EX 10.1
AMENDMENT AND RESTATEMENT OF
VANS, INC.
DEFERRED COMPENSATION AGREEMENT
FOR ▇▇▇▇ ▇. ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇
THIS AMENDMENT AND RESTATEMENT is made and entered into, and is effective,
as of the 13th day of December, 2002 (the "Effective Date"), by and between
VANS, INC., a Delaware corporation (the "Company"), and ▇▇▇▇ ▇. ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ (the
"Executive"), with reference to the following facts:
WITNESSETH
WHEREAS, the Executive is an executive officer and key employee of the
Company;
WHEREAS, the Company and the Executive entered into a Deferred
Compensation Agreement dated as of November 3, 1999 (the "Deferred Compensation
Agreement") providing certain deferred compensation for the Executive;
WHEREAS, the Company wishes to continue to provide certain deferred
compensation for the Executive on the amended and restated terms and conditions
provided for herein; and
WHEREAS, as of the Effective Date, the Company and the Executive have
entered into an Endorsement Split Dollar Life Insurance Agreement (the "Split
Dollar Agreement") concerning their rights and obligations with respect to the
Company's provision of certain life insurance benefits for the Executive.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the agreements contained herein, the
parties hereby agree as follows:
AGREEMENT
1. Company Payments of Insurance Premiums.
The Company shall pay premiums on a life insurance policy (the "Policy")
owned by the Company in accordance with the terms and conditions of the Split
Dollar Agreement. The parties' rights and responsibilities with respect to the
Policy shall be as provided in the Split Dollar Agreement.
2. Company Payments of Deferred Compensation.
In addition to the Company's payments of insurance premiums as provided in
the Split Dollar Agreement, and Section 1 hereof, but subject to the terms and
conditions of this Section 2, the Company shall also pay to the Executive
deferred compensation, in the following amounts, and at the following times:
(a) Subject to the provisions of Sections 2(c) and 2(d) hereof, on
December 3, 2003, the Company shall pay to the Executive deferred compensation
equal to the sum of:
(i) The amount of the "Employer's Interest in the Policy" (as
defined in Paragraph 6 of the Split Dollar Agreement); plus
(ii) The "Tax Gross Up Amount" (as defined in Section 2(b) hereof).
(b) The "Tax Gross Up Amount" shall equal the quotient of (i) the amount
of deferred compensation payable to the Executive, divided by (ii) a percentage
equal to (x) one (1), minus (y) the amount, expressed as a percentage, equal to
the maximum aggregate state and federal income tax rate applicable to California
residents at the time the payment of deferred compensation is to be made to the
Executive pursuant to this Section 2, minus (iii) the amount of
deferred compensation payable to the Executive.
For example, if the deferred compensation payable to the Executive
pursuant to Section 2(a)(i) hereof is $100, and if the maximum aggregate state
and federal income tax rate applicable to California residents at the time of
payment is 46%, then the "Tax Gross Up Amount" shall be $85.19, determined as
follows:
(I) Tax Gross Up Amount equals deferred compensation, divided by
(one minus tax rate), minus deferred compensation.
(II) Tax Gross Up Amount equals 100, divided by .54 [1 minus .46],
minus 100.
(III) Tax Gross Up Amount equals 185.185, minus 100.
(IV) Tax Gross Up Amount equals 85.185 (rounded: $85.19).
The "Tax Gross Up Amount" is designed to ensure that the Executive shall
receive, on a net after tax basis, an amount of deferred compensation equal to
the "Employer's Interest in the Policy", and the terms of this Section 2 shall
be construed in accordance with this intent. Accordingly, and using the Example
set forth above, if the Executive is paid $100 of deferred compensation pursuant
to Section 2(a)(i) hereof, and if the "Tax Gross Up Amount" provided for in this
Section 2(b) is $85.19, then the total payments of deferred compensation to the
Executive pursuant to this Section 2 would be $185.19. After application of the
assumed 46% aggregate state and federal income tax rate, the amount available to
the Executive, on a net after tax basis, would equal the amount of deferred
compensation (e.g., $185.19 minus ($185.19 x 46%, or $85.19), equals 100).
