EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT
Exhibit
10.1
Execution
Copy
THIS
AGREEMENT (the “Agreement”), made in New York, New York as of April 19, 2007,
between I.C. Xxxxxx & Company, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”),
and Xxxxxx X. Xxxx (“Executive”).
WHEREAS,
the Company desires to employ Executive as its interim Chief Executive Officer,
and Executive desires to accept such employment on the terms and conditions
hereinafter set forth;
NOW,
THEREFORE, IN CONSIDERATION of the mutual covenants and agreements hereinafter
set forth, the Company and Executive agree as follows:
1. Term.
Unless
earlier terminated in accordance with Section 4 hereof, the term of this
Agreement shall be the one-year period commencing on April 5, 2007 and ending
on
April 4, 2008 (the “Term”). The Term may be extended by mutual written agreement
of the parties under terms and conditions that are mutually agreed by the
parties.
2. Employment.
(a) Employment
by the Company; Director.
Executive agrees to be employed by the Company during the Term upon the terms
and subject to the conditions set forth in this Agreement. Executive shall
serve
as the interim Chief Executive Officer of the Company and shall report to the
Board of Directors of the Company (the “Board of Directors”). Executive is
currently a member of the Company’s Board of Directors and agrees to continue
serving in such capacity.
(b) Performance
of Duties.
Throughout the Term, Executive shall faithfully and diligently perform
Executive’s duties in conformity with the directions of the Board of Directors
and serve the Company to the best of Executive’s ability. Executive shall devote
at least eighty percent (80%) of his business time and best efforts to the
business and affairs of the Company. In his capacity as the Chief Executive
Officer of the Company, Executive shall have such duties and responsibilities
as
are customary for Executive’s position and any other duties or responsibilities
that he may be assigned by the Board of Directors.
(c) Place
of Performance.
Executive shall be principally based at the Company’s offices in New York, New
York. Executive recognizes that his duties may require, at the Company’s
expense, travel to domestic and international locations.
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3. Compensation
and
Benefits.
(a) Base
Salary.
The
Company agrees to pay to Executive a base salary (“Base Salary”) at the annual
rate of $660,000. Payments of the Base Salary shall be payable in accordance
with the Company’s standard payroll practices.
(b) Performance
Bonus.
Unless
otherwise determined by the Board of Directors, in its sole discretion,
Executive shall not be eligible to receive any bonus payment.
(c) Stock
Options.
The
Company shall grant to Executive an option to purchase 75,000 shares of the
common stock of the Company, in accordance with and subject to the provisions
of
the I.C. Xxxxxx & Company, Inc. Amended and Restated Omnibus Stock Option
Plan, as it may be amended from time to time, and a Nonstatutory Stock Option
Grant Agreement in substantially the form attached hereto as Exhibit
A.
(d) Benefits
and Perquisites.
Except
as set forth herein, Executive shall not be entitled to participate in any
benefit plans and programs, or to receive any benefits and perquisites,
generally provided by the Company to senior executives of the Company, including
without limitation family medical insurance (subject to applicable employee
contributions). Executive shall be entitled to receive twenty (20) days of
annual paid vacation.
(e) Business
Expenses.
The
Company agrees to reimburse Executive, in accordance with its standard senior
executive policies from time to time in effect, for all reasonable and necessary
travel, business entertainment and other business expenses incurred by Executive
in connection with the performance of his duties under this Agreement. Such
reimbursements shall be made by the Company on a timely basis upon submission
by
Executive of reasonable documentation supporting such expenses.
(f) Personal
Travel and Expenses.
The
Company agrees to reimburse Executive for the cost of one roundtrip, economy
class airline ticket each month during the Term for travel between New York,
New
York and Greensboro, North Carolina. Executive shall be solely responsible
for,
and the Company shall not be obligated to reimburse Executive for, Executive’s
housing and living expenses. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein,
the Company agrees to reimburse Executive once during the Term for the
reasonable cost of two nights’ stay by Executive in a hotel in New York, New
York during the period that Executive searches for an apartment in New
York.
(g) No
Other Compensation or Benefits; Payment.
The
compensation and benefits specified in this Section 3 and in Section 5 of this
Agreement shall be in lieu of any and all other compensation and benefits.
Payment of all compensation and benefits to Executive specified in this Section
3 and in Section 5 of this Agreement (i) shall be made in accordance with the
relevant Company policies in effect from time to time to the extent the same
are
consistently applied, and (ii) shall be subject to all legally required and
customary withholdings.
(h) Cessation
of Employment.
Subject
to and as provided in Section 5, in the event Executive shall cease to be
employed by the Company for any reason, then Executive’s compensation and
benefits, if any, shall cease on the date of such event, except as otherwise
specifically provided herein or as required by law.
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4. Termination
of
Employment. Executive’s employment hereunder may be terminated prior
to the end of the Term under the following circumstances.
(a) Death.
Executive’s employment hereunder shall terminate upon Executive’s
death.
(b) Executive
Becoming Totally Disabled.
The
Company may terminate Executive’s employment hereunder at any time after
Executive becomes “Totally Disabled.” For purposes of this Agreement, Executive
shall be “Totally Disabled” in the event Executive is unable to perform the
duties and responsibilities contemplated under this Agreement for a period
of 90
consecutive days due to physical or mental incapacity or impairment. During
any
period that Executive fails to perform Executive’s duties hereunder as a result
of incapacity due to physical or mental illness (the “Disability Period”),
Executive shall continue to receive the compensation and benefits provided
by
Section 3 of this Agreement until Executive’s employment hereunder is
terminated; provided, however, that the amount of base compensation and benefits
received by Executive during the Disability Period shall be reduced by the
aggregate amounts, if any, payable to Executive under any disability benefit
plan or program provided to Executive by the Company; and provided further
that
in no event shall such payments be made for a period in excess of 29
months.
(c) Termination
by the Company for Cause.
The
Company may terminate Executive’s employment hereunder for Cause at any time
after providing written notice to Executive. For purposes of this Agreement,
the
term “Cause” shall mean any of the following: (i) the neglect or failure or
refusal of Executive to perform any material duty of Executive hereunder (other
than as a result of total or partial incapacity due to physical or mental
illness), which neglect or refusal has, in the good faith determination of
the
Board, a negative impact on the Company; (ii) the engaging by Executive in
gross negligence or misconduct which is injurious to the Company or any of
its
affiliates, monetarily or otherwise; (iii) perpetration of an intentional and
knowing fraud against or affecting the Company or any of its affiliates or
any
customer, client, agent, or employee thereof; (iv) any willful or intentional
act that could reasonably be expected to injure the reputation, business, or
business relationships of the Company or any of its affiliates or Executive’s
reputation or business relationships; (v) Executive’s material failure to
comply with, and/or a material violation by Executive of, the internal policies
of the Company or any of its affiliates and/or procedures or any laws or
regulations applicable to Executive’s conduct as an employee of the Company;
(vi) Executive’s conviction (including conviction on a nolo contendere
plea) of
a felony or any crime involving fraud, dishonesty or moral turpitude; (vii)
the
breach of a covenant set forth in Section 6; or (viii) any other material breach
by Executive of this Agreement; provided, however, that, if susceptible of
cure,
a termination by the Company under Sections 4(c)(i), 4(c)(v) or 4(c)(viii)
shall
be effective only if, within 14 days following delivery of a written notice
by
the Company to Executive that the Company is terminating his employment for
Cause, Executive has failed to cure the circumstances giving rise to
Cause.
