AMENDED AND RESTATED EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT
Exhibit
10.3
AMENDED
AND RESTATED EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT
AMENDED
AND RESTATED EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT
(this
“Agreement”) dated as of May 6, 2008, between XXXXXX
XXXXXXX LTD.,
a
Bermuda company (the “Company”), and
XXXXX X. XXXX
(the
“Executive”).
WHEREAS,
the
Executive and the Company are parties to that certain Employment Agreement
(the
“Employment Agreement”), dated as of October 10, 2005 and amended as of October
6, 2006, and that certain Change of Control Agreement (the “CoC Agreement”),
dated as of October 10, 2005;
WHEREAS,
the
Executive and the Company wish to further amend and restate the Employment
Agreement to provide for certain amendments thereto and to incorporate the
provisions of the CoC Agreement therein.
Accordingly,
the Company and the Executive hereby agree to amend and restate the Employment
Agreement in its entirety as follows:
1.
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Employment,
Duties and Acceptance.
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1.1 Employment,
Duties.
The
Company hereby agrees to employ the Executive for the Term (as defined in
Section 2.1), to render exclusive and full-time services to the Company, in
the capacity of Executive
Vice President and General Counsel
of the
Company and to perform such other duties consistent with such position
(including service as a director or officer of any affiliate of the Company
if
elected) as may be assigned by the Chief Executive Officer; provided, however,
that the Executive may participate in civic, charitable, industry, and
professional organizations to the extent that such participation does not
materially interfere with the performance of Executive’s duties hereunder. The
Executive’s title shall be Executive Vice President and General Counsel, or such
other titles of at least equivalent level consistent with the Executive’s duties
from time to time as may be assigned to the Executive by the Company consistent
with such position, and the Executive shall have all authorities as are
customarily and ordinarily exercised by executives in similar positions in
similar businesses of similar size in the United States.
1.2 Acceptance.
The
Executive hereby accepts such employment and agrees to render the services
described above. During the Term, and consistent with the above, the Executive
agrees to serve the Company faithfully and to the best of the Executive’s
ability, to devote the Executive’s entire business time, energy and skill to
such employment, and to use the Executive’s best efforts, skill and ability to
promote the Company’s interests.
1.3 Fiduciary
Duties to the Company.
Executive
acknowledges and agrees that Executive owes a fiduciary duty of loyalty,
fidelity and allegiance to act at all times in the best interests of the Company
and to do no act which would, directly or indirectly, injure the Company’s
business, interests, or reputation. It is agreed that any direct or indirect
interest in, connection with, or benefit from any outside activities,
particularly commercial activities, which interest might in any way adversely
affect Company, involves a possible conflict of interest. In keeping with
Executive’s fiduciary duties to the Company, Executive agrees that Executive
shall not knowingly become involved in a conflict of interest with the Company,
or upon discovery thereof, allow such a conflict to continue. Moreover,
Executive shall not engage in any activity which might involve a possible
conflict of interest without first obtaining approval in accordance with the
Company’s policies and procedures.
1.4 Location.
The
duties to be performed by the Executive hereunder shall be performed primarily
at the Company’s offices in Clinton, New Jersey, subject to reasonable travel
requirements consistent with the nature of the Executive’s duties from time to
time on behalf of the Company. The Executive shall keep Executive’s primary
residence within reasonable daily commute of the Clinton, New Jersey area
throughout the Term.
2.
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Term
of Employment.
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2.1 Term.
The term
of the Executive’s employment under this Agreement (the “Term”) shall commence
on October 10, 2005 (the “Effective Date”), and shall end on the date on which
the Term is terminated pursuant to Section 4.
3.
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Compensation;
Benefits.
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3.1 Salary.
As
compensation for all services to be rendered pursuant to this Agreement, the
Company agrees to pay to the Executive during the Term a base salary, payable
monthly in arrears, at the initial annual rate for fiscal 2008 of Four Hundred
and Sixty Four Thousand One Hundred Dollars ($464,100.00) (the “Base Salary”).
On each anniversary of the Effective Date or such other appropriate date during
each year of the Term when the salaries of executives at the Executive’s level
are normally reviewed, the Company shall review the Base Salary and determine
if, and by how much, the Base Salary should be increased
provided, however, the
Base
Salary under this Agreement, including as subsequently adjusted upwards, may
not
be decreased thereafter without the written consent of Executive, except for
across-the-board changes for executives at the Executive’s level. All payments
of Base Salary or other compensation hereunder shall be less such deductions
or
withholdings as are required by applicable law and regulations.
3.2 Bonus.
Executive
shall be eligible to participate, as determined by the Compensation Committee
of
the Board of Directors of the Company (the “Board”), in the Company’s annual
incentive program as in effect from time to time for executives at the
Executive’s level. The Executive shall be eligible for an annual incentive bonus
at a target opportunity of seventy percent (70%) of Base Salary (up to a maximum
opportunity of one hundred forty percent (140%) of Base Salary) based upon
the
achievement of certain business unit objectives established in advance by the
Company (the “Annual Bonus”). The actual amount of any Annual Bonus shall be
determined by and in accordance with the terms of the Company’s annual incentive
program as in effect from time to time and the Executive shall have no absolute
right to an Annual Bonus in any year.
3.3 Equity
Awards.
3.3.1 The
parties acknowledge and agree that Executive previously received (i) a signing
bonus in the amount of Five Hundred Thousand Dollars ($500,000), (ii) a grant
of
a number of shares of Common Stock with an aggregate fair market value,
determined by the average of the high and low prices of a share of Common Stock
on October 7, 2005, of $521,645.00 (the “Restricted Stock”) and (iii) a
grant of options to purchase 52,165 shares of Common Stock (the “Options”). The
Restricted Stock and Options are governed by separate agreements entered into
between Executive and the Company, and in the event of any inconsistency between
such separate agreements and the terms of this Agreement (including, but not
limited to, Section 4.2.2(iv) and (v)), the separate agreements shall govern
and
control. For avoidance of doubt, nothing in the preceding sentence shall be
construed to limit the application of any provision of such separate agreements
that expressly refers to and incorporates a provision of this
Agreement.
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3.3.2 Executive
shall be eligible for annual equity awards, as determined by the Compensation
Committee of the Board, under the Company’s equity award plan covering
executives at the Executive’s level, as in effect from time to time. Executive
will be entitled to a long term incentive value opportunity equivalent to 1.5
times Base Salary per year, the form and conditions of which will be established
by the Compensation Committee.
3.4 Business
Expenses.
The
Company shall pay or reimburse the Executive for all reasonable expenses
actually incurred or paid by the Executive during the Term in the performance
of
the Executive’s services under this Agreement, subject to and in accordance with
applicable expense reimbursement and related policies and procedures as in
effect from time to time.
3.5 Vacation.
During
the Term, the Executive shall be entitled to an annual paid vacation period
or
periods in accordance with the applicable executive vacation policy as in effect
from time to time, which in no event shall be less than the vacation policy
as
in effect on the Effective Date.
3.6 Employee
Pension and Health and Welfare Plans.
