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þ
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Annual Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
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¨
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Transition Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
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Indiana
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35-1160484
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(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)
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(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
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130 East Randolph Street, Suite 1000
Chicago, IL
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60601
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(Address of principal executive offices)
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(Zip Code)
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Title of Each Class
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Name of Each Exchange on Which Registered
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Common Stock, without par value
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New York Stock Exchange
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Page
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PART I
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PART II
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PART III
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PART IV
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Item 1.
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BUSINESS
|
•
|
Patient Support Systems –
globally provides our med-surg and specialty bed systems and surfaces, safe patient handling equipment and mobility solutions, as well as our clinical workflow solutions that deliver software and information technologies to improve care and deliver actionable insight to caregivers and patients.
|
•
|
Front Line Care –
globally provides patient monitoring and diagnostic technologies, including a diversified portfolio of physical assessment tools that help diagnose, treat and manage a wide variety of illnesses and diseases, as well as a portfolio of vision care and respiratory care devices.
|
•
|
Surgical Solutions –
globally provides products that improve surgical safety and efficiency in the operating room including tables, lights, pendants, positioning devices, and various other surgical instruments and accessories.
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Segments
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|
Competitors
|
|
|
|
|
|
Patient Support Systems
|
|
ArjoHuntleigh
Ascom Holding
Joerns Healthcare
LINET spol. s.r.o.
Rauland, a Division of AMETEK, Inc.
|
Sizewise
Stiegelmeyer
Stryker Corporation
|
|
|
|
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Front Line Care
|
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Covidien, Ltd., a Division of Medtronic plc.
Electromed, Inc.
Exergen Corporation
GE Healthcare
Heine Optotechnik
International Biophysics Corporation
Keeler Instruments, Inc.
Littman, a 3M Brand
|
Mindray Medical International
Midmark Corporation
Omron Healthcare, Inc.
Philips
Resmed
Rudolf Riester GmbH
Schiller AG
Thayer Medical Corporation
|
|
|
|
|
Surgical Solutions
|
|
Action Medical
DeRoyal
Draeger
Maquet, a Division of Getinge AB
MizuhoOSI
|
Skytron
Steris
Stryker Corporation
Swann-Morton
|
Item 1A.
|
RISK FACTORS
|
•
|
require us to dedicate a large portion of our cash flow from operations to the servicing and repayment of our debt, thereby reducing funds available for working capital, capital expenditures, research and development expenditures and other general corporate requirements;
|
•
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limit our ability to obtain additional financing to fund future working capital, capital expenditures, research and development expenditures and other general corporate requirements;
|
•
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limit our flexibility in planning for, or reacting to, changes in its business and the industry in which we operate;
|
•
|
restrict our ability to make strategic acquisitions or dispositions or to maximize business opportunities;
|
•
|
place us at a disadvantage compared to competitors that have less debt;
|
•
|
adversely affect our credit rating, with the result that the cost of servicing our indebtedness might increase;
|
•
|
adversely affect the market price of our common stock;
|
•
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limit our ability to apply proceeds from an offering or asset sale to purposes other than the servicing and repayment of debt; and
|
•
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cause us to fail to meet payment obligations or otherwise default under our debt, which will give our lenders the right to accelerate the indebtedness and exercise other rights and remedies against us.
|
•
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lose existing customers or suppliers;
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•
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have difficulty attracting new customers or suppliers;
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•
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have problems that adversely impact internal controls;
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•
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have difficulty preventing, detecting and controlling fraud;
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•
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have disputes with customers and suppliers;
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•
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have regulatory sanctions or penalties imposed;
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•
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have increases in operating expenses;
|
•
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incur expenses or lose revenues as a result of a data privacy breach; or
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•
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suffer other adverse consequences.
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•
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new, or changes in, analyst recommendations, guidelines or studies that could affect the use of our products;
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•
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announcements and rumors of developments related to our business, including changes in reimbursement rates or regulatory requirements, proposed and completed acquisitions, or the industry in which we compete;
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•
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published studies and reports relating to our products and markets in which we participate;
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•
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quarterly fluctuations in our actual or anticipated operating results;
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•
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general conditions in the U.S. or worldwide economy;
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•
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our stock repurchase program;
|
•
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announcements of technological innovations;
|
•
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new products or product enhancements by us or our competitors;
|
•
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developments in patents or other intellectual property rights and litigation;
|
•
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developments in relationships with our customers and suppliers;
|
•
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the implementation of health care reform legislation and the adoption of additional reform legislation in the future; and
|
•
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the ability to or extent of integrating our acquisitions.
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Item 1B.
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UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS
|
Item 2.
|
PROPERTIES
|
Location
|
Description and Primary Use
|
Owned/Leased
|
Acton, MA
|
Light manufacturing, development and distribution of health care equipment; Office administration
|
Leased
|
Batesville, IN
|
Manufacturing, development and distribution of health care equipment;
Office administration
|
Owned
|
Beaverton, OR
|
Development of health care equipment; Office administration
|
Leased
|
Caledonia, MI
|
Manufacturing, development and distribution of surgical products;
Office administration
|
Leased
|
Cary, NC
|
Development of health care equipment; Office administration
|
Leased
|
Charleston, SC
|
Light manufacturing and distribution of health care equipment;
Office administration
|
Leased
|
Chicago, IL
|
Office administration
|
Leased
|
Milwaukee, WI
|
Manufacturing, development and distribution of health care equipment; Office administration
|
Owned
|
St. Paul, MN
|
Office administration and distribution of health care equipment
|
Leased
|
Skaneateles Falls, NY
|
Manufacturing, development and distribution of health care equipment;
Office administration
|
Owned
|
Sydney, Australia
|
Distribution of health care equipment; Office administration
|
Leased
|
Shanghai, China
|
Manufacturing and development of health care equipment; Office administration
|
Leased
|
Taicang, China
|
Light manufacturing and distribution of health care equipment
|
Leased
|
Pluvigner, France
|
Manufacturing, development and distribution of health care equipment;
Office administration
|
Owned
|
Puchheim, Germany
|
Development and distribution of health care equipment; Office administration
|
Owned/Leased
|
Saalfeld, Germany
|
Manufacturing, development and distribution of health care equipment;
Office administration
|
Owned
|
Navan, County Meath, Ireland
|
Office administration
|
Owned
|
Bologna, Italy
|
Research and development
|
Leased
|
Tijuana, Mexico
|
Manufacturing and distribution of health care equipment; Office administration
|
Leased
|
Monterrey, Mexico
|
Manufacturing of health care equipment
|
Owned
|
Amsterdam, Netherlands
|
Office administration
|
Leased
|
Las Piedras, Puerto Rico
|
Manufacturing of surgical products
|
Owned
|
Singapore
|
Research and development of health care equipment; Office administration
|
Leased
|
Lulea, Sweden
|
Manufacturing, development and distribution of health care equipment;
Office administration
|
Owned
|
Item 3.
|
LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
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Item 4.
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MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES
|
Item 5.
|
MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES
|
|
|
Year Ended September 30
|
||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
2018
|
|
2017
|
||||||||||||||||||||
Quarter Ended:
|
|
High
|
|
Low
|
|
Cash
Dividends
Declared
|
|
High
|
|
Low
|
|
Cash
Dividends
Declared
|
||||||||||||
December 31
|
|
$
|
85.74
|
|
|
$
|
73.04
|
|
|
$
|
0.18
|
|
|
$
|
63.12
|
|
|
$
|
50.50
|
|
|
$
|
0.17
|
|
March 31
|
|
91.11
|
|
|
78.16
|
|
|
0.20
|
|
|
71.22
|
|
|
55.04
|
|
|
0.18
|
|
||||||
June 30
|
|
94.63
|
|
|
83.24
|
|
|
0.20
|
|
|
81.33
|
|
|
69.47
|
|
|
0.18
|
|
||||||
September 30
|
|
98.96
|
|
|
86.18
|
|
|
0.20
|
|
|
84.65
|
|
|
71.91
|
|
|
0.18
|
|
Period
|
Total
Number
of Shares
Purchased (1)
|
|
Average
Price Paid
per Share
|
|
Total Number
of Shares
Purchased as
Part of Publicly
Announced Plans or Programs (2)
|
|
Approximate
Dollar Value
of Shares That
May Yet Be
Purchased Under
the Programs (2)
|
||||||
July 1, 2018 - July 31, 2018
|
756
|
|
|
$
|
93.68
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
$
|
164.7
|
|
August 1, 2018 - August 31, 2018
|
56
|
|
|
$
|
96.84
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
$
|
164.7
|
|
September 1, 2018 - September 30, 2018
|
69,621
|
|
|
$
|
94.21
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
$
|
164.7
|
|
Total
|
70,433
|
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
(1)
|
Shares purchased in the quarter ended
September 30, 2018
were in connection with employee payroll tax withholding for restricted stock distributions.
|
(2)
|
In September 2013, the Board approved an expansion of its previously announced share repurchase authorization to a total of
$190.0 million
. In November 2017, the Board approved an increase to the share repurchase program in an amount of
$150.0 million
. As of
September 30, 2018
, a cumulative total of
$175.3 million
had been used under both programs, leaving us with availability of
$164.7 million
under the share repurchase programs. The program does not have an expiration date and currently there are no plans to terminate this program in the future.
|
|
|
2013
|
|
2014
|
|
2015
|
|
2016
|
|
2017
|
|
2018
|
||||||||||||
HRC
|
|
$
|
100
|
|
|
$
|
116
|
|
|
$
|
145
|
|
|
$
|
173
|
|
|
$
|
207
|
|
|
$
|
263
|
|
S&P 500
|
|
$
|
100
|
|
|
$
|
117
|
|
|
$
|
114
|
|
|
$
|
129
|
|
|
$
|
150
|
|
|
$
|
173
|
|
2017 Peer Group
|
|
$
|
100
|
|
|
$
|
113
|
|
|
$
|
125
|
|
|
$
|
157
|
|
|
$
|
182
|
|
|
$
|
226
|
|
2018 Peer Group
|
|
$
|
100
|
|
|
$
|
112
|
|
|
$
|
123
|
|
|
$
|
155
|
|
|
$
|
176
|
|
|
$
|
219
|
|
*
|
For purposes of the Stock Performance Graph above, our
2018
Peer Group is comprised of: Agilent Technologies, Inc., Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc., Bruker Corporation, C.R. Bard, Inc., The Cooper Companies, Inc., Dentsply Sirona, Inc., Edwards Lifesciences Corporation, Halyard Health, Inc., Hologic, Inc., Intuitive Surgical, Inc., Mednax, Inc., Patterson Companies, Inc., PerkinElmer, Inc., Quest Diagnostics Incorporated, Steris plc, Teleflex Incorporated, Varian Medical Systems, Inc. and Waters Corporation.
|
Item 6.
