COMPLETE AND PERMANENT WAIVER
AGREEMENT AND GENERAL RELEASE OF CLAIMS
This Complete and Permanent Waiver and General Release of Claims
("Waiver and Release Agreement") is executed on this 23rd day of July, 1998, by
and among Xxxx International Holdings, Inc. a Delaware corporation, and its
respective subsidiaries, including but not limited to Deflecta-Shield
Corporation, a Delaware Corporation and its respective subsidiaries, and their
subsidiaries, (hereinafter "Company"), and Xxxxxxx Xxxxxxxx, Xx., a resident of
the State of Illinois (hereinafter "Xxxxxxxx").
WHEREAS, Xxxxxxxx had an employment agreement with Deflecta-Shield
Corporation which contained certain change in control provisions if
Deflecta-Shield Corporation was sold; and
WHEREAS, in late 1997 Deflecta-Shield Corporation's stock was sold to
Xxxx International Holdings, Inc.; and
WHEREAS, Xxxxxxxx was employed by Xxxx International Holdings, Inc. on
or about March 23, 1998, in the position of Chief Operating Officer; and
WHEREAS, Xxxxxxxx entered into an employment agreement with Xxxx
International Holdings, Inc.; and
WHEREAS, the Company is requiring that Xxxxxxxx execute this Waiver and
Release Agreement before it provides Xxxxxxxx with certain benefits which
Xxxxxxxx admits he would not be entitled to absent Xxxxxxxx'x execution of this
Waiver and Release Agreement; and
WHEREAS, the parties have had a full and open discussion of the terms
of this Waiver and Release Agreement, a copy of which Xxxxxxxx acknowledges he
received on June 26, 1998; and
WHEREAS, Xxxxxxxx agrees that this Waiver and Release Agreement shall
not be construed as an admission by the Company, its officers, directors,
agents, counsel, employees, shareholders, partners, divisions, subsidiaries,
parent corporations, predecessors, successors, affiliates, and assigns,
individually and in their representative capacities, and any entity affiliated
with any of the foregoing of any actions of discrimination, breach of contract,
or any other unlawful, intentional, or negligent conduct against Xxxxxxxx, and
that the Company specifically denies any such alleged conduct;
NOW THEREFORE, in accordance with and subject to the terms and
conditions contained herein and for other good and valuable consideration, the
Company and Xxxxxxxx agree as follows:
1. SEPARATION OF EMPLOYMENT. Effective July 23, 1998, Xxxxxxxx is no
longer an officer and an employee of Xxxx International Holdings, Inc. or any of
its subsidiaries, and except
as otherwise provided in this Waiver and Release Agreement, all benefits and
privileges of his employment end as of the close of business on July 4, 1998.
Xxxxxxxx shall be allowed to provide a letter of resignation from his employment
and from his position as Officer of Xxxx International Holdings, and all of its
subsidiaries.
2. AGREEMENT NOT TO BRING CLAIMS AGAINST THE COMPANY. Except as set
forth in Paragraphs 8 and 9 herein, Xxxxxxxx agrees not to institute, at any
time, any action against the Company, its officers, directors, agents, counsel,
employees, shareholders, partners, divisions, subsidiaries, parent corporations,
predecessors, successors, affiliates, and assigns, individually and in their
representative capacities, and any entity affiliated with any of the foregoing,
asserting any claims, demands, and/or any actions, arising out of events that
allegedly occurred before Xxxxxxxx executes this Waiver and Release Agreement,
whether related to his employment with Deflecta-Shield Corporations or its
subsidiaries, or Xxxx International Holdings, Inc. or its subsidiaries, or any
liability for damages from whatever source.
