AMENDED AND RESTATED EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT
Exhibit
10.9
AMENDED
AND RESTATED
THIS AMENDED AND RESTATED EMPLOYMENT
AGREEMENT (“Agreement”) is made and entered into effective as of the 17th
day of December, 2008, by and between Xxxxxxx Xxxxxx (“Executive”)
and Sun Healthcare Group,
Inc., a Delaware corporation (“Sun” or “Company”).
WHEREAS,
Executive serves as the Executive Vice President and General Counsel of
Sun;
WHEREAS,
Sun and Executive are parties to that certain Employment Agreement dated as of
March 22, 2005, as amended on October 12, 2006, October 31, 2007 and March 31,
2008 (the “Existing Agreement”); and
WHEREAS,
Sun and Executive wish to amend and restate the Existing Agreement upon the
terms set forth in this Agreement to comply with Section 409A of the Internal
Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), effective as of the date
hereof.
NOW,
THEREFORE, in consideration of the above recitals and the mutual covenants and
agreements contained herein, Executive and Sun agree as follows:
Section
1: Employment;
Term of Employment.
(a)
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Employment. Sun
agrees to employ Executive and Executive agrees to accept employment with
Sun, subject to the terms and conditions of this
Agreement.
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(b)
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Term
of Employment. The period of Executive’s employment
under this Agreement commenced as of March 22, 2005 (the effective date of
the Existing Agreement, referred to herein as the “Effective Date”) and
shall continue until terminated in accordance with Section 5
below. As used in this Agreement, the phrase “Employment Term”
refers to Executive's period of employment from the Effective Date until
the date his employment is
terminated.
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Section
2: Duties
and Responsibilities. Executive shall devote his full
employment time, efforts, skills and attention exclusively to his duties as
Executive Vice Executive and General Counsel; provided, however, that to the
extent the following activities do not materially interfere or conflict with his
duties and responsibilities hereunder, Executive may (i) serve as a member of
the boards of directors of other corporations with the prior written consent of
the Chief Executive Officer of Sun; and (ii) engage in charitable, civic and
religious affairs.
Section
3: Compensation,
Benefits and Related Matters.
(a)
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Annual
Base Salary. During the Employment Term, Sun shall pay
to Executive a base salary at an annual rate of $280,000 ("Base Salary"),
such salary to be payable in accordance with Sun's customary payroll
practices as in effect from
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time
to time (but not less frequently than monthly). The annual Base
Salary will be reviewed at least annually for possible merit increases and
any increase in Executive's annual base salary rate shall thereafter
constitute "Base Salary" for purposes of this
Agreement.
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(b)
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Cash
Bonus/Incentive Compensation. In addition to the Base
Salary provided for in Section 3(a) above, Executive shall be entitled to
receive an annual bonus (“Bonus”) in accordance with the Sun Healthcare
Group, Inc. Executive Bonus Plan, as it may be amended from
time to time by the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors;
provided, however, that no amendment shall be effective if it reduces the
percentage of Base Salary that would constitute the minimum or maximum
potential amount of the Bonus as compared to the prior year, unless such
amendment has been agreed to in writing by Executive. The Bonus
shall be payable at the same time as other annual bonuses are paid to
senior management personnel with respect to that fiscal
year. Subject to the provisions of Section 6, in order to have
earned and to be paid any such Bonus, Executive must be employed by Sun on
the date of such payment. It is intended that the Bonus
described in this Section 3(b) qualify as "performance based compensation"
under Section 162(m) of the Code to the extent necessary to preserve Sun’s
ability to deduct such Bonus.
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(c)
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Equity
Incentive. During the Employment Term, Executive shall
be eligible to be granted equity incentive awards during his employment on
the same basis as other senior executive officers of Sun. Such
equity incentive awards may include stock options and restricted
units. Executive's eligibility, rights and entitlement to such
equity incentive awards shall be governed by the applicable equity
incentive plan, award agreement, award and/or
grant.
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(d)
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Retirement
and Benefit Plans. During the Employment Term, Executive
shall be eligible to participate in or receive benefits under any pension
plan, 401(k) savings plan, nonqualified deferred compensation plan,
supplemental executive retirement plan, medical and dental benefits plan,
life insurance plan, short-term and long-term disability plans, or any
other employee benefit or fringe benefit plan, generally made available by
Sun to senior executives in accordance with the eligibility requirements
of such plans and subject to the terms and conditions set forth in this
Agreement. Such plans, programs and arrangements are subject to
change during employment at the sole discretion of the
Company.