|
SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
|
(In millions, except per share data)
|
2018
|
|
2017
|
|
2016
|
|
2015
|
|
2014
|
||||||||||
Net revenue
|
$
|
2,848.0
|
|
|
$
|
2,743.7
|
|
|
$
|
2,655.2
|
|
|
$
|
1,988.2
|
|
|
$
|
1,686.1
|
|
Net income
|
252.4
|
|
|
132.3
|
|
|
122.8
|
|
|
46.8
|
|
|
60.6
|
|
|||||
Net income attributable to common shareholders
|
252.4
|
|
|
133.6
|
|
|
124.1
|
|
|
47.7
|
|
|
60.6
|
|
|||||
Net income attributable to common shareholders per basic share
|
3.81
|
|
|
2.04
|
|
|
1.90
|
|
|
0.83
|
|
|
1.05
|
|
|||||
Net income attributable to common shareholders per diluted share
|
3.73
|
|
|
1.99
|
|
|
1.86
|
|
|
0.82
|
|
|
1.04
|
|
|||||
Total assets
|
4,360.0
|
|
|
4,528.7
|
|
|
4,262.4
|
|
|
4,457.6
|
|
|
1,751.3
|
|
|||||
Long-term obligations
|
1,790.4
|
|
|
2,120.4
|
|
|
1,938.4
|
|
|
2,175.2
|
|
|
364.1
|
|
|||||
Cash flows from operating activities
|
395.2
|
|
|
311.1
|
|
|
281.2
|
|
|
213.8
|
|
|
210.3
|
|
|||||
Capital expenditures
|
89.5
|
|
|
97.5
|
|
|
83.3
|
|
|
121.3
|
|
|
62.7
|
|
|||||
Cash flows from investing activities
|
(82.4
|
)
|
|
(389.4
|
)
|
|
(97.7
|
)
|
|
(1,756.4
|
)
|
|
(294.5
|
)
|
|||||
Cash flows from financing activities
|
(356.6
|
)
|
|
70.6
|
|
|
(141.9
|
)
|
|
1,642.7
|
|
|
63.8
|
|
|||||
Cash dividends per basic share
|
0.7800
|
|
|
0.7100
|
|
|
0.6700
|
|
|
0.6325
|
|
|
0.5950
|
|
Item 7.
|
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
|
•
|
Patient Support Systems –
globally provides our med-surg and specialty bed systems and surfaces, safe patient handling equipment and mobility solutions, as well as our clinical workflow solutions that deliver software and information technologies to improve care and deliver actionable insight to caregivers and patients.
|
•
|
Front Line Care –
globally provides patient monitoring and diagnostic technologies, including a diversified portfolio of physical assessment tools that help diagnose, treat and manage a wide variety of illnesses and diseases, as well as a portfolio of vision care and respiratory care devices.
|
•
|
Surgical Solutions –
globally provides products that improve surgical safety and efficiency in the operating room including tables, lights, pendants, positioning devices, and various other surgical instruments and accessories.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
U.S.
|
|
OUS
|
|||||||||||
(In millions)
|
Year Ended
September 30 |
|
Change As
Reported
|
|
Constant
Currency
|
|
Change As
Reported
|
|
Change As
Reported
|
|
Constant
Currency
|
|||||||||||
|
2018
|
|
2017
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||||||||||
Revenue:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
Product sales and service
|
$
|
2,469.6
|
|
|
$
|
2,358.1
|
|
|
4.7
|
%
|
|
3.2
|
%
|
|
4.9
|
%
|
|
4.3
|
%
|
|
(0.1
|
)%
|
Rental revenue
|
378.4
|
|
|
385.6
|
|
|
(1.9
|
)%
|
|
(2.6
|
)%
|
|
(2.2
|
)%
|
|
0.9
|
%
|
|
(5.3
|
)%
|
||
Total net revenue
|
$
|
2,848.0
|
|
|
$
|
2,743.7
|
|
|
3.8
|
%
|
|
2.4
|
%
|
|
3.6
|
%
|
|
4.1
|
%
|
|
(0.3
|
)%
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
Revenue:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
Patient Support Systems
|
$
|
1,429.5
|
|
|
$
|
1,423.9
|
|
|
0.4
|
%
|
|
(0.7
|
)%
|
|
1.4
|
%
|
|
(2.4
|
)%
|
|
(6.6
|
)%
|
Front Line Care
|
960.2
|
|
|
885.3
|
|
|
8.5
|
%
|
|
7.4
|
%
|
|
7.7
|
%
|
|
10.4
|
%
|
|
6.8
|
%
|
||
Surgical Solutions
|
458.3
|
|
|
434.5
|
|
|
5.5
|
%
|
|
2.4
|
%
|
|
2.5
|
%
|
|
8.5
|
%
|
|
2.4
|
%
|
||
Total net revenue
|
$
|
2,848.0
|
|
|
$
|
2,743.7
|
|
|
3.8
|
%
|
|
2.4
|
%
|
|
3.6
|
%
|
|
4.1
|
%
|
|
(0.3
|
)%
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
OUS - Outside of the United States
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(In millions)
|
Year Ended September 30
|
||||||
|
2018
|
|
2017
|
||||
Gross Profit
|
|
|
|
||||
Product sales and service
|
$
|
1,195.5
|
|
|
$
|
1,122.3
|
|
Percent of Related Net Revenue
|
48.4
|
%
|
|
47.6
|
%
|
||
|
|
|
|
||||
Rental
|
198.7
|
|
|
198.3
|
|
||
Percent of Related Net Revenue
|
52.5
|
%
|
|
51.4
|
%
|
||
|
|
|
|
||||
Total Gross Profit
|
$
|
1,394.2
|
|
|
$
|
1,320.6
|
|
Percent of Total Net Revenue
|
49.0
|
%
|
|
48.1
|
%
|
(In millions)
|
Year Ended September 30
|
||||||
|
2018
|
|
2017
|
||||
Research and development expenses
|
$
|
135.6
|
|
|
$
|
133.7
|
|
Percent of Total Net Revenue
|
4.8
|
%
|
|
4.9
|
%
|
||
|
|
|
|
||||
Selling and administrative expenses
|
$
|
891.5
|
|
|
$
|
876.1
|
|
Percent of Total Net Revenue
|
31.3
|
%
|
|
31.9
|
%
|
(In millions)
|
Year Ended September 30
|
|
Change As
Reported
|
|||||||
|
2018
|
|
2017
|
|
||||||
Divisional income:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
Patient Support Systems
|
$
|
281.3
|
|
|
$
|
249.6
|
|
|
12.7
|
%
|
Front Line Care
|
253.0
|
|
|
231.8
|
|
|
9.1
|
%
|
||
Surgical Solutions
|
53.1
|
|
|
42.5
|
|
|
24.9
|
%
|
(In millions)
|
Year Ended September 30
|
||||||
|
2018
|
|
2017
|
||||
Special charges
|
$
|
77.6
|
|
|
$
|
37.4
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||
Interest expense
|
$
|
(95.0
|
)
|
|
$
|
(88.9
|
)
|
Investment income and other, net
|
$
|
2.7
|
|
|
$
|
(1.5
|
)
|
(In millions)
|
Year Ended September 30, 2018
|
|
Year Ended September 30, 2017
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Operating Margin
|
|
Income
Before Income Taxes |
|
Income Tax
Expense |
|
Diluted EPS
|
|
Operating
Margin 1 |
|
Income
Before Income Taxes |
|
Income Tax
Expense |
|
Diluted EPS
|
||||||||||||||
GAAP Basis
|
10.2
|
%
|
|
$
|
197.2
|
|
|
$
|
(55.2
|
)
|
|
$
|
3.73
|
|
|
10.0
|
%
|
|
$
|
183.0
|
|
|
$
|
50.7
|
|
|
$
|
1.99
|
|
Adjustments:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||||||||||
Acquisition and integration costs
|
0.4
|
%
|
|
11.1
|
|
|
3.0
|
|
|
0.12
|
|
|
0.9
|
%
|
|
23.5
|
|
|
9.7
|
|
|
0.21
|
|
||||||
Acquisition-related intangible asset amortization
|
3.8
|
%
|
|
106.9
|
|
|
28.2
|
|
|
1.16
|
|
|
4.0
|
%
|
|
108.4
|
|
|
34.2
|
|
|
1.10
|
|
||||||
Field corrective actions
|
—
|
%
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
%
|
|
—
|
|
|
(0.2
|
)
|
|
—
|
|
||||||
Litigation settlements and expenses
|
0.2
|
%
|
|
5.8
|
|
|
1.5
|
|
|
0.06
|
|
|
(0.3
|
)%
|
|
5.7
|
|
|
2.1
|
|
|
0.05
|
|
||||||
Special charges
2
|
2.7
|
%
|
|
77.6
|
|
|
21.1
|
|
|
0.84
|
|
|
1.9
|
%
|
|
37.4
|
|
|
4.8
|
|
|
0.49
|
|
||||||
Tax law and method changes and related costs
|
—
|
%
|
|
1.6
|
|
|
79.2
|
|
|
(1.15
|
)
|
|
—
|
%
|
|
—
|
|
|
(2.2
|
)
|
|
0.03
|
|
||||||
Gain on disposition
|
—
|
%
|
|
(1.0
|
)
|
|
—
|
|
|
(0.01
|
)
|
|
—
|
%
|
|
(1.0
|
)
|
|
(0.4
|
)
|
|
(0.01
|
)
|
||||||
Adjusted Basis
|
17.3
|
%
|
|
$
|
399.2
|
|
|
$
|
77.8
|
|
|
$
|
4.75
|
|
|
16.3
|
%
|
|
$
|
357.0
|
|
|
$
|
98.7
|
|
|
$
|
3.86
|
|
1
Total may not add due to rounding
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2
Fiscal 2017 includes favorable litigation settlement of $15.1 million which was recognized as Special charges in our Statements of Consolidated Income. Refer to Note 7 of our Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Form 10-K for additional information.
|
(In millions)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
U.S.