During
the Term, the Executive shall be entitled to participate in those defined
benefit, defined contribution, group insurance, medical, dental, disability
and
other benefit plans of the Company as from time to time in effect and on a
basis
no less favorable than any other executive at the Executive’s
level.
3.7 Perquisites.
During
the Term, the Executive shall be entitled to receive the following
perquisites:
(i) an
automobile allowance based upon the current Company policy;
(ii) annual
reimbursement for the reasonable fees associated with financial planning and
income tax advice and document preparation not to exceed $5,000 per year (which
amount includes any applicable gross-up for any taxes due for such
payment);
(iii) reimbursement
for a one-time cost of estate planning services, at a time selected by the
Executive during the Term, not to exceed $10,000 in the aggregate (which amount
includes any applicable gross-up for any taxes due for such
payment);
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(iv) home
office equipment and associated services for business use in Executive’s home
not to exceed $5,000 per year (which amount includes any applicable gross-up
for
any taxes due for such payment); and
(v) an
annual
physical examination.
4.
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Termination.
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4.1 Termination
Events.
4.1.1 Executive’s
employment and the Term shall terminate immediately upon the occurrence of
any
of the following:
(i) Death:
the
death of the Executive;
(ii) Disability:
the
physical or mental disability of the Executive, whether totally or partially,
such that with or without reasonable accommodation the Executive is unable
to
perform the Executive’s material duties, for a period of not less than one
hundred and eighty (180) consecutive days; or
(iii) For
Cause By the Company:
As used
herein, “Cause” means (A) conviction of a felony; (B) actual or attempted theft
or embezzlement of Company assets; (C) use of illegal drugs; (D) material breach
of the Agreement that the Executive has not cured within thirty (30) days after
the Company has provided the Executive notice of the material breach which
shall
be given within sixty (60) days of the Company's knowledge of the occurrence
of
the material breach; (E) commission of an act of moral turpitude that in the
judgment of the Board can reasonably be expected to have an adverse effect
on
the business, reputation or financial situation of the Company and/or the
ability of the Executive to perform the Executive's duties; (F) gross negligence
or willful misconduct in performance of the Executive’s duties; (G) breach of
fiduciary duty to the Company; (H) willful refusal to perform the duties of
Executive’s titled position; or a material violation of the Xxxxxx Xxxxxxx Code
of Business Conduct and Ethics.
4.1.2 For
Good Reason By the Executive:
The
Executive may immediately resign the Executive’s position for Good Reason and,
in such event, the Term shall terminate. As used herein, “Good Reason” means a
material negative change in the employment relationship without the Executive’s
consent, as evidenced by the occurrence of any of the following: (i) material
diminution in title, duties, responsibilities or authority; (ii) reduction
of
Base Salary and benefits except for across-the-board changes for executives
at
the Executive’s level; (iii) exclusion from executive benefit/compensation
plans; (iv) relocation of the Executive’s principal business location by the
Company of greater than fifty (50) miles; (v) material breach of the Agreement
by the Company; or (vi) resignation in compliance with securities/corporate
governance applicable law (such as the US Xxxxxxxx-Xxxxx Act) or rules of
professional conduct specifically applicable to such Executive. For each event
described above in this Section 4.1.2, the Executive must notify the Company
within ninety (90) days of the occurrence of the event and the Company shall
have thirty (30) days after receiving such notice in which to cure.
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4.1.3 Without
Cause By the Company:
The
Company may terminate the Executive’s employment thirty (30) days following
notice of termination without Cause given by the Company and, in such event,
the
Term shall terminate. During such thirty (30) day notice period, the Company
may
require that the Executive cease performing some or all of the Executive's
duties and/or not be present at the Company's offices and/or other facilities.
4.1.4 Without
Good Reason By the Executive:
The
Executive may voluntarily resign the Executive’s position effective thirty (30)
days following notice to the Company of the Executive’s intent to voluntarily
resign without Good Reason and, in such event, the Term shall terminate. During
such thirty (30) day notice period, the Company may require that the Executive
cease performing some or all of the Executive's duties and/or not be present
at
the Company's offices and/or other facilities.
4.1.5 Definition
of Termination Date.
The
date upon which Executive’s employment and the Term terminate pursuant to this
Section 4.1 shall be the Executive’s “Termination Date” for all purposes of this
Agreement.
4.2 Payments
Upon a Termination Event.
4.2.1 Entitlements
Upon Termination For Any Reason.
Following any termination of the Executive’s employment, the Company shall pay
or provide to the Executive, or the Executive’s estate or beneficiary, as the
case may be, (i) Base Salary earned through the Termination Date;
(ii) the balance of any awarded (i.e.,
the
amount and payment of the specific award has been fully approved by the
Compensation Committee of the Board) but as yet unpaid, annual cash incentive
or
other incentive awards for any calendar year prior to the calendar year during
which the Executive’s Termination Date occurs; (iii) a payment representing
the Executive’s accrued but unused vacation; (iv) any vested, but not
forfeited benefits on the Termination Date under the Company’s employee benefit
plans in accordance with the terms of such plans; and (v) benefit
continuation and conversion rights to which the Executive is entitled under
the
Company’s employee benefit plans.
4.2.2 Payments
Upon Involuntary Termination by the Company Without Cause or Voluntary
Termination of the Executive with Good Reason. Following
a termination by the Company without Cause or by the Executive for Good Reason,
the Company shall pay or provide to the Executive in addition to the payments
and benefits in Section 4.2.1 above:
(i)
an
amount equal to twenty-four (24) months of Base Salary at the rate in effect
on
the Termination Date, payable in a lump sum within 30 days following the
Termination Date;
(ii)
an
amount equal to 200% of the Executive’s annual cash incentive payment at target,
payable in a lump sum within 30 days following the Termination Date;
(iii)
two
years of continued health and welfare benefit plan coverage following the
Termination Date (excluding any additional vacation accrual or sick leave)
at
active employee levels, if and to the extent the Executive was participating
in
any such plans on the Termination Date, provided that the Executive remits
monthly premiums for the full cost of any health benefits;
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(iv)
except as prohibited by law, removal of transfer and other restrictions from
all
shares of capital stock of the Company registered in the Executive’s
name;
(v)
full
vesting of all stock options to purchase shares of capital stock of the Company,
restricted stock, and restricted stock units;
(vi)
executive level career transition assistance services by a firm selected by
the
Executive and approved by the Company in an amount not to exceed $8,000.00
in
the aggregate (which amount includes any applicable gross-up for any taxes
due
for such payment);
(vii)
a
cash payment each month during the two-year period following the Termination
Date equal to the full monthly premium for the health benefits described in
clause (iii) above minus
the
active employee cost of such coverage,
such
full monthly premium to be grossed-up by the Company for any applicable income
taxes; and
(viii)
two additional years of age and service to be credited under the Company’s
pension plan and/or supplemental pension plan, if and to the extent the
Executive was participating in any such plans on the Termination
Date.
Notwithstanding
any other provision of this Agreement, as consideration for the pay and benefits
that the Company shall provide the Executive pursuant to this Section 4.2.2,
the
Executive shall provide the Company an enforceable waiver and release agreement
in a form that the Company normally requires.