(d) Termination
by the Company Without Cause.
The
Company may terminate Executive’s employment hereunder at any time for any
reason or no reason by giving Executive sixty (60) days prior written notice
of
the termination. Following any such notice, the
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Company
may reduce or remove any and all of Executive’s duties, positions and titles
with the Company.
(e) Termination
by Executive for Good Reason.
Executive may terminate his employment hereunder for Good Reason at any time
after providing written notice to the Company. For purposes of this Agreement,
the term “Good Reason” shall mean any of the following: (i) the Company fails to
pay the compensation described in Sections 3(a) and 3(b) (in accordance with,
and subject to, such provisions); (ii) Executive no longer holds the office
of
Chief Executive Officer or an office of equivalent stature, or his functions
and/or duties are materially diminished by the Board of Directors; or (iii)
Executive’s job site is relocated to a location outside of New York, unless the
parties mutually agree to such relocation; provided, however, that a termination
by Executive for Good Reason shall be effective only if, within 14 days
following delivery of a written notice by Executive to the Company that
Executive is terminating his employment for Good Reason, the Company has failed
to cure the circumstances giving rise to Good Reason.
(f) Termination
by Executive Without Good Reason.
Executive may terminate his employment hereunder at any time for any reason
or
no reason by giving the Company sixty (60) days prior written notice of the
termination. Following any such notice, the Company may reduce or remove any
and
all of Executive’s duties, positions and titles with the Company, and any such
reduction or removal shall not constitute Good Reason.
5. Compensation
Following Termination Prior to the End of the Term. In the event that
Executive’s employment hereunder is terminated prior to the end of the Term for
any reason, Executive shall be entitled only to the following compensation
and
benefits upon such termination:
(a) General.
On any
termination of Executive’s employment, he shall be entitled to:
(i)
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any
accrued but unpaid Base Salary for services rendered through the
date of
termination; provided, however, that in the event Executive’s employment
is terminated pursuant to Section 4(b), the amount of Base Salary
received
by Executive during the Disability Period shall be reduced by the
aggregate amounts, if any, payable to Executive under any disability
benefit plan or program provided to Executive by the
Company;
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(ii)
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any
vacation accrued to the date of termination; and
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(iii)
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any
accrued but unpaid expenses through the date of termination required
to be
reimbursed in accordance with Sections 3(e) and 3(f) of this
Agreement.
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(b) Termination
by the Company Without Cause; Termination by Executive for Good
Reason.
In the
event that Executive’s employment is terminated prior to the
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expiration
of the Term by the Company without Cause pursuant to Section 4(d) or by
Executive for Good Reason pursuant to Section 4(e), Executive shall be entitled
only to the following:
(i)
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those
items identified in Section 5(a);
and
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(ii)
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the
continued payment of the Base Salary (as determined pursuant to Section
3(a)) for one month (such sums to be paid at the times and in the
amounts
such Base Salary would have been paid had Executive’s employment not
terminated, which payments shall be made on or before the 90th day
immediately following the date Executive’s employment terminates).
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(c) No
Further Liability; Release.
Payment
made and performance by the Company in accordance with this Section 5 shall
operate to fully discharge and release the Company and its directors, officers,
employees, affiliates, stockholders, successors, assigns, agents and
representatives from any further obligation or liability with respect to
Executive’s employment and termination of employment. Other than providing the
compensation and benefits provided for in accordance with this Section 5, the
Company and its directors, officers, employees, affiliates, stockholders,
successors, assigns, agents and representatives shall have no further obligation
or liability to Executive or any other person under this Agreement. The payment
of any amounts pursuant to this Section 5 (other than payments required by
law)
is expressly conditioned upon the delivery by Executive to the Company of a
release in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Company of any
and
all claims Executive may have against the Company and its directors, officers,
employees, affiliates, successors, assigns, agents and
representatives.
(d) Offset;
No Obligation to Mitigate.
The
Company’s obligation to make the payments provided for in this Agreement and
otherwise to perform its obligations hereunder shall not be affected by any
set-off, counterclaim, recoupment, defense, or other claim, right, or action
that the Company may have against the Executive or others. In no event shall
the
Executive be obligated 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 and such amounts shall not be reduced whether
or
not the Executive obtains other employment.
6. Exclusive
Employment; Noncompetition; Nonsolicitation; Nondisclosure of Proprietary
Information; Surrender of Records; Developments.
6.1 No
Conflict; No Other Employment.
During
the period of Executive’s employment with the Company, Executive shall not: (i)
engage in any activity which conflicts or interferes with or derogates from
the
performance of Executive’s duties hereunder nor shall Executive engage in any
other business activity, whether or not such business activity is pursued for
gain or profit and including service as a director of any other company, except
as approved in advance in writing by the Company; provided, however, that
Executive shall be entitled to manage his personal investments and otherwise
attend to personal affairs, including charitable, social and political
activities, in a manner that does not unreasonably
interfere with his responsibilities hereunder, or (ii) accept or engage in
any
other
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employment,
whether as an employee or consultant or in any other capacity, and whether
or
not compensated therefor. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Company agrees
that, subject to the second sentence of Section 2(b) hereof, Executive may
continue to act in the following positions with the following companies during
the Term: (x) Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Prestige Brands of North
Carolina, LLC, a home furnishings company, and (y) Chief Executive Officer
of
Brand Force One, LLC, a marketing consulting company.
6.2 Noncompetition;
Nonsolicitation.
(a) Executive
acknowledges and recognizes the highly competitive nature of the Company’s
business and that access to the Company’s confidential records and proprietary
information renders him special and unique within the Company’s industry. In
consideration of the payment by the Company to Executive of amounts that may
hereafter be paid to Executive pursuant to this Agreement (including, without
limitation, pursuant to Sections 3 and 5 hereof) and other obligations
undertaken by the Company hereunder, Executive agrees that during (i) his
employment with the Company and (ii) the period beginning on the date of
termination of employment for any reason and ending one year after the date
of
termination of employment (the “Post-Employment Period”), Executive shall not,
directly or indirectly, engage (as owner, investor, partner, stockholder,
employer, employee, consultant, advisor, director or otherwise) in any Competing
Business, provided that ownership by Executive of less than 1% of the
outstanding common stock of a publicly-traded company that is a Competing
Business will not be a breach of the provisions of this Section 6.2(a). For
purposes of this Agreement, “Competing Business” shall mean (i) any business
engaged in the design or marketing of branded jeanswear and sportswear; (ii)
any
business in which the Company is currently engaged anywhere in the world, and
(iii) any other business which the Company engages in anywhere in the world
during Executive’s employment with the Company.
