CHANGE IN CONTROL AGREEMENT
THIS AGREEMENT (this “Agreement”) is entered into by and between XXXXX XXXXXX INCORPORATED, a Delaware corporation (the "Company"), and ___________(the"Executive") effective as of .
WHEREAS, the Company considers it essential to the best interests of its stockholders to xxxxxx the continued employment of key management personnel; and
WHEREAS, the Company recognizes that, as is the case with many publicly-held corporations, the possibility of a change in control exists and that such possibility, and the uncertainty and questions which it may raise among management, may result in the departure or distraction of management personnel to the detriment of the Company and its stockholders; and
WHEREAS, the Company has determined that appropriate steps should be taken to reinforce and encourage the continued attention and dedication of members of the Company's management, including the Executive, to their assigned duties without distraction in the face of potentially disturbing circumstances arising from the possibility of a change in control;
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and the mutual covenants herein contained, the Company and the Executive hereby agree as follows:
1.Definitions and Interpretation Rules.
1.1 Defined Terms. For purposes of this Agreement, the following terms shall have the meanings indicated below:
“Affiliate” means any entity which is a member of (i) the same controlled group of corporations within the meaning of section 414(b) of the Code with Xxxxx Xxxxxx, (ii) a trade or business (whether or not incorporated) which is under common control (within the meaning of section 414(c) of the Code) with Xxxxx Xxxxxx or (iii) an affiliated service group (within the meaning of section 414(m) of the Code) with Xxxxx Xxxxxx.
“Annual Incentive Plan” means the Xxxxx Xxxxxx Incorporated Annual Incentive Compensation Plan, as amended and/or restated from time to time, any guidelines issued pursuant to such plan, and any other annual incentive bonus plans adopted by the Company from time to time which are in replacement of such plan.
“Assets” means assets of any kind owned by Xxxxx Xxxxxx, including but not limited to securities of Xxxxx Xxxxxx' direct and indirect subsidiaries and Affiliates.
“Xxxxx Xxxxxx” means Xxxxx Xxxxxx Incorporated, a Delaware corporation, and any successor by merger or otherwise.
“Base Compensation” means the Executive's base salary or wages (as defined in section 3401(a) of the Code for purposes of federal income tax withholding) from the Company, modified by including any portion thereof that such Executive could have received in cash in lieu of any elective deferrals made by the Executive pursuant to the Supplemental Retirement Plan (other than deferrals of bonuses) or pursuant to a
qualified cash or deferred arrangement described in section 401(k) of the Code and any elective contributions under a cafeteria plan described in section 125 of the Code, and modified further by excluding any bonus, incentive compensation (including but not limited to equity-based compensation), commissions, expense reimbursements or other expense allowances, fringe benefits (cash and noncash), moving expenses, deferred compensation (other than elective deferrals by the Executive under a qualified cash or deferred arrangement described in section 401(k) of the Code or the Supplemental Retirement Plan that are expressly included in “Base Compensation” under the foregoing provisions of this definition), welfare benefits as defined in ERISA, overtime pay, special performance compensation amounts and severance compensation.
“Beneficial Owner” or “Beneficial Ownership” shall have the meaning ascribed to those terms in Rule 13d-3 of the General Rules and Regulations under the Exchange Act.
“Board” means the Board of Directors of Xxxxx Xxxxxx or other governing body of Xxxxx Xxxxxx or its direct or indirect parent.
“Bonus Amount” means the sum of (a) the amount of the annual incentive bonus, if any, paid in cash by the Company under the Annual Incentive Plan to or for the benefit of the Executive for services rendered or labor performed during a fiscal year of the Company and (b) the amount of the discretionary bonus or other bonus paid outside of the Annual Incentive Plan, if any, paid in cash by the Company to or for the benefit of the Executive for services rendered or labor performed during the same fiscal year of the Company. The Executive's Bonus Amount shall be determined by including any portion thereof that such Executive could have received in cash in lieu of (i) any elective deferrals made by such Executive pursuant to the Supplemental Retirement Plan or (ii) elective contributions made on such Executive's behalf by the Company pursuant to a qualified cash or deferred arrangement (as defined in section 401(k) of the Code) or pursuant to a plan maintained under section 125 of the Code.
“Cause” means (i) the willful and continued failure by the Executive to substantially perform the Executive's duties with the Company (other than any such failure resulting from the Executive's incapacity due to physical or mental illness) after a written demand for substantial performance is delivered to the Executive by the Board (or by a delegate appointed by the Board), which demand specifically identifies the manner in which the Board believes that the Executive has not substantially performed the Executive's duties, or (ii) the willful engaging by the Executive in conduct which is demonstrably and materially injurious to the Company or any of its Affiliates, monetarily or otherwise. For purposes of Sections (i) and (ii) of this definition, (A) no act, or failure to act, on the Executive's part shall be deemed “willful” if done, or omitted to be done, by the Executive in good faith and with reasonable belief that the act, or failure to act, was in the best interest of the Company and (B) in the event of a dispute concerning the application of this provision, no claim by the Company that Cause exists shall be given effect unless the Company establishes to the Board by clear and convincing evidence that Cause exists.