4.3 Change
of Control.
4.3.1 Definitions.
(i) Affiliated
Company.
For
purposes of this Agreement, “Affiliated Company” means any company, directly or
indirectly, controlled by, controlling or under common control with the
Company.
(ii) Change
of Control.
For
the
purpose of this Agreement, a “Change of Control” shall mean:
(A) The
acquisition by any individual, entity or group (within the meaning of Section
13(d)(3) or 14(d)(2) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the
“Exchange Act”)) (a “Person”) of beneficial ownership (within the meaning of
Rule 13d-3 promulgated under the Exchange Act) of voting securities of the
Company where such acquisition causes such Person to own 20% or more of the
combined voting power of the then outstanding voting securities of the Company
entitled to vote generally in the election of directors (the “Outstanding
Company Voting Securities”), provided,
however,
that
for purposes of this subparagraph (A), the following acquisitions shall not
be
deemed to result in a Change of Control: (I) any acquisition directly from
the
Company or any corporation or other legal entity controlled, directly or
indirectly, by the Company, (II) any acquisition by the Company or any
corporation or other legal entity controlled, directly or indirectly, by the
Company, (III) any acquisition by any employee benefit plan (or related trust)
sponsored or maintained by the Company or any corporation or other legal entity
controlled, directly or indirectly, by the Company or (IV) any acquisition
by
any corporation pursuant to a transaction that complies with clauses (I), (II)
and (III) of subparagraph (C) below; and provided,
further,
that if
any Person’s beneficial ownership of the Outstanding Company Voting Securities
reaches or exceeds 20% as a result of a transaction described in clauses (I)
or
(II) above, and such Person subsequently acquires beneficial ownership of
additional voting securities of the Company, such subsequent acquisition shall
be treated as an acquisition that causes such Person to own 20% or more of
the
Outstanding Company Voting Securities; or
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(B) Individuals
who, as of the date hereof, constitute the Board (such individuals, the
“Incumbent Board”) cease for any reason to constitute at least a majority of the
Board; provided,
however,
that
any individual becoming a director subsequent to the date hereof whose election,
or nomination for election by the Company’s shareholders, was approved by a vote
of at least a majority of the directors then comprising the Incumbent Board
shall be considered as though such individual were a member of the Incumbent
Board, but excluding, for this purpose, any such individual whose initial
assumption of office occurs as a result of an actual or threatened election
contest with respect to the election or removal of directors or other actual
or
threatened solicitation of proxies or consents by or on behalf of a Person
other
than the Board; or
(C) The
approval by the shareholders of the Company of a reorganization, merger or
consolidation or sale or other disposition of all or substantially all of the
assets of the Company (“Business Combination”) or, if consummation of such
Business Combination is subject, at the time of such approval by shareholders,
to the consent of any government or governmental agency, the obtaining of such
consent (either explicitly or implicitly by consummation); excluding, however,
such a Business Combination pursuant to which (I) all or substantially all
of
the individuals and entities who were the beneficial owners of the Outstanding
Company Voting Securities immediately prior to such Business Combination
beneficially own, directly or indirectly, more than 60% of, respectively, the
then outstanding shares of common stock and the combined voting power of the
then outstanding voting securities entitled to vote generally in the election
of
directors, as the case may be, of the corporation resulting from such Business
Combination (including, without limitation, a corporation that as a result
of
such transaction owns the Company or all or substantially all of the Company’s
assets either directly or through one or more subsidiaries) in substantially
the
same proportions as their ownership, immediately prior to such Business
Combination of the Outstanding Company Voting Securities, (II) no Person
(excluding any (1) corporation owned, directly or indirectly, by the beneficial
owners of the Outstanding Company Voting Securities as described in subclause
(I) immediately preceding, or (2) employee benefit plan (or related trust)
of
the Company or such corporation resulting from such Business Combination, or
any
of their respective subsidiaries) beneficially owns, directly or indirectly,
20%
or more of, respectively, the then outstanding shares of common stock of the
corporation resulting from such Business Combination or the combined voting
power of the then outstanding voting securities of such corporation except
to
the extent that such ownership existed prior to the Business Combination and
(III) at least a majority of the members of the board of directors of the
corporation resulting from such Business Combination were members of the
Incumbent Board at the time of the execution of the initial agreement, or of
the
action of the Board, providing for such Business Combination; or
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(D) approval
by the shareholders of the Company of a complete liquidation or dissolution
of
the Company.
(iii) Change
of Control Period.
For
purposes of this Agreement, the “Change of Control Period” shall mean the period
commencing on the date of a Change of Control and ending on the thirteenth-month
anniversary of such date.
(iv) Good
Reason.
For
purposes of Section 4.3, “Good Reason” (as defined in Section 4.1.2) shall also
include a termination by the Executive for any reason during the 30-day period
immediately following the first one-year anniversary of the Start Date (as
defined below).
(v) Recent
Annual Bonus.
For
purposes of this Agreement, a “Recent Annual Bonus” shall mean a prior year’s
Annual Bonus in cash equal to at least the highest “annual short-term incentive
award” (as such terminology is defined in the Xxxxxx Xxxxxxx Annual Executive
Short-Term Incentive Plan) received by the Executive under the Xxxxxx Xxxxxxx
Annual Executive Short-Term Incentive Plan, or any comparable bonus under any
predecessor or successor plan, including any bonus or portion thereof that
has
been awarded but deferred, for the last three full fiscal years prior to the
Start Date. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary, in the event that during
any three year look-back period above, any annual bonus paid and received by
Executive under the Xxxxxx Xxxxxxx Annual Executive Short-Term Incentive Plan
(or any respective predecessor annual incentive plan) was paid by a Xxxxxx
Xxxxxxx affiliate other than the Company, then any such annual bonus paid by
either the Company or any other Xxxxxx Xxxxxxx affiliate during the three-year
look-back period shall be deemed to be paid by the Company for purposes of
this
computation.
(vi) Start
Date.
For
purposes of this Agreement, “Start Date” shall mean the first date of the Change
of Control Period. Anything in this Agreement to the contrary notwithstanding,
if a Change of Control occurs and if the Executive’s employment with the Company
is terminated prior to the date on which the Change of Control occurs, and
if it
is reasonably demonstrated by the Executive that such termination of employment
(A) was at the request of a third party who has taken steps reasonably
calculated to effect a Change of Control or (B) otherwise arose in connection
with or anticipation of a Change of Control, then for all purposes of this
Agreement the “Start Date” shall mean the date immediately prior to the
Termination Date.
4.3.2 Obligations
of the Company upon Executive’s Voluntary Termination with Good Reason or the
Company’s Involuntary Termination of Executive Without Cause (Other Than for
Death or Disability) During Change of Control Period.
If,
during the Change of Control Period, the Company terminates the Executive’s
employment without Cause (other than for death or Disability) or the Executive
terminates his employment for Good Reason:
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(i) Lump
Sum Payment.
The
Company shall pay to the Executive in a lump sum in cash within 30 days
following the Termination Date the aggregate of the following
amounts:
(A) Accrued
Obligations.
