Exhibit 10.6
RETIREMENT AND RELEASE AGREEMENT
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This Retirement and Release Agreement (the "Agreement") is made and
entered into as of the 1st day of June 1999, by and between Highlands Insurance
Group, Inc., a Delaware corporation, 0000 Xxxxx Xxxxx, Xxxxxxxxxxxxx, Xxx Xxxxxx
("Highlands") and Xxxxxxx X. Xxxxxxxxx, a citizen of New Jersey employed by
Highlands and its subsidiaries in Lawrenceville, New Jersey (hereinafter
"Xxxxxxxxx").
WITNESSETH:
WHEREAS, Xxxxxxxxx has been employed by Highlands and its subsidiaries
as President and Chief Executive Officer and has been a member of the boards of
directors of Highlands and certain of its subsidiaries;
WHEREAS, Xxxxxxxxx wishes to retire and resign from all his positions
with Highlands and its subsidiaries, effective June 1, 1999 (except that
Xxxxxxxxx shall continue as a member of the Board of Directors of Highlands);
NOW, THEREFORE, for and in consideration of the agreements, covenants
and conditions of this Agreement, the adequacy and sufficiency of which are
hereby acknowledged by each of the parties hereto, the parties agree as follows:
1. Resignation of Offices and Directorships. Xxxxxxxxx hereby
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resigns and relinquishes any rights to reinstatement to any and all his offices
and directorships with Highlands and each of its subsidiaries, effective June 1,
1999, and shall have no further active duties or responsibilities as of that
date (except that Xxxxxxxxx shall continue as a member of the Board of Directors
of Highlands).
2. Consideration. Highlands agrees that Xxxxxxxxx shall continue to
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be paid an amount equal to his salary ($43,750 per month) in semi-monthly
payments until December 31, 1999. During this period, Xxxxxxxxx agrees to
provide consulting services to Highlands and to assist in the transition of his
duties as requested by Highlands. Highlands also agrees to pay Xxxxxxxxx a
bonus equal to $231,000.
3. Other Benefits.
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x. Xxxxxxxxx may continue to participate in Highlands' standard
health insurance plans until the earlier of May 31, 2001 or his obtaining
employment with another company. Highlands agrees to pay the portion of the cost
of such standard health insurance to the extent of and consistent with
Highlands' then current normal payment practices.
x. Xxxxxxxxx shall be paid his earned and unused vacation through
June 1, 1999 and shall be entitled to receive his amounts in the Highlands
Insurance Group Employees' Retirement and Savings Plan which are vested as of
June 1, 1999.
c. If Xxxxxxxxx'x membership on the Board of Directors of
Highlands terminates, such termination shall be treated as a retirement at
normal retirement age in connection with the 1995 Directors' Stock Plan
Nonstatutory Stock Option Agreement dated January 4, 1996 between Highlands
Insurance Group, Inc. and Xxxxxxxxx.
x. Xxxxxxxxx shall be treated as an employee of Highlands in
connection with the Purchase, Redemption and Bonus Agreement dated January 23,
1996 between Highlands and Xxxxxxxxx on the fifth anniversary of such agreement.
4. Method of Payment. The semi-monthly payments shall be sent to
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Xxxxxxxxx via direct deposit into his bank account in accordance with Highlands'
normal payroll practices. The bonus payment shall be paid to Xxxxxxxxx in the
payroll following the Effective Date (defined in Section 17).
5. No Other Benefits. Except as specifically stated in this
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Agreement, Xxxxxxxxx shall not be entitled to any other compensation or benefits
of any kind from Highlands and its subsidiaries.
6. Attorneys Fees and Costs. Highlands shall reimburse Xxxxxxxxx for
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his reasonable attorneys fees and costs incurred in connection with the
enforcement of the terms of this Agreement in the event Highlands breaches any
terms of this Agreement, including, but not limited to, the fees and expenses
incurred in any suit to recover the severance payments and/or benefits due under
this Agreement. In the event that Xxxxxxxxx commences such a lawsuit and does
not prevail, then Xxxxxxxxx agrees to reimburse Highlands for the reasonable
attorneys fees and costs incurred by it in defending such a lawsuit.