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(e)
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Sick,
Holiday and Vacation Pay. Executive is entitled to
holiday and sick pay consistent with Sun's Employee Handbook or other
policy applicable to senior executives. Sick and Holiday Pay is
subject to change during employment at the sole discretion of the
Company. Executive shall be entitled to up to 160 hours of
vacation per year, which shall accrue at the rate of 6.152 hours per pay
period (26 pay periods). However, in accordance with Sun's
Employee Handbook or other policy applicable to senior executives,
vacation hours shall be subject to an accrual cap of two times Executive's
annual allotment of vacation hours and shall be subject to change during
employment at the sole discretion of the
Company.
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(f)
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Indemnification,
Liability/Insurance. Executive shall be entitled to
indemnification by Sun to the extent required by applicable law and the
charter and bylaws of Sun. In addition, Sun shall maintain
during Executive's employment customary directors and officers' liability
insurance and Executive shall be covered by such
insurance.
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(g)
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Taxes. All
compensation payable to Executive shall be subject to withholding for all
applicable federal, state and local income taxes, occupational taxes,
Social Security and similar mandatory
withholdings.
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Section
4: Medical
Reimbursement. Upon proof of payment, Sun agrees to reimburse
Executive out of pocket costs for maintaining his current medical
insurance. Said costs are estimated to be $990 per
month. During this time Executive will not participate in Sun's
health plan. Executive agrees that he will provide such proof of
payment to Sun promptly after Executive incurs each such cost.
Section
5: Termination
of Employment. Sun, at any time in its sole discretion, may
terminate Executive as Executive Vice President and General Counsel and from all
other positions with Sun and its direct and indirect
subsidiaries. Upon termination, Executive (or his beneficiary or
estate as the case may be) shall be entitled to receive the compensation and
benefits described in Section 6 below.
(a)
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Termination
by Sun for “Good Cause.” Sun may, at any time, by
written notice to Executive at least five (5) business days prior to the
date of termination specified in such notice and specifying the acts or
omissions believed to constitute Good Cause (as defined below), terminate
Executive as an officer and employee and from all other positions with Sun
for Good Cause. Sun may relieve Executive of his duties and
responsibilities pending a final determination of whether Good Cause
exists, and such action shall not constitute Good Reason (as defined in
Section 5(c) below) for purposes of this Agreement. Payment to
Executive upon a termination for Good Cause is set forth in Section
6(a). "Good Cause" for termination shall mean any one of the
following:
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(1)
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Any
criminal conviction (including conviction on a nolo contendere
plea) under the laws of the United States or any state or other political
subdivision thereof which, in the sole discretion of the Chief Executive
Officer of Sun, renders Executive unsuitable as an officer or employee of
Sun.
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(2)
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Executive's
continued failure to substantially perform the duties reasonably requested
by the Chief Executive Officer of Sun and commensurate with his position
as Executive Vice President and General Counsel of Sun (other than any
such failure resulting from his incapacity due to his physical or mental
condition) after a written demand for substantial performance is delivered
to him by the Chief Executive Officer of Sun, which demand specifically
identifies the manner in which the Chief Executive Officer of Sun believes
that Executive has not
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substantially
performed his duties, and which performance, in the sole discretion of the
Chief Executive Officer is determined to not be substantially corrected by
Executive within ten (10) calendar days of receipt of such
demand;
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(3)
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Any
material workplace misconduct or willful failure to comply with Sun's
general policies and procedures as they may exist from time to time by
Executive which, in the sole discretion of the Chief Executive Officer of
Sun, renders Executive unsuitable as an officer or employee;
and
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(4)
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Breach
of any of the covenants set forth in Section 8 of this
Agreement.
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Regardless
of whether Executive's employment initially was considered to be terminated for
any reason other than Good Cause, Executive's employment will be considered to
have been terminated for Good Cause for purposes of this Agreement if the Chief
Executive Officer of Sun subsequently determines that Executive engaged in an
act constituting Good Cause.
(b)
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Termination
by Sun without Good Cause. Sun may at any time in its
sole discretion, by written notice to Executive at least five (5) business
days prior to date of termination specified in such notice, terminate
Executive as an officer and employee and from all other positions with
Sun. If such termination is made by Sun other than by reason of
Executive's death or Disability (as defined in Section 5(e)) and Good
Cause does not exist, such termination shall be treated as a termination
without Good Cause and Executive shall be entitled to payment in
accordance with Section 6(b).
