UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
 

 
FORM 8-K
 
CURRENT REPORT
 

 
PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported): April 1, 2013
 
Farmer Bros. Co.
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Charter)
 
Delaware
 
001-34249
 
95-0725980
(State or Other Jurisdiction
of Incorporation)
 
(Commission File Number)
 
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)
 
 
 
 
 
20333 South Normandie Avenue, Torrance, California
 
90502
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)
 
(Zip Code)
 
 
 
 
 
(310) 787-5200
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)
 
 
 
 
 
Not Applicable
(Former name or former address, if changed since last report)
 
Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions:
 
[ ]  Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)
 
[ ]  Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)
 
[ ]  Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))
 
[ ]  Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))









Item 1.01. Entry into a Material Definitive Agreement.

Employment Agreement
On April 1, 2013, Farmer Bros. Co., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), and Mark J. Nelson entered into an Employment Agreement (the “Nelson Employment Agreement”), pursuant to which the Company will employ Mr. Nelson as Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer, reporting to the Chief Executive Officer. Mr. Nelson’s employment is expected to commence on April 15, 2013 (the “Commencement Date”).
The following description of the Nelson Employment Agreement does not purport to be complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the Nelson Employment Agreement, which is filed herewith as Exhibit 10.1 and incorporated herein by reference.
Pursuant to the Nelson Employment Agreement, Mr. Nelson’s initial annual base salary will be $280,000. Mr. Nelson will be entitled to participate in the Farmer Bros. Co. 2005 Incentive Compensation Plan (the “Incentive Plan”), with a Target Award (as defined in the Incentive Plan) equal to fifty-five percent (55%) of his base annual salary, prorated to 11.5% for fiscal 2013 based on the Commencement Date. Mr. Nelson will be entitled to all benefits and perquisites provided by the Company to its senior executives, including paid days off, group health insurance, life insurance, 401(k) plan, employee stock ownership plan, cell phone, Company credit card, expense reimbursement and an automobile allowance.
In accordance with the provisions of the Farmer Bros. Co. 2007 Omnibus Plan, as amended (the “Omnibus Plan”), on the Commencement Date, or on the first business day following the end of any regular blackout period if the Commencement Date is during a regular blackout period (“Award Date”), Mr. Nelson will be granted the following equity awards: (i) a number of non-qualified stock options determined by dividing $189,000 by the per share fair value of a non-qualified stock option (based on a Black-Scholes valuation or other appropriate option pricing methodology approved by the Compensation Committee); and (ii) a number of shares of restricted stock determined by dividing $81,000 by the Fair Market Value (as defined in the Omnibus Plan) on the Award Date. The stock options will have a seven (7) year term with an exercise price equal to the Fair Market Value on the Award Date. Provided Nelson is then employed by the Company, the Awards will vest as follows: (i) the stock option award will vest ratably over three years on each anniversary of the Award Date; and (ii) the restricted stock award will vest in its entirety on the third anniversary of the Award Date. Mr. Nelson will be entitled to participate in such future grants under the Omnibus Plan as are made by the Compensation Committee and the Board of Directors from time to time to senior Company officers. The Form of 2007 Omnibus Plan Stock Option Grant Notice and Stock Option Agreement and the Form of 2007 Omnibus Plan Restricted Stock Award Grant Notice and Restricted Stock Award Agreement and the Stock Ownership Guidelines for Directors and Executive Officers are filed with this Current Report on Form 8-K as Exhibits 10.2, 10.3 and 10.4, respectively and are incorporated herein by reference.
Mr. Nelson’s employment may be terminated by the Company at any time with or without Cause or upon Mr. Nelson’s resignation with or without Good Reason, death or Permanent Incapacity, as such terms are defined in the Nelson Employment Agreement. Upon certain events of termination, Mr. Nelson is entitled to severance benefits, including base salary continuation, partially Company-paid COBRA coverage, and a prorated bonus based on his Target Award and achievement of performance criteria under the Incentive Plan. Receipt of any severance amounts is conditioned upon execution of a general release of claims against the Company. If Mr. Nelson becomes eligible for severance benefits under the Change in Control Severance Agreement described below under this Item 1.01, the benefits provided under that agreement will be in lieu of, and not in addition to, the severance benefits under the Nelson Employment Agreement.

Indemnification Agreement
On April 1, 2013, the Company and Mr. Nelson entered into the Company’s standard form of Indemnification Agreement for directors and officers. Pursuant to the Indemnification Agreement, the Company will, to the extent permitted by applicable law, indemnify and hold harmless Mr. Nelson against all expenses, judgments, fines, penalties and amounts paid in settlement in connection with any threatened, pending or completed proceeding by



reason of his status as an officer of the Company. The foregoing description is qualified in its entirety by the full text of the Indemnification Agreement, the form of which is filed herewith as Exhibit 10.5 (to update the schedule of indemnitees) and incorporated herein by reference.

Change in Control Severance Agreement
On April 1, 2013, the Company and Mr. Nelson entered into the Company’s standard form of Change in Control Severance Agreement for executive officers. A brief description of the terms and conditions of the form of Change in Control Severance Agreement was previously filed by the Company in its definitive Proxy Statement pursuant to Section 14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, filed with the SEC on October 29, 2012 and incorporated herein by reference. The foregoing description is qualified in its entirety by the full text of the Change in Control Severance Agreement, the form of which is filed herewith as Exhibit 10.6 (to update the schedule of executive officers) and incorporated herein by reference.

Item 5.02. Departure of Directors or Certain Officers; Election of Directors; Appointment of Certain Officers; Compensatory Arrangements of Certain Officers.

( b)          Pursuant to a letter agreement dated April 1, 2013, effective as of the Commencement Date, the Services to be provided by Jeffrey A. Wahba under the Consulting Services Agreement, dated March 1, 2013, between the Company and Mr. Wahba, as previously disclosed in the Company's Form 8-K filed with the SEC on February 28, 2013, will be limited to providing transition services as may be reasonably requested by management of the Company from time to time to facilitate a smooth transition of the Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer responsibilities to Mr. Nelson.  The foregoing description is qualified in its entirety by the full text of the letter agreement, a copy of which is filed herewith as Exhibit 10.7 and incorporated herein by reference.
(c)(1)    On April 1, 2013, the Company and Mark J. Nelson entered into the Nelson Employment Agreement pursuant to which Mr. Nelson will serve as Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer of the Company. Mr. Nelson’s employment is expected to commence on April 15, 2013. A copy of the Company’s press release dated April 4, 2013 relating to Mr. Nelson’s employment is filed herewith as Exhibit 99.1 and incorporated herein by reference.
(2)    Mr. Nelson, age 44, has served in various senior financial management positions at Newport Corporation, a global supplier of advanced technology products and systems, since 2004. Since 2010, he has been serving as Vice President, Corporate Controller and Chief Accounting Officer of Newport Corporation. From 2004 to 2010, Mr. Nelson held various senior financial roles at Newport Corporation as Vice President and Controller, Vice President and General Manager of its Optical Components Division and Finance Director of its Photonics division. Prior to Newport Corporation, he held the positions of Finance Director in Thermo Electron Corporation, Cost and Budget Manager at C.R. Bard, Inc., co-owner and Chief Financial Officer of Western Energy Services, Inc. and Financial Management Program Trainee with the General Electric Company. Mr. Nelson earned his MBA in Entrepreneurship and Finance from Babson College, Wellesley, Massachusetts and his BA in Finance from the University of Massachusetts.
There are no understandings or arrangements between Mr. Nelson and any other person pursuant to which Mr. Nelson was selected as Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer. Mr. Nelson has no family relationship with any director or executive officer of the Company. Other than as set forth in the Nelson Employment Agreement described above in Item 1.01, Mr. Nelson presently does not have a direct or indirect material interest in any transaction or proposed transaction in which the Company is or is to be a party in which the amount involved exceeds $120,000.
(3)    The disclosure in Item 1.01 above relating to the agreements between the Company and Mr. Nelson is incorporated herein by reference.
(e)    The disclosure in Item 1.01 above is incorporated herein by reference.




Item 9.01. Financial Statements and Exhibits.
(d)     Exhibits

Exhibit No.
 
Description
 
 
 
10.1
 
Employment Agreement, dated as of April 1, 2013, by and between Farmer Bros. Co. and Mark J. Nelson*
 
 
 
10.2
 
Form of 2007 Omnibus Plan Stock Option Grant Notice and Stock Option Agreement*
 
 
 
10.3
 
Form of 2007 Omnibus Plan Restricted Stock Award Grant Notice and Restricted Stock Award Agreement*
 
 
 
10.4
 
Stock Ownership Guidelines for Directors and Executive Officers*
 
 
 
10.5
 
Form of Indemnification Agreement for Directors and Officers of the Company, as adopted on May 18, 2006 and as amended on December 31, 2008 (with updated schedule of indemnitees attached)*
 
 
 
10.6
 
Form of Change in Control Severance Agreement for Executive Officers of the Company (with updated schedule of executive officers attached)*
 
 
 
10.7
 
Letter Agreement dated April 1, 2013 by and between Farmer Bros. Co. and Jeffrey A. Wahba*
 
 
 
99.1
 
Press release of Farmer Bros. Co. announcing new Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer
____________
*Management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement.
 






SIGNATURE
 
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.
 
Dated:  April 4, 2013
 
 
FARMER BROS. CO.
 
 
 
 
 
By:
/s/ JEFFREY A. WAHBA
 
 
Jeffrey A. Wahba
 
Interim Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer





EXHIBIT INDEX

Exhibit No.
 
Description
 
 
 
10.1
 
Employment Agreement, dated as of April 1, 2013, by and between Farmer Bros. Co. and Mark J. Nelson*
 
 
 
10.2
 
Form of 2007 Omnibus Plan Stock Option Grant Notice and Stock Option Agreement*
 
 
 
10.3
 
Form of 2007 Omnibus Plan Restricted Stock Award Grant Notice and Restricted Stock Award Agreement*
 
 
 
10.4
 
Stock Ownership Guidelines for Directors and Executive Officers*
 
 
 
10.5
 
Form of Indemnification Agreement for Directors and Officers of the Company, as adopted on May 18, 2006 and as amended on December 31, 2008 (with updated schedule of indemnitees attached)*
 
 
 
10.6
 
Form of Change in Control Severance Agreement for Executive Officers of the Company (with updated schedule of executive officers attached)*
 
 
 
10.7
 
Letter Agreement dated April 1, 2013 by and between Farmer Bros. Co. and Jeffrey A. Wahba*
 
 
 
99.1
 
Press release of Farmer Bros. Co. announcing new Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer
____________

*Management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement.




Exhibit 10.1
EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT
(Farmer Bros. Co. / Nelson)


This Employment Agreement (“Agreement”) is made and entered into as of April 1, 2013 between FARMER BROS. CO., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), and MARK J. NELSON (“Nelson”), who agree as follows:

1.     Employment : The Company hereby employs Nelson, and Nelson accepts employment from the Company, on the terms and conditions herein stated.

2.     Term of Employment: The term of Nelson’s employment under this Agreement will commence on April 15, 2013 (the “Commencement Date”) and shall end when terminated under Section 7 below.

3.     Duties : Nelson shall serve as the Company’s Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer, reporting to the Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”). As such, his general responsibilities include oversight responsibility for all financial (including treasury functions), accounting, and compliance functions of the Company. Compliance responsibilities include oversight responsibility for compliance with the Company’s obligations under tax, securities and other applicable laws. Nelson shall also serve as the Company’s Chief Compliance Officer under the Company’s Code of Conduct and Ethics upon request of the Board. In addition to his general responsibilities, Nelson shall also perform such other duties as are consistent with his position and as are directed by the Company’s CEO or Board of Directors (“Board”). Nelson shall devote to the Company’s business substantially all of his working time. Service as a director of organizations shall require approval of the Board.

4.     Base Salary : Nelson shall receive an annual base salary of $280,000 payable in accordance with the Company’s normal payroll practice. The annual base salary amount shall be reviewed annually by the Company and can be adjusted upward or downward by the Company from time to time but shall not be reduced below $280,000 per annum.

5.     Bonuses : Nelson shall be entitled to participate in the Company’s 2005 Incentive Compensation Plan or any successor plan (“Plan”) each year, commencing with the Company’s 2013 fiscal year, so long as the Plan remains in effect and one or more of the Company’s other executive officers who are full-time Company employees (“Senior Executives”) also participate. Under the terms of the Plan, the Compensation Committee will, in its discretion, determine the Performance Criteria, as defined in the Plan, and all other variables by which Nelson’s bonus for such year under the Plan will be measured. The Target Award, as defined in the Plan, shall be an amount equal to fifty-five percent (55%) (the “Applicable Percentage”) of Nelson’s base annual salary, except that the Applicable Percentage for fiscal 2013 shall be 11.5% to reflect a proration for Nelson’s Commencement Date. Performance Criteria for Nelson’s fiscal 2013 Target Award shall be determined by the Compensation Committee after the Commencement Date. Except as provided otherwise in this Section 5, Nelson’s participation in the Plan is subject to all Plan terms and conditions. Under the terms of the Plan, no bonus is earned until awarded by the Compensation Committee after completion of the fiscal year, and the Compensation Committee may, in its discretion, reduce, entirely eliminate or increase the bonus indicated by the Performance Criteria and other Plan factors. Nelson acknowledges receipt of a copy of the Plan.


1



6.
Benefits :
A.    The Company will provide to Nelson all benefits and perquisites provided by the Company from time to time to its Senior Executives, subject to the eligibility requirements and the terms and conditions of the benefit plans and perquisite policies. For the avoidance of doubt, Nelson’s benefit package includes twenty (20) days paid days off per contract year (i.e., the year ending on each anniversary of the Commencement Date) but excludes participation in the Company’s defined benefit pension plan. Other included benefits and perquisites presently consist of group health insurance (PPO or HMO), life insurance, 401(k) plan, employee stock ownership plan, cell phone, company credit card, expense reimbursement, and an automobile allowance in accordance with Company policy for Senior Executives, which is currently $400.00 per month. Not all of the foregoing benefits are 100% Company paid.

B.    Nelson shall be entitled to participate in the Farmer Bros. Co. 2007 Omnibus Plan, as amended (the “Omnibus Plan”), or any successor plan as administered by the Compensation Committee. In accordance with the provisions of the Omnibus Plan, on the Commencement Date or, if such day falls within a regular blackout period under the Company’s Insider Trading Policy (“Blackout Period”), on the first business day following the end of such Blackout Period (the “Award Date”), the Company will make the following equity awards to Nelson (collectively, the “Awards”):

(i)    a number of non-qualified stock options determined by dividing $189,000 by the per share fair value of a non-qualified stock option (based on a Black-Scholes valuation or other appropriate option pricing methodology approved by the Compensation Committee); and

(ii)    a number of shares of restricted stock determined by dividing $81,000 by the Fair Market Value (as defined in the Omnibus Plan) on the Award Date.

The stock options will have a seven (7) year term with an exercise price equal to the Fair Market Value on the Award Date. Provided Nelson is then employed by the Company, the Awards will vest as follows: (i) the stock option award will vest ratably over three years on each anniversary of the Award Date; and (ii) the restricted stock award will vest in its entirety on the third anniversary of the Award Date. The Awards will be evidenced by a Grant Notice and Stock Option Agreement or Grant Notice and Restricted Stock Agreement, as applicable, to be consistent with this Section 6B and in the Company’s usual form. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the timing of the Awards will be delayed during such period as there exists, in the opinion of the Company’s counsel, material information concerning the Company which has not been publicly disclosed. Nelson shall be entitled to such future grants under the Omnibus Plan or any successor plan as are awarded to him by the Compensation Committee in its discretion.

C.    The Company reserves the right to alter or discontinue any or all such benefits and perquisites, provided they are so altered or discontinued as to all Senior Executives.

7.     Termination:

A.    Nelson’s employment is terminable by the Company for good and sufficient cause (“Cause”) which shall consist only of: (i) a repeated refusal to follow reasonable directions from the CEO or Board after a warning; (ii) a material breach of any of Nelson’s fiduciary duties to the Company (a breach involving dishonesty or personal gain shall be deemed material regardless of the amount involved); (iii) conviction of a felony; (iv) commission of a willful violation of any

2



law, rule or regulation involving moral turpitude; (v) commission of a willful or grossly negligent act, omission or course of conduct which has a material adverse effect on the Company; or (vi) commission of a material breach by Nelson of this Agreement which breach, if curable, is not cured within a reasonable time after written notice from the CEO or Board describing the nature of the breach in reasonable detail.

B.    Nelson’s employment shall terminate upon Nelson’s resignation, with or without “Good Reason,” as defined below, death or “Permanent Incapacity” (as defined below). “Permanent Incapacity” shall be deemed to have occurred if Nelson has been unable to perform substantially all of his employment duties under Section 3 on a substantially full time basis by reason of a mental or physical condition for a period of ninety (90) consecutive days or for more than one hundred eighty days (180) in any period of three hundred sixty-five (365) consecutive days. “Good Reason” shall consist only of (i) the Company’s material breach of this Agreement, (ii) a material reduction in Nelson’s responsibilities, duties or authority, or (iii) a material relocation of Nelson’s principal place of employment more than fifty (50) miles from its present location; provided, however, that any such condition in subsections (i) through (iii) shall not constitute “Good Reason” unless both (x) Nelson provides written notice to the Company describing the condition claimed to constitute Good Reason in reasonable detail within ninety (90) days of the initial existence of such condition, and (y) the Company fails to remedy such condition within thirty (30) days of receiving such written notice thereof; and provided, further, that in all events the termination of Nelson’s employment with the Company shall not be treated as a resignation for “Good Reason” unless such resignation occurs not more than one (1) year following the initial existence of the condition claimed to constitute “Good Reason.”

C.    Nelson’s employment shall terminate at the election of the Company at any time without Cause.

8.     Payments upon Termination: The following amounts are payable upon termination of Nelson’s employment, as applicable:

A.    In the event of a termination for any reason, base salary at the then existing rate, shall be prorated and paid through the effective termination date, along with accrued and unused paid days off (subject to the Company’s paid days off policy). If termination is due to Nelson’s death or Permanent Incapacity, the Company shall also pay to Nelson upon termination, or his estate in the event of his death, an additional lump sum severance amount equal to Nelson’s Target Award under Section 5 for the fiscal year in which termination is effective, prorated for the partial fiscal year ending on the effective termination date. Such payment shall be made no later than the 30 th day following any such death or termination.