“Change in Control” means the occurrence of any of the following events:
(a) the individuals who are Incumbent Directors cease for any reason to constitute a majority of the members of the Board;
(b) the consummation of a Merger of Xxxxx Xxxxxx or an Affiliate of Xxxxx Xxxxxx with another Entity, unless the individuals and Entities who were the Beneficial Owners of the Voting Securities of Xxxxx Xxxxxx outstanding immediately prior to such Merger own, directly or indirectly, at least fifty percent (50%) of the combined voting power of the Voting Securities of any of Xxxxx Xxxxxx, the surviving Entity or the parent of the surviving Entity outstanding immediately after such Merger;
(c) any Person, other than a Specified Owner, becomes a Beneficial Owner, directly or indirectly, of securities of Xxxxx Xxxxxx representing thirty percent (30%) or more of the combined voting power of Xxxxx Xxxxxx' then outstanding Voting Securities;
(d) a sale, transfer, lease or other disposition of all or substantially all of Xxxxx Xxxxxx' Assets is consummated (an “Asset Sale”), unless:
(1) the individuals and Entities who were the Beneficial Owners of the Voting Securities of Xxxxx Xxxxxx immediately prior to such Asset Sale own, directly or indirectly, 50 percent or more of the combined voting power of the Voting Securities of the Entity that acquires such Assets in such Asset Sale or its parent immediately after such Asset Sale in substantially the same proportions as their ownership of Xxxxx Xxxxxx' Voting Securities immediately prior to such Asset Sale; or
(2) the individuals who comprise the Board immediately prior to such Asset Sale constitute a majority of the board of directors or other governing body of either the Entity that acquired such Assets in such Asset Sale or its parent (or a majority plus one member where such board or other governing body is comprised of an odd number of directors); or
(e) The stockholders of Xxxxx Xxxxxx approve a plan of complete liquidation or dissolution of Xxxxx Xxxxxx.
“Code” means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, or any successor act.
“Committee” means, prior to a Change in Control, the Compensation Committee of the Board. After a Change in Control, “Committee” means (i) the individuals (not fewer than three (3) in number) who, on the date six (6) months prior to the Change in Control constitute the Compensation Committee of the Board, plus, (ii) in the event that fewer than three (3) individuals are available from the group specified in clause (i) above for any reason, such individuals as may be appointed by the individual or individuals so available (including for this purpose any individual or individuals previously so appointed under this clause (ii)); provided, however, that the maximum number of individuals constituting the Committee after a Change in Control shall not exceed six (6).
“Company” means Xxxxx Xxxxxx. In the event that the Executive's employer is a subsidiary of Xxxxx Xxxxxx, the term “Company” shall include the Executive's employer where appropriate and Xxxxx Xxxxxx will cause the Executive's employer to take any actions necessary to satisfy the obligations of the Company under this Agreement.
“Disability” means the Executive's incapacity due to physical or mental illness that has caused the Executive to be absent from full-time performance of his duties with the Company for a period of six (6) consecutive months.
“Effective Date” means the date identified in the introduction of this Agreement.
“Employment Termination Date” means the date as of which the Executive incurs a Termination of Employment determined in accordance with the provisions of Section 5.2.
“Entity” means any corporation, partnership, association, joint-stock company, limited liability company, trust, unincorporated organization or other business entity.
“ERISA” means the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended, or any successor
act.
“Exchange Act” means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or any successor act.
“Executive” means the employee identified in the introduction of this Agreement.
“Expiration Date” shall have the meaning specified in Section 2.
“Good Reason” for termination by the Executive of his employment means the occurrence (without the Executive's express written consent) after any Change in Control, of any one of the following acts by the Company, or failures by the Company to act, unless, in the case of any act or failure to act described in paragraph (a), (e), (f) or (g) below, such act or failure to act is corrected prior to the effective date of the Executive's termination for Good Reason:
(a) the assignment to the Executive of any duties or responsibilities which are substantially diminished as compared to the Executive's duties and responsibilities immediately prior to a Change in Control or a material change in the Executive's reporting responsibilities, titles or offices as an executive and as in effect immediately prior to the Change in Control;
(b) a reduction by the Company in the Executive's annual Base Compensation as in effect on the date hereof or as the same may be increased from time to time, except for across-the-board salary reductions similarly affecting all individuals having a similar level of authority and responsibility with the Company and all individuals having a similar level of authority and responsibility with any Person in control of the Company;
(c) the relocation of the Executive's principal place of employment to a location outside of a 50-mile radius from the Executive's principal place of employment immediately prior to the Change in Control or the Company's requiring the Executive to be based anywhere other than such principal place of employment (or permitted relocation thereof) except for required travel on the Company's business to an extent substantially consistent with the Executive's business travel obligations immediately prior to a Change in Control;
(d) the failure by the Company to pay to the Executive any portion of the Executive's current compensation except pursuant to an across-the-board compensation deferral similarly affecting all individuals having a similar level of authority and responsibility with the Company and all individuals having a similar level of authority and responsibility with any Person in control of the Company, or to pay to the Executive any portion of an installment of deferred compensation under any deferred compensation program of the Company, within seven (7) days of the date such compensation is due;
(e) the failure by the Company to continue in effect any compensation plan in which the Executive participates immediately prior to the Change in Control which is material to the Executive's total compensation, unless an equitable arrangement (embodied in an ongoing substitute or alternative plan) has been made with respect to such plan, or the failure by the Company to continue the Executive's participation therein (or in such substitute or alternative plan) on a basis not materially less favorable, both in terms of the amount or timing of payment of benefits provided and the level of the Executive's participation relative to other Xxxxx Xxxxxx executives, as existed immediately prior to the Change in Control;
(f) the failure by the Company to continue to provide the Executive with benefits substantially similar to those enjoyed by the Executive under any of the Company's pension, savings, life insurance, medical, health and accident, or disability plans in which the Executive was participating immediately prior to the Change in Control (except for across the board changes similarly affecting all individuals having a
similar level of authority and responsibility with the Company and all individuals having a similar level of authority and responsibility with any Person in control of the Company), the taking of any other action by the Company which would directly or indirectly materially reduce any of such benefits or deprive the Executive of any material fringe benefit or Perquisite enjoyed by the Executive at the time of the Change in Control, or the failure by the Company to provide the Executive with the number of paid vacation days to which the Executive is entitled on the basis of years of service with the Company in accordance with the Company's normal vacation policy in effect immediately prior to the time of the Change in Control; or
(g) any purported termination of the Executive's employment which is not effected pursuant to a notice of termination satisfying the requirements of Section 5.1.