3. PAYMENTS AND CONSIDERATION.
BY THE COMPANY UNDER THE CHANGE OF CONTROL PROVISIONS. On or before
August 14, 1998, after this Waiver and Release Agreement is signed by Xxxxxxxx,
and if Xxxxxxxx has not rescinded this Waiver and Release Agreement, as set-out
in Paragraph 8 and 9 herein, confirming this in writing to the Company, the
Company shall immediately pay to Xxxxxxxx for the change of control payments as
set forth in his employment agreement the total sum of One Hundred Sixty
Thousand Dollars ($160,000) subject to the withholding of all State and Federal
taxes. Xxxxxxxx and the Company agree that Xxxxxxxx is not entitled to any bonus
payments under the change of control provisions of his employment agreement with
the Company. Xxxxxxxx and the Company agree that the deferral of the change of
control payment shall not effect Xxxxxxxx'x employment with the Company, which
is terminated on July 23, 1998, and that such deferral shall not operate or be
construed in any way to mean that Xxxxxxxx continues to be an employee of or
employed by the Company for the deferral period.
BY THE COMPANY FOR SETTLEMENT CONSIDERATION. On August 14, 1998, once
this Waiver and Release Agreement is signed by Xxxxxxxx, and if Xxxxxxxx has not
rescinded this Waiver and Release Agreement, as set-out in Paragraph 8 and 9
herein, confirming this in writing to the Company, the Company shall immediately
pay to Xxxxxxxx for settlement purposes the sum of Ninety-six Thousand Dollars
($96,000) subject to the withholding of all State and Federal taxes. This
settlement consideration is in part based upon a calculation of any potential
bonus payment Xxxxxxxx might have received if he had been entitled to a bonus
payment, which he agrees he is not entitled to. Xxxxxxxx and the Company agree
that the deferral of the change of control payment shall not effect Xxxxxxxx'x
employment with the Company, which is terminated on July 23, 1998, and that such
deferral shall not operate or be construed in any way to mean that Xxxxxxxx
continues to be an employee of or employed by the Company for the deferral
period.
NON-COMPETE PROVISION CONSIDERATION. The Company partially releases
Xxxxxxxx from the non-compete agreements to which he is subject arising out of
his employment with the Company, including but not limited to Deflecta-Shield
Corporation and its subsidiaries to the
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narrowly limited extent that he is prohibited from working for a competitor of
the Company and as modified in Paragraph 5, p. 5 of this Agreement and General
Release of Claims. Otherwise, Xxxxxxxx is not released from his non-competition
restrictions as set forth below in Paragraph 5 of this Waiver and Release
Agreement and his employment agreement.
PRESS RELEASE CONSIDERATION. The Company and Xxxxxxxx agree that the
following language shall be used for any press releases:
XXXX INTERNATIONAL HOLDINGS, INC. ANNOUNCES RESIGNATION OF XXXXXXX
XXXXXXXX AS CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER --- Anoka, Minnesota, July 23,
1998, -- Xxxx International Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ:XXXX) announced
today that Xxxxxxx Xxxxxxxx, Chief Operating Officer, has resigned from
Xxxx International Holdings, Inc., and its subsidiaries. Xxxxxxx X.
XxXxxxx, President and Chief Executive Officer of Xxxx, will assume the
responsibilities of Chief Operating Officer. Prior to joining Xxxx in
March of this year, Xx. Xxxxxxxx served as Chief Operating Officer of
Deflecta-Shield Corporation, which was recently acquired by Xxxx. Xxxx
is a leading designer, manufacturer and marketer of a broad line of
appearance accessories for new and used light trucks, including pickup
trucks, sport utility vehicles, mini-vans and other vans. The
corporation is headquartered in 000 Xxxx Xxxxxxxxx, Xxxxx, Xxxxxxxxx
00000. Company Contact: Xxxxxxx X. XxXxxxx, President and Chief
Executive Officer (000) 000-0000.
OTHER CUSTOMARY AND USUAL BENEFITS.Xxxxxxxx has the right to continue,
for the period of time provided by federal law (COBRA), the medical and dental
insurance benefits covering Xxxxxxxx and his dependents, as applicable, in
accordance with Company policy and the insurance policies and any other benefits
required to be continued under law.
Xxxxxxxx shall be responsible for the total premiums for any and all
benefits without any match or partial payment by the Company the day after his
date of separation from the Company.