|
|
OUS
|
|||||||||||
|
Year Ended
September 30
|
|
Change As
Reported
|
|
Constant
Currency
|
|
Change As
Reported
|
|
Change As
Reported
|
|
Constant
Currency
|
|||||||||||
|
2017
|
|
2016
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||||||||||
Revenue:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
Product sales and service
|
$
|
2,358.1
|
|
|
$
|
2,263.4
|
|
|
4.2
|
%
|
|
4.6
|
%
|
|
4.7
|
%
|
|
3.2
|
%
|
|
4.4
|
%
|
Rental revenue
|
385.6
|
|
|
391.8
|
|
|
(1.6
|
)%
|
|
(1.3
|
)%
|
|
(1.1
|
)%
|
|
(5.1
|
)%
|
|
(2.6
|
)%
|
||
Total net revenue
|
$
|
2,743.7
|
|
|
$
|
2,655.2
|
|
|
3.3
|
%
|
|
3.7
|
%
|
|
3.6
|
%
|
|
2.7
|
%
|
|
4.0
|
%
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
Revenue:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
Patient Support Systems
|
$
|
1,423.9
|
|
|
$
|
1,437.2
|
|
|
(0.9
|
)%
|
|
(0.6
|
)%
|
|
0.2
|
%
|
|
(3.9
|
)%
|
|
(2.8
|
)%
|
Front Line Care
|
885.3
|
|
|
809.7
|
|
|
9.3
|
%
|
|
9.7
|
%
|
|
8.0
|
%
|
|
12.8
|
%
|
|
14.0
|
%
|
||
Surgical Solutions
|
434.5
|
|
|
408.3
|
|
|
6.4
|
%
|
|
7.2
|
%
|
|
8.1
|
%
|
|
4.7
|
%
|
|
6.4
|
%
|
||
Total net revenue
|
$
|
2,743.7
|
|
|
$
|
2,655.2
|
|
|
3.3
|
%
|
|
3.7
|
%
|
|
3.6
|
%
|
|
2.7
|
%
|
|
4.0
|
%
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
OUS - Outside of the United States
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(In millions)
|
Year Ended September 30
|
||||||
|
2017
|
|
2016
|
||||
Gross Profit
|
|
|
|
||||
Product sales and service
|
$
|
1,122.3
|
|
|
$
|
1,054.0
|
|
Percent of Related Net Revenue
|
47.6
|
%
|
|
46.6
|
%
|
||
|
|
|
|
||||
Rental
|
$
|
198.3
|
|
|
$
|
203.0
|
|
Percent of Related Net Revenue
|
51.4
|
%
|
|
51.8
|
%
|
||
|
|
|
|
||||
Total Gross Profit
|
$
|
1,320.6
|
|
|
$
|
1,257.0
|
|
Percent of Total Net Revenue
|
48.1
|
%
|
|
47.3
|
%
|
(In millions)
|
Year Ended September 30
|
||||||
|
2017
|
|
2016
|
||||
Research and development expenses
|
$
|
133.7
|
|
|
$
|
133.5
|
|
Percent of Total Net Revenue
|
4.9
|
%
|
|
5.0
|
%
|
||
|
|
|
|
||||
Selling and administrative expenses
|
$
|
876.1
|
|
|
$
|
853.3
|
|
Percent of Total Net Revenue
|
31.9
|
%
|
|
32.1
|
%
|
(In millions)
|
Year Ended September 30
|
|
Change As
Reported
|
|||||||
|
2017
|
|
2016
|
|
||||||
Divisional income:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
Patient Support Systems
|
$
|
249.6
|
|
|
$
|
245.2
|
|
|
1.8
|
%
|
Front Line Care
|
231.8
|
|
|
202.1
|
|
|
14.7
|
%
|
||
Surgical Solutions
|
42.5
|
|
|
46.2
|
|
|
(8.0
|
)%
|
(In millions)
|
|
Year Ended September 30
|
||||||
|
|
2017
|
|
2016
|
||||
Special charges
|
|
$
|
37.4
|
|
|
$
|
39.9
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||
Interest expense
|
|
$
|
(88.9
|
)
|
|
$
|
(90.4
|
)
|
Loss on extinguishment of debt
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
|
$
|
(10.8
|
)
|
Investment income and other, net
|
|
$
|
(1.5
|
)
|
|
$
|
9.2
|
|
(In millions)
|
Year Ended September 30
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
2017
|
|
2016
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Operating
Margin
1
|
|
Income
Before
Income
Taxes
|
|
Income
Tax
Expense
|
|
Diluted
EPS
|
|
Operating
Margin
|
|
Income
Before
Income
Taxes
|
|
Income
Tax
Expense
|
|
Diluted
EPS
1
|
||||||||||||||
GAAP Basis
|
10.0
|
%
|
|
$
|
183.0
|
|
|
$
|
50.7
|
|
|
$
|
1.99
|
|
|
8.7
|
%
|
|
$
|
138.3
|
|
|
$
|
15.5
|
|
|
$
|
1.86
|
|
Adjustments:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||
Acquisition and integration costs
|
0.9
|
%
|
|
23.5
|
|
|
9.7
|
|
|
0.21
|
|
|
1.5
|
%
|
|
38.9
|
|
|
11.3
|
|
|
0.41
|
|
||||||
Acquisition-related intangible asset amortization
|
4.0
|
%
|
|
108.4
|
|
|
34.2
|
|
|
1.10
|
|
|
3.6
|
%
|
|
95.9
|
|
|
31.7
|
|
|
0.96
|
|
||||||
Field corrective actions
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
(0.2
|
)
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
%
|
|
0.2
|
|
|
(0.1
|
)
|
|
—
|
|
||||||
Litigation settlements and expenses
|
(0.3
|
)%
|
|
5.7
|
|
|
2.1
|
|
|
0.05
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
||||||
Special charges
2
|
1.9
|
%
|
|
37.4
|
|
|
4.8
|
|
|
0.49
|
|
|
1.5
|
%
|
|
39.9
|
|
|
13.4
|
|
|
0.40
|
|
||||||
Foreign tax law change
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
(2.2
|
)
|
|
0.03
|
|
|
—
|
%
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
||||||
Foreign valuation allowance
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
19.5
|
|
|
(0.29
|
)
|
||||||
Debt refinancing
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
12.9
|
|
|
4.7
|
|
|
0.12
|
|
||||||
Gain on disposition
|
—
|
|
|
(1.0
|
)
|
|
(0.4
|
)
|
|
(0.01
|
)
|
|
—
|
|
|
(10.1
|
)
|
|
(3.7
|
)
|
|
(0.10
|
)
|
||||||
Adjusted Basis
|
16.3
|
%
|
|
$
|
357.0
|
|
|
$
|
98.7
|
|
|
$
|
3.86
|
|
|
15.3
|
%
|
|
$
|
316.0
|
|
|
$
|
92.3
|
|
|
$
|
3.38
|
|
1
Total does not add due to rounding
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2
Fiscal 2017 includes favorable litigation settlement of $15.1 million which was recognized as Special charges in our Statements of Consolidated Income. Refer to Note 7 of our Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Form 10-K for additional information.
|
|
Year Ended September 30
|
||||||||||
(In millions)
|
2018
|
|
2017
|
|
2016
|
||||||
Cash Flows Provided By (Used In):
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||
Operating activities
|
$
|
395.2
|
|
|
$
|
311.1
|
|
|
$
|
281.2
|
|
Investing activities
|
(82.4
|
)
|
|
(389.4
|
)
|
|
(97.7
|
)
|
|||
Financing activities
|
(356.6
|
)
|
|
70.6
|
|
|
(141.9
|
)
|
|||
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash
|
(5.0
|
)
|
|
7.3
|
|
|
(2.2
|
)
|
|||
Increase (Decrease) in Cash and Cash Equivalents
|
$
|
(48.8
|
)
|
|
$
|
(0.4
|
)
|
|
$
|
39.4
|
|
|
Payments Due by Period
|
||||||||||||||||||
(In millions)
|
Total
|
|
Less Than
1 Year
|
|
1 - 3
Years
|
|
3 - 5
Years
|
|
After 5
Years
|
||||||||||
Contractual Obligations
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||||
Long-term debt obligations
|
$
|
1,989.8
|
|
|
$
|
183.0
|
|
|
$
|
1,038.6
|
|
|
$
|
425.0
|
|
|
$
|
343.2
|
|
Interest payments relating to long-term debt (1)
|
321.4
|
|
|
72.0
|
|
|
124.3
|
|
|
84.7
|
|
|
40.4
|
|
|||||
Operating lease obligations
|
129.7
|
|
|
31.0
|
|
|
41.6
|
|
|
29.1
|
|
|
28.0
|
|
|||||
Pension and postretirement
health care benefit funding (2)
|
25.3
|
|
|
2.8
|
|
|
4.5
|
|
|
4.4
|
|
|
13.6
|
|
|||||
Purchase obligations (3)
|
200.2
|
|
|
166.4
|
|
|
33.7
|
|
|
0.1
|
|
|
—
|
|
|||||
Other long-term liabilities (4)
|
31.9
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
12.5
|
|
|
12.5
|
|
|
6.9
|
|
|||||
Total contractual cash obligations
|
$
|
2,698.3
|
|
|
$
|
455.2
|
|
|
$
|
1,255.2
|
|
|
$
|
555.8
|
|
|
$
|
432.1
|
|
(1)
|
Interest payments on our long-term debt are projected based on the contractual rates of outstanding debt securities.
|
(2)
|
Excludes our master defined benefit retirement plan in the United States because we are not required to make any further contributions in fiscal
2019
.
|
(3)
|
Purchase obligations represent contractual obligations under various take-or-pay arrangements executed in the normal course of business. These commitments represent future purchases in line with expected usage to obtain favorable pricing. Also included are obligations arising from purchase orders for which we have made firm commitments. As a result, we believe that the purchase obligations portion of our contractual obligations is substantially those obligations for which we are certain to pay, regardless of future facts and circumstances. We expect to fund purchase obligations with operating cash flows and current cash balances.
|
(4)
|
Other long-term liabilities include deferred compensation arrangements, self-insurance reserves and other various liabilities.
|
•
|
Evidence of an arrangement:
An agreement with the customer reflecting the terms and conditions to deliver products or services serves as evidence of an arrangement.
|
•
|
Delivery:
For products, delivery is generally considered to occur upon transfer of title and risk of loss per the respective sales terms. For rental services, delivery is considered to occur when the services are rendered.
|
•
|
Fixed or determinable price
: The sales price is considered fixed or determinable if it is not subject to refund or adjustment.
|
•
|
Collection is considered probable
: At or prior to the time of a transaction, credit reviews of each customer are performed to determine the creditworthiness of the customer. Collection is considered probable if the customer is expected to be able to pay amounts under the arrangement as those amounts become due. If collection is not probable, revenue is recognized when collection becomes probable which generally is upon cash collection.
|
Item 7A.
|
QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
|
Item 8.
|
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
|
|
Page
|
Financial Statements:
|
|
|
|
|
|
Financial Statement Schedule:
|
|
|
|
All other schedules are omitted because they are not applicable or the required information is shown in the financial statements or the notes thereto.
|
|
1)
|
Pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of our assets;
|
2)
|
Provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of our Consolidated Financial Statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States and that our receipts and expenditures are being made only in accordance with authorizations of our management and our Board of Directors; and
|
3)
|
Provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of our assets that could have a material effect on our Consolidated Financial Statements.