The
sum
of (I) the Executive’s Annual Base Salary through the Termination Date to the
extent not theretofore paid, (II) the product of (1) the
higher of: (a)
any
Recent Annual Bonus, and (b) the Annual Bonus paid or payable, including any
bonus or portion thereof which has been earned but deferred (and annualized
for
any fiscal year consisting of less than twelve full months or during which
the
Executive was employed for less than twelve full months), for the most recently
completed fiscal year during the Change of Control Period, if any (such higher
amount being referred to as the “Highest Annual Bonus”) and (2) a fraction, the
numerator of which is the number of days in the current fiscal year through
the
Termination Date, and the denominator of which is 365, and (III) any
compensation previously deferred by the Executive (together with any accrued
interest or earnings thereon) and any accrued vacation pay, in each case, to
the
extent not theretofore paid (the sum of the amounts described in subclauses
(I),
(II) and (III), the “Accrued Obligations”);
(B) Three
Times Amount.
The
amount equal to the product of (I) three and (II) the sum (1) the Executive’s
Annual Base Salary and (2) the Highest Annual Bonus;
(C) Retirement
Plan Make Whole. An
amount
equal to the excess of (I) the actuarial equivalent of the benefit under the
Company’s qualified defined benefit retirement plan (the “Retirement Plan”)
(utilizing actuarial assumptions no less favorable to the Executive than those
in effect under the Retirement Plan immediately prior to the Effective Date)
which the Executive would receive if the Executive’s employment continued for
three years after the Termination Date assuming for this purpose that all
accrued benefits are fully vested, and, assuming that the Executive’s
compensation in each of the three years is that required by Sections 3.1 and
3.2
above, over (II) the actuarial equivalent of the Executive’s actual benefit
(paid or payable), if any, under the Retirement Plan as of the Termination
Date
plus amounts, if any, that the Executive
would
have contributed under the Retirement Plan during such Change of Control Period;
and
(D) Payment
of Equity Awards.
Payment
for any shares of restricted common shares issued under the Company’s or an
Affiliated Company’s Omnibus Incentive Plan or any other plan (whether or not
vested), to the extent such shares are tendered to the Company or an Affiliated
Company, as applicable, by the Executive within 20 days after the Termination
Date, at a price per share equal to the highest of (I) the market price on
the
NASDAQ Stock Market LLC of a common share of the Company at the close of
business on the date of such tender, (II) the highest price paid for a common
share of the Company in any Change of Control transaction occurring on or after
the Start Date, or (III) the market price on the NASDAQ Stock Market LLC of
a
common share of the Company at the close of business on the date of any such
Change of Control transaction;
(ii) Medical
Coverage.
For
five
years after the Executive’s Termination Date, or such longer period as may be
provided by the terms of the appropriate health or welfare plan, program,
practice or policy, the Company shall continue benefits to the Executive and/or
the Executive’s family at least equal to those which would have been provided to
them in accordance with the health or welfare plans, programs, practices and
policies if the Executive’s employment had not been terminated or, if more
favorable to the Executive, and to the extent he otherwise is or becomes
eligible therefor, as in effect generally at any time thereafter with respect
to
other peer executives of the Company and the Affiliated Companies and their
families; provided,
however,
that
the Executive remits monthly premiums for the full cost of any health benefits;
and provided
further that
if
the Executive becomes reemployed with another employer and is eligible to
receive health or welfare benefits under another employer provided plan, the
health and welfare benefits described herein shall be secondary to those
provided under such other plan during such applicable period of eligibility.
For
purposes of determining eligibility (but not the time of commencement of
benefits) of the Executive for retiree benefits pursuant to such plans,
practices, programs and policies, the Executive shall be considered to have
remained employed until the fifth anniversary of the Termination Date and to
have retired on such fifth anniversary;
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(iii) Medical
Payments.
The
Company shall make a cash payment each month during the five-year period
commencing after the Executive’s Termination Date, equal to the full monthly
premium for the health benefits described in Section 4.3.2(ii) above minus
the
active employee cost of such coverage, such full monthly premium to be
grossed-up for any applicable income taxes;
(iv) Outplacement
Services.
The
Company shall, at its sole expense as incurred, provide the Executive with
outplacement services the scope and provider of which shall be selected by
the
Executive in the Executive’s sole discretion; and
(v) Other
Benefits.
To the
extent not theretofore paid or provided, the Company shall timely pay or provide
to the Executive any other amounts or benefits required to be paid or provided
or which the Executive is eligible to receive under any plan, program, policy
or
practice or contract or agreement of the Company and the Affiliated Companies
(such other amounts and benefits shall be hereinafter referred to as the “Other
Benefits”).
4.3.3 Obligations
of the Company upon Executive’s Death.
If
the
Executive’s employment is terminated by reason of the Executive’s death during
the Change of Control Period, the Company shall provide the Executive’s estate
or beneficiaries with the Accrued Obligations and the timely payment or delivery
of the Other Benefits, and shall have no other severance obligations under
this
Agreement. The Accrued Obligations shall be paid to the Executive’s estate or
beneficiary, as applicable, in a lump sum in cash within 30 days of the
Termination Date. With respect to the provision of Other Benefits, the term
“Other Benefits” as utilized in this Subsection 4.3.3 shall include, without
limitation, and the Executive’s estate and/or beneficiaries shall be entitled to
receive, benefits at least equal to the most favorable benefits provided by
the
Company and the Affiliated Companies to the estates and beneficiaries of peer
executives of the Company and the Affiliated Companies under such plans,
programs, practices and policies relating to death benefits, if any, as in
effect with respect to other peer executives and their beneficiaries at any
time
during the 120-day period immediately preceding the Start Date or, if more
favorable to the Executive’s estate and/or the Executive’s beneficiaries, as in
effect on the date of the Executive’s death with respect to other peer
executives of the Company and the Affiliated Companies and their
beneficiaries.
10
4.3.4 Obligations
of the Company upon Executive’s Disability.
If the
Executive’s employment is terminated by reason of the Executive’s Disability
during the Change of Control Period, the Company shall provide the Executive
with the Accrued Obligations and the timely payment or delivery of the Other
Benefits, and shall have no other severance obligations under this Agreement.
The Accrued Obligations shall be paid to the Executive in a lump sum in cash
within 30 days of the Termination Date. With respect to the provision of Other
Benefits, the term “Other Benefits” as utilized in this Subsection 4.3.4 shall
include, and the Executive shall be entitled after the Disability Start Date
to
receive, disability and other benefits at least equal to the most favorable
of
those generally provided by the Company and the Affiliated Companies to disabled
executives and/or their families in accordance with such plans, programs,
practices and policies relating to disability, if any, as in effect generally
with respect to other peer executives and their families at any time during
the
120-day period immediately preceding the Start Date or, if more favorable to
the
Executive and/or the Executive’s family, as in effect at any time thereafter
generally with respect to other peer executives of the Company and the
Affiliated Companies and their families.
4.3.5 Obligations
of the Company upon Executive’s Voluntary Termination Without Good Reason or the
Company’s Involuntary Termination of Executive With Cause During Change of
Control Period.
