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EXHIBIT 10.17B
CHANGE OF CONTROL AGREEMENT
AGREEMENT made and entered into as of July 1, 1997 by and between XXXXXXX
COMPUTER SERVICES, INC., a Delaware corporation, (the "Corporation") and XXXXXX
X. XXXXXX (the "Executive").
The Board of Directors of the Corporation (the "Board") has determined
that it is in the best interests of the Corporation and its stockholders to
assure that the Corporation will have the continued dedication of the
Executive, notwithstanding the possibility, threat or occurrence of a Change of
Control (as defined below) of the Corporation. The Board believes it is
imperative to diminish the inevitable distraction of the Executive by virtue of
the personal uncertainties and risks created by a pending or threatened Change
of Control and to encourage the Executive's full attention and dedication to
the Corporation currently and in the event of any threatened or pending Change
of Control, and to provide the Executive with compensation and benefits
arrangements upon a Change of Control which ensure that the compensation and
benefits expectations of the Executive will be satisfied and which are
competitive with those of other corporations. Therefore, in order to
accomplish these objectives, the Board has caused the Corporation to enter into
this Agreement.
NOW, THEREFORE, IT IS HEREBY AGREED AS FOLLOWS:
1. Certain Definitions. (a) The "Effective Date" shall mean the first
date during the Change of Control Period (as defined in Section l(b)) on which
a Change of Control (as defined in Section 2) occurs. Anything in this
Agreement to the contrary notwithstanding, if a Change of Control occurs and if
the Executive's employment with the Corporation is terminated prior to the date
on which the Change of Control occurs, and if it is reasonably demonstrated by
the Executive that such termination of employment (i) was at the request of a
third party who had taken steps reasonably calculated to effect a Change of
Control, (ii) otherwise arose in connection with or anticipation of a Change of
Control, or (iii) would not have occurred or would be substantially less likely
to have occurred in the absence of a Change of Control, then for all purposes
of this Agreement the "Effective Date" shall mean the date immediately prior to
the date of such termination of employment.
(b) The "Change of Control Period" shall mean the period commencing on
the date hereof and ending on the third anniversary of the date hereof;
provided, however, that commencing on the date one (1) year after the date
hereof, and on each annual anniversary of such date (such date and each annual
anniversary thereof being hereinafter referred to as a "Renewal Date"), the
Change of Control Period shall be automatically extended so as to terminate
three (3) years from such Renewal Date, unless at least sixty (60) days prior
to such Renewal Date the Corporation shall give notice to the Executive that
the Change of Control Period shall not be so extended.
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2. Change of Control. For purposes of this Agreement, a "Change of
Control" shall mean:
(a) The acquisition by any individual, entity or group (within the
meaning of Section 13(d)(3) or 14(d)(2) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934,
as amended (the "Exchange Act")) (a "Person") of beneficial ownership (within
the meaning of Rule 13d-3 promulgated under the Exchange Act) of thirty-five
percent (35%) or more of either (i) the then outstanding shares of capital
stock of the Corporation (the "Outstanding Corporation Capital Stock") or (ii)
the combined voting power of the then outstanding voting securities of the
Corporation entitled to vote generally in the election of directors (the
"Corporation Voting Securities"); provided, however, that (X) any acquisition
by or from the Corporation or any of its subsidiaries, (Y) any acquisition by
any employee benefit plan (or related trust) sponsored or maintained by the
Corporation or any of its subsidiaries or (Z) any acquisition by any
corporation with respect to which, following such acquisition, more than
sixty-five percent (65%) of the then outstanding shares of capital stock of
such corporation and the combined voting power of the then outstanding voting
securities of such corporation entitled to vote generally in the election of
directors is then beneficially owned, directly or indirectly, by all or
substantially all of the individuals and entities who were the beneficial
owners, respectively, of the Outstanding Corporation Capital Stock and
Corporation Voting Securities immediately prior to such acquisition, in
substantially the same proportion as their ownership, immediately prior to such
acquisition, of the Outstanding Corporation Capital Stock and Corporation
Voting Securities, as the case may be, shall not constitute a Change of
Control; or
(b) Individuals who, as of September 6, 1995, constituted the Board of
Directors of the Corporation (the "Incumbent Board") cease for any reason to
constitute at least a majority of such Board; provided, however, that any
individual who becomes a member of the Board of Directors of the Corporation
subsequent to such date whose election, or nomination for election by the
stockholders of the Corporation, was approved by a vote of at least a majority
of the directors then comprising the Incumbent Board shall be deemed to be a
member of the Incumbent Board; but provided further, that no individual whose
election or initial assumption of office as a director of the Corporation
occurs as a result of an actual or threatened election contest (as such terms
are used in Rule 14a-11 of Regulation 14A promulgated under the Exchange Act)
with respect to the election or removal of directors, or any other actual or
threatened solicitation of proxies or consents by or on behalf of any person
other than the Board of Directors of the Corporation, shall be deemed to be a
member of the Incumbent Board; or
(c) Approval by the stockholders of the Corporation of a reorganization,
merger or consolidation (a "Business Combination") with respect to which all or
substantially all of the individuals and entities who were the respective
beneficial owners of the Outstanding Corporation Capital Stock and Corporation
Voting Securities immediately prior to such Business Combination do not,
following such Business Combination, beneficially own, directly or indirectly,
more than sixty-five percent (65%) of, respectively, the then outstanding
shares of capital stock and the combined voting power of the then outstanding
voting securities entitled to vote generally in the election of directors, as
the case may be, of the corporation resulting from
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the Business Combination, in substantially the same proportion as their
ownership immediately prior to such Business Combination of the Outstanding
Corporation Capital Stock and Corporation Voting Securities, as the case may
be; or
(d) Approval by the stockholders of the Corporation of a sale or other
disposition of all or substantially all of the assets of the Corporation other
than to a corporation with respect to which, following such sale or
disposition, more than sixty-five percent (65%) of, respectively, the then
outstanding shares of capital stock and the combined voting power of the then
outstanding voting securities entitled to vote generally in the election of
directors is then owned beneficially, directly or indirectly, by all or
substantially all of the individuals and entities who were the beneficial
owners, respectively, of the Outstanding Corporation Capital Stock and
Corporation Voting Securities immediately prior to such sale or disposition, in
substantially the same proportion as their ownership of the Outstanding
Corporation Capital Stock and Corporation Voting Securities, as the case may
be, immediately prior to such sale or disposition; or
(e) A complete liquidation or dissolution of the Corporation.