|
|
|
Year Ended September 30
|
||||||||||
|
|
2018
|
|
2017
|
|
2016
|
||||||
Net Revenue
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||
Product sales and service
|
|
$
|
2,469.6
|
|
|
$
|
2,358.1
|
|
|
$
|
2,263.4
|
|
Rental revenue
|
|
378.4
|
|
|
385.6
|
|
|
391.8
|
|
|||
Total net revenue
|
|
2,848.0
|
|
|
2,743.7
|
|
|
2,655.2
|
|
|||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||
Cost of Net Revenue
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
Cost of goods sold
|
|
1,274.1
|
|
|
1,235.8
|
|
|
1,209.4
|
|
|||
Rental expenses
|
|
179.7
|
|
|
187.3
|
|
|
188.8
|
|
|||
Total cost of net revenue
|
|
1,453.8
|
|
|
1,423.1
|
|
|
1,398.2
|
|
|||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||
Gross Profit
|
|
1,394.2
|
|
|
1,320.6
|
|
|
1,257.0
|
|
|||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||
Research and development expenses
|
|
135.6
|
|
|
133.7
|
|
|
133.5
|
|
|||
Selling and administrative expenses
|
|
891.5
|
|
|
876.1
|
|
|
853.3
|
|
|||
Special charges
|
|
77.6
|
|
|
37.4
|
|
|
39.9
|
|
|||
Operating Profit
|
|
289.5
|
|
|
273.4
|
|
|
230.3
|
|
|||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||
Interest expense
|
|
(95.0
|
)
|
|
(88.9
|
)
|
|
(90.4
|
)
|
|||
Loss on extinguishment of debt
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
(10.8
|
)
|
|||
Investment income and other, net
|
|
2.7
|
|
|
(1.5
|
)
|
|
9.2
|
|
|||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||
Income Before Income Taxes
|
|
197.2
|
|
|
183.0
|
|
|
138.3
|
|
|||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||
Income tax expense (benefit)
|
|
(55.2
|
)
|
|
50.7
|
|
|
15.5
|
|
|||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||
Net Income
|
|
252.4
|
|
|
132.3
|
|
|
122.8
|
|
|||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||
Less: Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests
|
|
—
|
|
|
(1.3
|
)
|
|
(1.3
|
)
|
|||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||
Net Income Attributable to Common Shareholders
|
|
$
|
252.4
|
|
|
$
|
133.6
|
|
|
$
|
124.1
|
|
Net Income Attributable to Common Shareholders
per Basic Common Share |
|
$
|
3.81
|
|
|
$
|
2.04
|
|
|
$
|
1.90
|
|
Net Income Attributable to Common Shareholders
per Diluted Common Share |
|
$
|
3.73
|
|
|
$
|
1.99
|
|
|
$
|
1.86
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||
Dividends per Common Share
|
|
$
|
0.78
|
|
|
$
|
0.71
|
|
|
$
|
0.67
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||
Average Basic Common Shares Outstanding (in thousands)
|
|
66,234
|
|
|
65,599
|
|
|
65,333
|
|
|||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||
Average Diluted Common Shares Outstanding (in thousands)
|
|
67,612
|
|
|
67,225
|
|
|
66,596
|
|
|
|
Year Ended September 30
|
||||||||||
|
|
2018
|
|
2017
|
|
2016
|
||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||
Net Income
|
|
$
|
252.4
|
|
|
$
|
132.3
|
|
|
$
|
122.8
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), net of tax:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||
Derivative instruments and hedges
|
|
12.5
|
|
|
7.4
|
|
|
(3.1
|
)
|
|||
Foreign currency translation adjustment
|
|
(24.0
|
)
|
|
33.9
|
|
|
(22.4
|
)
|
|||
Change in pension and postretirement defined benefit plans
|
|
8.5
|
|
|
17.8
|
|
|
(2.8
|
)
|
|||
Total Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), net of tax
|
|
(3.0
|
)
|
|
59.1
|
|
|
(28.3
|
)
|
|||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||
Total Comprehensive Income
|
|
249.4
|
|
|
191.4
|
|
|
94.5
|
|
|||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||
Less: Comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interests
|
|
—
|
|
|
(1.3
|
)
|
|
(1.3
|
)
|
|||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||
Total Comprehensive Income Attributable to Common Shareholders
|
|
$
|
249.4
|
|
|
$
|
192.7
|
|
|
$
|
95.8
|
|
|
|
September 30,
2018 |
|
September 30,
2017 |
||||
ASSETS
|
|
|
|
|
||||
Current Assets
|
|
|
|
|
||||
Cash and cash equivalents
|
|
$
|
183.0
|
|
|
$
|
231.8
|
|
Trade accounts receivable, less allowances of $21.8 in 2018 and $25.1 in 2017 (Note 1)
|
|
580.7
|
|
|
579.3
|
|
||
Inventories (Note 1)
|
|
291.7
|
|
|
284.5
|
|
||
Other current assets
|
|
100.2
|
|
|
70.6
|
|
||
Total current assets
|
|
1,155.6
|
|
|
1,166.2
|
|
||
Property, plant and equipment (Note 1)
|
|
915.0
|
|
|
979.6
|
|
||
Less accumulated depreciation
|
|
(586.7
|
)
|
|
(624.2
|
)
|
||
Property, plant and equipment, net
|
|
328.3
|
|
|
355.4
|
|
||
Intangible assets:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Goodwill (Notes 1, 2 and 3)
|
|
1,738.3
|
|
|
1,759.6
|
|
||
Other intangible assets and software, net (Notes 1, 2 and 3)
|
|
1,027.7
|
|
|
1,144.0
|
|
||
Deferred income taxes (Notes 1 and 8)
|
|
35.0
|
|
|
40.9
|
|
||
Other assets
|
|
75.1
|
|
|
62.6
|
|
||
Total Assets
|
|
$
|
4,360.0
|
|
|
$
|
4,528.7
|
|
LIABILITIES
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Current Liabilities
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Trade accounts payable
|
|
$
|
177.3
|
|
|
$
|
167.9
|
|
Short-term borrowings (Note 4)
|
|
182.5
|
|
|
188.9
|
|
||
Accrued compensation
|
|
132.5
|
|
|
126.9
|
|
||
Accrued product warranties (Note 1)
|
|
20.5
|
|
|
25.5
|
|
||
Accrued rebates
|
|
42.5
|
|
|
39.7
|
|
||
Deferred revenue
|
|
40.0
|
|
|
35.2
|
|
||
Other current liabilities
|
|
67.1
|
|
|
74.6
|
|
||
Total current liabilities
|
|
662.4
|
|
|
658.7
|
|
||
Long-term debt (Note 4)
|
|
1,790.4
|
|
|
2,120.4
|
|
||
Accrued pension and postretirement benefits (Note 5)
|
|
69.3
|
|
|
78.1
|
|
||
Deferred income taxes (Notes 1 and 8)
|
|
181.3
|
|
|
266.2
|
|
||
Other long-term liabilities
|
|
40.4
|
|
|
39.7
|
|
||
Total Liabilities
|
|
2,743.8
|
|
|
3,163.1
|
|
||
Commitments and Contingencies (Note 13)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY (Note 10)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Capital Stock:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Preferred stock - without par value:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Authorized - 1,000,000 shares; none issued or outstanding
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Common stock - without par value:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Authorized - 199,000,000
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Issued - 88,457,634 shares in 2018 and 2017
|
|
4.4
|
|
|
4.4
|
|
||
Additional paid-in capital
|
|
602.9
|
|
|
584.4
|
|
||
Retained earnings
|
|
1,876.2
|
|
|
1,676.2
|
|
||
Accumulated other comprehensive loss (Note 1)
|
|
(113.0
|
)
|
|
(110.0
|
)
|
||
Treasury stock, common shares at cost: 21,201,522 in 2018 and 22,643,840 in 2017
|
|
(754.3
|
)
|
|
(796.8
|
)
|
||
Total Shareholders’ Equity Attributable to Common Shareholders
|
|
1,616.2
|
|
|
1,358.2
|
|
||
Noncontrolling interests
|
|
—
|
|
|
7.4
|
|
||
Total Shareholders’ Equity
|
|
1,616.2
|
|
|
1,365.6
|
|
||
Total Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity
|
|
$
|
4,360.0
|
|
|
$
|
4,528.7
|
|
|
|
Year Ended September 30
|
||||||||||
|
|
2018
|
|
2017
|
|
2016
|
||||||
Operating Activities
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||
Net income
|
|
$
|
252.4
|
|
|
$
|
132.3
|
|
|
$
|
122.8
|
|
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||
Depreciation and amortization of property, plant, equipment and software
|
|
89.6
|
|
|
95.2
|
|
|
103.9
|
|
|||
Acquisition-related intangible asset amortization
|
|
106.9
|
|
|
108.4
|
|
|
95.9
|
|
|||
Amortization of debt discounts and issuance costs
|
|
7.4
|
|
|
7.2
|
|
|
9.2
|
|
|||
Loss on extinguishment of debt
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
10.8
|
|
|||
Provision (benefit) for deferred income taxes
|
|
(84.8
|
)
|
|
(32.8
|
)
|
|
(0.5
|
)
|
|||
(Gain) loss on disposal of property, equipment leased to others, intangible assets and impairments
|
|
2.7
|
|
|
24.7
|
|
|
1.9
|
|
|||
Pension contribution to master pension plan
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
(30.0
|
)
|
|||
(Gain) loss on disposition of businesses
|
|
23.0
|
|
|
(1.0
|
)
|
|
(10.1
|
)
|
|||
Stock compensation
|
|
28.1
|
|
|
23.0
|
|
|
23.1
|
|
|||
Excess tax benefits from employee stock plans
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
(3.6
|
)
|
|||
Change in working capital excluding cash, current debt, acquisitions and dispositions:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||
Trade accounts receivable
|
|
(5.1
|
)
|
|
(42.5
|
)
|
|
(15.8
|
)
|
|||
Inventories
|
|
(10.4
|
)
|
|
(14.9
|
)
|
|
21.3
|
|
|||
Other current assets
|
|
(29.4
|
)
|
|
15.0
|
|
|
27.7
|
|
|||
Trade accounts payable
|
|
12.5
|
|
|
21.6
|
|
|
(0.5
|
)
|
|||
Accrued expenses and other liabilities
|
|
(1.0
|
)
|
|
(32.3
|
)
|
|
(73.0
|
)
|
|||
Other, net
|
|
3.3
|
|
|
7.2
|
|
|
(1.9
|
)
|
|||
Net cash provided by operating activities
|
|
395.2
|
|
|
311.1
|
|
|
281.2
|
|
|||
Investing Activities
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
Capital expenditures and purchases of intangible assets
|
|
(89.5
|
)
|
|
(97.5
|
)
|
|
(83.3
|
)
|
|||
Proceeds on sale of property and equipment leased to others
|
|
4.2
|
|
|
15.1
|
|
|
2.2
|
|
|||
Payment for acquisition of businesses, net of cash acquired
|
|
—
|
|
|
(311.4
|
)
|
|
(25.3
|
)
|
|||
Proceeds on sale of businesses
|
|
1.0
|
|
|
5.8
|
|
|
10.3
|
|
|||
Other
|
|
1.9
|
|
|
(1.4
|
)
|
|
(1.6
|
)
|
|||
Net cash used in investing activities
|
|
(82.4
|
)
|
|
(389.4
|
)
|
|
(97.7
|
)
|
|||
Financing Activities
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
Proceeds from borrowings on long-term debt
|
|
1.0
|
|
|
300.0
|
|
|
530.4
|
|
|||
Payments of long-term debt
|
|
(351.0