If
the
Executive’s employment is terminated for Cause during the Change of Control
Period, the Company shall provide to the Executive (i) the Executive’s Annual
Base Salary through the Termination Date, (ii) the amount of any compensation
previously deferred by the Executive, and (iii) Other Benefits, in each case
to
the extent theretofore unpaid, and shall have no other severance obligations
under this Agreement. If the Executive voluntarily terminates employment during
the Change of Control Period, excluding a termination for Good Reason, the
Company shall provide to the Executive the Accrued Obligations and the timely
payment or delivery of Other Benefits, and shall have no other severance
obligations under this Agreement. In such case, all Accrued Obligations shall
be
paid to the Executive in a lump sum in cash within 30 days of the Termination
Date.
4.3.6 Certain
Additional Payments by the Company.
(i) Definitions.
The
following terms shall have the following meanings for purposes of this
Subsection 4.3.6.
(A) Excise
Tax.
“Excise
Tax” shall mean the excise tax imposed by Section 4999 of the Internal Revenue
Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), together with any interest or penalties
imposed with respect to such excise tax.
(B) Net
After-Tax Amount.
The
“Net
After-Tax Amount” of a Payment shall mean the Value of a Payment net of all
taxes imposed on the Executive with respect thereto under Sections 1 and 4999
of
the Code and applicable state and local law, determined by applying the highest
marginal rates that are expected to apply to the Executive’s taxable income for
the taxable year in which the Payment is made.
(C) Parachute
Value.
“Parachute Value” of a Payment shall mean the present value as of the date of
the change of control for purposes of Section 280G of the Code of the portion
of
such Payment that constitutes a “parachute payment” under Section 280G(b)(2), as
determined by the Accounting Firm for purposes of determining whether and to
what extent the Excise Tax will apply to such Payment.
11
(D) Payment.
A
“Payment” shall mean any payment or distribution in the nature of compensation
(within the meaning of Section 280G(b)(2) of the Code) to or for the benefit
of
the Executive, whether paid or payable pursuant to this Agreement or
otherwise.
(E) Safe
Harbor Amount.
The
“Safe
Harbor Amount” means the maximum Parachute Value of all Payments that the
Executive can receive without any Payments being subject to the Excise
Tax.
(F) Value.
“Value”
of a Payment shall mean the economic present value of a Payment as of the date
of the change of control for purposes of Section 280G of the Code, as determined
by the Accounting Firm (as defined below) using the discount rate required
by
Section 280G(d)(4) of the Code.
(ii) Gross-Up
Payment.
Anything in this Agreement to the contrary notwithstanding, in the event it
shall be determined that any Payment would be subject to the Excise Tax, then
the Executive shall be entitled to receive an additional payment (a “Gross-Up
Payment”) in an amount such that after payment by the Executive of all taxes
(and any interest or penalties imposed with respect to such taxes), including,
without limitation, any income taxes (and any interest and penalties imposed
with respect thereto) and Excise Tax imposed upon the Gross-Up Payment, the
Executive retains an amount of the Gross-Up Payment equal to the Excise Tax
imposed upon the Payments. Any Gross-Up Payment will be made as soon as
reasonably practicable but in no event later than December 31 of the year
following the year in which the Excise Tax is incurred.
(iii) Determination
of the Gross-Up Payment.
Subject
to the provisions of paragraph (iv) immediately below, all determinations
required to be made under this Subsection 4.3.6, including whether and when
a
Gross-Up Payment is required and the amount of such Gross-Up Payment and the
assumptions to be utilized in arriving at such determination, shall be made
by
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP or such other nationally recognized certified public
accounting firm as may be designated by the Executive (the “Accounting Firm”).
The Accounting Firm shall provide detailed supporting calculations both to
the
Company and the Executive within 15 business days of the receipt of notice
from
the Executive that there has been a Payment, or such earlier time as is
requested by the Company. In the event that the Accounting Firm is serving
as
accountant or auditor for the individual, entity or group effecting the Change
of Control, the Executive may appoint another nationally recognized accounting
firm to make the determinations required hereunder (which accounting firm shall
then be referred to as the Accounting Firm hereunder). All fees and expenses
of
the Accounting Firm shall be borne solely by the Company. Any Gross-Up Payment,
as determined pursuant to this Subsection 4.3.6, shall be paid by the Company
to
the Executive within five days of the receipt of the Accounting Firm’s
determination. Any determination by the Accounting Firm shall be binding upon
the Company and the Executive. As a result of the uncertainty in the application
of Section 4999 of the Code at the time of the initial determination by the
Accounting Firm hereunder, it is possible that Gross-Up Payments which will
not
have been made by the Company should have been made (“Underpayment”), consistent
with the calculations required to be made hereunder. In the event that the
Company exhausts its remedies pursuant to paragraph (iv) below and the Executive
thereafter is required to make a payment of any Excise Tax, the Accounting
Firm
shall determine the amount of the Underpayment that has occurred and any such
Underpayment shall be promptly paid by the Company to or for the benefit of
the
Executive.
12
(iv) Notification.
The
Executive shall notify the Company in writing of any claim by the Internal
Revenue Service that, if successful, would require the payment by the Company
of
the Gross-Up Payment. Such notification shall be given as soon as practicable
but no later than ten business days after the Executive is informed in writing
of such claim. The Executive shall apprise the Company of the nature of such
claim and the date on which such claim is requested to be paid. The Executive
shall not pay such claim prior to the expiration of the 30-day period following
the date on which the Executive gives such notice to the Company (or such
shorter period ending on the date that any payment of taxes with respect to
such
claim is due). If the Company notifies the Executive in writing prior to the
expiration of such period that the Company desires to contest such claim, the
Executive shall:
(A) give
the
Company any information reasonably requested by the Company relating to such
claim;
(B) take
such
action in connection with contesting such claim as the Company shall reasonably
request in writing from time to time, including, without limitation, accepting
legal representation with respect to such claim by an attorney reasonably
selected by the Company;
(C) cooperate
with the Company in good faith in order effectively to contest such claim;
and
(D) permit
the Company to participate in any proceedings relating to such
claim;
provided,
however, that
the
Company shall bear and pay directly all costs and expenses (including additional
interest and penalties) incurred in connection with such contest and shall
indemnify and hold the Executive harmless, on an after-tax basis, for any Excise
Tax or income tax (including interest and penalties) imposed as a result of
such
representation and payment of costs and expenses. Without limitation on the
foregoing provisions of this paragraph (iv), the Company shall control all
proceedings taken in connection with such contest and, at its sole discretion,
may pursue or forgo any and all administrative appeals, proceedings, hearings
and conferences with the applicable taxing authority in respect of such claim
and may, at its sole discretion, either direct the Executive to pay the tax
claimed and xxx for a refund or contest the claim in any permissible manner,
and
the Executive agrees to prosecute such contest to a determination before any
administrative tribunal, in a court of initial jurisdiction and in one or more
appellate courts, as the Company shall determine; provided,
however, that
if
the Company directs the Executive to pay such claim and xxx for a refund, the
Company shall advance the amount of such payment to the Executive, on an
interest-free basis and shall indemnify and hold the Executive harmless, on
an
after-tax basis, from any Excise Tax or income tax (including interest or
penalties) imposed with respect to such advance or with respect to any imputed
income in connection with such advance; and provided, further, that any
extension of the statute of limitations relating to payment of taxes for the
taxable year of the Executive with respect to which such contested amount is
claimed to be due is limited solely to such contested amount. Furthermore,
the
Company’s control of the contest shall be limited to issues with respect to
which the Gross-Up Payment would be payable hereunder and the Executive shall
be
entitled to settle or contest, as the case may be, any other issue raised by
the
Internal Revenue Service or any other taxing authority.