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(c)
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Termination
by Executive for Good Reason. Executive may, at any time
at his option within sixty (60) calendar days following an event or
condition that constitutes Good Reason (as defined below), resign for Good
Reason, as an officer and employee and from all other positions
with Sun by written notice to Sun at least thirty (30) calendar days prior
to the date of termination specified in such notice; provided, however,
that Sun has not substantially corrected the event or condition that would
constitute Good Reason prior to the date of
termination. Payment to Executive upon a termination for Good
Reason is set forth in Section
6(b).
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“Good
Reason” shall mean the occurrence of any one of the following events or
conditions without Executive's written consent:
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(1)
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A
meaningful and detrimental reduction in Executive’s authority, duties or
responsibilities or a meaningful and detrimental change in his reporting
responsibilities;
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(2)
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A
material failure of Sun to comply with the compensation provisions as set
forth in Sections 3(a) - 3(c) (other than a reduction of compensation
uniformly applicable to other members of Senior Management or as a result
of disciplinary action against Executive) or a material failure of
Sun
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to
comply with the benefits provisions as set forth in Sections 3(d) - 3(g)
(collectively, the “Benefits”) (other than a reduction of Benefits
uniformly applicable to other members of senior management);
or
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(3)
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A
material relocation of Executive's principal work location to a place
other than Orange County or Los Angeles County,
California;
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provided that Sun is provided
with notice and opportunity to cure such breach and Executive terminates his
employment with Sun, in each case within the time periods prescribed under this
Section 5(c).
Notwithstanding
any provision of this Paragraph 5(c) to the contrary, the occurrence of a
“Change in Control” (as defined in Section 6 below) shall not, by itself,
constitute Good Reason hereunder.
(d)
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Voluntary
Resignation Without Good Reason. Executive may, at any
time at his option with thirty (30) calendar days written notice to Sun,
voluntarily resign without Good Reason as an officer and employee and from
all positions with Sun. Payment to Executive upon his voluntary
resignation without Good Reason is set forth in Section
6(a). Resignation from employment shall automatically
constitute resignation from all positions of any subsidiary or affiliated
corporation.
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(e)
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Death
or Disability. Executive's employment under this
Agreement shall terminate automatically as of the date of Executive's
death. Sun, at any time by written notice to Executive at least
five (5) business days prior to the date of termination specified in such
notice, terminate Executive as an officer and employee and from all other
positions with Sun by reason of his Disability. "Disability"
shall mean any physical or mental condition or illness that prevents
Executive from performing the essential duties of his position (where such
failure cannot be remedied with reasonable accommodation) for a period of
120 substantially consecutive calendar days, as determined by a physician
selected by Sun and reasonably acceptable to Executive or, if Executive is
incapacitated, reasonably acceptable to the Director of Medicine or
equivalent senior physician at a hospital of Executive's
choice. In addition, Executive's receipt of disability benefits
under Sun's long-term disability benefits plan or receipt of Social
Security disability benefits shall be deemed conclusive evidence of
Disability for purpose of this Agreement. Payment to Executive
upon his termination by reason of his death or Disability is set forth in
Section 6(d).
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Section
6: Payments
Upon Termination.
(a)
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Payment
Upon Termination for Good Cause, or Resignation without Good
Reason. In the event of termination of his employment
pursuant to Sections 5(a) or 5(d), Executive, or his estate where
applicable, shall be paid any earned but unpaid Base Salary through the
date of termination and any accrued but unused vacation through the date
of termination in accordance with Company
policy,
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which
shall be paid to Executive in a lump sum in cash upon or promptly
following (and in all events within 30 days after) the date of termination
of employment (collectively, the “Accrued
Obligations”).
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Executive
also shall receive his vested benefits in accordance with the terms of
Sun's compensation and benefit plans, and his participation in such plans
and all other perquisites shall cease as of the date of termination,
except to the extent Executive may elect to continue coverage as under any
welfare benefit plans as required by Part 6, Title I of the Employee
Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended. Upon a
termination under Section 5(a) or 5(d), Executive shall not be entitled to
any compensation or benefits under this Agreement except as set forth in
this Section 6(a).
