EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT

Exhibit (10) (f)

EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT

THIS EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT (the "Agreement") dated October 5, 2000 ("Effective Date") between Xxxxxx X. Xxxxx ("Xxxxx") and Xxxxx Shoe Company, Inc., a New York corporation (as further defined in Section 15 ("Xxxxx").

WHEREAS, Xxxxx has been the Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Xxxxx; and

WHEREAS, Xxxxx desires to continue to be employed by Xxxxx in such positions and Xxxxx desires to retain Xxxxx in such positions; and

WHEREAS, Xxxxx believes it is essential that members of its Operating Committee, such as Xxxxx, be encouraged to remain with Xxxxx during management transition and thereafter and in the event there is any change in corporate structure which results in a Change in Control, as defined herein; and

WHEREAS, Xxxxx wishes to have the protection provided for in this Agreement and, in exchange for such protection, is willing to give to Xxxxx, under certain circumstances, his covenant not to compete.

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and of the mutual covenants and agreements hereinafter set forth, Xxxxx and Xxxxx covenant and agree as follows:

1. Definitions.

a. "Cause" means (i) engaging by Xxxxx in willful misconduct which is materially injurious to Xxxxx; (ii) conviction of Xxxxx of a felony; (iii) engaging by Xxxxx in fraud, material dishonesty or gross misconduct in connection with the business of Xxxxx; (iv) engaging by Xxxxx in any act of moral turpitude reasonably likely to materially and adversely affect Xxxxx or its business; or (v) habitual use by Xxxxx of narcotics or alcohol.

b. "Change of Control" means (i) any person other than Xxxxx acquiring more than 25 percent of Xxxxx'x Common Stock through a tender offer, exchange offer or otherwise; (ii) the liquidation or dissolution of Xxxxx following the sale of all or substantially all of its assets; or (iii) Xxxxx not being the surviving parent corporation resulting from any merger or consolidation to which it has been a party.

c. "Competitor" shall mean any person, firm, corporation, partnership or other entity which in its prior fiscal year had annual gross sales volume or revenues of shoes of more than $20,000,000 or is reasonably expected to have such sales or revenues in either the current fiscal year or the next following fiscal year.

d. "Confidential Information" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 13.

e. "Customer" shall mean any wholesale customer of Xxxxx which either purchased from Xxxxx during the one (1) year immediately preceding the Termination Date, or is reasonably expected by Xxxxx to purchase from Xxxxx in the one (1) period immediately following the Termination Date, more than $1,000,000 in shoes.

f. "Good Reason," when used with reference to a voluntary termination by Xxxxx of his employment with Xxxxx, shall mean (i) a reduction in Xxxxx'x base salary as in effect on the date hereof, or as the same may be increased from time to time; (ii) a reduction in Xxxxx'x status, position, responsibilities or duties; or (iii) notice of termination of this Agreement by the Company pursuant to Section 1.g. below, provided Employee terminates employment with the Company within six months of the expiration of the Term.

g. "Term" means the period commencing on the Effective Date and terminating one year after the Effective Date; provided, however, that the Term shall automatically be extended for successive additional one year periods unless either party to this Agreement provides the other party with notice of termination of this Agreement at least ninety (90) days prior to the expiration of the original one-year period or any one- year period thereafter.

h. "Termination Date" shall mean the effective date as provided hereunder of the termination of Xxxxx'x employment. 2. Employment. Xxxxx shall continue his current employment with Xxxxx and agrees to serve as the Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer. The provisions of this Agreement shall apply during the Term hereof.

3. Compensation. Subject to the terms of this Agreement, in consideration of Xxxxx'x agreements contained herein, for the period beginning January 30, 2000 and ending February 3, 2001, Xxxxx shall be paid base compensation of Twenty-Five Thousand Nine Hundred Sixty-One and 53/100 ($25,961.53) on a biweekly basis, or at an annual rate of no less than Six Hundred Seventy-Five Thousand ($675,000.00). After February 4, 2001, Xxxxx shall be paid base compensation at an annual rate mutually agreed upon between Xxxxx and Xxxxx. Compensation shall be paid in approximately equal installments no less frequently than monthly.

4. Incentive Payment. While serving as Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Xxxxx, Xxxxx shall be eligible to receive annually an incentive payment in accordance with the annual incentive plan of Xxxxx.

