EXHIBIT 10.5
EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT
PREAMBLE
This Employment Agreement defines the essential terms and conditions of our employment relationship
with you. The subjects covered in this Agreement are vitally important to you and to the Company.
Thus, you should read the document carefully and ask any questions before signing the Agreement.
Given the importance of these matters to you and the Company, you are required to sign the
Agreement as a condition of employment.
This EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT, dated and effective this 31st day of March, 2008 is
entered into by and between Batesville Holdings, Inc. (to be renamed Hillenbrand, Inc.) (Company)
and Cynthia L. Lucchese (Employee).
WITNESSETH:
WHEREAS, the Company is engaged in the design, manufacture, promotion and sale of funeral and
burial-related products and services throughout the United States and North America including, but
not limited to, burial caskets, cremation products and other memorial products.
WHEREAS, the Company is willing to employ Employee in an executive or managerial position and
Employee desires to be employed by the Company in such capacity based upon the terms and conditions
set forth in this Agreement;
WHEREAS, in the course of the employment contemplated under this Agreement, and as a
continuation of Employees past employment with the Company, if applicable, it will be necessary
for Employee to acquire and maintain knowledge of certain trade secrets and other confidential and
proprietary information regarding the Company as well as any of its parent, subsidiary and/or
affiliated entities (hereinafter jointly referred to as the Companies); and
WHEREAS, the Company and Employee (collectively referred to as the Parties) acknowledge and
agree that the execution of this Agreement is necessary to memorialize the terms and conditions of
their employment relationship as well as safeguard against the unauthorized disclosure or use of
the Companys confidential information and to otherwise preserve the goodwill and ongoing business
value of the Company;
NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of Employees employment, the Companys willingness to
disclose certain confidential and proprietary information to Employee and the mutual covenants
contained herein as well as other good and valuable consideration, the receipt of which is hereby
acknowledged, the Parties agree as follows:
1. |
|
Employment. As of the effective date of this Agreement, the Company agrees to employ
Employee and Employee agrees to serve as Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer.
Employee agrees to perform all duties and responsibilities traditionally assigned to, |
|
|
or falling within the normal responsibilities of, an individual employed in the above-referenced
position. Employee also agrees to perform any and all additional duties or responsibilities as
may be assigned by the Company in its sole discretion. The Parties acknowledge that both this
title and the underlying duties may change. |
|
2. |
|
Best Efforts and Duty of Loyalty. During the term of employment with the Company,
Employee covenants and agrees to exercise reasonable efforts to perform all assigned duties in
a diligent and professional manner and in the best interest of the Company. Employee agrees
to devote her full working time, attention, talents, skills and best efforts to further the
Companys business and agrees not to take any action, or make any omission, that deprives the
Company of any business opportunities or otherwise act in a manner that conflicts with the
best interest of the Company or is otherwise detrimental to its business. Employee agrees not
to engage in any outside business activity, whether or not pursued for gain, profit or other
pecuniary advantage, without the express written consent of the Company. Employee shall act
at all times in accordance with the Companys Code of Ethical Business Conducts, and all other
applicable policies which may exist or be adopted by the Company from time to time. |
3. |
|
At-Will Employment. Subject to the terms and conditions set forth below, Employee
specifically acknowledges and accepts such employment on an at-will basis and agrees that
both Employee and the Company retain the right to terminate this relationship at any time,
with or without cause, for any reason not prohibited by applicable law upon notice as required
by this Agreement. Employee acknowledges that nothing in this Agreement is intended to
create, nor should be interpreted to create, an employment contract for any specified length
of time between the Company and Employee. |
4. |
|
Compensation. For all services rendered by Employee on behalf of, or at the request
of, the Company, Employee shall be paid as follows: |
|
(a) |
|
A base salary at the bi-weekly rate of Eleven Thousand, Five Hundred Thirty Eight
Dollars and Forty Six Cents ($11,538.46), less usual and ordinary deductions; |
|
|
(b) |
|
Incentive compensation, payable solely at the discretion of the Company, pursuant to
the Companys existing Incentive Compensation Program or any other program as the Company
may establish in its sole discretion; and |
|
|
(c) |
|
Such additional compensation, benefits and perquisites as the Company may deem
appropriate. |
5. |
|
Changes to Compensation. Notwithstanding anything contained herein to the contrary,
Employee acknowledges that the Company specifically reserves the right to make changes to
Employees compensation in its sole discretion including, but not limited to, modifying or
eliminating a compensation component. The Parties agree that such changes shall be deemed
effective immediately and a modification of this Agreement unless, within seven (7) days after
receiving notice of such change, Employee exercises her right to terminate this Agreement
without cause or for Good Reason as provided below in Paragraph No. 11. The Parties
anticipate that Employees compensation structure will be reviewed on an annual basis but
acknowledge that the Company shall have no obligation to do so. |
2
6. |
|
Direct Deposit. As a condition of employment, and within thirty (30) days of the
effective date of this Agreement, Employee agrees to make all necessary arrangements to have
all sums paid pursuant to this Agreement direct deposited into one or more bank accounts as
designated by Employee. |
7. |
|
Warranties and Indemnification. Employee warrants that she is not a party to any
contract, restrictive covenant, or other agreement purporting to limit or otherwise adversely
affecting her ability to secure employment with any third party. Alternatively, should any
such agreement exist, Employee warrants that the contemplated services to be performed
hereunder will not violate the terms and conditions of any such agreement. In either event,
Employee agrees to fully indemnify and hold the Company harmless from any and all claims
arising from, or involving the enforcement of, any such restrictive covenants or other
agreements. |
8. |
|
Restricted Duties. Employee agrees not to disclose, or use for the benefit of the
Company, any confidential or proprietary information belonging to any predecessor employer(s)
that otherwise has not been made public and further acknowledges that the Company has
specifically instructed her not to disclose or use such confidential or proprietary
information. Based on her understanding of the anticipated duties and responsibilities
hereunder, Employee acknowledges that such duties and responsibilities will not compel the
disclosure or use of any such confidential and proprietary information. |
9. |
|
Termination Without Cause. The Parties agree that either party may terminate this
employment relationship at any time, without cause, upon sixty (60) days advance written
notice or, if terminated by the Company, pay in lieu of notice (hereinafter referred to as
notice pay). In such event, Employee shall only be entitled to such compensation, benefits
and perquisites that have been paid or fully accrued as of the effective date of his
separation and as otherwise explicitly set forth in this Agreement. However, in no event
shall Employee be entitled to notice pay if Employee is eligible for and accepts severance
payments pursuant to the provisions of Paragraphs 16, 17 and 18 below. |
10. |
Termination With Cause. Employees employment may be terminated by the Company at
any time for cause without notice or prior warning. For purposes of this Agreement, cause
shall mean the Companys good faith determination that Employee has: |
|
(a) |
|
Acted with gross neglect or willful misconduct in the discharge of her duties and
responsibilities or refused to follow or comply with the lawful direction of the Company or
the terms and conditions of this Agreement, providing such refusal is not based primarily
on Employees good faith compliance with applicable legal or ethical standards; |
|
|
(b) |
|
Acquiesced or participated in any conduct that is dishonest, fraudulent, illegal (at
the felony level), unethical, involves moral turpitude or is otherwise illegal and involves
conduct that has the potential, in the Companys reasonable opinion, to cause the Company,
its officers or its directors embarrassment or ridicule; |
|
|
(c) |
|
Violated a material requirement of any Company policy or procedure, specifically
including a violation of the Companys Code of Ethics or Associate Policy Manual; |
3
|
(d) |
|
Disclosed without proper authorization any trade secrets or other Confidential
Information (as defined herein); |
|
|
(e) |
|
Engaged in any act that, in the reasonable opinion of the Company, is contrary to its
best interests or would hold the Company, its officers or directors up to probable civil or
criminal liability, provided that, if Employee acts in good faith in compliance with
applicable legal or ethical standards, such actions shall not be grounds for termination
for cause; or |
|
|
(f) |
|
Engaged in such other conduct recognized at law as constituting cause. |
Upon the occurrence or discovery of any event specified above, the Company shall have the right
to terminate Employees employment, effective immediately, by providing notice thereof to
Employee without further obligation to her other than accrued wages or other accrued wages,
deferred compensation or other accrued benefits of employment (collectively referred to herein
as Accrued Obligations), which shall be paid in accordance with the Companys past practice
and applicable law. To the extent any violation of this Paragraph is capable of being promptly
cured by Employee (or cured within a reasonable period to the Companys satisfaction), the
Company agrees to provide Employee with a reasonable opportunity to so cure such defect. Absent
written mutual agreement otherwise, the Parties agree in advance that it is not possible for
Employee to cure any violations of sub-paragraph (b) or (d) and, therefore, no opportunity for
cure need be provided in those circumstances.
