 1 of such year, but any
such retroactive increase shall be recognized for purposes of the Company’s benefits plans, for
periods prior to the Board’s action, only to the extent permitted by the terms of such plans and
applicable law.
(b) Special Bonus. At the Effective Date, the Company shall pay to Executive a bonus
of $1,200,000.
(c) Existing Stock Awards. Reference is made to the following awards made prior to
the date hereof to Executive under the Company’s Stock Incentive Plan (including any successor, the
“Stock Incentive Plan”):
(i) Options: Grant Nos. 86-60, 86-61 and 86-64; and
(ii) Performance-Based Restricted Stock: 37,500 shares of Restricted Stock
previously granted under the Stock Incentive Plan and scheduled to vest in September 2006,
subject to the satisfaction of the performance conditions applicable to such award and
otherwise in accordance with the terms of that award.
Each of the above-referenced awards shall continue for such period or periods and in accordance
with such terms as are set out in the grant and other governing documents relating to such awards
and shall not be affected by the terms of this Agreement except as otherwise expressly provided
herein.
(d) New Stock Awards.
(i) New Stock Awards, In General. Consistent with the terms of the Stock
Incentive Plan, Executive will be entitled to stock-option and/or other stock-based awards
under the Stock Incentive Plan, beginning in FYE 2007, at levels commensurate with her
position and responsibilities and subject to such terms as shall be established by the
Committee; provided, that if Executive’s employment by the Company is terminated by the
Company other than for Cause, any such awards held by Executive immediately prior to such
termination will vest to the extent not previously vested (but, in the case of stock
options, will thereafter remain exercisable only for such post-termination exercise period
as is provided under the terms of the award). Executive will be entitled to tender shares
acquired under the awards, or to have shares of stock deliverable under the awards held
-2-
back, in satisfaction of the minimum withholding taxes required in respect of income
realized in connection with the awards.
(ii) New Performance-Based Restricted Stock. Effective as of the Effective
Date, the Committee has awarded Executive a Performance Award under the Stock Incentive Plan
consisting of 300,000 shares of Performance-Based Restricted Stock (the “New Restricted
Stock”) subject to Executive’s continued employment and satisfaction of specified
performance goals. The New Restricted Stock shall be subject to the following vesting
schedule during the Employment Period: (A) 100,000 shares shall vest on the date in
calendar 2007 when the Committee certifies as to MIP performance results for FYE 2007 but
only if Executive remains employed by the Company through October 16, 2006 and if the
Committee certifies that MIP performance (Company performance measures) for FYE 2007 has
been achieved at a level providing for MIP payout of at least 67% of target; (B) 100,000
shares shall vest on the date in calendar 2008 when the Committee certifies as to MIP
performance results for FYE 2008 but only if Executive remains employed by the Company
through October 16, 2007 and if the Committee certifies that MIP performance (Company
performance measures) for FYE 2008 has been achieved at a level providing for a MIP payout
of at least 67% of target; and (C) 100,000 shares shall vest on the date in calendar 2009
when the Committee certifies as to MIP performance results for FYE 2009 but only if
Executive remains employed by the Company through October 16, 2008 and if the Committee
certifies that MIP performance (Company performance measures) for FYE 2009 has been achieved
at a level providing for a MIP payout of at least 67% of target. If for any of FYEs 2007,
2008, or 2009 the Committee certifies that MIP performance has been achieved at a level
authorizing some MIP payout but less than a 67% of target payout, the number of shares of
restricted stock vesting under this paragraph for such fiscal year shall be prorated on a
straight line basis (with zero shares vesting if no MIP payout is authorized). Any shares
not vested for a fiscal year pursuant to the immediately preceding sentence will be
immediately and automatically forfeited.
(iii) Other. Notwithstanding the service and performance conditions specified
in 3(d)(ii) above, the New Restricted Stock shall vest upon the occurrence of a Change of
Control, in the event of Executive’s death, Disability or Incapacity, or in the event of a
Constructive Termination (as defined in Section 5(a) below) or termination of Executive’s
employment by the Company other than for Cause. If Executive’s employment with the Company
terminates for any other reason, any shares of New Restricted Stock not then vested shall be
immediately forfeited. Executive shall be entitled to tender vested shares in satisfaction
of minimum required tax withholding with respect to vesting under the New Restricted Stock
award.
(e) LRPIP. During the Employment Period, beginning with the FYE 2007 to FYE 2009
cycle, Executive will be eligible to participate in annual grants under the Company’s Long Range
Performance Incentive Plan (“LRPIP”) at a level commensurate with her position and responsibilities
and subject to such terms as shall be established by the Committee.
(f) MIP. During the Employment Period, beginning with FYE 2007, Executive will be
eligible to participate in annual awards under the Company’s Management Incentive Plan
-3-
(“MIP”) at a level commensurate with her position and responsibilities and subject to such
terms as shall be established by the Committee.
(g) SERP. Except as provided in Exhibit C (“Change of Control Benefits”) and this
subsection (g), Executive is entitled to the greater of Category B or C benefits determined and
made payable in accordance with the generally applicable provisions of the Company’s Supplemental
Executive Retirement Plan (“SERP”). Consistent with the terms of her employment with the Company
prior to the Effective Date, Executive shall at all times have a fully vested right to her accrued
benefit, including any future accruals (and including, for the avoidance of doubt, any related
death benefit), under SERP based on Executive’s actual years of service. For the avoidance of
doubt, (i) as of the Effective Date Executive was credited with the full twenty-year maximum on
credited service provided for under SERP (her actual credited service, subject to the maximum,
being 22 years and 2 months), and (ii) except in the event of a termination of Executive by the
Company for Cause, in which event the provisions of SERP determined without regard to this Section
3(g) shall apply, Executive shall remain vested in her SERP benefit in accordance with the
immediately preceding sentence notwithstanding the termination of Executive’s employment or of this
Agreement.