5. Termination During Term -- Change in Control Severance Inapplicable.

x. Xxxxx'x employment may be terminated by Xxxxx for Cause at any time, effective upon the giving to Xxxxx of a written notice of termination specifying in detail the particulars of the conduct of Xxxxx deemed by Xxxxx to justify such termination for Cause.

x. Xxxxx'x employment may be terminated by Xxxxx without Cause at any time, effective upon the giving to Xxxxx of a written notice of termination specifying that such termination is without Cause.

x. Xxxxx may terminate his employment with Xxxxx at any time.

d. Upon a termination by Xxxxx of Xxxxx'x employment for Cause during the Term, but prior to a Change in Control or more than 24 months after a Change in Control, Xxxxx shall be entitled only to the payments specified in Section 6.a. below. Upon a termination by Xxxxx of Xxxxx'x employment without Cause during the Term, but prior to a Change in Control or more than 24 months after a Change in Control, Xxxxx shall be entitled to all of the payments and benefits specified in Section 6 below.

e. If Xxxxx voluntarily terminates his employment during the Term, but prior to a Change in Control or more than 24 months after a Change in Control, he shall notify Xxxxx in writing if he believes the termination is for Good Reason. Xxxxx shall set forth in reasonable detail why Xxxxx believes there is Good Reason. If such termination is for Good Reason, Xxxxx shall be entitled to all of the payments and benefits specified in Section 6 below. If such voluntary termination is for other than Good Reason, then Xxxxx shall be entitled only to the payments specified in Section 6.a. below. 6. Payments and Benefits Upon Termination During Term -- Change in Control Severance Inapplicable. To the extent provided in Section 5 above, upon termination of his employment during the Term, but prior to a Change in Control or more than 24 months after a Change in Control, Xxxxx shall receive the following payments and benefits: a. The Company shall pay to Xxxxx on the Termination Date (i) the full base salary earned by Xxxxx through the Termination Date and unpaid at the Termination Date, plus (ii) credit for any vacation earned by Xxxxx but not taken at the Termination Date, plus (iii) all other amounts earned by Xxxxx and unpaid as of the Termination Date.

b. The Company shall continue to pay to Xxxxx his base monthly salary at the highest rate in effect at any time during the twelve months immediately preceding the Termination Date (including his targeted bonus in the current year) for the thirty-six months succeeding his Termination Date. Such amounts shall be paid in accordance with Xxxxx'x regular pay period policy for its employees.
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x. Xxxxx, at its expense, shall provide to Xxxxx for a period of thirty-six months after the Termination Date medical and/or dental coverage under the medical and dental plans maintained by Xxxxx. Upon Xxxxx'x re-employment during such period, to the extent covered by the new employer's plan, coverage under Xxxxx'x plan or plans shall lapse. Additionally, Xxxxx shall make a cash lump sum payment in an amount equal to the sum of (i), (ii) and (iii) below:
(i) the fair market value (determined as of the Termination Date) of that number of shares of non-vested restricted stock of Xxxxx held by Xxxxx which would have vested within the thirty-six-month period following Xxxxx'x Termination Date had Xxxxx remained employed with Xxxxx; plus

(ii) with respect to each non-vested option to purchase Xxxxx stock held by Xxxxx which would have vested within the thirty-six-month period following Xxxxx'x Termination Date had Xxxxx remained employed with Xxxxx , the excess, if any, of the fair market value (determined as of the Termination Date) of Xxxxx stock subject to such option over the exercise price of such option; plus

(iii) an amount such that after payment by Xxxxx of all income taxes imposed on such amount, Xxxxx retains an amount equal to the income taxes imposed upon the payments received in Sections 6.c.(i) and (ii) above.
Xxxxx'x participation in and/or coverage under all other employee benefit plans, programs or arrangements sponsored or maintained by Xxxxx shall cease effective as of the Termination Date.

x. Xxxxx shall pay the reasonable costs of outplacement services selected by Xxxxx.

e. For purposes of determining Xxxxx'x benefit under the Xxxxx Group, Inc. Supplemental Employment Retirement Plan, an additional three years of Credited Service shall be credited to Xxxxx'x actual or deemed Credited Service. 7. Termination Within 24 Months After a Change in Control Which Occurs During the Term. x. Xxxxx'x employment may be terminated by Xxxxx for Cause at any time, effective upon the giving to Xxxxx of written notice of termination specifying in detail the particulars of the conduct of Xxxxx deemed by Xxxxx to justify such termination for Cause.