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(b)
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Payment
Upon Termination by Sun without Good Cause or by Executive for Good
Reason. In the event of termination of employment
pursuant to Sections 5(b) or 5(c), Executive shall be entitled to a lump
sum severance payment in an amount equal to one (1) year Base Salary or,
in the event such termination occurs on or within two (2) years following
the change of a “Change in Control,” two (2) years Base Salary, with such
amount to be paid to Executive in the month immediately following the
month in which Executive’s termination of employment
occurs. Executive also shall be entitled to (i) any earned
Bonus pursuant to Section 3(b) for the fiscal year prior to the fiscal
year of termination in the event Executive was employed the entire prior
fiscal year but is not employed by Sun on the date said Bonus is paid,
payable to Executive in a lump sum in cash at the time that annual bonuses
are paid to senior management personnel with respect to that fiscal year,
but in any event within seventy-five (75) days after the conclusion of the
fiscal year to which such Bonus relates; (ii) a pro rata portion of the
Bonus for the fiscal year of termination (determined by multiplying the
amount Executive would have received based upon actual performance had his
employment continued through the end of the fiscal year by a fraction, the
numerator of which is the number of days during the year of termination
that Executive is employed by the Company and the denominator of which is
365 or 366, as applicable), payable to Executive at the time that annual
bonuses are paid to senior management personnel with respect to that
fiscal year, but in any event within seventy-five (75) days after the
conclusion of the fiscal year to which such Bonus relates; and (iii) any
Accrued Obligations payable to Executive as set forth in Section
6(a). Notwithstanding the foregoing, Executive's right to
receive the severance payment hereunder shall be conditioned upon his
execution of a release in favor of Sun, which shall not be inconsistent
with the terms of this Agreement and which Executive shall deliver to the
Company within twenty-one (21) days following the date of his termination
of employment. Executive's participation in any other
retirement and benefit plans and perquisites shall cease as of the date of
termination, except Executive and his eligible dependents (as determined
under Sun's health plan) shall be entitled to continuing coverage under
Sun's health plans on the same basis as active employees until the earlier
of (x) the first anniversary of the date of termination or (y) the date on
which Executive or his
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eligible
dependents become eligible to participate in a plan of a successor
employer.
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(c)
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"Change
in Control." For purposes of this Agreement, a "Change in Control"
shall be deemed to have occurred if any of the following events
occurs:
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(1)
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Any
"person" or "group" (within the meaning of Sections 13(d) and 14(d)(2) of
the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "1934 Act")), other
than a trustee or other fiduciary holding securities under an employee
benefit plan of Sun (an "Acquiring Person"), is or becomes the "beneficial
owner" (as defined in Rule 13d-3 under the 1934 Act), directly or
indirectly, of more than 33 1/3% of the then outstanding voting stock of
Sun;
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(2)
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A
merger or consolidation of Sun with any other corporation, other than a
merger or consolidation which would result in the voting securities of Sun
outstanding immediately prior thereto continuing to represent (either by
remaining outstanding or by being converted into voting securities of the
surviving entity) at least 51% of the combined voting power of the voting
securities of Sun or surviving entity outstanding immediately after such
merger or consolidation;
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(3)
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A
sale or other disposition by Sun of all or substantially all of Sun's
assets;
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(4)
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During
any period of two (2) consecutive years, individuals who at the beginning
of such period constitute the Board of Directors and any new director
(other than a director who is a representative or nominee of an Acquiring
Person) whose election by the Board of Directors or nomination for
election by Sun's shareholders was approved by a vote of at least a
majority of the directors then still in office who either were directors
at the beginning of the period or whose election or nomination was
previously so approved, no longer constitute a majority of the Board of
Directors;
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provided, however, in no
event shall any acquisition of securities, a change in the composition of the
Board of Directors or a merger or other consolidation pursuant to a plan of
reorganization under chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code with respect to Sun
(“Chapter 11 Plan”), or a liquidation under the Bankruptcy Code constitute a
Change in Control. In addition, notwithstanding Sections 6(c)(1),
6(c)(2), 6(c)(3) and 6(c)(4), a Change in Control shall not be deemed to have
occurred in the event of a sale or conveyance in which Sun continues as a
holding company of an entity or entities that conduct the business or businesses
formerly conducted by Sun, or any transaction undertaken for the purpose of
reincorporating Sun under the laws of another jurisdiction, if such transaction
does not materially affect the beneficial ownership of Sun's capital
stock. Executive's continued employment without objection following a
Change in Control shall not, by itself, constitute consent to or a waiver of
rights with respect to any circumstances constituting Good Reason
hereunder.