(c) Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this Section 2, if the
Executive's employment with the Company (or any subsidiary) shall be terminated
for "Cause" (as defined in this Section 2(c)), then the Company shall not be
required to make any payments of deferred compensation otherwise required
pursuant to this Section 2. For purposes hereof, "Cause" shall mean (i) the
Executive's conviction of a felony (which, through the lapse of time or
otherwise is not subject to appeal); (ii) the Executive's material refusal
without proper cause to perform adequately his obligations under his Employment
Agreement or follow the instructions of his supervisor(s), after reasonable
written notice and an opportunity to cure within thirty (30) days of the
Executive's receipt of such notice; (iii) the Executive's knowing material
breach of his fiduciary duty of loyalty as an executive officer of the Company;
(iv) the Executive's material failure to adhere to the code of conduct and rules
set forth in the Company's Employee Handbook, as amended or in existence from
time to time, after reasonable written notice and an opportunity to cure within
thirty (30) days of the Executive's receipt of such notice; (v) the death or
"Disability" (as defined in Section 2(g) hereof) of the Executive; or (vi) the
voluntary termination by the Executive of his employment, except for "Good
Reason" (as defined in Section 2(e) hereof).
(d) Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this Section 2, the amount
of deferred compensation otherwise payable to the Executive pursuant to this
Section 2 shall be subject to modification as follows:
(i) If the Executive's employment with the Company shall terminate
on or before November 2, 2003, other than for "Cause" (as defined in
Section 2(c) hereof), or by the Executive without "Good Reason" (as
defined in Section 2(e) hereof), then the
Company shall pay to the Executive within ten (10) business days following
termination an amount of deferred compensation equal to the sum of (x) the
theretofore unpaid scheduled annual premiums due under the Policy through
November 3, 2003, plus (y) the amount of deferred compensation provided
for in Section 2(a) hereof, including the "Tax Gross Up Amount" with
respect thereto as provided for in Sections 2(a)(ii) and 2(b) hereof.
(ii) If the Executive's employment with the Company shall be
terminated by the Executive on or before November 2, 2003, without "Good
Reason" (as defined in Section 2(e) hereof), then the Company shall pay to
the Executive within ten (10) business days following termination an
amount of deferred compensation equal to the product of (x) the net cash
surrender value of the Policy at the time of such termination, multiplied
by (y) the "Applicable Percentage" (as defined herein), plus (z) the "Tax
Gross Up Amount" with respect thereto as provided for in Sections 2(a)(ii)
and 2(b) hereof. For purposes of this Section 2(d)(ii), the "Applicable
Percentage" shall be: 20% if the Executive terminates his employment with
the Company without "Good Reason" on or before November 2, 2000; 40% if he
terminates such employment without "Good Reason" on or after November 3,
2000, but on or before November 2, 2001; 60% if he terminates such
employment without "Good Reason" on or after November 3, 2001, but on or
before November 2, 2002; and 80% if he terminates such employment without
"Good Reason" on or after November 3, 2002, but on or before November 2,
2003.
(iii) For example, if the Executive terminates his employment with
the Company without "Good Reason" on November 3, 2002, and if at such time
the net cash
surrender value of the policy is $300,000, then the amount of deferred
compensation payable to the Executive pursuant to Section 2(d)(ii) shall
equal (x) $300,000 (the net cash surrender value of the Policy) multiplied
by (y) 80% (the "Applicable Percentage"), or $240,000, plus (z) the "Tax
Gross Up Amount" with respect thereto as provided for in Sections 2(a)(ii)
and 2(b) hereof.
(e) For purposes of this Agreement, "Good Reason" means (i) the Executive
is not appointed or is removed from the position of President and Chief
Executive Officer of the Company without "Cause" (as defined in Section 2(c)
hereof) during the term of his Employment Agreement; (ii) without the
Executive's written consent, any material change to the duties defined in
Section 1 of his Employment Agreement; (iii) without the Executive's written
consent, a change in office location which necessitates extending the
Executive's daily commute to more than two hours, or relocation of his
residence; (iv) a "Change in Management or Control" (as defined in Section 2(f)
hereof) has occurred; or (v) the Company has materially breached his Employment
Agreement and failed to cure such breach within thirty (30) days of its receipt
of written notice thereof.