x. Xxxxx'x employment may be terminated by Xxxxx without Cause at any time, effective upon the giving to Xxxxx of a written notice of termination specifying that such termination is without Cause.
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x. Xxxxx may terminate his employment with Xxxxx at any time.

d. Upon a termination by Xxxxx of Xxxxx'x employment for Cause within twenty-four months after a Change in Control which occurs during the Term, Xxxxx shall be entitled only to the payments specified in Section 8.a. below. Upon a termination by Xxxxx of Xxxxx'x employment without Cause within twenty-four months after a Change in Control which occurs during the Term, Xxxxx shall be entitled to all of the payments and benefits specified in Section 8 below.

e. If Xxxxx voluntarily terminates his employment within twenty-four months after a Change in Control which occurs during the Term, he shall notify Xxxxx in writing if he believes the termination is for Good Reason. Xxxxx shall set forth in reasonable detail why Xxxxx believes there is Good Reason. If such termination is for Good Reason, Xxxxx shall be entitled to all of the payments and benefits specified in Section 8 below. If such voluntary termination is for other than Good Reason, then Xxxxx shall be entitled only to the payments specified in Section 8.a. below. 8. Payments and Benefits Upon Termination Within 24 Months after a Change in Control Which Occurs During Term. To the extent provided in Section 7 above, upon termination of his employment within twenty-four months after a Change in Control which occurs during the Term, Xxxxx shall receive the following payments and benefits: x. Xxxxx shall pay to Xxxxx on the Termination Date (i) the full base salary earned by Xxxxx through the Termination Date and unpaid at the Termination Date, plus (ii) credit for any vacation earned by Xxxxx but not taken at the Termination Date, plus (iii) all other amounts earned by Xxxxx and unpaid as of the Termination Date.

x. Xxxxx shall pay to Xxxxx in a lump sum not later than thirty (30) days after his Termination Date an amount equal to 500 percent of the sum of (i) his base annual salary at the highest rate in effect at any time during the twelve months immediately preceding the Termination Date, and (ii) his targeted bonus for the current year. In addition, Xxxxx shall pay to Xxxxx his targeted bonus payment for the year of termination prorated to the Termination Date.

c. The Company, at its expense, shall provide to Xxxxx for a period of sixty months after the Termination Date medical and/or dental coverage under the medical and dental plans maintained by Xxxxx. Upon Xxxxx'x re-employment during such period, to the extent covered by the new employer's plan, coverage under Xxxxx'x plan or plans shall lapse. Xxxxx'x participation in and/or coverage under all other employee benefit plans, programs or arrangements sponsored or maintained by Xxxxx shall cease effective as of the Termination Date.

x. Xxxxx shall pay the reasonable costs of outplacement services selected by Xxxxx.
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e. For purposes of determining Xxxxx'x benefit under the Xxxxx Group, Inc. Supplemental Employment Retirement Plan, an additional five years of Credited Service shall be credited to Xxxxx'x actual or deemed Credited Service. x. Xxxxx shall pay Xxxxx in a lump sum not later than thirty days after his Termination Date an amount such that after payment by Xxxxx of all taxes, including, without limitation, any income taxes imposed on such amounts, Xxxxx retains an amount equal to the income taxes imposed upon amounts recognized by Xxxxx due to the accelerated vesting of any restricted stock or amounts payable under the Xxxxx Group, Inc. Supplemental Employment Retirement Plan.

9. Mitigation or Reduction of Benefits. Xxxxx shall not be required to mitigate the amount of any payment provided for in Section 6 or Section 8 by seeking other employment or otherwise. Except as otherwise specifically set forth herein, the amount of any payment or benefits provided in Section 6 or Section 8 shall not be reduced by any compensation or benefits or other amounts paid to or earned by Xxxxx as the result of employment by another employer after the Termination Date or otherwise.

10. Xxxxx Expenses After Change in Control. If Xxxxx'x employment is terminated by Xxxxx within 24 months after a Change in Control which occurs during the Term and there is a dispute with respect to this Agreement, then all Xxxxx'x costs and expenses (including reasonable legal and accounting fees) incurred by Xxxxx (a) to defend the validity of this Agreement, (b) if Xxxxx'x employment has been terminated for Cause, to contest such termination, (c) to contest any determinations by Xxxxx concerning the amounts payable by Xxxxx under this Agreement, or (d) to otherwise obtain or enforce any right or benefit provided to Xxxxx by this Agreement, shall be paid by Xxxxx if Xxxxx is the prevailing party.

