EXECUTIVE EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT
Exhibit
10.1
This
EXECUTIVE EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT (the “Agreement”) is dated as of February 24,
2006, between Kaman Corporation, a Connecticut corporation (the “Company”), and
Xxxx X. Xxxx (the “Executive”).
W
I T N E
S S E T H:
WHEREAS,
the Executive is currently employed as the President and Chief Executive
Officer
of the Company and serves as Chairman of the Board of Directors of the
Company;
WHEREAS,
the Company has offered to continue employing the Executive on the terms
set
forth below; and
WHEREAS,
the Executive has agreed to continued employment with the Company on the
terms
as set forth below;
NOW
THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing, of the mutual promises contained
herein and of other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency
of which are hereby acknowledged, the parties hereto hereby agree as
follows:
1. EMPLOYMENT
TERM. The Executive’s term of employment under this Agreement shall be for a
term commencing on February 21, 2006 (the “Effective Date”) and, unless
terminated earlier as provided in Section 7 hereof, ending on the second
anniversary of the Effective Date (such term of employment is herein referred
to
as the “Employment Term”).
2. POSITION
& DUTIES.
(a) Except
as
provided in Section 2(b) below, the Executive shall serve as the Company’s
President and Chief Executive Officer during the Employment Term. As President
and Chief Executive Officer, the Executive shall have such duties, authorities
and responsibilities commensurate with the duties, authorities and
responsibilities of persons in similar capacities in similarly sized companies
and such other duties and responsibilities as the Company’s Board of Directors
(the “Board”) shall designate that are consistent with the Executive’s position
as President and Chief Executive Officer.
(b) The
Executive shall relinquish his respective titles as President, Chief Executive
Officer or both effective as of a date or dates (if applicable) designated
by
the Board in connection with the appointment of a successor (or successors,
if
applicable) (the date on which a new President or Chief Executive Officer
is
appointed being the “Succession Date”). During the period commencing on the
Succession Date and ending on the last day of the Employment Term (the
“Transition Period”), the Executive shall serve the Company as an executive
employee with the title of Chairman, and shall have the title of President
or
Chief Executive Officer, as applicable, to the extent that such other title
is
not then given to the individual appointed by the Board as of the Succession
Date to succeed the Executive in either of such positions and the Executive
shall retain such title until the Board takes action to give such title to
the
individual appointed on the Succession Date or to any other individual the
Board
shall determine (it being understood that the subsequent appointment of an
individual to serve as President or Chief Executive Officer following the
Succession Date shall not constitute "Good Reason" hereunder). The Executive’s
duties and responsibilities during the Transition Period shall consist of
reasonably assisting the Company and its new President and Chief Executive
Officer (the “New CEO”) as directed by the Board and the New CEO in the senior
management transition. The Executive’s compensation and benefits during the
Transition Period shall be the same as in effect during the Employment Term
immediately prior to the Succession Date.
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(c) During
the Employment Term, the Executive shall use his best reasonable efforts
to
perform faithfully and efficiently the duties and responsibilities assigned
to
the Executive hereunder and devote substantially all of the Executive’s business
time (excluding periods of vacation and other approved leaves of absence)
to the
performance of the Executive’s duties with the Company, provided the foregoing
shall not prevent the Executive from (i) participating in charitable, civic,
educational, professional, community or industry affairs or, with prior written
approval of the Board, serving on the board of directors or advisory boards
of
other companies; and (ii) managing the Executive’s and the Executive’s family’s
personal investments so long as such activities do not materially interfere
with
the performance of the Executive’s duties hereunder or create a potential
business conflict or the appearance thereof. If at any time service on any
board
of directors or advisory board would, in the good faith judgment of the Board,
conflict with the Executive’s fiduciary duty to the Company or create any
appearance thereof, the Executive shall promptly resign from such other board
of
directors or advisory board after written notice of the conflict is received
from the Board.
(d) The
Executive further agrees to serve without additional compensation as an officer
and director of any of the Company’s subsidiaries and agrees that any amounts
received from any such corporation may be offset against the amounts due
hereunder. In addition, it is agreed that the Company may assign the Executive
to one of its subsidiaries for payroll purposes, but such assignment shall
not
relieve the Company of its obligations hereunder.
3. BASE
SALARY. The Company agrees to pay the Executive a base salary (the “Base
Salary”) during the Employment Period at an annual rate of $900,000 (subject to
possible increase if the Board, in its sole discretion, so determines), payable
in accordance with the regular payroll practices of the Company, but not
less
frequently than monthly.
4. BONUSES.
The Executive shall be eligible to participate in the Company’s bonus and other
incentive compensation plans and programs for the Company’s senior executives at
a level commensurate with his position for the 2006 and 2007 calendar year.
The
Executive shall have the opportunity to earn an annual target bonus measured
against performance criteria to be determined by the Board (or a committee
thereof) of at least 80% of Base Salary in accordance with the terms of the
Company’s bonus plan as then in effect.
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5. EQUITY
AWARDS. The
Executive shall be eligible to receive additional grants of stock options,
stock
appreciation rights, restricted stock and other equity awards at the sole
discretion of the Board or the Personnel and Compensation Committee (the
“Committee”). The
Executive shall be subject to, and shall comply with, the stock ownership
guidelines of the Company as may be in effect from time to time. If
there
is a Change in Control (as defined in the Kaman Corporation 2003 Stock Incentive
Plan in effect on the date hereof) or the Executive’s employment by the Company
is terminated by the Company for Disability (as defined in Section 7(a))
or
without Cause (as defined in Section 7(c), or by the Executive for Good Reason
(as defined in Section 7(e)), Retirement (as defined in Section 7(g) or due
to
death, all then outstanding unvested equity awards granted to the Executive,
whether under this Agreement or otherwise, shall be fully vested.
6. EMPLOYEE
BENEFITS.
(a) BENEFIT
PLANS. The Executive shall be entitled to participate in all employee benefit
plans of the Company including, but not limited to, pension, thrift, profit
sharing, medical coverage, education, other retirement or welfare benefits
and
perquisites (as approved by the Committee) that the Company has adopted or
may
adopt, maintain or contribute to for the benefit of its senior executives
at a
level commensurate with the Executive’s positions subject to satisfying the
applicable eligibility requirements. The Executive agrees and acknowledges
that
he shall only be entitled to defined pension benefits under the Kaman
Corporation Supplemental Employees’ Retirement Plan, as amended by the Sixth
Amendment (as so amended, the “SERP”), and the Kaman Corporation Employees’
Pension Plan. No amendment or termination of the SERP subsequent to the date
of
this Agreement shall adversely affect the Executive’s rights thereunder without
his prior written consent.