(f) For purposes of this Agreement, "Change in Management or Control"
means the occurrence, in a single transaction or in a series of related
transactions, of (i) a merger, consolidation or similar transaction involving
(directly or indirectly) the Company and, immediately after the consummation of
such merger, consolidation or similar transaction, the stockholders of the
Company immediately prior thereto do not own, directly or indirectly,
outstanding voting securities representing more than fifty percent (50%) of the
combined outstanding voting power of the surviving entity in such merger,
consolidation or similar
transaction or more than fifty percent (50%) of the combined outstanding voting
power of the parent of the surviving entity in such merger, consolidation or
similar transaction; (ii) a sale, lease, license or other disposition of all or
substantially all of the consolidated assets of the Company and its
subsidiaries, other than a sale, lease, license or other disposition of all or
substantially all of the consolidated assets of the Company and its subsidiaries
to an entity, of more than fifty percent (50%) of the combined voting power of
the voting securities of which are owned by stockholders of the Company in
substantially the same proportions as their ownership of the Company immediately
prior to such sale, lease, license or other disposition; or (iii) the
acquisition by any Person (other than any employee benefit plan, or related
trust, sponsored or maintained by the Company) as Beneficial Owner (as "Person"
and "Beneficial Owner" are defined in the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as
amended, or the rules and regulations thereunder), directly or indirectly, of
securities of the Company representing twenty percent (20%) or more of the total
voting power represented by the Company's then outstanding voting securities.
(g) For purposes of this Agreement, "Disability" shall mean that the
Executive, in the sole opinion of the Company, is unable to perform
substantially the services required of the Executive under his Employment
Agreement for a period in excess of 120 consecutive work days or 120 work days
during any 180 work day period. In such event, the Executive shall be deemed
disabled as of such 120th workday.
(h) The Company's obligations to pay deferred compensation hereunder shall
be only unfunded and unsecured promises of the Company to pay money to the
Executive in the future. Notwithstanding any contrary provision hereof, the
Executive's rights hereunder shall be no
greater than the rights of any other general creditors of the Company to the
assets of the Company.
3. Claims.
(a) The Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors of the Company
(the "Committee") shall be responsible for determining all claims hereunder made
by the Executive (the "Claimant"). Within ninety (90) days after receiving
written notice of a claim (or, if there is any reason for delay, within up to
one hundred eighty (180) days thereafter, if the Claimant is so notified,
including notification of the reason therefor), the Committee shall notify the
Claimant in writing of its decision concerning any such claim. If the decision
is adverse to the Claimant, the notice to the Claimant shall set forth:
(i) The specific reason or reasons for the denial;
(ii) Specific reference to the pertinent provisions of this
Agreement upon which the denial is based;
(iii) A description of any additional material or information
necessary for the Claimant to complete the claim request and an
explanation of why such material or information is necessary;
(iv) Appropriate information as to the steps to be taken and the
applicable time limits if the Claimant wishes to submit the adverse
determination for review; and
(v) A statement of the Claimant's right to bring a civil action
under Section
502(a) of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended,
following an adverse determination on review.
(b) The Claimant may request a review of any adverse decision by written
request to the Committee made within sixty (60) days after receipt of the
decision. In connection with such hearing, the Claimant, or his authorized
representatives, may:
(i) Upon request and free of charge, be provided with reasonable
access to, and copies of, relevant documents, records and other
information relevant to the Claimant's claim; and
(ii) Submit written comments, documents, records and other
information relating to the claim. The review of the claim determination
shall take into account all comments, documents, records and other
information submitted by the Claimant relating to the claim, without
regard to whether such information was submitted or considered in the
initial claim determination.
(c) Within sixty (60) days after receiving a request for review, the
Committee shall notify the Claimant of its decision. If the claim on review is
denied, the notice to the Claimant shall set forth:
(i) The specific reason or reasons for the decision, with references
to the specific provisions of this Agreement on which the determination is
based;
(ii) A statement that the Claimant is entitled to receive, upon
request and free of charge, reasonable access to, and copies of, all
documents, records and other
information relevant to the claim; and
(iii) A statement of the Claimant's right to bring a civil action
under Section 502(a) of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of
1974, as amended.
(d) A document, record or other information is considered "relevant" to a
claim for this purpose if it (i) was relied upon in making the benefit
determination, (ii) was submitted, considered or generated in the course of
making the benefit determination, without regard to whether such document,
record or other information was relied upon in making the benefit determination,
or (iii) demonstrates compliance with the administrative process and safeguards
required by law when making the benefit determination.