11. |
Termination by Employee for Good Reason. Employee may terminate this Agreement and
declare this Agreement to have been terminated without cause by the Company (and, therefore,
for Good Reason) upon the occurrence, without Employees consent, of any of the following
circumstances: |
|
(a) |
|
The failure to elect or reelect Employee as Senior Vice President or other officer of
the Company (unless such failure is related in any way to the Companys failure to separate
Batesville Casket Company, Inc. from Hill-Rom, Inc. or the Companys decision to terminate
Employee for cause); |
|
|
(b) |
|
The failure of the Company to continue to provide Employee with office space, related
facilities and support personnel (including, but not limited to, administrative and
secretarial assistance) within the Companys principal executive offices commensurate with
her responsibilities to, and position within, the Company; |
|
|
(c) |
|
A reduction by the Company in the amount of Employees base salary or the
discontinuation or reduction by the Company of Employees participation at the same level
of eligibility as compared to other peer employees in any incentive compensation,
additional compensation, benefits, policies or perquisites subject to Employee
understanding that such reduction(s) shall be permissible if the change applies in a
similar way to other peer level employees; |
|
|
(d) |
|
The relocation of the Companys principal executive offices or Employees place of work
to a location requiring a change of more than fifty (50) miles in Employees daily commute;
or |
4
|
(e) |
|
A failure by the Company to perform its obligations under this Employment Agreement
(other than inadvertent failures that are cured by the Company promptly upon notice from
the Employee). |
12. |
Termination Due to Death or Disability. In the event Employee dies or suffers a
disability (as defined herein) during the term of employment, this Agreement shall
automatically be terminated on the date of such death or disability without further obligation
on the part of the Company other than the payment of Accrued Obligations. For purposes of
this Agreement, Employee shall be considered to have suffered a disability upon a
determination that Employee cannot perform the essential functions of her position as a result
of a such a disability and the occurrence of one or more of the following events: |
|
(a) |
|
Employee becomes eligible for or receives any benefits pursuant to any disability
insurance policy as a result of a determination under such policy that Employee is
permanently disabled; |
|
|
(b) |
|
Employee becomes eligible for or receives any disability benefits under the Social
Security Act; or |
|
|
(c) |
|
A good faith determination by the Company that Employee is and will likely remain
unable to perform the essential functions of her duties or responsibilities hereunder on a
full-time basis, with or without reasonable accommodation, as a result of any mental or
physical impairment. |
Notwithstanding anything expressed or implied above to the contrary, the Company agrees to fully
comply with its obligations under the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993 and the Americans
with Disabilities Act as well as any other applicable federal, state, or local law, regulation,
or ordinance governing the provision of leave to individuals with serious health conditions or
the protection of individuals with disabilities as well as the Companys obligation to provide
reasonable accommodation thereunder.
13. |
Exit Interview. Upon termination of Employees employment for any reason, Employee
agrees, if requested, to participate in an exit interview with the Company and reaffirm in
writing her post-employment obligations as set forth in this Agreement |
14. |
Section 409A Notification. Employee acknowledges that she has been advised of the
American Jobs Creation Act of 2004, which added Section 409A to the Internal Revenue Code
(Section 409A), and significantly changed the taxation of nonqualified deferred compensation
plans and arrangements. Under proposed and final regulations as of the date of this
Agreement, Employee has been advised that her severance pay and other termination benefits may
be treated by the Internal Revenue Service as providing nonqualified deferred compensation,
and therefore subject to Section 409A. In that event, several provisions in Section 409A may
affect Employees receipt of severance compensation, including the timing thereof. These
include, but are not limited to, a provision which requires that distributions to specified
employees of public companies on account of separation from service may not be made earlier
than six (6) months after the effective date of such separation. If applicable, failure to
comply with Section 409A can lead to immediate |
5
|
|
taxation of such deferrals, with interest calculated at a penalty rate and a 20% penalty. As a
result of the requirements imposed by the American Jobs Creation Act of 2004, Employee agrees if
she is a specified employee at the time of her termination of employment and if payments in
connection with such termination of employment are subject to Section 409A and not otherwise
exempt, such payments (and other benefits to the extent applicable) due Employee at the time of
termination of employment shall not be paid until a date at least six (6) months after the
effective date of Employees termination of employment (Employees Effective Termination
Date). Notwithstanding any provision of this Agreement to the contrary, to the extent that any
payment under the terms of this Agreement would constitute an impermissible acceleration of
payments under Section 409A or any regulations or Treasury guidance promulgated thereunder, such
payments shall be made no earlier than at such times allowed under Section 409A. If any
provision of this Agreement (or of any award of compensation) would cause Employee to incur any
additional tax or interest under Section 409A or any regulations or Treasury guidance
promulgated thereunder, the Company or its successor may reform such provision; provided that it
will (i) maintain, to the maximum extent practicable, the original intent of the applicable
provision without violating the provisions of Section 409A and (ii) notify and consult with
Employee regarding such amendments or modifications prior to the effective date of any such
change. |
15. |
Section 409A Acknowledgement. Employee acknowledges that, notwithstanding anything
contained herein to the contrary, both Parties shall be independently responsible for
assessing their own risks and liabilities under Section 409A that may be associated with any
payment made under the terms of this Agreement or any other arrangement which may be deemed to
trigger Section 409A. Further, the Parties agree that each shall independently bear
responsibility for any and all taxes, penalties or other tax obligations as may be imposed
upon them in their individual capacity as a matter of law. To the extent applicable, Employee
understands and agrees that she shall have the responsibility for, and she agrees to pay, any
and all appropriate income tax or other tax obligations for which she is individually
responsible and/or related to receipt of any benefits provided in this Agreement. Employee
agrees to fully indemnify and hold the Company harmless for any taxes, penalties, interest,
cost or attorneys fee assessed against or incurred by the Company on account of such benefits
having been provided to her or based on any alleged failure to withhold taxes or satisfy any
claimed obligation. Employee understands and acknowledges that neither the Company, nor any
of its employees, attorneys, or other representatives has provided or will provide her with
any legal or financial advice concerning taxes or any other matter, and that she has not
relied on any such advice in deciding whether to enter into this Agreement. |
16. |
Severance. In the event Employees employment is terminated by the Company without
cause (including by Employee for Good Reason), and subject to the normal terms and conditions
imposed by the Company as set forth herein and in the attached Separation and Release
Agreement, Employee shall be eligible to receive severance pay based upon her base salary at
the time of termination for a period determined in accordance with any guidelines as may be
established by the Company or for a period up to twelve (12) months (whichever is longer). |
17. |
Enhanced Severance. In the event the proposed separation of Batesville Casket
Company, Inc. from Hill-Rom,, Inc. does not occur by December 31, 2008 and if the parties do
not |
6
|
|
reach agreement on another position for Employee within Batesville Services, Inc. or its related
entities by January 31, 2009, Employee may elect to terminate this Agreement upon sixty (60)
days written notice. In the event Employee elects to terminate this Agreement pursuant to the
provisions of this paragraph, Employee shall be eligible to receive severance pay based upon her
base salary at the time of termination for period of up to twelve (12) months. Severance pay
benefits under this paragraph shall be in lieu of any severance under paragraph 16 and shall be
paid as follows: (i) if both the severance pay benefit is subject to Section 409A and if
Employee is a specified employee under Section 409A, the first six (6) months of severance
shall be paid in one lump sum (less applicable deductions and withholdings) on the day following
the date which is six (6) months following Employees Effective Termination Date and the
remainder of the benefits, if any, will be paid out in bi-weekly installments equivalent to the
Employees salary commencing on the next regularly scheduled payroll date, or (ii) for any
severance pay benefits not subject to clause (i), begin upon the next regularly scheduled
payroll following the earlier to occur of fifteen (15) days from the Companys receipt of an
executed Separation and Release Agreement or the expiration of sixty (60) days after Employees
Effective Termination Date and shall be paid on the Companys regularly scheduled pay dates;
provided, however, that if the before-stated sixty (60) day period ends in a calendar year
following the calendar year in which the sixty (60) day period commenced, then any benefits not
subject to clause (i) shall only begin on the next regularly scheduled payroll following the
expiration of sixty (60) days after the Employees Effective Termination Date. Excluding any
lump sum payment due as a result of the application of Section 409A (which shall be paid
regardless of reemployment), all other severance payments provided hereunder shall terminate
upon Employees reemployment |
|
18. |
|
Severance Payment Terms and Conditions. No severance pay shall be paid if Employee
is terminated for cause or if Employee voluntarily leaves the Companys employ without Good
Reason (as defined above), or without fulfilling the conditions set out in Paragraph 17,
above. Any severance pay made payable under this Agreement shall be paid in lieu of, and not
in addition to, any other contractual, notice or statutory pay or other accrued compensation
obligation (excluding accrued wages and deferred compensation). Additionally, such severance
pay is contingent upon Employee fully complying with the restrictive covenants contained
herein and executing a Separation and Release Agreement in a form not substantially different
from that attached as Exhibit A. Further, the Companys obligation to provide severance
hereunder shall be deemed null and void should Employee fail or refuse to execute and deliver
to the Company the Companys then-standard Separation and Release Agreement (without
modification) within any time period as may be prescribed by law or, in absence thereof,
twenty-one (21) days after the Employees Effective Termination Date. Conditioned upon the
execution and delivery of the Separation and Release Agreement as set forth in the prior
sentence, Severance pay benefits shall be paid as follows: (i) in one lump sum equivalent to
six (6) months salary on the day following the date which is six (6) months following
Employees Effective Termination Date with any remainder to be paid in bi-weekly installments
equivalent to the Employees salary commencing on the next regularly scheduled payroll date,
if both the severance pay benefit is subject to Section 409A and if Employee is a specified
employee under Section 409A or (ii) for any severance pay benefits not subject to clause (i),
begin upon the next regularly scheduled payroll following the earlier to occur of fifteen (15)
days from the Companys |
7
|
|
receipt of an executed Separation and Release Agreement or the
expiration of sixty (60) days
after Employees Effective Termination Date and shall be paid on the Companys regularly
scheduled pay dates; provided, however, that if the before-stated sixty (60) day period ends in
a calendar year following the calendar year in which the sixty (60) day period commenced, then
any benefits not subject to clause (i) shall only begin on the next regularly scheduled payroll
following the expiration of sixty (60) days after the Employees Effective Termination Date.