(b) VACATION.
The Executive shall be entitled to up to 4 weeks paid vacation per year.
Vacation may be taken at such times as the Executive elects with due regard
to
the needs of the Company. Unused vacation at the end of a calendar year shall
be
forfeited.
(c) AUTOMOBILE.
The Company shall continue to provide the Executive with a leased automobile
as
approved by the Committee.
(d) BUSINESS
AND ENTERTAINMENT EXPENSES. Upon presentation of appropriate documentation,
the
Executive shall be reimbursed in accordance with the Company’s expense
reimbursement policy for all reasonable and necessary business and entertainment
expenses incurred in connection with the performance of the Executive’s duties
hereunder.
(e) CERTAIN
AMENDMENTS. Nothing herein shall be construed to prevent the Company from
amending, altering, eliminating or reducing any plans, benefits or programs
so
long as the Executive continues to receive compensation and benefits consistent
with Sections 3 through 6.
7. TERMINATION.
The Executive’s employment and the Employment Term shall terminate on the first
of the following to occur:
(a) DISABILITY.
Upon written notice by the Company to the Executive of termination due to
Disability, while the Executive remains Disabled. For purposes of this
Agreement, “Disability” shall be deemed the reason for the termination by the
Company of the Executive’s employment, if, as a result of the Executive
incapacity due to physical or mental illness, the Executive shall have been
absent from fully performing his duties with the Company for a period of
6
consecutive months, the Company shall have provided a notice of termination
under this Section 7(a), and, within thirty days after such notice being
given,
the Executive shall not have returned to the fully performing his duties
hereunder.
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(b) DEATH.
Automatically on the date of death of the Executive.
(c) CAUSE.
Immediately upon written notice by the Company to the Executive of a termination
for Cause. “Cause” shall mean (i) Executive’s conviction of (or a plea of guilty
or nolo contendere to) a felony or any crime involving moral turpitude,
dishonesty, fraud, theft or financial impropriety; or (ii) a determination
by a
majority of the Board in good faith that Executive has (A) willfully and
continuously failed to perform substantially the Executive’s duties (other than
any such failure resulting from the Executive’s Disability or incapacity due to
bodily injury or physical or mental illness), after a written demand for
substantial performance is delivered to the Executive by the Board that
specifically identifies the manner in which the Board believes that the
Executive has not substantially performed the Executive’s duties, (B) engaged in
illegal conduct, an act of dishonesty or gross misconduct in the course of
his
employment materially injurious to the Company, or (C) willfully violated
a
material requirement of the Company’s code of conduct or his fiduciary duty to
the Company. No act or failure to act on the part of the Executive shall
be
considered “willful” unless it is done, or omitted to be done, by the Executive
in bad faith and without reasonable belief that the Executive’s action or
omission was in, or not opposed to, the best interests of the Company.
Notwithstanding
the forgoing, Cause
shall
not
include any act or omission of which the Audit Committee of the Board (or
the
full Board) has had actual knowledge of all material facts related thereto
for
at least 90 days without asserting that the act or omission constitutes
Cause.
(d) WITHOUT
CAUSE. Upon written notice by the Company to the Executive of an involuntary
termination without Cause and other than due to death or Disability. In
addition, the termination of the Executive’s employment after the Succession
Date with the Board’s consent shall be treated as employment termination without
Cause. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Agreement,
or
any other plan of the Company or its affiliates in which the Executive
participates or agreement between the Executive and the Company or any of
its
affiliates, the Executive’s cessation of service as the President and Chief
Executive Officer and the appointment the New CEO shall not (i) serve as
the
basis for a claim of breach or constructive termination without Cause under
this
Agreement or otherwise, or (ii) be grounds for the Executive to terminate
employment for “Good Reason” (as defined under Section 7(e) below).
(e) GOOD
REASON. Upon written notice by the Executive to the Company of a termination
for
Good Reason, unless such events are corrected in all material respects by
the
Company within 30 days following written notification by the Executive to
the
Company, that the Executive intends to terminate the Executive’s employment
hereunder for one of the reasons set forth below. “Good Reason” shall mean,
without the Executive’s express written consent, the occurrence of any of the
following events:
(1) the
Company removing the Executive from the position of Chairman without his
prior
written consent (other
than for Cause) prior to February 21, 2008;
(2) except
as
contemplated under Section 2(b) (regarding appointment of a successor),
the
Company removing the Executive from the position of President, Chief Executive
Officer or both without his prior written consent (other
than for Cause);
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(3) a
reduction of Base Salary or other compensation to which the Executive is
entitled to under any Company plan , policy, program or arrangement (subject
to
Section 6(e) hereof) or failure to pay compensation or benefits provided
or
referred to under this Agreement after a reasonable opportunity to
cure;
(4) the
Executive being required to relocate to a principal place of employment more
than 50 miles from the Executive’s principal place of employment with the
Company as of the Effective Date;
(5) the
assignment of duties to the Executive that are materially inconsistent with
the
Executive’s position as Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer prior to
the Transition Period;
(6) the
assignment of duties to the Executive during the Transition Period that are
materially inconsistent
with the Executive’s duties as set forth in Section 2(b) above; or
(7) the
failure of the Company to obtain an agreement from any successor to all or
substantially all of the assets or business of the Company to assume and
agree
to perform this Agreement within fifteen (15) days after a merger,
consolidation, sale or similar transaction.
Notwithstanding
the foregoing, (i) a suspension of the Executive’s title and authority while on
administrative leave due to a reasonable belief that the Executive has engaged
in misconduct, whether or not the suspected misconduct constitutes Cause
for
employment termination, shall not be considered “Good Reason”, (ii) an event
shall not be considered Good Reason if the Executive fails to deliver notice
of
termination for Good Reason within 90 days of his actual knowledge of the
event,
and (iii) changes to compensation and benefit plans not specifically targeted
to
the Executive shall not be considered Good Reason.
(f) WITHOUT
GOOD REASON. Upon 60 days’ prior written notice by the Executive to the Company
of the Executive’s termination of employment without Good Reason (which the
Company may, in its sole discretion, make effective earlier than any notice
date).
(g) RETIREMENT.
Upon remaining employed with the Company until February 21, 2008 (the
“Retirement Date”).
8. CONSEQUENCES
OF TERMINATION. Any termination payments made and benefits provided under
this
Agreement to the Executive shall be in lieu of any termination or severance
payments or benefits for which the Executive may be eligible under any of
the
plans, policies or programs of the Company or its affiliates as may be in
effect
from time to time. Except to the extent otherwise provided in this Agreement,
all benefits, including, without limitation, stock options, stock appreciation
rights, restricted stock units and other awards under the Company’s long-term
incentive programs, shall be subject to the terms and conditions of the plan
or
arrangement under which such benefits accrue, are granted or are awarded.