(h) Qualified Plans; Other Deferred Compensation Plans. Executive shall be entitled
during the Employment Period to participate in the Company’s tax-qualified retirement and
profit-sharing plans and its nonqualified deferred compensation plans, including the GDCP and ESP,
in each case in accordance with the terms of the applicable plan; provided, that for the avoidance
of doubt, Executive shall not be entitled to any Company matching credits under ESP.
(i) Policies and Fringe Benefits. Executive shall be subject to Company policies
applicable to its executives generally and shall be entitled to receive all such fringe benefits as
the Company shall from time to time make available to other executives generally (subject to the
terms of any applicable fringe benefit plan). Executive currently has the use of a Company-leased
automobile and shall continue to do so during the term of such lease and the Employment Period.
After the term of such lease and during the Employment Period, Executive shall be given an
automobile allowance commensurate with her position.
4. TERMINATION OF EMPLOYMENT; IN GENERAL.
(a) The Company shall have the right to end Executive’s employment at any time and for any
reason, with or without Cause.
(b) The Employment Period shall terminate when Executive becomes Disabled. In addition, if by
reason of Incapacity Executive is unable to perform her duties for at least six continuous months,
upon written notice by the Company to Executive the Employment Period will be terminated for
Incapacity.
(c) Whenever the Employment Period shall terminate, Executive shall resign all offices or
other positions she shall hold with the Company and any affiliated corporations.
-4-
5. BENEFITS UPON NON-VOLUNTARY TERMINATION OF EMPLOYMENT OR UPON EXPIRATION OF THE
AGREEMENT.
(a) Certain Terminations Prior to the End Date. If the Employment Period shall have
terminated prior to the End Date by reason of (i) death, Disability or Incapacity of Executive,
(ii) termination by the Company for any reason other than Cause or (iii) termination by Executive
in the event that Executive is relocated more than forty (40) miles from the current corporate
headquarters of the Company without her prior written consent (a “Constructive Termination”) or a
Valid Reason Termination by Executive, then all compensation and benefits for Executive shall be as
follows:
(i) Until the End Date, but in no event for less than twelve (12) months after the Date
of Termination, (such one year or longer period being herein referred to as the “termination
period”) the Company will pay to Executive or her legal representative, without reduction
for compensation earned from other employment or self-employment, continued Base Salary at
the rate in effect at termination of employment; provided, that if Executive is eligible for
long-term disability compensation benefits under the Company’s long-term disability plan,
the amount payable under this clause shall be paid at a rate equal to the excess of (I) the
rate of Base Salary in effect at termination of employment, over (II) the long-term
disability compensation benefits for which Executive is eligible under such plan.
(ii) Until the expiration of the termination period as defined at 5(a)(i) above and
subject to such minimum coverage-continuation requirements as may be required by law, the
Company will provide (except to the extent that Executive shall obtain no less favorable
coverage from another employer or from self-employment) such medical and hospital insurance
and term life insurance for Executive and her family, comparable to the insurance provided
for executives generally, as the Company shall determine, and upon the same terms and
conditions as the same shall be provided for other Company executives generally; provided,
however, that in no event shall such benefits or the terms and conditions thereof be less
favorable to Executive than those afforded to her as of the Date of Termination; and further
provided, that to the extent it is impossible or impracticable to provide any such coverage
to Executive under the Company’s then existing employee benefit plans or arrangements, the
Company shall arrange for alternative comparable coverage or, if such alternative coverage
is not available, shall pay to Executive the cost of such coverage, all as reasonably
determined by the Committee.
(iii) The Company will pay to Executive or her legal representative, without offset for
compensation earned from other employment or self-employment, (A) any unpaid amounts to
which Executive is entitled under MIP for the fiscal year of the Company ended immediately
prior to Executive’s termination of employment, plus (B) any unpaid amounts owing with
respect to LRPIP cycles in which Executive participated and which were completed prior to
termination. These amounts will be paid at the same time as other awards for such prior
year or cycle are paid.
(iv) The Company will pay to Executive or her legal representative, without offset for
compensation earned from other employment or self-employment, an amount
-5-
equal to the sum of (A) Executive’s MIP Target Award, if any, for the year of
termination, multiplied by a fraction, the numerator of which is three hundred and
sixty-five (365) plus the number of days during such year prior to termination, and the
denominator of which is seven hundred and thirty (730), plus (B) with respect to each LRPIP
cycle in which Executive participated and which had not ended prior to termination of
employment, 1/36 of an amount equal to Executive’s LRPIP Target Award for such cycle
multiplied by the number of full months in such cycle completed prior to termination of
employment. The amount described in clause 5(a)(iv)(A) above will be paid not later than MIP
awards for the year of termination are paid. The amount described in clause 5(a)(iv)(B)
above, to the extent measured by the LRPIP Target Award for any cycle, will be paid not
later than the date on which LRPIP awards for such cycle are paid or would have been paid.
(v) In addition, Executive or her legal representative shall be entitled to the
benefits described in Section 3(c)(ii) (Existing Stock Awards; Performance-Based Restricted
Stock), Section 3(d)(ii) (New Stock Awards; New Performance-Based Restricted Stock), and
3(g) (SERP) and to payment of her vested benefits under the plans described in 3(h)
(Qualified Plans; Other Deferred Compensation Plans). Executive shall also be entitled to
such rights, if any, under any stock options or other stock-based awards that were granted
under the Stock Incentive Plan and that are held by Executive on the Date of Termination as
are provided under the terms of those awards.
(vi) If termination occurs by reason of Incapacity or Disability, Executive shall be
entitled to such compensation, if any, as is payable pursuant to the Company’s long-term
disability plan. If for any period Executive receives long-term disability compensation
payments under a long-term disability plan of the Company as well as payments under 5(a)(i)
above, and if the sum of such payments (the “combined salary/disability benefit”) exceeds
the payment for such period to which Executive is entitled under 5(a)(i) above (determined
without regard to the proviso in 5(a)(i)), she shall promptly pay such excess in
reimbursement to the Company.