Xxxxxxxx shall receive all of his benefits under the terms of
Deflecta-Shield Corporation's 401(k) plan for 1998 up through July 4, 1998,
including any match by the Company through July 4, 1998, as required under the
terms of Deflecta-Shield Corporation's 401(k) plan. Xxxxxxxx is not entitled to
any benefits under the terms of Xxxx Industries, Incorporated's or Xxxx
International Holdings, Inc.'s 401(k) plans, if any, because he agrees he is not
a participant in either plan.
Xxxxxxxx shall receive all three weeks of accrued vacation owed by the
Company.
4. ADVICE OF COUNSEL AND VOLUNTARY EXECUTION. Xxxxxxxx represents that
he has been advised to seek advice of counsel and has had the opportunity to and
has done so before signing this Waiver and Release Agreement. Xxxxxxxx also
represents that he understands the provisions of this Waiver and Release
Agreement and their effect on any rights he may have arising out of his
employment, the terms of his employment, his separation from
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employment with the Company, and any other claims against the Company, and that
he is voluntarily executing this Waiver and Release Agreement.
5. CONFIDENTIALITY, COMPANY PROPERTY, TRANSFER OF INFORMATION AND
NON-COMPETE
CONFIDENTIALITY. Xxxxxxxx acknowledges that in the course of his
employment with the Company Xxxxxxxx has had access to confidential information
and trade secrets relating to the business affairs of the Company and/or its
related companies and entities. "Trade Secrets" means any information which (i)
derives economic value, actual or potential, from not being generally known to,
and not being readily ascertainable by proper means by, other persons who can
obtain economic value from its disclosure, or use or (ii) would reasonably be
considered a trade secret by persons involved in a business similar to the
Company's, or (iii) scientific or technical information, design, process,
procedure, formula, improvement, confidential business or financial information
relating to Company business which is secret and of value. Xxxxxxxx also
recognizes that he has a continuing duty of loyalty to the Company.
The term "Confidential Information" includes, but is not limited to the
following proprietary, trade secret, and confidential information: products;
manufacturing processes and/or costs and/or time studies; marketing activities,
sales activities and records; customer lists and/or vendor lists; the quantities
and pricing of products; purchasing activities, advertising and promotional
activities, product specifications; material costs; information pertaining to
all aspects of the Company's research and development and intellectual property;
product mix as that relates to overall sales of a product line; products'
designs, dimensions, and tolerances; financial information which is not made
public in either Company's press releases, quarterly reports, and/or Securities
and Exchange Commission filings, if any, and/or any annual reports; information
concerning the Company's' management, financial condition, banking or credit
relationships or reporting obligations, financial operation, purchasing
activities, business plans; and all other types and categories of information
which are generally understood to be confidential, trade secret and/or
proprietary information.
Xxxxxxxx agrees that at all times, not to be extended beyond time
limits prohibited by law, that he is obligated to NOT use, or disclose, or
otherwise make available to any person, company or other party, Confidential
Information or Trade Secrets. This Waiver and Release Agreement shall not limit
any obligations Xxxxxxxx has under any employee Confidentiality Agreement, or
any other law or regulation.
COMPANY PROPERTY. Xxxxxxxx represents that prior to his execution of
this Waiver and Release Agreement, he has already delivered to the Company all
proprietary information, including but not limited to any and all equipment,
documents, data, customer lists, product catalogues, procedure manuals, sales
information or data, marketing information or data, strategic plans and/or
strategic planning documents, information on the Company's processes,
operational matters, computer systems or data, financial information, accounting
practices, credit arrangements with Xxxxxx Financial or the status of any
reporting requirements, trade secrets,
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business and trade practices, sales or distribution methods or any strategies
regarding the Company's sales or distribution methods, and other confidential
information pertaining to the Company's business, operational, or financial
affairs. Xxxxxxxx agrees to assist the Company in identifying and explaining any
financial or operational information or documents, or current projects or
responsibilities.