7. General Releases and Covenants Not to Xxx.
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a. Effective upon the signing of this Agreement, Xxxxxxxxx, for
himself and his agents, trustees, attorneys, assigns, estate, heirs,
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administrators, executors, personal representatives and affiliates (the
"Releasing Parties"), hereby remises, releases and forever discharges Highlands
and its employees, agents, officers, directors, trustees, attorneys, assigns,
subsidiaries and affiliates (the "Released Parties"), of and from all claims,
demands, actions, liabilities and other claims for relief of any kind, whether
known or unknown, arising at any time out of or relating to the conduct of any
of the Released Parties, and any tort or contract claims, whether known or
unknown, xxxxxx or inchoate, past, present or future concerning or emanating
from the conduct or operations of the Released Parties. Xxxxxxxxx acknowledges
and understands that the claims being released in this paragraph include, but
are not limited to, (i) any claim based on contract or in tort or common law;
(ii) any claim based on or arising under any employment laws, such as the
federal Age Discrimination in Employment Act (29 U.S.C. (S) 621 et seq.), Title
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VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (42 U.S.C. (S) 2000e et seq.), the Americans
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with Disabilities Act (42 U.S.C. (S) 12101 et seq.), the Rehabilitation Act (29
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U.S.C. (S) 791 et
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seq.), the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (29 U.S.C. (S) 1001 et seq.),
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the Equal Pay Act (29 U.S.C. (S) 206 (d)(1)), the Civil Rights Act of 1991, and
any state laws; (iii) any claim based on or arising out of Xxxxxxxxx'x
employment by Highlands and/or the termination thereof; and (iv) any claims for
compensatory, liquidated or punitive damages, damages for emotional distress,
back pay, front pay, benefits, counsel fees, costs and expenses. Xxxxxxxxx
understands that, by signing this Agreement, he waives all claims he ever had or
now has against any of the Released Parties that arose or may have arisen before
he signs this Agreement. This release also applies to any claims brought by any
person or agency or any class action under which Xxxxxxxxx may have any right or
benefit. Further, Xxxxxxxxx promises never to file a lawsuit asserting any
claims that are released by Xxxxxxxxx and promises not to accept any recoveries
or benefits which may be obtained on Xxxxxxxxx'x behalf by any other person or
agency or any class action. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Xxxxxxxxx shall not
be deemed to have released the Released Parties from any breach of this
Agreement or for any claims for defense, contribution and indemnification as a
former employee, officer or director pursuant to Highlands' and its
subsidiaries' Articles of Incorporation, Bylaws, insurance contracts, or the
corporation law governing them.
b. Effective upon the signing of this Agreement, Highlands, for
itself and its agents, officers, directors, employees, trustees, attorneys,
assigns, subsidiaries and affiliates (the "Releasing Parties"), hereby remises,
releases and forever discharges Xxxxxxxxx and his agents, trustees, attorneys,
assigns, estate, heirs, administrators, executors, personal representatives and
affiliates (the "Released Parties"), of and from all claims, demands, actions,
liabilities and other claims for relief of any kind, whether known or unknown,
including, but not limited to, claims arising at any time out of or relating to
the conduct of the Released Parties, any tort, contract or defamation claims,
whether known or unknown, xxxxxx or inchoate, past, present or future, and any
claims concerning or emanating from the conduct or operations of the Released
Parties. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Highlands shall not be deemed to have
released Xxxxxxxxx from any breach of this Agreement.
x. Xxxxxxxxx and Highlands further covenant and agree not to xxx
or otherwise assert a claim against any of the Released Parties for any claims
released hereunder. If Xxxxxxxxx or Highlands brings a legal action or asserts a
claim against any Released Party in violation of this provision, he or it will
be liable to such Released Party for all of its or his expenses and legal fees
for opposing such claim, plus any other relief the court may award.
8. Confidentiality Provisions.
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a. In connection with Xxxxxxxxx'x employment, Highlands, its
subsidiaries, advisors and agents made available to Xxxxxxxxx information which
is non-public, confidential or proprietary in nature ("Confidential Material").
b. By execution of this Agreement, Xxxxxxxxx agrees to treat such
Confidential Material confidentially and to observe the terms and conditions set
forth herein. For purposes of this Agreement, Confidential Material shall
include all non-public information, regardless of the form in which it is
communicated or maintained (whether prepared by
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Highlands or otherwise), that contains or otherwise reflects non-public
information concerning Highlands or its subsidiaries obtained in the course of
Xxxxxxxxx'x employment with Highlands and its subsidiaries, including, but not
limited to, non-public information about Highlands and its subsidiaries' (i)
existing business and business techniques, (ii) current financial condition,
(iii) agreements, (iv) current agents and employees, (v) current policyholders,
(vi) technology and software and (vii) present or future business plans and
strategies.
c. Except as specifically permitted by this Agreement or as
otherwise authorized by Highlands, Xxxxxxxxx will not disclose Confidential
Material to any person or entity whatsoever.
d. In the event that Xxxxxxxxx is requested or required (by
deposition, interrogatories, requests for information or documents in legal
proceedings, subpoenas, civil investigative demand or similar process), in
connection with any proceeding, to disclose any Confidential Material, Xxxxxxxxx
will give Highlands prompt notice of such request or requirement so that
Highlands may, at its own expense, have the opportunity to seek an appropriate
protective order or other remedy and/or waive compliance with the provisions of
this Agreement. In the event that such protective order or other remedy is not
obtained or Highlands waives compliance with the relevant provisions of this
Agreement, Xxxxxxxxx will furnish only that portion of the Confidential Material
which, in the written opinion of his counsel, is legally required to be
disclosed.