(vii) If termination occurs by reason of death, Incapacity or Disability, Executive
shall also be entitled to an amount equal to Executive’s MIP Target Award for the year of
termination, without proration. This amount will be paid at the same time as the amount
payable under paragraph 5(a)(iv) above.
(viii) Except as expressly set forth above or as required by law, Executive shall not
be entitled to continue participation during the termination period in any employee benefit
or fringe benefit plans; provided, that Executive shall be entitled during the termination
period to a Company-provided automobile or automobile allowance.
(b) Termination on the End Date. Unless earlier terminated or except as otherwise
mutually agreed by Executive and the Company, Executive’s employment with the Company shall
terminate on the End Date. Unless the Company in connection with such termination shall offer to
Executive continued service in a position acceptable to Executive and upon mutually and reasonably
agreeable terms, Executive shall be treated as having been terminated by the Company other than for
Cause on the day immediately preceding the End Date and Executive
-6-
shall be entitled to the pay and benefits described in Section 5(a). If the Company in
connection with such termination offers to Executive continued service in a position acceptable to
Executive and upon mutually and reasonably agreeable terms, and Executive declines such service,
she shall be treated for all purposes of this Agreement as having terminated her employment
voluntarily on the End Date and she shall be entitled only to those benefits to which she would be
entitled under Section 6(a) (“Voluntary termination of employment”). For purposes of the two
preceding sentences, “service in a position acceptable to Executive” shall mean service as
President of the Company or service in such other position, if any, as may be acceptable to
Executive. For the avoidance of doubt, Executive will be treated as having satisfied the service
requirement applicable to the third tranche of her New Restricted Stock award described in Section
3(d)(ii)(C) if her employment terminates on the End Date in accordance with this Section 5(b).
6. OTHER TERMINATION; VIOLATION OF CERTAIN AGREEMENTS.
| (a) | Voluntary termination of employment. If Executive terminates her employment voluntarily, Executive or her legal representative shall be entitled (in each case in accordance with and subject to the terms of the applicable arrangement) to any benefits described in Section 3(c)(ii) (Existing Stock Awards; Performance-Based Restricted Stock), Section 3(d)(ii) (New Stock Awards; New Performance-Based Restricted Stock), and 3(g) (SERP) and to payment of her vested benefits under the plans described in 3(h) (Qualified Plans; Other Deferred Compensation Plans). Executive shall also be entitled to such rights, if any, under any stock options or other stock-based awards that were granted under the Stock Incentive Plan and that are held by Executive on the Date of Termination as are provided under the terms of those awards. No other benefits shall be paid under this Agreement upon a voluntary termination of employment. Any benefits payable under SERP shall be payable only if Executive does not violate the provisions of Section 8 of this Agreement. | ||
| (b) | Termination for Cause; violation of certain agreements. If the Company should end Executive’s employment for Cause, or, notwithstanding Section 5 and Section 6(a) above, if Executive should violate the protected persons or noncompetition provisions of Section 8, all compensation and benefits otherwise payable pursuant to this Agreement shall cease, other than (x) payment of such vested amounts as are credited to Executive’s account (but not received) under GDCP and ESP in accordance with the terms of those programs; (y) provided that Executive does not violate the provisions of Section 8 of this Agreement, payment of any benefits to which Executive may be entitled under SERP (determined without regard to Section 3(g) of this Agreement), and (z) payment of any vested benefits to which the Executive is entitled under the Company’s tax-qualified plans. Executive shall also be entitled to such rights, if any, under any stock options or other stock-based awards that were granted under the Stock Incentive Plan and that are held by Executive on the Date of Termination as are provided under the terms of those awards. The Company does not waive any rights it may have for damages or for injunctive relief. |
-7-
7. BENEFITS UPON CHANGE IN CONTROL. Notwithstanding any other provision of this
Agreement, in the event of a Change of Control, the determination and payment of any benefits
payable thereafter with respect to Executive shall be governed exclusively by the provisions of
Exhibit C.
8. AGREEMENT NOT TO SOLICIT OR COMPETE.
(a) Upon the termination of employment at any time, then for a period of two years after the
termination of the Employment Period, Executive shall not under any circumstances employ, solicit
the employment of, or accept unsolicited the services of, any “protected person” or recommend the
employment of any “protected person” to any other business organization. A “protected person”
shall be a person known by Executive to be employed by the Company or its Subsidiaries or to have
been employed by Company or its Subsidiaries within six months prior to the commencement of
conversations with such person with respect to employment.
As to (i) each “protected person” to whom the foregoing applies, (ii) each subcategory of
“protected person” as defined above, (iii) each limitation on (A) employment, (B) solicitation and
(C) unsolicited acceptance of services, of each “protected person” and (iv) each month of the
period during which the provisions of this subsection (a) apply to each of the foregoing, the
provisions set forth in this subsection (a) are deemed to be separate and independent agreements
and in the event of unenforceability of any such agreement, such unenforceable agreement shall be
deemed automatically deleted from the provisions hereof and such deletion shall not affect the
enforceability of any other provision of this subsection (a) or any other term of this Agreement.
