Exhibit 10.1
AGREEMENT
THIS AGREEMENT (this "Agreement") is effective as of the April 1, 2005
pending the closing of the merger (the "Separation Date"), between Mittal Steel
N.V. and International Steel Group Inc. (the "Company"), located at 0000 Xxxxxxx
Xxxxx Xxxxxxx, Xxxxxxxxx, Xxxx 00000 and V. XXXX XXXXXXX ("Executive"}, residing
at 000 Xxxxx Xxxxx Xxxxxx, Xxxxx Xxxxx, XX 00000.
WITNESSETH:
WHEREAS, prior to the Separation Date, Executive was the Chief
Operations Officer of the Company;
WHEREAS, effective on the Separation Date, Executive resigned as an
employee of the Company, and from any and all offices of the Company and its
subsidiaries, and any other position, office or directorship of any other entity
for which Executive was serving at the request of the Company; and
WHEREAS, the Company accepts Executive's resignation as of the date
referenced above; and
WHEREAS, the Company and Executive desire to set forth the payments and
benefits that Executive will be entitled to receive from the Company in
connection with his resignation from employment with the Company; and
WHEREAS, the Company and Executive wish to resolve, settle and/or
compromise certain matters, claims and issues between them, including, without
limitation, Executive's resignation from the offices he held and from his
employment with the Company.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the promises and agreements
contained herein and other good and valuable consideration, the sufficiency and
receipt of which are hereby acknowledged, and intending to be legally bound, the
Company and Executive hereby agree as follows:
1. RESIGNATION. Executive hereby resigns, effective on the Separation Date,
his employment with the Company and its subsidiaries and related or affiliated
companies, and his position as Chief Operating Officer of the Company. Executive
further resigns, effective on the Separation Date, from any other directorship,
office, or position of the Company or any entity that is a subsidiary of, or is
otherwise related to or affiliated with, the Company {or to which he has
otherwise been appointed}. The Company hereby consents to and accepts said
resignations.
2. COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS. Subject to the conditions hereof, the Company
and Executive agree to the following:
x. XXXXXXXXX COMPENSATION. As severance compensation, the Company shall
pay Executive an amount equal to $1,989,648.00. Such amount shall be paid to
Executive in a lump sum payment, within ten (10) business days following the
Executive's execution of
this agreement and the expiration of the revocation period set forth in
Paragraph 4.c.(iv) hereof if Executive has not exercised his right of
revocation pursuant to such paragraph prior to such date. All of Executive's
Stock Options shall be cancelled as of the effective time of the merger with
Mittal Steel Company and Executive will receive in cash an amount equal to the
difference between $42.00 per share and the applicable per share exercise price
of the option.
b. MEDICAL COVERAGE. Executive shall be entitled to continue to
participate in the Company's medical, prescription drug, and dental plans or
programs in which he participated immediately prior to the Separation Date (with
a monthly premium cost to Executive equal to the premium cost as in effect for
active employees of the Company with respect to such plans or programs, as
amended or changed from time to time) until the earlier of (i) Executive's
coverage under another employer's or any other medical, prescription drug and/or
dental plans or programs or (ii) 41 months following the Separation Date (the
"Benefit Period"). The Company agrees that the period of coverage under such
plans shall not count against such plans' obligation to provide continuation
coverage pursuant to Part 6 of Subtitle B of Title 1 of the Employee Retirement
Income Security Act of 1974, as amended ("COBRA"). It is expressly understood
that the Company's payment obligations and Executive's participation rights
under this Paragraph 2.b. shall cease in the event Executive breaches any of the
agreements in Paragraph 3 hereof.
c. PROFESSIONAL FEES. The Company and Executive acknowledge and agree
that each shall be responsible for the payment of their respective legal fees
and costs (and related disbursements) incurred in connection with Executive's
resignation and all matters relating to the negotiation and execution of the
releases and all other matters covered by this Agreement; provided however, that
Executive shall be entitled to reimbursement of reasonable attorney fees and
expenses in connection with the enforcement of Executive's rights under this
agreement, provided that Executive is the prevailing party in such a proceeding
or dispute.
d. COMPANY BENEFIT PLANS. Except as provided above in Paragraph 2.b. of
this Agreement, Executive's post-Separation Date eligibility for benefits, if
any, as a past employee of the Company under the Company's retirement and
welfare benefit plans shall be as set forth in the respective plan documents and
shall be based on his employment termination on the Separation Date, and his
entitlement to benefits for the period of his participation therein shall be
determined pursuant to the terms thereof.
e. BUSINESS EXPENSES. The Company will reimburse Executive for any
reasonable business expenses incurred by Executive prior to the Separation Date
that are reimbursable pursuant to the Company's expense reimbursement policies.