(b) In
further consideration of the payment by the Company to Executive of amounts
that
may hereafter be paid to Executive pursuant to this Agreement (including,
without limitation, pursuant to Sections 3 and 5 hereof) and other obligations
undertaken by the Company hereunder, Executive agrees that during his employment
and the Post-Employment Period, he shall not, directly or indirectly, (i)
solicit, encourage or attempt to solicit or encourage any of the employees,
agents, consultants or representatives of the Company or any of its affiliates
to terminate his, her, or its relationship with the Company or such affiliate;
(ii) solicit, encourage or attempt to solicit or encourage any of the
employees of the Company or any of its affiliates to become employees or
consultants of any other person or entity; (iii) solicit, encourage or attempt
to solicit or encourage any of the consultants of the Company or any of its
affiliates to become employees or consultants of any other person or entity,
provided that the restriction in this clause (iii) shall not apply if (A) such
solicitation, encouragement or attempt to solicit or encourage is in connection
with a business which is not a Competing Business and B)
the
consultant’s rendering of services for the other person or entity will not
interfere with the consultant’s rendering of services to the Company; (iv)
solicit or attempt to solicit any licensor, customer, vendor or distributor
of
the Company or any of its affiliates with respect to any product or service
being furnished, made, sold or leased by the Company or such affiliate, provided
that the restriction in this clause (iv) shall not apply if such solicitation
or
attempt to solicit is (A) in connection with a business which is not a Competing
Business and (B) does not interfere
with, or conflict with, the interests of the Company or any of its affiliates;
or (v)
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persuade
or seek to persuade any licensor or customer of the Company or any affiliate
to
cease to do business or to reduce the amount of business which any licensor
or
customer has customarily done or contemplates doing with the Company or such
affiliate, whether or not the relationship between the Company or its affiliate
and such licensor or customer was originally established in whole or in part
through Executive’s efforts. For purposes of this Section 6.2(b) only, the terms
“licensor”, “customer,” “vendor” and “distributor” shall mean a licensor,
customer, vendor or distributor who has done business with the Company or any
of
its affiliates within twelve months preceding the termination of Executive’s
employment.
(c) During
Executive’s employment with the Company and during the Post-Employment Period,
Executive agrees that upon the earlier of Executive’s (i) negotiating with any
Competitor (as defined below) concerning the possible employment of Executive
by
the Competitor, (ii) receiving an offer of employment from a Competitor, or
(iii) becoming employed by a Competitor, Executive will (A) immediately provide
written notice to the Company of such circumstances and (B) provide copies
of
Section 6 of this Agreement to the Competitor. Executive further agrees that
the
Company may provide notice to a Competitor of Executive’s obligations under this
Agreement, including without limitation Executive’s obligations pursuant to
Section 6 hereof. For purposes of this Agreement, “Competitor” shall mean any
entity (other than the Company or any of its affiliates) that engages, directly
or indirectly, in any Competing Business.
(d) Executive
understands that the provisions of this Section 6.2 may limit his ability to
earn a livelihood in a business similar to the business of the Company or its
affiliates but nevertheless agrees and hereby acknowledges that the
consideration provided under this Agreement, including any amounts or benefits
provided under Sections 3 and 5 hereof and other obligations undertaken by
the
Company hereunder, is sufficient to justify the restrictions contained in such
provisions. In consideration thereof and in light of Executive’s education,
skills and abilities, Executive agrees that he will not assert in any forum
that
such provisions prevent him from earning a living or otherwise are void or
unenforceable or should be held void or unenforceable.
6.3 Proprietary
Information.
Executive acknowledges that during the course of his employment with the Company
he will necessarily have access to and make use of proprietary information
and
confidential records of the Company and its affiliates. Executive covenants
that
he shall not during the Term or at any time thereafter, directly or indirectly,
use for his own purpose or for the benefit of any person or entity other than
the Company, nor otherwise disclose, any proprietary information to any
individual or entity, unless such disclosure has been authorized in writing
by
the Company or is otherwise required by law. Executive acknowledges and
understands that the term “proprietary information” includes, but is not limited
to: (a) the software products, programs, applications, and processes utilized
by
the Company or any of its affiliates; (b) the name and/or address of any
licensor, customer or vendor of the Company or any of its affiliates or any
information concerning the transactions or relations of any licensor, customer
or vendor of the Company or any of its affiliates with the Company or such
affiliate or any of its or their partners, principals, directors, officers
or
agents; (c) any information concerning any product, technology, or procedure
employed by the Company or any of
its
affiliates but not generally known to its or their customers, vendors or
competitors, or under development by or being tested by the Company or any
of
its affiliates but not at the time
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offered
generally to customers or vendors; (d) any information relating to the computer
software, computer systems, pricing or marketing methods, sales margins, cost
of
goods, cost of material, capital structure, operating results, borrowing
arrangements or business plans of the Company or any of its affiliates; (e)
any
information which is generally regarded as confidential or proprietary in any
line of business engaged in by the Company or any of its affiliates; (f) any
business plans, budgets, advertising or marketing plans; (g) any information
contained in any of the written or oral policies and procedures or manuals
of
the Company or any of its affiliates; (h) any information belonging to customers
or vendors of the Company or any of its affiliates or any other person or entity
which the Company or any of its affiliates has agreed to hold in confidence;
(i)
any Developments (as defined below) covered by this Agreement; and (j) all
written, graphic and other material relating to any of the foregoing. Executive
acknowledges and understands that information that is not novel or copyrighted
or patented may nonetheless be proprietary information. The term “proprietary
information” shall not include information generally available to and known by
the public or information that is or becomes available to Executive on a
non-confidential basis from a source other than the Company, any of its
affiliates, or the directors, officers, employees, partners, principals or
agents of the Company or any of its affiliates (other than as a result of a
breach of any obligation of confidentiality).
6.4 Confidentiality
and Surrender of Records.
Executive shall not during the Term or at any time thereafter (irrespective
of
the circumstances under which Executive’s employment by the Company terminates),
except as required by law, directly or indirectly publish, make known or in
any
fashion disclose any confidential records to, or permit any inspection or
copying of confidential records by, any individual or entity other than in
the
course of such individual’s or entity’s employment or retention by the Company.
Upon termination of employment for any reason or upon request by the Company,
Executive shall deliver promptly to the Company all property and records of
the
Company or any of its affiliates, including, without limitation, all
confidential records. For purposes hereof, “confidential records” means all
correspondence, reports, memoranda, files, manuals, books, lists, financial,
operating or marketing records, magnetic tape, or electronic or other media
or
equipment of any kind which may be in Executive’s possession or under his
control or accessible to him which contain any proprietary information. All
property and records of the Company and any of its affiliates (including,
without limitation, all confidential records) shall be and remain the sole
property of the Company or such affiliate during the Term and
thereafter.