13
(v) Entitlement
to Refund.
If,
after
the receipt by the Executive of an amount advanced by the Company pursuant
to
paragraph (iv) above, the Executive becomes entitled to receive any refund
with
respect to such claim, the Executive shall (subject to the Company’s complying
with the requirements of paragraph (iv)) promptly pay to the Company the amount
of such refund (together with any interest paid or credited thereon after taxes
applicable thereto). If, after the receipt by the Executive of an amount
advanced by the Company pursuant to paragraph (iv), a determination is made
that
the Executive shall not be entitled to any refund with respect to such claim
and
the Company does not notify the Executive in writing of its intent to contest
such denial of refund prior to the expiration of 30 days after such
determination, then such advance shall be forgiven and shall not be required
to
be repaid and the amount of such advance shall offset, to the extent thereof,
the amount of Gross-Up Payment required to be paid.
(vi) Consent
to Withholding.
Notwithstanding any other provision of this Subsection 4.3.6, the Company may,
in its sole discretion, withhold and pay over to the Internal Revenue Service
or
any other applicable taxing authority, for the benefit of the Executive, all
or
any portion of the Gross-Up Payment, and the Executive hereby consents to such
withholding.
4.3.7 Immediate
Payment of Annual Bonus. As
soon
as technically possible following the Start Date, the Executive shall receive
an
immediate payment in cash of the Annual Bonus under the Xxxxxx Xxxxxxx Annual
Executive Short-Term Incentive Plan, or any successor plan, for the year in
which the Change of Control takes place equal to the Annual Bonus the Executive
received (if any) for the calendar year immediately preceding the year in which
the Change of Control took place. If it is determined, after the end of the
year
in which the Change of Control took place, that the amount of the Annual Bonus
that is actually due to the Executive for such year under the Xxxxxx Xxxxxxx
Annual Executive Short-Term Incentive Plan, or any successor plan, exceeds
the
amount paid pursuant to the preceding sentence, the excess shall be paid to
the
Executive no later than the fifteenth day of the third month of the fiscal
year
next following the fiscal year for which this Annual Bonus is paid under this
Section 4.3.7. It is expressly agreed that the overall Annual Bonus paid for
the
year in which the Change of Control takes place in no event shall be lower
than
the Recent Annual Bonus.
4.4 No
Mitigation.
Upon
termination of the Executive’s employment with the Company, the Executive shall
be under no obligation to seek other employment or otherwise mitigate the
obligations of the Company under this Agreement.
14
5.
|
Protection
of Confidential Information; Non-Competition and
Non-Solicitation.
|
5.1 Confidential
Information.
The
Executive acknowledges that the Executive’s services will be unique, that they
will involve the development of Company-subsidized relationships with key
customers, suppliers, and service providers as well as with key Company
employees and that the Executive’s work for the Company will give the Executive
access to highly confidential information not available to the public or
competitors, including trade secrets and confidential marketing, sales, product
development and other data and information which it would be impracticable
for
the Company to effectively protect and preserve in the absence of this
Section 5 and the disclosure or misappropriation of which could materially
adversely affect the Company. Accordingly, the Executive agrees:
5.1.1 except
in
the course of performing the Executive’s duties provided for in
Section 1.1, not at any time, whether before, during or after the
Executive’s employment with the Company, to divulge to any other entity or
person any confidential information acquired by the Executive concerning the
Company’s or its subsidiaries’ or affiliates’ financial affairs or business
processes or methods or their research, development or marketing programs or
plans, or any other of its or their trade secrets. The foregoing prohibitions
shall include, without limitation, directly or indirectly publishing (or
causing, participating in, assisting or providing any statement, opinion or
information in connection with the publication of) any diary, memoir, letter,
story, photograph, interview, article, essay, account or description (whether
fictionalized or not) concerning any of the foregoing, publication being deemed
to include any presentation or reproduction of any written, verbal or visual
material in any communication medium, including any book, magazine, newspaper,
theatrical production or movie, or television or radio programming or
commercial. In the event that the Executive is requested or required to make
disclosure of information subject to this Section 5.1.1 under any court
order, subpoena or other judicial process, then, except as prohibited by law,
the Executive will promptly notify the Company, take all reasonable steps
requested by the Company to defend against the compulsory disclosure and permit
the Company to control with counsel of its choice any proceeding relating to
the
compulsory disclosure. The Executive acknowledges that all information, the
disclosure of which is prohibited by this section, is of a confidential and
proprietary character and of great value to the Company and its subsidiaries
and
affiliates; and
5.1.2 to
deliver promptly to the Company on termination of the Executive’s employment
with the Company, or at any time that the Company may so request, all
confidential memoranda, notes, records, reports, manuals, drawings, software,
electronic/digital media records, blueprints and other documents (and all copies
thereof) relating to the Company’s (and its subsidiaries’ and affiliates’)
business and all property associated therewith, which the Executive may then
possess or have under the Executive’s control.
5.2 Company
Protections.
In
consideration of the Company’s entering into this Agreement, the Executive
agrees that at all times during the Term and thereafter for the time period
described hereinbelow, the Executive shall not, directly or indirectly, for
Executive or on behalf of or in conjunction with, any other person, company,
partnership, corporation, business, group, or other entity (each, a
“Person”):
15
5.2.1 Non-Competition:
until
the first anniversary of the Termination Date, engage in any activity for or
on
behalf of a Competitor, as director, employee, shareholder (excluding any such
shareholding by the Executive of no more than 5% of the shares of a
publicly-traded company), consultant or otherwise, which is the same as or
similar to activity in which Executive engaged at any time during the last
two
(2) years of employment by the Company; and
5.2.2 Non-Solicitation:
until
the second anniversary of the Termination Date, (i) call upon any Person who
is,
at such Termination Date, engaged in activity on behalf of the Company or any
subsidiary or affiliate of the Company for the purpose or with the intent of
enticing such Person to cease such activity on behalf of the Company or such
subsidiary or affiliate; or (ii) solicit, induce, or attempt to induce any
customer of the Company to cease doing business in whole or in part with or
through the Company or a subsidiary or affiliate, or to do business with any
Competitor.
For
purposes of this Agreement, “Competitor” means a person or entity who or which
is engaged in a material line of business conducted by the Company. For purposes
of this Agreement, “a material line of business conducted by the Company” means
an activity of the Company generating gross revenues to the Company of more
than
twenty-five million dollars ($25,000,000) in the immediately preceding fiscal
year of the Company.
5.3 Remedies
and Injunctive Relief.