All expense reimbursement requests must be presented to the Company for payment
not later than 30 days following the Separation Date.
f. ACCRUED SALARY. Executive shall be paid in accordance with the
Company's normal payroll cycle the gross amount of $15,625.00, less required
deductions, representing base salary through and including April 15, 2005; the
gross amount of $27,403.94, less required deductions, representing accrued but
unused 2005 vacation; and the gross amount of $281,250.00, less required
deductions, representing the amount earned under the Officers Cash and Stock
Bonus Plan as of the Separation Date.
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g. WITHHOLDING. The Company shall withhold such amounts from the
payments described herein as are required by applicable tax or other law.
3. RESTRICTIVE COVENANTS. Executive will be bound by the following
restrictive covenants. If Executive fails to abide by any of the following
covenants, the Company may cease any remaining payments or benefits payable to
Executive hereunder.
a. For a period of 12 months after termination of the Executive's
employment with the Company, Executive shall not within the United States,
Canada and/or Mexico (i) engage, directly or indirectly, whether as an employee;
officer, director, consultant or otherwise, in the research, development,
manufacture, marketing, sale or distribution of steel or steel products similar
to those products sold or developed by the Company and/or any Controlled Group
member; (ii) solicit, directly, or indirectly, whether as an employee, officer,
director, consultant or otherwise, any person or entity which is then a customer
of the Company and/or any Controlled Group member or has been a customer or
solicited by the Company and/or any Controlled Group member for a one (1) year
period, to purchase steel or steal products from any entity other than the
Company and/or any Controlled Group member; (iii) solicit for employment, engage
and/or hire, whether directly or indirectly, any individual who is then employed
by the Company and/or any Controlled Group member; and/or (iv) encourage or
induce, whether directly or indirectly, any individual who is then employed by
the Company and/or any Controlled Group member to end his/her business
relationship with the Company and/or any Controlled Group member.
b. Executive will keep in strict confidence, and will not, directly or
indirectly, at any time during or after the Benefit Period, disclose, furnish,
disseminate, make available or, except in the course of performing Executive's
duties of employment, use any trade secrets or confidential business and
technical information of the Company or any Controlled Group member or their
customers or vendors, including without limitation as to when or how Executive
may have acquired such information. Such confidential information shall include,
without limitation, the Company's and any Controlled Group member's unique
selling, manufacturing and servicing methods and business techniques, training,
service and business manuals, promotional materials, training courses and other
training and instructional materials, vendor and product information, customer
and prospective customer lists, other customer and prospective customer
information and other business information. Executive specifically acknowledges
that all such confidential information, whether reduced to writing, maintained
on any form of electronic media, or maintained in Executive's mind or memory and
whether compiled by the Company, any Controlled Group member and/or Executive,
derives independent economic value from not being readily known to or
ascertainable by proper means by others who can obtain economic value from its
disclosure or use, that reasonable efforts have been made by the Company and the
Controlled Group members to maintain the secrecy of such information, that such
information is the sole property of the Company or the Controlled Group members
and that any use of such information by Executive during the Benefit Period
shall constitute a misappropriation of the Company's or any Controlled Group
member's trade secrets.
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c. For purposes of this Paragraph 3, "Controlled Group" shall mean the
Company and any other entity which is a member of the Company's controlled group
(as such term is defined in Sections 414(b) or 414(c) of the Internal Revenue
Code),
4. RELEASE BY EXECUTIVE.
a. Executive for himself and his dependents, successors, assigns,
heirs, executors and administrators (and his and their legal representatives of
every kind), hereby releases, dismisses, remisses and forever discharges the
Company from any and all arbitrations, claims (including claims for attorney's
fees), demands, damages, suits, proceedings, actions and/or causes of action of
any kind and every description, whether known or unknown, which Executive now
has or may have had for, upon, or by reason of any cause whatsoever (except that
this release shall not apply to (x) the obligations of the Company arising under
this Agreement and (y) Executive's rights of indemnification by the Company, if
any, pursuant to the Company's certificate of incorporation or by-laws or any
agreement between the Company and Executive), against the Company ("claims"),
including but not limited to:
(i) any and all claims, directly or indirectly, arising out of
or relating to: (A) Executive's past employment or service with the
Company; and (B) Executives resignation as Chief Operations Officer of
the Company and any other position described in Paragraph 1 of this
Agreement.