The Executive shall have the right to terminate his employment for Good Reason even if he becomes incapacitated due to physical or mental illness. The Executive's continued employment shall not constitute consent to, or a waiver of any rights with respect to, any act or failure to act constituting Good Reason hereunder.
For purposes of any determination regarding the existence of Good Reason, any claim by the Executive that Good Reason exists shall be presumed to be correct unless the Company establishes to the Committee by clear and convincing evidence that Good Reason does not exist. The Committee's determination regarding the existence of Good Reason shall be conclusive and binding upon all parties unless the Committee's determination is arbitrary and capricious.
“Highest Base Compensation” means the Executive's annualized Base Compensation in effect immediately prior to (a) a Change in Control, (b) the first event or circumstance constituting Good Reason, or (c) the Executive's Termination of Employment, whichever is greatest.
“Highest Bonus Amount” means the average of the three highest Bonus Amounts received by the Executive with respect to the five fiscal years of the Company immediately preceding the Executive's Employment Termination Date.
“Incumbent Director” means -
(a) a member of the Board on the Effective Date; or
(b) an individual-
(1) who becomes a member of the Board after the Effective Date;
(2) whose appointment or election by the Board or nomination for election by Xxxxx Xxxxxx' stockholders is approved or recommended by a vote of at least two-thirds of the then serving Incumbent Directors (as defined herein); and
(3) whose initial assumption of service on the Board is not in connection with an actual or threatened election contest.
“Interest Amount” has the meaning specified in Section 3.3(i).
“Merger” means a merger, consolidation or similar transaction.
“Pension Plan” means the Xxxxx Xxxxxx Incorporated Pension Plan, as amended from time to time.
“Person” shall have the meaning ascribed to the term in Section 3(a)(9) of the Exchange Act and used in Sections 13(d) and 14(d) thereof, including a “group” as defined in Section 13(d) thereof, except that the term shall not include (a) the Company or any of its Affiliates, (b) a trustee or other fiduciary holding Company securities under an employee benefit plan of the Company or any of its Affiliates, (c) an underwriter temporarily holding securities pursuant to an offering of those securities or (d) a corporation owned, directly or indirectly, by the stockholders of the Company in substantially the same proportions as their ownership of stock of the Company.
“Renewal Date” shall have the meaning specified in Section 2.
“Section 409A” means section 409A of the Code and the regulations issued by the IRS and the Department of Treasury thereunder.
“Separation From Service” shall have the meaning specified in Section 409A.
“Specified Employee” means a person who is, as of the date of the person's Separation From Service a “specified employee” within the meaning of Section 409A, taking into account the elections made and procedures established in resolutions adopted by the Administrative Committee of Xxxxx Xxxxxx.
“Specified Owner” means any of the following:
(a) Xxxxx Xxxxxx;
(b) an Affiliate of Xxxxx Xxxxxx;
(c) an employee benefit plan (or related trust) sponsored or maintained by Xxxxx Xxxxxx or any Affiliate of Xxxxx Xxxxxx;
(d) a Person that becomes a Beneficial Owner of Xxxxx Xxxxxx' outstanding Voting Securities representing 30 percent or more of the combined voting power of Xxxxx Xxxxxx' then outstanding Voting Securities as a result of the acquisition of securities directly from Xxxxx Xxxxxx and/or its Affiliates; or
(e) a Person that becomes a Beneficial Owner of Xxxxx Xxxxxx' outstanding Voting Securities representing 30 percent or more of the combined voting power of Xxxxx Xxxxxx' then outstanding Voting Securities as a result of a Merger if the individuals and Entities who were the Beneficial Owners of the Voting Securities of Xxxxx Xxxxxx outstanding immediately prior to such Merger own, directly or indirectly, at least 50 percent of the combined voting power of the Voting Securities of any of Xxxxx Xxxxxx, the surviving Entity or the parent of the surviving Entity outstanding immediately after such Merger in substantially the same proportions as their ownership of the Voting Securities of Xxxxx Xxxxxx outstanding immediately prior to such Merger.
“Supplemental Retirement Plan” means the Xxxxx Xxxxxx Incorporated Supplemental Retirement Plan, as amended from time to time.
“Termination of Employment” means the termination of the Executive's employment relationship with the Company (a) by the Company without Cause after a Change in Control occurs, or (b) by the Executive for Good Reason after a Change in Control occurs.
For purposes of this definition, the Executive's employment shall be deemed to have been terminated after a Change in Control, if (a) the Executive's employment is terminated by the Company without Cause prior to a Change in Control (whether or not a Change in Control ever occurs) and such termination was at
the request or direction of a Person who has entered into an agreement with the Company, the consummation of which would constitute a Change in Control; (b) the Executive terminates his employment for Good Reason prior to a Change in Control (whether or not a Change in Control ever occurs) and the circumstance or event which constitutes Good Reason occurs at the request or direction of a Person who has entered into an agreement with the Company, the consummation of which would constitute a Change in Control; or (c) the Executive's employment is terminated by the Company without Cause or by the Executive for Good Reason and such termination or the circumstance or event which constitutes Good Reason is otherwise in connection with or in anticipation of a Change in Control (whether or not a Change in Control ever occurs). For purposes of any determination regarding the applicability of the immediately preceding sentence, any position taken by the Executive shall be presumed to be correct unless the Company establishes to the Committee by clear and convincing evidence that such position is not correct.
“Termination of Employment” does not include (a) a termination of employment due to the Executive's death or Disability, or (b) a termination of employment by the Executive without Good Reason.