Any other provision of this Agreement to the contrary notwithstanding, "Change
of Control" shall not include any transaction described in subparagraphs (a),
(c) or (d) of this Section 2 where, in connection with such transaction, the
Executive or any party acting in concert with the Executive substantially
increases his or its, as the case may be, ownership interest in the Corporation
or a successor to the Corporation.
3. Employment Period. The Corporation hereby agrees to continue the
Executive in its employ, and the Executive hereby agrees to remain in the
employ of the Corporation subject to the terms and conditions of this
Agreement, for the period commencing on the Effective Date and ending on the
third anniversary of such date (the "Employment Period").
4. Terms of Employment.
(a) Position and Duties.
(i) During the Employment Period, (A) the Executive's position
(including status, offices, titles and reporting requirements), authority,
duties and responsibilities shall be at least commensurate in all material
respects with the most significant of those held, exercised and assigned at any
time during the twelve (12)-month period immediately preceding the Effective
Date and (B) the Executive's services shall be performed at the location where
the Executive was employed immediately preceding the Effective Date or at any
office or location less than fifty (50) miles from such location.
(ii) During the Employment Period, and excluding any periods of
vacation and sick leave to which the Executive is entitled, the Executive
agrees to devote reasonable attention and time during normal business hours to
the business and affairs of the
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Corporation and, to the extent necessary to discharge the responsibilities
assigned to the Executive hereunder, to use the Executive's reasonable best
efforts to perform faithfully and efficiently such responsibilities. During
the Employment Period it shall not be a violation of this Agreement for the
Executive to (A) serve on corporate, civic or charitable boards or committees,
(B) deliver lectures, fulfill speaking engagements or teach at educational
institutions and (C) manage personal investments, so long as such activities do
not significantly interfere with the performance of the Executive's
responsibilities as an employee of the Corporation in accordance with this
Agreement. It is expressly understood and agreed that to the extent that any
such activities have been conducted by the Executive prior to the Effective
Date, the continued conduct of such activities (or the conduct of activities
similar in nature and scope thereto) subsequent to the Effective Date shall not
thereafter be deemed to interfere significantly with the performance of the
Executive's responsibilities to the Corporation.
(b) Compensation.
(i) Base Salary. During the Employment Period, the Executive shall
receive an annual base salary ("Annual Base Salary"), which shall be paid at a
monthly rate at least equal to the highest monthly base salary paid or payable,
including any base salary which has been earned but deferred, to the Executive
by the Corporation and its affiliated companies with respect to the twenty-four
(24)-month period immediately preceding the month in which the Effective Date
occurs. During the Employment Period, the Annual Base Salary shall be reviewed
no more than twelve (12) months after the last salary increase awarded to the
Executive prior to the Effective Date and thereafter at least annually. Any
increase in Annual Base Salary shall not serve to limit or reduce any other
obligation to the Executive under this Agreement. Annual Base Salary shall not
be reduced after any such increase and the term Annual Base Salary as utilized
in this Agreement shall refer to Annual Base Salary as so increased. As used
in this Agreement, the term "affiliated companies" shall include any
corporation controlled by, controlling or under common control with the
Corporation.
(ii) Annual Bonus. In addition to Annual Base Salary, the Executive
shall be awarded, for each fiscal year ending during the Employment Period, an
annual bonus (the "Annual Bonus") in cash at least equal to the Executive's
average annual bonus paid or payable under the Corporation's annual incentive
plans for the last two (2) full fiscal years prior to the Effective Date (the
"Recent Annual Bonus"). Each such Annual Bonus shall be paid no later than the
end of the first month of the fiscal year next following the fiscal year for
which the Annual Bonus is awarded, unless the Executive shall elect to defer
the receipt of such Annual Bonus.
(iii) Payment of Bonuses. Whenever any annual bonus or any other
cash bonus is awarded to Executive, payment of such bonus shall be made in
accordance with the following provisions:
(A) Prior to the commencement of any fiscal year, Executive may
advise the Compensation Committee of the Board of his election to be paid any
annual bonus or any other cash bonus to be awarded to him for such fiscal year
on a current or deferred
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basis. If no such election is made, Executive shall be deemed to have elected
to be paid such bonus on a current basis.
(B) Any bonus payable on a current basis shall be paid to
Executive within sixty (60) days of the date of the award, subject to normal
withholdings and deductions.
(C) Any bonus payable on a deferred basis shall be accrued and
paid to Executive as follows:
(1) Effective as of the date of the award, the Corporation
shall credit the amount of any deferred bonus to the book reserve account known
as the "Deferred Compensation Account of Xxxxxx X. Xxxxxx" (hereinafter
referred to as the "Deferred Compensation Account"). There shall also be
credited to the Deferred Compensation Account, effective as of the Effective
Date, all deferred bonuses and interest accrued thereon credited to Executive
prior to such date.
(2) Interest shall accrue on all amounts credited to the
Deferred Compensation Account from the date credited to such account until the
date paid to Executive as provided in paragraph (3), below. Such interest
shall be computed quarterly on the last day of each calendar quarter based upon
the interest rate payable on ninety (90) day certificates of deposit of The
First National Bank of Chicago prevailing as of the first day of such calendar
quarter. Interest shall be credited to the Deferred Compensation Account, and
thereafter accrue interest as provided in this paragraph (2), effective as of
the first day of each calendar year. Any other provision of this subparagraph
(ii) to the contrary notwithstanding, in the event the Corporation shall
implement deferred compensation provisions in connection with its incentive
compensation programs which provide for deferred payments thereunder in the
form of , or based on the rate of return of the Corporation's common stock, the
Executive shall be provided with a similar opportunity with regard to the
Deferred Compensation Account.