11. Release. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary stated in this Agreement, no benefits will be paid pursuant to Sections 6 and 8 except under Sections 6.a. and 8.a. prior to execution by Xxxxx of a release to Xxxxx in the form attached as Exhibit A.

12. Covenant Not to Compete. Benefits payable pursuant to Sections 6.b, 6.c, and 6.e are subject to the following restrictions.

a. Post-Termination Restrictions.

x. Xxxxx acknowledges that (i) Xxxxx has spent substantial money, time and effort over the years in developing and solidifying its relationships with its Customers throughout the world and in developing its Confidential Information; and (ii) under this Agreement, Xxxxx is agreeing to provide Xxxxx with certain benefits based upon Xxxxx'x assurances and promises contained herein not to divert Xxxxx'x Customers' goodwill or to put himself in a position following his employment with Xxxxx in which the confidentiality of Xxxxx'x Confidential Information might somehow be compromised.
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ii. Accordingly, Xxxxx agrees that, for thirty-six (36) months after a Termination Date described in the second sentence of Section 5.d, Xxxxx will not, directly or indirectly, on Xxxxx'x own behalf or on behalf of any other person, firm, corporation or entity (whether as owner, partner, consultant, employee or otherwise):
A. provide any executive- or managerial-level services in the shoe industry in the United States in competition with Xxxxx, for any Competitor;

B. hold any executive- or managerial-level position with any Competitor in the United States;

C. engage in any research and development activities or efforts for a Competitor, whether as an employee, consultant, independent contractor or otherwise, to assist the Competitor in competing in the shoe industry in the United States;

D. cause or attempt to cause any Customer to divert, terminate, limit, modify or fail to enter into any existing or potential relationship with Xxxxx;

E. cause or attempt to cause any shoe supplier or manufacturer of Xxxxx to divert, terminate, limit, modify or fail to enter into any existing or potential relationship with Xxxxx; and

F. solicit, entice, employ or seek to employ, in the shoe industry, any executive- or managerial-level Xxxxx of, or any consultant or advisor to, Xxxxx.
b. Acknowledgment Regarding Restrictions. Xxxxx recognizes and agrees that the restraints contained in Section 12.a. (both separately and in total) are reasonable and should be fully enforceable in view of the high-level positions Xxxxx has had with Xxxxx, the national and international nature of both Xxxxx'x business and competition in the shoe industry, and Xxxxx'x legitimate interests in protecting its Confidential Information and its Customer goodwill and relationships. Xxxxx specifically hereby acknowledges and confirms that he is willing and intends to, and will, abide fully by the terms of Section 12.a. of this Agreement. Xxxxx further agrees that Xxxxx would not have adequate protection if Xxxxx were permitted to work for its competitors in violation of the terms of this Agreement since Xxxxx would be unable to verify whether (i) its Confidential Information was being disclosed and/or misused, and (ii) Xxxxx was involved in diverting or helping to divert Xxxxx'x Customers and/or its Customer goodwill.
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c. Company's Right to Injunctive Relief. In the event of a breach or threatened breach of any of Xxxxx'x duties and obligations under the terms and provisions of Section 12.a. of this Agreement, Xxxxx shall be entitled, in addition to any other legal or equitable remedies it may have in connection therewith (including any right to damages that it may suffer), to temporary, preliminary and permanent injunctive relief restraining such breach or threatened breach. Xxxxx hereby expressly acknowledges that the harm which might result to Xxxxx'x business as a result of noncompliance by Xxxxx with any of the provisions of Section 12.a. would be largely irreparable. Xxxxx specifically agrees that if there is a question as to the enforceability of any of the provisions of Section 12.a. hereof, Xxxxx will not engage in any conduct inconsistent with or contrary to such Section until after the question has been resolved by a final judgment of a court of competent jurisdiction. Xxxxx undertakes and agrees that if Xxxxx breaches or threatens to breach the Agreement, Xxxxx shall be liable for any attorneys' fees and costs incurred by Company in enforcing its rights hereunder.