Xxxxxxxx represents that prior to his execution of this Waiver and
Release Agreement, he has returned all Company property in his possession,
custody, or control, including but not limited to any Company credit cards,
keys, computer, cellular telephone, fax or printer. Further, Xxxxxxxx agrees to
repay to the Company, within fifteen (15) days of his separation from the
Company, the amount of any permanent or temporary advances and balances owing on
any credit cards or any moneys due and owing to the Company for which the
Company is a guarantor. In the event Xxxxxxxx does not make these payments, any
sum due the Company will be deducted from the payment to be made under this
Waiver and Release Agreement.
NON-COMPETE. Xxxxxxxx agrees that for a period of nine (9)
months from the date of separation of employment, or July 4, 1998, which ever is
earlier, he will not hire or offer to hire any of the Company's directors,
officers, employees, and/or agents, or attempt to and/or entice them to
discontinue their relationship with the Company, and/or attempt to divert and/or
divert from their relationship with the Company any customer, distributor,
manufacturer, and/or supplier of the Company's that he has had contact with for
the one (1) year preceding his separation from employment. This restriction
encompasses any business which engages in the invention, design, development,
marketing, and/or selling, and/or distributing and/or manufacturing of products
competitive with those which are now listed in the Company's current catalog or
marketing materials, and/or such products which the Company has, in the
preceding one (1) year before his separation from employment, or at the time of
his separation from employment, under design, development, modification,
alteration or purchase from another company, or for which conception has
occurred.
Xxxxxxxx'x obligations under this covenant not to compete shall apply
to any geographical area in which the Company has engaged in business before and
during his employment through production, operations, promotional, sales,
distribution, marketing activities, or has otherwise established its good will,
business reputation, or any potential or actual product designer, or customer,
or supplier, or distributor or manufacturing relations during the one (1) year
preceding his separation from employment.
6. GENERAL RELEASE.
AS AN INDUCEMENT FOR THE COMPANY TO ENTER INTO THIS WAIVER AND RELEASE
AGREEMENT, XXXXXXXX HEREBY IRREVOCABLY AND UNCONDITIONALLY RELEASES, ACQUITS,
AND FOREVER DISCHARGES THE COMPANY, ITS OFFICERS, DIRECTORS, AGENTS, COUNSEL,
EMPLOYEES, SHAREHOLDERS, PARTNERS, DIVISIONS, SUBSIDIARIES, PARENT CORPORATIONS,
PREDECESSORS, SUCCESSORS, AFFILIATES, AND ASSIGNS, INDIVIDUALLY AND IN THEIR
REPRESENTATIVE CAPACITIES, AND ANY ENTITY AFFILIATED WITH ANY OF THE FOREGOING,
FROM ANY AND ALL LIABILITY FOR PAST OR PRESENT, KNOWN OR UNKNOWN, CLAIMS,
DEMANDS, OBLIGATIONS, ACTIONS, DAMAGES, EXPENSES, OR COMPENSATION OF ANY NATURE
5
AND FROM WHATEVER SOURCE, WHETHER BASED IN TORT, CONTRACT, INCLUDING BUT NOT
LIMITED TO ANY OPTION AGREEMENTS, EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENTS, BONUS PLANS OR BONUS
PAYMENTS, STOCK OPTION PLANS, OR ANY OTHER THEORY OF RECOVERY, AND WHETHER FOR
COMPENSATORY OR ACTUAL OR PUNITIVE OR OTHER DAMAGES, THAT XXXXXXXX NOW HAS OR
THAT MAY HEREAFTER ACCRUE THROUGH THE DATE OF XXXXXXXX'X EXECUTION OF THIS
WAIVER AND RELEASE AGREEMENT.