(ii) any and all claims of discrimination, including but not
limited to claims of discrimination on the basis of sex, race, age,
national origin, marital status, religion or disability, including,
specifically, but without limiting the generality of the foregoing, any
claims under the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, as amended (the
"ADEA"), Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended, the
Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, the Family and Medical Leave
Act of 1993 and Ohio Revised Code Chapter 4112;
(iii) any and all claims of wrongful or unjust discharge or
breach of any contract or promise, express or implied; and
(iv) any and all claims under or relating to any and all
employee compensation, employee benefit, employee severance or employee
incentive bonus plans and arrangements, all of which Executive agrees
are forfeited upon his resignation; provided that he shall remain
entitled to the amounts and benefits described in Paragraph 2 above.
Executive agrees that he intends to release any and all workers
compensation claims he may have against the Company by this Agreement,
and further agrees to execute any documentation as may be reasonably
required to perfect such release when presented to him by the Company.
b. Executive understands and acknowledges that the Company does not
admit any violation of law, liability or invasion of any of his rights and that
any such violation, liability or invasion is expressly denied. The consideration
provided under this Agreement is made for the purpose of settling and
extinguishing all claims and rights (and every other similar or dissimilar
matter) that Executive ever had or now may have or ever will have against the
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Company to the extent provided in this Paragraph 4. Executive further agrees and
acknowledges that no representations, promises or inducements have been made by
the Company other than as appear in this Agreement.
c. Executive further understands and acknowledges that:
(i) The release provided for in this Paragraph 4, including
claims under the ADEA to and including the date of this Agreement, is
in exchange for the additional consideration provided for in this
Agreement, to which consideration he was not heretofore entitled;
specifically, in addition to continuation of medical benefits listed in
paragraph 2(b) of this Agreement, an additional 17 months of medical
benefits continuation, less appropriately monthly premiums, for a total
of 41 months, at which time said Executive will be eligible for
coverage continuation as provided by COBRA.
(ii) He has been advised by the Company to consult with legal
counsel prior to executing this Agreement and the release provided for
in this Paragraph 4, has had an opportunity to consult with and to be
advised by legal counsel of his choice, fully understands the terms of
this Agreement, and enters into this Agreement freely, voluntarily and
intending to be bound;
(iii) He has been given a period of twenty-one days to review
and consider the terms of this Agreement, and the release contained
herein, prior to its execution and that he may use as much of the
twenty-one day period as he desires; and
(iv) He may, within seven days after execution, revoke the
release set forth in this Paragraph 4. Revocation shall be made by
delivering a written notice of revocation to the Vice President of
Human Resources at the Company. For such revocation to be effective,
written notice must be actually received by the Vice President of Human
Resources at the Company no later than the close of business on the
seventh day after Executive executes this Agreement. If Executive does
exercise his right to revoke this release, all of the terms and
conditions of the Agreement shall be of no force and effect and the
Company shall have no obligation to satisfy the terms or make any
payment to Executive as set forth in Paragraph 2 of this Agreement.
d. Executive will never file a lawsuit or other complaint asserting any
claim that is released in this Paragraph 4.
e. Executive and the Company acknowledge that his resignation is by
mutual agreement between the Company and Executive, and that Executive waives
and releases any claim that he has or may have to reemployment.
f. For purposes of the above provisions of this Paragraph 4, the
"Company" shall include its present and former predecessors, subsidiaries,
divisions, related or affiliated companies, officers, directors, stockholders,
members, employees, heirs, successors, assigns, representatives, agents,
accountants and counsel.
5. DISCLOSURE.
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a. From the date of this Agreement through the end of the Benefit
Period, Executive will communicate the contents of Paragraphs 3, 6.b., 7 and 9
of this Agreement to any person, firm, association, or corporation other than
the Company which he intends to be employed by, associated in business with, or
represent.
b. Executive shall take no action with respect to the Company's common
stock that is in violation of the federal securities laws.