6.5 Inventions
and Patents.
All
inventions, innovations or improvements (including policies, procedures,
products, improvements, software, ideas and discoveries, whether patent,
copyright, trademark, service xxxx, or otherwise) conceived or made by
Executive, either alone or jointly with others, in the course of his employment
by the Company, belong to the Company. Executive will promptly disclose in
writing such inventions, innovations or improvements to the Company and perform
all actions reasonably requested by the Company to establish and confirm such
ownership by the Company, including, but not limited to, cooperating with and
assisting the Company in obtaining patents, copyrights, trademarks, or service
marks for the Company in the United States and in foreign
countries.
6.6 Enforcement.
Executive acknowledges and agrees that, by virtue of his position, his services
and access to and use of confidential records and proprietary information,
any
violation by him of any of the undertakings contained in this Section 6
would
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cause
the
Company and/or its affiliates immediate, substantial and irreparable injury
for
which it or they have no adequate remedy at law. Accordingly, Executive agrees
and consents to the entry of an injunction or other equitable relief by a court
of competent jurisdiction restraining any violation or threatened violation
of
any undertaking contained in this Section 6. Executive waives posting by the
Company or its affiliates of any bond otherwise necessary to secure such
injunction or other equitable relief. Rights and remedies provided for in this
Section 6 are cumulative and shall be in addition to rights and remedies
otherwise available to the parties hereunder or under any other agreement or
applicable law.
7. Key
Man Insurance. Executive recognizes and acknowledges that the Company or its
affiliates may seek and purchase one or more policies providing key man life
insurance with respect to Executive, the proceeds of which would be payable
to
the Company or such affiliate. Executive hereby consents to the Company or
its
affiliates seeking and purchasing such insurance and will provide such
information, undergo such medical examinations (at the Company’s expense),
execute such documents, and otherwise take any and all actions reasonably
necessary or desirable in order for the Company or its affiliates to seek,
purchase, and maintain in full force and effect such policy or
policies.
8. Assignment
and Transfer.
(a) Company.
This
Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be enforceable by, and may be
assigned by the Company without Executive’s consent to, any purchaser of all or
substantially all of the Company’s business or assets, or to any successor to
the Company or any assignee thereof (whether direct or indirect, by purchase,
merger, consolidation or otherwise).
(b) Executive.
The
parties hereto agree that Executive is obligated under this Agreement to render
personal services during the Term of a special, unique, unusual, extraordinary
and intellectual character, thereby giving this Agreement special value.
Executive’s rights and obligations under this Agreement shall not be
transferable by Executive by assignment or otherwise, and any purported
assignment, transfer or delegation thereof shall be void; provided, however,
that if Executive shall die, all amounts then payable to Executive hereunder
shall be paid in accordance with the terms of this Agreement to Executive’s
estate.
9. Miscellaneous.
(a) Other
Obligations.
Executive represents and warrants that neither Executive’s employment with the
Company nor Executive’s performance of Executive’s obligations hereunder will
conflict with or violate or otherwise are inconsistent with any other
obligations, legal or otherwise, which Executive may have. Executive covenants
that he shall perform his duties hereunder in a professional manner and not
in
conflict or violation, or otherwise inconsistent with other obligations legal
or
otherwise, which Executive may have.
(b)
Nondisclosure; Other Employers.
Executive will not disclose to the Company, use, or induce the Company to use,
any proprietary information, trade secrets or confidential business information
of others. Executive represents and warrants that Executive
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does
not
possess any property, proprietary information, trade secrets and confidential
business information belonging to any prior employers.
(c) Cooperation.
Following termination of employment with the Company for any reason, Executive
shall cooperate with the Company, as requested by the Company, to effect a
transition of Executive’s responsibilities and to ensure that the Company is
aware of all matters being handled by Executive. The Company shall reimburse
Executive’s reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred in connection with the
obligations in this Section 9(c).
(d) Mitigation.
Executive shall not be required to mitigate damages or the amount of any payment
provided to him under Section 5 of this Agreement by seeking other employment
or
otherwise, nor shall the amount of any payments provided to Executive under
Section 5 be reduced by any compensation earned by Executive as the result
of
employment by another employer after the termination of Executive’s employment
or otherwise.
(e) Protection
of Reputation.
During
the Term and thereafter, Executive agrees that he will take no action which
is
intended, or would reasonably be expected, to harm the Company or any of its
affiliates or its or their reputation or which would reasonably be expected
to
lead to unwanted or unfavorable publicity to the Company or its affiliates.
Nothing herein shall prevent Executive from making any truthful statement in
connection with any legal proceeding or investigation by the Company or any
governmental authority.
(f) Governing
Law.
This
Agreement shall be governed by and construed (both as to validity and
performance) and enforced in accordance with the internal laws of the State
of
New York, without regard to the principles of conflicts of law or where the
parties are located at the time a dispute arises.
(g) Arbitration.
(i)
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General.
Executive and the Company specifically, knowingly, and voluntarily
agree
that they shall use final and binding arbitration to resolve any
dispute
(an “Arbitrable Dispute”) between Executive, on the one hand, and the
Company (or any affiliate of the Company), on the other hand. This
arbitration agreement applies to all matters relating to this Agreement
and Executive’s employment with and/or termination of employment from the
Company, including without limitation disputes about the validity,
interpretation, or effect of this Agreement, or alleged violations
of it,
any payments due hereunder and all claims arising out of any alleged
discrimination, harassment or retaliation, including, but not limited
to,
those covered by Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended,
the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967, as amended, the
Americans With Disabilities Act, the New York State Human Rights
Law, the
New York City Human Rights Law, the New York Labor Law, or any other
federal, state or local law relating to discrimination in
employment.
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(ii)
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Injunctive
Relief.
Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, the Company
and
any affiliate of the Company (if applicable) shall have the right
to seek
injunctive or other equitable relief from a court of competent
jurisdiction to enforce Section 6 of this Agreement. For purposes
of
seeking enforcement of Section 6, the Company and Executive hereby
consent
to the jurisdiction of any state or federal court sitting in the
City,
County and State of New York.
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(iii)
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The
Arbitration.
Any arbitration pursuant to this Section 9(g) will take place in
New York,
New York, under the auspices of the American Arbitration Association,
in
accordance with the Employment Arbitration Rules and Mediation Procedures
of the American Arbitration Association then in effect, and before
one
arbitrator selected in accordance with such rules. Judgment upon
the award
rendered by the arbitrators may be entered in any state or federal
court
sitting in the City, County and State of New York, or any other court
of
competent jurisdiction.
|
(iv)
|
Fees
and Expenses.