(3) The amounts of deferred bonus and other amounts
credited to the Deferred Compensation Account shall be paid to Executive,
subject to normal withholdings and deductions, in one hundred twenty (120)
equal monthly installments, with interest on the unpaid balance at the rate
specified in paragraph (2), above, commencing in the month immediately
following the termination of Executive's employment with the Corporation;
provided, however, that if Executive should die before all amounts credited to
the Deferred Compensation Account have been paid to him, the full unpaid amount
then credited to the Deferred Compensation Account and all interest accrued
thereon shall be immediately paid in a lump sum to his designated beneficiary
or, if no beneficiary is designated, to his estate.
(D) Any other provision of this Agreement to the contrary
notwithstanding, Executive may at any time or from time to time request the
payment to him of all or any portion of the amounts then credited to the
Deferred Compensation Account, but the Corporation shall make a payment to
Executive pursuant to such a request only if and to the
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extent that such request is approved by the Board.
(E) Immediately after the Effective Date, the Corporation
shall, if it has not already done so, deliver to the trustee of the Xxxxxxx
Computer Services, Inc. Benefit Trust (the "Benefit Trust"), cash or
marketable securities or other property having a fair market value (or any
combination thereof) equal to the amount then credited to the Deferred
Compensation Account.
(iv) Incentive, Savings and Retirement Plans. During the Employment
Period, the Executive shall be entitled to participate in all incentive,
savings and retirement plans, practices, policies and programs applicable
generally to other senior executives of the Corporation and its affiliated
companies, but in no event shall such plans, practices, policies and programs
provide the Executive with incentive opportunities (measured with respect to
both regular and special incentive opportunities, to the extent, if any, that
such distinction is applicable), savings opportunities and retirement benefit
opportunities, in each case, less favorable, in the aggregate, than the most
favorable for the Executive of those provided by the Corporation and its
affiliated companies for the Executive under such plans, practices, policies
and programs as in effect at any time during the twelve (12)-month period
immediately preceding the Effective Date or, if more favorable to the
Executive, those provided generally at any time after the Effective Date to
other senior executives of the Corporation and its affiliated companies;
provided, however, that the Executive shall not participate during the
Employment Period or thereafter in the Supplemental Retirement Plan of the
Corporation. For purposes of this paragraph (iv), the reference to incentive
plans, practices, policies and programs covers all forms of short-term or
long-term incentive compensation arrangements, including but not by way of
limitation arrangements providing for stock options, warrants, stock
appreciation rights and/or other cash payments.
(v) Other Employee Benefits. During the Employment Period, the
Executive and/or the Executive's family, as the case may be, shall be eligible
for participation in and shall receive all benefits under all welfare benefit,
fringe benefit, expense reimbursement, and executive perquisite plans,
practices, policies and programs provided by the Corporation and its affiliated
companies (including, without limitation, medical, supplemental medical
reimbursement, prescription, dental, disability, employee life, group life,
accidental death and travel accident insurance plans and programs) to the
extent applicable generally to other senior executives of the Corporation and
its affiliated companies, but in no event shall such plans, practices, policies
and programs provide the Executive with benefits which are less favorable for
the Executive, in the aggregate, than the most favorable of such plans,
practices, policies and programs in effect for the Executive at any time during
the twelve (12)-month period immediately preceding the Effective Date or, if
more favorable to the Executive, those provided generally at any time after the
Effective Date to other senior executives of the Corporation and its affiliated
companies.
(vi) Office and Support Staff. During the Employment Period, the
Executive shall be entitled to an office or offices of a size and with
furnishings and other appointments, and to exclusive personal secretarial and
other assistance, at least equal to the most favorable of the foregoing
provided to the Executive by the Corporation and its affiliated companies at
any time during the twelve (12)-month period immediately preceding the
Effective
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Date or, if more favorable to the Executive, as provided generally at any time
thereafter with respect to other senior executives of the Corporation and its
affiliated companies.
(vii) Vacation. During the Employment Period, the Executive shall be
entitled to paid vacation in accordance with the most favorable plans,
policies, programs and practices of the Corporation and its affiliated
companies as in effect for the Executive at any time during the twelve
(12)-month period immediately preceding the Effective Date or, if more
favorable to the Executive, as in effect generally at any time thereafter with
respect to other senior executives of the Corporation and its affiliated
companies.
5. Uninsured Medical Expenses. Continuing until Executive's death (or, if
later, the death of the Executive's spouse), in addition to participating in
any medical insurance or other medical benefit program of the Corporation, the
Executive shall be entitled to reimbursement from the Corporation for expenses
incurred by Executive for or in respect of medical care (as defined in Section
213 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code")) of Executive
and his spouse; provided, however, that Executive shall be entitled to
reimbursement of medical expenses as set forth in this Section 5 if and so long
as (and only if and so long as) (a) Executive does not, at any time while he is
an employee of the Corporation or at any time thereafter, violate the
confidentiality or nonsolicitation covenants set forth in Section 7, below, and
(b) Executive does not commit any action that would permit the Corporation to
terminate his employment for "Cause" (as defined in Section 8(d)(ii), below).
The Corporation may, in its discretion, pay any such medical expenses directly
in lieu of making reimbursement therefor. The reimbursement or payment of such
medical expenses on behalf of Executive and/or his spouse shall be limited to
an aggregate of $500,000, and reimbursement or payment of such medical expenses
shall be made by the Corporation only in the event and to the extent that such
reimbursement or payment is not then provided under any insurance policy or
policies, whether owned by the Corporation or Executive, or under any other
private or public health and accident plan or program under which Executive or
his spouse, as the case may be, is then eligible for benefits. Upon the
request of the Corporation, Executive shall submit to the Corporation
hospitalization, doctor, dental or other medical bills, including premium
notices for accident or health insurance, for verification by the Corporation.
6. Supplemental Retirement Benefit. Except as described in Section
9(b)(ii)(D), below, the Corporation shall pay to the Executive after the
termination of his employment a Supplemental Retirement Benefit ("SRB")
determined and paid as follows:
(a) The monthly amount of the SRB shall be the excess of (i) fifty
percent (50%) of the Executive's Recent Average Monthly Compensation (as
described in paragraph (b), below) over (ii) the sum (not to exceed 70% of the
amount determined under the immediately preceding clause (i)) of (A) the
Executive's monthly Social Security retirement benefits, if any, and (B) the
monthly amount payable under a single-life annuity for the Executive's life
which is the actuarial equivalent of the benefits payable to the Executive
under any retirement or profit-sharing plan or program provided by the
Corporation, to the extent such benefits are attributable to contributions
by the Corporation other than contributions by the Corporation on behalf of the
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Executive under a salary reduction agreement.
(b) The Executive's Recent Average Monthly Compensation shall be the
monthly average of his cash compensation for the last sixty (60) months of his
full-time employment by the Corporation. Cash compensation shall consist of
salary, current and deferred bonuses, and contributions paid on the Executive's
behalf by the Corporation pursuant to a salary reduction agreement but shall
not include amounts attributable to equity-participation awards or to payments
made during that sixty (60)-month period pursuant to deferral from a previous
period.
(c) The SRB shall be payable in monthly installments for the life of the
Executive but in any event for a minimum period of ten (10) years after the
termination of employment. If the Executive dies before the completion of one
hundred twenty (120) monthly payments, the remaining payments shall be made to
his designated beneficiary or, if none is designated, to his estate. If the
Executive dies prior to termination of employment, the SRB shall be calculated
as of the date of the Executive's death and shall be paid for a period of ten
(10) years to the Executive's designated beneficiary or, if none is designated,
to his estate.
Immediately after the Effective Date, the Corporation shall, if it has not
already done so, deliver to the trustee of the Benefit Trust cash or marketable
securities or other property having a fair market value (or any combination
thereof) equal to the amount described in Section 9(b)(ii)(D) below.
7. Covenants of the Executive. In order to induce the Corporation to
enter into this Agreement, the Executive hereby agrees as follows:
(a) Confidentiality. Except for and on behalf of the Corporation with
the consent of or as directed by the Board, the Executive shall keep
confidential and shall not divulge to any other person or entity, during the
term of employment or thereafter, any of the business secrets or other
confidential information regarding the Corporation and its subsidiaries which
has not otherwise become public knowledge; provided, however, that nothing in
this Agreement shall preclude the Executive from disclosing information (i) to
an appropriate extent to parties retained to perform services for the
Corporation or its subsidiaries or (ii) under any other circumstances to the
extent such disclosure is, in the reasonable judgment of the Executive,
appropriate or necessary to further the best interests of the Corporation or
its subsidiaries or (iii) as may be required by law.
(b) Records. All papers, books and records of every kind and
description relating to the business and affairs of the Corporation and its
subsidiaries, whether or not prepared by the Executive, other than personal
notes prepared by or at the direction of the Executive, shall be the sole and
exclusive property of the Corporation, and the Executive shall surrender them
to the Corporation at any time upon request by the Board.
(c) Noncompetition and Nonsolicitation. The Executive hereby agrees
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the Corporation that during the term of his employment hereunder, and in
certain instances, as provided below, for a period of two (2) years following
termination of his employment with the Corporation, (i) he shall not, directly
or indirectly, engage in, or be employed by, or act as a consultant to, or be a
director, officer, owner or partner of, or acquire a substantial interest in,
any business activity or entity which competes significantly with the
Corporation or any of its subsidiaries; provided that, after the termination of
his employment with the Corporation, "significant" competition shall not
include involvement in any line of business that contributes less than five
percent (5%) of the gross revenues of the Corporation and its subsidiaries or
contributes less than five percent (5%) of the gross revenues of another
business entity or activity with which Executive becomes associated, (ii) he
shall not solicit any employee of the Corporation or any of its subsidiaries to
leave the employment thereof or in any way interfere with the relationship of
such employee with the Corporation or its subsidiaries, unless he believes in
good faith that such action during the term of his employment by the
Corporation is in the best interests of the Corporation, and (iii) he shall not
induce or attempt to induce any customer, supplier, licensee or other
individual, corporation or other business organization having a business
relation with the Corporation or its subsidiaries to cease doing business with
the Corporation or its subsidiaries or in any way interfere with the
relationship between any such customer, supplier, licensee or other person and
the Corporation or its subsidiaries; provided, however, that as to the period
after termination of the Executive's employment with the Corporation, the
restrictive covenants set forth in part (i) of this paragraph (c) shall apply
only if such termination results from the Executive's discharge for Cause (as
defined in Section 8(d)(ii), below).
(d) Enforcement. The Executive recognizes that the provisions of this
Section 7 are vitally important to the continuing welfare of the Corporation
and its subsidiaries and that money damages would constitute an inadequate
remedy for any violation thereof. Accordingly, in the event of any such
violation by the Executive, the Corporation and its subsidiaries, in addition
to any other remedies they may have, shall have the right to compel specific
performance thereof or to seek an injunction restraining any action by the
Executive in violation of this Section 7.
8. Termination. Unless earlier terminated in accordance with the
following provisions of this Section 8, the Corporation shall continue to
employ the Executive and the Executive shall remain employed by the Corporation
during the Employment Period as set forth in Section 3. Section 9 hereof sets
forth certain obligations of the Corporation in the event that the Executive's
employment hereunder is terminated. Certain capitalized terms used in this
Section 8 and in Section 9 hereof are defined in Section 8(d), below.
(a) Death or Disability. Except to the extent otherwise provided in
Section 9 with respect to certain post-Date of Termination payment obligations
of the Corporation, this Agreement shall terminate immediately as of the Date
of Termination in the event of the Executive's death or in the event that the
Executive becomes disabled. The Executive will be deemed to be disabled upon
the earlier of (i) the end of a six (6)-consecutive month period, or of an
aggregate period of nine (9) months out of any consecutive twelve (12) months,
during which, by reason of physical or mental injury or disease, the Executive
has been unable to perform
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substantially all of his usual and customary duties under this Agreement or
(ii) the date that a reputable physician selected by the Board, and as to whom
the Executive has no reasonable objection, determines in writing that the
Executive will, by reason of physical or mental injury or disease, be unable to
perform substantially all of the Executive's usual and customary duties under
this Agreement for a period of at least six (6) consecutive months. If any
question arises as to whether the Executive is disabled, upon reasonable
request therefor by the Board, the Executive shall submit to reasonable medical
examination for the purpose of determining the existence, nature and extent of
any such disability. The Board shall promptly give the Executive written
notice of any such determination of the Executive's disability and of any
decision of the Board to terminate the Executive's employment by reason
thereof. In the event of disability, until the Date of Termination, the base
salary payable to the Executive under Section 4(b)(i) hereof shall be reduced
dollar-for-dollar by the amount of disability benefits, if any, paid to the
Executive in accordance with any disability policy or program of the
Corporation.
(b) Discharge for Cause. In accordance with the procedures hereinafter
set forth, the Board may discharge the Executive from his employment hereunder
for Cause. Except to the extent otherwise provided in Section 9 with respect to
certain post-Date of Termination obligations of the Corporation, this Agreement
shall terminate immediately as of the Date of Termination in the event the
Executive is discharged for Cause. Any discharge of the Executive for Cause
shall be communicated by a Notice of Termination to the Executive given in
accordance with Section 15 of this Agreement.
(c) Termination for Other Reasons. The Corporation may discharge the
Executive without Cause by giving written notice to the Executive in accordance
with Section 15 at least thirty (30) days prior to the Date of Termination.
The Executive may resign from his employment, without liability to the
Corporation, by giving written notice to the Corporation in accordance with
Section 15 at least thirty (30) days prior to the Date of Termination. Except
to the extent otherwise provided in Section 9 with respect to certain post-Date
of Termination obligations of the Corporation, this Agreement shall terminate
immediately as of the Date of Termination in the event the Executive is
discharged without Cause or resigns.
(d) Definitions. For purposes of this Agreement, the following
capitalized terms shall have the meanings set forth below:
(i) "Accrued Obligations" shall mean, as of the Date of Termination,
the sum of (A) the Executive's base salary under Section 4(b)(i) through the
Date of Termination to the extent not theretofore paid, (B) the amount of any
bonus, incentive compensation, deferred compensation and other cash
compensation accrued by the Executive as of the Date of Termination to the
extent not theretofore paid, (C) any vacation pay, expense reimbursements and
other cash entitlements accrued by the Executive as of the Date of Termination
to the extent not theretofore paid, and (D) all other benefits which have
accrued as of the Date of Termination, including any applicable retiree
benefits (including, but not by way of limitation, medical expense
reimbursement benefits under Section 5, above, and supplemental retirement
benefits under Section 6, above) and including any applicable life insurance
or disability insurance benefits. For
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the purpose of this Section 8(d)(i), amounts shall be deemed to accrue ratably
over the period during which they are earned, but no discretionary compensation
shall be deemed earned or accrued until it is specifically approved by the
Board in accordance with the applicable plan, program or policy.
(ii) "Cause" shall mean (A) the Executive's willful and continued
failure to perform substantially the duties of his employment; or (B) the
Executive's willful engaging in illegal conduct or gross misconduct which is
materially and demonstrably injurious to the Corporation; or (C) the
Executive's conviction of a felony involving moral turpitude, but specifically
excluding any conviction based entirely on vicarious liability (with "vicarious
liability" meaning liability based on acts of the Corporation for which the
Executive is charged solely as a result of his offices with the Corporation and
in which he was not directly involved and did not have prior knowledge of such
actions or intended actions); provided, however, that no act or failure to act,
on the part of the Executive, shall be considered "willful" unless it is done,
or omitted to be done, by the Executive in bad faith or without reasonable
belief that the Executive's action or omission was in the best interests of the
Corporation; and provided further that no act or omission by the Executive
shall constitute Cause hereunder unless the Corporation has given detailed
written notice thereof to the Executive, and the Executive has failed to remedy
such act or omission within 30 days after receiving such notice. Termination
for Cause must be evidenced by a specific resolution adopted by at least a
three-fourths vote of the Board after the Executive is given an opportunity
prior to the expiration of such 30-day period, together with his legal counsel,
to be heard before the Board.
(iii) "Date of Termination" shall mean (A) in the event of a
discharge of the Executive by the Board for Cause, the date the Executive
receives a Notice of Termination, or any later date specified in such Notice of
Termination, as the case may be, (B) in the event of a discharge of the
Executive without Cause or a resignation by the Executive, the date specified
in the written notice to the Executive (in the case of discharge) or the
Corporation (in the case of resignation), which date shall be no less than
thirty (30) days from the date of such written notice, (C) in the event of the
Executive's death, the date of the Executive's death, and (D) in the event of
termination of the Executive's employment by reason of disability pursuant to
Section 8(a), the date the Executive receives written notice of such
termination.
(iv) "Good Reason" shall mean the occurrence of any of the following
without the Executive's consent: (A) the failure to maintain (i) the Executive
in the positions set forth in Paragraph 4(a) above, (II) as a director of the
Corporation, or (III) following Executive's election as Chairman of the Board,
as Chairman of the Board; (B) (B) the assignment to the Executive of any duties
inconsistent in any respect with the Executive's positions with the Corporation
as set forth in this Agreement (including status, offices, titles and reporting
requirements), authority, duties or responsibilities as contemplated by Section
4(a), or any action by the Corporation which results in substantial diminution
in such positions, authority, duties or responsibilities, excluding for this
purpose any isolated, insubstantial and inadvertent action not taken in bad
faith and which is remedied by the Corporation promptly after receipt of
written notice thereof given by the Executive in accordance with Section 15;
or (C) any failure by the
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Corporation to comply with any of the provisions of this Agreement, other than
any isolated, insubstantial and inadvertent failure not occurring in bad faith
and which is remedied by the Corporation promptly after receipt of written
notice thereof given by the Executive in accordance with Section 15; or (D) the
Corporation requiring the Executive to be based at an office or location which
is more than fifty (50) miles from the Executive's office as of July 1, 1997.
Any good faith determination by the Executive that Good Reason exists shall be
conclusive. In addition, any termination by the Executive during the thirty
(30)-day "window period" beginning six (6) months after a Change of Control
shall be deemed to be for "Good Reason."
(v) "Notice of Termination" shall mean a written notice which (A)
indicates the specific termination provision in this Agreement relied upon, (B)
sets forth in reasonable detail the facts and circumstances claimed to provide
a basis for termination of the Executive's employment under the provision so
indicated and (C) if the Date of Termination is to be other than the date of
receipt of such notice, specifies the termination date.
9. Obligations of the Corporation Upon Termination. The following
provisions describe the obligations of the Corporation to the Executive under
this Agreement upon termination of his employment during the Employment Period.
However, except as explicitly provided in this Agreement, nothing in this
Agreement shall limit or otherwise adversely affect any rights which the
Executive may have under applicable law, under any other agreement with the
Corporation or any of its subsidiaries, or under any compensation or benefit
plan, program, policy or practice of the Corporation or any of its
subsidiaries.
(a) Death, Disability, Discharge for Cause, or Resignation Without Good
Reason. In the event this Agreement terminates pursuant to Section 8(a) by
reason of the death or disability of the Executive, or pursuant to Section 8(b)
by reason of the discharge of the Executive by the Corporation for Cause, or
pursuant to Section 8(c) by reason of the resignation of the Executive other
than for Good Reason, the Corporation shall pay to the Executive, or his heirs
or estate, in the event of the Executive's death, all Accrued Obligations in a
lump sum in cash within thirty (30) days after the Date of Termination;
provided, however, that any portion of the Accrued Obligations which consists
of bonus, deferred compensation, incentive compensation, insurance benefits or
other employee benefits shall be determined and paid in accordance with the
terms of the relevant plan or policy as applicable to the Executive; and,
provided further, that all long-term incentive compensation awards (such as (i)
options to purchase stock of the Corporation, (ii) restricted stock of the
Corporation, or (iii) similar equity-based units or interests) shall, if not
otherwise vested, vest in full upon such termination of this Agreement due to
death or disability.
(b) Discharge Without Cause or Resignation with Good Reason. In the
event that this Agreement terminates pursuant to Section 8(c) by reason of the
discharge of the Executive by the Corporation other than for Cause or
disability or by reason of the resignation of the Executive for Good Reason:
(i) The Corporation shall pay all Accrued Obligations to the
Executive
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in a lump sum in cash within ten (10) days after the Date of Termination;
provided, however, that any portion of the Accrued Obligations which consists
of bonus, deferred compensation, incentive compensation, insurance benefits or
other employee benefits shall be determined and paid in accordance with the
terms of the relevant plan or policy as applicable to the Executive;
(ii) Within ten (10) days after the Date of Termination, the
Corporation shall pay to the Executive a lump sum including the following
amounts:
(A) A cash bonus for the year of termination, calculated as a
pro rata portion of his then current target annual bonus amount;
(B) The full amount then credited to the Deferred Compensation
Account described in Section 4(b)(iii), above;
(C) A "Severance Amount" equal to three (3) times the sum of the
Executive's (1) then current annual base salary and (2) then current target
annual bonus amount; reduced by any amounts payable to the Executive under the
Corporation's Executive Severance Pay Plan or any similar plan or program; and
(D) In lieu of the Supplemental Retirement Benefit ("SRB")
described in Section 6, above, a "Supplemental Retirement Amount" equal to the
present value of a monthly SRB payable after the termination of employment for
the life of the Executive but in any event for a minimum period of ten (10)
years, with such value being calculated as follows:
(1) The monthly amount of the SRB shall be the excess of
(a) 50% of the Executive's Recent Average Monthly Compensation (as described
in paragraph (2), below) over (b) the sum of (i) the Executive's projected
monthly Social Security retirement benefits, if any, and (ii) the monthly
amount payable under a single-life annuity for the Executive's life which is
the actuarial equivalent of the benefits payable to the Executive under any
retirement or profit-sharing plan or program provided by the Corporation, to
the extent such benefits are attributable to contributions by the Corporation
other than contributions by the Corporation on behalf of the Executive under a
salary reduction agreement.
(2) The Executive's Recent Average Monthly Compensation
shall be the amount determined by dividing sixty (60) into the sum of (a) the
Severance Amount described in paragraph (C), above, and (b) the Executive's
cash compensation for the last twenty-four (24) months of his full-time
employment by the Corporation. Cash compensation shall consist of salary,
current and deferred bonuses, and contributions paid on the Executive's behalf
by the Corporation pursuant to a salary reduction agreement but shall not
include amounts attributable to equity-participation awards or to payments made
during that twenty-four (24)-month period pursuant to deferral from a previous
period.
(3) The Executive's Social Security retirement benefits
shall be projected as if the Executive began receiving such benefits at the
earliest date available to
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him under then current law.
(4) The computation of present value shall use the then
current Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation interest rate for valuing
immediate annuities under single-employer pension plans.
(iii) For a period of three (3) years after the Date of
Termination, the Corporation shall continue to provide benefits to the
Executive and/or the Executive's family at least equal to those which would
have been provided to them in accordance with the plans, programs and
arrangements referred to in Section 4(b)(v) of this Agreement if the
Executive's employment with the Corporation had continued for those three (3)
years; provided, however, that such benefits shall be at least equal to the
most favorable for the Executive which were provided for the Executive at any
time during the twelve (12)-month period immediately preceding the termination
of employment.
(iv) All long-term incentive compensation awards to the
Executive, including (but not by way of limitation) all equity-based incentive
compensation awards (such as (A) options to purchase stock of the Corporation,
(B) restricted stock of the Corporation, or (C) similar equity-based units or
interests) shall, if not otherwise vested, vest in full upon such termination
of this Agreement and Executive shall be considered to have terminated his
employment by reason of retirement for purposes of determining the exercise
period applicable to any options following such termination of this Agreement;
and
(v) The Corporation shall, at its sole expense, provide the
Executive with outplacement services the scope and provider of which shall be
selected by the Executive.
10. Certain Additional Payments by the Corporation.
(a) Anything in this Agreement to the contrary notwithstanding, in the
event it shall be determined that any payment or distribution by the
Corporation to or for the benefit of the Executive (whether paid or payable or
distributed or distributable pursuant to the terms of this Agreement or
otherwise, but determined without regard to any additional payments required
under this Section 10) (a "Payment") would be subject to the excise tax imposed
by Section 4999 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, (the "Code")
or if any interest or penalties are incurred by the Executive with respect to
such excise tax (such excise tax, together with any such interest and
penalties, being hereinafter collectively referred to as the "Excise Tax"),
then the Executive shall be entitled to receive an additional payment (a
"Gross-Up Payment") in an amount such that, after payment by the Executive of
all taxes (including any interest or penalties imposed with respect to such
taxes), including, without limitation, any income taxes (and any interest and
penalties imposed with respect thereto) and Excise Tax imposed upon the
Gross-Up Payment, the Executive retains an amount of the Gross-Up Payment equal
to the Excise Tax imposed upon the Payment.
(b) Subject to the provisions of paragraph (c), below, all
determinations
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required to be made under this Section 10, including whether and when a
Gross-Up Payment is required and the amount of such Gross-Up Payment and the
assumptions to be utilized in arriving at such determination, shall be made by
the accounting firm serving as the Corporation's independent auditing firm
immediately prior to the Effective Date (the "Accounting Firm"), which shall
provide detailed supporting calculations both to the Corporation and the
Executive within fifteen (15) business days of the receipt of notice from the
Executive that there has been a Payment, or such earlier time as is requested
by the Corporation. In the event that the Accounting Firm is serving as
accountant or auditor for the individual, entity or group effecting the Change
of Control, the Executive shall appoint another nationally recognized
accounting firm to make the determinations required hereunder (which accounting
firm shall then be referred to as the Accounting Firm hereunder). All fees and
expenses of the Accounting Firm shall be borne solely by the Corporation. Any
Gross-Up Payment, as determined pursuant to this Section 10, shall be paid by
the Corporation to the Executive within five (5) days of the receipt of the
Accounting Firm's determination. If the Accounting Firm determines that no
Excise Tax is payable by the Executive, it shall furnish the Executive with a
written opinion that failure to report the Excise Tax on the Executive's
applicable federal income tax return would not result in the imposition of a
negligence or similar penalty. Any good faith determination by the Accounting
Firm shall be binding upon the Corporation and the Executive. As a result of
the uncertainty in the application of Section 4999 of the Code at the time of
the initial determination by the Accounting Firm hereunder, it is possible that
Gross-Up Payments which will not have been made by the Corporation should have
been made ("Underpayment"), consistent with the calculations required to be
made hereunder. In the event that the Corporation exhausts its remedies
pursuant to paragraph (c), below, and the Executive thereafter is required to
make a payment of any Excise Tax, the Accounting Firm shall determine the
amount of the Underpayment that has occurred and any such Underpayment shall be
promptly paid by the Corporation to or for the benefit of the Executive.
(c) The Executive shall notify the Corporation in writing of any claim
by the Internal Revenue Service that, if successful, would require the payment
by the Corporation of a Gross-Up Payment. Such notification shall be given as
soon as practicable but no later than fifteen (15) business days after the
Executive is informed in writing of such claim and shall apprise the
Corporation of the nature of such claim and the date on which such claim is
requested to be paid. The Executive shall not pay such claim prior to the
expiration of the thirty (30)-day period following the date on which Executive
gives such notice to the Corporation (or such shorter period ending on the date
that any payment of taxes with respect to such claim is due). If the
Corporation notifies the Executive in writing prior to the expiration of such
period that it desires to contest such claim, the Executive shall:
(i) Give the Corporation any information reasonably requested by the
Corporation relating to such claim,
(ii) Take such action in connection with contesting such claim as
the Corporation shall reasonably request in writing from time to time,
including, without limitation, accepting legal representation with respect to
such claim by an attorney reasonably selected by the
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Corporation,
(iii) Cooperate with the Corporation in good faith in order
effectively to contest such claim, and
(iv) Permit the Corporation to participate in any proceedings
relating to such claim;
provided, however, that the Corporation 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
interest and penalties with respect thereto) imposed as a result of such
representation and payment of costs and expenses. Without limiting the
foregoing provisions of this paragraph (c), the Corporation shall control all
proceedings taken 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; and the Executive agrees
to prosecute such contest to a determination before any administrative
tribunal, in a court of initial jurisdiction and in one or more appellate
courts, as the Corporation shall determine; provided, however, that if the
Corporation directs the Executive to pay such claim and xxx for a refund, the
Corporation shall advance the amount of such payment to the Executive on an
interest-free basis and shall indemnify and hold the Executive harmless, on an
after-tax basis, from any Excise Tax or income tax (including interest or
penalties with respect thereto) imposed with respect to such advance or with
respect to any imputed income 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. Furthermore, the Corporation's control of the contest shall be limited
to issues with respect to which a Gross-Up Payment would be payable hereunder
and the Executive shall be entitled to settle or contest, as the case may be,
any other issue raised by the Internal Revenue Service or any other taxing
authority.
(d) If, after the receipt by the Executive of an amount advanced by the
Corporation pursuant to paragraph (c), above, the Executive becomes entitled to
receive any refund with respect to such claim, the Executive shall (subject to
the Corporation's complying with the requirements of said paragraph (c))
promptly pay to the Corporation 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 the Corporation pursuant
to said paragraph (c), a determination is made that the Executive shall not be
entitled to any refund with respect to such claim and the Corporation does not
notify the Executive in writing of its intent to contest such denial of refund
prior to the expiration of thirty (30) days after such determination, then such
advance shall be forgiven and shall not be required to be repaid; and the
amount of such advance shall offset, to the extent thereof, the amount of the
Gross-Up Payment required to be paid.
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11. No Mitigation. In no event shall the Executive be obligated to seek
other employment or take any other action by way of mitigation of the amounts
payable to the Executive under any of the provisions of this Agreement, and
such amounts shall not be reduced whether or not the Executive obtains other
employment.
12. Payment of Certain Expenses. The Corporation agrees to pay promptly as
incurred, to the fullest extent permitted by law, all legal fees and expenses
which the Executive may reasonably incur in connection with the preparation of
this Agreement or as a result of any contest by the Corporation, the Executive
or others of the validity or enforceability of, or liability under, any
provision of this Agreement (including as a result of any contest initiated by
the Executive about the amount of any payment due pursuant to this Agreement)
(together with an additional amount such that after payment by the Executive of
Executive's applicable Federal, state and local taxes on such additional
amount, Executive shall retain an amount equal to the total of Executive's
applicable Federal, state and local taxes arising due to the payment of legal
fees and expenses under this Section 12), plus in each case interest on any
delayed payment at the interest rate applicable from time to time under the
Corporation's primary revolving credit agreement, or in the absence of such a
rate, at the applicable federal rate provided for in Section 7872(f)(2)(A) of
the Code; provided, however, that the Corporation shall not be obligated to
make such payment of fees and expenses with respect to any contest in which it
is determined that such contest was initiated or maintained by Executive in bad
faith.