B.    If termination occurs at the election of the Company without Cause or by Nelson’s resignation for Good Reason, Nelson will receive as severance:

(i)    base salary continuation at the rate in effect on the date of termination for a period of twelve (12) months;

(ii)    partially Company-paid COBRA coverage under the Company’s health care plan for himself and his spouse for one (1) year after the effective termination date (the Company will pay the same percentage of the coverage cost that it would have paid had Nelson’s employment not terminated); and

3




(iii)    a bonus for the fiscal year in which the date of termination is effective based on Nelson’s Target Award under Section 5 for such fiscal year and the degree of achievement of Performance Criteria under the Plan for such fiscal year as determined in accordance with the Plan, with individual performance criteria deemed to be achieved at 100%, and prorated for the partial fiscal year ending on the effective termination date.

Nelson is not obligated to seek other employment as a condition to receipt of the payments called for by this Section 8B, and Nelson’s earnings, income or profits from other employment or business activities after termination of his employment shall not reduce the Company’s payment obligations under this Section 8B. Subject to Section 8C and Section 12J(ii), the amount referred to in clause 8B(i) above shall be paid in installments in accordance with the Company’s standard payroll practices commencing in the month following the month in which Nelson’s Separation from Service occurs, and the amount referred to in clause 8B(iii) above, if any, shall be paid in a lump sum at the same time as annual bonuses are paid to the Company’s Senior Executives under the Plan for the fiscal year but in no event later than two and one-half (2-1/2) months following the end of the Company’s fiscal year in which Nelson’s Separation from Service occurs. As used herein, a “Separation from Service” occurs when Nelson dies, retires, or otherwise has a termination of employment with the Company that constitutes a “separation from service” within the meaning of Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-1(h)(1), without regard to the optional alternative definitions available thereunder. Salary continuation payments shall commence, and the additional severance amount shall be paid, only when the release required by Section 8C below has become effective.

C.    As a condition to receiving the applicable payments under Section 8B above, Nelson must execute and deliver to the Company within twenty-one (21) days following the date of his termination of his employment (or such longer period as may be required under applicable law) a general release of claims against the Company other than claims to the payments called for by this Agreement, such release to be in form and content substantially as attached hereto as Exhibit A, and said release shall have become effective under applicable laws, including the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967, as amended.

D.    All benefits other than the entitlement to payments under Section 8B shall terminate automatically upon termination of Nelson’s employment except to the extent otherwise provided in the Company benefit plans or by law.

E.    Except as provided in this Section 8 or by applicable Company benefit plans or laws, Nelson shall not be entitled to any payments of any kind in connection with the termination of his employment by the Company.

9.     Employee Handbook and Company Policies : So long as he is employed by the Company, Nelson shall comply with, and shall be entitled to rights as set forth in the Company’s Employee Handbook which may be revised from time to time and other Company policies as in effect and communicated to Nelson from time to time. In the event that there is a conflict or contradiction between the contents of the Employee Handbook or other such Company policies and the provisions of this Agreement, then the provisions of this Agreement will prevail.


4



10.     Confidential Information, Intellectual Property:

A .     Nelson acknowledges that during the course of his employment with the Company, he will be given or will have access to non-public and confidential business information of the Company which will include information concerning pending or potential transactions, financial information concerning the Company, information concerning the Company’s product formulas and processes, information concerning the Company’s business plans and strategies, information concerning Company personnel and vendors, and other non-public proprietary information of the Company (all collectively called “Confidential Information”). All of the Confidential Information constitutes “trade secrets” under the Uniform Trade Secrets Act. Nelson covenants and agrees that during and after the term of his employment by the Company he will not disclose such information or any part thereof to anyone outside the Company or use such information for any purpose other than the furtherance of the Company’s interests without the prior written consent of the CEO or Board.

B. Nelson further covenants that for a period of two (2) years after his employment by the Company terminates, he will not, directly or indirectly, overtly or tacitly, induce, attempt to induce, solicit or encourage (i) any customer or prospective customer of the Company to cease doing business with, or not to do business with, the Company or (ii) any employee of the Company to leave the Company.

C. The Company and Nelson agree that the covenants set forth in this Section 10 are reasonably necessary for the protection of the Company’s Confidential Information and that a breach of the foregoing covenants will cause the Company irreparable damage not compensable by monetary damages, and that in the event of such breach or threatened breach, at the Company’s election, an action may be brought in a court of competent jurisdiction seeking a temporary restraining order and a preliminary injunction against such breach or threatened breach notwithstanding the arbitration and reference provisions of Section 12F below. Upon the court’s decision on the application for a preliminary injunction, the court action shall be stayed and the remainder of the dispute submitted to arbitration or reference under Section 12F. The prevailing party in such legal action shall be entitled to recover its costs of suit including reasonable attorneys’ fees.

D.    The Company shall own all rights in and to the results, proceeds and products of Nelson’s services hereunder, including without limitation, all ideas and intellectual property created or developed by Nelson and which is related to Nelson’s employment.

11.     Integration with Change in Control Severance Agreement : If Nelson becomes eligible for benefits under Section 3 of the Change in Control Severance Agreement executed concurrently herewith, the benefits provided by Section 4 of that Agreement shall be in lieu of, and not in addition to, the benefits provided by Section 8B of this Agreement.

12.     Miscellaneous:

A.    This Agreement and the Change in Control Severance Agreement and Indemnification Agreement entered into concurrently herewith contain the entire agreement of the parties on the subject of Nelson’s employment by the Company, all prior and contemporaneous agreements, promises or understandings being merged herein. This Agreement can be modified only by a writing signed by both parties hereto.


5



B.    Nelson cannot assign this Agreement or delegate his duties hereunder. Subject to the preceding sentence, this Agreement shall bind and inure to the benefit of the parties hereto, their heirs, personal representatives, successors and assigns.

C.    No waiver of any provision or consent to any exception to the terms of this Agreement shall be effective unless in writing and signed by the party to be bound and then only to the specific purpose, extent and instance so provided. This Agreement may be executed in counterparts (and by facsimile signature), each of which shall be deemed an original but all of which together shall constitute one and the same agreement.

D.    Each party shall execute and deliver such further instruments and take such other action as may be necessary or appropriate to consummate the transactions herein contemplated and to carry out the intent of the parties hereto.

E.    This Agreement shall be construed in a fair and reasonable manner and not pursuant to any principle requiring that ambiguities be strictly construed against the party who caused same to exist.

F.    (i)    All disputes arising under or in connection with this Agreement, shall be submitted to a mutually agreeable arbitrator, or if the parties are unable to agree on an arbitrator within fifteen (15) days after a written demand for arbitration is made by either party, to JAMS/Endispute (“JAMS”) or successor organization, for binding arbitration in Los Angeles County by a single arbitrator who shall be a former California Superior Court judge. Except as may be otherwise provided herein, the arbitration shall be conducted under the California Arbitration Act, Code of Civil Procedure 1280 et seq. The parties shall have the discovery rights provided in Code of Civil Procedure 1283.05 and 1283.1. The arbitration hearing shall be commenced within ninety (90) days after the selection of an arbitrator by mutual agreement or, absent such mutual agreement, the filing of the application with JAMS by either party hereto, and a decision shall be rendered by the arbitrator within thirty (30) days after the conclusion of the hearing. The arbitrator shall have complete authority to interpret this Section 12F and to render any and all relief, legal and equitable, appropriate under California law, including the award of punitive damages where legally available and warranted. The arbitrator shall award costs of the proceeding, including reasonable attorneys’ fees and the arbitrator’s fee and costs, to the party determined to have substantially prevailed. Judgment on the award can be entered in a court of competent jurisdiction.

(ii)    The foregoing notwithstanding, if the amount in controversy exceeds $200,000, exclusive of attorneys’ fees and costs, the matter shall be litigated in the Los Angeles County Superior Court as a regular non-jury civil action except that a former California Superior Court Judge selected by the parties or by JAMS, as hereinabove provided, shall be appointed as referee to try all issues of fact and law, without a jury, pursuant to California Code of Civil Procedure §638 et seq. The parties hereto expressly waive a trial by jury. Judgment entered on the decision of the referee shall be appealable as a judgment of the Superior Court. The prevailing party shall be entitled to receive its reasonable attorneys’ fees and costs from the other party.

G.    Payments to Nelson are subject to payroll deductions and withholdings if and to the extent required by law. Salary payments will be reduced on a dollar-for-dollar basis by payments received by Nelson for disability under governmental or Company paid disability insurance programs. Payments to Nelson under Section 8B are conditioned upon his continuing compliance with Sections 10A and 10B.

6




H.    All provisions of this Agreement which must survive the termination of this Agreement to give them their intended effect shall so survive.

I.    If any provision of this Agreement is determined to be unenforceable as illegal or contrary to public policy, it shall be deemed automatically amended to the extent necessary to render it enforceable provided the intent of the parties as expressed herein will not thereby be frustrated. Otherwise the unenforceable provision shall be severed from the remaining provisions which shall remain in effect.

J.    (i)    It is intended that any amounts payable under this Agreement shall either be exempt from or comply with Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code (including the Treasury regulations and other published guidance relating thereto) (“Code Section 409A”) so as not to subject Nelson to payment of any additional tax, penalty or interest imposed under Code Section 409A. The provisions of this Agreement shall be construed and interpreted to avoid the imputation of any such additional tax, penalty or interest under Code Section 409A yet preserve (to the nearest extent reasonably possible) the intended benefit payable to Nelson.

(ii)    Notwithstanding any provision of this Agreement to the contrary, if Nelson is a “specified employee” within the meaning of Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-1(i) as of the date of Nelson’s Separation from Service, Nelson shall not be entitled to any payment or benefit pursuant to Section 8B that constitutes deferred compensation within the meaning of Code Section 409A until the earlier of (i) the date which is six (6) months after Nelson’s Separation from Service for any reason other than death, or (ii) the date of Nelson’s death. Any such deferred compensation amounts otherwise payable to Nelson upon or in the six (6) month period following Nelson’s Separation from Service that are not so paid by reason of this Section 12J(ii) shall be paid (without interest) as soon as practicable (and in all events within thirty (30) days) after the date that is six (6) months after Nelson’s Separation from Service (or, if earlier, as soon as practicable, and in all events within thirty (30) days, after the date of Nelson’s death). Each salary or bonus payment made pursuant to Section 8 shall be considered a separate payment for purposes of Code Section 409A. The provisions of this Section 12J(ii) shall only apply if, and to the extent, required to avoid the imputation of any tax, penalty or interest pursuant to Code Section 409A.

(iii)    To the extent that any benefits pursuant to Section 8B(ii) or reimbursements pursuant to Section 6 are taxable to Nelson, any reimbursement payment due to Nelson pursuant to such provision shall be paid to Nelson on or before the last day of Nelson’s taxable year following the taxable year in which the related expense was incurred. The benefits and reimbursements pursuant to such provisions are not subject to liquidation or exchange for another benefit and the amount of such benefits and reimbursements that Nelson receives in one taxable year shall not affect the amount of such benefits or reimbursements that Nelson receives in any other taxable year.

[SIGNATURE PAGE FOLLOWS]

7



IN WITNESS WHEREOF , the parties have executed this Agreement as of the date first above written.

COMPANY:                FARMER BROS. CO.,
a Delaware corporation

By:/s/ MICHAEL H. KEOWN             
Michael H. Keown
President and Chief Executive Officer


NELSON:
/s/ MARK J. NELSON            
Mark J. Nelson

[SIGNATURE PAGE TO EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT
(FARMER BROS. CO. / NELSON)]


EXHIBIT A
RELEASE AGREEMENT


I understand that my position with Farmer Bros. Co. (the “Company”) terminated effective ___________, 20__ (the “Separation Date”). The Company has agreed that if I choose to sign this Agreement, the Company will pay me severance benefits (minus the standard withholdings and deductions) pursuant to the terms of the Employment Agreement entered into as of _______________, 2013 between myself and the Company. I understand that I am not entitled to this severance payment unless I sign this Agreement. I understand that in addition to this severance, the Company will pay me all of my accrued salary and paid days off, to which I am entitled by law regardless of whether I sign this release.

In consideration for the severance payment I am receiving under this Agreement, I acknowledge and agree that I am bound by the provisions of Sections 10A and 10B of my Employment Agreement and hereby release the Company and its current and former officers, directors, agents, attorneys, employees, stockholders, and affiliates from any and all claims, liabilities, demands, causes of action, attorneys’ fees, damages, or obligations of every kind and nature, whether they are known or unknown, arising at any time prior to the date I sign this Agreement. This general release includes, but is not limited to: all federal and state statutory and common law claims related to my employment or the termination of my employment or related to breach of contract, tort, wrongful termination, discrimination, wages or benefits, or claims for any form of compensation. This release is not intended to release any claims I have or may have against any of the released parties for (a) indemnification as a director, officer, agent or employee under applicable law, charter document or agreement, (b) severance and other termination benefits specifically provided for in my Employment Agreement which constitutes a part of the consideration for this release, (c) health or other insurance benefits based on claims already submitted or which are covered claims properly submitted in the future, (d) vested rights under pension, retirement or other benefit plans, or (e) in respect of events, acts or omissions occurring after the date of this Release Agreement. In releasing claims unknown to me at present, I am waiving all rights and benefits under Section 1542 of the California Civil Code, and any law or legal principle of similar effect in any jurisdiction: “A general release does not extend to claims which the creditor does not know or suspect to exist in his favor at the time of executing the release, which if known by him must have materially affected his settlement with the debtor.”

I acknowledge that I am knowingly and voluntarily waiving and releasing any rights I may have under the federal Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967, as amended (“ADEA”). I also acknowledge that the consideration given for the waiver in the above paragraph is in addition to anything of value to which I was already entitled. I have been advised by this writing, as required by the ADEA that: (a) my waiver and release do not apply to any claims that may arise after my signing of this Agreement; (b) I should consult with an attorney prior to executing this release; (c) I have at least twenty-one (21) days within which to consider this release (although I may choose to voluntarily execute this release earlier); (d) I have seven (7) days following the execution of this release to revoke the Agreement; and (e) this Agreement will not be effective until the eighth day after this Agreement has been signed both by me and by the Company.

I accept and agree to the terms and conditions stated above:
                                             
Mark J. Nelson

[EXHIBIT A]


Exhibit 10.2

FARMER BROS. CO.


FORM OF
2007 OMNIBUS PLAN
STOCK OPTION GRANT NOTICE AND
STOCK OPTION AGREEMENT

Farmer Bros. Co., a Delaware corporation (the “ Company ”), pursuant to its 2007 Omnibus Plan (the “ Plan ”), hereby grants to the holder listed below (“ Participant ”), an option to purchase the number of shares of the Company’s Stock set forth below (the “ Option ”). This Option is subject to all of the terms and conditions as set forth herein and in the Stock Option Agreement attached hereto as Exhibit A (the “ Stock Option Agreement ”) and the Plan, which are incorporated herein by reference. Unless otherwise defined herein, the terms defined in the Plan shall have the same defined meanings in this Grant Notice and the Stock Option Agreement.
 
 
 
 
 
Participant:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Grant Date:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Exercise Price per Share:
 
$
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total Exercise Price:
 
$
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total Number of Shares Subject to the Option:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Expiration Date:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Type of Option:  
 
  Incentive Stock Option            Non-Qualified Stock Option
 
 
 
Vesting Schedule:  
 
One-third (1/3) of the Total Number of Shares Subject to the Option, rounded down to the nearest whole number of shares, vest on each of the first two anniversaries of the Grant Date, and the remainder vest on the third anniversary of the Grant Date, subject to the acceleration provision of the Stock Option Agreement.
By his or her signature, Participant agrees to be bound by the terms and conditions of the Plan, the Stock Option Agreement and this Grant Notice. Participant has reviewed the Stock Option Agreement, the Plan and this Grant Notice in their entirety, has had an opportunity to obtain the advice of counsel prior to executing this Grant Notice and fully understands all provisions of this Grant Notice, the Stock Option Agreement and the Plan. Participant hereby agrees to accept as binding, conclusive and final all decisions or interpretations of the Administrator of the Plan upon any questions arising under the Plan, this Grant Notice or the Stock Option Agreement. Participant further agrees to notify the Company upon any change in the residence address indicated below.

A-1




 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
FARMER BROS. CO.
 
PARTICIPANT
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
By:
 
 
 
By:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Print Name:
 
 
 
Print Name:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Title:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Address:
 
20333 South Normandie Avenue
Torrance, California 90502
 
Address:
 
 
  
 


A-2





EXHIBIT A
TO STOCK OPTION GRANT NOTICE

STOCK OPTION AGREEMENT

Pursuant to the Stock Option Grant Notice (“ Grant Notice ”) to which this Stock Option Agreement (this “ Agreement ”) is attached, Farmer Bros. Co., a Delaware corporation (the “ Company ”), has granted to Participant an option under the Company’s 2007 Omnibus Plan (the “ Plan ”) to purchase the number of shares of Stock indicated in the Grant Notice.

ARTICLE I
GENERAL

1.1     Defined Terms . Capitalized terms not specifically defined herein shall have the meanings specified in the Plan and the Grant Notice.

1.2     Incorporation of Terms of Plan . The Option is subject to the terms and conditions of the Plan which are incorporated herein by reference.

ARTICLE II
GRANT OF OPTION

2.1     Grant of Option . In consideration of Participant’s past and/or continued employment with or service to the Company or a Parent or Subsidiary and for other good and valuable consideration, effective as of the Grant Date set forth in the Grant Notice (the “ Grant Date ”), the Company irrevocably grants to Participant the Option to purchase any part or all of an aggregate of the number of shares of Stock set forth in the Grant Notice, upon the terms and conditions set forth in the Plan and this Agreement. Unless designated as a Non-Qualified Stock Option in the Grant Notice, the Option shall be an Incentive Stock Option to the maximum extent permitted by law.

2.2     Exercise Price . The exercise price of the shares of Stock subject to the Option shall be as set forth in the Grant Notice, without commission or other charge; provided , however , that if this Option is designated as an Incentive Stock Option, the price per share of the shares subject to the Option shall not be less than the greater of (i) 100% of the Fair Market Value of a share of Stock on the Grant Date, or (ii) 110% of the Fair Market Value of a share of Stock on the Grant Date in the case of a Participant then owning (within the meaning of Section 424(d) of the Code) more than 10% of the total combined voting power of all classes of stock of the Company or any “subsidiary corporation” of the Company or any “parent corporation” of the Company (each within the meaning of Section 424 of the Code).