XXXXXXXX UNDERSTANDS AND AGREES THAT UNDER THE TERMS OF THIS WAIVER AND
RELEASE AGREEMENT HE IS GIVING UP CLAIMS, COMPLAINTS, CAUSES OF ACTIONS, OR
DEMANDS ARISING UNDER OR BASED ON, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO, XXXXXXXX'X
EMPLOYMENT RELATIONSHIP WITH THE COMPANY, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO ANY
EMPLOYMENT RELATIONSHIP WITH DEFLECTA-SHIELD CORPORATION AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
AND THEIR RESPECTIVE SUBSIDIARIES, AND XXXX INTERNATIONAL HOLDINGS, AND ITS
SUBSIDIARIES, THE TERMS OF XXXXXXXX'X EMPLOYMENT THEREWITH, AND THE SEPARATION
OF XXXXXXXX FROM HIS EMPLOYMENT THEREWITH; THE MINNESOTA HUMAN RIGHTS ACT
SECTIONS 363 ET. SEQ.; ILLINOIS HUMAN RIGHTS ACT SECTIONS 5/1-101, CHAPTER 775,
ET SEQ.; THE COLORADO ANTI-DISCRIMINATION ACT, TITLE 24, ARTICLE 34, ET. SEQ.;
DELAWARE FAIR EMPLOYMENT PRACTICES ACT, TITLE 19, SECTION 710, ET. SEQ.; IOWA
CIVIL RIGHTS ACT, CHAPTER 216, ET. SEQ.; THE MICHIGAN HUMAN OR CIVIL RIGHTS ACT;
THE INDIANA HUMAN OR CIVIL RIGHTS ACT; THE AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT 42
U.S.C. SECTIONS 12101, ET SEQ.; TITLE VII OF THE 1964 CIVIL RIGHTS ACT 42 U.S.C.
SECTIONS 2000E, ET SEQ.; THE FAIR LABOR STANDARDS ACT 29 U.S.C. SECTIONS 201 ET
SEQ.; THE EMPLOYEE RETIREMENT INCOME SECURITY ACT 29 U.S.C. SECTIONS 1001, ET
SEQ.; OR ANY OTHER FEDERAL LAW, OR STATE LAW OR CITY ORDINANCE.
XXXXXXXX FURTHER UNDERSTANDS AND AGREES THAT UNDER THE TERMS OF THIS
WAIVER AND RELEASE AGREEMENT HE IS GIVING UP CLAIMS, COMPLAINTS, CAUSES OF
ACTIONS, OR DEMANDS ARISING UNDER OR BASED ON, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO ALL
CLAIMS FOR WRONGFUL DISCHARGE, CLAIMS OF DISCRIMINATION, DEFAMATION, INTENTIONAL
OR NEGLIGENT INFLICTION OF EMOTIONAL DISTRESS, NEGLIGENT SUPERVISION OR HIRING,
OR PROMISSORY ESTOPPEL, OR WRONGFUL TERMINATION, FOR ANY BREACH OF CONTRACT
RIGHTS, OR BREACH OF ANY EMPLOYMENT CONTRACTS, EMPLOYEE HANDBOOKS OR EMPLOYEE
POLICY TERMS, OR ANY BREACH OF AN EXPRESS OR IMPLIED PROMISE, OR BREACH OF ANY
COMPANY STOCK OPTION PLANS OR OFFERS, OR FOR ANY MISREPRESENTATION, OR FRAUD, OR
RETALIATION, OR CLAIMS FOR RETALIATORY DISCHARGE, WITH NO RESERVATION OF ANY
RIGHTS OR CLAIMS BY XXXXXXXX, WHETHER STATED OR IMPLIED, DEVELOPED OR
UNDEVELOPED, KNOWN OR UNKNOWN, OR ANY OTHER FACT OR MATTER OCCURRING PRIOR TO
XXXXXXXX'X EXECUTION OF THIS WAIVER AND RELEASE AGREEMENT.
XXXXXXXX FURTHER AGREES THAT XXXXXXXX WILL NOT INSTITUTE ANY CLAIM FOR
DAMAGES, BY CHARGE OR OTHERWISE, NOR OTHERWISE AUTHORIZE ANY OTHER PARTY,
GOVERNMENTAL OR OTHERWISE, TO INSTITUTE ANY CLAIM FOR DAMAGES VIA ADMINISTRATIVE
OR LEGAL PROCEEDINGS AGAINST THE COMPANY, ITS OFFICERS, DIRECTORS, AGENTS,
COUNSEL, EMPLOYEES, SHAREHOLDERS, PARTNERS, DIVISIONS, SUBSIDIARIES, PARENT
CORPORATIONS, PREDECESSORS, SUCCESSORS, AFFILIATES, AND ASSIGNS, INDIVIDUALLY
AND IN THEIR REPRESENTATIVE CAPACITIES, AND ANY ENTITY AFFILIATED WITH ANY OF
THE FOREGOING. XXXXXXXX ALSO WAIVES THE RIGHT TO MONEY DAMAGES OR OTHER LEGAL OR
EQUITABLE RELIEF AWARDED BY ANY GOVERNMENTAL AGENCY RELATED TO ANY SUCH CLAIM.