In any arbitration pursuant to this Section 9(g), except as otherwise
required by law, each party shall be responsible for the fees and
expenses
of its own attorneys and witnesses, and the fees and expenses of
the
arbitrators shall be divided equally between the Company, on the
one hand,
and Executive, on the other hand. Notwithstanding the foregoing,
the
prevailing party on a claim to enforce the terms of this Agreement
shall
be entitled to the reimbursement of his, her or its reasonable fees
and
expenses in connection with such claim, including reasonable attorneys’
fees, from the other party.
|
(v)
|
Exclusive
Forum.
Except as permitted by Section 9(g)(ii) hereof, arbitration in the
manner
described in this Section 9(g) shall be the exclusive forum for any
Arbitrable Dispute. Except as permitted by Section 9(g)(ii), should
Executive or the Company attempt to resolve an Arbitrable Dispute
by any
method other than arbitration pursuant to this Section 9(g), the
responding party shall be entitled to recover
from the initiating party all damages, expenses, and attorneys’ fees
incurred as a result of that
breach.
|
11
(h) Entire
Agreement.
This
Agreement (including the plans referenced in Section 3(d)) contains the entire
agreement and understanding between the parties hereto in respect of Executive’s
employment and supersedes, cancels and annuls any prior or contemporaneous
written or oral agreements, understandings, commitments and practices between
them respecting Executive’s employment, including all prior employment
agreements between the Company and Executive, which agreement(s) hereby are
terminated and shall be of no further force or effect.
(i) 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 Executive
and,
on behalf of the Company, by its duly authorized officer.
(j) Severability.
If any
provision of this Agreement or the application of any such provision to any
party or circumstances shall be determined by any court of competent
jurisdiction or arbitration panel to be invalid or unenforceable to any extent,
the remainder of this Agreement, or the application of such provision to such
person or circumstances other than those to which it is so determined to be
invalid or unenforceable, shall not be affected thereby, and each provision
hereof shall be enforced to the fullest extent permitted by law. If any
provision of this Agreement, or any part thereof, is held to be invalid or
unenforceable because of the scope or duration of or the area covered by such
provision, the parties hereto agree that the court or arbitration panel making
such determination shall reduce the scope, duration and/or area of such
provision (and shall substitute appropriate provisions for any such invalid
or
unenforceable provisions) in order to make such provision enforceable to the
fullest extent permitted by law and/or shall delete specific words and phrases,
and such modified provision shall then be enforceable and shall be enforced.
The
parties hereto recognize that if, in any judicial or arbitral proceeding, a
court or arbitration panel shall refuse to enforce any of the separate covenants
contained in this Agreement, then that invalid or unenforceable covenant
contained in this Agreement shall be deemed eliminated from these provisions
to
the extent necessary to permit the remaining separate covenants to be enforced.
In the event that any court or arbitration panel determines that the time period
or the area, or both, are unreasonable and that any of the covenants is to
that
extent invalid or unenforceable, the parties hereto agree that such covenants
will remain in full force and effect, first, for the greatest time period,
and
second, in the greatest geographical area that would not render them
unenforceable.
(k) Construction.
The
headings and captions of this Agreement are provided for convenience only and
are intended to have no effect in construing or interpreting this Agreement.
The
language in all parts of this Agreement shall be in all cases construed
according to its fair meaning and not strictly for or against the Company or
Executive. As used herein, the words “day” or “days” shall mean a calendar day
or days.
(l) Nonwaiver.
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 any other right, power or privilege or of the same right,
power or privilege in any other instance. All waivers by either party hereto
must be contained in a written
instrument signed by the party to be charged and, in the case of the Company,
by
its duly authorized officer.
12
(m) Notices.
Any
notice required or permitted hereunder shall be in writing and shall be
sufficiently given if personally delivered or if sent by registered or certified
mail, postage prepaid, with return receipt requested, addressed: (i) in the
case
of the Company, to I.C. Xxxxxx & Company, Inc., 000 00xx
Xxxxxx,
0xx
Xxxxx,
Xxx Xxxx, XX 00000, attn.: Chairman of the Board of Directors, with a copy
to
Xxxxxx Xxxxx Xxxxxxxx & Xxxxxxx LLP, 0000 Xxxxxx xx xxx Xxxxxxxx, Xxx Xxxx,
Xxx Xxxx 00000, attn.: Xxxxxxxx X. Xxxx, Esq.; and (ii) in the case of
Executive, to Executive’s last known address as reflected in the Company’s
records, or to such other address as Executive shall designate by written notice
to the Company. Any notice given hereunder shall be deemed to have been given
at
the time of receipt thereof by the person to whom such notice is given if
personally delivered or at the time of mailing if sent by registered or
certified mail.
(n) Assistance
in Proceedings, Etc.
Executive shall, without additional compensation, during and after the Term,
upon reasonable notice, furnish such information and proper assistance to the
Company as may reasonably be required by the Company in connection with any
legal or quasi-legal proceeding, including any external or internal
investigation, involving the Company or any of its affiliates. The Company
shall
reimburse Executive’s out-of-pocket expenses incurred in connection with the
obligations in this Section 9(n).
(o) Survival.
Cessation or termination of Executive’s employment with the Company shall not
result in termination of this Agreement. The respective obligations of Executive
and the Company as provided in Sections 5, 6, 8 and 9 of this Agreement shall
survive cessation or termination of Executive’s employment
hereunder.
(p) No
Representations Regarding Tax Implications.
The
Company makes no representations regarding the tax implications of the
compensation and benefits to be paid to Executive under this Agreement,
including, without limitation, under Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code
of 1986, as amended (the “Code”). Executive and the Company agree that in the
event the Company reasonably determines that the terms hereof would result
in
Executive being subject to tax under Section 409A of the Code, Executive and
the
Company shall negotiate in good faith to amend this Agreement to the extent
necessary to prevent the assessment of any such tax, including by delaying
the
payment dates of any amounts hereunder.
(q) Counterparts.
This
Agreement may be executed in two or more counterparts, each of which shall
be
deemed an original and all of which together shall be deemed to be one and
the
same instrument.
13
IN
WITNESS WHEREOF, the Company has caused this Agreement to be duly executed
on
its behalf by an individual thereunto duly authorized and Executive has duly
executed this Agreement, all as of the date and year first written
above.
I.C.
XXXXXX & COMPANY, INC. EXECUTIVE:
By:___________________________________ _________
Name: Xxxxx X. Xxxxx
Xxxxxx
X.
Xxxx
Title: Chief Financial Officer
14
EXHIBIT
A
I.C.
XXXXXX & COMPANY, INC.
AMENDED
AND RESTATED OMNIBUS STOCK PLAN
NONSTATUTORY
STOCK OPTION GRANT AGREEMENT
AGREEMENT
dated the 19th day of April, 2007 from I.C. XXXXXX & COMPANY, INC., a
Delaware corporation (the “Company”), to Xxxxxx X. Xxxx, an employee and a
director of the Company (“Optionee”). Capitalized terms used without being
defined herein shall have the meanings ascribed to them by the I.C. Xxxxxx
&
Company, Inc. Amended and Restated Omnibus Stock Plan, as the same may be
amended from time to time hereafter (the “Plan”).