Subject to Section 9, the following amounts and benefits shall be due to
the
Executive.
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(a) DISABILITY.
Upon employment termination due to Disability, the Company shall pay or provide
the Executive (i) any unpaid Base Salary through the date of termination
and any
accrued vacation in accordance with Company policy; (ii) any unpaid bonus
earned
with respect to any fiscal year ending on or preceding the date of termination;
(iii) reimbursement for any unreimbursed expenses incurred through the date
of
termination; (iv) all other payments and benefits to which the Executive
may be
entitled under the terms of any applicable compensation arrangement or benefit,
equity or perquisite plan or program or grant or this Agreement, including
but
not limited to any applicable insurance benefits (collectively, “Accrued
Amounts”). Executive will also be paid a pro-rata portion of the Executive’s
annual bonus for the performance year in which the Executive’s termination
occurs, payable at the time that annual bonuses are paid to other senior
executives (determined by multiplying the amount the Executive would have
received based upon target performance had employment continued through the
end
of the performance year by a fraction, the numerator of which is the number
of
days during the performance year of termination that the Executive is employed
by the Company and the denominator of which is 365). Upon such termination,
all
stock options, stock appreciation rights and restricted stock awards will
fully
vest and become non-forfeitable and, to the extent applicable, remain
exercisable in accordance with the terms of the applicable Company
plans.
(b) DEATH.
In
the event the Employment Term ends on account of the Executive’s death, the
Executive’s estate (or to the extent a beneficiary has been designated in
accordance with a program, the beneficiary under such program) shall be entitled
to any Accrued Amounts, including but not limited to proceeds from any Company
sponsored life insurance programs. Executive’s estate (or beneficiary) will also
be paid a pro-rata portion of the Executive’s annual bonus for the performance
year in which the Executive’s death occurs, payable at the time that annual
bonuses are paid to other senior executives (determined by multiplying the
amount the Executive would have received based upon target performance had
employment continued through the end of the performance year by a fraction,
the
numerator of which is the number of days during the performance year of
termination that the Executive is employed by the Company and the denominator
of
which is 365). Upon the Executive’s death, all stock options, stock appreciation
rights and restricted stock awards will fully vest and become non-forfeitable
and, to the extent applicable, remain exercisable in accordance with the
terms
of the applicable Company plans.
(c) TERMINATION
FOR CAUSE OR WITHOUT GOOD REASON. If the Executive’s employment should be
terminated (i) by the Company for Cause, or (ii) by the Executive without
Good
Reason, the Company shall pay to the Executive any Accrued Amounts.
(d) TERMINATION
WITHOUT CAUSE OR FOR GOOD REASON.
If the
Executive’s employment by the Company is terminated by the Company other than
for Cause (other than a termination due to Disability or death) or by the
Executive for Good Reason, then the Company shall pay or provide the Executive
with:
(1) Accrued
Amounts;
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(2) a
pro-rata portion of the Executive’s annual bonus for the performance year in
which the Executive’s termination occurs, payable at the time that annual
bonuses are paid to other senior executives (determined by multiplying the
amount the Executive would have received based upon actual performance had
employment continued through the end of the performance year by a fraction,
the
numerator of which is the number of days during the performance year of
termination that the Executive is employed by the Company and the denominator
of
which is 365);
(3) an
amount
equal to the product of (A) the sum of (i) the then Base Salary and (ii)
the
most recent annual bonus paid to the Executive (or awarded by the Board or
the
Committee for the preceding calendar year if not then paid) multiplied by
(B) a
fraction, the numerator of which is the number of days from Xx. Xxxx’x
employment termination date until February 21, 2008, and the denominator
of
which is 730, payable in a single lump sum commencing on the earliest payroll
date that does not result in adverse tax consequences to Executive under
Section
409A of the Code;
(4) each
long-term performance award shall be deemed fully vested and fully earned
and
then shall be cancelled in exchange for a cash payment equal to 100% of the
target value of such award multiplied by a fraction, the numerator which
is the
number of days the Executive remained employed with the Company during the
award’s performance period and the denominator of which is the total number of
days during the award’s performance period;
(5) title
to
the Company automobile to the Executive on an “as is” basis, with the
automobile’s fair market value being taxable to the Executive;
(6) the
Company shall continue to pay all premiums on the $1.2 million life insurance
policy issued by Mass Mutual to the Executive for the remainder of his life;
and
(7) subject
to the Executive’s continued co-payment of premiums, continued participation for
18 months in all medical, dental and vision plans which cover the Executive
(and
eligible dependents) upon the same terms and conditions (except for the
requirements of the Executive’s continued employment) in effect for active
employees of the Company. In the event the Executive obtains other employment
that offers substantially similar or improved benefits, as to any particular
medical, dental or vision plan, such continuation of coverage by the Company
for
such similar or improved benefit under such plan under this subsection shall
immediately cease. The continuation of health benefits under this subsection
shall reduce and count against the Executive’s rights under the Consolidated
Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985, as amended (“COBRA”). Upon such
termination, all stock options, stock appreciation rights and restricted
stock
awards will fully vest and become non-forfeitable.
(e) RETIREMENT.
If the Executive terminates employment on his Retirement Date, the Company
shall
pay to the Executive:
(1) any
Accrued Amounts;
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(2) a
pro-rata portion of the Executive’s annual bonus for the performance year in
which the Executive’s retirement occurs, payable at the time that annual bonuses
are paid to other senior executives (determined by multiplying the amount
the
Executive would have received based upon actual performance had employment
continued through the end of the performance year (but in no event higher
than
the target award) by a fraction, the numerator of which is the number of
days
during the performance year of termination that the Executive is employed
by the
Company and the denominator of which is 365);
(3) each
long-term performance award shall be deemed fully vested and fully earned
and
then shall be cancelled in exchange for a cash payment equal to 100% of the
target value of such award multiplied by a fraction, the numerator which
is the
number of days the Executive remained employed with the Company during the
award’s performance period and the denominator of which is the total number of
days during the award’s performance period;
(4) the
Company shall continue to pay all premiums on the $1.2 million life insurance
policy issued by Mass Mutual to the Executive for the remainder of his
life;
(5) title
to
the Company automobile to the Executive on an “as is” basis, with the
automobile’s fair market value being taxable to the Executive; and
(6) the
Executive shall be considered to have “retired” on his Retirement Date for
purposes of any plans, programs, agreements or arrangements with the Company
or
its affiliates.