|
)
|
|
(73.2
|
)
|
|
(767.9
|
)
|
|||
Borrowings on Revolving Credit Facility
|
|
75.0
|
|
|
180.0
|
|
|
156.9
|
|
|||
Payments on Revolving Credit Facility
|
|
(165.0
|
)
|
|
(325.8
|
)
|
|
(20.0
|
)
|
|||
Borrowings on Securitization Program
|
|
71.6
|
|
|
124.5
|
|
|
—
|
|
|||
Payments on Securitization Program
|
|
(40.7
|
)
|
|
(45.4
|
)
|
|
—
|
|
|||
Borrowings on Note Securitization Facility
|
|
122.4
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|||
Payments on Note Securitization Facility
|
|
(50.0
|
)
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|||
Debt issuance costs
|
|
(0.4
|
)
|
|
(5.1
|
)
|
|
(2.3
|
)
|
|||
Purchase of noncontrolling interest of former joint venture
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
(0.4
|
)
|
|||
Payments of cash dividends
|
|
(51.8
|
)
|
|
(46.6
|
)
|
|
(43.8
|
)
|
|||
Proceeds from exercise of stock options
|
|
40.0
|
|
|
17.8
|
|
|
6.2
|
|
|||
Proceeds from stock issuance
|
|
6.4
|
|
|
5.0
|
|
|
3.8
|
|
|||
Excess tax benefits from employee stock plans
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
3.6
|
|
|||
Treasury stock acquired
|
|
(14.1
|
)
|
|
(60.6
|
)
|
|
(8.4
|
)
|
|||
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
|
|
(356.6
|
)
|
|
70.6
|
|
|
(141.9
|
)
|
|||
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash
|
|
(5.0
|
)
|
|
7.3
|
|
|
(2.2
|
)
|
|||
Net Cash Flows
|
|
(48.8
|
)
|
|
(0.4
|
)
|
|
39.4
|
|
|||
Cash and Cash Equivalents
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
At beginning of period
|
|
231.8
|
|
|
232.2
|
|
|
192.8
|
|
|||
At end of period
|
|
$
|
183.0
|
|
|
$
|
231.8
|
|
|
$
|
232.2
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||
Supplemental cash flow information:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
Cash paid for income taxes
|
|
$
|
44.8
|
|
|
$
|
70.4
|
|
|
$
|
10.9
|
|
Cash paid for interest
|
|
$
|
90.4
|
|
|
$
|
81.3
|
|
|
$
|
80.9
|
|
Non-cash investing and financing activities:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
Treasury stock issued under stock compensation plans
|
|
$
|
56.6
|
|
|
$
|
37.5
|
|
|
$
|
23.3
|
|
|
Common Stock
|
|
Additional
Paid-in Capital |
|
Retained
Earnings |
|
Accumulated
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) |
|
Common Stock
in Treasury |
|
Total Equity
Attributable to Common Shareholders |
|
Noncontrolling
Interests |
|
|
||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Shares
Outstanding |
|
Amount
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
Shares
|
|
Amount
|
|
|
|
Total
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Balance as of September 30, 2015
|
65,165,896
|
|
|
$
|
4.4
|
|
|
$
|
562.0
|
|
|
$
|
1,509.9
|
|
|
$
|
(140.8
|
)
|
|
23,291,738
|
|
|
$
|
(788.6
|
)
|
|
$
|
1,146.9
|
|
|
$
|
10.0
|
|
|
$
|
1,156.9
|
|
Net income attributable to common shareholders
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
124.1
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
124.1
|
|
|
(1.3
|
)
|
|
122.8
|
|
||||||||
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax of $3.2
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
(28.3
|
)
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
(28.3
|
)
|
|
—
|
|
|
(28.3
|
)
|
||||||||
Dividends
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
0.5
|
|
|
(44.3
|
)
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
(43.8
|
)
|
|
—
|
|
|
(43.8
|
)
|
||||||||
Treasury shares acquired
|
(148,203
|
)
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
148,203
|
|
|
(8.4
|
)
|
|
(8.4
|
)
|
|
—
|
|
|
(8.4
|
)
|
||||||||
Stock awards and option exercises
|
687,560
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
13.4
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
(687,560
|
)
|
|
23.3
|
|
|
36.7
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
36.7
|
|
||||||||
Balance as of September 30, 2016
|
65,705,253
|
|
|
4.4
|
|
|
575.9
|
|
|
1,589.7
|
|
|
(169.1
|
)
|
|
22,752,381
|
|
|
(773.7
|
)
|
|
1,227.2
|
|
|
8.7
|
|
|
1,235.9
|
|
||||||||
Net income attributable to common shareholders
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
133.6
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
133.6
|
|
|
(1.3
|
)
|
|
132.3
|
|
||||||||
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax of ($14.6)
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
|
59.1
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
59.1
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
59.1
|
|
|||||||||
Dividends
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
0.5
|
|
|
(47.1
|
)
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
(46.6
|
)
|
|
—
|
|
|
(46.6
|
)
|
||||||||
Treasury shares acquired
|
(976,473
|
)
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
976,473
|
|
|
(60.6
|
)
|
|
(60.6
|
)
|
|
—
|
|
|
(60.6
|
)
|
||||||||
Stock awards and option exercises
|
1,085,014
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
8.0
|
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
(1,085,014
|
)
|
|
37.5
|
|
|
45.5
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
45.5
|
|
|||||||||
Balance as of September 30, 2017
|
65,813,794
|
|
|
4.4
|
|
|
584.4
|
|
|
1,676.2
|
|
|
(110.0
|
)
|
|
22,643,840
|
|
|
(796.8
|
)
|
|
1,358.2
|
|
|
7.4
|
|
|
1,365.6
|
|
||||||||
Net income attributable to common shareholders
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
252.4
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
252.4
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
252.4
|
|
||||||||
Deconsolidation of VIE
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
(7.4
|
)
|
|
(7.4
|
)
|
||||||||
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax of ($5.9)
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
(3.0
|
)
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
(3.0
|
)
|
|
—
|
|
|
(3.0
|
)
|
||||||||
Dividends
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
0.6
|
|
|
(52.4
|
)
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
(51.8
|
)
|
|
—
|
|
|
(51.8
|
)
|
||||||||
Treasury shares acquired
|
(158,182
|
)
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
158,182
|
|
|
(14.1
|
)
|
|
(14.1
|
)
|
|
—
|
|
|
(14.1
|
)
|
||||||||
Stock awards and option exercises
|
1,600,500
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
17.9
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
(1,600,500
|
)
|
|
56.6
|
|
|
74.5
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
74.5
|
|
||||||||
Balance as of September 30, 2018
|
67,256,112
|
|
|
$
|
4.4
|
|
|
$
|
602.9
|
|
|
$
|
1,876.2
|
|
|
$
|
(113.0
|
)
|
|
21,201,522
|
|
|
$
|
(754.3
|
)
|
|
$
|
1,616.2
|
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
|
$
|
1,616.2
|
|
|
|
September 30
|
||||||
|
|
2018
|
|
2017
|
||||
Finished products
|
|
$
|
139.7
|
|
|
$
|
147.5
|
|
Work in process
|
|
44.8
|
|
|
38.8
|
|
||
Raw materials
|
|
107.2
|
|
|
98.2
|
|
||
Total
|
|
$
|
291.7
|
|
|
$
|
284.5
|
|
|
Useful Life
|
Land improvements
|
6 - 15 years
|
Buildings and building equipment
|
10 - 40 years
|
Machinery and equipment
|
3 - 10 years
|
Equipment leased to others
|
2 - 10 years
|
|
|
September 30
|
||||||||||||||
|
|
2018
|
|
2017
|
||||||||||||
|
|
Cost
|
|
Accumulated
Depreciation
|
|
Cost
|
|
Accumulated
Depreciation
|
||||||||
Land and land improvements
|
|
$
|
18.4
|
|
|
$
|
3.7
|
|
|
$
|
18.4
|
|
|
$
|
3.3
|
|
Buildings and building equipment
|
|
209.0
|
|
|
89.6
|
|
|
196.1
|
|
|
84.7
|
|
||||
Machinery and equipment
|
|
410.9
|
|
|
288.1
|
|
|
402.6
|
|
|
265.1
|
|
||||
Equipment leased to others
|
|
276.7
|
|
|
205.3
|
|
|
362.5
|
|
|
271.1
|
|
||||
Total
|
|
$
|
915.0
|
|
|
$
|
586.7
|
|
|
$
|
979.6
|
|
|
$
|
624.2
|
|
•
|
Level 1: Financial instruments with unadjusted quoted prices in active markets that are accessible at the measurement date for identical, unrestricted assets and liabilities.
|
•
|
Level 2: Financial instruments with observable inputs other than those included in Level 1 such as quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities; quoted prices in markets that are not active; or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data for substantially the full term of the assets or liabilities.
|
•
|
Level 3: Financial instruments with unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market activity and that are significant to the fair value of the assets or liabilities. Unobservable inputs reflect our own assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability (including assumptions about risk). Unobservable inputs shall be developed based on the best information available in the circumstances, which might include our own data.
|
|
|
2018
|
|
2017
|
|
2016
|
||||||
Balance as of October 1
|
|
$
|
25.5
|
|
|
$
|
27.5
|
|
|
$
|
32.1
|
|
Provision for warranties in the period
|
|
10.8
|
|
|
13.9
|
|
|
13.9
|
|
|||
Warranty reserves acquired
|
|
—
|
|
|
1.5
|
|
|
2.6
|
|
|||
Warranty claims incurred in the period
|
|
(15.8
|
)
|
|
(17.4
|
)
|
|
(21.1
|
)
|
|||
Balance as of September 30
|
|
$
|
20.5
|
|
|
$
|
25.5
|
|
|
$
|
27.5
|
|
•
|
Evidence of an arrangement:
An agreement with the customer reflecting the terms and conditions to deliver products or services serves as evidence of an arrangement.
|
•
|
Delivery:
For products, delivery is generally considered to occur upon transfer of title and risk of loss per the respective sales terms. For rental services, delivery is considered to occur when the services are rendered.
|
•
|
Fixed or determinable price:
The sales price is considered fixed or determinable if it is not subject to refund or measurable adjustment.
|
•
|
Collection is considered probable:
At or prior to the time of a transaction, credit reviews of each customer are performed to determine the creditworthiness of the customer. Collection is considered probable if the customer is expected to be able to pay amounts under the arrangement as those amounts become due. If collection is not probable, revenue is recognized when collection becomes probable, generally upon cash collection.
|
|
Amount
|
||
Trade receivables
|
$
|
16.4
|
|
Inventory
|
21.5
|
|
|
Other current assets
|
2.8
|
|
|
Property, plant and equipment
|
18.2
|
|
|
Goodwill
|
165.5
|
|
|
Trade names (7-year weighted average useful life)
|
15.8
|
|
|
Customer relationships (8-year useful life)
|
37.9
|
|
|
Developed technology (7-year useful life)
|
52.3
|
|
|
Other noncurrent assets
|
4.8
|
|
|
Current liabilities
|
(22.8
|
)
|
|
Noncurrent liabilities
|
(1.2
|
)
|
|
Total purchase price, net of cash acquired
|
$
|
311.2
|
|
|
Patient Support Systems
|
|
Front Line Care
|
|
Surgical Solutions
|
|
Total
|
||||||||
Balances as of September 30, 2016
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||||
Goodwill
|
$
|
544.1
|
|
|
$
|
1,205.5
|
|
|
$
|
307.6
|
|
|
$
|
2,057.2
|
|
Accumulated impairment losses
|
(472.8
|
)
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
(472.8
|
)
|
||||
Goodwill, net as of September 30, 2016
|
71.3
|
|
|
1,205.5
|
|
|
307.6
|
|
|
1,584.4
|
|
||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||||
Changes in Goodwill in the period:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||||
Goodwill related to acquisitions
|
(0.5
|
)
|
|
164.8
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
164.3
|
|
||||
Currency translation effect
|
1.4
|
|
|
5.3
|
|
|
4.2
|
|
|
10.9
|
|
||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||||
Balances as of September 30, 2017
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||||
Goodwill
|
545.0
|
|
|
1,375.6
|
|
|
311.8
|
|
|
2,232.4
|
|
||||
Accumulated impairment losses
|
(472.8
|
)
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
(472.8
|
)
|
||||
Goodwill, net as of September 30, 2017
|
72.2
|
|
|
1,375.6
|
|
|
311.8
|
|
|
1,759.6
|
|
||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||||
Changes in Goodwill in the period:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||
Goodwill related to acquisitions
|
—
|
|
|
0.8
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
0.8
|
|
||||
Deconsolidation of VIE
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
(13.2
|
)
|
|
(13.2
|
)
|
||||
Currency translation effect
|
(0.6
|
)
|
|
(5.8
|
)
|
|
(2.5
|
)
|
|
(8.9
|
)
|
||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||||
Balances as of September 30, 2018
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||
Goodwill
|
544.4
|
|
|
1,370.6
|
|
|
296.1
|
|
|
2,211.1
|
|
||||
Accumulated impairment losses
|
(472.8
|
)
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
(472.8
|
)
|
||||
Goodwill, net as of September 30, 2018
|
$
|
71.6
|
|
|
$
|
1,370.6
|
|
|
$
|
296.1
|
|
|
$
|
1,738.3
|
|
|
|
September 30
|
||||||||||||||
|
|
2018
|
|
2017
|
||||||||||||
|
|
Cost
|
|
Accumulated Amortization
|
|
Cost
|
|
Accumulated Amortization
|
||||||||
Patents
|
|
$
|
3.0
|
|
|
$
|
2.2
|
|
|
$
|
3.0
|
|
|
$
|
2.0
|
|
Software
|
|
167.1
|
|
|
139.0
|
|
|
166.1
|
|
|
133.0
|
|
||||
Trademarks
|
|
500.0
|
|
|
16.8
|
|
|
501.2
|
|
|
14.4
|
|
||||
Other
|
|
890.4
|
|
|
374.8
|
|
|
966.0
|
|
|
342.9
|
|
||||
Total
|
|
$
|
1,560.5
|
|
|
$
|
532.8
|
|
|
$
|
1,636.3
|
|
|
$
|
492.3
|
|
|
Amount
|
||
2019
|
$
|
115.0
|
|
2020
|
103.0
|
|
|
2021
|
87.5
|
|
|
2022
|
74.3
|
|
|
2023
|
58.5
|
|
|
2024 and beyond
|
122.6
|
|
|
September 30,
2018 |
|
September 30,
2017 |
||||
Revolving credit facility, matures September 2021
|
$
|
—
|
|
|
$
|
90.0
|
|
Current portion of long-term debt
|
0.1
|
|
|
109.8
|
|
||
Senior secured Term Loan A, long-term portion, matures September 2021
|
1,029.7
|
|
|
1,266.7
|
|
||
Senior unsecured 5.75% notes due on September 1, 2023
|
420.8
|
|
|
419.9
|
|
||
Senior unsecured 5.00% notes due on February 15, 2025
|
296.4
|
|
|
295.8
|
|
||
Unsecured 7.00% debentures due on February 15, 2024
|
13.6
|
|
|
13.6
|
|
||
Unsecured 6.75% debentures due on December 15, 2027
|
29.5
|
|
|
29.6
|
|
||
Securitization Program
|
110.0
|
|
|
79.1
|
|
||
Note Securitization Facility
|
72.4
|
|
|
—
|
|
||
Other
|
0.4
|
|
|
4.8
|
|
||
Total debt
|
1,972.9
|
|
|
2,309.3
|
|
||
Less Short-term borrowings
|
182.5
|
|
|
188.9
|
|
||
Total Long-term debt
|
$
|
1,790.4
|
|
|
$
|
2,120.4
|
|
•
|
$1,462.5 million
senior secured Term Loan A facility (“TLA Facility”), maturing in
September 2021
|
•
|
Revolving Credit Facility, providing borrowing capacity of up to
$700.0 million
, maturing in
September 2021
|
|
Amount
|
||
2019
|
$
|
—
|
|
2020
|
106.3
|
|
|
2021
|
932.2
|
|
|
2022
|
—
|
|
Any Fiscal Quarter Ended in the Calendar Year Ending:
|
Maximum
Secured Net Leverage Ratio |
Minimum
Interest Coverage Ratio |
December 31, 2018
|
3.50x
|
3.75x
|
December 31, 2019 and thereafter
|
3.00x
|
4.00x
|
|
September 30,
2018 |
|
September 30,
2017 |
||||
Senior secured Term Loan A
|
$
|
991.9
|
|
|
$
|
1,364.8
|
|
Senior unsecured 5.75% notes due on September 1, 2023
|
437.3
|
|
|
449.3
|
|
||
Senior unsecured 5.00% notes due on February 14, 2025
|
294.0
|
|
|
311.9
|
|
||
Unsecured debentures
|
42.9
|
|
|
46.8
|
|
||
Total
|
$
|
1,766.1
|
|
|
$
|
2,172.8
|
|
|
|
Year Ended September 30
|
||||||||||
|
|
2018
|
|
2017
|
|
2016
|
||||||
Service cost
|
|
$
|
4.8
|
|
|
$
|
5.8
|
|
|
$
|
5.0
|
|
Interest cost
|
|
11.0
|
|
|
9.9
|
|
|
10.9
|
|
|||
Expected return on plan assets
|
|
(15.7
|
)
|
|
(14.6
|
)
|
|
(13.0
|
)
|
|||
Amortization of unrecognized prior service cost, net
|
|
0.1
|
|
|
0.2
|
|
|
0.3
|
|
|||
Amortization of net loss
|
|
4.5
|
|
|
6.1
|
|
|
4.5
|
|
|||
Net periodic benefit cost
|
|
4.7
|
|
|
7.4
|
|
|
7.7
|
|
|||
Special termination benefits
|
|
—
|
|
|
0.1
|
|
|
—
|
|
|||
Net pension expense
|
|
$
|
4.7
|
|
|
$
|
7.5
|
|
|
$
|
7.7
|
|
|
|
Year Ended September 30
|
||||||
|
|
2018
|
|
2017
|
||||
Change in benefit obligation:
|
|
|
|
|
||||
Benefit obligation at beginning of year
|
|
$
|
345.8
|
|
|
$
|
347.1
|
|
Service cost
|
|
4.8
|
|
|
5.8
|
|
||
Interest cost
|
|
11.0
|
|
|
9.9
|
|
||
Actuarial gain
|
|
(13.8
|
)
|
|
(5.7
|
)
|
||
Benefits paid
|
|
(12.8
|
)
|
|
(12.5
|
)
|
||
Acquisitions
|
|
0.1
|
|
|
—
|
|
||
Special termination benefits
|
|
—
|
|
|
0.1
|
|
||
Exchange rate (gain) loss
|
|
(0.5
|
)
|
|
1.1
|
|
||
Benefit obligation at end of year
|
|
334.6
|
|
|
345.8
|
|
||
|
|
|
|
|
||||
Change in plan assets:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year
|
|
284.4
|
|
|
267.0
|
|
||
Actual return on plan assets
|
|
7.1
|
|
|
28.8
|
|
||
Employer contributions
|
|
1.1
|
|
|
1.1
|
|
||
Benefits paid
|
|
(12.8
|
)
|
|
(12.5
|
)
|
||
Fair value of plan assets at end of year
|
|
279.8
|
|
|
284.4
|
|
||
Funded status and net amounts recognized
|
|
$
|
(54.8
|
)
|
|
$
|
(61.4
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||
Amounts recorded in the Consolidated Balance Sheets:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Accrued pension benefits, current portion
|
|
$
|
(1.1
|
)
|
|
$
|
(1.2
|
)
|
Accrued pension benefits, long-term
|
|
(53.7
|
)
|
|
(60.2
|
)
|
||
Net amount recognized
|
|
$
|
(54.8
|
)
|
|
$
|
(61.4
|
)
|
|
|
September 30, 2018
|
|
September 30, 2017
|
||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
PBO
|
|
ABO
|
|
Plan Assets
|
|
PBO
|
|
ABO
|
|
Plan Assets
|
||||||||||||
Master plan
|
|
$
|
309.5
|
|
|
$
|
292.7
|
|
|
$
|
279.6
|
|
|
$
|
319.8
|
|
|
$
|
301.5
|
|
|
$
|
284.1
|
|
International plans
|
|
20.5
|
|
|
18.8
|
|
|
0.2
|
|
|
20.8
|
|
|
19.0
|
|
|
0.3
|
|
||||||
Supplemental executive plan
|
|
4.6
|
|
|
4.6
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
5.2
|
|
|
5.2
|
|
|
—
|
|
||||||
|
|
$
|
334.6
|
|
|
$
|
316.1
|
|
|
$
|
279.8
|
|
|
$
|
345.8
|
|
|
$
|
325.7
|
|
|
$
|
284.4
|
|
|
|
2018
|
|
2017
|
|
2016
|
Weighted average assumptions to determine benefit
obligations at the measurement date:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Discount rate for obligation
|
|
4.2%
|
|
3.9%
|
|
3.7%
|
Rate of compensation increase
|
|
3.0%
|
|
3.0%
|
|
3.0%
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Weighted average assumptions to determine benefit
cost for the year:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Discount rate for expense
|
|
3.9%
|
|
3.7%
|
|
4.4%
|
Expected rate of return on plan assets
|
|
6.0%
|
|
5.8%
|
|
5.8%
|
Rate of compensation increase
|
|
3.0%
|
|
3.0%
|
|
3.0%
|
|
|
2018 Target Allocation
|
|
2017 Target Allocation
|
|
2018 Actual Allocation
|
|
2017 Actual Allocation
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Equity securities
|
|
31%-37%
|
|
37% - 45%
|
|
35%
|
|
42%
|
Fixed income securities
|
|
63%-69%
|
|
55% - 63%
|
|
65%
|
|
58%
|
Total
|
|
|
|
|
|
100%
|
|
100%
|
|
|
September 30, 2018
|
|
September 30, 2017
|
||||
Equities (a)
|
|
|
|
|
||||
U.S. companies
|
|
$
|
50.0
|
|
|
$
|
58.6
|
|
International companies
|
|
46.4
|
|
|
59.4
|
|
||
Fixed income securities (a)
|
|
179.4
|
|
|
159.2
|
|
||
Total plan assets at fair value, excluding cash
|
|
$
|
275.8
|
|
|
$
|
277.2
|
|
|
Pension Benefits
|
||
2019
|
$
|
14.4
|
|
2020
|
14.5
|
|
|
2021
|
15.3
|
|
|
2022
|
16.0
|
|
|
2023
|
16.7
|
|
|
2024-2028
|
95.5
|
|
|
|
Year Ended September 30
|
||||||
|
|
2018
|
|
2017
|
||||
Change in benefit obligation:
|
|
|
|
|
||||
Benefit obligation at beginning of year
|
|
$
|
19.4
|
|
|
$
|
21.6
|
|
Service cost
|
|
0.3
|
|
|
0.4
|
|
||
Interest cost
|
|
0.6
|
|
|
0.5
|
|
||
Plan amendments
|
|
—
|
|
|
(0.7
|
)
|
||
Actuarial gain
|
|
(2.4
|
)
|
|
(1.8
|
)
|