Excluding any lump sum payment due as a result of the application of Section 409A (which shall
be paid regardless of reemployment), all other severance payments provided hereunder shall
terminate upon reemployment. |
19. |
Assignment of Rights. |
|
(a) |
|
Copyrights. Employee agrees that all works of authorship fixed in any tangible
medium of expression by her during the term of this Agreement relating to the Companys
business (Works), either solely or jointly with others, shall be and remain exclusively
the property of the Company. Each such Work created by Employee is a work made for hire
under the copyright law and the Company may file applications to register copyright in such
Works as author and copyright owner thereof. If, for any reason, a Work created by
Employee is excluded from the definition of a work made for hire under the copyright law,
then Employee does hereby assign, sell, and convey to the Company the entire rights, title,
and interests in and to such Work, including the copyright therein, to the Company.
Employee will execute any documents that the Company deems necessary in connection with the
assignment of such Work and copyright therein. Employee will take whatever steps and do
whatever acts the Company requests, including, but not limited to, placement of the
Companys proper copyright notice on Works created by Employee to secure or aid in securing
copyright protection in such Works and will assist the Company or its nominees in filing
applications to register claims of copyright in such Works. The Company shall have free
and unlimited access at all times to all Works and all copies thereof and shall have the
right to claim and take possession on demand of such Works and copies. |
|
|
(b) |
|
Inventions. Employee agrees that all discoveries, concepts, and ideas, whether
patentable or not, including, but not limited to, apparatus, processes, methods,
compositions of matter, techniques, and formulae, as well as improvements thereof or
know-how related thereto, relating to any present or prospective product, process, or
service of the Company (Inventions) that Employee conceives or makes during the term of
this Agreement relating to the Companys business, shall become and remain the exclusive
property of the Company, whether patentable or not, and Employee will, without royalty or
any other consideration: |
|
(i) |
|
Inform the Company promptly and fully of such Inventions by written reports,
setting forth in detail the procedures employed and the results achieved; |
|
|
(ii) |
|
Assign to the Company all of her rights, title, and interests in and to such
Inventions, any applications for United States and foreign Letters Patent, any United
States and foreign Letters Patent, and any renewals thereof granted upon such
Inventions; |
8
|
(iii) |
|
Assist the Company or its nominees, at the expense of the Company, to obtain
such United States and foreign Letters Patent for such Inventions as the Company may
elect; and |
|
|
(iv) |
|
Execute, acknowledge, and deliver to the Company at the Companys expense such
written documents and instruments, and do such other acts, such as giving testimony in
support of her inventorship, as may be necessary in the opinion of the Company, to
obtain and maintain United States and foreign Letters Patent upon such Inventions and
to vest the entire rights and title thereto in the Company and to confirm the complete
ownership by the Company of such Inventions, patent applications, and patents. |
20. |
|
Company Property. All records, files, drawings, documents, data in whatever form,
business equipment (including computers, PDAs, cell phones, etc.), and the like relating to,
or provided by, the Company shall be and remain the sole property of the Company. Upon
termination of employment, Employee shall immediately return to the Company all such items
without retention of any copies and without additional request by the Company. De minimis
items such as pay stubs, 401(k) plan summaries, employee bulletins, and the like are excluded
from this requirement. |
21. |
|
Confidential Information. Employee acknowledges that the Company and its affiliated
entities (herein collectively referred to as Companies) possess certain trade secrets as
well as other confidential and proprietary information which they have acquired or will
acquire at great effort and expense. Such information may include, without limitation,
confidential information, whether in tangible or intangible form, regarding the Companies
products and services, marketing strategies, business plans, operations, costs, current or
prospective customer information (including customer identities, contacts, requirements,
creditworthiness, preferences, and like matters), product concepts, designs, prototypes or
specifications, research and development efforts, technical data and know-how, sales
information, including pricing and other terms and conditions of sale, financial information,
internal procedures, techniques, forecasts, methods, trade information, trade secrets,
software programs, project requirements, inventions, trademarks, trade names, and similar
information regarding the Companies business(es) (collectively referred to herein as
Confidential Information). Employee further acknowledges that, as a result of her
employment with the Company, Employee will have access to, will become acquainted with, and/or
may help develop, such Confidential Information. Confidential Information shall not include
information readily available in the public so long as such information was not made available
through fault of Employee or wrong doing by any other individual. |
22. |
|
Restricted Use of Confidential Information. Employee agrees that all Confidential
Information is and shall remain the sole and exclusive property of the Company and/or its
affiliated entities. Except as may be expressly authorized by the Company in writing,
Employee agrees not to disclose, or cause any other person or entity to disclose, any
Confidential Information to any third party while employed by the Company and for as long
thereafter as such information remains confidential (or as limited by applicable law).
Further, Employee agrees to use such Confidential Information only in the course of Employees
duties in furtherance of the Companys business and agrees not to make use of
|
9
|
any such Confidential Information for Employees own purposes or for the benefit of any other
entity or person. |
|
23. |
Acknowledged Need for Limited Restrictive Covenants. Employee acknowledges that the
Companies have spent and will continue to expend substantial amounts of time, money and effort
to develop their business strategies, Confidential Information, customer identities and
relationships, goodwill and employee relationships, and that Employee will benefit from these
efforts. Further, Employee acknowledges the inevitable use of, or near-certain influence by
her knowledge of, the Confidential Information disclosed to Employee during the course of
employment if allowed to compete against the Company in an unrestricted manner and that such
use would be unfair and extremely detrimental to the Company. Accordingly, based on these
legitimate business reasons, Employee acknowledges each of the Companies need to protect
their legitimate business interests by reasonably restricting Employees ability to compete
with the Company on a limited basis. |
24. |
Non-Solicitation. During Employees employment and for a period of twenty-four (24)
months thereafter, Employee agrees not to directly or indirectly engage in the following
prohibited conduct: |
|
(a) |
|
Solicit, offer products or services to, or accept orders for, any Competitive Products
or otherwise transact any competitive business with, any customer or entity with whom
Employee had contact or transacted any business on behalf of the Company (or any Affiliate
thereof) during the eighteen (18) month period preceding Employees date of separation or
about whom Employee possessed, or had access to, confidential and proprietary information; |
|
|
(b) |
|
Attempt to entice or otherwise cause any third party to withdraw, curtail or cease
doing business with the Company (or any Affiliate thereof), specifically including
customers, vendors, independent contractors and other third party entities; |
|
|
(c) |
|
Disclose to any person or entity the identities, contacts or preferences of any
customers of the Company (or any Affiliate thereof), or the identity of any other persons
or entities having business dealings with the Company (or any Affiliate thereof); |
|
|
(d) |
|
Induce any individual who has been employed by or had provided services to the Company
(or any Affiliate thereof) within the six (6) month period immediately preceding the
effective date of Employees separation to terminate such relationship with the Company (or
any Affiliate thereof); |
|
|
(e) |
|
Assist, coordinate or otherwise offer employment to, accept employment inquiries from,
or employ any individual who is or had been employed by the Company (or any Affiliate
thereof) at any time within the six (6) month period immediately preceding such offer, or
inquiry; |
|
|
(f) |
|
Communicate or indicate in any way to any customer of the Company (or any Affiliate
thereof), prior to formal separation from the Company, any interest, desire, plan, or
decision to separate from the Company; or |
10
|
(g) |
|
Otherwise attempt to directly or indirectly interfere with the Companys business, the
business of any of the Companies or their relationship with their employees, consultants,
independent contractors or customers. |
25. |
Limited Non-Compete. For the above-stated reasons, and as a condition of employment
to the fullest extent permitted by law, Employee agrees during the Relevant Non-Compete Period
not to directly or indirectly engage in the following competitive activities: |
|
(a) |
|
Employee shall not have any ownership interest in, work for, advise, consult, or have
any business connection or business or employment relationship in any competitive capacity
with any Competitor unless Employee provides written notice to the Company of such
relationship prior to entering into such relationship and, further, provides sufficient
written assurances to the Companys satisfaction that such relationship will not,
jeopardize the Companys legitimate interests or otherwise violate the terms of this
Agreement; |
|
|
(b) |
|
Employee shall not engage in any research, development, production, sale or
distribution of any Competitive Products, specifically including any products or services
relating to those for which Employee had responsibility for the eighteen (18) month period
preceding Employees date of separation; |
|
|
(c) |
|
Employee shall not market, sell, or otherwise offer or provide any Competitive Products
within her Geographic Territory (if applicable) or Assigned Customer Base, specifically
including any products or services relating to those for which Employee had responsibility
for the eighteen (18) month period preceding Employees date of separation; and |
|
|
(d) |
|
Employee shall not distribute, market, sell or otherwise offer or provide any