If the
Executive commits a breach or threatens to breach any of the provisions of
Section 5.1 or 5.2 hereof, the Company shall have the right and remedy to have
the provisions of this Agreement specifically enforced by injunction or
otherwise by any court having jurisdiction, it being acknowledged and agreed
that any such breach will cause irreparable injury to the Company in addition
to
money damage and that money damages alone will not provide a complete or
adequate remedy to the Company, it being further agreed that such right and
remedy shall be in addition to, and not in lieu of, any other rights and
remedies available to the Company under law or in equity.
5.4 Severability.
If any
of the covenants contained in Sections 5.1, 5.2 or 5.3, or any part
thereof, hereafter are construed to be invalid or unenforceable, the same shall
not affect the remainder of the covenant or covenants, which shall be given
full
effect, without regard to the invalid portions.
5.5 Extension
of Term of Covenants Following Violation.
The
period during which the prohibitions of Section 5.2 are in effect shall be
extended by any period or periods during which the Executive is in violation
of
Section 5.2.
5.6 Blue
Penciling by Court.
If any
of the covenants contained in Sections 5.1 or 5.2, or any part thereof, are
held
to be unenforceable, the parties agree that the court making such determination
shall have the power to revise or modify such provision to make it enforceable
to the maximum extent permitted by applicable law and, in its revised or
modified form, said provision shall then be enforceable.
5.7 Blue
Penciling by One Court Not to Affect Covenants in Another
State.
The
parties hereto intend to and hereby confer jurisdiction to enforce the covenants
contained in Sections 5.1, 5.2 and 5.3 upon the courts of any state within
the geographical scope of such covenants. In the event that the courts of any
one or more of such states shall hold such covenants wholly unenforceable by
reason of the breadth of such covenants or otherwise, it is the intention of
the
parties’ hereto that such determination not bar or in any way affect the
Company’s right to the relief provided above in the courts of any other states
within the geographical scope of such covenants as to breaches of such covenants
in such other respective jurisdictions, the above covenants as they relate
to
each state being for this purpose severable into diverse and independent
covenants.
16
6.
|
Intellectual
Property.
|
6.1 Company’s
Rights.
Notwithstanding and without limiting the provisions of Section 5, the
Company shall be the sole owner of all the products and proceeds of the
Executive’s services hereunder, including, but not limited to, all materials,
ideas, concepts, formats, suggestions, developments, arrangements, packages,
programs and other intellectual properties that the Executive may acquire,
obtain, develop or create in connection with or during the Term, free and clear
of any claims by the Executive (or anyone claiming under the Executive) of
any
kind or character whatsoever (other than the Executive’s right to receive
payments hereunder), the Executive shall, at the request of the Company, execute
such assignments, certificates or other instruments as the Company may from
time
to time deem necessary or desirable to evidence, establish, maintain, perfect,
protect, enforce or defend its right, title or interest in or to any such
properties.
7.
|
Indemnification.
|
7.1 General
Rule.
In
addition to any rights to indemnification to which the Executive is entitled
under the Company’s charter and by-laws, to the extent permitted by applicable
law, the Company will indemnify, from the assets of the Company supplemented
by
insurance in an amount determined by the Company, the Executive at all times,
during and after the Term, and, to the maximum extent permitted by applicable
law, shall pay the Executive’s expenses (including reasonable attorneys’ fees
and expenses, which shall be paid in advance by the Company as incurred, subject
to recoupment in accordance with applicable law) in connection with any
threatened or actual action, suit or proceeding to which the Executive may
be
made a party, brought by any shareholder of the Company directly or derivatively
or by any third party by reason of any act or omission or alleged act or
omission in relation to any affairs of the Company or any subsidiary or
affiliate of the Company of the Executive as an officer, director or employee
of
the Company or of any subsidiary or affiliate of the Company. The Company shall
use its best efforts to maintain during the Term and thereafter insurance
coverage sufficient in the determination of the Company to satisfy any
indemnification obligation of the Company arising under this
Section 7.
8.
|
Notices.
|
All
notices, requests, consents and other communications required or permitted
to be
given hereunder shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been duly given
if delivered personally, one day after sent by overnight courier or three days
after mailed first class, postage prepaid, by registered or certified mail,
as
follows (or to such other address as either party shall designate by notice
in
writing to the other in accordance herewith):
17
If
to the
Company, to:
Xxxxxx
Xxxxxxx Ltd.
Xxxxxxxxxx
Xxxxxxxxx Xxxx
Xxxxxxx,
XX 00000-0000
Attention:
Chief Executive Officer
If
to the
Executive, to the Executive’s principal residence as reflected in the records of
the Company.
9.
|
General;
Termination of Prior Agreement.
|
9.1 Governing
Law.
This
Agreement shall be governed by and construed and enforced in accordance with
the
laws of the State of New Jersey applicable to agreements made between residents
thereof and to be performed entirely in New Jersey.
9.2 Headings.
The
section headings contained herein are for reference purposes only and shall
not in any way affect the meaning or interpretation of this
Agreement.
9.3 Termination
of CoC Agreement.
The
parties hereby agree to terminate the CoC Agreement, such termination to be
effective immediately prior to the date of this Agreement.
9.4 Entire
Agreement.
This
Agreement sets forth the entire agreement and understanding of the parties
relating to the subject matter hereof, and supersedes all prior agreements,
arrangements and understandings, written or oral, relating to the subject matter
hereof. No representation, promise or inducement has been made by either party
that is not embodied in this Agreement, and neither party shall be bound by
or
liable for any alleged representation, promise or inducement not so set
forth.
9.5 Non-exclusivity
of Rights.
Other
than as expressly set forth in this Agreement, nothing in this Agreement shall
prevent or limit the Executive’s continuing or future participation in any plan,
program, policy or practice provided by the Company or the Affiliated Companies
and for which the Executive may qualify, nor shall anything herein limit or
otherwise affect such rights as the Executive may have under any other contract
or agreement with the Company or the Affiliated Companies. For avoidance of
doubt, it is agreed and understood that this Agreement shall not supersede
or
otherwise adversely affect any stock option, restricted stock or other form
of
equity grant or award provided to Executive prior to the Effective Date, or
any
indemnification agreement heretofore entered into between the Company and the
Executive. Amounts which are vested benefits or which the Executive is otherwise
entitled to receive under any plan, policy, practice or program of or any
contract or agreement with the Company or any of the Affiliated Companies at
or
subsequent to the Termination Date shall be payable in accordance with such
plan, policy, practice or program or contract or agreement except as explicitly
modified by this Agreement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if the Executive
receives payments and benefits pursuant to this Agreement in connection with
the
termination of the Executive’s employment, the Executive shall not be entitled
to any severance pay or benefits under any severance plan, program or policy
of
the Company and the Affiliated Companies, unless specifically provided therein
in a specific reference to this Agreement.
18
9.6 Full
Settlement.