2.3     Consideration to the Company . In consideration of the grant of the Option by the Company, Participant agrees to render faithful and efficient services to the Company or any Parent or Subsidiary. Nothing in the Plan or this Agreement shall confer upon Participant any right to (a) continue in the employ of the Company or any Parent or Subsidiary or shall interfere with or restrict in any way the rights of the Company and its Parents and Subsidiaries, which are hereby expressly reserved, to discharge Participant, if Participant is an Employee, or (b) continue to provide services to the Company or any Parent or Subsidiary or shall interfere with or restrict in any way the rights of the Company or its Parents and Subsidiaries, which are hereby expressly reserved, to terminate the services of Participant, if Participant is a Consultant, at any time for any reason whatsoever, with or without Cause, except to the extent expressly provided otherwise in a written agreement between the Company, a Parent or a Subsidiary and Participant, or (c) continue to

A-1




serve as a member of the Board or shall interfere with or restrict in any way the rights of the Company, which are hereby expressly reserved, to discharge Participant in accordance with the Company’s Bylaws.

ARTICLE III
PERIOD OF EXERCISABILITY

3.1     Commencement of Exercisability

(a)    Subject to Sections 3.3 and 5.8, the Option shall become vested and exercisable in such amounts and at such times as are set forth in the Grant Notice.

(b)    No portion of the Option which has not become vested and exercisable at the date of Participant’s Termination of Employment, Termination of Directorship or Termination of Consultancy shall thereafter become vested and exercisable, except as may be otherwise provided in the Grant Notice, this Agreement, by the Administrator or as set forth in a written agreement between the Company and Participant.

3.2     Duration of Exercisability . The installments provided for in the vesting schedule set forth in the Grant Notice are cumulative. Each such installment which becomes vested and exercisable pursuant to the vesting schedule set forth in the Grant Notice shall remain vested and exercisable until it becomes unexercisable under Section 3.3.

3.3     Expiration of Option . The Option may not be exercised to any extent by anyone after the first to occur of the following events:

(a)    The expiration of seven years from the Grant Date;

(b)    If this Option is designated as an Incentive Stock Option and Participant owned (within the meaning of Section 424(d) of the Code), at the time the Option was granted, more than 10% of the total combined voting power of all classes of stock of the Company or any “subsidiary corporation” of the Company or “parent corporation” of the Company (each within the meaning of Section 424 of the Code), the expiration of five years from the Grant Date; or

(c)    Except as set forth in a written agreement with the Company, the expiration of three months following the date of Participant’s Termination of Employment, Termination of Directorship or Termination of Consultancy, unless such termination occurs by reason of Participant’s retirement, death or Disability; or

(d)    The expiration of one year following the date of Participant’s Termination of Employment, Termination of Directorship or Termination of Consultancy by reason of Participant’s retirement, death or Disability.

Participant acknowledges that an Incentive Stock Option exercised more than three months after Participant’s Termination of Employment, other than by reason of death or Disability, will be taxed as a Non-Qualified Stock Option.

3.4     Special Tax Consequences . Participant acknowledges that, to the extent that the aggregate Fair Market Value (determined as of the time the Option is granted) of all shares of Stock with respect to which Incentive Stock Options, including the Option, are exercisable for the first time by Participant in any

A-2




calendar year exceeds $100,000 (or such other limitation as imposed by Section 422(d) of the Code), the Option and such other options shall be treated as not qualifying under Section 422 of the Code but rather shall be considered Non-Qualified Stock Options. Participant further acknowledges that the rule set forth in the preceding sentence shall be applied by taking Options and other “incentive stock options” into account in the order in which they were granted, as determined under Section 422(d) of the Code and the Treasury Regulations thereunder.

3.5     Acceleration of Vesting

(a)     Acceleration of Vesting Upon Death or Disability . In the event of Participant’s Termination of Employment, Termination of Directorship or Termination of Consultancy by reason of Participant’s death or Disability, Participant or Participant’s estate will have the right to exercise the Option during the applicable time period set forth in Section 3.3 with respect to the then vested shares plus a pro rata portion of the unvested shares as of the date of such termination determined as follows:

(Actual Number of Service Days During Remaining Vesting Period)
(Total Number of Days During Remaining Vesting Period)        X     (No. of Unvested Shares) = (Accelerated Shares)


(b)     Other Events . The Administrator retains the discretion to determine whether an acceleration of vesting will occur upon the occurrence of certain other events, including Termination of Consultancy, Termination of Directorship, and Termination of Employment other than by reason of death or Disability, and an impending Change in Control.


ARTICLE IV
EXERCISE OF OPTION

4.1     Person Eligible to Exercise . Except as provided in Sections 5.2(b) and 5.2(c), during the lifetime of Participant, only Participant may exercise the Option or any portion thereof. After the death of Participant, any exercisable portion of the Option may, prior to the time when the Option becomes unexercisable under Section 3.3, be exercised by Participant’s personal representative or by any person empowered to do so under the deceased Participant’s will or under the then applicable laws of descent and distribution.

4.2     Partial Exercise . Any exercisable portion of the Option or the entire Option, if then wholly exercisable, may be exercised in whole or in part at any time prior to the time when the Option or portion thereof becomes unexercisable under Section 3.3.

4.3     Manner of Exercise . The Option, or any exercisable portion thereof, may be exercised solely by delivery to the Secretary of the Company or the Secretary’s office of all of the following prior to the time when the Option or such portion thereof becomes unexercisable under Section 3.3:

(a)    An Exercise Notice in writing signed by Participant or any other person then entitled to exercise the Option or portion thereof, stating that the Option or portion thereof is thereby exercised, such notice complying with all applicable rules established by the Administrator. Such notice shall be substantially in the form attached as Exhibit B to the Grant Notice (or such other form as is prescribed by the Administrator); and

A-3





(b)    Subject to Section 5.1(c) of the Plan:

(i)    Full payment (in cash or by check) for the shares with respect to which the Option or portion thereof is exercised; or

(ii)    Such payment may be made, in whole or in part, through the delivery of shares of Stock which have been owned by Participant for at least six months, duly endorsed for transfer to the Company with a Fair Market Value on the date of delivery equal to the aggregate exercise price of the Option or exercised portion thereof; or

(iii)    Through the delivery of a notice that Participant has placed a market sell order with a broker with respect to shares of Stock then issuable upon exercise of the Option, and that the broker has been directed to pay a sufficient portion of the net proceeds of the sale to the Company in satisfaction of the Option exercise price; provided, that payment of such proceeds is made to the Company upon settlement of such sale; or

(iv)    Subject to any applicable laws, any combination of the consideration provided in the foregoing paragraphs (i), (ii) and (iii); and

(c)    A bona fide written representation and agreement, in such form as is prescribed by the Administrator, signed by Participant or the other person then entitled to exercise such Option or portion thereof, stating that the shares of Stock are being acquired for Participant’s own account, for investment and without any present intention of distributing or reselling said shares or any of them except as may be permitted under the Securities Act and then applicable rules and regulations thereunder and any other applicable law, and that Participant or other person then entitled to exercise such Option or portion thereof will indemnify the Company against and hold it free and harmless from any loss, damage, expense or liability resulting to the Company if any sale or distribution of the shares by such person is contrary to the representation and agreement referred to above. The Administrator may, in its absolute discretion, take whatever additional actions it deems appropriate to ensure the observance and performance of such representation and agreement and to effect compliance with the Securities Act and any other federal or state securities laws or regulations and any other applicable law. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the Administrator may require an opinion of counsel acceptable to it to the effect that any subsequent transfer of shares acquired on an Option exercise does not violate the Securities Act, and may issue stop-transfer orders covering such shares. Share certificates evidencing Stock issued on exercise of the Option shall bear an appropriate legend referring to the provisions of this subsection (c) and the agreements herein. The written representation and agreement referred to in the first sentence of this subsection (c) shall, however, not be required if the shares to be issued pursuant to such exercise have been registered under the Securities Act, and such registration is then effective in respect of such shares; and

(d)    The receipt by the Company of full payment for such shares, including payment of any applicable withholding tax, which may be in the form of consideration used by Participant to pay for such shares under Section 4.3(b), subject to Section 16.3 of the Plan; and

(e)    In the event the Option or portion thereof shall be exercised pursuant to Section 4.1 by any person or persons other than Participant, appropriate proof of the right of such person or persons to exercise the Option.


A-4




4.4     Conditions to Issuance of Stock Certificates . The shares of Stock deliverable upon the exercise of the Option, or any portion thereof, may be either previously authorized but unissued shares or issued shares which have then been reacquired by the Company. Such shares shall be fully paid and nonassessable. The Company shall not be required to issue or deliver any shares of Stock purchased upon the exercise of the Option or portion thereof prior to fulfillment of all of the following conditions:

(a)    The admission of such shares to listing on all stock exchanges on which such Stock is then listed; and

(b)    The completion of any registration or other qualification of such shares under any state or federal law or under rulings or regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission or of any other governmental regulatory body, which the Administrator shall, in its absolute discretion, deem necessary or advisable; and

(c)    The obtaining of any approval or other clearance from any state or federal governmental agency which the Administrator shall, in its absolute discretion, determine to be necessary or advisable; and

(d)    The receipt by the Company of full payment for such shares, including payment of any applicable withholding tax, which may be in the form of consideration used by Participant to pay for such shares under Section 4.3(b); and

(e)    The lapse of such reasonable period of time following the exercise of the Option as the Administrator may from time to time establish for reasons of administrative convenience.

4.5     Rights as Stockholder . The holder of the Option shall not be, nor have any of the rights or privileges of, a stockholder of the Company in respect of any shares purchasable upon the exercise of any part of the Option unless and until such shares shall have been issued by the Company to such holder (as evidenced by the appropriate entry on the books of the Company or of a duly authorized transfer agent of the Company). No adjustment will be made for a dividend or other right for which the record date is prior to the date the shares are issued, except as provided in Article 12 of the Plan.

ARTICLE V
OTHER PROVISIONS

5.1     Administration . The Administrator shall have the power to interpret the Plan and this Agreement and to adopt such rules for the administration, interpretation and application of the Plan as are consistent therewith and to interpret, amend or revoke any such rules. All actions taken and all interpretations and determinations made by the Administrator in good faith shall be final and binding upon Participant, the Company and all other interested persons. No member of the Administrator shall be personally liable for any action, determination or interpretation made in good faith with respect to the Plan, this Agreement or the Option. In its absolute discretion, the Board may at any time and from time to time exercise any and all rights and duties of the Administrator under the Plan and this Agreement.

5.2     Option Not Transferable .

(a)    Subject to Section 5.2(b), the Option may not be sold, pledged, assigned or transferred in any manner other than by will or the laws of descent and distribution, unless and until the shares underlying the Option have been issued, and all restrictions applicable to such shares have lapsed.

A-5




Neither the Option nor any interest or right therein shall be liable for the debts, contracts or engagements of Participant or his or her successors in interest or shall be subject to disposition by transfer, alienation, anticipation, pledge, encumbrance, assignment or any other means whether such disposition be voluntary or involuntary or by operation of law by judgment, levy, attachment, garnishment or any other legal or equitable proceedings (including bankruptcy), and any attempted disposition thereof shall be null and void and of no effect, except to the extent that such disposition is permitted by the preceding sentence.

(b)    Notwithstanding any other provision in this Agreement, with the consent of the Administrator and to the extent the Option is not intended to qualify as an Incentive Stock Option, the Option may be transferred to one or more Permitted Transferees, subject to the terms and conditions set forth in Section 11.3(b) of the Plan.

(b)    Unless transferred to a Permitted Transferee in accordance with Section 5.2(b), during the lifetime of Participant, only Participant may exercise the Option or any portion thereof. Subject to such conditions and procedures as the Administrator may require, a Permitted Transferee may exercise the Option or any portion thereof during Participant’s lifetime. After the death of Participant, any exercisable portion of the Option may, prior to the time when the Option becomes unexercisable under Section 3.3, be exercised by Participant’s personal representative or by any person empowered to do so under the deceased Participant’s will or under the then applicable laws of descent and distribution.

5.3     Restrictive Legends and Stop-Transfer Orders .

(a)    The share certificate or certificates evidencing the shares of Stock purchased hereunder shall be endorsed with any legends that may be required by state or federal securities laws.

(b)    Participant agrees that, in order to ensure compliance with the restrictions referred to herein, the Company may issue appropriate “stop transfer” instructions to its transfer agent, if any, and that, if the Company transfers its own securities, it may make appropriate notations to the same effect in its own records.

(c)    The Company shall not be required: (i) to transfer on its books any shares of Stock that have been sold or otherwise transferred in violation of any of the provisions of this Agreement, or (ii) to treat as owner of such shares of Stock or to accord the right to vote or pay dividends to any purchaser or other transferee to whom such shares shall have been so transferred.

5.4     Shares to Be Reserved . The Company shall at all times during the term of the Option reserve and keep available such number of shares of Stock as will be sufficient to satisfy the requirements of this Agreement.

5.5     Notices . Any notice to be given under the terms of this Agreement to the Company shall be addressed to the Company in care of the Secretary of the Company at the address given beneath the signature of the Company’s authorized officer on the Grant Notice, and any notice to be given to Participant shall be addressed to Participant at the address given beneath Participant’s signature on the Grant Notice. By a notice given pursuant to this Section 5.5, either party may hereafter designate a different address for notices to be given to that party. Any notice which is required to be given to Participant shall, if Participant is then deceased, be given to the person entitled to exercise his or her Option pursuant to Section 4.1 by written notice under this Section 5.5. Any notice shall be deemed duly given when sent via email or when sent by certified mail (return receipt requested) and deposited (with postage prepaid) in a post office or branch post office regularly maintained by the United States Postal Service.

A-6





5.6     Titles . Titles are provided herein for convenience only and are not to serve as a basis for interpretation or construction of this Agreement.

5.7     Governing Law; Severability . This Agreement shall be administered, interpreted and enforced under the laws of the State of Delaware, without regard to the conflicts of law principles thereof. Should any provision of this Agreement be determined by a court of law to be illegal or unenforceable, the other provisions shall nevertheless remain effective and shall remain enforceable.

5.8     Conformity to Securities Laws . Participant acknowledges that the Plan and this Agreement are intended to conform to the extent necessary with all provisions of the Securities Act and the Exchange Act, and any and all regulations and rules promulgated thereunder by the Securities and Exchange Commission, and state securities laws and regulations. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, the Plan shall be administered, and the Option is granted and may be exercised, only in such a manner as to conform to such laws, rules and regulations. To the extent permitted by applicable law, the Plan and this Agreement shall be deemed amended to the extent necessary to conform to such laws, rules and regulations.

5.9     Amendment, Suspension and Termination . To the extent permitted by the Plan, this Agreement may be wholly or partially amended or otherwise modified, suspended or terminated at any time or from time to time by the Administrator, provided, that, except as may otherwise be provided by the Plan, no amendment, modification, suspension or termination of this Agreement shall adversely effect the Award in any material way without the prior written consent of Participant.

5.10     Successors and Assigns . The Company may assign any of its rights under this Agreement to single or multiple assignees, and this Agreement shall inure to the benefit of the successors and assigns of the Company. Subject to the restrictions on transfer herein set forth, this Agreement shall be binding upon Participant and his or her heirs, executors, administrators, successors and assigns.

5.11     Notification of Disposition . If this Option is designated as an Incentive Stock Option, Participant shall give prompt notice to the Company of any disposition or other transfer of any shares of Stock acquired under this Agreement if such disposition or transfer is made (a) within two years from the Grant Date with respect to such shares or (b) within one year after the transfer of such shares to him. Such notice shall specify the date of such disposition or other transfer and the amount realized, in cash, other property, assumption of indebtedness or other consideration, by Participant in such disposition or other transfer.

5.12     Limitations Applicable to Section 16 Persons . Notwithstanding any other provision of the Plan or this Agreement, if Participant is subject to Section 16 of the Exchange Act, the Plan, the Option and this Agreement shall be subject to any additional limitations set forth in any applicable exemptive rule under Section 16 of the Exchange Act (including any amendment to Rule 16b-3 of the Exchange Act) that are requirements for the application of such exemptive rule. To the extent permitted by applicable law, this Agreement shall be deemed amended to the extent necessary to conform to such applicable exemptive rule.

5.13     Entire Agreement . The Plan and this Agreement (including all Exhibits hereto) constitute the entire agreement of the parties and supersede in their entirety all prior undertakings and agreements of the Company and Participant with respect to the subject matter hereof.



A-7





EXHIBIT B
TO STOCK OPTION GRANT NOTICE

FORM OF EXERCISE NOTICE

Effective as of today, _______________, ____________the undersigned ( Participant ”) hereby elects to exercise Participant’s option to purchase _______________shares of the Stock (the “ Shares ”) of Farmer Bros. Co., a Delaware corporation (the “ Company ”), under and pursuant to the Farmer Bros. Co. 2007 Omnibus Plan (the “ Plan ”) and the Stock Option Grant Notice and Stock Option Agreement dated _______________(the “ Option Agreement ”). Capitalized terms used herein without definition shall have the meanings given in the Option Agreement.
 
 
 
Grant Date:  
 
__________________
Number of Shares as to which Option is Exercised:  
 
__________________
Exercise Price per Share:  
 
$_________________
Total Exercise Price:  
 
$_________________
Certificate to be issued in name of:  
 
__________________
Payment delivered herewith:  
 
$_________________
(Representing the full Exercise Price for the Shares, as well as any applicable withholding tax)
 
 

Form of Payment: _______________
 
 
(Please specify)

Type of Option:  
 
  Incentive Stock Option        Non-Qualified Stock Option
Participant acknowledges that Participant has received, read and understood the Plan and the Option Agreement. Participant agrees to abide by and be bound by their terms and conditions. Participant understands that Participant may suffer adverse tax consequences as a result of Participant’s purchase or disposition of the Shares. Participant represents that Participant has consulted with any tax consultants Participant deems advisable in connection with the purchase or disposition of the Shares and that Participant is not relying on the Company for any tax advice. The Plan and Option Agreement are incorporated herein by reference. This Agreement, the Plan and the Option Agreement constitute the entire agreement of the parties and supersede in their entirety all prior undertakings and agreements of the Company and Participant with respect to the subject matter hereof.

B-1




 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
ACCEPTED BY:
 
 
 
 
 
FARMER BROS. CO.
 
SUBMITTED BY:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
By:
 
 
 
By:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Print Name:
 
 
 
Print Name:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Title:
 
 
 
Address:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


A-2



Exhibit 10.3
FARMER BROS. CO.