9. CONDITIONS.
Any payments or benefits made or provided pursuant to Section 8 (other than
Accrued Amounts) are subject to the Executive’s (or, in the event of the
Executive’s death, the beneficiary’s or estate’s):
(a) compliance
with the provisions of Section 11 hereof;
(b) delivery
to the Company of an executed Agreement and General Release (the “General
Release”), which shall be substantially in the form attached hereto as Appendix
A (with such changes therein or additions thereto as needed under then
applicable law to give effect to its intent and purpose) within 21 days of
presentation thereof by the Company to the Executive; and
(c) delivery
to the Company of a resignation from all offices, directorships and fiduciary
positions with the Company, its affiliates and employee benefit
plans.
Notwithstanding
the due date of any post-employment payments, any amounts due following a
termination under this Agreement (other than Accrued Amounts) shall not be
due
until after the expiration of any revocation period applicable to the General
Release without the Executive having revoked such General Release, and any
such
amounts shall be paid to the Executive within thirty (30) days of the expiration
of such revocation period without the occurrence of a revocation by the
Executive (or such later date as may be required under Section 409A of the
Code). Nevertheless (and regardless of whether the General Release has been
executed by the Executive), upon any termination of Executive’s employment,
Executive shall be entitled to receive any Accrued Amounts, payable within
thirty (30) days after the date of termination or in accordance with the
applicable plan, program or policy. In the event that the Executive dies
before
all payments pursuant to this Section 9 have been paid, all remaining payments
shall be made to the beneficiary specifically designated by the Executive
in
writing prior to his death, or, if no such beneficiary was designated (or
the
Company is unable in good faith to determine the beneficiary designated),
to his
personal representative or estate.
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10. SECTION
4999 EXCISE TAX.
(a) If
any
payments, rights or benefits (whether pursuant to the terms of this Agreement
or
any other plan, arrangement or agreement of Executive with the Company or
any
person affiliated with the Company) (the “Payments”) received or to be received
by Executive will be subject to the tax (the “Excise Tax”) imposed by Section
4999 of the Code (or any similar tax that may hereafter be imposed), then,
except as set forth in Section 10(b) below, the Company shall pay to Executive
an amount in addition to the Payments (the “Gross-Up Payment”) as calculated
below. The Gross Up Payment shall be in an amount such that, after deduction
of
any Excise Tax on the Payments and any federal, state and local income and
employment tax and Excise Tax on the Gross Up Payment, but before deduction
for
any federal, state or local income and employment tax on the Payments, the
net
amount retained by the Executive shall be equal to the Payments.
(b) Notwithstanding
anything in this Agreement to the contrary, if the amount of Payments that
will
be subject to the Excise Tax does not exceed the amount of Payments that
Executive could receive without having any Payments become subject to the
Excise
Tax by at least $100,000, then Executive’s taxable cash-based benefits under
this Agreement will first be reduced in the order selected by Executive,
and
then, if necessary, Executive’s equity-based compensation (based on the value of
such equity-based compensation as a “parachute payment” as defined in Treasury
Regulations promulgated under Section 280G of the Code and IRS revenue rulings,
revenue procedures and other official guidance) shall be reduced in the order
selected by Executive, and then any other Payments shall be reduced as
reasonably determined by the Company, to the extent necessary to avoid
imposition of the Excise Tax. If Executive does not select the amount to
be
reduced within the time prescribed by the Company, the reductions specified
herein shall be made by the Company in its sole discretion from such
compensation as it shall determine. Any amount so reduced shall be irrevocably
forfeited and Executive shall have no further rights to receive it.
(c) The
process for calculating the Excise Tax, determining the amount of any Gross-Up
Payment and other procedures relating to this Section 10 are set forth in
Appendix B attached hereto. For purposes of making the determinations and
calculations required herein, the Accounting Firm (as defined in Appendix
B) may
rely on reasonable, good faith interpretations concerning the application
of
Section 280G and 4999 of the Code, provided that the Accounting Firm shall
make
such determinations and calculations on the basis of “substantial authority”
(within the meaning of Section 6662 of the Code) and shall provide opinions
to
that effect to both the Company and Executive.
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11. POST-EMPLOYMENT
OBLIGATIONS
(a) CONFIDENTIALITY.
The Executive agrees that the Executive shall not, directly or indirectly,
use,
make available, sell, disclose or otherwise communicate to any person, other
than in the course of the Executive’s employment and for the benefit of the
Company, either during the period of the Executive’s employment or at any time
thereafter, any nonpublic, proprietary or confidential information, knowledge
or
data relating to the Company, any of its subsidiaries, affiliated companies
or
businesses, which shall have been obtained by the Executive during the
Executive’s employment by the Company. The foregoing shall not apply to
information that (i) was known to the public prior to its disclosure to the
Executive; (ii) becomes known to the public subsequent to disclosure to the
Executive through no wrongful act of the Executive or any representative
of the
Executive; or (iii) the Executive is required to disclose by applicable law,
regulation or legal process (provided that the Executive provides the Company
with prior notice of the contemplated disclosure and reasonably cooperates
with
the Company at its expense in seeking a protective order or other appropriate
protection of such information). Notwithstanding clauses (i) and (ii) of
the
preceding sentence, the Executive’s obligation to maintain such disclosed
information in confidence shall not terminate where only portions of the
information are in the public domain.
(b) NON-SOLICITATION.
During the Executive’s employment with the Company and for the 2 year period
thereafter, whether at the end of the Employment Term or thereafter, the
Executive agrees that the Executive will not, directly or indirectly,
individually or on behalf of any other person, firm, corporation or other
entity, knowingly solicit, aid or induce (i) any managerial level employee
of
the Company or any of its subsidiaries or affiliates to leave such employment
in
order to accept employment with or render services to or with any other person,
firm, corporation or other entity unaffiliated with the Company or knowingly
take any action to materially assist or aid any other person, firm, corporation
or other entity in identifying or hiring any such employee (provided, that
the
foregoing shall not be violated by general advertising not targeted at Company
employees nor by serving as a reference for an employee with regard to an
entity
with which the Executive is not affiliated) or (ii) any customer of the Company
or any of its subsidiaries or affiliates to purchase goods or services then
sold
by the Company or any of its subsidiaries or affiliates from another person,
firm, corporation or other entity or assist or aid any other persons or entity
in identifying or soliciting any such customer (provided, that the foregoing
shall not apply to any product or service which is not covered by the
non-competition provision set forth in Section 11(c), below).
(c) NON-COMPETITION.
