EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT
THIS AGREEMENT, made and entered into as of this 12th day of June, 2000, by
and between Xxxxxxxx Financial, Inc., a Delaware corporation ("Xxxxxxxx") and
Xxxxxxx X. Xxxxxxxxx, an individual ("Executive") to be effective on the date of
the Spin-off Distribution (as defined below).
WHEREAS, the parties expect that all of the issued and outstanding stock of
Xxxxxxxx will be distributed (the "Spin-off Distribution") to the shareholders
of Kansas City Southern Industries, Inc. ("KCSI") which has been the parent of
Xxxxxxxx since its formation on January 23, 1998; and
WHEREAS, Executive previously was employed by KCSI with duties primarily
relating to Xxxxxxxx since its formation in 1998, and Xxxxxxxx and Executive
desire for Xxxxxxxx to continue to employ Executive on the terms and conditions
set forth in this Agreement and to provide an incentive to Executive to remain
in the employ of Xxxxxxxx hereafter, particularly in the event of any Change in
Control (as herein defined) of Xxxxxxxx or any Significant Subsidiary (as herein
defined), thereby establishing and preserving continuity of management of
Xxxxxxxx.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants and agreements
herein contained, it is agreed by and between Xxxxxxxx and Executive as follows:
1. Employment. Xxxxxxxx hereby employs Executive as its Vice President and
Controller to serve at the pleasure of the Board of Directors of Xxxxxxxx (the
"Xxxxxxxx Board") and to have such duties, powers and responsibilities as may be
prescribed or delegated from time to time by the President or other officer to
whom Executive reports, subject to the powers vested in the Xxxxxxxx Board and
in the stockholders of Xxxxxxxx. Executive shall faithfully perform his duties
under this Agreement to the best of his ability and shall devote substantially
all of his working time and efforts to the business and affairs of Xxxxxxxx and
its affiliates.
2. Compensation.
(a) Base Compensation. Xxxxxxxx shall pay Executive as compensation
for his services hereunder an annual base salary at the rate of $165,000. Such
rate shall not be increased prior to January 1, 2003 and shall not be reduced
except as agreed by the parties or except as part of a general salary reduction
program imposed by Xxxxxxxx and applicable to all officers of Xxxxxxxx.
(b) Incentive Compensation. For the years 2000, 2001 and 2002,
Executive shall not be entitled to participate in any Xxxxxxxx incentive
compensation plan, except that Xxxxxxxx shall pay Executive a cash bonus of
$150,000 within ten days after the spin-off Distribution.
3. Benefits and Stock Ownership.
(a) Benefits. During the period of his employment hereunder, Xxxxxxxx
shall provide Executive with coverage under such benefit plans and programs as
are made generally available to similarly situated employees of Xxxxxxxx,
provided (a) Xxxxxxxx shall have no obligation with respect to any plan or
program if Executive is not eligible for coverage thereunder, and (b) Executive
acknowledges that stock options and other stock and equity participation awards
are granted in the discretion of the Xxxxxxxx Board or the Compensation
Committee of the Xxxxxxxx Board and that Executive has no right to receive stock
options or other equity participation awards or any particular number or level
of stock options or other awards. In determining contributions, coverage and
benefits under any disability insurance policy and under any cash
compensation-based plan provided to Executive by Xxxxxxxx, it shall be assumed
that the value of Executive's annual compensation, pursuant to this Agreement,
is the lower of 175% of Executive's annual base salary or $1,000,000. Executive
acknowledges that all rights and benefits under benefit plans and programs shall
be governed by the official text of each such plan or program and not by any
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summary or description thereof or any provision of this Agreement (except to the
extent this Agreement expressly modifies such benefit plans or programs) and
that Xxxxxxxx is not under any obligation to continue in effect or to fund any
such plan or program, except as provided in Paragraph 7 hereof. Xxxxxxxx also
shall reimburse Executive for ordinary and necessary travel and other business
expenses in accordance with policies and procedures established by Xxxxxxxx.
(b) Stock Ownership. During the period of his employment hereunder,
Executive shall retain ownership in himself or in members of his immediate
family of at least a majority of the number of shares of (i) Xxxxxxxx stock
received by Executive or members of his immediate family in the Distribution,
and (ii) Xxxxxxxx stock acquired upon the exercise of stock options, but
excluding from such number of shares any such shares transferred to Xxxxxxxx or
sold to pay the purchase price upon the exercise of stock options or to pay or
satisfy tax obligations resulting from such exercise.
4. Termination.
(a) Termination by Executive. Executive may terminate this Agreement
and his employment hereunder by at least thirty (30) days advance written notice
to Xxxxxxxx, except that in the event of any material breach of this Agreement
by Xxxxxxxx, Executive may terminate this Agreement and his employment hereunder
immediately upon notice to Xxxxxxxx.
(b) Death or Disability. This Agreement and Executive's employment
hereunder shall terminate automatically on the death or disability of Executive,
except to the extent employment is continued under Xxxxxxxx'x disability plan.
For purposes of this Agreement, Executive shall be deemed to be disabled if he
qualifies for disability benefits under Xxxxxxxx'x long-term disability plan.
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(c) Termination by Xxxxxxxx For Cause. Xxxxxxxx may terminate this
Agreement and Executive's employment "for cause" immediately upon notice to
Executive. For purposes of this Agreement (except for Paragraph 7), termination
"for cause" shall mean termination based upon any one or more of the following:
(i) Any material breach of this Agreement by Executive;
(ii) Executive's dishonesty involving Xxxxxxxx or any subsidiary
of Xxxxxxxx;
(iii) Gross negligence or willful misconduct in the performance
of Executive's duties as determined in good faith by the Xxxxxxxx Board;
(iv) Willful failure by Executive to follow reasonable
instructions of the President or other officer to whom Executive reports
concerning the operations or business of Xxxxxxxx or any subsidiary of
Xxxxxxxx;
(v) Executive's fraud or criminal activity; or
(vi) Embezzlement or misappropriation by Executive.
(d) Termination by Xxxxxxxx Other Than For Cause.
(i) Xxxxxxxx may terminate this Agreement and Executive's
employment other than for cause immediately upon notice to Executive, and
in such event, Xxxxxxxx shall provide severance benefits to Executive in
accordance with Paragraph 4(d)(ii) below.
(ii) Unless the provisions of Paragraph 7 of this Agreement are
applicable, if Executive's employment is terminated under Paragraph
4(d)(i), Xxxxxxxx shall continue, for a period of one (1) year following
such termination, (a) to pay to Executive as severance pay a monthly amount
equal to one-twelfth (1/12th) of the annual base salary referenced in
Paragraph 2(a) above, at the rate in effect immediately prior to
termination,
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and, (b) to reimburse Executive for the cost (including state and federal
income taxes payable with respect to this reimbursement) of continuing the
health insurance coverage provided pursuant to this Agreement or obtaining
health insurance coverage comparable to the health insurance provided
pursuant to this Agreement, and obtaining coverage comparable to the life
insurance provided pursuant to this Agreement, unless Executive is provided
comparable health or life insurance coverage in connection with other
employment. The foregoing obligations of Xxxxxxxx shall continue until the
end of such one (1) year period notwithstanding the death or disability of
Executive during said period (except, in the event of death, the obligation
to reimburse Executive for the cost of life insurance shall not continue).
In the year in which termination of employment occurs, Executive shall be
eligible to receive benefits under the Xxxxxxxx Incentive Compensation Plan
and the Xxxxxxxx Executive Plan (if such Plans then are in existence and
Executive was entitled to participate immediately prior to termination) in
accordance with the provisions of such plans then applicable, and severance
pay received in such year shall be taken into account for the purpose of
determining benefits, if any, under the Xxxxxxxx Incentive Compensation
Plan but not under the Xxxxxxxx Executive Plan. After the year in which
termination occurs, Executive shall not be entitled to accrue or receive
benefits under the Xxxxxxxx Incentive Compensation Plan or the Xxxxxxxx
Executive Plan with respect to the severance pay provided herein,
notwithstanding that benefits under such plan then are still generally
available to executive employees of Xxxxxxxx. After termination of
employment, Executive shall not be entitled to accrue or receive benefits
under any other employee benefit plan or program, except that Executive
shall be entitled to participate in the Xxxxxxxx Employee Stock Ownership
Plan and the Xxxxxxxx Section 401(k) Plan with Profit Sharing
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Plan Portion in the year of termination of employment only if Executive
meets all requirements of such plans for participation in such year.
5. Non-Disclosure. During the term of this Agreement and at all times
after any termination of this Agreement, Executive shall not, either directly or
indirectly, use or disclose any Xxxxxxxx trade secret, except to the extent
necessary for Executive to perform his duties for Xxxxxxxx while an employee.
For purposes of this Agreement, the term "Xxxxxxxx trade secret" shall mean any
information regarding the business or activities of Xxxxxxxx or any subsidiary
or affiliate, including any formula, pattern, compilation, program, device,
method, technique, process, customer list, technical information or other
confidential or proprietary information, that (a) derives independent 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, and (b) is the subject of efforts of Xxxxxxxx
or its subsidiary or affiliate that are reasonable under the circumstance to
maintain its secrecy. In the event of any breach of this Paragraph 5 by
Executive, Xxxxxxxx shall be entitled to terminate any and all remaining
severance benefits under Paragraph 4(d)(ii) and shall be entitled to pursue such
other legal and equitable remedies as may be available.
6. Duties Upon Termination; Survival.
(a) Duties. Upon termination of this Agreement by Xxxxxxxx or
Executive for any reason, Executive shall immediately return to Xxxxxxxx all
Xxxxxxxx trade secrets which exist in tangible form and shall sign such written
resignations from all positions as an officer, director or member of any
committee or board of Xxxxxxxx and all direct and indirect subsidiaries and
affiliates of Xxxxxxxx as may be requested by Xxxxxxxx and shall sign such other
documents and papers relating to Executive's employment, benefits and benefit
plans as Xxxxxxxx may reasonably request.