||
Benefits paid
|
|
(1.2
|
)
|
|
(0.9
|
)
|
||
Retiree contributions
|
|
0.3
|
|
|
0.3
|
|
||
Benefit obligation at end of year
|
|
$
|
17.0
|
|
|
$
|
19.4
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||
Amounts recorded in the Consolidated Balance Sheets:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Accrued benefits obligation, current portion
|
|
$
|
1.6
|
|
|
$
|
1.5
|
|
Accrued benefits obligation, long-term
|
|
15.4
|
|
|
17.9
|
|
||
Net amount recognized
|
|
$
|
17.0
|
|
|
$
|
19.4
|
|
|
Year Ended September 30, 2018
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Other comprehensive income (loss)
|
|
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Prior to
reclassification |
|
Reclassification
from |
|
Pre-tax
|
|
Tax effect
|
|
Net of tax
|
|
Beginning
balance |
|
Net activity
|
|
Ending
balance 3 |
||||||||||||||||
Derivative instruments and hedges:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||||||||||||
Foreign exchange forward contracts
1
|
$
|
0.4
|
|
|
$
|
0.3
|
|
|
$
|
0.7
|
|
|
$
|
(0.1
|
)
|
|
$
|
0.6
|
|
|
$
|
(0.4
|
)
|
|
$
|
0.6
|
|
|
$
|
0.2
|
|
Interest rate swaps
2
|
22.8
|
|
|
(5.3
|
)
|
|
17.5
|
|
|
(3.9
|
)
|
|
13.6
|
|
|
4.7
|
|
|
13.6
|
|
|
18.3
|
|
||||||||
Cross-currency swaps
2
|
(2.2
|
)
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
|
(2.2
|
)
|
|
0.5
|
|
|
(1.7
|
)
|
|
—
|
|
|
(1.7
|
)
|
|
(1.7
|
)
|
|||||||
Derivative instruments and hedges total
|
21.0
|
|
|
(5.0
|
)
|
|
16.0
|
|
|
(3.5
|
)
|
|
12.5
|
|
|
4.3
|
|
|
12.5
|
|
|
16.8
|
|
||||||||
Foreign currency translation adjustment
|
(24.0
|
)
|
|
—
|
|
|
(24.0
|
)
|
|
—
|
|
|
(24.0
|
)
|
|
(81.3
|
)
|
|
(24.0
|
)
|
|
(105.3
|
)
|
||||||||
Change in pension and postretirement defined benefit plans
|
7.9
|
|
|
3.0
|
|
|
10.9
|
|
|
(2.4
|
)
|
|
8.5
|
|
|
(33.0
|
)
|
|
8.5
|
|
|
(24.5
|
)
|
||||||||
Total
|
$
|
4.9
|
|
|
$
|
(2.0
|
)
|
|
$
|
2.9
|
|
|
$
|
(5.9
|
)
|
|
$
|
(3.0
|
)
|
|
$
|
(110.0
|
)
|
|
$
|
(3.0
|
)
|
|
$
|
(113.0
|
)
|
|
Year Ended September 30, 2017
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Other comprehensive income (loss)
|
|
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Prior to
reclassification
|
|
Reclassification
from
|
|
Pre-tax
|
|
Tax effect
|
|
Net of tax
|
|
Beginning
balance
|
|
Net activity
|
|
Ending
balance
|
||||||||||||||||
Derivative instruments and hedges:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||||||||||||
Foreign exchange forward contracts
|
$
|
(0.4
|
)
|
|
$
|
(0.2
|
)
|
|
$
|
(0.6
|
)
|
|
$
|
0.1
|
|
|
$
|
(0.5
|
)
|
|
$
|
0.1
|
|
|
$
|
(0.5
|
)
|
|
$
|
(0.4
|
)
|
Interest rate swaps
|
13.1
|
|
|
(0.7
|
)
|
|
12.4
|
|
|
(4.5
|
)
|
|
7.9
|
|
|
(3.2
|
)
|
|
7.9
|
|
|
4.7
|
|
||||||||
Derivative instruments and hedges total
|
12.7
|
|
|
(0.9
|
)
|
|
11.8
|
|
|
(4.4
|
)
|
|
7.4
|
|
|
(3.1
|
)
|
|
7.4
|
|
|
4.3
|
|
||||||||
Foreign currency translation adjustment
|
32.9
|
|
|
1.0
|
|
|
33.9
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
33.9
|
|
|
(115.2
|
)
|
|
33.9
|
|
|
(81.3
|
)
|
||||||||
Change in pension and postretirement defined benefit plans
|
22.1
|
|
|
5.9
|
|
|
28.0
|
|
|
(10.2
|
)
|
|
17.8
|
|
|
(50.8
|
)
|
|
17.8
|
|
|
(33.0
|
)
|
||||||||
Total
|
$
|
67.7
|
|
|
$
|
6.0
|
|
|
$
|
73.7
|
|
|
$
|
(14.6
|
)
|
|
$
|
59.1
|
|
|
$
|
(169.1
|
)
|
|
$
|
59.1
|
|
|
$
|
(110.0
|
)
|
|
Year Ended September 30, 2016
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Other comprehensive income (loss)
|
|
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Prior to
reclassification
|
|
Reclassification
from
|
|
Pre-tax
|
|
Tax effect
|
|
Net of tax
|
|
Beginning
balance
|
|
Net activity
|
|
Ending
balance
|
||||||||||||||||
Derivative instruments and hedges:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||||||||||||
Foreign exchange forward contracts
|
$
|
0.3
|
|
|
$
|
(0.2
|
)
|
|
$
|
0.1
|
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
|
$
|
0.1
|
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
|
$
|
0.1
|
|
|
$
|
0.1
|
|
Interest rate swaps
|
(5.2
|
)
|
|
0.1
|
|
|
(5.1
|
)
|
|
1.9
|
|
|
(3.2
|
)
|
|
—
|
|
|
(3.2
|
)
|
|
(3.2
|
)
|
||||||||
Derivative instruments and hedges total
|
(4.9
|
)
|
|
(0.1
|
)
|
|
(5.0
|
)
|
|
1.9
|
|
|
(3.1
|
)
|
|
—
|
|
|
(3.1
|
)
|
|
(3.1
|
)
|
||||||||
Foreign currency translation adjustment
|
(22.4
|
)
|
|
—
|
|
|
(22.4
|
)
|
|
—
|
|
|
(22.4
|
)
|
|
(92.8
|
)
|
|
(22.4
|
)
|
|
(115.2
|
)
|
||||||||
Change in pension and postretirement defined benefit plans
|
(8.5
|
)
|
|
4.4
|
|
|
(4.1
|
)
|
|
1.3
|
|
|
(2.8
|
)
|
|
(48.0
|
)
|
|
(2.8
|
)
|
|
(50.8
|
)
|
||||||||
Total
|
$
|
(35.8
|
)
|
|
$
|
4.3
|
|
|
$
|
(31.5
|
)
|
|
$
|
3.2
|
|
|
$
|
(28.3
|
)
|
|
$
|
(140.8
|
)
|
|
$
|
(28.3
|
)
|
|
$
|
(169.1
|
)
|
|
Year Ended September 30
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
2018
|
|
2017
|
|
2016
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Amount
reclassified
|
|
Tax effect
|
|
Net of tax
|
|
Amount
reclassified
|
|
Tax effect
|
|
Net of tax
|
|
Amount
reclassified
|
|
Tax effect
|
|
Net of tax
|
||||||||||||||||||
Derivative instruments and hedges:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||||||||||||||
Foreign exchange forward contracts (a)
|
$
|
0.3
|
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
|
$
|
0.3
|
|
|
$
|
(0.2
|
)
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
|
$
|
(0.2
|
)
|
|
$
|
(0.2
|
)
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
|
$
|
(0.2
|
)
|
Interest rate swaps (b)
|
(5.3
|
)
|
|
1.2
|
|
|
(4.1
|
)
|
|
(0.7
|
)
|
|
0.3
|
|
|
(0.4
|
)
|
|
0.1
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
0.1
|
|
|||||||||
Derivative instruments and hedges total
|
$
|
(5.0
|
)
|
|
$
|
1.2
|
|
|
$
|
(3.8
|
)
|
|
$
|
(0.9
|
)
|
|
$
|
0.3
|
|
|
$
|
(0.6
|
)
|
|
$
|
(0.1
|
)
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
|
$
|
(0.1
|
)
|
Foreign currency translation adjustment (c)
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
1.0
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
1.0
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|||||||||
Change in pension and postretirement defined benefit plans (d)
|
3.0
|
|
|
(1.0
|
)
|
|
2.0
|
|
|
5.9
|
|
|
(2.2
|
)
|
|
3.7
|
|
|
4.4
|
|
|
(1.3
|
)
|
|
3.1
|
|
Balance as of September 30, 2016
|
$
|
14.7
|
|
Expenses
|
9.7
|
|
|
Cash Payments
|
(14.3
|
)
|
|
Reversals
|
(1.1
|
)
|
|
Balance as of September 30, 2017
|
9.0
|
|
|
Expenses
|
21.3
|
|
|
Cash Payments
|
(20.9
|
)
|
|
Reversals
|
(0.9
|
)
|
|
Balance as of September 30, 2018
|
$
|
8.5
|
|
|
|
Year Ended September 30
|
||||||||||
|
|
2018
|
|
2017
|
|
2016
|
||||||
Income before income taxes:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||
Domestic
|
|
$
|
101.8
|
|
|
$
|
129.0
|
|
|
$
|
92.2
|
|
Foreign
|
|
95.4
|
|
|
54.0
|
|
|
46.1
|
|
|||
Total
|
|
$
|
197.2
|
|
|
$
|
183.0
|
|
|
$
|
138.3
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income tax expense:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
Current provision
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
U.S. Federal
|
|
$
|
5.9
|
|
|
$
|
61.6
|
|
|
$
|
4.7
|
|
State
|
|
3.5
|
|
|
8.6
|
|
|
2.2
|
|
|||
Foreign
|
|
20.2
|
|
|
13.3
|
|
|
9.1
|
|
|||
Total current provision
|
|
29.6
|
|
|
83.5
|
|
|
16.0
|
|
|||
Deferred provision:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
U.S. Federal
|
|
(83.4
|
)
|
|
(34.9
|
)
|
|
21.8
|
|
|||
State
|
|
(2.8
|
)
|
|
1.3
|
|
|
1.2
|
|
|||
Foreign
|
|
1.4
|
|
|
0.8
|
|
|
(23.5
|
)
|
|||
Total deferred provision
|
|
(84.8
|
)
|
|
(32.8
|
)
|
|
(0.5
|
)
|
|||
Income tax expense
|
|
$
|
(55.2
|
)
|
|
$
|
50.7
|
|
|
$
|
15.5
|
|
|
|
Year Ended September 30
|
|||||||||||||||||||
|
|
2018
|
|
2017
|
|
2016
|
|||||||||||||||
|
|
Amount
|
|
% of
Pretax
Income
|
|
Amount
|
|
% of
Pretax
Income
|
|
Amount
|
|
% of
Pretax
Income
|
|||||||||
U.S. Federal income tax
(a)
|
|
$
|
48.4
|
|
|
24.5
|
%
|
|
$
|
64.1
|
|
|
35.0
|
%
|
|
$
|
48.4
|
|
|
35.0
|
%
|
State income tax
(b)
|
|
2.9
|
|
|
1.5
|
%
|
|
4.1
|
|
|
2.2
|
%
|
|
2.9
|
|
|
2.1
|
%
|
|||
Foreign income tax
(c)
|
|
(23.3
|
)
|
|
(11.8
|
)%
|
|
(35.6
|
)
|
|
(19.4
|
)%
|
|
(14.0
|
)
|
|
(10.1
|
)%
|
|||
Application of federal research tax credits
|
|
(5.6
|
)
|
|
(2.9
|
)%
|
|
(3.6
|
)
|
|
(2.0
|
)%
|
|
(5.6
|
)
|
|
(4.0
|
)%
|
|||
Application of foreign tax credits
|
|
(1.0
|
)
|
|
(0.5
|
)%
|
|
(15.0
|
)
|
|
(8.2
|
)%
|
|
(0.5
|
)
|
|
(0.4
|
)%
|
|||
Valuation of tax attributes
|
|
23.4
|
|
|
11.9
|
%
|
|
36.3
|
|
|
19.8
|
%
|
|
(14.4
|
)
|
|
(10.4
|
)%
|
|||
Foreign inclusions
|
|
(0.9
|
)
|
|
(0.4
|
)%
|
|
11.5
|
|
|
6.3
|
%
|
|
0.9
|
|
|
0.6
|
%
|
|||
Domestic manufacturer’s deduction
|
|
(0.9
|
)
|
|
(0.4
|
)%
|
|
(4.4
|
)
|
|
(2.4
|
)%
|
|
(1.8
|
)
|
|
(1.3
|
)%
|
|||
Excess tax benefits from share based awards
|
|
(16.1
|
)
|
|
(8.2
|
)%
|
|
(8.9
|
)
|
|
(4.9
|
)%
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
%
|
|||
U.S. tax benefit of foreign currency loss
|
|
(9.2
|
)
|
|
(4.7
|
)%
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
%
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
%
|
|||
U.S. tax reform deferred tax remeasurement
|
|
(93.8
|
)
|
|
(47.6
|
)%
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
%
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
%
|
|||
U.S. tax reform transition tax
|
|
22.9
|
|
|
11.6
|
%
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
%
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
%
|
|||
Other, net
|
|
(2.0
|
)
|
|
(1.0
|
)%
|
|
2.2
|
|
|
1.3
|
%
|
|
(0.4
|
)
|
|
(0.3
|
)%
|
|||
Income tax expense
|
|
$
|
(55.2
|
)
|
|
(28.0
|
)%
|
|
$
|
50.7
|
|
|
27.7
|
%
|
|
$
|
15.5
|
|
|
11.2
|
%
|
(a)
|
At statutory rate.