“Thrift Plan” means the Xxxxx Xxxxxx Incorporated Thrift Plan, as amended from time to time.
“Voting Securities” means the outstanding securities entitled to vote generally in the election of directors or other governing body.
1.2 Number and Gender. As used in this Agreement, unless the context otherwise expressly requires to the contrary, references to the singular include the plural, and vice versa; references to the masculine include the feminine and neuter; references to “including” mean “including (without limitation)”; and references to Sections and clauses mean the sections and clauses of this Agreement.
2.Term of Agreement.
2.1 The “Term” of this Agreement shall commence on the Effective Date and end on (a) the last day of the three-year period beginning on the Effective Date if no Change in Control shall have occurred during that three-year period (such last day being the “Expiration Date”); or (b) if a Change in Control shall have occurred during (i) the three-year period beginning on the Effective Date or (ii) any period for which the Term of this Agreement shall have been automatically extended pursuant Section 2.2, the last day of the two-year period beginning on the date on which the Change in Control occurred.
2.2 After the expiration of the time period described in subsection (a) of Section 2.1, and in the absence of a Change in Control (as described in subsection (b) of Section 2.1) the “Term” of this Agreement shall be automatically extended for successive two-year periods beginning on the day immediately following the Expiration Date (the beginning date of each successive two-year period being a “Renewal Date”), unless, not later than 18 months prior to the Expiration Date or applicable Renewal Date, the Company shall give notice to Executive that the Term of this Agreement will not be extended.
3.Compensation Other Than Severance Payments.
3.1 Equity Based Compensation. Upon the occurrence of a Change in Control, all options to acquire Xxxxx Xxxxxx stock, all shares of restricted Xxxxx Xxxxxx stock, and all stock appreciation rights the value of which is determined by reference to or based upon the value of Xxxxx Xxxxxx stock, held by the Executive under any plan of the Company shall become immediately vested, exercisable and nonforfeitable and all conditions thereof (including, but not limited to, any required holding periods) shall be deemed to have been satisfied. The effect, if any, of a Change in Control on any other equity incentives and other awards the value of which is determined by reference to or based upon the value of Xxxxx Xxxxxx stock shall be
determined in accordance with the terms of the applicable award agreement and any terms and conditions issued by the Compensation Committee of the Board that are applicable to the award.
3.2 Compensation and Benefits During Incapacity and Prior to Termination of Employment. Following a Change in Control and during the Term of this Agreement, for any period during which the Executive fails to perform the Executive's full-time duties with the Company as a result of incapacity due to physical or mental illness, the Company shall pay to the Executive, at the time specified in Section 4, the Executive's full salary at the rate in effect at the commencement of any such period, together with all compensation and benefits payable to the Executive under the terms of any compensation or benefit plan, program or arrangement maintained by the Company during such period, until the Executive's employment is terminated by the Company for Disability.
3.3 Benefits Following Termination of Employment. If the Executive incurs a Termination of Employment during the Term of this Agreement, the Company shall provide the Executive the benefits described below.
(a)Severance Payment. The Company will pay the Executive a cash severance benefit in an amount equal to the product of three times the sum of (i) an amount equal to the Executive's Highest Base Compensation plus (ii) the greater of (A) the Executive's Highest Bonus Amount or (B) an amount equal to percent (____%) of the Executive's Highest Base Compensation. The Executive's severance payment under this paragraph (a) will be paid in accordance with the provisions of Section 4.
(b)Prorated Bonus. The Company will pay the Executive a cash severance benefit in an amount equal to the product of (A) the Executive's Highest Bonus Amount and (B) a fraction, the numerator of which is the number of days in the Company's fiscal year in which occurs the Executive's Employment Termination Date through the Executive's Employment Termination Date and the denominator of which is three hundred sixty-five (365). However, if the Executive's Employment Termination Date occurs during the same calendar year in which a Change in Control occurs, the pro-rata bonus payment described in the preceding sentence shall be offset by any payments received by the Executive under the Xxxxx Xxxxxx Incorporated Annual Incentive Compensation Plan (as amended and/or restated) in connection with the Change in Control. The Executive's severance payment under this paragraph (b) will be paid in accordance with the provisions of Section 4.
(c)Outplacement. The Company will pay the Executive a cash payment in the amount of $30,000.00. Such cash payment will be paid in accordance with the provisions of Section 4.
(d)Pension, Thrift and Supplemental Retirement Plans. In addition to the retirement benefits to which the Executive is entitled under the Thrift Plan, the Pension Plan and the Supplemental Retirement Plan, the Company shall pay the Executive a single sum cash payment in an amount equal to the undiscounted value of (A) the employer-provided accruals under the Pension Plan that the Executive would have earned and (B) the employer contributions the Company would have made to the Thrift Plan and the Supplemental Retirement Plan (including but not limited to matching and base contributions) on behalf of the Executive had the Executive continued in the employ of the Company for a period of three years after the Employment Termination Date, assuming for this purpose that (i) the Executive's earned compensation per year during that three year period of time is the sum of (1) the Executive's Highest Base Compensation and (2) the Executive's Highest Bonus Amount; and (ii) contribution, deferral, credit and accrual percentages made under the Pension Plan, the Thrift Plan and the Supplemental Retirement Plan, by and on behalf of the Executive during the three year period, are the same percentages in effect on the date of the Change in Control or the Executive's Employment Termination Date, whichever is more favorable for the Executive. The
payment required under this paragraph (d) will be made in accordance with the provisions of Section 4.
(e)Accident and Health Insurance Benefits. For three years following the Executive's Employment Termination Date (the “Continuation Period”), the Company shall arrange to provide the Executive and his dependents accident and health insurance benefits, in each case, substantially similar to those provided to the Executive and his dependents immediately prior to the Employment Termination Date or, if more favorable to the Executive, those provided to the Executive and his dependents immediately prior to the first occurrence of an event or circumstance constituting Good Reason, at no greater cost to the Executive than the cost to the Executive immediately prior to such date or occurrence. Benefits otherwise receivable by the Executive pursuant to this Section 3.3(e) shall be reduced to the extent benefits of the same type are received by the Executive during the Continuation Period (and any such benefits received by the Executive shall be reported to the Company by the Executive). To the extent that the accident or health insurance benefits specified in this Section 3.3(e) are not provided through an arrangement that is fully insured by a third party the following provisions shall apply to the reimbursement of such benefits. The amount of accident and health insurance expenses eligible for reimbursement during Executive's taxable year will not affect the expenses eligible for reimbursement in any other taxable year (with the exception of applicable lifetime maximums specified in the plans). The Executive's right to reimbursement is not subject to liquidation or exchange for another benefit. To the extent that the benefits provided to the Executive pursuant to this Section 3.3(e) are taxable to the Executive and not otherwise exempt from Section 409A, any amounts to which the Executive would otherwise be entitled under this Section 3.3(e) during the first six months following the date of the Executive's Separation From Service shall be accumulated and paid to the Executive on the date that is six months following the date of his Separation From Service.
(f)Life Insurance. The Executive shall be entitled to a single sum cash payment in an amount equivalent to thirty-six (36) monthly basic life insurance premiums applicable to the Executive's basic life insurance coverage on his Employment Termination Date. The single sum cash payment will be made in accordance with the provisions of Section 4. The Executive may, at his option, convert his basic life insurance coverage to an individual policy after his Employment Termination Date by completing the forms required by the Company.
(g)Retiree Medical. If the Executive would have become entitled to benefits under the Company's post-retirement health care insurance plans, as in effect immediately prior to the Employment Termination Date or, if more favorable to the Executive as in effect immediately prior to the first occurrence of an event or circumstance constituting Good Reason, had the Executive's employment terminated at any time during the period of thirty-six (36) months after the Employment Termination Date, the Company shall provide such post-retirement health care insurance benefits to the Executive and the Executive's dependents commencing on the later of (i) the date on which such coverage would have first become available and (ii) the date on which the applicable benefits described in paragraph (e) of this Section 3.3 terminate. Except for any reimbursements under the applicable group health plan that are subject to a limitation on reimbursements during a specified period, the amount of expenses eligible for reimbursement under this Section 3.3(g), or in-kind benefits provided, during the Executive's taxable year shall not affect the expenses eligible for reimbursement, or in-kind benefits to be provided, in any other taxable year of the Executive. The Executive's right to reimbursement or in-kind benefits pursuant to this Section 3.3(g) shall not be subject to liquidation or exchange for another benefit. To the extent that the benefits provided to the Executive pursuant to this Section 3.3(g) are taxable to the Executive and are not otherwise exempt from Section 409A, any amounts to which the Executive would otherwise be entitled under this Section 3.3(g) during the first six months following the date of the Executive's Separation From Service shall be accumulated and paid to the Executive on the date that is six months following the date of his Separation From Service.
(h)Interest Amount. If the Executive is a Specified Employee, the Company shall pay to the Executive, on the date that is six (6) months following the Executive's Separation From Service, an amount equal to the amount of interest that would be earned on the amounts specified in Sections 3.3(a), 3.3(b), 3.3(c), 3.3(d) and 3.3(f) and, to the extent subject to a mandatory six-month delay in payment, the amounts specified in Sections 3(e), 3(g) and 3.5, for the period commencing on the date of the Executive's Separation From Service until the date of payment of such amounts, calculated using an interest rate equal to the six month London Interbank Offered Rate in effect on the date of the Executive's Separation From Service plus two percentage points (the “Interest Amount”).
3.4 Legal Fees. The Company shall pay all legal fees and expenses incurred by the Executive (i) in disputing in good faith any issue relating to the Executive's termination of employment, or (ii) in seeking in good faith to obtain or enforce any benefit or right provided under this Agreement in accordance with Section 11.5. Such payments shall be made within ten (10) business days after the delivery of the Executive's written request for the payment accompanied by such evidence of fees and expenses incurred as the Company may reasonably require. The Company shall pay the Executive all legal fees and expenses incurred by the Executive in connection with any tax audit or proceeding to the extent attributable to the application of section 4999 of the Code to any payment or benefit under this Agreement. Such payments shall be made within ten (10) business days after delivery of the Executive's written request for payment accompanied with such evidence of fees and expenses incurred as the Company may reasonably require. The parties intend and agree that the foregoing ten (10) business day deadline is not to be extended as a result of the following sentence which is included solely for the purpose of complying with Section 409A. The Company shall make a payment to reimburse the Executive in an amount equal to all legal fees and expenses incurred due to a tax audit or litigation relating to the application of section 4999 of the Code to any payment or benefit under this Agreement by the end of the Executive's taxable year following the Executive's taxable year in which the taxes that are the subject of the audit or litigation are remitted to the taxing authority, or where as a result of such audit or litigation no taxes are remitted, by the end of the Executive's taxable year following the Executive's taxable year in which the audit is completed or there is a final and nonappealable settlement or other resolution of the litigation. The legal fees or expenses that are subject to reimbursement pursuant to this Section 3.5 shall not be limited as a result of when the fees or expenses are incurred. The amount of legal fees or expenses that is eligible for reimbursement pursuant to this Section 3.5 during a given taxable year of the Executive shall not affect the amount of expenses eligible for reimbursement in any other taxable year of the Executive. The right to reimbursement pursuant to this Section 3.5 is not subject to liquidation or exchange for another benefit. Notwithstanding any provision of this Agreement to the contrary, if the Executive is a Specified Employee, any amount to which the Executive would otherwise be entitled under this Section 3.5 during the first six months following the date of the Executive's Separation From Service shall be accumulated and paid to the Executive on the date that is six months following the date of his Separation From Service.
4.Time of Benefits Payments. The Company shall pay the Executive any cash benefits described in paragraphs (a), (b), (c), (d) and (f) of Section 3.3 in a single sum cash payment on the date that is six (6) months following the date of the Executive's Separation From Service if he is a Specified Employee or ten (10) days following his Separation From Service if he is not a Specified Employee. Any salary or compensation described in Section 3.2 or 5.4 for periods prior to the Executive's Separation From Service shall be paid to the Executive by the Company on the regularly scheduled payroll dates or on the dates specified in the applicable benefit programs. Any unpaid salary described in Section 3.2 or Section 5.4 for periods following the Executive's Separation From Service shall be paid to the Executive by the Company in a single sum cash payment on the date that is six (6) months following the date of the Executive's Separation From Service if he is a Specified Employee or ten (10) days following his Separation From Service if he is not a Specified Employee.
5.Termination Procedures And Compensation During Dispute.
5.1 Notice of Termination. After a Change in Control and during the Term of this Agreement, any purported termination of the Executive's employment by the Company shall be communicated by the Company by a written Notice of Termination to the Executive in accordance with Section 11.8. For purposes of this Agreement, a “Notice of Termination” shall mean a notice which shall indicate the specific termination provision in this Agreement relied upon and shall set forth in reasonable detail the facts and circumstances claimed to provide a basis for termination of the Executive's employment under the provision so indicated. Further, a Notice of Termination for Cause is required to include a copy of a resolution duly adopted by the affirmative vote of not less than three-quarters (3/4) of the entire membership of the Board at a meeting of the Board which was called and held for the purpose of considering such termination (after reasonable notice to the Executive and an opportunity for the Executive, together with the Executive's counsel, to be heard before the Board) finding that, in the good faith opinion of the Board, the Executive was guilty of conduct set forth in clause (i) or (ii) of the definition of Cause herein, and specifying the particulars thereof in detail. No purported termination of the Executive's employment by the Company after a Change in Control and during the Term of this Agreement shall be effective unless the Company complies with the procedures set forth in this Section.
5.2 Employment Termination Date. “Employment Termination Date,” with respect to any purported termination of the Executive's employment after a Change in Control and during the Term of this Agreement, shall mean (i) if the Executive's employment is terminated for Disability, thirty (30) days after Notice of Termination is given (provided that the Executive shall not have returned to the full-time performance of the Executive's duties during such thirty (30) day period), and (ii) if the Executive's employment is terminated for any other reason, the date specified in the Notice of Termination (which, in the case of a termination by the Company, shall not be less than thirty (30) days (except in the case of a termination for Cause) and, in the case of a termination by the Executive, shall not be less than fifteen (15) days nor more than sixty (60) days, respectively, from the date such Notice of Termination is given).
5.3 Dispute Concerning Termination. If within fifteen (15) days after any Notice of Termination is given, or, if later, prior to the Employment Termination Date (as determined without regard to this Section), the party receiving such Notice of Termination notifies the other party that a dispute exists concerning the termination, the Employment Termination Date shall be extended until the earlier of (i) the date on which the Term of this Agreement ends or (ii) the date on which the dispute is finally resolved, either by mutual written agreement of the parties or by a final judgment, order or decree of an arbitrator or a court of competent jurisdiction (which is not appealable or with respect to which the time for appeal therefrom has expired and no appeal has been perfected); provided, however, that the Employment Termination Date shall be extended by a notice of dispute given by the Executive only if such notice is given in good faith and the Executive pursues the resolution of such dispute with reasonable diligence.
5.4 Compensation During Dispute. If a purported termination of employment occurs following a Change in Control and during the Term of this Agreement and the Employment Termination Date is extended in accordance with Section 5.3, the Company shall pay the Executive, at the time specified in Section 4, the full compensation in effect when the notice giving rise to the dispute was given (including, but not limited to, salary) and continue the Executive as a participant in all compensation, benefit and insurance plans in which the Executive was participating when the notice giving rise to the dispute was given or those plans in which the Executive was participating immediately prior to the first occurrence of an event or circumstance giving rise to the Notice of Termination, if more favorable to the Executive, until the Employment Termination Date, as determined in accordance with Section 5.3. Amounts paid under this Section are in addition to all other amounts due under this Agreement (other than those due under Section 3.2) and shall not be offset
against or reduce any other amounts due under this Agreement.
6.Withholding. The Company may withhold from any benefits paid under this Agreement all income, employment, and other taxes required to be withheld under applicable law.
7.Death of the Executive. If the Executive dies after his Employment Termination Date but before the Executive receives full payment of the benefits to which he is entitled, any unpaid benefits will be paid to the Executive's surviving spouse, or if the Executive does not have a surviving spouse, to the Executive's estate.
8.Amendment. This Agreement may not be amended except pursuant to a written instrument that is authorized by the Committee and agreed to in writing and signed by the Executive.
9.Disputed Payments And Failures To Pay. If the Company fails to make a payment in whole or in part as of the payment deadline specified in this Agreement, either intentionally or unintentionally, other than with the consent of the Executive, the Executive shall make prompt and reasonable good faith efforts to collect the remaining portion of the payment. The Company shall pay any such unpaid benefits due to the Executive, together with interest on the unpaid benefits from the date of the payment deadline specified in this Agreement at the annual rate of 120 percent of the rate specified in section 1274(b)(2)(B) of the Code within ten (10) business days of discovering that the additional monies are due and payable.
10.Funding. The Executive shall have no right, title, or interest whatsoever in or to any assets of the Company or any investments which the Company may make to aid it in meeting its obligations under this Agreement. The Executive's right to receive payments under this Agreement shall be no greater than the right of an unsecured general creditor of the Company. Immediately prior to a Change in Control, the Company shall create an irrevocable grantor trust (the “Rabbi Trust”) which shall be subject to the claims of creditors of the Company. In the event that the Executive is a Specified Employee at the time he incurs a Separation From Service or at the time the Company determines that it is reasonably likely that the Executive will incur a Separation From Service in connection with a Change in Control, then immediately upon the Executive's Separation From Service or, if earlier, the date on which the Company makes a determination that the Executive is reasonably likely to incur a Separation From Service in connection with a Change in Control, the Company shall transfer to the Rabbi Trust cash sufficient (on an undiscounted basis) to pay the cash amounts specified in Section 3.3, and the Interest Amount. The cash amounts specified in Section 3.3 and the Interest Amount shall be paid from the Rabbi Trust on the dates specified in Sections 3.3(i) and 4 herein, provided that the Company shall remain liable to pay any such amounts which for any reason are not paid from the Rabbi Trust. The trustee of the Rabbi Trust shall be a bank or trust company selected by the Company prior to the Change in Control.
11.Certain Tax Matters.
(a)Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement or any benefit program or other agreement to the contrary, if any payment or benefit by or from the Company or any of its affiliates to or for the benefit of Executive, whether paid or payable or distributed or distributable pursuant to the terms of this Agreement or otherwise would be subject to the Excise Tax (as hereinafter defined) (all such payments and benefits being collectively referred to herein as the “Payments”), then except as otherwise provided in Section 11(b), the Payments shall be reduced (but not below zero) or eliminated (as further provided for in Section 11(c)) to the extent the Independent Tax Advisor (as hereinafter defined) shall reasonably determine is necessary so that no portion of the Payments shall be subject to the Excise Tax.
(b)Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 11(a), if the Independent Tax Advisor reasonably determines that Executive would receive, in the aggregate, a greater amount of the Payments on an after-tax basis (including all applicable federal, state, and local income, employment and other applicable taxes and the Excise Tax) if the Payments were not reduced or eliminated pursuant to Section 11(a), then no such reduction shall be made notwithstanding that all or any portion of the Payments may be subject to the Excise Tax.
(c)For purposes of determining which of Section 11(a) and Section 11(b) shall be given effect, the determination of which Payments shall be reduced or eliminated to avoid the Excise Tax shall be made by the Independent Tax Advisor, provided that the Independent Tax Advisor shall reduce or eliminate, as the case may be, the Payments in the following order (and within the category described in each of the following clauses (1) through (5) of this Section 11(c), in reverse order beginning with the Payments which are to be paid farthest in time except as otherwise provided in Section 11(d):
(1)by first reducing or eliminating the portion of the Payment otherwise due under Section 3.3(c);
(2)then by reducing or eliminating the portion of the Payment otherwise due under Section 3.3(f);
(3)then by reducing or eliminating the portion of the Payment otherwise due under Section 3.3(h);
(4)then by reducing or eliminating the portion of the Payment otherwise due under Section 3.3(b);
(5)then by reducing or eliminating the portion of the Payment otherwise due under Section 3.3(a);
(6)then by reducing or eliminating the portion of the Payments otherwise due under Section 3.3(d);
(7)then by reducing or eliminating the portion of the Payments that represent performance unit awards, such reduction or elimination to be made in reverse chronological order with the most recent performance unit awards reduced first;
(8)then by reducing or eliminating the portion of the Payments that represent performance restricted stock awards, such reduction or elimination to be made in reverse chronological order with the most recent restricted stock awards reduced first;
(9)then by reducing or eliminating the portion of the Payments that represent stock options, such reduction or elimination to be made in reverse chronological order with the most recent stock options reduced first;
(10)then by reducing or eliminating the portion of the Payments that represent equity-based compensation not described above, such reduction or elimination to be made in reverse chronological order with the most recent such awards reduced first;
(11)then by reducing or eliminating the portion of the Payments otherwise due
under Section 3.3(e); and
(12)then by reducing or eliminating the portion of the Payments otherwise due under Section 3.3(g).
(d)The Independent Tax Advisor shall provide its determinations, together with detailed supporting calculations and documentation, to the Company and Executive for their review no later than ten (10) days after the Date of Termination. The determinations of the Independent Tax Advisor under this Section 11 shall, after due consideration of the Company's and Executive's comments with respect to such determinations and the interpretation and application of this Section 11, be final and binding on all parties hereto absent manifest error. The Company and Executive shall furnish to the Independent Tax Advisor such information and documents as the Independent Tax Advisor may reasonably request in order to make the determinations required under this Section 11.
(e)For purposes of this Section 11, “Independent Tax Advisor” shall mean a lawyer with a nationally recognized law firm, a certified public accountant with a nationally recognized accounting firm, or a compensation consultant with a nationally recognized actuarial and benefits consulting firm, in each case with expertise in the area of executive compensation tax law, who shall be selected by the Company and shall be acceptable to Executive (Executive's acceptance not to be unreasonably withheld), and all of whose fees and disbursements shall be paid by the Company.
(f)As used in this Agreement, the term “Excise Tax” means, collectively, the excise tax imposed by Section 4999 of the Code, together with any interest thereon, any penalties, additions to tax, or additional amounts with respect to such excise tax, and any interest in respect of such penalties, additions to tax or additional amounts.
12.Miscellaneous.
12.1 Agreement Not an Employment Contract. This Agreement is not an employment contract between the Company and Executive and gives Executive no right to retain his employment. This Agreement is not intended to interfere with the rights of the Company to terminate the Executive's employment at any time with or without notice and with or without cause or to interfere with the Executive's right to terminate his employment at any time.
12.2 Alienation Prohibited. No benefits hereunder shall be subject to anticipation or assignment by the Executive, to attachment by, interference with, or control of any creditor of the Executive, or to being taken or reached by any legal or equitable process in satisfaction of any debt or liability of the Executive prior to its actual receipt by the Executive. Any attempted conveyance, transfer, assignment, mortgage, pledge, or encumbrance of the benefits hereunder prior to payment thereof shall be void.
12.3 Severability. Each provision of this Agreement may be severed. If any provision is determined to be invalid or unenforceable, that determination shall not affect the validity or enforceability of any other provision.
12.4 Binding Effect. This Agreement shall be binding upon any successor of the Company. Further, the Board shall not authorize a Change in Control that is a merger or a sale transaction unless the purchaser or the Company's successor agrees to take such actions as are necessary to cause the Executive to be paid or provided all benefits due under the terms of this Agreement as in effect immediately prior to the Change in Control.
12.5 Settlement of Disputes Concerning Benefits Under this Agreement; Arbitration. All claims by Executive for benefits under this Agreement shall be directed to and determined by the Committee and shall be in writing. Any denial by the Committee of a claim for benefits under this Agreement shall be delivered to the Executive in writing within thirty (30) days after written notice of the claim is provided to the Company in accordance with Section 11.8 and shall set forth the specific reasons for the denial and the specific provisions of this Agreement relied upon. The Committee shall afford a reasonable opportunity to the Executive for a review of the decision denying a claim and shall further allow the Executive to appeal to the Committee a decision of the Committee within sixty (60) days after notification by the Committee that the Executive's claim has been denied. Any further dispute or controversy arising out of or relating to this Agreement, including without limitation, any and all disputes, claims (whether in tort, contract, statutory or otherwise) or disagreements concerning the interpretation or application of the provisions of this Agreement shall be resolved by arbitration in accordance with the rules of the American Arbitration Association (the “AAA”) then in effect. Within ten (10) business days of the initiation of an arbitration hereunder, the Company and the Executive will each separately designate an arbitrator, and within twenty (20) business days of selection, the appointed arbitrators will appoint a neutral arbitrator from the AAA Panel of Commercial Arbitrators. The arbitrators shall issue their written decision (including a statement of finding of facts) within thirty (30) days from the date of the close of the arbitration hearing. The decision of the arbitrators selected hereunder will be final and binding on both parties. This arbitration provision is expressly made pursuant to and shall be governed by the Federal Arbitration Act, 9 U.S.C. Sections 1-16 (or replacement or successor statute). Pursuant to Section 9 of the Federal Arbitration Act, the Company and the Executive agree that a judgment of the United States District Court for the District in which the headquarters of Xxxxx Xxxxxx is located at the time of initiation of an arbitration hereunder may be entered upon the award made pursuant to the arbitration.
12.6 No Mitigation. The Company agrees that if the Executive's employment with the Company terminates during the Term of this Agreement, the Executive is not required to seek other employment or to attempt in any way to reduce any amounts payable to the Executive by the Company pursuant to this Agreement. Further, except as expressly provided otherwise herein, the amount of any payment or benefit provided for in this Agreement (other than Section 3.3(e)) shall not be reduced by any compensation earned by the Executive as the result of employment by another employer, by retirement benefits, by offset against any amount claimed to be owed by the Executive to the Company, or otherwise.
12.7 Other Amounts Due. Except as expressly provided otherwise herein, the payments and benefits provided for in this Agreement are in addition to and not in lieu of amounts and benefits that are earned by the Executive prior to his Termination of Employment. The Company shall pay the Executive any compensation earned through the Employment Termination Date but not previously paid the Executive. Further the Executive shall be entitled to any other amounts or benefits due the Executive in accordance with any contract, plan, program or policy of the Company or any of its Affiliates. Amounts that the Executive is entitled to receive under any plan, program, contract or policy of the Company or any of its Affiliates at or subsequent to the Executive's Termination of Employment shall be payable or otherwise provided in accordance with such plan, program, contract or policy, except as expressly modified herein. For the avoidance of doubt, the Executive's benefits under the Xxxxx Xxxxxx Incorporated Pension Plan and the Xxxxx Xxxxxx Incorporated Thrift Plan shall not be subject to a mandatory six-month delay in payment pursuant to Section 409A as such plans are exempt from Section 409A.
12.8 Notices. For the purpose of this Agreement, notices and all other communications provided for in this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be given in person or by United States registered mail, return receipt requested (with evidence of receipt by the party to whom the notice is given), postage prepaid,
addressed, if to the Executive, to the address listed on the signature page of this Agreement and, if to the Company, to 0000 Xxxxx Xxxxxxx, Xxxxx 0000; Xxxxxxx, Xxxxx 00000; Attention: General Counsel, or to such other address as either party may have furnished to the other in writing in accordance herewith. For purposes of this agreement notice to a party shall be effective only upon actual receipt of the notice by the party with written evidence of receipt by the party to whom the notice is given.
12.9 Governing Law. All provisions of this Agreement shall be construed in accordance with the laws of Texas, except to the extent preempted by federal law and except to the extent that the conflicts of laws provisions of the State of Texas would require the application of the relevant law of another jurisdiction, in which event the relevant law of the State of Texas will nonetheless apply, with venue for litigation being in Houston, Texas.
12.10 Compliance With Section 409A. It is intended that this Agreement shall comply with Section 409A. The provisions of this Agreement shall be interpreted and administered in a manner that complies with Section 409A.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Agreement effective as of the date above first written.
XXXXX XXXXXX INCORPORATED
By: ____________________________________
Xxxxxx X. Xxxxxxxxx
President and Chief Executive Officer
Date: _____________________________________
EXECUTIVE
By: ____________________________________
Address: ______________________________
___________________, Texas _____
Date: ______________________________________