x. Xxxxxxxxx agrees that money damages would not be a sufficient
remedy for any breach of this paragraph 8 of this Agreement by him and that in
addition to all other remedies, Highlands shall be entitled to specific
performance and injunctive or other equitable relief as a remedy for any such
breach.
f. In the event that Xxxxxxxxx materially breaches the provisions
of this paragraph 8 of this Agreement, then Xxxxxxxxx agrees to pay Highlands
for its reasonable attorneys fees and costs incurred in connection with the
enforcement of these provisions; provided that Highlands prevails in such a
lawsuit to enforce the Agreement. In the event that Highlands commences such a
lawsuit and does not prevail, then Highlands agrees to reimburse Xxxxxxxxx for
the reasonable attorneys fees and costs incurred by his in defending such a
lawsuit.
9. Entire Agreement; Amendment. This Agreement contains the entire
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agreement between the parties hereto with respect to the subject matter hereof,
and supersedes and cancels all previous agreements, commitments and writings
between the parties, except to the extent such agreements are expressly retained
hereunder. This Agreement may not be modified in any manner except by an
instrument in writing signed by the parties hereto.
10. Binding on Successors and Assigns. This Agreement shall be
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binding upon and inure to the benefit of each of the parties hereto, and their
respective parents, subsidiaries, affiliates, legal representatives, estates,
purchasers, successors, assigns, heirs, administrators, personal
representatives, executors and trustees.
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11. Governing Law. This Agreement shall be construed and enforced in
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accordance with the laws of the State of New Jersey.
12. Notices. All notices, requests, demands and other communications
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hereunder shall be in writing, and shall be deemed to have been duly given if
made by hand delivery, by telex, by facsimile transmission or by registered or
certified mail (postage prepaid and return receipt requested) or by overnight
express delivery service to the parties at the following address (or at such
other address for a party as shall be specified by it by like notice):
If to Highlands:
Highlands Insurance Group, Inc.
0000 Xxxxx Xxxxx
Xxxxxxxxxxxxx, Xxx Xxxxxx 00000-0000
Attn: Xxxxxxx X. Xxxxxxxxxxx, Esquire
Facsimile: (000) 000-0000
If to Xxxxxxxxx:
000 Xxxxxx Xxxxx Xxxx
Xxxxxxxxx, Xxx Xxxxxx 00000
Telephone: (000) 000-0000
Facsimile: (000) 000-0000
All such notices, requests, demands or other communications shall be deemed to
have been duly given: when delivered by hand, if personally delivered; five (5)
business days after being deposited in the mail, postage prepaid, if delivered
by mail; two (2) business days after being sent by overnight express delivery
service; when answered back, if telexed; and within one (1) day of confirmed
transmission, if sent by facsimile transmission.
13. Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed by each of the
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parties hereto in separate counterparts and has the same force and effect as if
the parties had executed it as a single document.
14. Acknowledgment. Xxxxxxxxx acknowledges that he has been advised
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of his right to consult with an attorney before signing this Agreement and that
he has been given a period of twenty-one (21) days to consider the Agreement
before signing it.
15. Representations. Xxxxxxxxx represents that he has read the
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Agreement and understands it, and that he is signing this Agreement voluntarily
and of his own free will, without any coercion or duress. Xxxxxxxxx further
warrants and represents that in deciding whether to enter into this Agreement,
he is not relying on any promises, statements or representations other than
those expressly set forth herein.
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16. No Admission. By offering or entering into this Agreement,
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Highlands does not admit that it or any of its employees violated any law or any
legal right of Xxxxxxxxx and, in fact, Highlands expressly denies liability.
Highlands is entering into this Agreement solely for the purpose of effectuating
a mutually satisfactory severance of Xxxxxxxxx'x employment.
17. Effective Date. This Agreement will not become effective or
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enforceable until seven (7) days after Xxxxxxxxx executes it. Xxxxxxxxx may
revoke this Agreement at any time within that seven (7) day period, by sending a
written notice to Xxxxxxx X. Xxxxxxxxxxx, Esquire, at the address indicated
above. Such written notice may be sent by mail, overnight express delivery
service, fax or hand delivery. If a revocation is sent within that seven (7) day
period, this Agreement shall be null and void for all purposes. If revocation is
not sent within that seven (7) day period, this Agreement will go into effect on
the first day immediately following the expiration of said seven (7) day period
("Effective Date").
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have caused this Agreement to be
properly executed as of the date first written above.
HIGHLANDS INSURANCE GROUP, INC.
By:_____________________________
Xxxxxxx X. Xxxxxxxxx
Vice President
________________________________ _______________________________
XXXXXXX X. XXXXXXXXX Witness
________________________________
Date of Signing
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