(d)
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Payment
Upon Termination for Death or Disability. In the event
of termination of his employment pursuant to Section 5(e), Executive, or
his
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estate
where applicable, shall be paid any Accrued Obligations payable as set
forth in Section 6(a).
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Executive,
or his estate where applicable, also shall receive his vested benefits
(including those that vest by reason of death or disability) in accordance
with the terms of Sun's compensation and benefit plans, and his
participation in such plans and all other perquisites shall cease as of
the date of termination, except to the extent Executive may elect to
continue coverage as under any welfare benefit plans as required by Part
6, Title I of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as
amended. Upon a termination under Section 5(e), Executive shall
not be entitled to any compensation or benefits under this Agreement
except as set forth in this Section
6(d).
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In
the event Employee is unable to work due to death or disability on the
date of payment of Bonus as required by Section 3(b) above, Executive or
his estate shall be paid any unpaid Bonus for the prior fiscal year which
shall be prorated based on the number of days of employment (including
holidays, vacation and sick days and weekends during the period of
employment) during the prior fiscal year divided by 365 or 366, as
applicable, which shall be paid in a lump sum in cash at the time that
annual bonuses are paid to senior management personnel with respect to
that fiscal year, but in any event within seventy-five (75) days after the
conclusion of the fiscal year to which such Bonus
relates. Executive also shall receive a pro rata portion (based
on the number of days of employment (including holidays, vacation and sick
days and weekends during the period of employment) in the fiscal year of
termination divided by 365 or 366, as applicable) of the Bonus, if any,
for the fiscal year in which the termination pursuant to Section 5(e)
occurs, which shall be paid in a lump sum in cash at the time that annual
bonuses are paid to senior management personnel with respect to that
fiscal year, but in any event within 75 days after the conclusion of the
fiscal year to which such Bonus
relates.
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Section
7: Additional
Payments.
(a)
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Gross-Up
Payments. Notwithstanding anything herein to the
contrary, if it is determined that any payment or distribution by Sun to
or for the benefit of the Executive (whether paid or payable or
distributed or distributable pursuant to the terms of this Agreement or
otherwise, but determined without regard to any additional payments
required under this Section 7) (a "Payment") would be subject to the
excise tax imposed by Section 4999 of the Internal Revenue Code or any
interest or penalties with respect to such excise tax (such excise tax,
together with any interest or penalties thereon, is herein referred to as
an "Excise Tax"), then Executive shall be entitled to an additional
payment (a "Gross-Up Payment") in an amount that will place Executive in
the same after-tax economic position that he would have enjoyed if the
Excise Tax had not applied to the
payment.
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(b)
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Determination
of Gross-Up Payment. Subject to the provisions of
Section 7(c), all determinations required under this Section 7, including
whether a Gross-Up Payment is required, the amount of the payments
constituting parachute payments, and the amount of the Gross-Up Payment
and the assumptions to be utilized in arriving at such determination,
shall be made by Sun’s independent auditors or such other certified public
accounting firm reasonably acceptable to Executive as may be designated by
Sun (the "Accounting Firm") which shall provide detailed supporting
calculations both to Sun and Executive within fifteen business days of
Executive’s date of termination or any other date reasonably requested by
Sun or Executive on which a determination under Section 7 is necessary or
advisable. Within five days of the receipt by Executive and Sun
of the Accounting Firm’s determination of the initial Gross-Up Payment,
Sun shall pay the amount of such Gross-Up Payment to the applicable taxing
authorities for the benefit of Executive. If the Accounting
Firm determines that no Excise Tax is payable by Executive, Sun shall
cause the Accounting Firm to provide Executive and Sun with an opinion
that Sun has substantial authority under the Internal Revenue Code and
regulations thereunder not to report an Excise Tax on Executive’s federal
income tax return. Any determination by the Accounting Firm
shall be binding upon Executive and Sun. 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 Sun should have
been made (“Underpayment”), consistent with the calculations required to
be made hereunder. In the event that Sun exhausts its remedies
pursuant to Section 7(c) and 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 Sun to the applicable taxing authorities for the benefit
of Executive (or directly to Executive in the event Executive previously
paid the related tax amounts).