FORM OF
2007 OMNIBUS PLAN
RESTRICTED STOCK AWARD GRANT NOTICE AND
RESTRICTED STOCK AWARD AGREEMENT

Farmer Bros. Co., a Delaware corporation (the “ Company ”), pursuant to its 2007 Omnibus Plan (the “ Plan ”), hereby grants to the individual listed below (“ Participant ”), the number of shares of Restricted Stock set forth below (the “ Shares ”). This Award is subject to all of the terms and conditions as set forth herein and in the Restricted Stock Award Agreement attached hereto as Exhibit A (the “ Restricted Stock Agreement ”) (including without limitation the Restrictions on the Shares set forth in the Restricted Stock Agreement) and the Plan, each of which are incorporated herein by reference. Unless otherwise defined herein, the terms defined in the Plan shall have the same defined meanings in this Grant Notice and the Restricted Stock Agreement.
 
 
 
 
Participant:
 
 
 
 
Grant Date:
 
 
 
 
Vesting Commencement Date:
 
 
 
 
Total Number of Shares of Restricted Stock:
 
 
 
 
Vesting Schedule:
 
[To be specified in individual agreements], subject to the acceleration provisions set forth in the Restricted Stock Agreement.
 
 
By his or her signature below, Participant agrees to be bound by the terms and conditions of the Plan, the Restricted Stock Agreement and this Grant Notice. Participant has reviewed the Restricted Stock Agreement, the Plan and this Grant Notice in their entirety, has had an opportunity to obtain the advice of counsel prior to executing this Grant Notice and fully understands all provisions of this Grant Notice, the Restricted Stock Agreement and the Plan. Participant hereby agrees to accept as binding, conclusive and final all decisions or interpretations of the Administrator of the Plan upon any questions arising under the Plan, this Grant Notice or the Restricted Stock Agreement. Participant further agrees to notify the Company upon any change in the residence address indicated below.





FARMER BROS. CO.
 
PARTICIPANT
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
By:
 
 
 
By:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Print Name:
 
 
 
Print Name:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Title:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Address:
 
20333 South Normandie Avenue
Torrance, California 90502
 
Address:
 
 
  
 








EXHIBIT A
TO RESTRICTED STOCK AWARD GRANT NOTICE

FARMER BROS. CO. RESTRICTED STOCK AWARD AGREEMENT

Pursuant to the Restricted Stock Award Grant Notice (the “ Grant Notice ”) to which this Restricted Stock Award Agreement (this “ Agreement ”) is attached, Farmer Bros. Co., a Delaware corporation (the “ Company ”) has granted to Participant the number of shares of Restricted Stock under the 2007 Omnibus Plan, as amended from time to time (the “ Plan ”), as set forth in the Grant Notice.

ARTICLE I
GENERAL

1.1     Definitions . All capitalized terms used in this Agreement without definition shall have the meanings ascribed in the Plan and the Grant Notice.

1.2     Incorporation of Terms of Plan . The Award (as defined below) is subject to the terms and conditions of the Plan which are incorporated herein by reference. In the event of any inconsistency between the Plan and this Agreement, the terms of the Plan shall control.

ARTICLE II
AWARD OF RESTRICTED STOCK

2.1     Award of Restricted Stock

(a)     Award . In consideration of Participant’s agreement to remain in the service or employ of the Company or one of its Parents or Subsidiaries, and for other good and valuable consideration which the Administrator has determined exceeds the aggregate par value of the Shares subject to the Award (as defined below), as of the Grant Date, the Company issues to Participant the Award described in this Agreement (the “ Award ”). The number of shares of Restricted Stock (the “ Shares ”) subject to the Award is set forth in the Grant Notice. The Participant is an Employee, member of the Board, or Consultant.

(b)     Book Entry Form . The Shares will be issued in uncertificated form. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in the foregoing, at the sole discretion of the Administrator, the Shares will be issued in either (i) uncertificated form, with the Shares recorded in the name of Participant in the books and records of the Company’s transfer agent with appropriate notations regarding the restrictions on transfer imposed pursuant to this Agreement, and upon vesting and the satisfaction of all conditions set forth in Section 2.2(c), the Company shall cause certificates representing the Shares to be issued to Participant; or (ii) certificate form pursuant to the terms of Sections 2.1(c) and (d).

(c)     Legend . Certificates representing Shares issued pursuant to this Agreement shall, until all Restrictions imposed pursuant to this Agreement lapse or shall have been removed and new certificates are issued, bear the following legend (or such other legend as shall be determined by the Administrator):

“THE SECURITIES REPRESENTED BY THIS CERTIFICATE ARE SUBJECT TO CERTAIN VESTING REQUIREMENTS AND MAY BE SUBJECT TO FORFEITURE UNDER THE TERMS OF THAT CERTAIN RESTRICTED STOCK AWARD AGREEMENT, DATED [____________ __, 20___], BY AND BETWEEN FARMER BROS. CO. AND THE REGISTERED OWNER OF SUCH SHARES, AND SUCH

A-1




SHARES MAY NOT BE, DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY, OFFERED, TRANSFERRED, SOLD, ASSIGNED, PLEDGED, HYPOTHECATED OR OTHERWISE DISPOSED OF UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES, EXCEPT PURSUANT TO THE PROVISIONS OF SUCH AGREEMENT.”

(d)     Escrow . The Secretary of the Company, or such other escrow holder as the Administrator may appoint, may retain physical custody of the certificates representing the Shares until all of the restrictions on transfer imposed pursuant to this Agreement lapse or shall have been removed; in such event Participant shall not retain physical custody of any certificates representing unvested Shares issued to him or her.

2.2     Restrictions

(a)     Forfeiture . Any Award which is not vested as of the date Participant ceases to be an Employee or other Eligible Individual shall thereupon be forfeited immediately and without any further action by the Company. For purposes of this Agreement, “ Restrictions ” shall mean the restrictions on sale or other transfer set forth in Section 3.2 and the exposure to forfeiture set forth in this Section 2.2(a).

(b)     Vesting and Lapse of Restrictions . Subject to Sections 2.2(a) and 2.3 hereof, the Award shall vest and the Restrictions shall lapse in accordance with the vesting schedule set forth on the Grant Notice.

(c)     Tax Withholding; Conditions to Issuance of Certificates . Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement (including without limitation Section 2.1(b)):

(i)    No new certificate shall be delivered to Participant or his or her legal representative unless and until Participant or his or her legal representative shall have paid to the Company the full amount of all federal and state withholding or other taxes applicable to the taxable income of Participant resulting from the grant of Shares or the lapse or removal of the Restrictions, which payment shall be in the form of (1) cash, (2) check, or (3) upon the request of Participant and with the consent of the Administrator, withholding by the Company, on the date that the Restrictions on all or a portion of the Award shall lapse pursuant to Section 2.2(b), of a number of whole Shares for which the Restrictions would have otherwise lapsed on such date, having a Fair Market Value, determined as of such date, not in excess of the minimum tax required to be withheld by law (the “ Share Withholding Procedure ”). Any adverse consequences to Participant arising in connection with the Share Withholding Procedure shall be the sole responsibility of Participant.

(ii)    The Company shall not be required to issue or deliver any certificate or certificates for any Shares prior to the fulfillment of all of the following conditions: (A) the admission of the Shares to listing on all stock exchanges on which such Stock is then listed, (B) the completion of any registration or other qualification of the Shares under any state or federal law or under rulings or regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission or other governmental regulatory body, which the Administrator shall, in its sole and absolute discretion, deem necessary and advisable, (C) the obtaining of any approval or other clearance from any state or federal governmental agency that the Administrator shall, in its absolute discretion, determine to be necessary or advisable and (D) the lapse of any such reasonable period of time following the date the Restrictions lapse as the Administrator may from time to time establish for reasons of administrative convenience.


A-2




 2.3     Acceleration of Vesting

(a)     Acceleration of Vesting Upon Death or Disability or Termination . In the event of Participant’s Termination of Employment, Termination of Directorship or Termination of Consultancy by reason of Participant’s death or Disability, the following pro rata portion of the Shares will be deemed to have vested immediately prior to the termination event and shall no longer be subject to forfeiture (up to a maximum of 100% of the Shares):

(Actual Number of Service Days During Vesting Period)
(Total Number of Days During Vesting Period)        X    (No. of Shares) = (Vested Shares)
 
          

(b)     Other Events . The Administrator retains the discretion to determine whether an acceleration of vesting will occur upon the occurrence of certain other events, including Termination of Consultancy, Termination of Directorship, and Termination of Employment other than by reason of death or Disability, and an impending Change in Control.

ARTICLE III
OTHER PROVISIONS

3.1     Administration . The Administrator shall have the power to interpret the Plan and this Agreement and to adopt such rules for the administration, interpretation and application of the Plan as are consistent therewith and to interpret, amend or revoke any such rules. All actions taken and all interpretations and determinations made by the Administrator in good faith shall be final and binding upon Participant, the Company and all other interested persons. No member of the Administrator shall be personally liable for any action, determination or interpretation made in good faith with respect to the Plan, this Agreement or the Option. In its absolute discretion, the Board may at any time and from time to time exercise any and all rights and duties of the Administrator under the Plan and this Agreement.

3.2     Restricted Stock Not Transferable . Prior to the lapsing of the Restrictions pursuant to Section 2.2(b), no Shares or any interest or right therein or part thereof shall be liable for the debts, contracts or engagements of Participant or his or her successors in interest or shall be subject to disposition by transfer, alienation, anticipation, pledge, encumbrance, assignment or any other means whether such disposition be voluntary or involuntary or by operation of law by judgment, levy, attachment, garnishment or any other legal or equitable proceedings (including bankruptcy), and any attempted disposition thereof shall be null and void and of no effect; provided, however, that this Section 3.2 notwithstanding, with the consent of the Administrator, the Shares may be transferred to certain persons or entities related to Participant, including but not limited to members of Participant’s family, charitable institutions or trusts or other entities whose beneficiaries or beneficial owners are members of Participant’s family or to such other persons or entities as may be expressly approved by the Administrator, pursuant to any such conditions and procedures the Administrator may require. Upon the lapsing of the Restrictions pursuant to Section 2.2(b), the Shares shall no longer be Restricted Stock but shall be Stock held by Participant, and Participant shall have all the rights of a stockholder with respect to such Stock.

3.3     Rights as Stockholder . Except as otherwise provided herein, upon the Grant Date Participant shall have all the rights of a stockholder with respect to the Shares, subject to the Restrictions herein, including the right to vote the Shares and the right to receive any cash or stock dividends paid to or made with respect to the Shares.


A-3




3.4     Not a Contract of Employment . Nothing in this Agreement or in the Plan shall confer upon Participant any right to continue to serve as an Employee, member of the Board, Consultant, or other service provider of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries.

3.5     Notices . Any notice to be given under the terms of this Agreement to the Company shall be addressed to the Company in care of the Secretary of the Company at the address given beneath the signature of the Company’s authorized officer on the Grant Notice, and any notice to be given to Participant shall be addressed to Participant at the address given beneath Participant’s signature on the Grant Notice. By a notice given pursuant to this Section 3.5, either party may hereafter designate a different address for notices to be given to that party. Any notice shall be deemed duly given when sent via email or when sent by certified mail (return receipt requested) and deposited (with postage prepaid) in a post office or branch post office regularly maintained by the United States Postal Service.

3.6     Titles . Titles are provided herein for convenience only and are not to serve as a basis for interpretation or construction of this Agreement.

3.7     Governing Law; Severability . This Agreement shall be administered, interpreted and enforced under the laws of the State of Delaware, without regard to the conflicts of law principles thereof. Should any provision of this Agreement be determined by a court of law to be illegal or unenforceable, the other provisions shall nevertheless remain effective and shall remain enforceable.

3.8     Conformity to Securities Laws . Participant acknowledges that the Plan and this Agreement are intended to conform to the extent necessary with all provisions of the Securities Act and the Exchange Act, and any and all regulations and rules promulgated thereunder by the Securities and Exchange Commission, and state securities laws and regulations. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, the Plan shall be administered, and the Awards are granted and may be exercised, only in such a manner as to conform to such laws, rules and regulations. To the extent permitted by applicable law, the Plan and this Agreement shall be deemed amended to the extent necessary to conform to such laws, rules and regulations.

3.9     Amendment, Suspension and Termination . To the extent permitted by the Plan, this Agreement may be wholly or partially amended or otherwise modified, suspended or terminated at any time or from time to time by the Administrator, provided, that, except as may otherwise be provided by the Plan, no amendment, modification, suspension or termination of this Agreement shall adversely effect the Award in any material way without the prior written consent of Participant.

3.10     Successors and Assigns . The Company may assign any of its rights under this Agreement to single or multiple assignees, and this Agreement shall inure to the benefit of the successors and assigns of the Company. Subject to the restrictions on transfer herein set forth, this Agreement shall be binding upon Participant and his or her heirs, executors, administrators, successors and assigns.

3.11     Limitations Applicable to Section 16 Persons . Notwithstanding any other provision of the Plan or this Agreement, if Participant is subject to Section 16 of the Exchange Act, the Plan, the Award and this Agreement shall be subject to any additional limitations set forth in any applicable exemptive rule under Section 16 of the Exchange Act (including any amendment to Rule 16b-3 of the Exchange Act) that are requirements for the application of such exemptive rule. To the extent permitted by applicable law, this Agreement shall be deemed amended to the extent necessary to conform to such applicable exemptive rule.


A-4




3.12     Entire Agreement . The Plan and this Agreement (including all Exhibits hereto) constitute the entire agreement of the parties and supersede in their entirety all prior undertakings and agreements of the Company and Participant with respect to the subject matter hereof.


A-5


Exhibit 10.4
FARMER BROS. CO.
 
STOCK OWNERSHIP GUIDELINES
FOR DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
 
Adopted by the Board of Directors on February 20, 2008
 
                The Board of Directors of Farmer Bros. Co. (the “Company”) has adopted these Stock Ownership Guidelines (“Guidelines”) to further align the interests of the Company’s executive officers and independent directors with the interests of the Company’s stockholders and to further promote the Company’s commitment to sound corporate governance.
 
I.              Executive Officer Stock Ownership Guidelines
 
                Executive officers of the Company, as identified by the Committee (“Officers”), are expected to own and hold a number of shares of the Company’s common stock (“Common Stock”) based on the following guidelines:
 
Officer
 
Value of Shares Owned
 
Chief Executive Officer
 
$450,000
 
Other Executive Officers
 
$100,000 - $250,000, as determined by the Board in its discretion
 
 
II.            Non-Employee Director Stock Ownership Guidelines
 
                Non-employee directors are expected to own and hold during their service as a Board member a number of shares of Common Stock with a value equal to at least three (3) times the amount of the non-employee director annual stock-based award, as the same may be adjusted from time to time, under the Company’s 2007 Omnibus Plan.
 
III.           Compliance with the Guidelines
 
                Stock that counts toward satisfaction of these Guidelines include: (a) shares of Common Stock owned outright by the Officer or non-employee director and his or her immediate family members who share the same household, whether held individually or jointly; (b) restricted stock or restricted stock units (whether or not the restrictions have lapsed); (c) ESOP shares; and (d) shares of Common Stock held in trust for the benefit of the Officer or non-employee director or his or her family.
 
                Until the applicable guideline is achieved, each Officer and non-employee director is required to retain all “profit shares,” which are those shares remaining after payment of taxes on earned equity awards under the Company’s 2007 Omnibus Plan, such as shares granted pursuant to the exercise of vested options and restricted stock that has vested.  Officers and non-employee directors are expected to continuously own sufficient shares to meet these Guidelines once attained.  Nothing contained herein shall otherwise prohibit any officer or non-employee director from transferring shares acquired by such person other than pursuant to the Company’s 2007 Omnibus Plan, including shares directly purchased in the market and ESOP shares, if any, subject to applicable securities laws and the Company’s other policies and procedures, including, without limitation, the Company’s Insider Trading Policy.
 
                These Guidelines may be waived at the discretion of the Board if compliance would create severe hardship or prevent an Officer or non-employee director from complying with a court order. It is expected that these instances will be rare.
 
 




Exhibit 10.5
[FORM OF]
INDEMNIFICATION AGREEMENT

THIS INDEMNIFICATION AGREEMENT (this “ Agreement ”) is made and entered into as of ____________, by and between Farmer Bros. Co., a Delaware corporation (the “ Company ”), and _____________ (“ Indemnitee ”).

RECITALS

WHEREAS, highly competent persons have become more reluctant to serve publicly-held corporations as directors, officers or in other capacities unless they are provided with adequate protection through insurance or adequate indemnification against inordinate risks of claims and actions against them arising out of their service to and activities on behalf of the corporation;

WHEREAS, the Board of Directors of the Company (the “ Board ”) has determined that, in order to attract and retain qualified individuals, the Company will attempt to maintain on an ongoing basis, at its sole expense, liability insurance to protect persons serving the Company and its subsidiaries from certain liabilities. Although the furnishing of such insurance has been a customary and widespread practice among United States-based corporations and other business enterprises, the Company believes that, given current market conditions and trends, such insurance may be available to it in the future only at higher premiums and with more exclusions. At the same time, directors, officers and other persons in service to corporations or business enterprises are being increasingly subjected to expensive and time-consuming litigation relating to, among other things, matters that traditionally would have been brought only against the Company or business enterprise itself. The Certificate of Incorporation (the “ Charter ”) and the Bylaws of the Company require indemnification of the officers and directors of the Company. Indemnitee may also be entitled to indemnification pursuant to applicable provisions of the Delaware General Corporation Law (the “ DGCL ”). The Charter, the Bylaws and the DGCL expressly provide that the indemnification provisions set forth therein are not exclusive, and thereby contemplate that contracts may be entered into between the Company and members of the board of directors, officers and other persons with respect to indemnification;

WHEREAS, the uncertainties relating to such insurance and to indemnification have increased the difficulty of attracting and retaining such persons;

WHEREAS, the Board has determined that the increased difficulty in attracting and retaining such persons is detrimental to the best interests of the Company’s stockholders and that the Company should act to assure such persons that there will be increased certainty of such protection in the future;

WHEREAS, it is reasonable, prudent and necessary for the Company contractually to obligate itself to indemnify, and to advance expenses on behalf of, such persons to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law so that they will serve or continue to serve the Company free from undue concern that they will not be so indemnified;

WHEREAS, this Agreement is a supplement to and in furtherance of the Charter, the Bylaws of the Company and any resolutions adopted pursuant thereto, and shall not be deemed a substitute therefor, nor diminish or abrogate any rights of Indemnitee thereunder; and

WHEREAS, Indemnitee does not regard the protection available under the Company’s Charter, Bylaws and insurance as adequate in the present circumstances, and may not be willing to serve as an officer or director without adequate protection, and the Company desires Indemnitee to serve in such capacity. Indemnitee is willing to serve, continue to serve and to take on additional service for or on behalf of the Company on the condition that he or she be so indemnified;

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and the covenants contained herein and Indemnitee’s agreement to serve as a director or officer after the date hereof, the Company and Indemnitee do hereby covenant and agree as follows:






1.     Definitions . As used in this Agreement:

(a)    References to “ agent ” shall mean any person who is or was a director, officer, or employee of the Company or a Subsidiary of the Company or other person authorized by the Company to act for the Company, to include such person serving in such capacity as a director, officer, employee, fiduciary or other official of another corporation, partnership, limited liability company, joint venture, trust or other enterprise at the request of, for the convenience of, or to represent the interests of the Company or a Subsidiary of the Company.