(e) The Committee may at any time alter the claims procedure set forth
above, so long as the revised claims procedure complies with the Employee
Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended, and the regulations issued
thereunder.
(f) The Company's Board of Directors and the Committee shall have the full
power and authority to interpret, construe and administer this Agreement in
their sole and absolute discretion based on the provisions of this Agreement.
Both the Committee's and the Board's interpretations and construction thereof,
and actions thereunder, shall be final, binding and conclusive on all persons
for all persons. No member of the Board or Committee shall be liable to any
person for any action taken or omitted in connection with the interpretation and
administration of this Agreement.
(g) The claims procedures set forth in this section are intended to comply
with United
States Department of Labor Regulation Section 2560.503-1 and should be construed
in accordance with such regulation. In no event shall it be interpreted as
expanding the rights of the Claimant beyond what is required by United States
Department of Labor Regulation Section 2560.503-1.
4. No Funding.
This Agreement is wholly "unfunded" for United States federal income tax
purposes, and for purposes of Title I of the Employee Retirement Income Security
Act of 1974, as amended, and shall at all times remain wholly unfunded. The
obligations of the Company with respect to all amounts payable hereunder shall
be paid out of the Company's general assets, and shall not be secured. The
Company may in its sole and absolute discretion earmark, set aside or otherwise
make alternative or additional funding arrangements, solely for the purpose of
providing itself with one or more other sources of funds for making future
payments due hereunder, but any amounts so identified shall, until distributed,
nonetheless belong solely to the Company. This Agreement constitutes a mere
promise by the Company to make payments to the Executive in the future. To the
extent that any person acquires rights to receive payments from the Company
hereunder, such rights shall be no greater than the rights of any unsecured
general creditor of the Company.
5. Fringe Benefits.
Any deferred compensation payable hereunder shall not be deemed "salary"
or other "compensation" to the Executive for purposes of computing any benefits
to which he may currently be entitled under any pension plan or other
arrangement of the Company for the benefit of its executives.
6. Severability.
If any provision of this Agreement shall be adjudicated illegal or invalid
for any reason, such illegality or invalidity shall not affect the remaining
provisions hereof, and this Agreement shall be construed and enforced as if such
illegal and invalid provision was never a part hereof.
7. Withholding.
The Company shall have the right to make such provisions as it deems
necessary or appropriate to satisfy any obligations which it may have to
withhold any domestic or foreign federal, state or local income, employment, or
other taxes incurred by reason of any payments made or to be made pursuant
hereto.
8. Successors and Assigns.
This Agreement shall be binding upon, and shall inure to the benefit of,
the Company, and its successors and assigns, and the Executive, and his heirs,
assigns, executors, administrators and legal representatives.
9. No Alienation.
Except as provided herein, amounts payable hereunder shall not be subject
to anticipation, alienation, sale, transfer, assignment, pledge, encumbrance,
attachment, garnishment, execution or levy of any kind, by creditors of the
Executive, or any person claiming by or through the Executive.
10. Applicable Law.
This Agreement shall be construed in accordance with and governed by the
laws of the State of California.
11. Entire Agreements.
This Agreement and the Split Dollar Agreement contain the entire
agreements of the parties concerning any unfunded deferred compensation payable
by the Company to the Executive, and they supersede any prior agreement or
agreements specifically concerning such subject matter.
12. Attorneys' Fees.
If any action or proceeding is commenced to enforce or interpret any of
the provisions hereof, then the prevailing party in such action or proceeding
shall be entitled to recover his or its reasonable attorneys' fees incurred in
connection therewith, and costs as provided by law.
13. No Continued Employment.
Nothing contained herein shall be construed as conferring upon the
Executive the right to continue in the employ of the Company as an executive or
in any other capacity, or to interfere
with the Company's right to discharge the Executive pursuant to his Employment
Agreement with the Company.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Company has caused this Agreement to be executed
by its duly authorized officer, and the Executive has hereunto set his hand, as
of the date and year first above-written.
COMPANY:
VANS, INC., a Delaware corporation
By:/s/ ▇▇▇▇▇ ▇. ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇
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A Duly Authorized Officer
EXECUTIVE:
/s/ ▇▇▇▇ ▇. ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇
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▇▇▇▇ ▇. ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇