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(b) Survival. The provisions of Paragraphs 5, 6(a) and 7 of this
Agreement shall survive any termination of this Agreement by Xxxxxxxx or
Executive, and the provisions of Paragraph 4(d)(ii) shall survive any
termination of this Agreement by Xxxxxxxx under Paragraph 4(d)(i).
7. Continuation of Employment Upon Change in Control of Xxxxxxxx.
(a) Continuation of Employment. Subject to the terms and conditions of
this Paragraph 7, in the event of a Change in Control (as defined in Paragraph
7(d)) at any time during the term of this Agreement, Executive agrees to remain
in the employ of Xxxxxxxx for a period of three years (the "Three-Year Period")
from the date of such Change in Control (the "Control Change Date"). Xxxxxxxx
agrees to continue to employ Executive for the Three-Year Period. During the
Three-Year Period, (i) the Executive's position (including offices, titles,
reporting requirements and responsibilities), authority and duties shall be at
least commensurate in all material respects with the most significant of those
held, exercised and assigned at any time during the 12 month period immediately
before the Control Change Date and (ii) the Executive's services shall be
performed at the location where Executive was employed immediately before the
Control Change Date or at any other location less than 40 miles from such former
location. During the Three-Year Period, Xxxxxxxx shall continue to pay to
Executive an annual base salary on the same basis and at the same intervals as
in effect prior to the Control Change Date at a rate not less than 12 times the
highest monthly base salary paid or payable to the Executive by Xxxxxxxx in
respect of the 12-month period immediately before the Control Change Date.
(b) Benefits. During the Three-Year Period, Executive shall be
entitled to participate, on the basis of his executive position, in each of the
following Xxxxxxxx plans
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(together, the "Specified Benefits") in existence, and in accordance with the
terms thereof, at the Control Change Date:
(i) any benefit plan, and trust fund associated therewith,
related to (a) life, health, dental, disability, accidental death and
dismemberment insurance or accrued but unpaid vacation time, (b) profit
sharing, thrift or deferred savings (including deferred compensation, such
as under Section 401(k) plans), (c) retirement or pension benefits, (d)
ERISA excess benefits and similar plans and (e) tax favored employee stock
ownership (such as under ESOP, and Employee Stock Purchase programs); and
(ii) any other benefit plans hereafter made generally available to
executives of Executive's level or to the employees of Xxxxxxxx generally.
In addition, Xxxxxxxx shall use its best efforts to cause all outstanding
options held by Executive under any stock option plan of Xxxxxxxx or its
affiliates to become immediately exercisable on the Control Change Date and to
the extent that such options are not vested and are subsequently forfeited, the
Executive shall receive a lump-sum cash payment within 5 days after the options
are forfeited equal to the difference between the fair market value of the
shares of stock subject to the non-vested, forfeited options determined as of
the date such options are forfeited and the exercise price for such options.
During the Three-Year Period Executive shall be entitled to participate, on the
basis of his executive position, in any incentive compensation plan of Xxxxxxxx
in accordance with the terms thereof at the Control Change Date; provided that
if under Xxxxxxxx programs or Executive's Employment Agreement in existence
immediately prior to the Control Change Date, there are written limitations on
participation for a designated time period in any incentive compensation plan,
such limitations shall continue after the Control Change Date to the extent so
provided for prior to the Control Change Date.
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If the amount of contributions or benefits with respect to the Specified
Benefits or any incentive compensation is determined on a discretionary basis
under the terms of the Specified Benefits or any incentive compensation plan
immediately prior to the Control Change Date, the amount of such contributions
or benefits during the Three-Year Period for each of the Specified Benefits
shall not be less than the average annual contributions or benefits for each
Specified Benefit for the three plan years ending prior to the Control Change
Date and, in the case of any incentive compensation plan, the amount of the
incentive compensation during the Three-Year Period shall not be less than 75%
of the maximum that could have been paid to the Executive under the terms of the
incentive compensation plan.
(c) Payment. With respect to any plan or agreement under which
Executive would be entitled at the Control Change Date to receive Specified
Benefits or incentive compensation as a general obligation of Xxxxxxxx which has
not been separately funded (including specifically, but not limited to, those
referred to under Paragraph 7(b)(i) and (ii) above), Executive shall receive
within five (5) days after such date full payment in cash (discounted to the
then present value on the basis of a rate of seven percent (7%) per annum) of
all amounts to which he is then entitled thereunder.