The Executive acknowledges that the Executive performs services of a unique
nature for the Company that are irreplaceable, and that the Executive’s
performance of such services to a competing business (other than respecting
a
product or service of the Company involving less than one percent (1%) of
the
Company’s revenues in the prior fiscal year (“De Minimis”)) will result in
irreparable harm to the Company. Accordingly, during the Executive’s employment
hereunder and for the 2 year period thereafter, (whether
at the end of the Employment Term or thereafter), the Executive shall not,
without the Board’s prior written consent, directly or indirectly engage in the
development, production, marketing, or sale of products that compete (or,
upon
commercialization, could compete) with products of the Company or its affiliates
being developed, marketed or sold as of the date of such termination (such
business or activity, a “Competing Business”) whether such engagement shall be
as an officer, director, owner, employee, partner, consultant, advisor or
any
other capacity.
This
Section 11(c) shall not prevent the Executive from owning not more than one
percent (1%) of the total shares of all classes of stock outstanding of any
publicly held entity engaged in such business, nor will it restrict the
Executive from rendering services to charitable organizations, as such term
is
defined in Section 501(c) of the Code.
10
(d) NON-DISPARAGEMENT.
Each of the Executive and the Company (for purposes hereof, “the Company” shall
mean only (i) the Company by press release or other formally released
announcement and (ii) the executive officers and directors thereof and not
any
other employees) agrees not to make any public statements that disparage
the
other party, or in the case of the Company, its respective affiliates,
employees, officers, directors, products or services. Notwithstanding the
foregoing, statements made in the course of sworn testimony in administrative,
judicial or arbitral proceedings (including, without limitation, depositions
in
connection with such proceedings) shall not be subject to this Section
11(d).
(e) RETURN
OF
COMPANY PROPERTY AND RECORDS. The Executive agrees that upon termination
of the
Executive’s employment, for any cause whatsoever, the Executive will surrender
to the Company in good condition (reasonable wear and tear excepted) all
property and equipment belonging to the Company and all records kept by the
Executive containing the names, addresses or any other information with regard
to customers or customer contacts of the Company, or concerning any proprietary
or confidential information of the Company or any operational, financial
or
other documents given to the Executive during the Executive’s employment with
the Company.
(f) COOPERATION.
The Executive agrees that, following termination of the Executive’s employment
for any reason, the Executive shall upon reasonable advance notice, and to
the
extent it does not interfere with previously scheduled travel plans and does
not
unreasonably interfere with other business activities or employment obligations,
assist and cooperate with the Company with regard to any matter or project
in
which the Executive was involved during the Executive’s employment, including
any litigation. The Company shall compensate the Executive for any lost wages
or
expenses associated with such cooperation and assistance.
(g) ASSIGNMENT
OF INVENTIONS. The Executive will promptly communicate and disclose in writing
to the Company all inventions and developments including software, whether
patentable or not, as well as patents and patent applications (hereinafter
collectively called “Inventions”), made, conceived, developed, or purchased by
the Executive, or under which the Executive acquires the right to grant licenses
or to become licensed, alone or jointly with others, which have arisen or
jointly with others, which have arisen or may arise out of the Executive’s
employment, or relate to any matters pertaining to, or useful in connection
therewith, the business or affairs of the Company or any of its subsidiaries.
Included herein as if developed during the employment period is any specialized
equipment and software developed for use in the business of the Company.
All of
the Executive’s right, title and interest in, to, and under all such Inventions,
licenses, and right to grant licenses shall be the sole property of the Company.
Any such Inventions disclosed to anyone by the Executive within one (1) year
after the termination of employment for any cause whatsoever shall be deemed
to
have been made or conceived by the Executive during the Term. As to all such
Inventions, the Executive will, upon request of the Company execute all
documents which the Company deems necessary or proper to enable it to establish
title to such Inventions or other rights, and to enable it to file and prosecute
applications for letters patent of the United States and any foreign country;
and do all things (including the giving of evidence in suits and other
proceedings) which the Company deems necessary or proper to obtain, maintain,
or
assert patents for any and all such Inventions or to assert its rights in
any
Inventions not patented.
11
(h) EQUITABLE
RELIEF AND OTHER REMEDIES. The parties acknowledge and agree that the other
party’s remedies at law for a breach or threatened breach of any of the
provisions of this Section would be inadequate and, in recognition of this
fact,
the parties agree that, in the event of such a breach or threatened breach,
in
addition to any remedies at law, the other party, without posting any bond,
shall be entitled to obtain equitable relief in the form of specific
performance, temporary restraining order, a temporary or permanent injunction
or
any other equitable remedy which may then be available.
(i) REFORMATION.
If it is determined by a court of competent jurisdiction in any state that
any
restriction in this Section 11 is excessive in duration or scope or is
unreasonable or unenforceable under the laws of that state, it is the intention
of the parties that such restriction may be modified or amended by the court
to
render it enforceable to the maximum extent permitted by the law of that
state.
(j) SURVIVAL
OF PROVISIONS. The obligations contained in this Section 11 shall survive
the
termination or expiration of the Executive’s employment with the Company and
shall be fully enforceable thereafter.
12. NO
ASSIGNMENT.
(a) This
Agreement is personal to each of the parties hereto. Except as provided in
Section 12(b) below, no party may assign or delegate any rights or obligations
hereunder without first obtaining the written consent of the other party
hereto.
(b) The
Company may assign this Agreement to any successor to all or substantially
all
of the business and/or assets of the Company provided the Company shall require
such successor to expressly assume and agree to perform this Agreement in
the
same manner and to the same extent that the Company would be required to
perform
it if no such succession had taken place and shall deliver a copy of such
assignment to the Executive.
13. NOTICE.
For the purpose of this Agreement, notices and all other communications provided
for in this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been
duly
given (a) on the date of delivery if delivered by hand, (b) on the date of
transmission, if delivered by confirmed facsimile, (c) on the first business
day
following the date of deposit if delivered by guaranteed overnight delivery
service, or (d) on the fourth business day following the date delivered or
mailed by United States registered or certified mail, return receipt requested,
postage prepaid, addressed as follows:
If
to the
Executive: at the address (or to the facsimile number) shown on the records
of
the Company
12
If
to the
Company:
Kaman
Corporation
0000
Xxxx
Xxxxx Xxxxxx, X.X. Xxx 0
Xxxxxxxxxx,
XX 00000
Attention:
Xxxxxxx X. Xxxxx, Esq.
Facsimile
No.: 000 000-0000
or
to
such other address as either party may have furnished to the other in writing
in
accordance herewith, except that notices of change of address shall be effective
only upon receipt.