13. Indemnification. To the fullest extent permitted by law, the
Corporation shall, during and after the Executive's term of employment,
indemnify the Executive (including the advancement of expenses) for any
judgments, fines, amounts paid in settlement and reasonable expenses, including
attorneys' fees, incurred by the Executive in connection with the defense of
any lawsuit or other claim to which he is made a party by reason of being or
having been an officer, director or employee of the Corporation or any of its
subsidiaries.
14. Binding Effect. This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the
benefit of the heirs and representatives of the Executive and the successors
and assigns of the Corporation. The Corporation shall require any successor
(whether direct or indirect, by purchase, merger, reorganization,
consolidation, acquisition of property or stock, liquidation, or otherwise) to
all or a substantial portion of its assets, by agreement in form and substance
reasonably satisfactory to the Executive, expressly to assume and agree to
perform this Agreement in the same manner and to the same extent that the
Corporation would be required to perform this Agreement if no such succession
had taken place. Regardless of whether such an agreement is executed, this
Agreement shall be binding upon any successor of the Corporation in accordance
with the operation of law, and such successor shall be deemed the "Corporation"
for purposes of this Agreement.
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15. Notices. All notices, requests, demands and other communications
hereunder shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been duly given if
delivered by hand or by reputable commercial delivery service or mailed within
the continental United States by first class certified mail, return receipt
requested, postage prepaid, addressed as follows:
(a) If to the Board or the Corporation, to:
Xxxxxxx Computer Services, Inc.
0000 Xxxxx Xxxxx
Xxxxx, Xxxxxxxx 00000
Attention: Corporate Secretary
(b) If to the Executive, to:
Xx. Xxxxxx X. Xxxxxx
000 Xxxxxxxxx Xxxxx
Xxx Xxxxx, Xxxxxxxx 00000
With a copy to:
Xxxxxxxxxxxx Xxxx & Xxxxxxxxx
0000 Xxxxx Xxxxx
Xxxxxxx, Xxxxxxxx 00000
Attention: Xxxxx X. Xxxxx
Such addresses may be changed by written notice sent to the other party at the
last recorded address of that party.
16. Tax Withholding. The Corporation shall provide for the withholding of
any taxes required to be withheld by federal, state, or local law with respect
to any payment in cash, shares of stock and/or other property made by or on
behalf of the Corporation to or for the benefit of the Executive under this
Agreement or otherwise. The Corporation may, at its option: (a) withhold such
taxes from any cash payments owing from the Corporation to the Executive, (b)
require the Executive to pay to the Corporation in cash such amount as may be
required to satisfy such withholding obligations and/or (c) make other
satisfactory arrangements with the Executive to satisfy such withholding
obligations.
17. Arbitration. Except as to actions described in Section 7(d), any
controversy or claim arising out of or relating to this Agreement or the breach
hereof shall be settled by arbitration in Chicago, Illinois in accordance with
the laws of the State of Illinois, without regard to the choice of law
provisions of such laws. The arbitration shall be conducted in accordance with
the rules of the American Arbitration Association before an arbitrator
appointed by the then President of The Chicago Bar Association. The costs and
expenses of the arbitrator shall be borne by the Corporation. The award of the
arbitrator shall be binding upon the parties. Judgment upon the award rendered
by the arbitrator may be entered in any court having
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jurisdiction.
18. No Assignment. Except as otherwise expressly provided herein, this
Agreement is not assignable by any party and no payment to be made hereunder
shall be subject to anticipation, alienation, sale, transfer, assignment,
pledge, encumbrance or other charge.
19. Execution in Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed by the
parties hereto in two (2) or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed
to be an original, but all such counterparts shall constitute one and the same
instrument, and all signatures need not appear on any one counterpart.
20. Jurisdiction and Governing Law. Except as provided in Section 17,
jurisdiction over disputes with regard to this Agreement shall be exclusively
in the courts of the State of Illinois, and this Agreement shall be construed
and interpreted in accordance with and governed by the laws of the State of
Illinois, without regard to the choice of laws provisions of such laws.
21. Severability. If any provision of this Agreement shall be adjudged by
any court of competent jurisdiction to be invalid or unenforceable for any
reason, such judgment shall not affect, impair or invalidate the remainder of
this Agreement. Furthermore, if the scope of any restriction or requirement
contained in this Agreement is too broad to permit enforcement of such
restriction or requirement to its full extent, then such restriction or
requirement shall be enforced to the maximum extent permitted by law, and the
Executive consents and agrees that any court of competent jurisdiction may so
modify such scope in any proceeding brought to enforce such restriction or
requirement.
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22. Relationship to Employment Agreement. The Executive and the
Corporation acknowledge that, prior to the Effective Date, the Executive's
employment shall be governed by the Employment Agreement between the Executive
and the Corporation dated as of July 1, 1997, as it may be amended and/or
restated from time to time (the "Prior Agreement"). From and after the
Effective Date, this Agreement shall supersede the Prior Agreement and any
other agreement between the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof.
23. Prior Understandings. This Agreement embodies the entire understanding
of the parties hereto, and supersedes all prior oral or written agreements or
understandings between them, regarding the subject matter hereof. No change,
alteration or modification hereof may be made except in a writing, signed by
each of the parties hereto. The headings in this Agreement are for convenience
and reference only and shall not be construed as part of this Agreement or to
limit or otherwise affect the meaning hereof.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed and delivered this
Agreement as of the day and year first above written.
Attest: XXXXXXX COMPUTER SERVICES, INC.
/s/ Xxxxxx X. Xxxxxx By: /s/ Xxxxxxx X. Xxxx III
---------------------------- ----------------------------------------
Title:Chairman of the Compensation Committee
--------------------------------------
XXXXXX X. XXXXXX
/s/ Xxxxxx X. Xxxxxx
--------------------------------------------
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