(d) Change in Control. Except as provided in the last sentence of this
Paragraph 7(d), for purposes of this Agreement, a "Change in Control" means any
one or more of the following:
(i) the acquisition or holding by any person, entity or group
(within the meaning of Section 13(d)(3) or 14(d)(2) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934 (the "Exchange Act"), other than by Xxxxxxxx or any
Subsidiary (as defined below), or any employee benefit plan of Xxxxxxxx or
a Subsidiary (and other than by KCSI prior to the
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Spin-off Distribution), of beneficial ownership (within the meaning of Rule
13d-3 under the Exchange Act) of 20% or more of the then-outstanding common
stock or the combined voting power of the then-outstanding voting
securities ("Voting Power") of Xxxxxxxx; provided, however, that no Change
in Control shall occur solely by reason of any such acquisition by a
corporation with respect to which, after such acquisition, more than 60% of
both the then-outstanding common shares and the then-outstanding Voting
Power of such corporation are then beneficially owned, directly or
indirectly, by the persons who were the beneficial owners of the
then-outstanding common stock and Voting Power of Xxxxxxxx immediately
before such acquisition, in substantially the same proportions as their
respective ownership, immediately before such acquisition, of the
then-outstanding common stock and Voting Power of Xxxxxxxx; or
(ii) individuals who, as of the date of the Spin-off Distribution,
constitute the Xxxxxxxx Board (the "Incumbent Board") cease for any reason
to constitute at least 75% of the Xxxxxxxx Board; provided that any
individual who becomes a director after the Spin-off Distribution whose
election or nomination for election by the stockholders of Xxxxxxxx was
approved by at least 75% of the Incumbent Board (other than an election or
nomination of an individual whose initial assumption of office is in
connection with an actual or threatened "election contest" relating to the
election of the directors of Xxxxxxxx (as such terms are used in Rule
14a-11 under the Exchange Act) or "tender offer" (as such term is used in
Section 14(d) of the Exchange Act) or a proposed Extraordinary Transaction
(as defined below)) shall be deemed to be a member of the Incumbent Board;
or
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(iii) approval by the stockholders of Xxxxxxxx of any one or more
of the following:
(A) a merger, reorganization, consolidation or similar
transaction (any of the foregoing, an "Extraordinary Transaction") with
respect to which persons who were the respective beneficial owners of the
then-outstanding common stock and Voting Power of Xxxxxxxx immediately
before such Extraordinary Transaction would not, if such Extraordinary
Transaction were to be consummated immediately after such stockholder
approval (but otherwise in accordance with the terms presented in writing
to the stockholders of Xxxxxxxx for their approval), beneficially own,
directly or indirectly, more than 60% of both the then-outstanding common
shares and the then-outstanding Voting Power of the corporation resulting
from such Extraordinary Transaction, in substantially the same proportions
as their respective ownership, immediately before such Extraordinary
Transaction, of the then-outstanding common stock and Voting Power of
Xxxxxxxx,
(B) a liquidation or dissolution of Xxxxxxxx, or
(C) the sale or other disposition of all or substantially
all of the assets of Xxxxxxxx in one transaction or a series of related
transactions; or
(iv) the sale or other disposition by Xxxxxxxx, directly or
indirectly, whether by merger, consolidation, combination, lease, exchange,
spin-off, split-off, or other means, of any Significant Subsidiary or any
reduction in Xxxxxxxx'x direct or indirect beneficial ownership of any
Significant Subsidiary to less than 50% of the Voting Power of such entity.
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For purposes of this Agreement, "Subsidiary" shall mean any entity of which at
least 50% of the Voting Power is beneficially owned, directly or indirectly, by
Xxxxxxxx and "Significant Subsidiary" shall mean (A) any Subsidiary which
contributed 30% or more of the total combined revenues of Xxxxxxxx and all
Subsidiaries for the prior calendar year, and (B) any one or more entities,
businesses or groups of assets directly or indirectly sold or disposed of by
Xxxxxxxx (within the meaning of paragraph 7(d)(iv)) within any two year period
that contributed 30% of more of such total combined revenues or would have
contributed such 30% based on revenues of such entities, businesses or groups of
assets for the calendar year prior to their sale or disposition.
Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this Paragraph 7(d) to the contrary,
the Spin-off Distribution shall not constitute a Change in Control.