6. BREACH.
a. If Executive breaches any of the provisions of this Agreement (and
in the case of a breach that is capable of being cured, fails to cure such
breach within fifteen days after written notice by the Company to Executive
specifying the circumstances that constitute such breach), then the Company may,
at its sole option, immediately terminate all remaining benefits described in
this Agreement and obtain reimbursement from Executive of all payments and
benefits already provided pursuant to Paragraph 2 of this Agreement, plus any
expenses and damages incurred as a result of the breach (including, without
limitation, reasonable attorneys' fees), with the remainder of this Agreement,
and all promises and covenants herein, remaining in full force and effect.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Company will not terminate pursuant to
paragraph 6.a. above any benefits to which Executive is entitled under any
tax-qualified retirement plan of the Company, and Executive's rights under
COBRA, if any, will not be reduced by any action taken by the Company under
Paragraph 6.a. above.
b. Executive acknowledges and agrees that the remedy at law available
to the Company for breach by Executive of any of his obligations under
Paragraphs 3 and 5 of this Agreement would be inadequate and that damages
flowing from such a breach would not readily be susceptible to being measured in
monetary terms. Accordingly, Executive acknowledges, consents and agrees that,
in addition to any other rights or remedies which the Company may have at law,
in equity or under this Agreement, upon adequate proof of Executive's violation
of any provision of Paragraphs 3 or 5 of this Agreement, the Company shall be
entitled to immediate injunctive relief and may obtain a temporary order
restraining any threatened or further breach, without the necessity of proof of
actual damage.
7. CONTINUED AVAILABILITY AND COOPERATION.
a. Executive shall cooperate fully with the Company, the Company's
counsel and the Company's insurer in connection with any present and future
actual or threatened litigation or administrative proceeding involving the
Company that relates to events, occurrences or conduct occurring (or claimed to
have occurred) during the period of Executive's employment by the Company. This
cooperation by Executive shall include, but not be limited to:
(i) making himself reasonably available for interviews and
discussions with the Company's counsel as well as for depositions and
trial testimony;
(ii) if depositions or trial testimony are to occur, making
himself reasonably available and cooperating in the preparation
therefor as and to the extent that the Company or the Company's counsel
reasonably requests;
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(iii) refraining from impeding in any way the Company's
prosecution or defense of such litigation or administrative proceeding;
and
(iv) cooperating fully in the development and presentation of
the Company's prosecution or defense of such litigation or
administrative proceeding.
b. Executive shall be reimbursed by the Company for reasonable travel,
lodging, telephone and similar expenses incurred in connection with such
cooperation, which the Company shall reasonably endeavor to schedule at times
not conflicting with the reasonable requirements of any employer of Executive,
or with the requirements of any third party with whom Executive has a business
relationship permitted hereunder that provides remuneration to Executive.
Executive shall not unreasonably withhold his availability for such cooperation.
8. SUCCESSORS AND BINDING AGREEMENT.
a. This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the
Company and any successor of or to the Company, including, without limitation,
any persons acquiring, directly or indirectly, all or substantially all of the
business and/or assets of the Company whether by purchase, merger,
consolidation, reorganization, or otherwise (and such successor shall thereafter
be deemed included in the definition of "the Company" for purposes of this
Agreement), but shall not otherwise be assignable or delegable by the Company.
b. This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be enforceable by
Executive's personal or legal representatives, executors, administrators,
successors, heirs, distributees, and/or legatees.
c. This Agreement is personal in nature and none of the parties hereto
shall, without the consent of the other parties, assign, transfer or delegate
this Agreement or any rights or obligations hereunder except as expressly
provided in Subparagraphs (a) and (b) of this Paragraph 8.
d. This Agreement is intended to be for the exclusive benefit of the
parties hereto, and except as provided in Subparagraphs (a) and (b) of this
Paragraph 8, no third party shall have any rights hereunder.
9. NON-DISCLOSURE; STATEMENTS TO THIRD PARTIES.
a. Except as otherwise provided in Paragraph 5, all provisions of this
Agreement and the circumstances giving rise hereto are and shall remain
confidential and shall not be disclosed to any person not a party hereto (other
than (i) Executive's spouse, if any and (ii) each party's attorney, financial
advisor and/or tax advisor to the extent necessary for such advisor to render
appropriate legal, financial and tax advice), except as necessary to carry out
the provisions of this Agreement, and except as may be required by law.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, this Agreement may be disclosed and described as
well as filed with or provided to the Securities and Exchange Commission or any
other governmental instrumentality or agency, including the Internal Revenue
Service, if the Company deems such filing or provision to be necessary.