x. Xxxxx Agreement to Disclose this Agreement. Xxxxx agrees to disclose, during the thirty-six month period following a Termination Date described in the second sentence of Section 5.d, the terms of this Section 12 to any potential future employer. 13. Confidential Information. Xxxxx acknowledges and confirms that certain data and other information (whether in human or machine readable form) that comes into his possession or knowledge (whether before or after the date of this Agreement) and which was obtained from Xxxxx, or obtained by Xxxxx for or on behalf of Xxxxx, and which is identified herein is the secret, confidential property of Xxxxx (the "Confidential Information"). This Confidential Information includes, but is not limited to: a. lists or other identification of customers or prospective customers of Xxxxx (and key individuals employed or engaged by such parties);

b. lists or other identification of sources or prospective sources of Xxxxx'x products or components thereof (and key individuals employed or engaged by such parties);

c. all compilations of information, correspondence, designs, drawings, files, formulae, lists, machines, maps, methods, models, notes or other writings, plans, records, regulatory compliance procedures, reports, specialized or technical data, schematics, source code, object code, documentation, and software used in connection with the development, manufacture, fabrication, assembly, marketing and sale of Xxxxx'x products;

d. financial, sales and marketing data relating to Xxxxx or to the industry or other areas pertaining to Xxxxx'x activities and contemplated activities (including, without limitation, manufacturing, transportation, distribution and sales costs and non-public pricing information);
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e. equipment, materials, procedures, processes, and techniques used in, or related to, the development, manufacture, assembly, fabrication or other production and quality control of Xxxxx'x products and services;

x. Xxxxx'x relations with its customers, prospective customers, suppliers and prospective suppliers and the nature and type of products or services rendered to such customers (or proposed to be rendered to prospective customers);

x. Xxxxx'x relations with its employees (including, without limitation, salaries, job classifications and skill levels); and

h. any other information designated by Xxxxx to be confidential, secret and/or proprietary (including without limitation, information provided by customers or suppliers of Xxxxx). Notwithstanding the foregoing, the term "Confidential Information" shall not consist of any data or other information which has been made publicly available or otherwise placed in the public domain other than by Xxxxx in violation of this Agreement.

14. Certain Additional Payments by Xxxxx. a. Anything in this Agreement to the contrary notwithstanding and except as set forth below, in the event it shall be determined that any payment or distribution by Xxxxx to or for the benefit of Xxxxx (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) (a "Payment") would be subject to the excise tax imposed by Section 4999 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"), or any interest or penalties are incurred by Xxxxx with respect to such excise tax (such excise tax, together with any such interest and penalties, are hereinafter collectively referred to as the "Excise Tax"), then Xxxxx shall be entitled to receive an additional payment (a "Gross-Up Payment") in an amount such that after payment by Xxxxx of all taxes (including any interest or penalties imposed with respect to such taxes), including, without limitation, any income taxes (and any interest and penalties imposed with respect thereto) and Excise Tax imposed upon the Gross-Up Payment, Xxxxx retains an amount of the Gross-Up Payment equal to the Excise Tax imposed upon the Payments. Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this Section 14.a., if it shall be determined that Xxxxx is entitled to a Gross-Up Payment, but that the Payments do not exceed 110 percent of the greatest amount (the "Reduced Amount") that could be paid to Xxxxx such that the receipt of Payments would not give rise to any Excise Tax, then no Gross-Up Payment shall be made to Xxxxx, and the Payments, in the aggregate, shall be reduced to the Reduced Amount.

b. Subject to the provisions of Section 14.c., all determinations required to be made under this Section 14, including whether and when a Gross-Up Payment is
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required and the amount of such Gross-Up Payment and the assumptions to be utilized in arriving at such determination, shall be made by Ernst & Young or such other certified public accounting firm as may be designated by Xxxxx (the "Accounting Firm") which shall provide detailed supporting calculations both to Xxxxx and Xxxxx within 15 business days of the receipt of notice from Xxxxx that there has been a Payment, or such earlier time as is requested by Xxxxx. In the event that the Accounting Firm is serving as accountant or auditor for the individual, entity or group effecting the Change of Control, Xxxxx shall appoint another nationally recognized accounting firm to make the determinations required hereunder (which accounting firm shall then be referred to as the Accounting Firm hereunder). All fees and expenses of the Accounting Firm shall be borne solely by Xxxxx. Any Xxxxx-Up Payment, as determined pursuant to this Section 14, shall be paid by Xxxxx to Xxxxx within five days of the receipt of the Accounting Firm's determination. Any determination by the Accounting Firm shall be binding upon Xxxxx and Xxxxx. 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 Xxxxx should have been made ("Underpayment"), consistent with the calculations required to be made hereunder. In the event that Xxxxx exhausts its remedies pursuant to Section
14.c. and Xxxxx 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 Xxxxx to or for the benefit of Xxxxx.