(e) Termination After Control Change Date. Notwithstanding any other
provision of this Paragraph 7, at any time after the Control Change Date,
Xxxxxxxx may terminate the employment of Executive (the "Termination"), but
unless such Termination is for Cause as defined in subparagraph (g) or for
disability, within five (5) days of the Termination Xxxxxxxx shall pay to
Executive his full base salary through the Termination, to the extent not
theretofore paid, plus a lump sum amount (the "Special Severance Payment") equal
to the product (discounted to the then present value on the basis of a rate of
seven percent (7%) per annum) of (i) 175% of his annual base salary specified in
Paragraph 7(a) multiplied by (ii) two, and Specified Benefits (excluding any
incentive compensation) to which Executive was entitled immediately prior to
Termination shall continue until the end of the 3-year period ("Benefits
Period") beginning on the date of Termination. If any plan pursuant to which
Specified Benefits are provided immediately prior to Termination would not
permit continued participation by
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Executive after Termination, then Xxxxxxxx shall pay to Executive within five
(5) days after Termination a lump sum payment equal to the amount of Specified
Benefits Executive would have received under such plan if Executive had been
fully vested in the average annual contributions or benefits in effect for the
three plan years ending prior to the Control Change Date (regardless of any
limitations based on the earnings or performance of Xxxxxxxx) and a continuing
participant in such plan to the end of the Benefits Period. Following the end of
the Benefits Period, Xxxxxxxx shall continue to provide to the Executive and the
Executive's family the following benefits ("Post-Period Benefits"): (1) prior to
the Executive's attainment of age sixty (60), health, prescription and dental
benefits equivalent to those then applicable to active peer executives of
Xxxxxxxx and their families, as the same may be modified from time to time, and
(2) following the Executive's attainment of age sixty (60) (and without regard
to the Executive's period of service with Xxxxxxxx), health and prescription
benefits equivalent to those then applicable to retired peer executives of
Xxxxxxxx and their families, as the same may be modified from time to time. The
cost to the Executive of such Post-Period Benefits shall not exceed the cost of
such benefits to active or retired (as applicable) peer executives, as the same
may be modified from time to time. Notwithstanding the preceding two sentences
of this Paragraph 7(e), if the Executive is covered under any health,
prescription or dental plan provided by a subsequent employer, then the
corresponding type of plan coverage (i.e., health, prescription or dental)
required to be provided as Post-Period Benefits under this Paragraph 7(e) shall
cease. The Executive's rights under this Paragraph 7(e) shall be in addition to,
and not in lieu of, any post-termination continuation coverage or conversion
rights the Executive may have pursuant to applicable law, including without
limitation continuation coverage required by Section 4980 of the Code. Nothing
in this Paragraph 7(e) shall be deemed to limit in any manner the reserved
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right of Xxxxxxxx, in its sole and absolute discretion, to at any time amend,
modify or terminate health, prescription or dental benefits for active or
retired employees generally.
(f) Resignation After Control Change Date. In the event of a Change in
Control as defined in Paragraph 7(d), thereafter, upon good reason (as defined
below), Executive may, at any time during the 3-year period following the Change
in Control, in his sole discretion, on not less than thirty (30) days' written
notice (the "Notice of Resignation") to the Secretary of Xxxxxxxx and effective
at the end of such notice period, resign his employment with Xxxxxxxx (the
"Resignation"). Within five (5) days of such a Resignation, Xxxxxxxx shall pay
to Executive his full base salary through the effective date of such
Resignation, to the extent not theretofore paid, plus a lump sum amount equal to
the Special Severance Payment (computed as provided in the first sentence of
Paragraph 7(e), except that for purposes of such computation all references to
"Termination" shall be deemed to be references to "Resignation"). Upon
Resignation of Executive, Specified Benefits to which Executive was entitled
immediately prior to Resignation shall continue on the same terms and conditions
as provided in Paragraph 7(e) in the case of Termination (including equivalent
payments provided for therein), and Post-Period Benefits shall be provided on
the same terms and conditions as provided in Paragraph 7(e) in the case of
Termination. For purposes of this Agreement, "good reason" means any one or more
of the following:
(i) the assignment to the Executive of any duties which result in
a material adverse change in the Executive's position (including status,
offices, titles, and reporting requirements), authority, duties, or other
responsibilities with Xxxxxxxx, or any other action of Xxxxxxxx which
results in a material adverse change in such position, authority, duties,
or responsibilities, other than an insubstantial and inadvertent action
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which is remedied by Xxxxxxxx promptly after receipt of notice thereof
given by the Executive,
(ii) any relocation of the Executive of more than 40 miles from
the place where the Executive was located at the time of the Change in
Control;
(iii) a material reduction or elimination of any component of the
Executive's rate of compensation, including (x) base salary, (y) any
incentive payment or (z) benefits or prerequisites which the Executive was
receiving immediately prior to a Change in Control, or;
(iv) any failure by Xxxxxxxx to comply with any of the provisions
of Paragraph 7;
A passage of time prior to delivery of the Notice of Resignation or a failure by
the Executive to include in the Notice of Resignation any fact or circumstance
which contributes to a showing of good reason shall not waive any right of the
Executive under this Agreement or preclude the Executive from asserting such
fact or circumstance in enforcing rights under this Agreement.
(g) Termination for Cause After Control Change Date. Notwithstanding
any other provision of this Paragraph 7, at any time after the Control Change
Date, Executive may be terminated by Xxxxxxxx "for Cause." Cause means
commission by the Executive of any felony or willful breach of duty by the
Executive in the course of the Executive's employment, except that Cause shall
not mean:
(i) bad judgment or negligence;
(ii) any act or omission believed by the Executive in good faith
to have been in or not opposed to the interest of Xxxxxxxx (without intent
of the Executive to gain, directly or indirectly, a profit to which the
Executive was not legally entitled);
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(iii) any act or omission with respect to which a determination
could properly have been made by the Xxxxxxxx Board that the Executive met
the applicable standard of conduct for indemnification or reimbursement
under Xxxxxxxx'x by-laws, any applicable indemnification agreement, or
applicable law, in each case in effect at the time of such act or omission;
or
(iv) any act or omission with respect to which Notice of
Termination of the Executive is given more than 12 months after the
earliest date on which any member of the Xxxxxxxx Board, not a party to the
act or omission, knew or should have known of such act or omission. Any
Termination of the Executive's employment by Xxxxxxxx for Cause shall be
communicated to the Executive by Notice of Termination.