(b)    The terms “ Beneficial Owner ” and “ Beneficial Ownership ” shall have the meanings set forth in Rule 13d-3 promulgated under the Exchange Act as in effect on the date hereof.

(c)    A “ Change in Control ” shall be deemed to occur upon the earliest to occur after the date of this Agreement of any of the following events:

(i)     Acquisition of Stock by Third Party . Any Person is or becomes the Beneficial Owner, directly or indirectly, of securities of the Company representing fifteen percent (15%) or more of the combined voting power of the Company’s then outstanding securities entitled to vote generally in the election of directors, unless (1) the change in the relative Beneficial Ownership of the Company’s securities by any Person results solely from a reduction in the aggregate number of outstanding shares of securities entitled to vote generally in the election of directors, or (2) such acquisition was approved in advance by the Continuing Directors and such acquisition would not constitute a Change in Control under part (iii) of this definition;

(ii)     Change in Board of Directors . Individuals who, as of the date hereof, constitute the Board, and any new director whose election by the Board or nomination for election by the Company’s stockholders was approved by a vote of at least two thirds of the directors then still in office who were directors on the date hereof or whose election for nomination for election was previously so approved (collectively, the “ Continuing Directors ”), cease for any reason to constitute at least a majority of the members of the Board;

(iii)     Corporate Transactions . The effective date of a reorganization, merger or consolidation of the Company (a “ Business Combination ”), in each case, unless, following such Business Combination: (1) all or substantially all of the individuals and entities who were the Beneficial Owners of securities entitled to vote generally in the election of directors immediately prior to such Business Combination beneficially own, directly or indirectly, more than 51% of the combined voting power of the then outstanding securities of the Company entitled to vote generally in the election of directors resulting from such Business Combination (including, without limitation, a corporation which as a result of such transaction owns the Company or all or substantially all of the Company’s assets either directly or through one or more Subsidiaries) in substantially the same proportions as their ownership, immediately prior to such Business Combination, of the securities entitled to vote generally in the election of directors; (2) no Person (excluding any corporation resulting from such Business Combination) is the Beneficial Owner, directly or indirectly, of 15% or more of the combined voting power of the then outstanding securities entitled to vote generally in the election of directors of such corporation except to the extent that such ownership existed prior to the Business Combination; and (3) at least a majority of the Board of Directors of the corporation resulting from such Business Combination were Continuing Directors at the time of the execution of the initial agreement, or of the action of the Board of Directors, providing for such Business Combination;

(iv)     Liquidation . The approval by the stockholders of the Company of a complete liquidation of the Company or an agreement or series of agreements for the sale or disposition by the Company of all or substantially all of the Company’s assets (or, if such approval is not required, the decision by the Board to proceed with such a liquidation, sale, or disposition in one transaction or a series of related transactions); or

(v)     Other Events . There occurs any other event of a nature that would be required to be reported in response to Item 6(e) of Schedule 14A of Regulation 14A (or a response to any similar item on any similar schedule or form) promulgated under the Exchange Act, whether or not the Company is then subject to such reporting requirement.


2




(d)    “ Corporate Status ” describes the status of a person who is or was a director, officer, trustee, general partner, managing member, fiduciary, employee or agent of the Company or of any other Enterprise which such person is or was serving at the request of the Company.

(e)    “ Delaware Court ” shall mean the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware.

(f)    “ Disinterested Director ” shall mean a director of the Company who is not and was not a party to the Proceeding in respect of which indemnification is sought by Indemnitee.

(g)    “ Enterprise ” shall mean the Company and any other corporation, constituent corporation (including any constituent of a constituent) absorbed in a consolidation or merger to which the Company (or any of its wholly owned subsidiaries) is a party, limited liability company, partnership, joint venture, trust, employee benefit plan or other enterprise of which Indemnitee is or was serving at the request of the Company as a director, officer, trustee, general partner, managing member, fiduciary, employee or agent.

(h)    “ Exchange Act ” shall mean the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

(i)    “ Expenses ” shall include all direct and indirect costs, fees and expenses of any type or nature whatsoever, including, without limitation, attorneys’ fees and costs, retainers, court costs, transcript costs, fees and disbursements of experts, witness fees, fees and disbursements of private investigators and professional advisors, travel expenses, duplicating costs, printing and binding costs, telephone and fax transmission charges, postage, delivery service fees, secretarial services, reasonable compensation for time spent by Indemnitee for which he is not otherwise compensated for by the Company or any third party, and all other disbursements or expenses in connection with prosecuting, defending, preparing to prosecute or defend, investigating, being or preparing to be a witness in, or otherwise participating in, a Proceeding or enforcing a right to indemnification under this Agreement. Expenses also shall include Expenses incurred in connection with any appeal resulting from any Proceeding, including without limitation the premium, security for, and other costs relating to any cost bond, supersedeas bond, or other appeal bond or its equivalent. Expenses, however, shall not include amounts paid in settlement by Indemnitee or the amount of judgments or fines against Indemnitee.

(j)    “ Independent Counsel ” shall mean a law firm or a member of a law firm that is experienced in matters of corporation law and neither presently is, nor in the past five years has been, retained to represent: (i) the Company or Indemnitee in any matter material to either such party (other than with respect to matters concerning Indemnitee under this Agreement, or of other indemnitees under similar indemnification agreements); or (ii) any other party to the Proceeding giving rise to a claim for indemnification hereunder. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the term “ Independent Counsel ” shall not include any person who, under the applicable standards of professional conduct then prevailing, would have a conflict of interest in representing either the Company or Indemnitee in an action to determine Indemnitee’s rights under this Agreement. The Company agrees to pay the reasonable fees of the Independent Counsel referred to above and to fully indemnify such counsel against any and all Expenses, claims, liabilities and damages arising out of or relating to this Agreement or its engagement pursuant hereto.

(k)    References to “ fines ” shall include any excise tax assessed on Indemnitee with respect to any employee benefit plan; references to “ serving at the request of the Company ” shall include any service as a director, officer, employee, agent or fiduciary of the Company which imposes duties on, or involves services by, such director, officer, employee, agent or fiduciary with respect to an employee benefit plan, its participants or beneficiaries; and if Indemnitee acted in good faith and in a manner Indemnitee reasonably believed to be in the best interests of the participants and beneficiaries of an employee benefit plan, Indemnitee shall be deemed to have acted in a manner “ not opposed to the best interests of the Company ” as referred to in this Agreement.

(l)    The term “ Person ” shall have the meaning as set forth in Sections 13(d) and 14(d) of the Exchange Act as in effect on the date hereof; provided, however, that “ Person ” shall exclude: (i) the Company; (ii) any Subsidiary of the Company; (iii) any employee benefit plan of the Company including, without limitation, the Company’s Employee Stock Ownership Plan, or of any Subsidiary of the Company, or any Person or entity organized, appointed or established by the Company for or pursuant to the terms of any such plan; (iv) a corporation owned directly or

3




indirectly by the stockholders of the Company in substantially the same proportions as their ownership of stock of the Company; and (v) Roy F. Farmer, deceased, his widow Emily Farmer and their descendants (collectively, “ Farmer Family Members” ), the estates of Farmer Family Members and the personal representatives thereof, and trusts, partnerships and other entities created by or for the benefit of Farmer Family Members and the trustees, partners and members thereof.

(m)    A “ Potential Change in Control ” shall be deemed to have occurred if: (i) the Company enters into an agreement or arrangement, the consummation of which would result in the occurrence of a Change in Control; (ii) any Person or the Company publicly announces an intention to take or consider taking actions which if consummated would constitute a Change in Control; (iii) any Person who becomes the Beneficial Owner, directly or indirectly, of securities of the Company representing 5% or more of the combined voting power of the Company’s then outstanding securities entitled to vote generally in the election of directors increases its Beneficial Ownership of such securities by 5% or more over the percentage so owned by such Person on the date hereof; or (iv) the Board adopts a resolution to the effect that, for purposes of this Agreement, a Potential Change in Control has occurred.

(n)    The term “ Proceeding ” shall include any threatened, pending or completed action, suit, arbitration, alternate dispute resolution mechanism, investigation, inquiry, administrative hearing or any other actual, threatened or completed proceeding, whether brought in the right of the Company or otherwise and whether of a civil (including intentional or unintentional tort claims), criminal, administrative or investigative nature, in which Indemnitee was, is or will be involved as a party or otherwise by reason of the fact that Indemnitee is or was a director or officer of the Company, by reason of any action (or failure to act) taken by him or of any action (or failure to act) on his part while acting as a director or officer of the Company, or by reason of the fact that he is or was serving at the request of the Company as a director, officer, trustee, general partner, managing member, fiduciary, employee or agent of any other Enterprise, in each case whether or not serving in such capacity at the time any liability or expense is incurred for which indemnification, reimbursement, or advancement of expenses can be provided under this Agreement.

(o)    The term “ Subsidiary ,” with respect to any Person, shall mean any corporation or other entity of which a majority of the voting power of the voting equity securities or equity interest is owned, directly or indirectly, by that Person.

2.     Agreement To Serve . Indemnitee agrees to serve and/or continue to serve as an agent of the Company, at its will (or under separate agreement, if such agreement exists), in the capacity Indemnitee currently serves as an agent of the Company; provided, however, that nothing contained in this Agreement is intended to or shall (i) restrict the ability of Indemnitee to resign at any time and for any reason from any current or future position or positions, (ii) create any right to continued employment of Indemnitee in any current or future position or positions, or (iii) restrict the ability of the Company to terminate the employment or agency of Indemnitee at any time and for any reason (subject to compliance with the terms of any employment or other applicable agreement to which the Company (or any of its Subsidiaries) and Indemnitee are parties).

3.     Indemnification in Third-Party Proceedings . The Company shall indemnify and hold harmless Indemnitee in accordance with the provisions of this Section 3 if, by reason of his Corporate Status, Indemnitee was, is, or is threatened to be made, a party to or a participant (as a witness or otherwise) in any Proceeding, other than a Proceeding by or in the right of the Company to procure a judgment in its favor. Pursuant to this Section 3, Indemnitee shall be indemnified against all Expenses, judgments, penalties, fines and amounts paid in settlement (including all interest, assessments and other charges paid or payable in connection with or in respect of such Expenses, judgments, fines, penalties and amounts paid in settlement) actually and reasonably incurred by Indemnitee or on his behalf in connection with such Proceeding or any claim, issue or matter therein, if Indemnitee acted in good faith and in a manner he reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the Company and, in the case of a criminal Proceeding, had no reasonable cause to believe that his conduct was unlawful.

4.     Indemnification in Proceedings by or in the Right of the Company . The Company shall indemnify and hold harmless Indemnitee in accordance with the provisions of this Section 4 if, by reason of his Corporate Status, Indemnitee was, is, or is threatened to be made, a party to or a participant (as a witness or otherwise) in any Proceeding brought by or in the right of the Company to procure a judgment in its favor. Pursuant to this Section 4, Indemnitee

4




shall be indemnified against all Expenses actually and reasonably incurred by Indemnitee or on his behalf in connection with such Proceeding or any claim, issue or matter therein, if Indemnitee acted in good faith and in a manner he reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the Company. Notwithstanding the foregoing, no indemnification shall be made under this Section 4 in respect of any claim, issue or matter as to which Indemnitee shall have been finally adjudged by a court to be liable to the Company, unless and only to the extent that any court in which the Proceeding was brought or the Delaware Court shall determine upon application that, despite the adjudication of liability but in view of all the circumstances of the case, Indemnitee is fairly and reasonably entitled to indemnification for such Expenses as the court shall deem proper.

5.     Indemnification for Expenses of a Party Who is Wholly or Partly Successful . Notwithstanding any other provisions of this Agreement, to the extent that Indemnitee is, by reason of his Corporate Status, a party to (or a participant in) and is successful, on the merits or otherwise, in any Proceeding or in defense of any claim, issue or matter therein, in whole or in part, the Company shall indemnify and hold harmless Indemnitee against all Expenses actually and reasonably incurred by him or on his behalf in connection therewith. If Indemnitee is not wholly successful in such Proceeding but is successful, on the merits or otherwise, as to one or more but less than all claims, issues or matters in such Proceeding, the Company shall indemnify and hold harmless Indemnitee against all Expenses actually and reasonably incurred by him or on his behalf in connection with each successfully resolved claim, issue or matter. If Indemnitee is not wholly successful in such Proceeding, the Company also shall indemnify and hold harmless Indemnitee against all Expenses reasonably incurred in connection with a claim, issue or matter related to any claim, issue or matter on which Indemnitee was successful. For purposes of this Section and without limitation, the termination of any claim, issue or matter in such a Proceeding by dismissal, with or without prejudice, shall be deemed to be a successful result as to such claim, issue or matter.

6.     Indemnification for Expenses of a Witness . Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, to the extent that Indemnitee is, by reason of his Corporate Status, a witness in any Proceeding to which Indemnitee is not a party, he shall be indemnified and held harmless against all Expenses actually and reasonably incurred by him or on his behalf in connection therewith.

7.     Additional Indemnification

(a)    Notwithstanding any limitation in Sections 3, 4 or 5, the Company shall indemnify and hold harmless Indemnitee if, by reason of his Corporate Status, Indemnitee is a party to or threatened to be made a party to or participant in any Proceeding (including a Proceeding by or in the right of the Company to procure a judgment in its favor) against all Expenses, judgments, fines, penalties and amounts paid in settlement (including all interest, assessments and other charges paid or payable in connection with or in respect of such Expenses, judgments, fines, penalties and amounts paid in settlement) actually and reasonably incurred by Indemnitee in connection with the Proceeding. No indemnity shall be made under this Section 7(a) on account of Indemnitee’s conduct which constitutes a breach of Indemnitee’s duty of loyalty to the Company or its stockholders or is an act or omission not in good faith or which involves intentional misconduct or a knowing violation of the law.

(b)    Notwithstanding any limitation in Sections 3, 4, 5 or 7(a), the Company shall indemnify and hold harmless Indemnitee if Indemnitee is a party to or threatened to be made a party to any Proceeding (including a Proceeding by or in the right of the Company to procure a judgment in its favor) against all Expenses, judgments, fines, penalties and amounts paid in settlement (including all interest, assessments and other charges paid or payable in connection with or in respect of such Expenses, judgments, fines, penalties and amounts paid in settlement) actually and reasonably incurred by Indemnitee in connection with the Proceeding.

8.     Contribution

(a)    Whether or not the indemnification provided in Sections 3, 4, 5 and 7 hereof is available, in respect of any threatened, pending or completed action, suit or proceeding in which the Company is jointly liable with Indemnitee (or would be if joined in such action, suit or proceeding), the Company shall pay, in the first instance, the entire amount of any judgment or settlement of such action, suit or proceeding without requiring Indemnitee to contribute to such payment and the Company hereby waives and relinquishes any right of contribution it may have

5




against Indemnitee. The Company shall not enter into any settlement of any action, suit or proceeding in which the Company is jointly liable with Indemnitee (or would be if joined in such action, suit or proceeding) unless such settlement provides for a full and final release of all claims asserted against Indemnitee.

(b)    Without diminishing or impairing the obligations of the Company set forth in the preceding subparagraph, if, for any reason, Indemnitee shall elect or be required to pay all or any portion of any judgment or settlement in any threatened, pending or completed action, suit or proceeding in which the Company is jointly liable with Indemnitee (or would be if joined in such action, suit or proceeding), the Company shall contribute to the amount of expenses (including attorneys’ fees), judgments, fines and amounts paid in settlement actually and reasonably incurred and paid or payable by Indemnitee in proportion to the relative benefits received by the Company and all officers, directors or employees of the Company, other than Indemnitee, who are jointly liable with Indemnitee (or would be if joined in such action, suit or proceeding), on the one hand, and Indemnitee, on the other hand, from the transaction from which such action, suit or proceeding arose; provided, however, that the proportion determined on the basis of relative benefit may, to the extent necessary to conform to law, be further adjusted by reference to the relative fault of the Company and all officers, directors or employees of the Company other than Indemnitee who are jointly liable with Indemnitee (or would be if joined in such action, suit or proceeding), on the one hand, and Indemnitee, on the other hand, in connection with the events that resulted in such expenses, judgments, fines or settlement amounts, as well as any other equitable considerations which the Law may require to be considered. The relative fault of the Company and all officers, directors or employees of the Company, other than Indemnitee, who are jointly liable with Indemnitee (or would be if joined in such action, suit or proceeding), on the one hand, and Indemnitee, on the other hand, shall be determined by reference to, among other things, the degree to which their actions were motivated by intent to gain personal profit or advantage, the degree to which their liability is primary or secondary and the degree to which their conduct is active or passive.

(c)    The Company hereby agrees to fully indemnify and hold Indemnitee harmless from any claims of contribution which may be brought by officers, directors or employees of the Company, other than Indemnitee, who may be jointly liable with Indemnitee.

(d)    To the fullest extent permissible under applicable law, if the indemnification provided for in this Agreement is unavailable to Indemnitee for any reason whatsoever, the Company, in lieu of indemnifying Indemnitee, shall contribute to the amount incurred by Indemnitee, whether for judgments, fines, penalties, excise taxes, amounts paid or to be paid in settlement and/or for Expenses, in connection with any claim relating to an indemnifiable event under this Agreement, in such proportion as is deemed fair and reasonable in light of all of the circumstances of such Proceeding in order to reflect (i) the relative benefits received by the Company and Indemnitee as a result of the event(s) and/or transaction(s) giving cause to such Proceeding; and/or (ii) the relative fault of the Company (and its directors, officers, employees and agents) and Indemnitee in connection with such event(s) and/or transaction(s).