(b) During the course of her employment, Executive will have learned many trade secrets of the
Company and its Subsidiaries and will have access to confidential information and business plans
for the Company and its Subsidiaries. Therefore, upon termination of the Employment Period on the
End Date or if Executive should end her employment voluntarily at any time, including by reason of
retirement or Disability but not including a Valid Reason Termination, or if the Company should end
Executive’s employment at any time for Cause, then for a period of two years thereafter, Executive
will not, directly or indirectly, be a partner or investor in, or be engaged in any employment,
consulting, or fees-for-services arrangement with, any business which is a competitor of the
Company and its Subsidiaries, nor shall Executive undertake any planning to engage in any such
business. A business shall be deemed a competitor of the Company and its Subsidiaries if and only
(i) if it shall then be so regarded by retailers generally, or (ii) if it shall operate an
off-price apparel, off-price footwear, off-price jewelry, off-price accessories, off-price home
furnishings and/or off-price home fashions business, including any such business that is
store-based, catalogue-based, or an on-line, “e-commerce” or other off-price internet-based
business; provided, that the mere application for employment with a competitive business shall not
be treated as prohibited planning to engage in such business. Executive will not be deemed to have
violated the provisions of this Section 8(b) merely by reason of being engaged in an employment,
consulting or other fees-for-services arrangement with an entity that manages a private equity,
venture capital or leveraged buyout fund that in turn invests in one or more businesses deemed
competitors of the Company and its Subsidiaries under this Section 8(b), provided that (A) such
fund is not intended to, and does not in fact, invest primarily in such businesses, and (B)
Executive demonstrates to the reasonable satisfaction of the Company that her arrangement with such
entity will not involve the provision
-8-
of employment, consulting or other services, directly or indirectly, to any such business or
to the fund with respect to its investment or proposed investment in any such business and that she
will not participate in any meetings, discussions, or interactions in which any such business or
any such proposed investment is proposed to be or is likely to be discussed. Executive agrees that
if, at any time, pursuant to action of any court, administrative or governmental body or other
arbitral tribunal, the operation of any part of this paragraph shall be determined to be unlawful
or otherwise unenforceable, then the coverage of this paragraph shall be deemed to be restricted as
to duration, geographical scope or otherwise, as the case may be, to the extent, and only to the
extent, necessary to make this paragraph lawful and enforceable in the particular jurisdiction in
which such determination is made.
(c) If, during the two-year period following termination of the Employment Period at any time
or for any reason and while she is still entitled to benefits under Section 5 of this Agreement,
Executive engages in any activity that would be prohibited under Section 8(b) above following a
voluntary termination of employment, the Company’s obligation to pay benefits under Section 5 shall
forthwith cease and Executive shall be entitled only to (x) payment of such vested amounts as are
credited to Executive’s account (but not received) under GDCP and ESP in accordance with the terms
of those programs; (y) payment of any vested benefits to which the Executive is entitled under the
Company’s tax-qualified plans; and (z) such rights, if any, under any stock options or other
stock-based awards that were granted under the Stock Incentive Plan and that are held by Executive
on the Date of Termination as are provided under the terms of those awards.
(d) If the Employment Period terminates, Executive agrees (i) to notify the Company
immediately upon her securing employment or becoming self-employed during any period when
Executive’s compensation from the Company shall be subject to reduction or her benefits provided by
the Company shall be subject to termination as provided in Section 6 and (ii) to furnish to the
Company written evidence of her compensation earned from any such employment or self-employment as
the Company shall from time to time request. In addition, upon termination of the Employment
Period for any reason other than the death of Executive, Executive shall immediately return all
written trade secrets, confidential information and business plans of the Company and shall execute
a certificate certifying that she has returned all such items in her possession or under her
control.
9. ASSIGNMENT. The rights and obligations of the Company shall enure to the benefit
of and shall be binding upon the successors and assigns of the Company. The rights and obligations
of Executive are not assignable except only that benefits and payments payable to her after her
death shall be made to her estate except as otherwise provided by the applicable plan or award
documentation, if any.
10. COOPERATION WITH COMPANY. Following the resignation of Xxxxxx English as chief
executive officer, the Company named an interim chief executive officer and announced that it was
engaged in a search for a new chief executive officer. The Company agrees that Executive will be
asked to participate, consistent with the fiduciary responsibilities of the members of the Board,
in the process of evaluating any new chief executive officer candidate for the Company, and
Executive agrees that she will so participate with all diligent good faith and in the best
interests of the Company.
-9-
11. NOTICES. All notices and other communications required hereunder shall be in
writing and shall be given by mailing the same by certified or registered mail, return receipt
requested, postage prepaid. If sent to the Company the same shall be mailed to the Company at 000
Xxxxxxxxxx Xxxx, Xxxxxxxxxx, Xxxxxxxxxxxxx 00000, Attention: Chairman of the Executive
Compensation Committee, or other such address as the Company may hereafter designate by notice to
Executive; and if sent to the Executive, the same shall be mailed to Executive at her address as
set forth in the records of the Company or at such other address as Executive may hereafter
designate by notice to the Company.
12. CERTAIN EXPENSES. The Company shall bear the reasonable fees and costs of
Executive’s legal and financial advisors (not to exceed $10,000 in the aggregate) incurred in
negotiating this Agreement.
13. WITHHOLDING; CERTAIN TAX MATTERS. Anything to the contrary notwithstanding, (a)
all payments required to be made by the Company hereunder to Executive shall be subject to the
withholding of such amounts, if any, relating to tax and other payroll deductions as the Company
may reasonably determine it should withhold pursuant to any applicable law or regulation, and (b)
to the extent any payment hereunder shall be required to be delayed until six months following
separation from service to comply with the “specified employee” rules of Section 409A of the
Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, (the “Code”) it shall be so delayed (but not more than
is required to comply with such rules). The parties hereto acknowledge that in addition
to any delay required under 13(b), it may be desirable, in view of regulations or other guidance
issued by the IRS under Section 409A of the Code, to amend provisions of the Agreement to avoid the
acceleration of tax or the imposition of additional tax under Section 409A of the Code and that the
Company will not unreasonably withhold its consent to any such amendments which in its
determination are (i) feasible and necessary to avoid adverse tax consequences under Section 409A
of the Code for Executive, and (ii) not adverse to the interests of the Company.