(h) Gross-up for Certain Taxes. If it is determined (by the reasonable
computation of Xxxxxxxx'x independent auditors, which determinations shall be
certified to by such auditors and set forth in a written certificate
("Certificate") delivered to the Executive) that any benefit received or deemed
received by the Executive from Xxxxxxxx pursuant to this Agreement or otherwise
(collectively, the "Payments") is or will become subject to any excise tax under
Section 4999 of the Code or any similar tax payable under any United States
federal, state, local or other law (such excise tax and all such similar taxes
collectively, "Excise Taxes"), then Xxxxxxxx shall, immediately after such
determination, pay the Executive an amount (the "Gross-up Payment") equal to the
product of:
(i) the amount of such Excise Taxes; multiplied by
(ii) the Gross-up Multiple (as defined in Paragraph 7(k).
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The Gross-up Payment is intended to compensate the Executive for the Excise
Taxes and any federal, state, local or other income or excise taxes or other
taxes payable by the Executive with respect to the Gross-up Payment.
Xxxxxxxx shall cause the preparation and delivery to the Executive of a
Certificate upon request at any time. Xxxxxxxx shall, in addition to complying
with this Paragraph 7(h), cause all determinations and certifications under
Paragraphs 7(h)-(o) to be made as soon as reasonably possible and in adequate
time to permit the Executive to prepare and file the Executive's individual tax
returns on a timely basis.
(i) Determination by the Executive.
(i) If Xxxxxxxx shall fail (a) to deliver a Certificate to the
Executive or (b) to pay to the Executive the amount of the Gross-up
Payment, if any, within 14 days after receipt from the Executive of a
written request for a Certificate, or if at any time following receipt of a
Certificate the Executive disputes the amount of the Gross-up Payment set
forth therein, the Executive may elect to demand the payment of the amount
which the Executive, in accordance with an opinion of counsel to the
Executive ("Executive Counsel Opinion"), determines to be the Gross-up
Payment. Any such demand by the Executive shall be made by delivery to
Xxxxxxxx of a written notice which specifies the Gross-up Payment
determined by the Executive and an Executive Counsel Opinion regarding such
Gross-up Payment (such written notice and opinion collectively, the
"Executive's Determination"). Within 14 days after delivery of the
Executive's Determination to Xxxxxxxx, Xxxxxxxx shall either (a) pay the
Executive the Gross-up Payment set forth in the Executive's Determination
(less the portion of such amount, if any, previously paid to the Executive
by Xxxxxxxx) or (b) deliver to the Executive a
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Certificate specifying the Gross-up Payment determined by Xxxxxxxx'x
independent auditors, together with an opinion of Xxxxxxxx'x counsel
("Xxxxxxxx Counsel Opinion"), and pay the Executive the Gross-up Payment
specified in such Certificate. If for any reason Xxxxxxxx fails to comply
with clause (b) of the preceding sentence, the Gross-up Payment specified
in the Executive's Determination shall be controlling for all purposes.
(ii) If the Executive does not make a request for, and Xxxxxxxx
does not deliver to the Executive, a Certificate, Xxxxxxxx shall, for
purposes of Paragraph 7(j), be deemed to have determined that no Gross-up
Payment is due.
(j) Additional Gross-up Amounts. If, despite the initial conclusion of
Xxxxxxxx and/or the Executive that certain Payments are neither subject to
Excise Taxes nor to be counted in determining whether other Payments are subject
to Excise Taxes (any such item, a "Non-Parachute Item"), it is later determined
(pursuant to subsequently-enacted provisions of the Code, final regulations or
published rulings of the IRS, final IRS determination or judgment of a court of
competent jurisdiction or Xxxxxxxx'x independent auditors) that any of the
Non-Parachute Items are subject to Excise Taxes, or are to be counted in
determining whether any Payments are subject to Excise Taxes, with the result
that the amount of Excise Taxes payable by the Executive is greater than the
amount determined by Xxxxxxxx or the Executive pursuant to Paragraph 7(h) or
Paragraph 7(i), as applicable, then Xxxxxxxx shall pay the Executive an amount
(which shall also be deemed a Gross-up Payment) equal to the product of:
(i) the sum of (a) such additional Excise Taxes and (b) any
interest, fines, penalties, expenses or other costs incurred by the
Executive as a result of having taken a position in accordance with a
determination made pursuant to Paragraph 7(h); multiplied by
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(ii) the Gross-up Multiple.