9.     Exclusions . Notwithstanding any provision in this Agreement, the Company shall not be obligated under this Agreement to make any indemnity in connection with any claim made against Indemnitee:

(a)    for which payment has actually been received by or on behalf of Indemnitee under any insurance policy or other indemnity provision, except with respect to any excess beyond the amount actually received under any insurance policy, contract, agreement, other indemnity provision or otherwise;

(b)    for an accounting of profits made from the purchase and sale (or sale and purchase) by Indemnitee of securities of the Company within the meaning of Section 16(b) of the Exchange Act or similar provisions of state statutory law or common law;

(c)    except as otherwise provided in Sections 14(e) and (f) hereof, prior to a Change in Control, in connection with any Proceeding (or any part of any Proceeding) initiated by Indemnitee, including any Proceeding (or any part of any Proceeding) initiated by Indemnitee against the Company or its directors, officers, employees or other indemnitees, unless (i) the Board authorized the Proceeding (or any part of any Proceeding) prior to its initiation

6




or (ii) the Company provides the indemnification, in its sole discretion, pursuant to the powers vested in the Company under applicable law;

(d)    for any Expenses, judgments, liabilities, fines, penalties and amounts paid in settlement resulting from Indemnitee’s conduct which is finally adjudged to have been willful misconduct, knowingly fraudulent or deliberately dishonest; or

(e)    if a court of competent jurisdiction shall finally determine that any indemnification hereunder is unlawful.

10.     Advances of Expenses; Defense of Claim

(a)    Notwithstanding any provision of this Agreement to the contrary, and to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, the Company shall advance all Expenses incurred by or on behalf of Indemnitee (or reasonably expected by Indemnitee to be incurred by Indemnitee within three months) in connection with any Proceeding by reason of Indemnitee’s Corporate Status within ten (10) days after the receipt by the Company of a statement or statements requesting such advances from time to time, whether prior to or after final disposition of any Proceeding. Advances shall be unsecured and interest free. Advances shall be made without regard to Indemnitee’s ability to repay the Expenses and without regard to Indemnitee’s ultimate entitlement to indemnification under the other provisions of this Agreement. Advances shall include any and all reasonable Expenses incurred pursuing a Proceeding to enforce this right of advancement, including Expenses incurred preparing and forwarding statements to the Company to support the advances claimed. Indemnitee shall qualify for advances, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, solely upon the execution and delivery to the Company of an undertaking providing that Indemnitee undertakes to repay the advance to the extent that it is ultimately determined that Indemnitee is not entitled to be indemnified by the Company under the provisions of this Agreement, the Charter, the Bylaws of the Company, applicable law or otherwise. This Section 10(a) shall not apply to any claim made by Indemnitee for which indemnity is excluded pursuant to Section 9.

(b)    The Company shall be entitled to participate in any Proceeding at its own expense.

(c)    The Company shall not settle any action, claim or Proceeding (in whole or in part) which would impose any Expense, judgment, fine, penalty or limitation on Indemnitee without Indemnitee’s prior written consent.

11.     Procedure for Notification and Application for Indemnification

(a)    Indemnitee agrees to notify promptly the Company in writing upon being served with any summons, citation, subpoena, complaint, indictment, information or other document relating to any Proceeding or matter which may be subject to indemnification or advancement of Expenses covered hereunder. The failure of Indemnitee to so notify the Company shall not relieve the Company of any obligation which it may have to Indemnitee under this Agreement, or otherwise.

(b)    Indemnitee may deliver to the Company a written application to indemnify and hold harmless Indemnitee in accordance with this Agreement. Such application(s) may be delivered from time to time and at such time(s) as Indemnitee deems appropriate in his sole discretion. Following such a written application for indemnification by Indemnitee, Indemnitee’s entitlement to indemnification shall be determined according to Section 12(a) of this Agreement.

12.     Procedure Upon Application for Indemnification

(a)    A determination, if required by applicable law, with respect to Indemnitee’s entitlement to indemnification shall be made in the specific case by one of the following methods, which shall be at the election of the Board: (i) by a majority vote of the Disinterested Directors, even though less than a quorum of the Board or (ii) by Independent Counsel in a written opinion to the Board, a copy of which shall be delivered to Indemnitee. The Company promptly shall advise Indemnitee in writing with respect to any determination that Indemnitee is or is not entitled to

7




indemnification, including a description of any reason or basis for which indemnification has been denied. If it is so determined that Indemnitee is entitled to indemnification, payment to Indemnitee shall be made within ten (10) days after such determination. Indemnitee shall reasonably cooperate with the person, persons or entity making such determination with respect to Indemnitee’s entitlement to indemnification, including providing to such person, persons or entity upon reasonable advance request any documentation or information which is not privileged or otherwise protected from disclosure and which is reasonably available to Indemnitee and reasonably necessary to such determination. Any costs or Expenses (including attorneys’ fees and disbursements) incurred by Indemnitee in so cooperating with the person, persons or entity making such determination shall be borne by the Company (irrespective of the determination as to Indemnitee’s entitlement to indemnification) and the Company hereby indemnifies and agrees to hold Indemnitee harmless therefrom.

(b)    In the event the determination of entitlement to indemnification is to be made by Independent Counsel pursuant to Section 12(a) hereof, the Independent Counsel shall be selected as provided in this Section 12(b). The Independent Counsel shall be selected by the Board of Directors, and the Company shall give written notice to Indemnitee advising him of the identity of the Independent Counsel so selected and certifying that the Independent Counsel so selected meets the requirements of “Independent Counsel” as defined in Section 1 of this Agreement. Indemnitee may, within ten (10) days after such written notice of selection shall have been received, deliver to the Company a written objection to such selection; provided, however, that such objection may be asserted only on the ground that the Independent Counsel so selected does not meet the requirements of “Independent Counsel” as defined in Section 1 of this Agreement, and the objection shall set forth with particularity the factual basis of such assertion. Absent a proper and timely objection, the person so selected shall act as Independent Counsel. If such written objection is so made and substantiated, the Independent Counsel so selected may not serve as Independent Counsel unless and until such objection is withdrawn or a court of competent jurisdiction has determined that such objection is without merit. If, within twenty (20) days after submission by Indemnitee of a written request for indemnification pursuant to Section 11(b) hereof, no Independent Counsel shall have been selected and not objected to, either the Company or Indemnitee may petition the Delaware Court for resolution of any objection which shall have been made by Indemnitee to the Company’s selection of Independent Counsel and/or for the appointment as Independent Counsel of a person selected by the Delaware Court, and the person with respect to whom all objections are so resolved or the person so appointed shall act as Independent Counsel under Section 12(a) hereof. Upon the due commencement of any judicial proceeding or arbitration pursuant to Section 14(a) of this Agreement, Independent Counsel shall be discharged and relieved of any further responsibility in such capacity (subject to the applicable standards of professional conduct then prevailing). The Company shall pay any and all reasonable fees and expenses of Independent Counsel incurred by such Independent Counsel in connection with acting pursuant to Section 12(a) hereof, regardless of the manner in which such Independent Counsel was selected or appointed.

13.     Presumptions and Effect of Certain Proceedings

(a)    In making a determination with respect to entitlement to indemnification hereunder, the person, persons or entity making such determination shall presume that Indemnitee is entitled to indemnification under this Agreement if Indemnitee has submitted a request for indemnification in accordance with Section 11(b) of this Agreement, and the Company shall have the burden of proof to overcome that presumption in connection with the making by any person, persons or entity of any determination contrary to that presumption. Neither the failure of the Company (including by its directors or Independent Counsel) to have made a determination prior to the commencement of any action pursuant to this Agreement that indemnification is proper in the circumstances because Indemnitee has met the applicable standard of conduct, nor an actual determination by the Company (including by its directors or Independent Counsel) that Indemnitee has not met such applicable standard of conduct, shall be a defense to the action or create a presumption that Indemnitee has not met the applicable standard of conduct.

(b)    If the person, persons or entity empowered or selected under Section 12 of this Agreement to determine whether Indemnitee is entitled to indemnification shall not have made a determination within thirty (30) days after receipt by the Company of the request therefor, the requisite determination of entitlement to indemnification shall be deemed to have been made and Indemnitee shall be entitled to such indemnification, absent (i) a misstatement by Indemnitee of a material fact, or an omission of a material fact necessary to make Indemnitee’s statement not materially misleading, in connection with the request for indemnification, or (ii) a final judicial determination that any

8




or all such indemnification is expressly prohibited under applicable law; provided, however, that such 30-day period may be extended for a reasonable time, not to exceed an additional fifteen (15) days, if the person, persons or entity making the determination with respect to entitlement to indemnification in good faith requires such additional time for the obtaining or evaluating of documentation and/or information relating thereto.

(c)    The termination of any Proceeding or of any claim, issue or matter therein, by judgment, order, settlement or conviction, or upon a plea of nolo contendere or its equivalent, shall not (except as otherwise expressly provided in this Agreement) of itself adversely affect the right of Indemnitee to indemnification or create a presumption that Indemnitee did not act in good faith and in a manner which he reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the Company or, with respect to any criminal Proceeding, that Indemnitee had reasonable cause to believe that his conduct was unlawful.

(d)    For purposes of any determination of good faith, Indemnitee shall be deemed to have acted in good faith if Indemnitee’s action is based on the records or books of account of the Enterprise, including financial statements, or on information supplied to Indemnitee by the officers of the Enterprise in the course of their duties, or on the advice of legal counsel for the Enterprise or on information or records given or reports made to the Enterprise by an independent certified public accountant or by an appraiser or other expert selected by the Enterprise. The provisions of this Section 13(d) shall not be deemed to be exclusive or to limit in any way the other circumstances in which Indemnitee may be deemed or found to have met the applicable standard of conduct set forth in this Agreement.

(e)    The knowledge and/or actions, or failure to act, of any other director, officer, trustee, partner, managing member, fiduciary, agent or employee of the Enterprise shall not be imputed to Indemnitee for purposes of determining the right to indemnification under this Agreement.

14.     Remedies of Indemnitee

(a)    In the event that (i) a determination is made pursuant to Section 12 of this Agreement that Indemnitee is not entitled to indemnification under this Agreement, (ii) advancement of Expenses, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, is not timely made pursuant to Section 10 of this Agreement, (iii) no determination of entitlement to indemnification shall have been made pursuant to Section 12(a) of this Agreement within thirty (30) days after receipt by the Company of the request for indemnification, (iv) payment of indemnification is not made pursuant to Section 5, 6, or the last sentence of Section 12(a) of this Agreement within ten (10) days after receipt by the Company of a written request therefor, (v) a contribution payment is not made in a timely manner pursuant to Section 8 of this Agreement, or (vi) payment of indemnification pursuant to Section 3 or 4 of this Agreement is not made within ten (10) days after a determination has been made that Indemnitee is entitled to indemnification, Indemnitee shall be entitled to an adjudication by the Delaware Court to such indemnification, contribution or advancement of Expenses. Alternatively, Indemnitee, at his option, may seek an award in arbitration to be conducted by a single arbitrator pursuant to the Commercial Arbitration Rules of the American Arbitration Association. Except as set forth herein, the provisions of Delaware law (without regard to its conflict of laws rules) shall apply to any such arbitration. The Company shall not oppose Indemnitee’s right to seek any such adjudication or award in arbitration.

(b)    In the event that a determination shall have been made pursuant to Section 12(a) of this Agreement that Indemnitee is not entitled to indemnification, any judicial proceeding or arbitration commenced pursuant to this Section 14 shall be conducted in all respects as a de novo trial, or arbitration, on the merits and Indemnitee shall not be prejudiced by reason of that adverse determination. In any judicial proceeding or arbitration commenced pursuant to this Section 14, Indemnitee shall be presumed to be entitled to indemnification under this Agreement and the Company shall have the burden of proving Indemnitee is not entitled to indemnification or advancement of Expenses, as the case may be, and the Company may not refer to or introduce into evidence any determination pursuant to Section 12(a) of this Agreement adverse to Indemnitee for any purpose. If Indemnitee commences a judicial proceeding or arbitration pursuant to this Section 14, Indemnitee shall not be required to reimburse the Company for any advances pursuant to Section 10 until a final determination is made with respect to Indemnitee’s entitlement to indemnification (as to which all rights of appeal have been exhausted or lapsed).


9




(c)    If a determination shall have been made pursuant to Section 12(a) of this Agreement that Indemnitee is entitled to indemnification, the Company shall be bound by such determination in any judicial proceeding or arbitration commenced pursuant to this Section 14, absent (i) a misstatement by Indemnitee of a material fact, or an omission of a material fact necessary to make Indemnitee’s statement not materially misleading, in connection with the request for indemnification, or (ii) a prohibition of such indemnification under applicable law.

(d)    The Company shall be precluded from asserting in any judicial proceeding or arbitration commenced pursuant to this Section 14 that the procedures and presumptions of this Agreement are not valid, binding and enforceable and shall stipulate in any such court or before any such arbitrator that the Company is bound by all the provisions of this Agreement.

(e)    The Company shall indemnify and hold harmless Indemnitee to the fullest extent permitted by law against all Expenses and, if requested by Indemnitee, shall (within ten (10) days after the Company’s receipt of such written request) advance to Indemnitee, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, such Expenses which are incurred by Indemnitee in connection with any judicial proceeding or arbitration brought by Indemnitee (i) to enforce his rights under, or to recover damages for breach of, this Agreement or any other indemnification, advancement or contribution agreement or provision of the Charter, or the Company’s Bylaws now or hereafter in effect; or (ii) for recovery or advances under any insurance policy maintained by any person for the benefit of Indemnitee, regardless of whether Indemnitee ultimately is determined to be entitled to such indemnification, advance, contribution or insurance recovery, as the case may be.

(f)    Interest shall be paid by the Company to Indemnitee at the legal rate under Delaware law for amounts which the Company indemnifies or is obliged to indemnify for the period commencing with the date on which Indemnitee requests indemnification, contribution, reimbursement or advancement of any Expenses and ending with the date on which such payment is made to Indemnitee by the Company.

15.     Establishment of Trust . In the event of a Potential Change in Control, the Company shall, upon written request by Indemnitee, create a “Trust” for the benefit of Indemnitee and from time to time upon written request of Indemnitee shall fund such Trust in an amount sufficient to satisfy any and all Expenses reasonably anticipated at the time of each such request to be incurred in connection with investigating, preparing for, participating in or defending any Proceedings, and any and all judgments, fines, penalties and amounts paid in settlement (including all interest, assessments and other charges paid or payable in connection with or in respect of such judgments, fines penalties and amounts paid in settlement) in connection with any and all Proceedings from time to time actually paid or claimed, reasonably anticipated or proposed to be paid. The trustee of the Trust (the “ Trustee ”) shall be a bank or trust company or other individual or entity chosen by Indemnitee and reasonably acceptable to the Company. Nothing in this Section 15 shall relieve the Company of any of its obligations under this Agreement. The amount or amounts to be deposited in the Trust pursuant to the foregoing funding obligation shall be determined by mutual agreement of Indemnitee and the Company or, if the Company and Indemnitee are unable to reach such an agreement, by Independent Counsel selected in accordance with Section 12(b) of this Agreement. The terms of the Trust shall provide that, except upon the consent of both Indemnitee and the Company, upon a Change in Control: (a) the Trust shall not be revoked or the principal thereof invaded, without the written consent of Indemnitee; (b) the Trustee shall advance, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, within two (2) business days of a request by Indemnitee and upon the execution and delivery to the Company of an undertaking providing that Indemnitee undertakes to repay the advance to the extent that it is ultimately determined that Indemnitee is not entitled to be indemnified by the Company, any and all Expenses to Indemnitee; (c) the Trust shall continue to be funded by the Company in accordance with the funding obligations set forth above; (d) the Trustee shall promptly pay to Indemnitee all amounts for which Indemnitee shall be entitled to indemnification pursuant to this Agreement or otherwise; and (e) all unexpended funds in such Trust shall revert to the Company upon mutual agreement by Indemnitee and the Company or, if Indemnitee and the Company are unable to reach such an agreement, by Independent Counsel selected in accordance with Section 12(b) of this Agreement, that Indemnitee has been fully indemnified under the terms of this Agreement. The Trust shall be governed by Delaware law (without regard to its conflicts of laws rules) and the Trustee shall consent to the exclusive jurisdiction of the Delaware Court in accordance with Section 23 of this Agreement.


10




16.     Security . Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, to the extent requested by Indemnitee and approved by the Board, the Company may at any time and from time to time provide security to Indemnitee for the Company’s obligations hereunder through an irrevocable bank line of credit, funded trust or other collateral. Any such security, once provided to Indemnitee, may not be revoked or released without the prior written consent of Indemnitee.

17.     Non-Exclusivity; Survival of Rights; Insurance; Subrogation

(a)    The rights of indemnification and to receive advancement of Expenses as provided by this Agreement shall not be deemed exclusive of any other rights to which Indemnitee may at any time be entitled under applicable law, the Charter, the Company’s Bylaws, any agreement, a vote of stockholders or a resolution of directors, or otherwise. No amendment, alteration or repeal of this Agreement or of any provision hereof shall limit or restrict any right of Indemnitee under this Agreement in respect of any action taken or omitted by such Indemnitee in his Corporate Status prior to such amendment, alteration or repeal. To the extent that a change in applicable law, whether by statute or judicial decision, permits greater indemnification or advancement of Expenses than would be afforded currently under the Charter, the Company’s Bylaws or this Agreement, it is the intent of the parties hereto that Indemnitee shall enjoy by this Agreement the greater benefits so afforded by such change. No right or remedy herein conferred is intended to be exclusive of any other right or remedy, and every other right and remedy shall be cumulative and in addition to every other right and remedy given hereunder or now or hereafter existing at law or in equity or otherwise. The assertion or employment of any right or remedy hereunder, or otherwise, shall not prevent the concurrent assertion or employment of any other right or remedy.

(b)    The DGCL, the Charter and the Company’s Bylaws permit the Company to purchase and maintain insurance or furnish similar protection or make other arrangements including, but not limited to, providing a trust fund, letter of credit, or surety bond (“ Indemnification Arrangements ”) on behalf of Indemnitee against any liability asserted against him or incurred by or on behalf of him or in such capacity as a director, officer, employee or agent of the Company, or arising out of his status as such, whether or not the Company would have the power to indemnify him against such liability under the provisions of this Agreement or under the DGCL, as it may then be in effect. The purchase, establishment, and maintenance of any such Indemnification Arrangement shall not in any way limit or affect the rights and obligations of the Company or of Indemnitee under this Agreement except as expressly provided herein, and the execution and delivery of this Agreement by the Company and Indemnitee shall not in any way limit or affect the rights and obligations of the Company or the other party or parties thereto under any such Indemnification Arrangement.