x. Xxxxx shall notify Xxxxx in writing of any claim by the Internal Revenue Service that, if successful, would require the payment by Xxxxx of the Gross-Up Payment. Such notification shall be given as soon as practicable but no later than ten business days after Xxxxx is informed in writing of such claim and shall apprise Xxxxx of the nature of such claim and the date on which such claim is requested to be paid. Xxxxx shall not pay such claim prior to the expiration of the 30-day period following the date on which Xxxxx gives such notice to Xxxxx (or such shorter period ending on the date that any payment of taxes with respect to such claim is due). If Xxxxx notifies Xxxxx in writing prior to the expiration of such period that it desires to contest such claim, Xxxxx shall:
i. give Xxxxx any information reasonably requested by Xxxxx relating to such claim,

ii. take such action in connection with contesting such claim as Xxxxx shall reasonably request in writing from time to time, including, without limitation, accepting legal representation with respect to such claim by an attorney reasonably selected by Xxxxx,

iii. cooperate with Xxxxx in good faith in order to effectively contest such claim, and
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iv. permit Xxxxx to participate in any proceedings relating to such claim;
provided, however, that Xxxxx shall bear and pay directly all costs and expenses (including additional interest and penalties) incurred in connection with such contest and shall indemnify and hold Xxxxx harmless, on an after-tax basis, for any Excise Tax or income tax (including interest and penalties with respect thereto) imposed as a result of such representation and payment of costs and expenses. Without limitation on the foregoing provisions of this Section 14.c., Xxxxx shall control all proceedings taken in connection with such contest and, at its sole option, may pursue or forgo any and all administrative appeals, proceedings, hearings and conferences with the taxing authority in respect of such claim and may, at its sole option, either direct Xxxxx to pay the tax claimed and xxx for a refund or contest the claim in any permissible manner, and Xxxxx agrees to prosecute such contest to a determination before any administrative tribunal, in a court of initial jurisdiction and in one or more appellate courts, as Xxxxx shall determine; provided, however, that if Xxxxx directs Xxxxx to pay such claim and xxx for a refund, Xxxxx shall advance the amount of such payment to Xxxxx, on an interest-free basis and shall indemnify and hold Xxxxx harmless, on an after-tax basis, from any Excise Tax or income tax (including interest or penalties with respect thereto) imposed with respect to such advance or with respect to any imputed income with respect to such advance; and further provided that any extension of the statute of limitations relating to payment of taxes for the taxable year of Xxxxx with respect to which such contested amount is claimed to be due is limited solely to such contested amount. Furthermore, Xxxxx'x control of the contest shall be limited to issues with respect to which a Gross-Up Payment would be payable hereunder and Xxxxx shall be entitled to settle or contest, as the case may be, any other issue raised by the Internal Revenue Service or any other taxing authority.

d. If, after the receipt by Xxxxx of an amount advanced by Xxxxx pursuant to Section 14.c., Xxxxx becomes entitled to receive any refund with respect to such claim, Xxxxx shall (subject to Xxxxx'x complying with the requirements of Section 14.c.) promptly pay to Xxxxx the amount of such refund (together with any interest paid or credited thereon after taxes applicable thereto). If, after the receipt by Xxxxx of an amount advanced by Xxxxx pursuant to Section 14.c., a determination is made that Xxxxx shall not be entitled to any refund with respect to such claim and Xxxxx does not notify Xxxxx in writing of its intent to contest such denial of refund prior to the expiration of 30 days after such determination, then such advance shall be forgiven and shall not be required to be repaid and the amount of such advance shall offset, to the extent thereof, the amount of Gross-Up Payment required to be paid. 15. Notice. All notices hereunder shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been duly given (a) when delivered personally or by courier, or (b) on the third business day following the mailing thereof by registered or certified mail, postage prepaid, or (c) on the first business day following the mailing thereof by overnight delivery service, in each case addressed as set forth below:

a. If to Xxxxx:

                                    Xxxxx Shoe Company, Inc.
                                    0000 Xxxxxxxx Xxxxxx
                                    Xx. Xxxxx, Xxxxxxxx 00000-0000
                                    Attention: General Counsel

b. If to Xxxxx:

                                    Xxxxxx X. Xxxxx
                                    00 Xxxxxxx Xxxx
                                    Xx. Xxxxx, Xxxxxxxx 00000

Any party may change the address to which notices are to be addressed by giving the other party written notice in the manner herein set forth.