(k) Gross-up Multiple. The Gross-up Multiple shall equal a fraction,
the numerator of which is one (1.0), and the denominator of which is one (1.0)
minus the sum, expressed as a decimal fraction, of the rates of all federal,
state, local and other income and other taxes and any Excise Taxes applicable to
the Gross-up Payment; provided that, if such sum exceeds 0.8, it shall be deemed
equal to 0.8 for purposes of this computation. (If different rates of tax are
applicable to various portions of a Gross-up Payment, the weighted average of
such rates shall be used.)
(l) Opinion of Counsel. "Executive Counsel Opinion" means a legal
opinion of nationally recognized executive compensation counsel that there is a
reasonable basis to support a conclusion that the Gross-up Payment determined by
the Executive has been calculated in accord with this Paragraph 7 and applicable
law. "Company Counsel Opinion" means a legal opinion of nationally recognized
executive compensation counsel that (i) there is a reasonable basis to support a
conclusion that the Gross-up Payment set forth in the Certificate of Xxxxxxxx'x
independent auditors has been calculated in accord with this Paragraph 7 and
applicable law, and (ii) there is no reasonable basis for the calculation of the
Gross-up Payment determined by the Executive.
(m) Amount Increased or Contested. The Executive shall notify Xxxxxxxx
in writing of any claim by the IRS or other taxing authority that, if
successful, would require the payment by Xxxxxxxx of a Gross-up Payment. Such
notice shall include the nature of such claim and the date on which such claim
is due to be paid. The Executive shall give such notice as soon as practicable,
but no later than 10 business days, after the Executive first obtains actual
knowledge of such claim; provided, however, that any failure to give or delay in
giving such
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notice shall affect Xxxxxxxx'x obligations under this Paragraph 7 only if and to
the extent that such failure results in actual prejudice to Xxxxxxxx. The
Executive shall not pay such claim less than 30 days after the Executive gives
such notice to Xxxxxxxx (or, if sooner, the date on which payment of such claim
is due). If Xxxxxxxx notifies the Executive in writing before the expiration of
such period that it desires to contest such claim, the Executive shall:
(i) give Xxxxxxxx any information that it reasonably requests
relating to such claim;
(ii) take such action in connection with contesting such claim
as Xxxxxxxx reasonably requests in writing from time to time, including,
without limitation, accepting legal representation with respect to such
claim by an attorney reasonably selected by Xxxxxxxx;
(iii) cooperate with Xxxxxxxx in good faith to contest such claim;
and
(iv) permit Xxxxxxxx to participate in any proceedings relating
to such claim; provided, however, that Xxxxxxxx shall bear and pay directly
all costs and expenses (including additional interest and penalties)
incurred in connection with such contest and shall indemnify and hold the
Executive harmless, on an after-tax basis, for any Excise Tax or income
tax, including related interest and penalties, imposed as a result of such
representation and payment of costs and expenses. Without limiting the
foregoing, Xxxxxxxx shall control all proceedings in connection with such
contest and, at its sole option, may pursue or forego any and all
administrative appeals, proceedings, hearings and conferences with the
taxing authority in respect of such claim and may, at its sole option,
either direct the Executive to pay the tax claimed and xxx for a refund or
contest the claim in any permissible manner. The Executive agrees to
prosecute such contest to a
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determination before any administrative tribunal, in a court of initial
jurisdiction and in one or more appellate courts, as Xxxxxxxx shall
determine; provided, however, that if Xxxxxxxx directs the Executive to pay
such claim and xxx for a refund, Xxxxxxxx shall advance the amount of such
payment to the Executive, on an interest-free basis and shall indemnify the
Executive, on an after-tax basis, for any Excise Tax or income tax,
including related interest or penalties, imposed with respect to such
advance; and further provided that any extension of the statute of
limitations relating to payment of taxes for the taxable year of the
Executive with respect to which such contested amount is claimed to be due
is limited solely to such contested amount. The Stilwell's control of the
contest shall be limited to issues with respect to which a Gross-up Payment
would be payable. The Executive shall be entitled to settle or contest, as
the case may be, any other issue raised by the IRS or other taxing
authority.
(n) Refunds. If, after the receipt by the Executive of an amount
advanced by Xxxxxxxx pursuant to Paragraph 7(m), the Executive receives any
refund with respect to such claim, the Executive shall (subject to Xxxxxxxx'x
complying with the requirements of Paragraph 7(m)) promptly pay Xxxxxxxx the
amount of such refund (together with any interest paid or credited thereon after
taxes applicable thereto). If, after the receipt by the Executive of an amount
advanced by Xxxxxxxx pursuant to Paragraph 7(m), a determination is made that
the Executive shall not be entitled to a full refund with respect to such claim
and Xxxxxxxx does not notify the Executive in writing of its intent to contest
such determination before the expiration of 30 days after such determination,
then the applicable part of such advance shall be forgiven and shall not be
required to be repaid and the amount of such advance shall offset, to the extent
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thereof, the amount of Gross-up Payment required to be paid. Any contest of a
denial of refund shall be controlled by Paragraph 7(m).