(c)    To the extent that the Company maintains an insurance policy or policies providing liability insurance for directors, officers, trustees, partners, managing members, fiduciaries, employees, or agents of the Company or of any other Enterprise which such person serves at the request of the Company, Indemnitee shall be covered by such policy or policies in accordance with its or their terms to the maximum extent of the coverage available for any such director, officer, trustee, partner, managing member, fiduciary, employee or agent under such policy or policies. If, at the time the Company receives notice from any source of a Proceeding as to which Indemnitee is a party or a participant (as a witness or otherwise), the Company has director and officer liability insurance in effect, the Company shall give prompt notice of such Proceeding to the insurers in accordance with the procedures set forth in the respective policies. The Company shall thereafter take all necessary or desirable action to cause such insurers to pay, on behalf of Indemnitee, all amounts payable as a result of such Proceeding in accordance with the terms of such policies.

(d)    In the event of any payment under this Agreement, the Company shall be subrogated to the extent of such payment to all of the rights of recovery of Indemnitee, who shall execute all papers required and take all action necessary to secure such rights, including execution of such documents as are necessary to enable the Company to bring suit to enforce such rights.

(e)    The Company’s obligation to indemnify or advance Expenses hereunder to Indemnitee who is or was serving at the request of the Company as a director, officer, trustee, partner, managing member, fiduciary, employee or agent of any other Enterprise shall be reduced by any amount Indemnitee has actually received as indemnification or advancement of expenses from such Enterprise.


11




18.     Duration of Agreement . All agreements and obligations of the Company contained herein shall continue during the period Indemnitee serves as a director or officer of the Company or as a director, officer, trustee, partner, managing member, fiduciary, employee or agent of any other corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust, employee benefit plan or other Enterprise which Indemnitee serves at the request of the Company and shall continue thereafter so long as Indemnitee shall be subject to any possible Proceeding (including any rights of appeal thereto and any Proceeding commenced by Indemnitee pursuant to Section 14 of this Agreement) by reason of his Corporate Status, whether or not he is acting in any such capacity at the time any liability or expense is incurred for which indemnification can be provided under this Agreement.

19.     Severability . If any provision or provisions of this Agreement shall be held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable for any reason whatsoever: (a) the validity, legality and enforceability of the remaining provisions of this Agreement (including, without limitation, each portion of any Section, paragraph or sentence of this Agreement containing any such provision held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable, that is not itself invalid, illegal or unenforceable) shall not in any way be affected or impaired thereby and shall remain enforceable to the fullest extent permitted by law; (b) such provision or provisions shall be deemed reformed to the extent necessary to conform to applicable law and to give the maximum effect to the intent of the parties hereto; and (c) to the fullest extent possible, the provisions of this Agreement (including, without limitation, each portion of any Section, paragraph or sentence of this Agreement containing any such provision held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable, that is not itself invalid, illegal or unenforceable) shall be construed so as to give effect to the intent manifested thereby.

20.     Enforcement and Binding Effect

(a)    The Company expressly confirms and agrees that it has entered into this Agreement and assumed the obligations imposed on it hereby in order to induce Indemnitee to serve as a director or officer of the Company, and the Company acknowledges that Indemnitee is relying upon this Agreement in serving as a director or officer of the Company.

(b)    Without limiting any of the rights of Indemnitee under the Charter or Bylaws of the Company as they may be amended from time to time, this Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between the parties hereto with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersedes all prior agreements and understandings, oral, written and implied, between the parties hereto with respect to the subject matter hereof. If the DGCL or any other applicable law is amended after the date hereof to permit the Company to indemnify Indemnitee for Expenses or liabilities, or to indemnify Indemnitee with respect to any action or Proceeding, not contemplated by this Agreement, then this Agreement (without any further action by either party hereto) shall automatically be deemed to be amended to require that the Company indemnify Indemnitee to the fullest extent permitted by the DGCL.

(c)    The indemnification and advancement of expenses provided by or granted pursuant to this Agreement shall be binding upon and be enforceable by the parties hereto and their respective successors and assigns (including any direct or indirect successor by purchase, merger, consolidation or otherwise to all or substantially all of the business or assets of the Company), shall continue as to an Indemnitee who has ceased to be a director, officer, employee or agent of the Company or of any other Enterprise at the Company’s request, and shall inure to the benefit of Indemnitee and his spouse, assigns, heirs, devisees, executors and administrators and other legal representatives.

(d)    The Company shall require and cause any successor (whether direct or indirect by purchase, merger, consolidation or otherwise) to all, substantially all or a substantial part, of the business and/or assets of the Company, by written agreement in form and substance satisfactory to Indemnitee, expressly to assume and agree to perform this Agreement in the same manner and to the same extent that the Company would be required to perform if no such succession had taken place.

(e)    The Company and Indemnitee agree herein that a monetary remedy for breach of this Agreement, at some later date, may be inadequate, impracticable and difficult of proof, and further agree that such breach may cause Indemnitee irreparable harm. Accordingly, the parties hereto agree that Indemnitee may enforce this Agreement by seeking injunctive relief and/or specific performance hereof, without any necessity of showing actual damage or irreparable harm and that by seeking injunctive relief and/or specific performance, Indemnitee shall not be

12




precluded from seeking or obtaining any other relief to which he may be entitled. The Company and Indemnitee further agree that Indemnitee shall be entitled to such specific performance and injunctive relief, including temporary restraining orders, preliminary injunctions and permanent injunctions, without the necessity of posting bonds or other undertaking in connection therewith. The Company acknowledges that in the absence of a waiver, a bond or undertaking may be required of Indemnitee by the court, and the Company hereby waives any such requirement of such a bond or undertaking.

21.     Modification and Waiver . No supplement, modification or amendment of this Agreement shall be binding unless executed in writing by the parties hereto. No waiver of any of the provisions of this Agreement shall be deemed or shall constitute a waiver of any other provisions of this Agreement nor shall any waiver constitute a continuing waiver.

22.     Notices . All notices, requests, demands and other communications under this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been duly given (i) if delivered by hand and receipted for by the party to whom said notice or other communication shall have been directed, or (ii) mailed by certified or registered mail with postage prepaid, on the third (3rd) business day after the date on which it is so mailed:

(a)    If to Indemnitee, at the address indicated on the signature page of this Agreement, or such other address as Indemnitee shall provide in writing to the Company.

(b)    If to the Company, to:

Farmer Bros. Co.
20333 South Normandie Avenue
Torrance, CA 90502
Attention: Corporate Secretary

or to any other address as may have been furnished to Indemnitee in writing by the Company.

23.     Applicable Law and Consent to Jurisdiction .    This Agreement and the legal relations among the parties shall be governed by, and construed and enforced in accordance with, the laws of the State of Delaware, without regard to its conflict of laws rules. Except with respect to any arbitration commenced by Indemnitee pursuant to Section 14(a) of this Agreement, the Company and Indemnitee hereby irrevocably and unconditionally: (a) agree that any action or proceeding arising out of or in connection with this Agreement shall be brought only in the Delaware Court and not in any other state or federal court in the United States of America or any court in any other country; (b) consent to submit to the exclusive jurisdiction of the Delaware Court for purposes of any action or proceeding arising out of or in connection with this Agreement; (c) appoint irrevocably, to the extent such party is not a resident of the State of Delaware, RL&F Service Corp., One Rodney Square, 10th Floor, 10th and King Streets, P.O. Box 551, Wilmington, Delaware 19899 as its agent in the State of Delaware as such party’s agent for acceptance of legal process in connection with any such action or proceeding against such party with the same legal force and validity as if served upon such party personally within the State of Delaware; (d) waive any objection to the laying of venue of any such action or proceeding in the Delaware Court; and (e) waive, and agree not to plead or to make, any claim that any such action or proceeding brought in the Delaware Court has been brought in an improper or inconvenient forum, or is subject (in whole or in part) to a jury trial.

24.     Counterparts .    This Agreement may be executed in one or more counterparts, each of which shall for all purposes be deemed to be an original but all of which together shall constitute one and the same Agreement. Only one such counterpart signed by the party against whom enforceability is sought needs to be produced to evidence the existence of this Agreement.

25.     Miscellaneous . Use of the masculine pronoun shall be deemed to include usage of the feminine pronoun where appropriate. The headings of the paragraphs of this Agreement are inserted for convenience only and shall not be deemed to constitute part of this Agreement or to affect the construction thereof.



13




[SIGNATURE PAGE FOLLOWS]

14




IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have caused this Agreement to be signed as of the day and year first above written.

FARMER BROS. CO.


By:                     
Name:
Title:



INDEMNITEE



                    
Name:

Address:                     
                     
                     

15




SCHEDULE OF INDEMNITEES

John M. Anglin
Hamideh Assadi
Guenter W. Berger
Kenneth R. Carson
Randy E. Clark
Lewis A. Coffman
Patrick G. Criteser
Larry B. Garrett
Hortensia R. Gómez
Jeanne Farmer Grossman
Mark A. Harding
Michael H. Keown
Michael J. King
Peter B. Knepper
Roger M. Laverty III
Martin A. Lynch
Thomas A. Maloof
James J. McGarry
John H. Merrell
Heidi L. Modaro
Thomas W. Mortensen
Mark J. Nelson
John Samore, Jr.
John E. Simmons
Jeffrey A. Wahba
Carol Farmer Waite
Drew H. Webb
Teri L. Witteman

16


Exhibit 10.6
[FORM OF EXECUTIVE OFFICER]
CHANGE IN CONTROL SEVERANCE AGREEMENT

THIS CHANGE IN CONTROL SEVERANCE AGREEMENT (this “ Agreement ”), effective as of              ,      (the “ Effective Date ”), is made by and between FARMER BROS. CO., a Delaware corporation (the “ Company ”), and                  (the “ Executive ”).
 
WHEREAS, the Company considers it essential to foster the continued employment of well qualified, senior executive management personnel; and
 
WHEREAS, the Company has determined that appropriate steps should be taken to foster such continued employment by setting forth the benefits and compensation to be awarded to such personnel in the event of a voluntary or involuntary termination within the meaning of this Agreement; and
 
WHEREAS, the Company further recognizes that the possibility of a Change in Control of the Company exists and that such possibility, and the uncertainty and questions that it may raise among executive management, may result in the departure or distraction of executive personnel to the detriment of the Company; and
 
WHEREAS, the Company has further determined that appropriate steps should be taken to reinforce and encourage the continued attention and dedication of members of the Company’s executive management, including the Executive, to their assigned duties without distraction in the face of potentially disturbing circumstances arising from the possibility of a Change in Control;
 
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and the mutual covenants herein contained, the Company and the Executive hereby agree as follows:
 
1.     Term of Agreement . The term of this Agreement shall commence as of the date hereof and expire on the close of business on              , 20      ; provided, however, that (i) commencing on January 1,              and each January 1 thereafter, the term of this Agreement will automatically be extended for an additional year unless, not later than September 30 of the immediately preceding year, the Company (provided no Change in Control has occurred and no Threatened Change in Control is pending) or the Executive shall have given notice that it or the Executive, as the case may be, does not wish to have the Term extended; (ii) if, prior to a Change in Control, the Executive ceases for any reason to be an employee of the Company, thereupon without further action the Term shall be deemed to have expired and this Agreement will immediately terminate and be of no further effect.
 
2.     Definitions
 
(a)    “ Base Salary ” shall mean the Executive’s salary, which excludes Bonuses, at the rate in effect when an event triggering benefits under Section 3 of this Agreement occurs.
 
(b)    “ Beneficial Owner ” or “ Beneficial Ownership ” shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in Rule 13d-3 of the Exchange Act.
 
(c)    “ Board ” or “ Board of Directors ” shall mean the Board of Directors of Farmer Bros. Co., or its successor.


1



(d)    “ Bonus(es) ” shall mean current cash compensation over and above Base Salary whether awarded under the Company’s Incentive Compensation Plan or otherwise awarded.

(e)    “ Cause ” shall mean:
 
(i)    the Executive’s material fraud, malfeasance, or gross negligence, willful and material neglect of Executive’s employment duties or Executive’s willful and material misconduct with respect to business affairs of the Company or any subsidiary of the Company or

(ii)    Executive’s conviction of or failure to contest prosecution for a felony or a crime involving moral turpitude.
 
A termination of Executive for “Cause” based on clause (i) of the preceding sentence can be made only by delivery to Executive of a resolution duly adopted by the affirmative vote of not less than three quarters of the Board then in office at a meeting of the Board called and held for such purpose, after reasonable notice to the Executive and an opportunity for the Executive, together with the Executive’s counsel (if the Executive chooses to have counsel present at such meeting), to be heard before the Board, finding that, in the good faith opinion of the Board, the Executive had committed an act constituting “Cause” as herein defined and specifying the particulars thereof in detail.  Nothing herein will limit the right of the Executive or [his/her] beneficiaries to contest the validity or propriety of any such determination.   A termination for Cause based on clause (ii) above shall take effect immediately upon giving of the termination notice. No act or omission shall be deemed “willful” if it was due primarily to an error in judgment or ordinary negligence.
 
(f)    “ Change in Control ” shall mean:
 
(i)    An acquisition by any Person (as such term is defined in Section 3(a)(9) of the Exchange Act and used in Sections 13(d) and 14(d) thereof, including a “group” as defined in Section 13(d) thereof) of Beneficial Ownership of the Shares then outstanding (the “ Company Shares Outstanding ”) or the voting securities of the Company then outstanding entitled to vote generally in the election of directors (the “ Company Voting Securities Outstanding ”), if such acquisition of Beneficial Ownership results in the Person beneficially owning (within the meaning of Rule 13d-3 promulgated under the Exchange Act) fifty percent (50%) or more of the Company Shares Outstanding or fifty percent (50%) or more of the combined voting power of the Company Voting Securities Outstanding; excluding, however, any such acquisition by a trustee or other fiduciary holding such Shares under one or more employee benefit plans maintained by the Company or any of its subsidiaries; or
 
(ii)    The approval of the stockholders of the Company of a reorganization, merger, consolidation, complete liquidation, or dissolution of the Company, the sale or disposition of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company or any similar corporate transaction (in each case referred to in this Section 2(f) as a “ Corporate Transaction ”), other than a Corporate Transaction that would result in the outstanding common stock of the Company immediately prior thereto continuing to represent (either by remaining outstanding or by being converted into common stock of the surviving entity or a parent or affiliate thereof) at least fifty percent (50%) of the outstanding common stock of the Company or such surviving entity or parent or affiliate thereof immediately after such Corporate Transaction; provided, however, if the consummation of such Corporate Transaction is subject, at the time of such approval by stockholders, to the consent of any government or governmental agency, the Change in Control shall not occur until the obtaining of such consent (either explicitly or implicitly); or
 

2



(iii)    A change in the composition of the Board such that the individuals who, as of the Effective Date, constitute the Board (such Board shall be hereinafter referred to as the “ Incumbent Board ”) cease for any reason to constitute at least a majority of the Board; provided, however, for purposes of this Section 2(f) that any individual who becomes a member of the Board subsequent to the Effective Date whose election, or nomination for election by the Company’s stockholders, was approved by a vote of at least a majority of those individuals who are members of the Board and who were also members of the Incumbent Board (or deemed to be such pursuant to this proviso) shall be considered as though such individual were a member of the Incumbent Board; but, provided, further, that any such individual whose initial assumption of office occurs as a result of either an actual or threatened election contest (as such terms are used in Rule 14a-11 of Regulation 14A promulgated under the Exchange Act, including any successor to such Rule), or other actual or threatened solicitation of proxies or consents by or on behalf of a Person other than the Board, shall not be so considered as a member of the Incumbent Board.
 
(g)    “ Code ” shall mean the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended from time to time.

(h)    “ Disability ” shall mean the Executive’s inability as a result of physical or mental incapacity to substantially perform [his/her] duties for the Company on a full-time basis for a period of six (6) months.

(i)    “ Exchange Act ” shall mean the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended from time to time, or any successor act thereto.

(j)    “ Involuntary Termination ” shall mean a termination of the Executive’s employment by the Company that occurs for reasons other than for Cause, Disability or death.

(k)    “ Threatened Change in Control ” shall mean any bona fide pending tender offer for any class of the Company’s outstanding Shares, or any pending bona fide offer to acquire the Company by merger or consolidation, or any other pending action or plan to effect, or which would lead to, a Change in Control of the Company as determined by the Incumbent Board. A Threatened Change in Control Period shall commence on the first day the actions described in the preceding sentence become manifest and shall end when such actions are abandoned or the Change in Control occurs.

(l)    “ Shares ” shall mean the shares of common stock of the Company.

(m)    “ Resignation for Good Reason ” shall mean a termination of the Executive’s employment by the Executive due to:

(i)    a significant reduction of the Executive’s responsibilities, duties or authority;

(ii)    a material reduction in the Executive’s Base Salary; or

(iii)    a Company-required material relocation of the Executive’s principal place of employment;

provided, however, that any such condition shall not constitute “Good Reason” unless both (x) the Executive provides written notice to the Company describing the condition claimed to constitute Good Reason in reasonable detail within ninety (90) days of the initial existence of such condition,

3



and (y) the Company fails to remedy such condition within thirty (30) days of receiving such written notice thereof; and provided, further, that in all events the termination of the Executive’s employment with the Company shall not be treated as a termination for “Good Reason” unless such termination occurs not more than one (1) year following the initial existence of the condition claimed to constitute “Good Reason.

3.     Events That Trigger Benefits Under This Agreement . The Executive shall be eligible for the compensation and benefits described in Section 4 of this Agreement as follows:
 
(a)    A Change in Control occurs and Executive’s employment is Involuntarily Terminated or terminated by Resignation for Good Reason within twenty-four (24) months following the occurrence of the Change in Control; or

(b)    A Threatened Change in Control occurs and the Executive’s employment is Involuntarily Terminated or terminated by Resignation for Good Reason during the Threatened Change in Control Period.
 
4.     Benefits Upon Termination . If the Executive becomes eligible for benefits under Section 3 above, the Company shall pay or provide to the Executive the following compensation and benefits:
 
(a)     Salary . The Executive will receive as severance an amount equal to [his/her] Base Salary at the rate in effect on the date of termination for a period of twenty-four (24) months, such payment to be made in installments in accordance with the Company’s standard payroll practices, such installments to commence, subject to Section 9(j)(ii), in the month following the month in which the Executive’s Separation from Service occurs. The Executive shall also receive a payment equal to one hundred percent (100%) of the Executive’s target Bonus for the fiscal year in which the date of termination occurs (or, if no target Bonus has been assigned to the Executive as of the date of termination, the average Bonus paid by the Company to the Executive for the last three (3) completed fiscal years or for the number of completed fiscal years that Executive has been in the employ of the Company if fewer than three, prior to the termination date), such payment to be made, subject to Section 9(j)(ii), in a lump sum within thirty (30) days after the end of the Company’s fiscal year in which the Executive’s date of termination occurs. As used herein, a “ Separation from Service ” occurs when the Executive dies, retires, or otherwise has a termination of employment with the Company that constitutes a “separation from service” within the meaning of Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-1(h)(1), without regard to the optional alternative definitions available thereunder.