14. GOVERNING LAW. This Agreement and the rights and obligations of the parties
hereunder shall be governed by the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
15. ARBITRATION. In the event that there is any claim or dispute arising out of or
relating to this Agreement, or an alleged breach thereof, and the parties hereto shall not have
resolved such claim or dispute within sixty (60) days after written notice from one party to the
other setting forth the nature of such claim or dispute, then such claim or dispute shall be
settled exclusively by binding arbitration in Boston, Massachusetts in accordance with the Rules
Governing Resolution of Employment Disputes of the American Arbitration Association by an
arbitrator mutually agreed upon by the parties hereto or, in the absence of such agreement, by an
arbitrator selected according to such Rules. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if either the Company
or Executive shall request, such arbitration shall be conducted by a panel of three arbitrators,
one selected by the Company, one selected by Executive and the third selected by agreement of the
first two, or, in the absence of such agreement, in accordance with such Rules. Judgment upon the
award rendered by such arbitrator(s) shall be entered in any Court having jurisdiction thereof upon
the application of either party.
-10-
16. ENTIRE AGREEMENT. This Agreement, including Exhibits A through C, represents the
entire agreement between the parties relating to the terms of Executive’s employment by the Company
and supersedes all prior written or oral agreements between them, including, without limitation,
that certain agreement between Executive and the Company dated November 8, 2004, as amended.
| /s/ Xxxxx Xxxxxxxxx | |||||
| Executive | |||||
| THE TJX COMPANIES, INC. | |||||
| By: | /s/ Xxxxxxx Xxxxxxxxx | ||||
| Xxxxxxx Xxxxxxxxx | |||||
| Chairman of the Board |
-11-
EXHIBIT A
Certain Definitions
(a) “Base Salary” means, for any period, the amount described in Section 3(a).
(b) “Board” means the Board of Directors of the Company.
(c) “Committee” means the Executive Compensation Committee of the Board.
(d) “Cause” means dishonesty by Executive in the performance of her duties, conviction of a
felony (other than a conviction arising solely under a statutory provision imposing criminal
liability upon Executive on a per se basis due to the Company offices held by Executive, so long as
any act or omission of Executive with respect to such matter was not taken or omitted in
contravention of any applicable policy or directive of the Board), gross neglect of duties (other
than as a result of Disability or death), or conflict of interest which conflict shall continue for
thirty (30) days after the Company gives written notice to Executive requesting the cessation of
such conflict.
In respect of any termination during a Standstill Period, Executive shall not be deemed to
have been terminated for Cause until the later to occur of (i) the 30th day after notice of
termination is given and (ii) the delivery to Executive of a copy of a resolution duly adopted by
the affirmative vote of not less than a majority of the Company’s directors at a meeting called and
held for that purpose (after reasonable notice to Executive), and at which Executive together with
her counsel was given an opportunity to be heard, finding that the Executive was guilty of conduct
described in the definition of “Cause” above, and specifying the particulars thereof in detail;
provided, however, that the Company may suspend Executive and withhold payment of her Base Salary
from the date that notice of termination is given until the earliest to occur of (A) termination of
Executive for Cause effected in accordance with the foregoing procedures (in which case Executive
shall not be entitled to her Base Salary for such period), (B) a determination by a majority of the
Company’s directors that Executive was not guilty of the conduct described in the definition of
“Cause” effected in accordance with the foregoing procedures (in which case Executive shall be
reinstated and paid any of her previously unpaid Base Salary for such period), or (C) ninety (90)
days after notice of termination is given (in which case Executive shall then be reinstated and
paid any of her previously unpaid Base Salary for such period). If Base Salary is withheld and
then paid pursuant to clauses (B) or (C) of the preceding sentence, the amount thereof shall be
accompanied by simple interest, calculated on a daily basis, at a rate per annum equal to the prime
or base lending rate, as in effect at the time, of the Company’s principal commercial bank.
(e) “Change of Control” has the meaning given it in Exhibit B.
(f) “Change of Control Termination” means the termination of Executive’s employment during a
Standstill Period (1) by the Company other than for Cause, or (2) by Executive for good reason, or
(3) by reason of death, Incapacity or Disability.
For purposes of this definition, termination for “good reason” shall mean the voluntary
termination by Executive of her employment (A) within one hundred and twenty (120) days after
A-1
the occurrence without Executive’s express written consent of any one of the events described
in clauses (I), (II), (III), (IV), (V) or (VI) below, provided, that Executive gives notice to the
Company at least thirty (30) days in advance requesting that the pertinent situation described
therein be remedied, and the situation remains unremedied upon expiration of such 30-day period;
(B) within one hundred and twenty (120) days after the occurrence without Executive’s express
written consent of the event described in clause (VII), provided, that Executive gives notice to
the Company at least thirty (30) days in advance of her intent to terminate her employment in
respect of such event; or (C) under the circumstances described in clause (VIII) below, provided,
that Executive gives notice to the Company at least thirty (30) days in advance:
| (I) | the assignment to her of any duties inconsistent with her positions, duties, responsibilities, reporting requirements, and status with the Company immediately prior to the Change of Control, or any removal of Executive from or any failure to reelect her to such positions, except in connection with the termination of Executive’s employment by the Company for Cause or by Executive other than for good reason, or any other action by the Company which results in a diminishment in such position, authority, duties or responsibilities, other than an insubstantial and inadvertent action which is remedied by the Company promptly after receipt of notice thereof given by Executive; or | ||
| (II) | if Executive’s rate of Base Salary for any fiscal year is less than 100% of the rate of Base Salary paid to Executive in the completed fiscal year immediately preceding the Change of Control or if Executive’s total cash compensation opportunities, including salary and incentives, for any fiscal year are less than 100% of the total cash compensation opportunities made available to Executive in the completed fiscal year immediately preceding the Change of Control; or | ||
| (III) | the failure of the Company to continue in effect any benefits or perquisites, or any pension, life insurance, medical insurance or disability plan in which Executive was participating immediately prior to the Change of Control unless the Company provides Executive with a plan or plans that provide substantially similar benefits, or the taking of any action by the Company that would adversely affect Executive’s participation in or materially reduce Executive’s benefits under any of such plans or deprive Executive of any material fringe benefit enjoyed by Executive immediately prior to the Change of Control; or | ||
| (IV) | any purported termination of Executive’s employment by the Company for Cause during a Standstill Period which is not effected in compliance with paragraph (d) above; or | ||
| (V) | any relocation of Executive of more than forty (40) miles from the place where Executive was located at the time of the Change of Control; or | ||
| (VI) | any other breach by the Company of any provision of this Agreement; or |
A-2
| (VII) | the Company sells or otherwise disposes of, in one transaction or a series of related transactions, assets or earning power aggregating more than 30% of the assets (taken at asset value as stated on the books of the Company determined in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles consistently applied) or earning power of the Company (on an individual basis) or the Company and its Subsidiaries (on a consolidated basis) to any other Person or Persons (as those terms are defined in Exhibit B); or | ||
| (VIII) | the voluntary termination by Executive of her employment at any time within one year after the Change of Control. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Board may expressly waive the application of this clause (VIII) if it waives the applicability of substantially similar provisions with respect to all persons with whom the Company has a written severance agreement (or may condition its application on any additional requirements or employee agreements which the Board shall in its discretion deem appropriate in the circumstances). The determination of whether to waive or impose conditions on the application of this clause (VIII) shall be within the complete discretion of the Board but shall be made prior to the Change of Control. |
(g) “Code” has the meaning set forth in Section 13 of the Agreement.