WHEREAS,
in order to implement the purposes of the Plan, the Company has granted the
Optionee an opportunity to purchase shares of its $.0001 par value Common Stock
(the “Common Stock”), as hereinafter provided; and
WHEREAS,
on April 19, 2007 (the “Grant Date”) the Compensation Committee of the Board of
Directors of the Company, acting pursuant to the Plan, granted to the Optionee
the option evidenced hereby at the exercise price in effect under the Plan
for
the Grant Date;
NOW,
THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises, mutual covenants and agreements
herein, the Company and Optionee agree as follows:
ARTICLE
1
GRANT
OF OPTION
Section
1.1 Grant of Option.
The
Company has granted to Optionee, pursuant to the provisions of the Plan, a
non-qualified stock option to purchase from the Company, at a price equal to
the
fair market value of the shares on the date of grant, which is $1.33 per share
(the “Exercise Price”), up to 75,000 shares of Common Stock, subject to the
provisions of this Option (this “Option”). This Option shall expire at 5:00 p.m.
Eastern Time on the first anniversary of the Vesting Date (the “Expiration
Date”), unless fully exercised or terminated earlier pursuant to this Option.
The period between the Vesting Date (as defined below) and the Expiration Date
is hereinafter referred to as the “Option Term.”
ARTICLE
2
VESTING
Section
2.1 Vesting Schedule.
Unless
this Option has earlier terminated pursuant to the provisions of this Agreement,
the Optionee’s right to purchase Common Stock pursuant to this Option shall vest
with respect to all of the shares of Common Stock subject to this Option on
April 4, 2008 (the “Vesting Date”), provided that Optionee shall be an active
employee on such date.
Section
2.2 Acceleration of Vesting.
Unless
this Option has earlier terminated pursuant to the provisions of this Option,
vesting of this Option granted to Optionee hereunder shall be accelerated so
that the unvested portion of this Option shall become 100% vested in Optionee
upon the earliest to occur of: (i) Optionee’s termination of employment with the
Company or its
15
subsidiaries
due to Disability, as defined in Article 4 hereunder; (ii) termination of
Optionee’s employment with the Company or its subsidiaries as a result of
Optionee’s death; (iii) termination of Optionee’s employment with the Company or
its subsidiaries by the Company without “Cause” (as defined in Optionee’s
employment agreement with the Company, dated April 19, 2007); or (iv) a Change
of Control that occurs while Optionee is employed by the Company or its
subsidiaries (each of the foregoing events, a “Triggering Event”). For purposes
of this Option, the term “Change of Control” shall mean (i) the sale of all or
substantially all of the assets of the Company, (ii) the sale of more than
50%
of the outstanding capital stock of the Company in a non-public sale, (iii)
the
dissolution or liquidation of the Company, or (iv) any merger, share exchange,
consolidation or other reorganization or business combination of the Company
if
immediately after such transaction either (A) persons who were members of the
Board of Directors of the Company immediately prior to such transaction do
not
constitute at least a majority of the Board of Directors of the surviving
entity, or (B) persons who hold a majority of the voting capital stock of the
surviving entity are not persons who held voting capital stock of the Company
immediately prior to such transaction. In the event that the vesting of the
Option is accelerated pursuant to this Section 2.2, the “Vesting Date” shall be
the date that the Triggering Event occurs.
ARTICLE
3
EXERCISE
OF OPTION
Section
3.1 Exercisability of Option.
Unless
this Option has earlier terminated pursuant to the provisions of Article IV
hereof, this Option may be exercised at any time, and from time to time during
the Option Term, with respect to the number of shares subject to the Option
in
which Optionee is then vested.
Section
3.2 Manner of Exercise.
This
Option may be exercised, in whole or in part, by delivering written notice
to
the Company’s Secretary in such form as the Administrator may require from time
to time; provided, however, that this Option may not be exercised at any one
time as to fewer than ten shares (or such lesser number of shares as to which
this Option is then exercisable). Such notice shall specify the number of shares
of Common Stock subject to this Option as to which this Option is being
exercised, and shall be accompanied by full payment of the Exercise Price for
such shares in accordance with this Section 3.2. The exercise shall be effective
upon receipt by the Company’s Secretary of such written notice accompanied by
the required payment. Payment of the Exercise Price shall be made (a) in cash
(or via certified or cashier’s check, or money order); (b) by a broker-assisted
cashless exercise in accordance with Regulation T of the Board of Governors
of
the Federal Reserve System and the provisions of the next paragraph; or (c)
by
any combination of the foregoing. In the Administrator’s sole and absolute
discretion, the Administrator may authorize payment of the Exercise Price to
be
made, in whole or in part, by such other means as the Administrator may
prescribe. This Option may be exercised only in multiples of whole shares and
no
fractional shares shall be issued.
If
the
Common Stock is publicly traded on a national exchange, payment of the exercise
price may be made, in whole or in part, subject to such limitations as the
Administrator may determine, by delivery of a properly executed exercise notice,
together with irrevocable instructions: (i) to a brokerage firm approved by
the
Company to deliver promptly to the Company the aggregate amount of sale or
loan
proceeds to pay the exercise price and any
16
withholding
tax obligations that may arise in connection with the exercise, and (ii) to
the
Company to deliver such purchased shares directly to such brokerage
firm.
Section
3.3 Issuance of Shares and Payment of Cash upon Exercise.
Upon
exercise of this Option, in whole or in part, in accordance with the terms
hereof and upon payment of the Exercise Price for the shares of Common Stock
as
to which this Option is exercised, the Company shall issue to Optionee, the
brokerage firm specified in the Optionee’s delivery instructions pursuant to a
broker-assisted cashless exercise, or such other person exercising this Option,
as the case may be, the number of shares of Common Stock so paid for, in the
form of fully paid and nonassessable Common Stock and, as soon as practicable
thereafter, shall either deliver certificates therefore or instruct its transfer
agent to issue such shares in book entry form on the books of the transfer
agent. Unless such shares are registered or an exemption from registration
is
available under applicable federal and state law, if the shares of Common Stock
issued hereunder are in certificated form, the stock certificates for any such
shares shall, bear a legend restricting transferability of such shares, and
if
the shares are in book entry form, they shall be subject to electronic coding
or
stop order restricting transferability of such shares.
Section
3.4 Legal Compliance.
The
Company shall not be obligated to cause to be issued any shares of Common Stock
pursuant hereto unless and until the Company is advised by its counsel that
the
issuance and delivery of such certificates is in compliance with all applicable
laws, regulations of governmental authority and the requirements of any
securities exchange on which shares of Common Stock are traded. The
Administrator may require, as a condition of the issuance and delivery of
certificates evidencing shares of Common Stock pursuant to the terms hereof,
that the recipient of such shares make such covenants, agreements and
representations, and that such certificates bear such legends, as the
Administrator, in its sole discretion, deems necessary or
desirable.