Competitive Products to any customer of the Company with whom Employee had contact or for
which Employee had responsibility at any time during the eighteen (18) month period
preceding Employees date of separation |
26. |
Non-Compete Definitions. For purposes of this Agreement, the Parties agree that the
following terms shall apply: |
|
(a) |
|
Affiliate includes any parent, subsidiary, joint venture, sister company, or other
entity controlled, owned, managed or otherwise associated with the Company; |
|
|
(b) |
|
Assigned Customer Base shall include all accounts or customers formally assigned to
Employee within a given territory or geographical area or contacted by her at any time
during the eighteen (18) month period preceding Employees date of separation; |
|
|
(c) |
|
Competitive Products shall include any product or service that directly or indirectly
competes with, is substantially similar to, or serves as a reasonable substitute for, any
product or service in research, development or design, or manufactured, produced, sold or
distributed by the Company; |
11
|
(d) |
|
Competitor shall include any person or entity that offers or is actively planning to
offer any Competitive Products and may include (but not be limited to) any entity
identified on the Companys Illustrative Competitor List, attached hereto as Exhibit B,
which shall be amended from time to time to reflect changes in the Companys business and
competitive environment (updated competitor lists will be provided to Employee upon
reasonable request); |
|
|
(e) |
|
Geographic Territory shall include any territory formally assigned to Employee as
well as all territories in which Employee has provided any services, sold any products or
otherwise had responsibility at any time during the twenty-four (24) month period preceding
Employees date of separation; |
|
|
(f) |
|
Relevant Non-Compete Period shall include the period of Employees employment with
the Company as well as a period of twenty-four (24) months after such employment is
terminated, regardless of the reason for such termination provided, however, that this
period shall be reduced to the greater of (i) twelve (12) months or (ii) the total length
of Employees employment with the Company, including employment with any parent, subsidiary
or affiliated entity, if such employment is less than twenty-four (24) months; |
|
|
(g) |
|
Directly or indirectly shall be construed such that the foregoing restrictions shall
apply equally to Employee whether performed individually or as a partner, shareholder,
officer, director, manager, employee, salesperson, independent contractor, broker, agent,
or consultant for any other individual, partnership, firm, corporation, company, or other
entity engaged in such conduct |
27. |
|
Employment by National or Regional Accounts. Employee acknowledges that she will
have acquired and/or have access to confidential and proprietary information regarding the
Companys business dealings with, and business strategies concerning, its national or regional
accounts (a/k/a Key Accounts, Prime Accounts, and National Accounts). Employee further
acknowledges that such knowledge would provide her with a competitive advantage if used
against the Company or used against a competitor of a national or regional account.
Accordingly, as a term and condition of employment, Employee agrees that the foregoing
restrictive covenants shall apply with equal force to restrict her from seeking any employment
or any other business relationship with such national or regional account, whether or not
serviced by Employee, for the duration of her Relevant Non-Compete Period. Employee agrees
that such accounts shall include, but not be limited to, the following: |
|
|
|
Arbor Memorial Services |
|
|
|
|
Buckner Management Services |
|
|
|
|
Carriage Funeral Holdings, Inc. |
|
|
|
|
Citadel Funeral Service, Inc.
(Wisconsin Vault Company) |
|
|
|
Brooke Funeral Services Co., LLC (Brooke Franchise Corp.) |
|
|
|
|
Calvert Group |
|
|
|
|
Celebris Memorial Services, Inc.
(Urel Bourgie) |
|
|
|
|
Concord Family Services, Inc. |
12
|
|
|
Family Choices |
|
|
|
|
Keystone Group Holdings, Inc. |
|
|
|
|
Memory Gardens Management Corporation |
|
|
|
|
Northstar Memorial Group |
|
|
|
|
Pioneer Enterprises, Inc. |
|
|
|
|
Security National Financial Corporation |
|
|
|
|
Stewart Enterprises, Inc. |
|
|
|
|
Vertin Companies Family Funeral Homes |
|
|
|
|
Wilson Financial Group, Inc. |
|
|
|
Gibralter Mausoleum Company (A division of Matthews International) |
|
|
|
|
Legacy Funeral Group (Legacy Funeral Holdings, Inc.; Legacy
Funeral Holdings of Louisiana, LLC; Legacy Funeral Holdings of
Mississippi, LLC; Legacy Funeral Properties, Inc.) |
|
|
|
|
Newcomer Funeral Homes and Crematories |
|
|
|
|
Paxus Services, Inc.(Paxus Services (Kansas), Inc.; Paxus
Services (Tennessee), Inc.; Paxus Services (Lousiana), Inc.; Paxus
Services (Texas), Inc.; Paxus Services (Oklahoma), Inc.) |
|
|
|
|
Rollings Funeral Service, Inc. |
|
|
|
|
Service Corporation International |
|
|
|
|
StoneMor Partners, L.P. |
|
|
|
|
Washburn-McReavy Funeral Chapels |
28. |
|
Consent to Reasonableness. In light of the above-referenced concerns, including
Employees knowledge of and access to the Companies Confidential Information, Employee
acknowledges that the terms of the foregoing restrictive covenants are reasonable and
necessary to protect the Companys legitimate business interests and will not unreasonably
interfere with Employees ability to obtain alternate employment. As such, Employee hereby
agrees that such restrictions are valid and enforceable, and affirmatively waives any argument
or defense to the contrary. Employee acknowledges that this limited non-competition provision
is not an attempt to prevent Employee from obtaining other employment in violation of IC §
22-5-3-1 or any other similar statute. Employee further acknowledges that the Company may
need to take action, including litigation, to enforce this limited non-competition provision,
which efforts the Parties stipulate shall not be deemed an attempt to prevent Employee from
obtaining other employment. |
29. |
|
Survival of Restrictive Covenants. Employee acknowledges that the above restrictive
covenants shall survive the termination of this Agreement and the termination of Employees
employment for any reason. Employee further acknowledges that any alleged breach by the
Company of any contractual, statutory or other obligation shall not excuse or terminate the
obligations hereunder or otherwise preclude the Company from seeking injunctive or other |
13
|
|
relief. Rather, Employee acknowledges that such obligations are independent and separate covenants
undertaken by Employee for the benefit of the Company. |
|
30. |
|
Effect of Transfer. Subject to the provisions of Paragraph 11 above, Employee agrees
that this Agreement shall continue in full force and effect notwithstanding any change in job
duties, job titles or reporting responsibilities. Employee further acknowledges that the
above restrictive covenants shall survive, and be extended to cover, the transfer of Employee
from the Company to its parent, subsidiary, sister corporation or any other affiliated entity
(hereinafter collectively referred to as an Affiliate) or any subsequent transfer(s) among
them. Specifically, in the event of Employees temporary or permanent transfer to an
Affiliate, she agrees that the foregoing restrictive covenants shall remain in force so as to
continue to protect such company for the duration of the non-compete period, measured from her
effective date of transfer to an Affiliate. Additionally, Employee acknowledges that this
Agreement shall be deemed to have been automatically assigned to the Affiliate as of her
effective date of transfer such that the above-referenced restrictive covenants (as well as
all other terms and conditions contained herein) shall be construed thereafter to protect the
legitimate business interests and goodwill of the Affiliate as if Employee and the Affiliate
had independently entered into this Agreement. Employees acceptance of her transfer to, and
subsequent employment by, the Affiliate shall serve as consideration for (as well as be deemed
as evidence of her consent to) the assignment of this Agreement to the Affiliate as well as
the extension of such restrictive covenants to the Affiliate. Employee agrees that this
provision shall apply with equal force to any subsequent transfers of Employee from one
Affiliate to another Affiliate. |
31. |
|
Post-Termination Notification. For the duration of her Relevant Non-compete Period
or other restrictive covenant period, which ever is longer, Employee agrees to promptly notify
the Company no later than five (5) business days of her acceptance of any employment or
consulting engagement. Such notice shall include sufficient information to ensure Employee
compliance with her non-compete obligations and must include at a minimum the following
information: (i) the name of the employer or entity for which she is providing any consulting
services; (ii) a description of her intended duties as well as (iii) the anticipated start
date. Such information is required to ensure Employees compliance with her non-compete
obligations as well as all other applicable restrictive covenants. Such notice shall be
provided in writing to the Office of Vice President and General Counsel of the Company at One
Batesville Boulevard, Batesville, Indiana 47006. Failure to timely provide such notice shall
be deemed a material breach of this Agreement and entitle the Company to return of any
severance paid to Employee plus attorneys fees. Employee further consents to the Companys
notification to any new employer of Employees rights and obligations under this Agreement. |
32. |
|
Scope of Restrictions. If the scope of any restriction contained in any preceding
paragraphs of this Agreement is deemed too broad to permit enforcement of such restriction to
its fullest extent, then such restriction shall be enforced to the maximum extent permitted by
law, and Employee hereby consents and agrees that such scope may be judicially modified
accordingly in any proceeding brought to enforce such restriction. |
14
33. |
|
Specific Enforcement/Injunctive Relief. Employee agrees that it would be difficult
to measure any damages to the Company from a breach of the above-referenced restrictive
covenants, but acknowledges that the potential for such damages would be great, incalculable
and irremediable, and that monetary damages alone would be an inadequate remedy. Accordingly,
Employee agrees that the Company shall be entitled to immediate injunctive relief against such
breach, or threatened breach, in any court having jurisdiction. In addition, if Employee
violates any such restrictive covenant, Employee agrees that the period of such violation
shall be added to the term of the restriction. In determining the period of any violation,
the Parties stipulate that in any calendar month in which Employee engages in any activity in
violation of such provisions, Employee shall be deemed to have violated such provision for the
entire month, and that month shall be added to the duration of the non-competition provision.