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(c)
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Procedures. Executive
shall notify Sun in writing of any claim by the Internal Revenue Service
that, if successful, would require the payment by Sun of a Gross-Up
Payment. Such notice shall be given as soon as practicable
after Executive knows of such claim and Executive shall apprise Sun of the
nature of the claim and the date on which the claim is requested to be
paid. Executive agrees not to pay the claim until the
expiration of the thirty-day period following the date on which Executive
notifies Sun, or such shorter period ending on the date the taxes with
respect to such claim are due (the "Notice Period"). If Sun
notifies Executive in writing prior to the expiration of the Notice Period
that it desires to contest the claim, Executive shall: (i) give Sun any
information reasonably requested by Sun relating to the claim; (ii) take
such action in connection with the claim as Sun may reasonably request,
including, without limitation, accepting legal representation with respect
to such claim by an attorney reasonably selected by Sun and reasonably
acceptable to Executive; (iii) cooperate with Sun in good faith in
contesting the claim; and (iv) permit Sun to participate in any
proceedings relating to the claim. Executive shall permit Sun
to control all proceedings related to the claim and, at its option, permit
Sun to pursue or forgo any and all
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administrative
appeals, proceedings, hearings, and conferences with the taxing authority
in respect of such claim. If requested by Sun, Executive agrees
either to pay the tax claimed and xxx for a refund or contest the claim in
any permissible manner and 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 Sun shall determine; provided, however,
that if Sun directs Executive to pay such claim and pursue a refund, Sun
shall pay such claim on Executive’s behalf (the "Claim
Payment"). Sun’s control of the contest related to the claim
shall be limited to the issues related to the Gross-Up Payment and
Executive shall be entitled to settle or contest, as the case may be, any
other issue raised by the Internal Revenue Service or other taxing
authority. If Sun does not notify Executive in writing prior to
the end of the Notice Period of its desire to contest the claim, Sun shall
pay to the applicable taxing authorities on Executive’s behalf an
additional Gross-Up Payment in respect of the excess parachute payments
that are the subject of the claim. Any Gross-Up Payment shall
be made without additional tax consequences to
Executive.
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(d)
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Repayments. If,
after a Claim Payment is made by Sun, Executive becomes entitled to a
refund with respect to the claim to which such Claim Payment relates,
Executive shall pay Sun the amount of the refund (together with any
interest paid or credited thereon after taxes applicable
thereto). If, after a Claim Payment is made by Sun, a
determination is made that Executive shall not be entitled to any refund
with respect to the claim and Sun does not promptly notify Executive of
its intent to contest the denial of refund, then the amount of the Claim
Payment shall offset the amount of the additional Gross-Up Payment then
owing to Executive.
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(e)
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Further
Assurances. Sun shall indemnify Executive and hold him
harmless, on an after-tax basis, from any costs, expenses, penalties,
fines, interest or other liabilities (“Losses”) incurred by Executive with
respect to the exercise by Sun of any of its rights under Section 7,
including, without limitation, any Losses related to Sun’s decision to
contest a claim or any imputed income to him resulting from any Claim
Payment or action taken on Executive's behalf by Sun
hereunder. Sun shall pay all legal fees and expenses incurred
under Section 7 and shall promptly reimburse Executive for the reasonable
expenses incurred by him in connection with any actions taken by Sun or
required to be taken by Executive hereunder. Sun shall also pay
all of the fees and expenses of the Accounting Firm, including, without
limitation, the fees and expenses related to the opinion referred to in
Section 7(b).
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(f)
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Section
409A. Notwithstanding
anything to the contrary in this Section 7, any payment under this Section
7 shall be paid to Executive promptly but in no event later than the last
day of the end of Executive’s taxable year following the taxable year in
which Executive (or Sun) pays or remits the related
taxes.
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Section
8: Protection
of Sun's Interests.
(a)
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Confidentiality. Executive
agrees that he will not at any time, during or after the term of this
Agreement, except in performance of his obligations to Sun hereunder or
with the prior written consent of the Chief Executive Officer of Sun,
directly or indirectly disclose to any person or organization any secret
or "Confidential Information" that Executive may learn or has learned by
reason of his association with Sun. The term "Confidential
Information" means any information not previously disclosed to the public
or to the trade by Sun's management with respect to Sun's products,
services, business practices, facilities and methods, salary and benefit
information, legal matters and claims (asserted and unasserted), trade
secrets and other intellectual property, systems, procedures, manuals,
confidential reports, product price lists, pricing information, customer
lists, financial information (including revenues, costs or profits
associated with any of Sun's products or lines of business), business
plans, prospects or opportunities, compliance and clinical processes,
policies and procedures.