ARTICLE
4
TERMINATION
OF OPTION
Section
4.1 Termination, In General.
This
Option shall terminate and be of no force or effect after the Expiration Date,
unless terminated prior to such time as provided below.
Section
4.2 Termination of Employment for Cause.
In the
event that the Optionee’s employment with the Company is terminated for Cause,
this Option shall terminate on the commencement of business of the effective
date of such termination of employment with respect to all shares of Common
Stock not purchased hereunder prior to such Termination Date.
The
good
faith determination by the Administrator of whether the Optionee’s employment
was terminated by the Company or one of its subsidiaries for Cause shall be
final and binding for all purposes hereunder.
Section
4.3 Upon Optionee’s Death.
Unless
this Option has earlier terminated for Cause or due to the Optionee’s Disability
or the Company’s termination of Optionee’s employment without Cause, upon
Optionee’s death, Optionee’s executor, personal representative, or the person(s)
to whom this Option shall have been transferred by will or the laws of descent
and distribution, as the case may be, may exercise all or any part of the
outstanding Option, provided
17
such
exercise occurs within one year after the date of Optionee’s death, but not
later than the Expiration Date of this Option. Unless sooner terminated, this
Option shall terminate upon the expiration of such one year period.
Section
4.4 Termination of Employment by Reason of Disability.
Unless
this Option has earlier terminated for Cause or due to the Optionee’s death or
the Company’s termination of Optionee’s employment without Cause, in the event
that Optionee ceases, by reason of Disability, to be an employee of the Company
or any of the Company’s subsidiaries, any unexercised portion of this Option may
be exercised in whole or in part at any time within one year after the date
of
Optionee’s termination of employment due to Disability, but not later than the
Expiration Date of this Option. Unless sooner terminated, this Option shall
terminate upon the expiration of such one year period. For purposes of this
Option, Disability shall mean the inability to engage in any substantial gainful
activity by reason of any medically determinable physical or mental impairment
which can be expected to result in death or which has lasted or can be expected
to last for a continuous period of not less than 12 months. The Administrator
may require such proof of Disability as the Administrator in its sole discretion
deems appropriate and the Administrator’s determination as to whether Optionee
is Disabled shall be final and binding on all parties concerned.
Section
4.5 Termination of Employment.
In the
event that the Optionee’s employment with the Company is terminated other than
for cause or due to the Optionee’s death or Disability, any unexercised portion
of this Option that was vested as of the date of termination of employment
may
be exercised in whole or in part at any time within the 90-day period following
the Optionee’s termination of employment, but not later than the Expiration Date
of this Option. In the event that Optionee dies during the 90-day period, any
unexercised portion of this Option that was vested as of the date of death
may
be exercised in whole or in part at any time within one year after the date
of
death, but not later than the Expiration Date of this Option. Unless sooner
terminated, this Option shall terminate upon the expiration of such 90-day
or
one-year period.
Section
4.6 Leave of Absence.
For
purposes of this Option, the Optionee’s employment with the Company or any of
the Company’s subsidiaries shall not be deemed to terminate if the Optionee
takes any military leave, sick leave, or other bona fide leave of absence
approved by the Administrator of 90 days or less. In the event of a leave in
excess of 90 days, the Optionee’s employment shall be deemed to terminate on the
91st day of the leave unless the Optionee’s right to re-employment with the
Company or Affiliate remains guaranteed by statute or contract.
Section
4.7 Termination of Employment, Definition.
References on this Agreement to the Optionee’s termination of employment from
the Company shall mean the termination of the Optionee’s employment with the
Company, provided, however, that (i) a transfer of Optionee’s employment
relationship from the Company to a subsidiary or vice versa or from one
subsidiary to another subsidiary shall not constitute a termination of
employment, and (ii) an employee who terminates such relationship with the
Company but continues in a consulting relationship with the Company shall not
incur a termination of employment until such individual terminates the last
of
such relationships with the Company.
18
ARTICLE
5
ADJUSTMENTS;
BUSINESS COMBINATIONS
Section
5.1 Adjustments for Events Affecting Common Stock.
In the
event of changes in the Common Stock of the Company by reason of any stock
dividend, split-up, recapitalization, merger, consolidation, business
combination or exchange of shares and the like, the Administrator shall make
appropriate adjustments to the number, kind and price of shares covered by
this
Option, and shall, in its discretion and without the consent of the Optionee,
make any other adjustments in this Option, including but not limited to reducing
the number of shares subject to this Option or providing or mandating
alternative settlement methods such as settlement of this Option in cash or
in
shares of Common Stock or other securities of the Company or of any other
entity, or in any other matters which relate to this Option as the Administrator
shall, in its sole discretion, determine to be necessary or appropriate in
order
to prevent the dilution or enlargement of rights under this Option.
Section
5.2 Modifications or Adjustments for Unusual Events.
Notwithstanding anything in the Plan or this Option to the contrary and without
the consent of the Optionee, the Administrator, in its sole discretion, may
make
(a) in order to facilitate any business combination that is authorized by the
Board, any modifications to this Option, including but not limited to
cancellation, forfeiture, surrender or other termination of this Option in
whole
or in part regardless of the vested status of this Option; and/or (b) any
adjustments in the terms and conditions of, and the criteria included in, this
Option in recognition of unusual or nonrecurring events affecting the Company,
or the financial statements of the Company or any subsidiary of the Company,
or
of changes in applicable laws, regulations, or accounting principles, whenever
the Administrator determines that such adjustments are appropriate in order
to
prevent dilution or enlargement of the benefits or potential benefits intended
to be made available under this Option or the Plan.
Section
5.3 Binding Nature of Adjustments.
Modifications or adjustments under this Article 5 will be made by the
Administrator, whose determination as to what adjustments, if any, will be
made
and the extent thereof will be final, binding and conclusive. No fractional
shares will be issued pursuant to this Option on account of any such
modifications or adjustments.
ARTICLE
6
MISCELLANEOUS
Section
6.1 Non-Guarantee of Employment.
Nothing
in the Plan or this Option shall alter the employment status of Optionee, nor
be
construed as a contract of employment between the Company or any of the
Company’s subsidiaries, and Optionee, or as a contractual right of Optionee to
continue in the employ of the Company or any of its subsidiaries, or as a
limitation of the right of the Company, or any of the Company’s subsidiaries to
discharge Optionee at any time with or without cause or notice.
Section
6.2 No Rights of Stockholder.
Optionee shall not have any of the rights of a stockholder with respect to
the
shares of Common Stock that may be issued upon the exercise of this Option
until
such shares of Common Stock have been issued to Optionee upon the due exercise
of this Option. No adjustment shall be made for dividends or distributions
or
other
19
rights for which the record date is prior to the date such
shares are issued, whether by means of a stock certificate or certificates
or in
book entry form.