Employee acknowledges that the remedies described above shall not be the exclusive remedies,
and the Company may seek any other remedy available to it either in law or in equity,
including, by way of example only, statutory remedies for misappropriation of trade secrets,
and including the recovery of compensatory or punitive damages. Employee further agrees that
the Company shall be entitled to an award of all costs and attorneys fees incurred by it in
any attempt to enforce the terms of this Agreement. |
34. |
|
Publicly Traded Stock. The Parties agree that nothing contained in this Agreement
shall be construed to prohibit Employee from investing her personal assets in any stock or
corporate security traded or quoted on a national securities exchange or national market
system provided, however, such investments do not require any services on the part of Employee
in the operation or the affairs of the business or otherwise violate the Companys Code of
Ethics. |
35. |
|
Notice of Claim and Contractual Limitations Period. Employee acknowledges the
Companys need for prompt notice, investigation, and resolution of any claims that may be
filed against it due to the number of relationships it has with employees and others (and due
to the turnover among such individuals with knowledge relevant to any underlying claim).
Accordingly, Employee agrees prior to initiating any litigation of any type (including, but
not limited to, employment discrimination litigation, wage litigation, defamation, or any
other claim) to notify the Company, within One Hundred and Eighty (180) days after the claim
accrued, by sending a certified letter addressed to the Companys General Counsel setting
forth: (i) claimants name, address, and phone; (ii) the name of any attorney representing
Employee; (iii) the nature of the claim; (iv) the date the claim arose; and (v) the relief
requested. This provision is in addition to any other notice and exhaustion requirements that
might apply. For any dispute or claim of any type against the Company (including but not
limited to employment discrimination litigation, wage litigation, defamation, or any other
claim), Employee must commence legal action within the shorter of one (1) year of accrual of
the cause of action or such shorter period that may be specified by law. |
36. |
|
Non-Jury Trials. Notwithstanding any right to a jury trial for any claims, Employee
waives any such right to a jury trial, and agrees that any claim of any type (including but
not limited to employment discrimination litigation, wage litigation, defamation, or any other
claim) lodged in any court will be tried, if at all, without a jury. |
15
37. |
|
Choice of Forum. Employee acknowledges that the Company is primarily based in
Indiana, and Employee understands and acknowledges the Companys desire and need to defend any
litigation against it in Indiana. Accordingly, the Parties agree that any claim of any type
brought by Employee against the Company or any of its employees or agents must be maintained
only in a court sitting in Marion County, Indiana, or Ripley County, Indiana, or, if a federal
court, the Southern District of Indiana, Indianapolis Division. Employee further understands
and acknowledges that in the event the Company initiates litigation against Employee, the
Company may need to prosecute such litigation in such state where the Employee is subject to
personal jurisdiction. Accordingly, for purposes of enforcement of this Agreement, Employee
specifically consents to personal jurisdiction in the State of Indiana as well as any state in
which resides a customer assigned to the Employee. Furthermore, Employee consents to appear,
upon Companys request and at Employees own cost, for deposition, hearing, trial, or other
court proceeding in Indiana or in any state in which resides a customer assigned to the
Employee. |
38. |
|
Choice of Law. This Agreement shall be deemed to have been made within the County of
Ripley, State of Indiana and shall be interpreted and construed in accordance with the laws of
the State of Indiana. Any and all matters of dispute of any nature whatsoever arising out of,
or in any way connected with the interpretation of this Agreement, any disputes arising out of
the Agreement or the employment relationship between the Parties hereto, shall be governed by,
construed by and enforced in accordance with the laws of the State of Indiana without regard
to any applicable states choice of law provisions. |
39. |
|
Titles. Titles are used for the purpose of convenience in this Agreement and shall
be ignored in any construction of it. |
40. |
|
Severability. The Parties agree that each and every paragraph, sentence, clause,
term and provision of this Agreement is severable and that, in the event any portion of this
Agreement is adjudged to be invalid or unenforceable, the remaining portions thereof shall
remain in effect and be enforced to the fullest extent permitted by law. Further, should any
particular clause, covenant, or provision of this Agreement be held unreasonable or contrary
to public policy for any reason, the Parties acknowledge and agree that such covenant,
provision or clause shall automatically be deemed modified such that the contested covenant,
provision or clause will have the closest effect permitted by applicable law to the original
form and shall be given effect and enforced as so modified to whatever extent would be
reasonable and enforceable under applicable law. |
41. |
|
Assignment-Notices. The rights and obligations of the Company under this Agreement
shall inure to its benefit, as well as the benefit of its parent, subsidiary, successor and
affiliated entities, and shall be binding upon the successors and assigns of the Company.
This Agreement, being personal to Employee, cannot be assigned by Employee, but her personal
representative shall be bound by all its terms and conditions. Any notice required hereunder
shall be sufficient if in writing and mailed to the last known residence of Employee or to the
Company at its principal office with a copy mailed to the Office of the General Counsel. |
42. |
|
Amendments and Modifications. Except as specifically provided herein, no
modification, amendment, extension or waiver of this Agreement or any provision hereof shall
be binding |
16
|
|
upon the Company or Employee unless in writing and signed by both Parties. The waiver by the
Company or Employee of a breach of any provision of this Agreement shall not be construed as a
waiver of any subsequent breach. Nothing in this Agreement shall be construed as a limitation
upon the Companys right to modify or amend any of its manuals or policies in its sole
discretion and any such modification or amendment which pertains to matters addressed herein
shall be deemed to be incorporated herein and made a part of this Agreement. |
|
43. |
|
Outside Representations. Employee represents and acknowledges that in signing this
Agreement she does not rely, and has not relied, upon any representation or statement made by
the Company or by any of the Companys employees, officers, agents, stockholders, directors or
attorneys with regard to the subject matter, basis or effect of this Agreement other than
those specifically contained herein. |
44. |
|
Voluntary and Knowing Execution. Employee acknowledges that she has been offered a
reasonable amount of time within which to consider and review this Agreement; that she has
carefully read and fully understands all of the provisions of this Agreement; and that she has
entered into this Agreement knowingly and voluntarily. |
45. |
|
Entire Agreement. This Agreement constitutes the entire employment agreement between
the Parties hereto concerning the subject matter hereof and shall supersede all prior and
contemporaneous agreements between the Parties in connection with the subject matter of this
Agreement. Any pre-existing Employment Agreements shall be deemed null and void. Nothing in
this Agreement, however, shall affect any separately-executed written agreement addressing any
other issues (e. g., the Inventions, Improvements, Copyrights and Trade Secrets Agreement,
etc.). |
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties have signed this Agreement effective as of the day and year
first above written.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
EMPLOYEE |
|
|
|
BATESVILLE HOLDINGS, INC. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(to be renamed Hillenbrand, Inc.) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Signed:
|
|
|
|
|
|
By: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Printed:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Title: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dated:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dated: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
CAUTION: READ BEFORE SIGNING
17
Exhibit A
SAMPLE SEPARATION AND RELEASE AGREEMENT
THIS SEPARATION and RELEASE AGREEMENT (Agreement) is entered into by and between EMPLOYEES
FULL NAME(Employee) and Company Name (together with its subsidiaries and affiliates, the
Company). To wit, the Parties agree as follows:
1. |
|
Employees active employment by the Company shall terminate effective [date of
termination](Employees Effective Termination Date). Except as specifically provided by
this Agreement, or in any other non-employment agreement that may exist between the Company
and Employee, Employee agrees that the Company shall have no other obligations or liabilities
to her following her Effective Termination Date and that her receipt of the Severance Benefits
provided herein shall constitute a complete settlement, satisfaction and waiver of any and all
claims she may have against the Company. |
2. |
|
Employee further submits, and the Company hereby accepts, her resignation as an employee,
officer and director, as of her Effective Termination Date for any position she may hold. The
Parties agree that this resignation shall apply to all such positions Employee may hold with
the Company or any parent, subsidiary or affiliated entity thereof. Employee agrees to
execute any documents needed to effectuate such resignation. Employee further agrees to take
whatever steps are necessary to facilitate and ensure the smooth transition of her duties and
responsibilities to others. |
3. |
|
Employee acknowledges that she has been advised of the American Jobs Creation Act of 2004,
which added Section 409A (Section 409A) to the Internal Revenue Code, and significantly
changed the taxation of nonqualified deferred compensation plans and arrangements. Under
proposed and final regulations as of the date of this Agreement, Employee has been advised
that her severance pay may be treated by the Internal Revenue Service as providing
nonqualified deferred compensation, and therefore subject to Section 409A. In that event,
several provisions in Section 409A may affect Employees receipt of severance compensation.