14. SECTION
HEADINGS; INCONSISTENCY. The section headings used in this Agreement are
included solely for convenience and shall not affect, or be used in connection
with, the interpretation of this Agreement. If there is any inconsistency
between this Agreement and any other agreement (including but not limited
to any
option, stock, long-term incentive or other equity award agreement), plan,
program, policy or practice (collectively, “Other Provision”) of the Company the
terms of this Agreement shall control over such Other Provision.
15. PRIOR
AGREEMENTS. This Agreement supersedes and replaces any and all prior employment
agreements and change in control agreements (collectively, the “Prior
Agreements”) between the Company and the Executive. By signing this Agreement,
the Executive acknowledges that the Prior Agreements are terminated and
cancelled, and releases and discharges the Company from any and all obligations
and liabilities heretofore or now existing under or by virtue of such Prior
Agreements, it being the intention of the parties hereto that this Agreement
effective immediately shall supersede and be in lieu of the Prior
Agreements.
16. SEVERABILITY.
The provisions of this Agreement shall be deemed severable and the invalidity
of
unenforceability of any provision shall not affect the validity or
enforceability of the other provisions hereof.
17. COUNTERPARTS.
This Agreement may be executed in counterparts, each of which shall be deemed
to
be an original but all of which together will constitute one and the same
instruments. One or more counterparts of this Agreement may be delivered
by
facsimile, with the intention that delivery by such means shall have the
same
effect as delivery of an original counterpart thereof.
18. ARBITRATION.
Any dispute or controversy arising under or in connection with this Agreement,
other than injunctive relief under Section 11(h) hereof or damages for breach
of
Section 11, shall be settled exclusively by arbitration, conducted before
a
single arbitrator in Hartford, Connecticut administered by the American
Arbitration Association (“AAA”) in accordance with its Commercial Arbitration
Rules then in effect. The single arbitrator shall be selected by the mutual
agreement of the Company and the Executive, unless the parties are unable
to
agree to an arbitrator, in which case, the arbitrator will be selected under
the
procedures of the AAA. The arbitrator will have the authority to permit
discovery and to follow the procedures that he/she determines to be appropriate.
The arbitrator will have no power to award consequential (including lost
profits), punitive or exemplary damages. The decision of the arbitrator will
be
final and binding upon the parties hereto. Judgment may be entered on the
arbitrator’s award in any court having jurisdiction.
13
19. MISCELLANEOUS.
No provision of this Agreement may be modified, waived or discharged unless
such
waiver, modification or discharge is agreed to in writing and signed by the
Executive and such officer or director as may be designated by the Board.
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. This Agreement together with all exhibits hereto sets forth the entire
agreement of the parties hereto in respect of the subject matter contained
herein. 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. The validity, interpretation,
construction and performance of this Agreement shall be governed by the laws
of
the State of Connecticut without regard to its conflicts of law
principles.
20. PAYMENT
OF COMPENSATION. The parties shall revisit this Agreement when the IRS issues
final regulations under Section 409A of the Code for the sole purpose of
determining whether any amendments are required in order to comply with such
regulations. The parties shall promptly agree in good faith on appropriate
provisions to avoid any material risk of noncompliance without materially
changing the economic value (to the Executive) or the cost (to the Company)
of
this Agreement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Company shall in no event
be
obligated to indemnify the Executive for any taxes or interest that may be
assessed by the IRS pursuant to Section 409A of the Code.
21. MITIGATION
OF DAMAGES In no event shall the Executive be obliged to seek other employment
or take any other action by way of mitigation of the amounts payable to the
Executive under any of the provisions of this Agreement, nor shall the amount
of
any payment hereunder be reduced by any compensation earned by the Executive
as
a result of employment by another employer, except as set forth in this
Agreement.
22. REPRESENTATIONS.
The Executive represents and warrants to the Company that the Executive has
the
legal right to enter into this Agreement and to perform all of the obligations
on the Executive’s part to be performed hereunder in accordance with its terms
and that the Executive is not a party to any agreement or understanding,
written
or oral, which could prevent the Executive from entering into this Agreement
or
performing all of the Executive’s obligations hereunder.
23. WITHHOLDING.
The Company may withhold from any and all amounts payable under this Agreement
such federal, state and local taxes as may be required to be withheld pursuant
to any applicable law or regulation.
24. SURVIVAL.
The respective obligations of, and benefits afforded to, the Company and
Executive which by their express terms or clear intent survive termination
of
Executive’s employment with the Company, including, without limitation, the
provisions of Sections 4(a), 5(a), and 8 through 25, inclusive of this
Agreement, will survive termination of Executive’s employment with the Company,
and will remain in full force and effect according to their terms.
14
26. AGREEMENT
OF THE PARTIES. The language used in this Agreement will be deemed to be
the
language chosen by the parties hereto to express their mutual intent, and
no
rule of strict construction will be applied against any party hereto. Neither
Executive nor the Company shall be entitled to any presumption in connection
with any determination made hereunder in connection with any arbitration,
judicial or administrative proceeding relating to or arising under this
Agreement.
IN
WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Agreement as of the
date
first written above.
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KAMAN
CORPORATION
/s/ Xxxxx
X. Xxxxxxx
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By: | Xxxxx X. Xxxxxxx | |||
Its:
Chairman, Personnel and Compensation Committee
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XXXX
X. XXXX
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/s/ Xxxx
X. Xxxx
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15
APPENDIX
A
FORM
OF RELEASE
AGREEMENT
AND GENERAL RELEASE
Kaman
Corporation, its affiliates, subsidiaries, divisions, successors and assigns
in
such capacity, and the current, future and former employees, officers,
directors, trustees and agents thereof (collectively referred to throughout
this
Agreement as “Employer”), and Xxxx X. Xxxx (“Executive”), the Executive’s heirs,
executors, administrators, successors and assigns (collectively referred
to
throughout this Agreement as “Employee”) agree:
1. Last
Day of Employment.
Executive’s last day of employment with Employer is ______________. In addition,
effective as of DATE, Executive resigns from the Executive’s position as
President and Chief Executive Officer of Employer and will not be eligible
for
any benefits or compensation after ________, other than as specifically provided
in Sections 6 and 8 of the Executive Employment Agreement between Employer
and
Executive dated as of February __, 2006 (the “Employment Agreement”).
Executive further acknowledges and agrees that, after DATE, the Executive
will
not represent the Executive as being a director, employee, officer, trustee,
agent or representative of Employer for any purpose. In addition, effective
as
of DATE, Executive resigns from all offices, directorships, trusteeships,
committee memberships and fiduciary capacities held with, or on behalf of,
Employer or any benefit plans of Employer. These resignations will become
irrevocable as set forth in Section 3 below.