(o) Expenses. If any dispute should arise under this Agreement after
the Control Change Date involving an effort by Executive to protect, enforce or
secure rights or benefits claimed by Executive hereunder, Xxxxxxxx shall pay
(promptly upon demand by Executive accompanied by reasonable evidence of
incurrence) all reasonable expenses (including attorneys' fees) incurred by
Executive in connection with such dispute, without regard to whether Executive
prevails in such dispute except that Executive shall repay Xxxxxxxx any amounts
so received if a court having jurisdiction shall make a final, nonappealable
determination that Executive acted frivolously or in bad faith by such dispute.
To assure Executive that adequate funds will be made available to discharge
Xxxxxxxx'x obligations set forth in the preceding sentence, Xxxxxxxx has
established a trust and upon the occurrence of a Change in Control shall
promptly deliver to the trustee of such trust to hold in accordance with the
terms and conditions thereof that sum which the Xxxxxxxx Board shall have
determined is reasonably sufficient for such purpose.
(p) Prevailing Provisions. On and after the Control Change Date, the
provisions of this Paragraph 7 shall control and take precedence over any other
provisions of this Agreement which are in conflict with or address the same or a
similar subject matter as the provisions of this Paragraph 7.
8. Mitigation and Other Employment. After a termination of Executive's
employment pursuant to Paragraph 4(d)(i) or a Change in Control as defined in
Paragraph 7(d), Executive shall not be required to mitigate the amount of any
payment provided for in this Agreement by seeking other employment or otherwise,
and except as otherwise specifically provided in
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Paragraph 4(d)(ii) with respect to health and life insurance and in Paragraph
7(e) with respect to health, prescription and dental benefits, no such other
employment, if obtained, or compensation or benefits payable in connection
therewith shall reduce any amounts or benefits to which Executive is entitled
hereunder. Such amounts or benefits payable to Executive under this Agreement
shall not be treated as damages but as severance compensation to which Executive
is entitled because Executive's employment has been terminated.
9. Notice. Notices and all other communications to either party pursuant to
this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been given when
personally delivered, delivered by facsimile or deposited in the United States
mail by certified or registered mail, postage prepaid, addressed, in the case of
Xxxxxxxx, to Xxxxxxxx at 000 Xxxx 00xx Xxxxxx, Xxxxxx Xxxx, Xxxxxxxx 00000,
Attention: Secretary, or, in the case of the Executive, to him at 00000 Xxxxxxx,
Xxxxxxx, XX 00000, or to such other address as a party shall designate by notice
to the other party.
10. Amendment. No provision of this Agreement may be amended, modified,
waived or discharged unless such amendment, waiver, modification or discharge is
agreed to in a writing signed by Executive and the President of Xxxxxxxx. No
waiver by any party hereto at any time of any breach by another party hereto of,
or compliance with, any condition or provision of this Agreement to be performed
by such other party shall be deemed a waiver of similar or dissimilar provisions
or conditions at the time or at any prior or subsequent time.
11. Successors in Interest. The rights and obligations of Xxxxxxxx under
this Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be binding in each and every
respect upon the direct and indirect successors and assigns of Xxxxxxxx,
regardless of the manner in which such successors or assigns shall succeed to
the interest of Xxxxxxxx hereunder, and this Agreement shall not be terminated
by the voluntary or involuntary dissolution of Xxxxxxxx or by any merger or
consolidation or acquisition
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involving Xxxxxxxx or upon any transfer of all or substantially all of
Xxxxxxxx'x assets, or terminated otherwise than in accordance with its terms. In
the event of any such merger or consolidation or transfer of assets, the
provisions of this Agreement shall be binding upon and shall inure to the
benefit of the surviving corporation or the corporation or other person to which
such assets shall be transferred. Neither this Agreement nor any of the payments
or benefits hereunder may be pledged, assigned or transferred by Executive
either in whole or in part in any manner, without the prior written consent of
Xxxxxxxx.
12. Severability. The invalidity or unenforceability of any particular
provision of this Agreement shall not affect the other provisions
hereof, and this Agreement shall be construed in all respects as if such invalid
or unenforceable provisions were omitted.
13. Controlling Law and Jurisdiction. The validity, interpretation and
performance of this Agreement shall be subject to and construed under the laws
of the State of Missouri, without regard to principles of conflicts of law.
14. Entire Agreement. This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement
between the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof and terminates and
supersedes all other prior agreements and understandings, both written and oral,
between the parties with respect to the terms of Executive's employment or
severance arrangements.
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Agreement as of
the day and year first above stated.
XXXXXXXX FINANCIAL, INC.
By /s/ Xxxxxx X. Xxxxxxx
------------------------------
Name: Xxxxxx X. Xxxxxxx
Title: President
EXECUTIVE
/s/ Xxxxxxx X. Xxxxxxxxx
-----------------------------------
Xxxxxxx X. Xxxxxxxxx
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