These include, but are not limited to, a provision which requires that distributions to
specified employees of public companies on account of separation from service may not be
made earlier than six (6) months after the effective date of such separation. If applicable,
failure to comply with Section 409A can lead to immediate taxation of deferrals, with interest
calculated at a penalty rate and a 20% penalty. As a result of the requirements imposed by
the American Jobs Creation Act of 2004, Employee agrees if she is a specified employee at
the time of her termination of employment and if severance payments are covered as
non-qualified deferred compensation or otherwise not exempt, the severance pay benefits
shall not be paid until a date at least six (6) months after Employees Effective Termination
Date from Company, as more fully explained by Paragraph 4, below. |
4. |
|
In consideration of the promises contained in this Agreement and contingent upon Employees
compliance with such promises, the Company agrees to provide Employee the following: |
|
(a) |
|
Severance pay, in lieu of, and not in addition to any other contractual, notice or
statutory pay obligations (other than accrued wages and deferred compensation) in the
maximum total amount of [ ] Dollars and [ ] Cents ($ ), less
applicable deductions or other set offs, payable as follows: |
[For 409A Severance Pay for Specified Employees Only]
|
(i) |
|
A lump payment in the gross amount of [insert amount equal to 6 months pay]
[ ] Dollars and [ ] Cents ($ ) payable the day following the
sixth (6tth) month anniversary of Employees Effective Termination Date,
with any remaining amount to be paid in bi-weekly installments equivalent to Employees
base salary (i.e. Dollars and Cents ($
), less
applicable deductions or other setoffs) commencing upon the next regularly scheduled
payroll date after the payment of the lump sum for a period of up to
( ) weeks
or until the Employee becomes reemployed, whichever comes first. |
[For Non- 409A Severance Pay or 409A Severance Pay for Non-Specified Employees Only]
|
(i) |
|
Commencing on the next regularly scheduled payroll immediately following the
earlier to occur of fifteen (15) days from the Companys receipt of and Executed
Separation and Release Agreement or the expiration of sixty (60) days after Employees
Effective Termination Date, Employee shall be paid severance equivalent to his
bi-weekly base salary (i.e. [ ] Dollars and [ ] Cents
($[ ]), less applicable deductions or other set-offs), for a period up to
[weeks] ([ ]) weeks following Employees Effective Termination Date or until Employee
becomes reemployed, whichever occurs first; provided, however, that if the
before-stated sixty (60) day period ends in a calendar year following the calendar year
in which the sixty (60) day period commenced, then this severance pay shall only begin
on the next regularly scheduled payroll following the expiration of sixty (60) days
after the Employees Effective Termination Date. |
|
(b) |
|
Payment for any earned but unused vacation as of Employees Effective Termination Date,
less applicable deductions permitted or required by law payable in one lump sum within
fifteen (15) days after the Employees Effective Termination Date; and |
|
|
(c) |
|
Group Life Insurance coverage until the above-referenced Severance Pay terminates. |
5. |
|
Except as may be required by Section 409A, the above Severance Pay shall be paid in
accordance with the Companys standard payroll practices (e.g. bi-weekly). The Parties agree
that the initial two (2) weeks of the foregoing Severance Pay shall be allocated as
consideration provided to Employee in exchange for her execution of a release in compliance
with the Older Workers Benefit Protection Act. The balance of the severance benefits and
other obligations undertaken by the Company pursuant to this Agreement shall be allocated as
consideration for all other promises and obligations undertaken by Employee, including
execution of a general release of claims. |
6. |
|
The Company further agrees to provide Employee with limited out-placement counseling with a
company of its choice provided that Employee participates in such counseling immediately
following termination of employment. Notwithstanding anything in this Section 6 to the
contrary, the out-placement counseling shall not be provided after the last day of the second
calendar year following the calendar year in which termination of employment occurs. |
7. |
|
As of her Effective Termination Date, Employee will become ineligible to participate in the
Companys health insurance program and continuation of coverage requirements under COBRA (if
any) will be triggered at that time. However, as additional consideration for the promises
and obligations contained herein (and except as may be prohibited by law), the Company agrees
to continue to pay the employers share of such coverage as provided under the health care
program selected by Employee as of her Effective Termination Date, subject to any approved
changes in coverage based on a qualified election, until the above-referenced Severance Pay
terminates, Employee accepts other employment or Employee becomes eligible for alternative
healthcare coverage, which ever comes first, provided Employee (i) timely completes the
applicable election of coverage forms and (ii) continues to pay the employee portion of the
applicable premium(s). Thereafter, if applicable, coverage will be made available to Employee
at her sole expense (i.e., Employee will be responsible for the full COBRA premium)
for the remaining months of the COBRA coverage period made available pursuant to applicable
law. In the event Employee is deemed to be a highly compensated employee under applicable
law, Employee acknowledges that the value of the benefits provided hereunder may be subject to
taxation. The medical insurance provided herein does not include any disability coverage. |
8. |
|
Should Employee become employed before the above-referenced Severance Benefits are exhausted
or terminated, Employee agrees to so notify the Company in writing within five (5) business
days of Employees acceptance of such employment, providing the name of such employer (or
entity to whom Employee may be providing consulting services), her intended duties as well as
the anticipated start date. Such information is required to ensure Employees compliance with
her non-compete obligations as well as all other applicable restrictive covenants. This
notice will also serve to trigger the Companys right to terminate the above-referenced
severance pay benefits (specifically excluding any lump sum payment due as a result of the
application of Section 409A) as well as all Company-paid or Companyprovided benefits
consistent with the above paragraphs. Failure to timely provide such notice shall be deemed a
material breach of this Agreement entitling the Company to recover as damages the value of all
benefits provided to Employee hereunder plus attorneys fees. |
9. |
|
Employee agrees to fully indemnify and hold the Company harmless for any taxes, penalties,
interest, cost or attorneys fee assessed against or incurred by the Company on account of
such benefits having been provided to her or based on any alleged failure to withhold taxes or
satisfy any claimed obligation. Employee understands and acknowledges that neither the
Company, nor any of its employees, attorneys, or other representatives has provided her with
any legal or financial advice concerning taxes or any other matter, and that she has not
relied on any such advice in deciding whether to enter into this Agreement. To the extent
applicable, Employee understands and agrees that she shall have the responsibility for, and
she agrees to pay, any and all appropriate income tax or other tax obligations for which she
is
|
|
|
individually responsible and/or related to receipt of any benefits provided in this Agreement
not subject to federal withholding obligations |
10. |
In exchange for the foregoing Severance Benefits, EMPLOYEE FULL NAME on behalf of
himself/herself, her heirs, representatives, agents and assigns hereby RELEASES, INDEMNIFIES,
HOLDS HARMLESS, and FOREVER DISCHARGES (i) Company Name (ii) its parent, subsidiary or
affiliated entities, (iii) all of their present or former directors, officers, employees,
shareholders, and agents, as well as, (iv) all predecessors, successors and assigns thereof
from any and all actions, charges, claims, demands, damages or liabilities of any kind or
character whatsoever, known or unknown, which Employee now has or may have had through the
effective date of this Agreement. |
11. |
Without limiting the generality of the foregoing release, it shall include: (i) all claims
or potential claims arising under any federal, state or local laws relating to the Parties
employment relationship, including any claims Employee may have under the Civil Rights Acts of
1866 and 1964, as amended, 42 U.S.C. §§ 1981 and 2000(e) et seq.; the Civil
Rights Act of 1991; the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, as amended, 29 U.S.C. §§ 621
et seq.; the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, as amended, 42 U.S.C §§
12,101 et seq.; the Fair Labor Standards Act 29 U.S.C. §§ 201 et
seq.; the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act, 29 U.S.C. §§ 2101,
et seq.; the Employee Retirement Income Security Act, 29 U.S.C. §§ 1101