(b)     Qualified and Non-Qualified Plan Coverage . Subject to the eligibility provisions of the plans, the Executive shall continue to participate in the tax-qualified and non-qualified retirement, savings and employee stock ownership plans of the Company during the twenty four (24) month period following the Executive’s date of termination unless the Executive commences Employment prior to the end of the twenty four (24) month period, in which case, such participation shall end on the date of [his/her] new employment. The Executive shall inform the Company promptly upon commencing new employment.

(c)     Health, Dental, and Life Insurance Coverage . The health, dental, and life insurance benefits coverage provided to the Executive at [his/her] date of termination shall be continued by the Company during the twenty-four (24) month period following the Executive’s date of termination unless the Executive commences employment prior to the end of the twenty four (24) month period and qualifies for substantially equivalent insurance benefits with the Executive’s new employer , in which case, such insurance coverages shall end on the date of qualification.  The Executive shall inform the Company promptly of [his/her] qualification for any of such insurance coverages.  . The Company shall provide for such insurance coverages at its expense at the same level and in the same manner as if the Executive’s employment had not terminated

4



(subject to the customary changes in such coverages if the Executive retires under a Company retirement plan, reaches age 65, or similar events and subject to Executive’s right to make any changes in such coverages that an active employee is permitted to make). Any additional coverages the Executive had at termination, including dependent coverage, will also be continued for such period on the same terms, to the extent permitted by the applicable policies or contracts. Any costs the Executive was paying for such coverages at the time of termination shall be paid by the Executive by separate check payable to the Company each month in advance. If the terms of any benefit plan referred to in this Section do not permit continued participation by the Executive, the Company will arrange for other coverage at its expense providing substantially similar benefits. If the Executive is covered by a split-dollar or similar life insurance program at the date of termination, [he/she] shall have the option in [his/her] sole discretion to have such policy transferred to him upon termination, provided that the Company is paid for its interest m the policy upon such transfer.

(d)     Outplacement Services . The Company shall provide the Executive with outplacement services by a firm selected by the Executive, at the expense of the Company, in an amount up to $25,000.

(e)     No Mitigation Obligation . The Company hereby acknowledges that it will be difficult and may be impossible for the Executive to find reasonably comparable employment following termination of Executive’s employment by the Company and that the non-solicitation covenant contained in Section 6 may further limit the employment opportunities for the Executive.  Accordingly, the payment of the compensation and benefits by the Company to the Executive in accordance with the terms of this Agreement is hereby acknowledged by the Company to be reasonable, and the Executive will not be required to mitigate the amount of any payment provided for this Agreement by seeking other employment or otherwise, nor will any profits, income, earnings or other benefits from any source whatsoever create any mitigation, offset, reduction or any other obligation on the part of the Executive hereunder or otherwise, except as expressly provided in the first sentence of Section 4(c).

5.     Parachute Payments . Notwithstanding anything contained in this Agreement to the contrary, in the event that the compensation and benefits provided for in this Agreement to Executive together with all other payments and the value of any benefit received or to be received by Executive:

(a)    constitute “parachute payments” within the meaning of Section 280G of the Code, and

(b)    but for this Section, would be subject to the excise tax imposed by Section 4999 of the Code, the Executive’s compensation and benefits pursuant to the terms of this Agreement shall be payable either:

(i)    in full, or

(ii)    in such lesser amount which would result in no portion of such compensation and benefits being subject to excise tax under Section 4999 of the Code, whichever of the foregoing amounts, taking into account the applicable federal, state and local income taxes and the excise tax imposed by Section 4999, results in the receipt by Executive on an after-tax basis, of the greatest amount of compensation and benefits under this Agreement, notwithstanding that all or some portion of such compensation and benefits may be subject to the excise tax imposed under Section 4999 of the Code.  Unless the Company and Executive otherwise agree in writing, any determination required under this Section 5 shall be made in writing by the Company’s independent public accountants serving immediately before the Change in Control (the “ Accountants ”), whose determination shall be conclusive and binding upon Executive and the Company

5



for all purposes.  For purposes of making the calculations required by this Section 5, the Accountants may make reasonable assumptions and approximations concerning applicable taxes and may rely on reasonable good faith interpretations concerning the applications of Section 280G and 4999 of the Code.  The Company shall cause the Accountants to provide detailed supporting calculations of its determination to Executive and the Company.  Executive and the Company shall furnish to the Accountants such information and documents as the Accountants may reasonably request in order to make a determination under this Section. The Company shall bear all costs the Accountants may reasonably incur in connection with any calculations contemplated by this Section 5.
 
6.     Obligation Not to Solicit
 
(a)    Executive hereby agrees that while Executive is receiving compensation and benefits under this Agreement, Executive shall not in any manner attempt to induce or assist others to attempt to induce any officer, employee, customer or client of the Company to terminate its association with the Company, nor do anything directly or indirectly to interfere with the relationship between the Company and any such persons or concerns.
 
(b)    In the event that the Executive engages in any activity in violation of Section 6(a), all compensation and benefits described in Section 4 shall immediately cease.
 
7.     Confidentiality . The terms of this Agreement are to be of the highest confidentiality. In order to insure and maintain such confidentiality, it is agreed that neither party, including all persons and entities under a party’s control, shall, directly or indirectly, publicize or disclose to third persons the terms of this Agreement or the substance of negotiations with respect to it; provided, however, that nothing herein shall be construed to prevent disclosures which are reasonably necessary to enforce the terms of this Agreement or which are otherwise required by law to be made to governmental agencies or others; moreover, nothing herein shall be construed to prevent the parties hereto, or their attorneys, from making such disclosures for legitimate business purposes to their respective insurers, financial institutions, accountants and attorneys or, in the case of a corporation, limited liability company or partnership, to its respective officers, directors, employees, managers, members and agents or any of its respective subsidiaries, group or divisions, provided that each such recipient of such disclosures agrees to be bound by the requirements concerning disclosure of confidential information as set forth in this Paragraph 7.
 
8.     Settlement of Disputes; Arbitration

(a)    All disputes arising under or in connection with this Agreement, shall be submitted to binding arbitration in Los Angeles County before an arbitrator selected by mutual agreement of the parties.  If the parties are unable to agree mutually on an arbitrator within thirty (30) days after a written demand for arbitration is made, the matter shall be submitted to JAMS/ENDISPUTE (“ JAMS ”) or successor organization for binding arbitration in Los Angeles County by a single arbitrator who shall be a former California Superior Court judge.  The arbitrator shall be selected by JAMS in an impartial manner determined by it.  Except as may be otherwise provided herein, the arbitration shall be conducted under the California Arbitration Act, Code of Civil Procedure §1280 et seq.  The parties shall have the discovery rights provided in Code of Civil Procedure §§1283.05 and 1283.1.  The arbitration hearing shall be commenced within ninety (90) days of the appointment of the arbitrator, and a decision shall be rendered by the arbitrator within thirty (30) days of the conclusion of the hearing.  The arbitrator shall have complete authority to render any and all relief, legal and equitable, appropriate under California law, including the award of punitive damages where legally available and warranted.  The arbitrator shall award costs of the proceeding, including reasonable attorneys’ fees, to the party or parties determined to have substantially prevailed, but such award for attorneys’ fees

6



shall not exceed One Hundred Thousand Dollars ($100,000).  Judgment on the award can be entered in a court of competent jurisdiction.
 
(b)    The foregoing notwithstanding, if the amount in controversy exceeds $200,000, exclusive of attorneys’ fees and costs, the matter shall be litigated in the Los Angeles County Superior Court as a regular civil action except that a former California Superior Court Judge selected by JAMS in an impartial manner shall be appointed as referee to determine, sitting without a jury (a jury being waived by all parties hereto), all issues pursuant to California Code of Civil Procedure §638(1).  Judgment entered on the decision of the referee shall be appealable as a judgment of the Superior Court.  The prevailing party shall be entitled to receive its reasonable attorneys’ fees and costs from the other party, but such award for attorneys’ fees shall not exceed One Hundred Thousand Dollars ($100,000).

9.     Miscellaneous

(a)    Notices. Any notice or other communication required or permitted under this Agreement shall be effective only if it is in writing and shall be deemed to have been duly given when delivered personally or seven days after mailing if mailed first class by registered or certified mail, postage prepaid, addressed as follows:
 
If to the Company:    Farmer Bros. Co
20333 South Normandie Avenue
Torrance, CA 90502
Attn: Chief Executive Officer

with a copy to:        John M. Anglin, Esq.
Anglin, Flewelling, Rasmussen, Campbell & Trytten LLP
199 South Los Robles Avenue, Suite 600
Pasadena, CA 91101-2459

If to the Executive:                         
                                 
                                         

or to such other address as any party may designate by notice to the others.

(b)     Assignment . This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and shall be binding upon the parties hereto and their respective executors, administrators, heirs, personal representatives, and successors, but, except as hereinafter provided, neither this Agreement nor any right hereunder may be assigned or transferred by either party thereto, or by any beneficiary or any other person, nor be subject to alienation, anticipation, sale, pledge, encumbrance, execution, levy, or other legal process of any kind against the Executive, [his/her] beneficiary or any other person. Notwithstanding the foregoing, any person or business entity succeeding to substantially all of the business of the Company by purchase, merger, consolidation, sale of assets, or otherwise, shall be bound by and shall adopt and assume this Agreement and the Company shall cause the assumption of this Agreement by such successor. If Executive shall die while any amount would still be payable to Executive hereunder (other than amounts that, by their terms, terminate upon the death of Executive) if Executive had continued to live, all such amounts, unless otherwise provided herein, shall be paid in accordance with the terms of this Agreement to the executors, personal representatives or administrators of Executive’s estate.


7



(c)     No Obligation to Fund . The agreement of the Company (or its successor) to make payments to the Executive hereunder shall represent solely the unsecured obligation of the Company (and its successor), except to the extent the Company (or its successors) in its sole discretion elects in whole or in part to fund its obligations under this Agreement pursuant to a trust arrangement or otherwise.
 
(d)     Applicable Law . This Agreement shall be governed by and construed and enforced in accordance with the laws of the State of California, without giving effect to conflict of law principles.

(e)     Amendment . This Agreement may only be amended by a written instrument signed by the parties hereto, which makes specific reference to this Agreement.

(f)     Severability . If any provision of this Agreement shall be held invalid or unenforceable by any court of competent jurisdiction, such holding shall not invalidate or render unenforceable any other provisions hereof.

(g)     Withholding . The Company shall have the right to withhold any and all local, state and federal taxes which may be withheld in accordance with applicable law.

(h)     Other Benefits . Nothing in this Agreement shall limit or replace the compensation or benefits payable to Executive, or otherwise adversely affect Executive’s rights, under any other benefit plan, program, or agreement to which Executive is a party.

(i)     Employment Rights . Nothing expressed or implied in this Agreement will create any right or duty on the part of the Company or the Executive to have the Executive remain in the employment of the Company or any Subsidiary prior to or following any Change in Control.  [The Company and Executive are parties to an Employment Agreement executed concurrently herewith.  Except as provided in Section 11 of the Employment Agreement, the provisions of the Employment Agreement and this Agreement are cumulative.]

(j)     Section 409A

(i)    It is intended that any amounts payable under this Agreement shall either be exempt from or comply with Section 409A of the Code (including the Treasury regulations and other published guidance relating thereto) (“ Code Section 409A ”) so as not to subject the Executive to payment of any additional tax, penalty or interest imposed under Code Section 409A. The provisions of this Agreement shall be construed and interpreted to avoid the imputation of any such additional tax, penalty or interest under Code Section 409A yet preserve (to the nearest extent reasonably possible) the intended benefit payable to the Executive.

(ii)    Notwithstanding any provision of this Agreement to the contrary, if the Executive is a “specified employee” within the meaning of Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-1(i) as of the date of the Executive’s Separation from Service, the Executive shall not be entitled to any payment or benefit pursuant to Section 4 until the earlier of (i) the date which is six (6) months after the Executive’s Separation from Service for any reason other than death, or (ii) the date of the Executive’s death. Any amounts otherwise payable to the Executive upon or in the six (6) month period following the Executive’s Separation from Service that are not so paid by reason of this Section 9(j)(ii) shall be paid (without interest) as soon as practicable (and in all events within thirty (30) days) after the date that is six (6) months after the Executive’s Separation from Service (or, if earlier, as soon as practicable, and in all events within thirty (30)

8



days, after the date of the Executive’s death). The provisions of this Section 9(j)(ii) shall only apply if, and to the extent, required to avoid the imputation of any tax, penalty or interest pursuant to Code Section 409A.

(iii)    To the extent that any benefits or reimbursements pursuant to Section 4(c) or Section 4(d) are taxable to the Executive, any reimbursement payment due to the Executive pursuant to any such provision shall be paid to the Executive on or before the last day of the Executive’s taxable year following the taxable year in which the related expense was incurred. The benefits and reimbursements pursuant to such provisions are not subject to liquidation or exchange for another benefit and the amount of such benefits and reimbursements that the Executive receives in one taxable year shall not affect the amount of such benefits or reimbursements that the Executive receives in any other taxable year.

[SIGNATURES FOLLOW]


9



IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Company has caused this Agreement to be executed on its behalf by its duly authorized officers and the Executive has hereunder set [his/her] hand, as of the date first above written.

Company:                     FARMER BROS. CO.,
a Delaware corporation


By:                             
Name:                             
Title:                             




Executive:                                                  
[Name of Executive]


10



SCHEDULE OF EXECUTIVE OFFICERS

Hortensia R. Gómez
Mark A. Harding
Michael H. Keown
Thomas W. Mortensen
Mark J. Nelson


11


[Farmer Bros. Co. Letterhead]     

Exhibit 10.7

April 1, 2013

Mr. Jeffrey Wahba
[ADDRESS]

RE:    Consulting Services Agreement

Dear Jeff:

Reference is made to that certain Consulting Services Agreement dated March 1, 2013 by and between Farmer Bros. Co. (the "Company") and you regarding your provision of Services to the Company (the "Consulting Agreement"). Capitalized terms used in this letter but not defined or otherwise amended herein shall have the meanings ascribed to such terms in the Consulting Agreement.

This letter is to confirm that upon the commencement date (the “Commencement Date”) of Mark J. Nelson’s employment as the Company’s Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer, the Services under the Consulting Agreement will be limited to providing transition services as may be reasonably requested by management of the Company from time to time to facilitate a smooth transition of the Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer responsibilities to Mr. Nelson.

As of the Commencement Date, Mr. Nelson will also assume the role of Chief Compliance Officer under the Company’s Code of Conduct and Ethics, and upon appointment, will serve as a director and officer of the Company’s subsidiaries, and in any fiduciary positions with respect to any employee benefits plans or trusts established by the Company, it being understood that your acknowledgment below constitutes your resignation as of the Commencement Date from all such positions which you may currently hold.

Except for the modifications contained in this letter agreement, all other terms, conditions and covenants contained in the Consulting Agreement shall remain unchanged and in full force and effect, and are hereby ratified and confirmed.

We appreciate your continued support during the CFO transition period.

Very truly yours,

FARMER BROS. CO.
/s/ MICHAEL H. KEOWN
Michael H. Keown
President and Chief Executive Officer
Agreed and Acknowledged as of
this 1st day of April, 2013

By : /s/ JEFFREY A. WAHBA         



Jeffrey A. Wahba


Exhibit 99.1



Farmer Bros. Co. Names Mark Nelson Treasurer & CFO


TORRANCE, Calif.--(GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — April 4, 2013 --Farmer Bros. Co. (NASDAQ: FARM) today announced that Mark J. Nelson will join the Company effective April 15, 2013 as Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer, reporting to Mike Keown, the Company’s President and Chief Executive Officer.

Mr. Nelson, 44, brings to Farmer Bros. a broad range of experience leading a global team of financial controllers and managers in the areas of strategic planning, mergers and acquisitions, financial systems and process integration, international banking, and financial hedging. Since 2010, he has been serving as Vice President, Corporate Controller and Chief Accounting Officer of Newport Corporation, a global supplier of advanced technology products and systems, located in Irvine, California.

From 2004 to 2010, Mr. Nelson held various senior financial roles at Newport Corporation as Vice President and Controller, Vice President and General Manager of its Optical Components division and Finance Director of its Photonics division. Prior to Newport Corporation, he held the positions of Finance Director in Thermo Electron Corporation, Cost and Budget Manager at C.R. Bard, Inc., co-owner and Chief Financial Officer of Western Energy Services, Inc. and Financial Management Program Trainee with the General Electric Company. Mr. Nelson earned his MBA in Entrepreneurship and Finance from Babson College, Wellesley, Massachusetts and his BA in Finance from the University of Massachusetts.

“We are delighted to welcome Mark to the Farmer Bros. leadership team. He joins us at an exciting time in our growth, bringing his invaluable leadership skills, experience and enthusiasm to lead our finance organization,” said Mr. Keown.

Jeffrey A. Wahba, the Company’s Interim Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer, will assist with the executive transition.

About Farmer Bros. Co.

Founded in 1912, Farmer Bros. Co. is a manufacturer, wholesaler and distributor of coffee, tea and culinary products. We are a direct distributor of coffee to restaurants, hotels, casinos, hospitals and other foodservice providers, and a provider of private brand coffee programs to quick service restaurants, grocery retailers, national drugstore chains, restaurant chains, convenience stores, and independent coffee houses, nationwide. Our product lines include roasted coffee, liquid coffee, coffee related products such as coffee filters, sugar and creamers, assorted teas, cappuccino, cocoa, spices, gelatins and puddings, soup bases, gravy and sauce mixes, pancake and biscuit mixes, and jellies and preserves. National foodservice brands include Farmer Brothers ® , The Artisan Collection by Farmer Brothers , Superior ® , Metropolitan ® , Island Medley Iced Tea ® and Farmer Brothers Spices . Regional foodservice and retail brands include Cain's ® , Ireland ® and McGarvey ® . For more information, visit: www.farmerbros.com.

1




Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements in this press release constitute “forward-looking statements.” When used in this press release, the words “will,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “estimates,” “believes,” and similar expressions, and statements which are made in the future tense or refer to future events or developments are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements are subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause the actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements.
Source: Farmer Bros. Co.
Jeffrey Wahba (310) 787-5241

2