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b. Because the purpose of this Agreement is to settle amicably any and
all potential disputes or claims among the parties, neither Executive nor the
Company shall, directly or indirectly, make or cause to be made any statements
to any third parties criticizing or disparaging the other or commenting on the
character or business reputation of the other. Executive further hereby agrees
not: (i) to comment to others concerning the status, plans or prospects of the
business of the Company, or (ii) to engage in any act or omission that would be
detrimental, financially or otherwise, to the Company, or that would subject the
Company to public disrespect, scandal, or ridicule. For purposes of this
Subparagraph 9.b., the "Company" shall mean the Company and its directors,
officers, predecessors, parents, subsidiaries, divisions, and related or
affiliated companies, officers, directors, stockholders, members, employees,
heirs, successors, assigns, representatives, agents, accountants and counsel.
10. NOTICES. For all purposes of this Agreement, all communications
provided for herein shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been duly
given when delivered, addressed to the Company (to the attention of Xxxxx X.
Xxxxx, Vice President Human Resources) at its principal executive offices and to
Executive at his principal residence, 000 Xxxxx Xxxxx Xxxxxx, Xxxxx Xxxxx, XX
00000, or to such other address as any party may have furnished to the other in
writing and in accordance herewith. Notices of change of address shall be
effective only upon receipt.
11. MISCELLANEOUS. No provision of this Agreement may be modified, waived
or discharged unless such modification, waiver or discharge is agreed to in
writing signed by Executive and the Company. No waiver by either party hereto at
any time of any breach by the other party hereto or compliance with any
condition or provision of this Agreement to be performed by such other party
shall be deemed a waiver of similar or dissimilar provisions or conditions at
the same or at any prior or subsequent time. No agreements or representations,
oral or otherwise, expressed or implied with respect to the subject matter
hereof have been made by any of the parties that are not set forth expressly in
this Agreement and every one of them (if, in fact, there have been any) is
hereby terminated without liability or any other legal effect whatsoever.
12. ENTIRE AGREEMENT. This Agreement embodies the complete agreement and
understanding between the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof and
effective as of its date supersedes and preempts any prior understandings,
agreements or representations by or between the parties, written or oral
(including without limitation, the Executive Severance Pay Plan, any employment
agreement between Executive and the Company, whether written or oral) and the
Officer Cash and Stock Bonus Plan), which may have related to the subject matter
hereof in any way.
13. GOVERNING LAW. Any dispute, controversy, or claim of whatever nature
arising out of or relating to this Agreement or breach thereof shall be governed
by and under the laws of the State of Ohio. The parties agree that any and all
disputes, controversies, or claims of whatever nature arising out of or relating
to this agreement or breach thereof shall be resolved by a court of general
jurisdiction in the State of Ohio, and the parties hereby consent to the
exclusive jurisdiction of such court in any action or proceeding arising under
or brought to challenge, enforce, or interpret any of the terms of this
Agreement.
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14. VALIDITY. The invalidity or unenforceability of any provision of this
Agreement shall not affect the validity or enforceability of any other provision
of this Agreement, which shall nevertheless remain in full force and effect.
15. COUNTERPARTS. This Agreement may be executed in one or more
counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an original, but all of which
together shall constitute one and the same Agreement.
16. CAPTIONS AND PARAGRAPH HEADINGS. Captions and Paragraph headings used
herein are for convenience and are not part of this Agreement and shall not be
used in construing it.
17. FURTHER ASSURANCES. Each party hereto shall execute such additional
documents, and do such additional things, as may reasonably be requested by the
other party to effectuate the purposes and provisions of this Agreement.
[SIGNATURES ON FOLLOWING PAGE]
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed and delivered this
Agreement as of the date set forth below.
INTERNATIONAL STEEL GROUP INC.
By: /s/ XXXXX X. XXXXX
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Name: XXXXX X. XXXXX
Title: VICE PRESIDENT HUMAN RESOURCES
Date: 4-1-05
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/s/ V. XXXX XXXXXXX
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V. XXXX XXXXXXX
Date: 4-6-05
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