2. Consideration.
The parties acknowledge that this Agreement and General Release is being
executed in accordance with Section 9 of the Employment Agreement.
3. Revocation.
Executive may revoke this Agreement and General Release for a period of fifteen
(15) calendar days following the day Executive executes this Agreement and
General Release. Any revocation within this period must be submitted, in
writing, to Employer and state, “I hereby revoke my acceptance of our Agreement
and General Release.” The revocation must be personally delivered to Employer’s
_______________, or his/her designee, or mailed to Kaman Corporation, 0000
Xxxx
Xxxxx Xxxxxx, X.X. Xxx 0, Xxxxxxxxxx, XX 00000, Attention Xxxxxxx Xxxxx,
and
postmarked within fifteen (15) calendar days of execution of this Agreement
and
General Release. This Agreement and General Release shall not become effective
or enforceable until the revocation period has expired. If the last day of
the
revocation period is a Saturday, Sunday, or legal holiday in Hartford,
Connecticut, then the revocation period shall not expire until the next
following day which is not a Saturday, Sunday, or legal holiday.
16
4. General
Release of Claim. Employee knowingly and voluntarily releases and forever
discharges Employer from any and all claims, causes of action, demands, fees
and
liabilities of any kind whatsoever, whether known and unknown, against Employer,
Employee has, has ever had or may have as of the date of execution of this
Agreement and General Release, including, but not limited to, any alleged
violation of:
- Title
VII
of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended;
- The
Civil
Rights Act of 1991;
- Sections
1981 through 1988 of Title 42 of the United States Code, as
amended;
- The
Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended;
- The
Immigration Reform and Control Act, as amended;
- The
Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, as amended;
- The
Age
Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967, as amended;
- The
Older
Workers Benefit Protection Act of 1990;
- The
Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act, as amended;
- The
Occupational Safety and Health Act, as amended;
- The
Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993;
-
|
Any
wage payment and collection, equal pay and other similar laws,
acts and
statutes of the State of
Connecticut;
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Any
other federal, state or local civil or human rights law or any
other
local, state or federal law, regulation or ordinance;
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-
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Any
public policy, contract, tort, or common law;
or
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Any
allegation for costs, fees, or other expenses including attorneys
fees
incurred in these matters.
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Notwithstanding
anything herein to the contrary, the sole matters to which the Agreement
and
General Release do not apply are: (i) Employee’s express rights under any
pension (including but not limited to any rights under the Kaman Corporation
Supplemental Retirement Plan) or claims for accrued vested benefits under
any
other employee benefit plan, policy or arrangement maintained by Employer
or
under COBRA and other Accrued Benefits (as such term is defined in the
Employment Agreement); (ii) Employee’s rights under the provisions of the
Employment Agreement which are intended to survive termination of employment;
or
(iii) Employee’s rights as a stockholder.
5. No
Claims
Permitted. Employee waives Executive’s right to file any charge or complaint
against Employer arising out of Executive’s employment with or separation from
Employer before any federal, state or local court or any state or local
administrative agency, except where such waivers are prohibited by
law.
17
6. Affirmations.
Employee affirms Executive has not filed, has not caused to be filed, and
is not
presently a party to, any claim, complaint, or action against Employer in
any
forum. Employee further affirms that the Executive has been paid and/or has
received all compensation, wages, bonuses, commissions, and/or benefits to
which
Executive may be entitled and no other compensation, wages, bonuses, commissions
and/or benefits are due to Executive, except as provided in Sections 6 and
8 of
the Employment Agreement. Employee also affirms Executive has no known workplace
injuries.
7. Cooperation;
Return of Property. Employee agrees to reasonably cooperate with Employer
and
its counsel in connection with any investigation, administrative proceeding
or
litigation relating to any matter that occurred during Executive’s employment in
which Executive was involved or of which Executive has knowledge. Employer
will
reimburse the Employee for any reasonable out-of-pocket travel, delivery
or
similar expenses incurred in providing such service to Employer. Employee
represents that Executive has returned to Employer all property belonging
to
Employer, including but not limited to any leased vehicle, laptop, cell phone,
keys, access cards, phone cards and credit cards, provided that Executive
may
retain, and Employer shall cooperate in transferring, Executive’s cell phone
number and any home communication and security equipment as well as Executive’s
rolodex and other address books.
8. Governing
Law and Interpretation. This Agreement and General Release shall be governed
and
conformed in accordance with the laws of the State of Connecticut without
regard
to its conflict of laws provisions. In the event Employee or Employer breaches
any provision of this Agreement and General Release, Employee and Employer
affirm either may institute an action to specifically enforce any term or
terms
of this Agreement and General Release. Should any provision of this Agreement
and General Release be declared illegal or unenforceable by any court of
competent jurisdiction and should the provision be incapable of being modified
to be enforceable, such provision shall immediately become null and void,
leaving the remainder of this Agreement and General Release in full force
and
effect. Nothing herein, however, shall operate to void or nullify any general
release language contained in the Agreement and General Release.
9. No
Admission of Wrongdoing. Employee agrees neither this Agreement and General
Release nor the furnishing of the consideration for this Release shall be
deemed
or construed at any time for any purpose as an admission by Employer of any
liability or unlawful conduct of any kind.
10. Amendment.
This Agreement and General Release may not be modified, altered or changed
except upon express written consent of both parties wherein specific reference
is made to this Agreement and General Release.
11. Entire
Agreement. This Agreement and General Release sets forth the entire agreement
between the parties hereto and fully supersedes any prior agreements or
understandings between the parties; provided, however, that notwithstanding
anything in this Agreement and General Release, the provisions in the Employment
Agreement which are intended to survive termination of the Employment Agreement,
including but not limited to those contained in Section 11 thereof, shall
survive and continue in full force and effect. Employee acknowledges Executive
has not relied on any representations, promises, or agreements of any kind
made
to Executive in connection with Executive’s decision to accept this Agreement
and General Release.
18
EMPLOYEE
HAS BEEN ADVISED THAT EXECUTIVE HAS UP TO TWENTY-ONE (21) CALENDAR DAYS TO
REVIEW THIS AGREEMENT AND GENERAL RELEASE AND HAS BEEN ADVISED IN WRITING
TO
CONSULT WITH AN ATTORNEY PRIOR TO EXECUTION OF THIS AGREEMENT AND GENERAL
RELEASE.