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(b)
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Exclusive
Property. Executive confirms that all Confidential
Information is and shall remain the exclusive property of
Sun. All business records, papers and documents kept or made by
Executive relating to the business of Sun shall be and remain the property
of Sun. Upon the termination of Executive's employment for any
reason or upon the request of Sun at any time, Executive shall promptly
deliver to Sun, and shall not without the consent of the Board of
Directors of Sun, retain copies of, Confidential Information, or any
written materials not previously made available to the public, or records
and documents made by Executive or coming into Executive's possession
concerning the business or affairs of
Sun.
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(c)
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Nonsolicitation. Executive
shall not, during his employment under this Agreement, and for two (2)
years following the termination of this Agreement, for whatever reason or
cause, in any manner induce, attempt to induce, or assist others to
induce, or attempt to induce, any employee, agent, representative or other
person associated with Sun or any customer, patient or client of Sun to
terminate his or her association or contract with Sun, nor in any manner,
directly or indirectly, interfere with the relationship between Sun and
any of such persons or entities.
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(d)
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Non-Disparagement. Executive
shall not during his employment under this Agreement and for two years
following termination of the Agreement, for whatever reason, make any
statements that are intended to or that would reasonably be expected to
harm Sun or any of its subsidiaries or affiliates, their respective
predecessors, successors, assigns and employees and their respective past,
present or future officers, directors, shareholders, employees, trustees,
fiduciaries, administrators, agents or representatives. Sun and
its officers and directors will not make any statements that are intended
to or that would reasonably be expected to harm Executive or his
reputation or that reflect negatively on Executive's performance, skills
or ability.
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(e)
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Relief. Without
intending to limit the remedies available to Sun, Executive acknowledges
that a breach of any of the covenants in Section 8 may result
in
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material
irreparable injury to Sun for which there is no adequate remedy at law,
that it will not be possible to measure damages for such injuries
precisely and that, in the event of such a breach or threat thereof, Sun
shall be entitled to obtain a temporary restraining order and/or a
preliminary or permanent injunction restraining Executive from engaging in
activities prohibited by Section 8 or such other relief as may be required
to specifically enforce any of the covenants in Section
8.
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Section
9: Taxes. Sun
shall withhold from any compensation and benefits payable under this Agreement
all applicable federal, state, local, and other withholding taxes.
Section
10: Miscellaneous
Provisions.
(a)
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Amendments,
Waivers, Etc. No provision of this Agreement may be
modified, waived or discharged unless such waiver, modification or
discharge is agreed to in writing signed by both parties. No
waiver by either party hereto at any time of any breach by the other party
hereto of, or compliance with, any condition or provision of this
Agreement to be performed by such other party shall be deemed a waiver of
similar or dissimilar provisions or conditions at the same or at any prior
or subsequent time.
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(b)
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Validity. The
invalidity or unenforceability of any provision of this Agreement shall
not affect the validity or enforceability of any other provision of this
Agreement, which shall remain in full force and
effect.
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(c)
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Entire
Agreement. This Agreement sets forth the entire
agreement and understanding of the parties hereto with respect to the
matters covered hereby and supersedes all prior agreements and
understandings of the parties with respect to the subject matter
hereof. No agreements or representations, oral or otherwise,
express or implied, with respect to the subject matter hereof have been
made by either party which are not expressly set forth in this Agreement
and this Agreement shall supersede all prior agreements, negotiations,
correspondence, undertakings and communications of the parties, oral or
written, with respect to the subject matter
hereof.
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(d)
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Resolution
of Disputes. Any disputes arising under or in connection
with this Agreement shall be resolved by binding arbitration, to be held
in Orange County, California in accordance with the National Rules for the
Resolution of Employment Disputes and procedures of the American
Arbitration Association. Executive and Sun shall mutually
select the arbitrator. If Executive and Sun cannot agree on the
selection of an arbitrator, each party shall select an arbitrator and the
two arbitrators shall select a third arbitrator who shall resolve the
dispute. The fees of the arbitrator and any administrative fees
of AAA shall be paid by Sun. Judgment upon the award rendered
by the arbitrator may be entered in any court having jurisdiction
thereof. Nothing herein shall limit the ability of Sun to
obtain the injunctive relief described in Section 8(d) pending final
resolution of matters that are sent to
arbitration.