(h) “Date of Termination” means the date on which Executive’s employment terminates.
(i) “Disability” has the meaning given it in the Company’s long-term disability plan.
Executive’s employment shall be deemed to be terminated for Disability on the date on which
Executive is entitled to receive long-term disability compensation pursuant to such long-term
disability plan.
(j) “GDCP” means the Company’s General Deferred Compensation Plan, or, if the General Deferred
Compensation Plan is no longer maintained by the Company, a nonqualified deferred compensation plan
(other than the ESP) or arrangement the terms of which are not less favorable to Executive than the
terms of the General Deferred Compensation Plan as in effect on the Effective Date.
(k) “End Date” means October 16, 2008.
(l) “ESP” means the Company’s Executive Savings Plan.
(m) “Incapacity” means a disability (other than Disability within the meaning of (i) above) or
other impairment of health that renders Executive unable to perform her duties to the reasonable
satisfaction of the Committee.
(n) “LRPIP” has the meaning set forth in Section 3(e) of the Agreement.
(o) “MIP” has the meaning set forth in Section 3(f) of the Agreement.
A-3
(p) “SERP” has the meaning set forth in Section 3(g) of the Agreement.
(q) “Standstill Period” means the period commencing on the date of a Change of Control and
continuing until the close of business on the earlier of October 15, 2008 or the last business day
of the 24th calendar month following such Change of Control.
(r) “Stock” means the common stock, $1.00 par value, of the Company.
(s) “Stock Incentive Plan” has the meaning set forth in Section 3(c) of the Agreement.
(t) “Subsidiary” means any corporation in which the Company owns, directly or indirectly, 50%
or more of the total combined voting power of all classes of stock.
(u) “Valid Reason Termination” means a termination of the Employment Period by Executive
following an action by the Company to require Executive to report to, and be subject in the
discharge of her duties to the directions of, any officer or other employee of the Company other
than the Chief Executive Officer of the Company, but only if (i) Executive gives notice to the
Company, within thirty (30) days of being required to report to and be subject in the discharge of
her duties to an officer or other employee other than the Chief Executive Officer, that she has a
basis for a Valid Reason Termination, (ii) the Company does not cure the asserted basis for the
Valid Reason Termination within ten (10) days of Executive’s notice to the Company, and (iii)
Executive terminates the Employment Period within thirty (30) days following the expiration of such
ten-day period.
A-4
EXHIBIT B
Definition of “Change of Control”
“Change of Control” shall mean the occurrence of any one of the following events:
(a) there occurs a change of control of the Company of a nature that would be required to be
reported in response to Item 1(a) of the Current Report on Form 8-K pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d)
of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”) or in any other filing under the
Exchange Act; provided, however, that no transaction shall be deemed to be a Change of Control (i)
if the person or each member of a group of persons acquiring control is excluded from the
definition of the term “Person” hereunder or (ii) unless the Committee shall otherwise determine
prior to such occurrence, if Executive or an Executive Related Party is the Person or a member of a
group constituting the Person acquiring control; or
(b) any Person other than the Company, any wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, or any
employee benefit plan of the Company or such a subsidiary becomes the owner of 20% or more of the
Company’s Common Stock and thereafter individuals who were not directors of the Company prior to
the date such Person became a 20% owner are elected as directors pursuant to an arrangement or
understanding with, or upon the request of or nomination by, such Person and constitute at least
1/4 of the Company’s Board of Directors; provided, however, that unless the Committee shall
otherwise determine prior to the acquisition of such 20% ownership, such acquisition of ownership
shall not constitute a Change of Control if Executive or an Executive Related Party is the Person
or a member of a group constituting the Person acquiring such ownership; or
(c) there occurs any solicitation or series of solicitations of proxies by or on behalf of any
Person other than the Company’s Board of Directors and thereafter individuals who were not
directors of the Company prior to the commencement of such solicitation or series of solicitations
are elected as directors pursuant to an arrangement or understanding with, or upon the request of
or nomination by, such Person and constitute at least 1/4 of the Company’s Board of Directors; or
(d) the Company executes an agreement of acquisition, merger or consolidation which
contemplates that (i) after the effective date provided for in the agreement, all or substantially
all of the business and/or assets of the Company shall be owned, leased or otherwise controlled by
another Person and (ii) individuals who are directors of the Company when such agreement is
executed shall not constitute a majority of the board of directors of the survivor or successor
entity immediately after the effective date provided for in such agreement; provided, however, that
unless otherwise determined by the Committee, no transaction shall constitute a Change of Control
if, immediately after such transaction, Executive or any Executive Related Party shall own equity
securities of any surviving corporation (“Surviving Entity”) having a fair value as a percentage of
the fair value of the equity securities of such Surviving Entity greater than 125% of the fair
value of the equity securities of the Company owned by Executive and any Executive Related Party
immediately prior to such transaction, expressed as a percentage of the fair value of all equity
securities of the Company immediately prior to such transaction (for purposes of this paragraph
ownership of equity securities shall be determined in the same manner as
B-1
ownership of Common Stock); and provided, further, that, for purposes of this paragraph (d),
if such agreement requires as a condition precedent approval by the Company’s shareholders of the
agreement or transaction, a Change of Control shall not be deemed to have taken place unless and
until such approval is secured (but upon any such approval, a Change of Control shall be deemed to
have occurred on the date of execution of such agreement).