et seq.; the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, specifically including the Corporate
and Criminal Fraud Accountability Act, 18 USC §1514A et seq.; and any other
federal, state or local law governing the Parties employment relationship; (ii) any claims on
account of, arising out of or in any way connected with Employees employment with the Company
or leaving of that employment; (iii) any claims alleged or which could have been alleged in
any charge or complaint against the Company; (iv) any claims relating to the conduct of any
employee, officer, director, agent or other representative of the Company; (v) any claims of
discrimination, harassment or retaliation on any basis; (vi) any claims arising from any legal
restrictions on an employers right to separate its employees; (vii) any claims for personal
injury, compensatory or punitive damages or other forms of relief; and (viii) all other causes
of action sounding in contract, tort or other common law basis, including (a) the breach of
any alleged oral or written contract, (b) negligent or intentional misrepresentations, (c)
wrongful discharge, (d) just cause dismissal, (e) defamation, (f) interference with contract
or business relationship or (g) negligent or intentional infliction of emotional distress. |
12. |
Employee further agrees and covenants not to sue the Company or any entity or individual
subject to the foregoing General Release with respect to any claims, demands, liabilities or
obligations release by this Agreement provided, however, that nothing contained in this
Agreement shall: |
|
(a) |
|
prevent Employee from filing an administrative charge with the Equal Employment Opportunity
Commission or any other federal, state or local agency; or |
|
|
(b) |
|
prevent Employee from challenging, under the Older Workers Benefit Protection Act (29
U.S.C. § 626, the knowing and voluntary nature of her release of any age claims in this |
|
|
Agreement in court of before the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. [INCLUDE THIS
SUBPARAGRAPH (b) IF EMPLOYEE IS AGE 40 OR OLDER] |
13. |
Notwithstanding her right to file an administrative charge with the EEOC or any other
federal, state, or local agency, Employee agrees that with her release of claims in this
Agreement, she has waived any right she may have to recover monetary or other personal relief
in any proceeding based in whole or in part on claims released by her in this Agreement. For
example, Employee waives any right to monetary damages or reinstatement if an administrative
charge is brought against the Company whether by Employee, the EEOC, or any other person or
entity, including but not limited to any federal, state, or local agency. Further, with her
release of claims in this Agreement, Employee specifically assigns to the Company her right to
any recovery arising from any such proceeding. |
14. |
(ADD THIS LANGUAGE IF THE EMPLOYEE IS AGE 40 OR OLDER) The Parties acknowledge that it is
their mutual and specific intent that the above waiver fully complies with the requirements of
the Older Workers Benefit Protection Act (29 U.S.C. § 626) and any similar law governing
release of claims. Accordingly, Employee hereby acknowledges that: |
|
(a) |
|
She has carefully read and fully understands all of the provisions of this Agreement
and that she has entered into this Agreement knowingly and voluntarily; |
|
|
(b) |
|
The Severance Benefits offered in exchange for Employees release of claims exceed in
kind and scope that to which she would have otherwise been legally entitled absent the
execution of this Agreement; |
|
|
(c) |
|
Prior to signing this Agreement, Employee had been advised, and is being advised by
this Agreement, to consult with an attorney of her choice concerning its terms and
conditions; and |
|
|
(d) |
|
She has been offered at least [twenty-one (21)/forty-five (45)] [SELECT 21 FOR AN
INDIVIDUAL TERMINATION AND 45 FOR A GROUP TERMINATION] days within which to review and
consider this Agreement. |
15. |
(ADD THIS LANGUAGE IF EMPLOYEE IS AGE 40 OR OLDER) The Parties agree that this Agreement
shall not become effective and enforceable until the date this Agreement is signed by both
Parties or seven (7) calendar days after its execution by Employee, whichever is later.
Employee may revoke this Agreement for any reason by providing written notice of such intent
to the Company within seven (7) days after she has signed this Agreement, thereby forfeiting
Employees right to receive any Severance Benefits provided hereunder and rendering this
Agreement null and void in its entirety. This revocation must be sent to the Employees HR
representative with a copy sent to the Companys Office of General Counsel and must be
received by the end of the seventh day after the Employee signs this Agreement to be
effective. |
16. |
[ADD THIS LANGUAGE IF THE EMPLOYEE IS IN CALIFORNIA] Employee specifically acknowledges
that, as a condition of this Agreement, she expressly releases all rights and claims that she
knows about as well as those she may not know about. Employee |
|
|
expressly waives all rights under Section 1542 of the Civil Code of the State of California,
which reads as follows: |
A general release does not extend to claims which the creditor does not know or
suspect to exist in her favor at the time of executing the release which if known,
must have materially affected her settlement with the debtor.
|
Notwithstanding the provision by Section 1542, and for the purpose of implementing a full and
complete release and discharge of the Company as set forth above, Employee expressly
acknowledges that this Agreement is intended to include and does in its effect, without
limitation, include all claims which Employee does not know or suspect to exist in her favor at
the time of signing this Agreement and that this Agreement expressly contemplates the
extinguishment of all such claims. |
|
17. |
The Parties agree that nothing contained herein shall purport to waive or otherwise affect
any of Employees rights or claims that may arise after she signs this Agreement. It is
further understood by the Parties that nothing in this Agreement shall affect any rights
Employee may have under any Company sponsored Deferred Compensation Program, Executive Life
Insurance Bonus Plan, Stock Grant Award, Stock Option Grant, Restricted Stock Unit Award,
Pension Plan and/or Savings Plan (i.e., 401(k) plan) provided by the Company as of the
date of her termination, such items to be governed exclusively by the terms of the applicable
agreements or plan documents. |
18. |
Similarly, notwithstanding any provision contained herein to the contrary, this Agreement
shall not constitute a waiver or release or otherwise affect Employees rights with respect to
any vested benefits, any rights [she] has to benefits which can not be waived by law, any
coverage provided under any Directors and Officers (D&O) policy, any rights Employee may
have under any indemnification agreement [she] has with the Company prior to the date hereof,
any rights she has as a shareholder, or any claim for breach of this Agreement, including, but
not limited to the benefits promised by the terms of this Agreement. |
19. |
[Optional provision for equity-eligible employees: Except as provided herein, Employee
acknowledges that she will not be eligible to receive or vest in any additional stock options,
stock awards or restricted stock units (RSUs) as of [her] Effective Termination Date.
Failure to exercise any vested options within the applicable period as set for in the plan
and/or grant will result in their forfeiture. Employee acknowledges that any stock options,
stock awards or RSUs held for less than the required period shall be deemed forfeited as of
the effective date of this Agreement. All terms and conditions of such stock options, stock
awards or RSUs shall not be affected by this Agreement, shall remain in full force and effect,
and shall govern the Parties rights with respect to such equity based awards.] |
20. |
[Option A] Employee acknowledges that her termination and the Severance Benefits offered
hereunder were based on an individual determination and were not offered in conjunction with
any group termination or group severance program and waives any claim to the contrary. |
|
|
[Option B] Employee represents and agrees that she has been provided relevant cohort
information based on the information available to the Company as of the date this Agreement was
tendered to Employee. This information is attached hereto as Exhibit A. The Parties
acknowledge that simply providing such information does not mean and should not be interpreted
to mean that the Company was obligated to comply with 29 C.F.R. § 1625.22(f). |
|
21. |
|
Employee hereby affirms and acknowledges her continued obligations to comply with the
post-termination covenants contained in her Employment Agreement, including but not limited
to, the non-compete, trade secret and confidentiality provisions. Employee acknowledges that
a copy of the Employment Agreement has been attached to this Agreement as Exhibit A [B] or has
otherwise been provided to her and, to the extent not inconsistent with the terms of this
Agreement or applicable law, the terms thereof shall be incorporated herein by reference.
Employee acknowledges that the restrictions contained therein are valid and reasonable in
every respect and are necessary to protect the Companys legitimate business interests.