The
Company’s obligation to make the payments provided for in this Agreement and
otherwise to perform its obligations hereunder shall not be affected by any
set-off, counterclaim, recoupment, defense or other claim, right or action
which
the Company may have against the Executive or others. The Company agrees to
pay
as incurred (within ten days following the Company’s receipt of an invoice from
the Executive, which invoice the Executive must submit to the Company not later
than March 1 of the year following the year in which the expenses were
incurred), to the full extent permitted by law, all legal fees and expenses
which the Executive may reasonably incur as a result of any contest (regardless
of the outcome thereof) by the Company, the Executive or others of the validity
or enforceability of, or liability under, any provision of this Agreement or
any
guarantee of performance thereof (including as a result of any contest by the
Executive about the amount of any payment pursuant to this Agreement), plus
in
each case interest on any delayed payment at the applicable Federal rate
provided for in Section 7872(f)(2)(A) of the Code.
9.7 Assignability.
This
Agreement, and the Executive’s rights and obligations hereunder, may not be
assigned by the Executive, nor may the Executive pledge, encumber or anticipate
any payments or benefits due hereunder, by operation of law or otherwise. The
Company may assign its rights, together with its obligations, hereunder
(i) to any affiliate or (ii) to a third party in connection with any
sale, transfer or other disposition of all or substantially all of any business
to which the Executive’s services are then principally devoted, provided that no
assignment pursuant to this Section 9.7 shall relieve the Company from its
obligations hereunder to the extent the same are not timely discharged by such
assignee.
9.8 Assumption
of Agreement by Successor.
The
Company will require any successor (whether direct or indirect, by purchase,
merger, consolidation or otherwise) to all or substantially all of the business
and/or assets of the Company to assume expressly and agree to perform this
Agreement in the same manner and to the same extent that the Company would
be
required to perform it if no such succession had taken place.
9.9 Survival.
The
respective rights and obligations of the parties hereunder shall survive any
termination of this Agreement or the Term to the extent necessary to the
intended preservation of such rights and obligations.
9.10 Amendment.
This
Agreement may be amended, modified, superseded, canceled, renewed or extended
and the terms or covenants hereof may be waived, only by a written instrument
executed by both of the parties hereto, or in the case of a waiver, by the
party
waiving compliance. The failure of either party at any time or times to require
performance of any provision hereof shall in no manner affect the right at
a
later time to enforce the same. No waiver by either party of the breach of
any
term or covenant contained in this Agreement, whether by conduct or otherwise,
in any one or more instances, shall be deemed to be, or construed as, a further
or continuing waiver of any such breach, or a waiver of the breach of any other
term or covenant contained in this Agreement.
19
9.11 Counterparts.
This
Agreement may be executed in two or more counterparts, each of which shall
be
deemed to be an original but all of which together will constitute one and
the
same instrument.
9.12 Acknowledgement
of Ability to Have Counsel Review.
The
parties acknowledge that this Agreement is the result of arm’s-length
negotiations between sophisticated parties each afforded the opportunity to
utilize representation by legal counsel. Each and every provision of this
Agreement shall be construed as though both parties participated equally in
the
drafting of same, and any rule of construction that a document shall be
construed against the drafting party shall not be applicable to this
Agreement.
10.
|
Dispute
Resolution.
|
Subject
to the rights of the Company pursuant to Section 5.3 above, any
controversy, claim or dispute arising out of or relating to this Agreement,
the
breach thereof, or the Executive’s employment by the Company shall be settled by
arbitration with three arbitrators. The arbitration will be administered by
the
American Arbitration Association in accordance with its National Rules for
Resolution of Employment Disputes. The arbitration proceeding shall be
confidential, and judgment on the award rendered by the arbitrator may be
entered in any court having jurisdiction. Any such arbitration shall take place
in the Clinton, New Jersey area, or in any other mutually agreeable location.
In
the event any judicial action is necessary to enforce the arbitration provisions
of this Agreement, sole jurisdiction shall be in the federal and state courts,
as applicable, located in New Jersey. Any request for interim injunctive relief
or other provisional remedies or opposition thereto shall not be deemed to
be a
waiver or the right or obligation to arbitrate hereunder. The arbitrator shall
have the discretion to award reasonable attorneys’ fees, costs and expenses to
the prevailing party. To the extent a party prevails in any dispute arising
out
of this Agreement or any of its terms and provisions, all reasonable costs,
fees
and expenses relating to such dispute, including the parties’ reasonable legal
fees, shall be borne by the party not prevailing in the resolution of such
dispute, but only to the extent that the arbitrator or court, as the case may
be, deems reasonable and appropriate given the merits of the claims and defenses
asserted.
11.
|
Free
to Contract.
|
The
Executive represents and warrants to the Company that Executive is able freely
to accept engagement and employment by the Company as described in this
Agreement and that there are no existing agreements, arrangements or
understandings, written or oral, that would prevent Executive from entering
into
this Agreement, would prevent Executive or restrict Executive in any way from
rendering services to the Company as provided herein during the Term or would
be
breached by the future performance by the Executive of Executive’s duties
hereunder. The Executive also represents and warrants that no fee, charge or
expense of any sort is due from the Company to any third person engaged by
the
Executive in connection with Executive’s employment by the Company hereunder,
except as disclosed in this Agreement.
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12.
|
Subsidiaries
and Affiliates.
|
As
used
herein, the term “subsidiary” shall mean any corporation or other business
entity controlled directly or indirectly by the Company or other business entity
in question, and the term “affiliate” shall mean and include any corporation or
other business entity directly or indirectly controlling, controlled by or
under
common control with the Company or other business entity in
question.
13.
|
Code
Section 409A Legal
Requirement.
|
Notwithstanding
anything to the contrary in this Agreement, if the Executive constitutes a
“specified employee” as defined and applied in Section 409A of the Code as of
his Termination Date, to the extent any payment under this Agreement constitutes
deferred compensation (after taking into account any applicable exemptions
from
Section 409A of the Code), and to the extent required by Section 409A of the
Code, no payments due under this Agreement may be made until the earlier of:
(i)
the first day following the sixth month anniversary of Executive’s Termination
Date, or (ii) the Executive’s date of death; provided, however, that any
payments delayed during this six-month period shall be paid in the aggregate
in
a lump sum as soon as administratively practicable following the sixth month
anniversary of the Executive’s Termination Date. For purposes of Section 409A of
the Code, each “payment” (as defined by Section 409A of the Code) made under
this Agreement shall be considered a “separate payment.” In addition, for
purposes of Section 409A of the Code, the cash payments to facilitate
post-termination health coverage described in Sections 4.2.2 and 4.3.2 shall
be
deemed exempt from Section 409A of the Code to the full extent possible under
the “short-term deferral” exemption of Treasury Regulation § 1.409A-1(b)(4)
and (with respect to amounts paid no later than the second calendar year
following the calendar year containing the Executive’s Termination Date) the
“two-years/two-times” separation pay exemption of Treasury Regulation
§ 1.409A-1(b)(9)(iii), which are hereby incorporated by
reference.
IN
WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Agreement as of the date first
above written.
XXXXXX
XXXXXXX LTD.
|
||
By:
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/s/ Xxxxxxx X. Xxxxxxxxxx | |
Name:
Xxxxxxx X. Xxxxxxxxxx
|
||
Title:
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
|
||
/s/
Xxxxx X.
Xxxx
|
||
Xxxxx X.
Xxxx
|
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