In addition, for purposes of this Exhibit B the following terms have the meanings set forth
below:
“Common Stock” shall mean the then outstanding Common Stock of the Company plus, for purposes
of determining the stock ownership of any Person, the number of unissued shares of Common Stock
which such Person has the right to acquire (whether such right is exercisable immediately or only
after the passage of time) upon the exercise of conversion rights, exchange rights, warrants or
options or otherwise. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the term Common Stock shall not include
shares of Preferred Stock or convertible debt or options or warrants to acquire shares of Common
Stock (including any shares of Common Stock issued or issuable upon the conversion or exercise
thereof) to the extent that the Board of Directors of the Company shall expressly so determine in
any future transaction or transactions.
A Person shall be deemed to be the “owner” of any Common Stock:
(i) of which such Person would be the “beneficial owner,” as such term is defined in
Rule 13d-3 promulgated by the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “Commission”) under
the Exchange Act, as in effect on March 1, 1989; or
(ii) of which such Person would be the “beneficial owner” for purposes of Section 16 of
the Exchange Act and the rules of the Commission promulgated thereunder, as in effect on
March 1, 1989; or
(iii) which such Person or any of its affiliates or associates (as such terms are
defined in Rule 12b-2 promulgated by the Commission under the Exchange Act, as in effect on
March 1, 1989), has the right to acquire (whether such right is exercisable immediately or
only after the passage of time) pursuant to any agreement, arrangement or understanding or
upon the exercise of conversion rights, exchange rights, warrants or options or otherwise.
“Person” shall have the meaning used in Section 13(d) of the Exchange Act, as in effect on
March 1, 1989.
An “Executive Related Party” shall mean any affiliate or associate of Executive other than the
Company or a majority-owned subsidiary of the Company. The terms “affiliate” and “associate” shall
have the meanings ascribed thereto in Rule 12b-2 under the Exchange Act (the term “registrant” in
the definition of “associate” meaning, in this case, the Company).
B-2
EXHIBIT C
Change of Control Benefits
C.1. Benefits Upon a Change of Control Termination.
(a) The Company shall pay the following to Executive in a lump sum within thirty (30) days
following a Change of Control Termination:
(i) an amount equal to (A) two times her Base Salary for one year at the rate in effect
immediately prior to the Date of Termination or the Change of Control, whichever is higher,
plus (B) the accrued and unpaid portion of her Base Salary through the Date of Termination,
subject to the following. If Executive is eligible for long-term disability compensation
benefits under the Company’s long-term disability plan, the amount payable under (A) shall
be reduced by the annual long-term disability compensation benefit for which Executive is
eligible under such plan for the two-year period over which the amount payable under (A) is
measured. If for any period Executive receives long-term disability compensation payments
under a long-term disability plan of the Company as well as payments under the first
sentence of this clause (i), and if the sum of such payments (the “combined Change of
Control/disability benefit”) exceeds the payment for such period to which Executive is
entitled under the first sentence of this clause (i) (determined without regard to the
second sentence of this clause (i)), she shall promptly pay such excess in reimbursement to
the Company; provided, that in no event shall application of this sentence result in
reduction of Executive’s combined Change of Control/disability benefit below the level of
long-term disability compensation payments to which Executive is entitled under the
long-term disability plan or plans of the Company.
(ii) in lieu of any other benefits under SERP, an amount equal to the present value of
the payments that Executive would have been entitled to receive under SERP as a Category B
or C participant, whichever is greater, applying the following rules and assumptions:
(A) the monthly benefit under SERP determined using the foregoing criteria
shall be multiplied by twelve (12) to determine an annual benefit; and
(B) the present value of such annual benefit shall be determined by multiplying
the result in (A) by the appropriate actuarial factor, using the most recently
published interest and mortality rates published by the Pension Benefit Guaranty
Corporation which are effective for plan terminations occurring on the Date of
Termination, using Executive’s age to the nearest year determined as of that date.
If, as of the Date of Termination, the Executive has previously satisfied the
eligibility requirements for Early Retirement under The TJX Companies, Inc.
Retirement Plan, then the appropriate factor shall be that based on the most
recently published “PBGC Actuarial Value of $1.00 Per Year Deferred to Age 60 and
Payable for Life Thereafter — Healthy Lives,” except that if the Executive’s age to
the nearest year is more than sixty (60), then such higher age shall be
C-1
substituted for sixty (60). If, as of the Date of Termination, the Executive
has not satisfied the eligibility requirements for Early Retirement under The TJX
Companies, Inc. Retirement Plan, then the appropriate factor shall be based on the
most recently published “PBGC Actuarial Value of $1.00 Per Year Deferred To Age 65
And Payable For Life Thereafter — Healthy Lives.”
(C) the benefit determined under (B) above shall be reduced by the value of any
portion of Executive’s SERP benefit already paid or provided to her in cash or
through the transfer of an annuity contract.
