Exhibit 10.2(r)
PERSONAL & HIGHLY CONFIDENTIAL
June 1, 2004
Xxxxxx Xxxx
00 Xxxxxxx Xxxxx
Xxxxxx, XX 00000
Dear Xxxxxx:
This letter constitutes the agreement (the "Agreement") between you and
Modem Media, Inc. (the "Company") regarding severance and stay benefits due to
you under certain circumstances as described below.
1. Severance. In the event that you terminate your employment with the
Company for Good Reason (as defined in Section 5 below), you shall be eligible
for the severance benefits described in your agreement with the Company dated
April 19, 1999.
2. Stay Bonus. In the event of a Change of Control (as defined in Section 3
below), you shall be eligible for a stay bonus in an amount in cash equal to
twelve months' base salary, as in effect immediately prior to the Change of
Control (minus applicable withholding and other deductions required by law),
provided you (i) remain employed by the Company (or its successor) for at least
ninety (90) days following the Change of Control; or (ii) terminate your
employment with Good Reason (as defined in Section 5 below) no later than ninety
(90) days following the Change in Control; or (iii) are terminated by the
Company without Cause (as defined in Section 4 below) no later than ninety (90)
days following the Change of Control. The stay bonus shall be paid in a lump sum
amount in cash within 10 days of the first occurrence of an event described in
(i), (ii) or (iii) of this paragraph.
3. Change of Control. For purposes of this Agreement, "Change of Control"
shall mean the occurrence of any of the following events: (i) the consummation
of a merger or consolidation of the Company with any other corporation, other
than a merger or consolidation which would result in the voting securities of
the Company outstanding immediately prior thereto continuing to represent
(either by remaining outstanding or by being converted into voting securities of
the surviving entity) at least fifty percent (50%) of the total voting power
represented by the voting securities of the Company or such surviving entity
outstanding immediately after such merger or consolidation; (ii) the
consummation of the sale or disposition by the Company of all or substantially
all of the Company's assets; or (iii) any person (as such term is used in
Section 13(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended) becomes the
beneficial owner (as defined in Rule 13d-3 under said Act), directly or
indirectly, of securities of the Company representing fifty percent (50%) or
more of the total voting power represented by the Company's then outstanding
voting securities.
4. Termination for Cause. For purposes of this Agreement, "Cause" shall
mean (i) your gross misconduct in the performance of your duties for the
Company; (ii) your engaging in illegal conduct (other than any misdemeanor,
traffic violation or similar misconduct) in connection with your performance of
duties for the Company; or (iii) your commission of a felony. The determination
as to whether "Cause" exists shall be made by me (or such other individual who
may become your immediate supervisor), and such determination shall be final,
conclusive and binding on all persons.
5. Termination for Good Reason. For purposes of this Agreement, "Good
Reason" shall mean a material reduction in your compensation or/and employee
benefits; material reduction in your job responsibilities or position; or
relocation of your work location by more than fifty (50) miles from your office
immediately prior to the Change of Control.
6. Other Agreements. Except as specifically stated herein, all other terms
and conditions of prior written agreements regarding the subject of your
employment, including that agreement dated April 19, 1999, shall remain in full
force and effect.
7. Taxes. If it is determined that any payments and benefits that you
receive from the Company or an affiliate or successor of the Company as a result
of the Change in Control will result in you being subject to an excise tax under
Section 4999 of the Internal Revenue Code (the "Code"), then the Company will
make a Gross-Up Payment (as defined below) to or on behalf of you as and when
any such determination is made, provided you take such action (other than
waiving your right to any payments or benefits) as the Company reasonably
requests under the circumstances to mitigate or challenge such tax. Any such
determination will be made in accordance with Sections 280G and 4999 of the Code
and any other applicable law, regulations, rulings or case law. If the Company
reasonably requests that you take action to avoid assessment of, or to
mitigate or challenge, any such tax or assessment, including restructuring your
right to receive any payments or benefits to which you are entitled (other than
under this paragraph), you agree to consider such request (but in no event to
waive or limit your right to any payments or benefits in a manner that would not
be neutral to you from a financial point of view), and in connection with any
such consideration, the Company will provide such information and advice as you
may reasonably request and will pay for all reasonable expenses incurred in
effecting your compliance with such request and any related taxes, fines,
penalties, interest and other assessments. The term "Gross-Up Payment" means an
additional amount such that you will, on an after-tax basis (including any
income tax, payroll tax, further excise tax, interest, penalties and other
assessments levied on any payment or benefit) receive the full amount of the
payments and benefits for which The Company is liable, as if there was no excise
tax under Section 4999 of the Code on any of your payments or benefits. To the
extent permitted by applicable law, you agree to return to the Company the
excess of any Gross-Up Payment made to you over the payment which would have
been sufficient to put you in such same after-tax position.
A few important final points: first, since only certain key employees are
being offered a stay bonus, we require that you treat as highly confidential
both the existence and terms of this letter, and that you refrain from
discussing this confidential information with any of your coworkers. You will
not be eligible for the stay bonus benefits described in Section 2 if you fail
to meet this critical requirement. You are a key player at Modem Media. We
regard you as integral to our continued success, and we want to reward you for
staying on the team during this uncertain transition period. I trust that the
above-described stay bonus and severance enhancement will allay some of the
concerns you may have for your future.
If you have any questions, please contact me.
Very truly yours,
MODEM MEDIA, INC.
/s/ Xxxx X. Xxxxxxxxxx
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Title: CEO and President
Accepted and Agreed:
/s/ Xxxxxx Xxxx
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Date: June 1, 2004