6
7. AGE DISCRIMINATION IN EMPLOYMENT RELEASE. AS AN INDUCEMENT FOR THE
COMPANY TO ENTER INTO THIS WAIVER AND RELEASE AGREEMENT, XXXXXXXX HEREBY
IRREVOCABLY AND UNCONDITIONALLY RELEASES, ACQUITS, AND FOREVER DISCHARGES THE
COMPANY, ITS OFFICERS, DIRECTORS, AGENTS, COUNSEL, EMPLOYEES, SHAREHOLDERS,
PARTNERS, DIVISIONS, SUBSIDIARIES, PARENT CORPORATIONS, PREDECESSORS,
SUCCESSORS, AFFILIATES, AND ASSIGNS, INDIVIDUALLY AND IN THEIR REPRESENTATIVE
CAPACITIES, AND ANY ENTITY AFFILIATED WITH ANY OF THE FOREGOING, FROM ANY AND
ALL LIABILITY FOR PAST OR PRESENT, KNOWN OR UNKNOWN, CLAIMS, DEMANDS,
OBLIGATIONS, ACTIONS, DAMAGES, EXPENSES, OR COMPENSATION OF ANY NATURE AND FROM
WHATEVER SOURCE, AND WHETHER FOR COMPENSATORY OR ACTUAL OR PUNITIVE OR OTHER
DAMAGES, ARISING UNDER THE FEDERAL AGE DISCRIMINATION IN EMPLOYMENT ACT 29
U.S.C. SECTIONS 621 ET SEQ. THAT XXXXXXXX NOW HAS OR THAT MAY HEREAFTER ACCRUE
THROUGH THE DATE OF XXXXXXXX'X EXECUTION OF THIS WAIVER AND RELEASE AGREEMENT.
XXXXXXXX UNDERSTANDS AND AGREES THAT UNDER THE TERMS OF THIS WAIVER AND
RELEASE AGREEMENT HE IS GIVING UP CLAIMS, COMPLAINTS, CAUSES OF ACTIONS, OR
DEMANDS ARISING UNDER OR BASED ON, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO THOSE SET FORTH
IN PARAGRAPH 6, CLAIMS UNDER THE FEDERAL AGE DISCRIMINATION IN EMPLOYMENT ACT 29
U.S.C. SECTIONS 621 ET SEQ.
8. RECISSION AND/OR REVOCATION RIGHTS UNDER THE MINNESOTA HUMAN RIGHTS
ACT. Xxxxxxxx acknowledges that he has been informed of his right to rescind
this Waiver and Release Agreement, insofar as it extends to potential claims
under the MINNESOTA HUMAN RIGHTS ACT, MINNESOTA STATUTES CHAPTER 363, within
fifteen (15) calendar days following the execution of this Waiver and Release
Agreement. This fifteen (15) day time period encompasses the seven (7) day
rescission or revocation period referenced below under the FEDERAL AGE
DISCRIMINATION IN EMPLOYMENT ACT. Xxxxxxxx has fifteen (15) calendar days after
he has signed this Waiver and Release Agreement to rescind this Waiver and
Release Agreement. The fifteen (15) calendar days shall be counted from the date
of the signing (i.e. the day after it is signed is counted as day one). Xxxxxxxx
understands that for any rescission to be effective he must comply with the
terms of the Notice which appear on the last page of this Waiver and Release
Agreement, and that this Waiver and Release Agreement is not effective until the
fifteen (15) day rescission period has passed.