(b) Until the second anniversary of the Date of Termination, the Company shall maintain in
full force and effect for the continued benefit of Executive and her family all life insurance and
medical insurance plans and programs in which Executive was entitled to participate immediately
prior to the Change of Control, provided, that Executive’s continued participation is possible
under the general terms and provisions of such plans and programs. In the event that Executive is
ineligible to participate in such plans or programs, the Company shall arrange upon comparable
terms to provide Executive with benefits substantially similar to those which she is entitled to
receive under such plans and programs. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Company’s obligations
hereunder with respect to life or medical coverage or benefits shall be deemed satisfied to the
extent (but only to the extent) of any such coverage or benefits provided by another employer.
(c) For a period of two years after the Date of Termination, the Company shall continue to
provide for the benefit of Executive, during its term of the lease, any leased automobile that was
being provided prior to the Date of Termination and for any period after the termination of such
lease and during the remainder of such two year period, or for the whole two year period if the
lease had expired prior to the Date of Termination, shall provide to Executive an automobile
commensurate with her position as in effect immediately prior to the Change of Control (or
immediately prior to the Date of Termination if greater).
C.2. Incentive Benefits Upon a Change of Control. Within thirty (30) days following a
Change of Control, whether or not Executive’s employment has terminated or been terminated, the
Company shall pay to the Executive, in a lump sum, the sum of (i) and (ii), where:
(i) is the sum of (A) the “Target Award” under the Company’s Management Incentive Plan
or any other annual incentive plan which is applicable to Executive for the fiscal year in
which the Change of Control occurs, plus (B) an amount equal to such Target Award prorated
for the period of active employment during such fiscal year through the Change of Control;
and
(ii) the sum of (A) for Performance Cycles not completed prior to the Change of
Control, an amount with respect to each such cycle equal to the maximum Award under LRPIP
specified for Executive for such cycle, plus (B) any unpaid amounts owing with respect to
cycles completed prior to the Change of Control.
C.3. Gross-Up Payment. Payments under Section C.1. and Section C.2. of this Exhibit
shall be made without regard to whether the deductibility of such payments (or any other
C-2
payments or benefits to or for the benefit of Executive) would be limited or precluded by
Section 280G of the Code (“Section 280G”) and without regard to whether such payments (or any other
payments or benefits) would subject Executive to the federal excise tax levied on certain “excess
parachute payments” under Section 4999 of the Code (the “Excise Tax”). If any portion of the
payments or benefits to or for the benefit of Executive (including, but not limited to, payments
and benefits under this Agreement but determined without regard to this paragraph) constitutes an
“excess parachute payment” within the meaning of Section 280G (the aggregate of such payments being
hereinafter referred to as the “Excess Parachute Payments”), the Company shall promptly pay to
Executive an additional amount (the “gross-up payment”) that after reduction for all taxes
(including but not limited to the Excise Tax) with respect to such gross-up payment equals the
Excise Tax with respect to the Excess Parachute Payments; provided, that to the extent any gross-up
payment would be considered “deferred compensation” for purposes of Section 409A of the Code, the
manner and time of payment, and the provisions of this Section C.3, shall be adjusted to the extent
necessary (but only to the extent necessary) to comply with the requirements of Section 409A with
respect to such payment so that the payment does not give rise to the interest or additional tax
amounts described at Section 409A(a)(1)(B) or Section 409A(b)(4) of the Code (the “Section 409A
penalties”); and further provided, that if, notwithstanding the immediately preceding proviso, the
gross-up payment cannot be made to conform to the requirements of Section 409A of the Code, the
amount of the gross-up payment shall be determined without regard to any gross-up for the Section
409A penalties. The determination as to whether Executive’s payments and benefits include Excess
Parachute Payments and, if so, the amount of such payments, the amount of any Excise Tax owed with
respect thereto, and the amount of any gross-up payment shall be made at the Company’s expense by
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP or by such other certified public accounting firm as the Committee may
designate prior to a Change of Control (the “accounting firm”). Notwithstanding the foregoing, if
the Internal Revenue Service shall assert an Excise Tax liability that is higher than the Excise
Tax (if any) determined by the accounting firm, the Company shall promptly augment the gross-up
payment to address such higher Excise Tax liability.
C.4. Other Benefits. In addition, Executive or her legal representative shall be
entitled to the benefits described in Section 3(c)(ii) (Existing Stock Awards; Performance-Based
Restricted Stock), and Section 3(d)(ii) (New Stock Awards; New Performance-Based Restricted Stock)
and to payment of her vested benefits under the plans described in 3(h) (Qualified Plans; Other
Deferred Compensation Plans). Executive shall also be entitled to such rights, if any, under any
stock options or other stock-based awards that were granted under the Stock Incentive Plan and that
are held by Executive on the Date of Termination as are provided under the terms of those awards.
C.5. Noncompetition; No Mitigation of Damages; etc.
(a) Noncompetition. Upon a Change of Control, any agreement by Executive not to
engage in competition with the Company subsequent to the termination of her employment, whether
contained in an employment contract or other agreement, including without limitations the
provisions of Section 8(c), shall no longer be effective.
C-3
(b) No Duty to Mitigate Damages. Executive’s benefits under this Exhibit C shall be
considered severance pay in consideration of her past service and her continued service from the
date of this Agreement, and her entitlement thereto shall neither be governed by any duty to
mitigate her damages by seeking further employment nor offset by any compensation which she may
receive from future employment.
(c) Legal Fees and Expenses. The Company shall pay all legal fees and expenses,
including but not limited to counsel fees, stenographer fees, printing costs, etc. reasonably
incurred by Executive in contesting or disputing that the termination of her employment during a
Standstill Period is for Cause or other than for good reason (as defined in the definition of
Change of Control Termination) or obtaining any right or benefit to which Executive is entitled
under this Agreement following a Change of Control. Any amount payable under this Agreement that
is not paid when due shall accrue interest at the prime rate as from time to time in effect at Bank
of America, or its successor, until paid in full.
(d) Notice of Termination. During a Standstill Period, Executive’s employment may be
terminated by the Company only upon thirty (30) days’ written notice to Executive.
C-4