Employee hereby affirmatively waives any claim or defense to the contrary. Employee hereby
acknowledges that the definition of Competitor, as provided in her Employment Agreement shall
include but not be limited to those entities specifically identified in the updated Competitor
List, attached hereto as Exhibit B [C]. |
22. |
|
Employee acknowledges that the Company as well as its parent, subsidiary and affiliated
companies (Companies herein) possess, and she has been granted access to, certain trade
secrets as well as other confidential and proprietary information that they have acquired at
great effort and expense. Such information includes, without limitation, confidential
information regarding products and services, marketing strategies, business plans, operations,
costs, current or, prospective customer information (including customer contacts,
requirements, creditworthiness and like matters), product concepts, designs, prototypes or
specifications, regulatory compliance issues, research and development efforts, technical data
and know-how, sales information, including pricing and other terms and conditions of sale,
financial information, internal procedures, techniques, forecasts, methods, trade information,
trade secrets, software programs, project requirements, inventions, trademarks, trade names,
and similar information regarding the Companies business (collectively referred to herein as
Confidential Information). |
23. |
|
Employee agrees that all such Confidential Information is and shall remain the sole and
exclusive property of the Company. Except as may be expressly authorized by the Company in
writing, or as may be required by law after providing due notice thereof to the Company,
Employee agrees not to disclose, or cause any other person or entity to disclose, any
Confidential Information to any third party for as long thereafter as such information remains
confidential (or as limited by applicable law) and agrees not to make use of any such
Confidential Information for Employees own purposes or for the benefit of any other entity or
person. The Parties acknowledge that Confidential Information shall not include any
information that is otherwise made public through no fault of Employee or other wrong doing. |
24. |
|
On or before Employees Effective Termination Date or per the Companys request, Employee
agrees to return the original and all copies of all things in her possession or control
relating to the Company or its business, including but not limited to any and all contracts, |
|
|
reports, memoranda, correspondence, manuals, forms, records, designs, budgets, contact
information or lists (including customer, vendor or supplier lists), ledger sheets or other
financial information, drawings, plans (including, but not limited to, business, marketing and
strategic plans), personnel or other business files, computer hardware, software, or access
codes, door and file keys, identification, credit cards, pager, phone, and any and all other
physical, intellectual, or personal property of any nature that she received, prepared, helped
prepare, or directed preparation of in connection with her employment with the Company. Nothing
contained herein shall be construed to require the return of any non-confidential and de minimis
items regarding Employees pay, benefits or other rights of employment such as pay stubs, W-2
forms, 401(k) plan summaries, benefit statements, etc. |
|
25. |
|
Employee hereby consents and authorizes the Company to deduct as an offset from the
above-referenced severance payments the value of any Company property not returned or returned
in a damaged condition as well as any monies paid by the Company on Employees behalf (e.g.,
payment of any outstanding American Express bill). |
26. |
|
Employee agrees to cooperate with the Company in connection with any pending or future
litigation, proceeding or other matter which has been or may be brought against or by the
Company before any agency, court, or other tribunal and concerning or relating in any way to
any matter falling within Employees knowledge or former area of responsibility. Employee
agrees to immediately notify the Company, through the Office of the General Counsel, in the
event she is contacted by any outside attorney (including paralegals or other affiliated
parties) unless (i) the Company is represented by the attorney, (ii) Employee is represented
by the attorney for the purpose of protecting her personal interests or (iii) the Company has
been advised of and has approved such contact. Employee agrees to provide reasonable
assistance and completely truthful testimony in such matters including, without limitation,
facilitating and assisting in the preparation of any underlying defense, responding to
discovery requests, preparing for and attending deposition(s) as well as appearing in court to
provide truthful testimony. The Company agrees to reimburse Employee for all reasonable out
of pocket expenses incurred at the request of the Company associated with such assistance and
testimony. |
27. |
|
Employee agrees not to make any written or oral statement that may defame, disparage or cast
in a negative light so as to do harm to the personal or professional reputation of (a) the
Company, (b) its employees, officers, directors or trustees or (c) the services and/or
products provided by the Company and its subsidiaries or affiliate entities. Similarly, in
response to any written inquiry from any prospective employer or in connection with a written
inquiry in connection with any future business relationship involving Employee, the Company
agrees not to provide any information that may defame, disparage or cast in a negative light
so as to do harm to the personal or professional reputation of Employee. The Parties
acknowledge, however, that nothing contained herein shall be construed to prevent or prohibit
the Company or the Employee from providing truthful information in response to any court
order, discovery request, subpoena or other lawful request. |
28. |
|
EMPLOYEE SPECIFICALLY AGREES AND UNDERSTANDS THAT THE EXISTENCE AND TERMS OF THIS AGREEMENT
ARE STRICTLY CONFIDENTIAL AND THAT SUCH CONFIDENTIALITY IS A MATERIAL TERM |
|
|
OF THIS AGREEMENT. Accordingly, except as required by law or unless authorized to do so by the
Company in writing, Employee agrees that she shall not communicate, display or otherwise reveal
any of the contents of this Agreement to anyone other than her spouse, legal counsel or
financial advisor provided, however, that they are first advised of the confidential nature of
this Agreement and Employee obtains their agreement to be bound by the same. The Company agrees
that Employee may respond to legitimate inquiries regarding the termination of her employment by
stating that the Parties have terminated their relationship on an amicable basis and that the
Parties have entered into a Confidential Separation and Release Agreement that prohibits her
from further discussing the specifics of her separation. Nothing contained herein shall be
construed to prevent Employee from discussing or otherwise advising subsequent employers of the
existence of any obligations as set forth in her Employment Agreement. Further, nothing
contained herein shall be construed to limit or otherwise restrict the Companys ability to
disclose the terms and conditions of this Agreement as may be required by business necessity. |
|
29. |
|
In the event that Employee breaches or threatens to breach any provision of this Agreement,
she agrees that the Company shall be entitled to seek any and all equitable and legal relief
provided by law, specifically including immediate and permanent injunctive relief. Employee
hereby waives any claim that the Company has an adequate remedy at law. In addition, and to
the extent not prohibited by law, Employee agrees that the Company shall be entitled to
discontinue providing any additional Severance Benefits upon such breach or threatened breach
as well as an award of all costs and attorneys fees incurred by the Company in any successful
effort to enforce the terms of this Agreement. Employee agrees that the foregoing relief
shall not be construed to limit or otherwise restrict the Companys ability to pursue any
other remedy provided by law, including the recovery of any actual, compensatory or punitive
damages. Moreover, if Employee pursues any claims against the Company subject to the
foregoing General Release, or breaches the above confidentiality provision, Employee agrees to
immediately reimburse the Company for the value of all benefits received under this Agreement
to the fullest extent permitted by law. |
30. |
|
Similarly, in the event that the Company breaches or threatens to breach any provision of
this Agreement, Employee shall be entitled to seek any and all equitable or other available
relief provided by law, specifically including immediate and permanent injunctive relief. In
the event Employee is required to file suit to enforce the terms of this Agreement, the
Company agrees that Employee shall be entitled to an award of all costs and attorneys fees
incurred by her in any wholly successful effort (i.e. entry of a judgment in her favor) to
enforce the terms of this Agreement. In the event Employee is wholly unsuccessful, the
Company shall be entitled to an award of its costs and attorneys fees. |
31. |
|
Both Parties acknowledge that this Agreement is entered into solely for the purpose of
terminating Employees employment relationship with the Company on an amicable basis and shall
not be construed as an admission of liability or wrongdoing by the Company or Employee, both
Parties having expressly denied any such liability or wrongdoing. |
32. |
|
Each of the promises and obligations shall be binding upon and shall inure to the benefit of
the heirs, executors, administrators, assigns and successors in interest of each of the
Parties. |
33. |
|
The Parties agree that each and every paragraph, sentence, clause, term and provision of this
Agreement is severable and that, if any portion of this Agreement should be deemed not
enforceable for any reason, such portion shall be stricken and the remaining portion or
portions thereof should continue to be enforced to the fullest extent permitted by applicable
law. |
34. |
|
This Agreement shall be governed by and interpreted in accordance with the laws of the State
of Indiana without regard to any applicable states choice of law provisions. |
35. |
|
[USE THIS LANGUAGE IF OWBPA LANGUAGE (FOR EMPLOYEES AGE 40 OR OVER) IS NOT INCLUDED]
Employee acknowledges that she has been offered a period of twenty-one (21) days within which
to consider and review this Agreement; that she has carefully read and fully understands all
of the provisions of this Agreement; and that she has entered into this Agreement knowingly
and voluntarily. |
36. |
|
Employee represents and acknowledges that in signing this Agreement she does not rely, and
has not relied, upon any representation or statement made by the Company or by any of the
Companys employees, officers, agents, stockholders, directors or attorneys with regard to the
subject matter, basis or effect of this Agreement other than those specifically contained
herein. |
37. |
|
This Agreement represents the entire agreement between the Parties concerning the subject
matter hereof, shall supersede any and all prior agreements which may otherwise exist between
them concerning the subject matter hereof (specifically excluding, however, the
post-termination obligations contained in an Employees Employment Agreement, any obligations
contained in an existing and valid Indemnity Agreement or Change in Control or any obligation
contained in any other legally-binding document), and shall not be altered, amended, modified
or otherwise changed except by a writing executed by both Parties. |
PLEASE READ CAREFULLY. THIS SEPARATION AND RELEASE
AGREEMENT INCLUDES A COMPLETE RELEASE OF ALL
KNOWN AND UNKNOWN CLAIMS.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties have themselves signed, or caused a duly authorized agent
thereof to sign, this Agreement on their behalf and thereby acknowledge their intent to be bound by
its terms and conditions.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
[EMPLOYEE] |
|
|
|
COMPANY NAME |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Signed:
|
|
|
|
|
|
By: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Printed:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Title: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dated:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dated: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Exhibit B
ILLUSTRATIVE COMPETITOR LIST
The following is an illustrative, non-exhaustive list of Competitors with whom Employee may
not, during her relevant non-compete period, directly or indirectly engage in any of the
competitive activities proscribed by the terms of her Employment Agreement.
|
|
Astral Industries, Inc. |
|
|
Schuykill Haven Casket Company, Inc. (A division of The Haven
Line Industries) |
|
|
The Victoriaville Group |
|
|
Aurora Casket Company, Inc. |
|
|
New England Casket Company |
|
|
Reynoldsville Casket Company |
|
|
SinoSource International, Inc. |
|
|
The York Group (a division of Matthews International Corp.) and its
distributors, including Warfield Rohr, Artco, Newmark and AJ Distribution |
|
|
Wilbert Funeral Services, Inc. |
While the above list is intended to identify the Companys primary competitors, it should not
be construed as all encompassing so as to exclude other potential competitors falling within the
Non-Compete definitions of Competitor. The Company reserves the right to amend this list at any
time in its sole discretion to identify other or additional Competitors based on changes in the
products and services offered, changes in its business or industry as well as changes in the duties
and responsibilities of the individual employee. An updated list will be provided to Employee upon reasonable request. Employees are encouraged to consult with the Company prior
to accepting any position with any potential competitor.
(Revised list 12-10-2007)
5488163.1