9. RECISSION AND/OR REVOCATION RIGHTS UNDER THE FEDERAL AGE
DISCRIMINATION IN EMPLOYMENT ACT. Xxxxxxxx acknowledges the following:
That he received a copy of this Waiver and Release Agreement
on June 26, 1998.
That he has been informed of his right to consider this Waiver
and Release Agreement for twenty-one (21) days before signing this Waiver and
Release Agreement, insofar as it extends to potential claims under THE FEDERAL
AGE DISCRIMINATION IN EMPLOYMENT ACT 29 U.S.C. SECTION 621 ET. SEQ., executing
this Waiver and Release Agreement on the date set-out above, and (ii) he has
been informed of this right to rescind or revoke this Waiver and Release
Agreement under the Federal Age Discrimination in Employment Act within seven
(7) calendar days following his execution of this Waiver and Release Agreement.
Although the Federal Age Discrimination in Employment Act only provides for a
seven (7) day recission or revocation period,
7
the Company agrees to extend this seven (7) day period to fifteen (15) days to
run parallel with the recission or revocation rights under the Minnesota Human
Rights Act. Consequently, the agreed upon fifteen (15) calendar days shall be
counted from the date of the signing (i.e. the day after it is signed is counted
as day one). Xxxxxxxx understands that for any rescission to be effective, he
must comply with the terms of the Notice which appear on the last page of this
Waiver and Release Agreement, and this Waiver and Release Agreement is not
effective until the fifteen (15) day rescission period has passed.
10. EXERCISE OF RECISSION AND/OR REVOCATION RIGHTS.
It is agreed by the parties that if Xxxxxxxx exercises these rescission
and/or revocation rights, as set-out above in Paragraph 8 and 9, the Company may
at its option either nullify this Waiver and Release Agreement in its entirety
or keep it in effect as to all claims not rescinded or revoked in accordance
with the Recission and/or Revocation rights set forth in this Waiver and Release
Agreement.
Whether or not Xxxxxxxx exercises these Recission and/or Revocation
rights, (or the payments to be made hereunder are deferred as agreed) Xxxxxxxx
's separation of employment from the Company shall be and shall remain
effective. For this reason, Xxxxxxxx shall not be entitled to receive any
payment under this Waiver and Release Agreement until the seven (7) calendar day
rescission period, which the Company has agreed will be a fifteen (15) day
recission period to run parallel with the recission period under Minnesota law,
has passed, since this Waiver and Release Agreement is not effective until that
time. The deferral of payments under Paragraph 3 of this Waiver and Release
Agreement shall not extend either the MINNESOTA HUMAN RIGHTS ACT or THE AGE
DISCRIMINATION IN EMPLOYMENT ACT recission and/or revocation rights beyond the
fifteen (15) day period, and once this fifteen (15) day period has passed, the
parties agree that this Waiver and Release Agreement shall be and shall remain
effective.
The twenty-one (21) day consideration period may be waived by Xxxxxxxx
if Xxxxxxxx signs the Waiver and Release Agreement before the twenty-one (21)
days have passed.
Xxxxxxxx'x early execution of this Waiver and Release Agreement shall be deemed
an admission and agreement by Xxxxxxxx that his early execution of this Waiver
and Release Agreement is a voluntary and knowing waiver by Xxxxxxxx of his right
to consider this Waiver and Release Agreement for twenty-one (21) days.
Xxxxxxxx agrees that changes to this Waiver and Release Agreement,
whether material or immaterial, will not restart the running of the twenty-one
(21) day period.
Xxxxxxxx agrees that his separation from employment from the Company
shall be and remain effective even if he rescinds this Waiver and Release
Agreement within the fifteen (15) calendar day rescission period.
11. CONFIDENTIALITY OF THE WAIVER AND RELEASE AGREEMENT. The parties
agree that the terms and conditions of, and the amounts paid under, this Waiver
and Release Agreement shall be completely confidential subject to the following:
8
A party's right to discuss this Waiver and Release Agreement
with his or its attorney, executive or Company employee with a need to know, tax
adviser, accountant, and spouse; and
A party's right to make disclosure pursuant to any lawfully
issued court order and as may be required by state or federal law or regulation,
in which case the disclosing party shall notify the other promptly of such
disclosure; and
A party's right to make disclosure in the event it is
necessary to commence any action to force compliance with the terms of the
Waiver and Release Agreement or in the event a party is made a defendant in any
action commenced by the other party, his or its heirs, directors, officers,
employees, agents, or shareholders.