EMPLOYEE
AGREES ANY MODIFICATIONS, MATERIAL OR OTHERWISE, MADE TO THIS AGREEMENT AND
GENERAL RELEASE DO NOT RESTART OR AFFECT IN ANY MANNER THE ORIGINAL TWENTY-ONE
(21) CALENDAR DAY CONSIDERATION PERIOD.
HAVING
ELECTED TO EXECUTE THIS AGREEMENT AND GENERAL RELEASE, TO FULFILL THE PROMISES
SET FORTH HEREIN, AND TO RECEIVE THE SUMS AND BENEFITS SET FORTH IN THE
EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT, EMPLOYEE FREELY AND KNOWINGLY, AND AFTER DUE
CONSIDERATION, ENTERS INTO THIS AGREEMENT AND GENERAL RELEASE INTENDING TO
WAIVE, SETTLE AND RELEASE ALL CLAIMS EXECUTIVE HAS OR MIGHT HAVE AGAINST
EMPLOYER.
IN
WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto knowingly and voluntarily executed this
Agreement and General Release as of the date set forth below:
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|
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By:
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|
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Name:
Xxxx X. Xxxx
|
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Title:
__________________________________
|
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Date:
__________________________________
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00
XXXXXXXX
X
TAX
GROSS-UP PAYMENT RULES AND PROCEDURES
1. Subject
to Paragraph 3 below, all determinations required to be made under Section
10 of
this Agreement, including whether a Gross-Up Payment is required and the
amount
of such Gross-Up Payment, shall be made by an accounting firm (the “Accounting
Firm”) selected in accordance with Paragraph 2 below. The Accounting Firm shall
provide detailed supporting calculations both to the Company and Executive
within 15 business days of the event that results in the potential for an
excise
tax liability for the Executive, which could include but is not limited to
a
Change in Control and the subsequent vesting of any cash payments or awards,
or
the Executive’s termination of employment, or such earlier time as is required
by the Company. The initial Gross-Up Payment, if any, as determined pursuant
to
this Paragraph 1, shall be paid on the Executive’s behalf to the applicable
taxing authorities within five (5) days of the receipt of the Auditor’s
determination. If the Accounting Firm determines that no Excise Tax is payable
to the Executive, it shall furnish the Executive with a written report
indicating that he has substantial authority not to report any Excise Tax
on his
federal income tax return. Any determination by the Accounting Firm shall
be
binding upon the Company and Executive. As a result of the uncertainty in
the
application of Section 4999 of the Code at the time of the initial determination
by the Accounting Firm hereunder, it is possible that Gross-Up Payments which
will not have been made by the Company should have been made (“Underpayment”),
consistent with the calculations required to be made hereunder. In the event
that the Company exhausts its remedies pursuant to Paragraph 3 below and
Executive thereafter is required to make a payment or additional payment
of any
Excise Tax, the Accounting Firm shall determine the amount of the Underpayment
that has occurred and any such Underpayment, increased by all applicable
interest and penalties associated with the Underpayment, shall be promptly
paid
by the Company to or for the benefit of Executive. For purposes of determining
the amount of the Gross-Up Payment, Executive shall be deemed to pay federal
income tax at the highest marginal rate of federal income taxation in the
calendar year in which the Gross-Up Payment is to be made and state and local
income taxes on earned income at the highest marginal rate of taxation in
the
state and locality of Executive’s residence on the Effective Date of
Termination, net of the maximum reduction in federal income taxes which could
be
obtained from deduction of such state and local taxes.
2. The
Accounting Firm shall be a public accounting firm proposed by the Company
and
agreed upon by the Executive. If Executive and the Company cannot agree on
the
firm to serve as the Accounting Firm within ten (10) days after the date
on
which the Company proposed to Executive a public accounting firm to serve
as
Auditor, then Executive and the Company shall each select one accounting
firm
and those two firms shall jointly select the accounting firm to serve as
the
Accounting Firm within ten (10) days after being requested by the Company
and
Executive to make such selection. The Company shall pay the Auditor’s
fee.
20
3. Executive
shall notify the Company in writing of any claim by the Internal Revenue
Service
that, if successful, would require the payment by the Company of the Gross-Up
Payment. Such notification shall be given as soon as practicable but no later
than fifteen (15) business days after Executive knows of such claim and shall
apprise the Company of the nature of such claim and the date on which such
claim
is requested to be paid. Executive shall not pay such claim prior to the
expiration of the period ending on the date that any payment of taxes with
respect to such claim is due or the thirty day period following the date
on
which Executive gives such notice to the Company, whichever period is shorter.
If the Company notifies Executive in writing prior to the expiration of such
period that it desires to contest such claim, Executive shall (i) give the
Company any information reasonably requested by the Company relating to such
claim, (ii) take such action in connection with contesting such claim as
the
Company shall reasonably request in writing from time to time, including,
without limitation, accepting legal representation with respect to such claim
by
an attorney reasonably selected by the Company, (iii) cooperate with the
Company
in good faith in order effectively to contest such claim, and (iv) permit
the
Company to participate in any proceedings relating to such claim; provided,
however, that the Company shall bear and pay directly all costs and expenses
(including attorneys fees and any additional interest and penalties) incurred
in
connection with such contest and shall indemnify and hold Executive 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 of the foregoing provisions
of
this Paragraph 3, the Company shall control all proceedings taken in connection
with such contest and, at its sole option, may pursue or forego any and all
administrative appeals, proceedings, hearings and conferences with the taxing
authority in respect to such claim and may, at its sole option, either direct
Executive to pay the tax claimed and xxx for a refund or contest the claim
in
any permissible manner, and Executive agrees to prosecute such contest to
a
determination before any administrative tribunal, in a court of initial
jurisdiction and in one or more appellate courts, as the Company shall
determine; provided, however, that if the Company directs Executive to pay
such
claim and xxx for a refund, the Company shall advance the amount of such
payment
to Executive, on an interest-free basis and shall indemnify and hold Executive
harmless, on an after-tax basis, from any Excise Tax and 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 Executive with respect to which such contested
amount is claimed to be due is limited solely to such contested amount.
Furthermore, the Company’s control of the contest shall be limited to issues
with respect to which a Gross-Up Payment would be payable hereunder and
Executive shall be entitled to settle or contest, as the case may be, any
other
issue raised by the Internal Revenue Service or any other
authority.
4. If,
after
the receipt by Executive of an amount advanced by the Company pursuant to
Paragraph 3 above, Executive becomes entitled to receive any refund with
respect
to such claim, Executive shall (subject to the Company’s complying with the
requirements of Paragraph 3), promptly pay to the Company the amount of such
refund (together with any interest paid or credited thereon after taxes
applicable thereto).
21