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(e)
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Attorneys'
Fees. In the event Executive prevails on the merits on
any claim, action or proceeding: (i) contesting or otherwise relating to
the existence of Good Cause in the event of Executive's termination of
employment during the Term for Good Cause; (ii) enforcing any right,
benefit or obligation under this Agreement, or otherwise enforcing the
terms of this Agreement or any provision thereof; or (iii) asserting or
otherwise relating to the existence of Good Reason in the event of
Executive's termination of employment during the Term for Good Reason, Sun
shall pay or reimburse Executive on an after-tax basis for reasonable
costs and expenses (including, without limitation, court costs, costs of
arbitration and reasonable legal fees and expenses which reflect common
practice with respect to the matters involved) incurred by Executive as a
result of such claim, action or
proceeding.
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(f)
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Governing
Law. The validity, interpretation, construction and
performance of this Agreement shall be governed by the laws of the State
of California.
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(g)
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Notice. For
the purpose of this Agreement, notice, demands and all other communication
provided for in this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be deemed to
have been duly given when delivered by hand delivery or overnight courier
or mailed by United States certified or registered mail, return receipt
requested, postage prepaid, addressed as follows or to other addresses as
each party may have furnished to the
other:
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To
Sun:
Attention:
Chief Executive Officer
00000 Xxx
Xxxxxx Xxxxxx; Xxxxx 000
Xxxxxx,
Xxxxxxxxxx 00000
To
Executive:
Xxxxxxx
Xxxxxx
000 Xxxxx
Xxxxxxxxxx Xxxxxx
Xxx
Xxxxxxx, XX 00000
(h)
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Successors
and Assigns. This Agreement shall be binding upon and
shall inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and their respective
successors and assigns.
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(i)
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No
Claim Against Assets. Nothing in this Agreement shall be
construed as giving Executive any claim against any specific assets of Sun
or as imposing any trustee relationship upon Sun in respect of
Executive. Sun shall not be required to establish a special or
separate fund or to segregate any of its assets in order to provide for
the satisfaction of its obligations under this
Agreement. Executive's rights under this Agreement shall be
limited to those of an unsecured general creditor of Sun and its
affiliates.
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(j)
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Counterparts. This
Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which so
executed shall be deemed to be an original, and such counterparts will
together constitute but one
Agreement
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(k)
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Section
409A.
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(l)
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If
Executive is a “specified employee” within the meaning of Treasury
Regulation Section 1.409A-1(i) as of the date of Executive’s separation
from service (within the meaning of Treasury Regulation Section
1.409A-1(h)(1), without regard to the optional alternative definitions
available thereunder) and any payment or benefit provided in Section 6
hereof constitutes a “deferral of compensation” within the meaning of
Section 409A of the Code, Executive shall not be entitled to any such
payment or benefit until the earlier of: (i) the date which is six (6)
months after his separation from service for any reason other than death,
or (ii) the date of his death. The provisions of this paragraph
shall only apply if, and to the extent, required to avoid the imputation
of any tax, penalty or interest pursuant to Section 409A of the
Code. Any amounts otherwise payable to Executive upon or in the
six (6) month period following his separation from service that are not so
paid by reason of this Section 10(k)(1) shall be paid (without interest)
as soon as practicable (and in all events within thirty (30) days) after
the date that is six (6) months after Executive’s separation from service
(or, if earlier, as soon as practicable, and in all events within thirty
(30) days, after the date of his
death).
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(2)
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To
the extent that any reimbursements pursuant to Sections 4, 6(b), 7(e) and
10(e) are taxable to Executive, any reimbursement payment due to Executive
pursuant to such provision shall be paid to Executive on or before the
last day of Executive’s taxable year following the taxable year in which
the related expense was incurred. The benefits and
reimbursements pursuant to Sections 4, 6(b), 7(e) and 10(e) are not
subject to liquidation or exchange for another benefit and the amount of
such benefits and reimbursements that Executive receives in one taxable
year shall not affect the amount of such benefits and reimbursements that
Executive receives in any other taxable
year.
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(3)
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It
is intended that any amounts payable under this Agreement and Sun’s and
Executive’s exercise of authority or discretion hereunder shall comply
with and avoid the imputation of any tax, penalty or interest under
Section 409A of the Code. This Agreement shall be construed and
interpreted consistent with that
intent.
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IN
WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Agreement as of the date
first above written.
/s/
Xxxxxxx Xxxxxx
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XXXXXXX
XXXXXX
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SUN
HEALTHCARE GROUP, INC.
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By: /s/
Xxxxxxx X. Xxxxxx
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Xxxxxxx
X. Xxxxxx
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Its
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
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