12. GOVERNING LAW. This Waiver and Release Agreement shall be governed
by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Minnesota.
13. EFFECT OF BREACH.
The parties expressly agree that any breach of any part of Paragraph 5
or Paragraph 3, the Non-Compete provision, of this Waiver and Release Agreement
is a material breach causing irreparable harm to the Company. Xxxxxxxx expressly
agrees that Paragraph 5 and the Non-Compete provision of Paragraph 3 may be
enforced by injunction, or otherwise. Further, Xxxxxxxx agrees that the Company
does not have to prove irreparable harm or actual damages to be awarded
injunctive relief and that the Company is entitled to the attorneys' fees and
costs incurred by the Company to seek injunctive relief. The Company shall also
be entitled to any other legal or equitable remedy necessary in order to compel
compliance with Paragraph 5, and/or Paragraph 3, the Non-Compete provision, of
this Waiver and Release Agreement or any other provision of this Waiver and
Release Agreement. Such remedies shall be cumulative and non-exclusive and shall
be in addition to any other remedy or remedies to which the Company may be
entitled.
14. BINDING EFFECT. This Waiver and Release Agreement shall be binding
upon and inure to the benefit of each party and upon his or its heirs,
administrators, representatives, executors, successors and assigns.
15. SEVERABILITY. If any provision of this Waiver and Release Agreement
is found to be unenforceable, this shall not affect the other provisions, which
are severable. The introductory Paragraphs are part of this Waiver and Release
Agreement's terms and are incorporated into its terms.
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have caused this Waiver and Release
Agreement to be executed on the day and year first written above.
XXXX INTERNATIONAL HOLDINGS, INC. and its respective SUBSIDIARIES, and
DEFLECTA-SHIELD CORPORATION and its respective SUBSIDIARIES
By : /s/ Xxxxxxx X. XxXxxxx
Their: President and Member of the Board of Directors
I, Xxxxxxx Xxxxxxxx, Xx., have fully informed myself of the contents and meaning
of this Waiver and Release Agreement. I have had the opportunity for assistance
and advice of counsel and I have carefully read and understand this Waiver and
Release Agreement. I further understand that this is a complete and final
release of all my claims and damages against XXXX INTERNATIONAL HOLDINGS, INC.
and its respective SUBSIDIARIES, and DEFLECTA-SHIELD CORPORATION and its
respective SUBSIDIARIES.
By: /s/ Xxxxxxx Xxxxxxxx, Xx.
Xxxxxxx Xxxxxxxx, Xx.
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NOTICE UNDER FEDERAL AGE DISCRIMINATION & EMPLOYMENT ACT
Under Federal law, you have twenty-one (21) calendar days to consider signing
this Waiver and Release Agreement. You may rescind this Waiver and Release
Agreement for any reason within seven (7) calendar days after you have signed
it. The Company has agreed to allow you fifteen (15) calendar days to rescind
this Waiver and Release Agreement. To be effective the rescission must be in
writing and hand delivered or mailed by certified mail and postmarked within the
fifteen (15) calendar day rescission period to
Xxxxxxx X. XxXxxxx
Xxxx International Holdings, Inc.
Deflecta-Shield Corporation
000 Xxxx Xxxxxxxxx
Xxxxx, XX 00000
NOTICE UNDER MINNESOTA STATUTES, SECTION 363
Under Minnesota law, you may rescind this Waiver and Release Agreement for any
reason within fifteen (15) calendar days after you have signed it. To be
effective, the rescission must be in writing and hand delivered or mailed by
certified mail within the fifteen (15) calendar day rescission period to:
Xxxxxxx X. XxXxxxx
Xxxx International Holdings
Deflecta-Shield Corporation
000 Xxxx Xxxxxxxxx
Xxxxx, XX 00000