Section
6.3 Non-Qualified Nature of Option.
This
Option is intended to be an agreement concerning a stock option arrangement
which does not qualify under section 422 of the Internal Revenue Code, and
this
Option shall be so construed. Optionee acknowledges that, upon exercise of
this
Option, Optionee will recognize taxable income in an amount equal to the excess
of the then Fair Market Value of the shares over the Exercise Price and must
comply with the provisions of Section 6.6 of this Option with respect to any
tax
withholding obligations that arise as a result of such exercise.
Section
6.4 Confidential Information.
In
consideration of the granting of this Option, Optionee agrees and covenants
that, except as specifically authorized by the Company, the Optionee will keep
confidential any trade secrets or confidential or proprietary information of
the
Company or any Affiliate which are now or which hereafter may become known
to
Optionee as a result of Optionee’s employment by the Company, the Company or any
of the Company’s subsidiaries, and shall not at any time, directly or
indirectly, disclose any such information to any person, firm, corporation
or
other entity, or use the same in any way other than in connection with the
business of the Company or any Affiliate, at all times during and after
Optionee’s employment.
Section
6.5 The Company’s Rights.
The
existence of this Option shall not affect in any way the right or power of
the
Company or its stockholders to make or authorize any or all adjustments,
recapitalizations, reorganizations or other changes in the Company’s capital
structure or its business, or any merger or consolidation of the Company, or
any
issue of bonds, debentures, preferred or other stocks with preference ahead
of
or convertible into, or otherwise affecting the Common Stock or the rights
thereof, or the dissolution or liquidation of the Company, or any sale or
transfer of all or any part of the Company’s assets or business, or any other
corporate act or proceeding, whether of a similar character or
otherwise.
Section
6.6 Withholding of Taxes.
The
Company or any of the Company’s subsidiaries shall have the right to deduct from
any compensation or any other payment of any kind (including withholding the
issuance of shares of Common Stock) due Optionee the amount of any foreign,
federal, state or local taxes required by law to be withheld as the result
of
the exercise of this Option or the lapsing of any restriction with respect
to
any shares of Common Stock acquired on exercise of this Option; provided,
however, that the value of the shares of Stock withheld may not exceed the
statutory minimum withholding amount required by law. In lieu of such deduction,
the Administrator may require Optionee to make a cash payment to the Company
or
an Affiliate equal to the amount required to be withheld. If Optionee does
not
make such payment when requested, the Company may refuse to issue any shares
of
Common Stock under the Plan until arrangements satisfactory to the Administrator
for such payment have been made.
Section
6.7 Optionee.
Whenever the word “Optionee” is used in any provision of this Option under
circumstances where the provision should logically be construed to apply to
the
estate, personal representative or beneficiary to whom this Option may be
transferred by will or by the laws of descent and distribution, the word
“Optionee” shall be deemed to include such person.
20
Section
6.8 Nontransferability of Option.
This
Option shall be nontransferable otherwise than by will or the laws of descent
and distribution and during the lifetime of Optionee, this Option may be
exercised only by Optionee or, during the period Optionee is under a legal
disability, by Optionee’s guardian or legal representative. Except as provided
above, this Option may not be assigned, transferred, pledged, hypothecated
or
disposed of in any way (whether by operation of law or otherwise) and shall
not
be subject to execution, attachment or similar process.
Section
6.9 Notices.
All
notices and other communications made or given pursuant to this Option shall
be
in writing and shall be sufficiently made or given if hand delivered or mailed
by certified mail, addressed to Optionee at the address contained in the records
of the Company, or addressed to the Administrator, care of the Company for
the
attention of its Corporate Secretary at its principal office or, if the
receiving party consents in advance, transmitted and received via telecopy
or
via such other electronic transmission mechanism as may be available to the
parties.
Section
6.10 Entire Agreement.
This
Option contains the entire agreement between the parties with respect to the
subject matter contained herein. Any oral or written agreements,
representations, warranties, written inducements, or other communications made
prior to the execution of this Option shall be void and ineffective for all
purposes.
Section
6.11 Amendments.
This
Option may not be modified, except as provided in the Plan or in a written
document signed by each of the parties hereto.
Section
6.12 Conformity with Plan.
Except
for the provisions of this Option that are contrary to the provisions of the
Plan, (a) this Option is intended to conform in all respects with, and is
subject to all applicable provisions of, the Plan, which is incorporated herein
by reference; and (b) any inconsistencies between this Option and the Plan
shall
be resolved in accordance with the terms of this Option. In the event of any
ambiguity in this Option or any matters as to which this Option is silent,
the
Plan shall govern. A copy of the Plan is available upon request to the
Administrator.
Section
6.13 Governing Law.
This
Option shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the
State of Delaware, other than the conflict of laws principles
thereof.
Section
6.14 Headings.
The
headings in this Option are for reference purposes only and shall not affect
the
meaning or interpretation of this Option.
21
IN
WITNESS WHEREOF, the Company has caused this Option to be executed by its duly
authorized officer as of the date first above written.
I.C.
XXXXXX &
COMPANY, INC.
By:
____________________________
Name:
Xxxxx X.
Xxxxx
Title:
Chief
Financial Officer
The
undersigned hereby acknowledges that he/she has carefully read this Agreement
and the Plan and agrees to be bound by all of the provisions set forth in such
documents.
OPTIONEE
______________________________
Xxxxxx
X.
Xxxx
Date:
22
CORPORATE
SECRETARY
I.C.
XXXXXX & COMPANY, INC.
0000
XXXX
XXXXXX
XXXXXXXXX,
XXXXXXXX 00000
Gentlemen:
I
hereby
elect to exercise the Option made to me on April __, 2007 by I.C. XXXXXX &
COMPANY, INC. (the “Company”), pursuant to an Agreement dated April __, 2007
concerning the grant subject to all the terms and provisions of the Nonstatutory
Stock Option Grant Agreement previously executed by me, and the I.C. XXXXXX
& COMPANY, INC. AMENDED AND RESTATED OMNIBUS STOCK PLAN. Pursuant to this
election, I wish to purchase ____________ shares of Common Stock of the Company
at a price of $[ ] per share.
Enclosed
is payment for such shares in the amount of $_____________ in the form
of:
£ Cash
£ Certified
or Cashier’s Check £ Money
Order
£ Irrevocable
Broker-Assisted Cashless Exercise Instructions
I
understand that my election will be effective the date this election notice,
together with the cash, check or other payment of the purchase price, is
received by the Company as indicated below.
My
address of record is:
_________________________________
_________________________________
_________________________________
And
my
Social Security Number is: __________________
Date:
________________________ ___________________________________
[Optionee]
Received
by I.C. XXXXXX & COMPANY, INC. on
_____________________________________
By:
__________________________________
Title:
_________________________________
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