16. Successors; Binding Agreement. x. Xxxxx will require any successor (whether direct or indirect, by purchase, merger, consolidation or otherwise) to all or substantially all of the business and/or assets of Xxxxx, upon or prior to such succession, to expressly assume and agree to perform this Agreement in the same manner and to the same extent that Xxxxx would have been required to perform it if no such succession had taken place. A copy of such assumption and agreement shall be delivered to Xxxxx promptly after its execution by the successor. Failure of Xxxxx to obtain such agreement upon or prior to the effectiveness of any such succession shall be a breach of this Agreement and shall entitle Xxxxx to benefits from Xxxxx in the same amounts and on the same terms as Xxxxx would be entitled hereunder if Xxxxx terminated his employment for Good Reason. For purposes of the preceding sentence, the date on which any such succession becomes effective shall be deemed the Termination Date. As used in this Agreement, "Company" shall mean Xxxxx as hereinbefore defined and any successor to its business and/or assets as aforesaid which executes and delivers the agreement provided for in this Section 16.a. or which otherwise becomes bound by the terms and provisions of this Agreement by operation of law.

b. This Agreement is personal to Xxxxx and Xxxxx may not assign or delegate any part of his rights or duties hereunder to any other person, except that this Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be enforceable by Xxxxx'x legal representatives, executors, administrators, heirs and beneficiaries. 17. Severability. If any provision of this Agreement or the application thereof to any person or circumstance shall to any extent be held to be invalid or unenforceable, the remainder of this Agreement and the application of such provision to persons or circumstances other than those as to which it is held invalid or unenforceable shall not be affected thereby, and each provision of this Agreement shall be valid and enforceable to the fullest extent permitted by law.

18. Headings. The headings in this Agreement are inserted for convenience of reference only and shall not in any way affect the meaning or interpretation of this Agreement.

19. Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in one or more identical counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original but all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument.

20. Waiver. Neither any course of dealing nor any failure or neglect of either party hereto in any instance to exercise any right, power or privilege hereunder or under law shall constitute a waiver of such right, power or privilege or of any other right, power or privilege or of the same right, power or privilege in any other instance. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, Xxxxx'x continued employment without objection shall not constitute Xxxxx'x consent to, or a waiver of Xxxxx'x rights with respect to, any circumstances constituting Good Reason. All waivers by either party hereto must be contained in a written instrument signed by the party to be charged therewith, and, in the case of Xxxxx, by its duly authorized officer.

21. Entire Agreement. This instrument constitutes the entire agreement of the parties in this matter and shall supersede any other agreement between the parties, oral or written, concerning the same subject matter (including, but not limited to, the following agreements executed by the parties: (i) the Severance Agreement dated July 27, 1998, (ii) the Employment Agreement dated May 14, 1998, and (iii) the First Amendment to the Employment Agreement dated July 27, 1998.)

22. Amendment. This Agreement may be amended only by a writing which makes express reference to this Agreement as the subject of such amendment and which is signed by Xxxxx and by a duly authorized officer of Xxxxx.

23. Governing Law. In light of Xxxxx'x and Xxxxx'x substantial contacts with the State of Missouri, the facts that Xxxxx is headquartered in Missouri and Xxxxx resides in and/or reports to Xxxxx management in Missouri, the parties' interests in ensuring that disputes regarding the interpretation, validity and enforceability of this Agreement are resolved on a uniform basis, and Xxxxx'x execution of, and the making of, this Agreement in Missouri, the parties agree that: (i) any litigation involving any noncompliance with or breach of the Agreement, or regarding the interpretation, validity and/or enforceability of the Agreement, shall be filed and conducted exclusively in the state or federal courts in St. Louis City or County, Missouri; and (ii) the Agreement shall be interpreted in accordance with and governed by the laws of the State of Missouri, without regard for any conflict of law principles.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Xxxxx and Xxxxx have executed this Agreement as of the day and year first above written.

XXXXX SHOE COMPANY, INC.

By: /s/ Xxxxxx X. Xxxxx

XXXXXX X. XXXXX

/s/ Xxxxxx X. Xxxxx
Chair, Compensation Committee

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EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT

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