|
(b)
|
Net of U.S. Federal benefit.
|
(c)
|
U.S. Federal tax rate differential.
|
|
|
Year Ended September 30
|
||||||
|
|
2018
|
|
2017
|
||||
Deferred tax assets:
|
|
|
|
|
||||
Employee benefit accruals
|
|
$
|
34.9
|
|
|
$
|
64.5
|
|
Inventory
|
|
12.7
|
|
|
16.6
|
|
||
Net operating loss carryforwards
|
|
84.5
|
|
|
70.7
|
|
||
Tax credit carryforwards
|
|
20.5
|
|
|
23.3
|
|
||
Other, net
|
|
26.4
|
|
|
41.4
|
|
||
|
|
179.0
|
|
|
216.5
|
|
||
Less: Valuation allowance
|
|
(80.2
|
)
|
|
(58.2
|
)
|
||
Total deferred tax assets
|
|
98.8
|
|
|
158.3
|
|
||
|
|
|
|
|
||||
Deferred tax liabilities:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Depreciation
|
|
(19.2
|
)
|
|
(28.6
|
)
|
||
Amortization
|
|
(216.8
|
)
|
|
(349.7
|
)
|
||
Other, net
|
|
(9.1
|
)
|
|
(5.3
|
)
|
||
Total deferred tax liabilities
|
|
(245.1
|
)
|
|
(383.6
|
)
|
||
Deferred tax asset (liability) - net
|
|
$
|
(146.3
|
)
|
|
$
|
(225.3
|
)
|
|
|
Year Ended September 30
|
||||||||||
|
|
2018
|
|
2017
|
|
2016
|
||||||
Balance as of October 1
|
|
$
|
4.5
|
|
|
$
|
5.1
|
|
|
$
|
5.8
|
|
Increases in tax position of prior years
|
|
2.3
|
|
|
0.1
|
|
|
0.8
|
|
|||
Decreases in tax position of prior years
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
(0.1
|
)
|
|||
Increases in tax position during the current year
|
|
0.3
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|||
Settlements with taxing authorities
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
(0.3
|
)
|
|||
Lapse of applicable statute of limitations
|
|
(0.9
|
)
|
|
(0.8
|
)
|
|
(0.5
|
)
|
|||
Change in positions due to acquisitions
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
(0.6
|
)
|
|||
Foreign currency adjustments
|
|
—
|
|
|
0.1
|
|
|
—
|
|
|||
Total change
|
|
1.7
|
|
|
(0.6
|
)
|
|
(0.7
|
)
|
|||
Balance as of September 30
|
|
$
|
6.2
|
|
|
$
|
4.5
|
|
|
$
|
5.1
|
|
|
Year Ended September 30
|
||||||||||
|
2018
|
|
2017
|
|
2016
|
||||||
Net income attributable to common shareholders
|
$
|
252.4
|
|
|
$
|
133.6
|
|
|
$
|
124.1
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||
Average basic shares outstanding
|
66,234
|
|
|
65,599
|
|
|
65,333
|
|
|||
Add potential effect of exercise of stock options and other unvested equity awards
|
1,378
|
|
|
1,626
|
|
|
1,263
|
|
|||
Average diluted shares outstanding
|
67,612
|
|
|
67,225
|
|
|
66,596
|
|
|||
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||
Net income attributable to common shareholders per basic common share
|
$
|
3.81
|
|
|
$
|
2.04
|
|
|
$
|
1.90
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||
Net income attributable to common shareholders per diluted common share
|
$
|
3.73
|
|
|
$
|
1.99
|
|
|
$
|
1.86
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||
Shares with anti-dilutive effect excluded from the computation of diluted EPS
|
263
|
|
|
20
|
|
|
395
|
|
|
|
Year Ended September 30
|
||||||||||
|
|
2018
|
|
2017
|
|
2016
|
||||||
Stock-based compensation cost (pre-tax)
|
|
$
|
28.1
|
|
|
$
|
23.0
|
|
|
$
|
23.1
|
|
Income tax benefit
|
|
(22.7
|
)
|
|
(16.5
|
)
|
|
(7.9
|
)
|
|||
Stock-based compensation cost, net of tax
|
|
$
|
5.4
|
|
|
$
|
6.5
|
|
|
$
|
15.2
|
|
|
|
Year Ended September 30
|
||||
|
|
2018
|
|
2017
|
|
2016
|
Weighted average fair value per share
|
|
$22.50
|
|
$15.05
|
|
$14.07
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Valuation assumptions:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Risk-free interest rate
|
|
2.2%
|
|
1.7%
|
|
1.6%
|
Expected dividend yield
|
|
0.9%
|
|
1.3%
|
|
1.2%
|
Expected volatility
|
|
30.8%
|
|
33.2%
|
|
33.1%
|
Weighted average expected life (years)
|
|
4.9
|
|
4.9
|
|
4.9
|
|
|
Weighted
Average Number of Shares (in thousands) |
|
Weighted
Average Exercise Price |
|
Weighted
Average Remaining Contractual Term |
|
Aggregate
Intrinsic Value (1) (in millions) |
|||||
Balance Outstanding as of October 1, 2017
|
|
1,705
|
|
|
$
|
41.79
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Granted
|
|
372
|
|
|
80.91
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
Exercised
|
|
(1,030
|
)
|
|
38.88
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
Cancelled/Forfeited
|
|
(135
|
)
|
|
66.27
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
Balance Outstanding as of September 30, 2018
|
|
912
|
|
|
$
|
57.40
|
|
|
7.2
|
|
$
|
33.8
|
|
Exercisable as of September 30, 2018
|
|
357
|
|
|
$
|
41.92
|
|
|
5.3
|
|
$
|
18.8
|
|
Options Expected to Vest
|
|
481
|
|
|
$
|
66.56
|
|
|
8.4
|
|
$
|
13.4
|
|
(1)
|
The aggregate intrinsic value represents the total pre-tax intrinsic value, based on our closing stock price of
$94.40
, as reported by the New York Stock Exchange on
September 30, 2018
. This amount, which changes continuously based on the fair value of our common stock, would have been received by the option holders had all option holders exercised their options as of the balance sheet date.
|
|
|
Number of
Share Units
(in thousands)
|
|
Weighted
Average
Grant Date
Fair Value
|
||
Nonvested RSUs as of October 1, 2017
|
|
521
|
|
$
|
51.39
|
|
Granted
|
|
213
|
|
81.54
|
|
|
Vested
|
|
(340)
|
|
47.31
|
|
|
Forfeited
|
|
(76)
|
|
60.71
|
|
|
Nonvested RSUs as of September 30, 2018
|
|
318
|
|
$
|
73.72
|
|
|
|
Year Ended September 30
|
||||
|
|
2018
|
|
2017
|
|
2016
|
Weighted average fair value per share
|
|
$87.42
|
|
$55.95
|
|
$50.51
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Valuation assumptions:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Risk-free interest rate
|
|
1.9%
|
|
1.2%
|
|
1.1%
|
Expected dividend yield
|
|
0.0%
|
|
0.0%
|
|
0.0%
|
Expected volatility
|
|
21.9%
|
|
22.6%
|
|
22.3%
|
|
|
Number of
Share Units
(in thousands)
|
|
Weighted
Average
Grant Date
Fair Value
|
||
Nonvested PSUs as of October 1, 2017
|
|
345
|
|
$
|
53.40
|
|
Granted
|
|
213
|
|
87.42
|
|
|
Vested
|
|
(174)
|
|
75.77
|
|
|
Forfeited
|
|
(93)
|
|
69.39
|
|
|
Nonvested PSUs as of September 30, 2018
|
|
291
|
|
$
|
69.36
|
|
•
|
Patient Support Systems –
globally provides our med-surg and specialty bed systems and surfaces, safe patient handling equipment and mobility solutions, as well as our clinical workflow solutions that deliver software and information technologies to improve care and deliver actionable insight to caregivers and patients.
|
•
|
Front Line Care –
globally provides patient monitoring and diagnostic technologies, including a diversified portfolio of physical assessment tools that help diagnose, treat and manage a wide variety of illnesses and diseases, as well as a portfolio of vision care and respiratory care devices.
|
•
|
Surgical Solutions –
globally provides products that improve surgical safety and efficiency in the operating room including tables, lights, pendants, positioning devices, and various other surgical instruments and accessories.
|
|
|
Year Ended September 30
|
||||||||||
|
|
2018
|
|
2017
|
|
2016
|
||||||
Net revenue:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||
Patient Support Systems
|
|
$
|
1,429.5
|
|
|
$
|
1,423.9
|
|
|
$
|
1,437.2
|
|
Front Line Care
|
|
960.2
|
|
|
885.3
|
|
|
809.7
|
|
|||
Surgical Solutions
|
|
458.3
|
|
|
434.5
|
|
|
408.3
|
|
|||
Total net revenue
|
|
$
|
2,848.0
|
|
|
$
|
2,743.7
|
|
|
$
|
2,655.2
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||
Depreciation and amortization of property, plant, equipment and intangibles:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||
Patient Support Systems
|
|
$
|
37.4
|
|
|
$
|
47.0
|
|
|
$
|
51.7
|
|
Front Line Care
|
|
110.7
|
|
|
107.4
|
|
|
98.7
|
|
|||
Surgical Solutions
|
|
20.8
|
|
|
22.1
|
|
|
22.3
|
|
|||
Corporate
|
|
27.6
|
|
|
27.1
|
|
|
27.1
|
|
|||
Total depreciation and amortization of property, plant, equipment and intangibles
|
|
$
|
196.5
|
|
|
$
|
203.6
|
|
|
$
|
199.8
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||
Divisional income:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||
Patient Support Systems
|
|
$
|
281.3
|
|
|
$
|
249.6
|
|
|
$
|
245.2
|
|
Front Line Care
|
|
253.0
|
|
|
231.8
|
|
|
202.1
|
|
|||
Surgical Solutions
|
|
53.1
|
|
|
42.5
|
|
|
46.2
|
|
|||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||
Other operating costs:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||
Non-allocated operating costs, administrative costs, and other
|
|
220.3
|
|
|
213.1
|
|
|
223.3
|
|
|||
Special charges
|
|
77.6
|
|
|
37.4
|
|
|
39.9
|
|
|||
Operating profit
|
|
289.5
|
|
|
273.4
|
|
|
230.3
|
|
|||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||
Interest expense
|
|
(95.0
|
)
|
|
(88.9
|
)
|
|
(90.4
|
)
|
|||
Loss on extinguishment of debt
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
(10.8
|
)
|
|||
Investment income and other, net
|
|
2.7
|
|
|
(1.5
|
)
|
|
9.2
|
|
|||
Income before income taxes
|
|
$
|
197.2
|
|
|
$
|
183.0
|
|
|
$
|
138.3
|
|
|
|
Year Ended September 30
|
||||||||||
|
|
2018
|
|
2017
|
|
2016
|
||||||
Net revenue to unaffiliated customers:
(a)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||
United States
|
|
$
|
1,956.4
|
|
|
$
|
1,887.6
|
|
|
$
|
1,829.4
|
|
Foreign
|
|
891.6
|
|
|
856.1
|
|
|
825.8
|
|
|||
Total net revenue
|
|
$
|
2,848.0
|
|
|
$
|
2,743.7
|
|
|
$
|
2,655.2
|
|
Long-lived assets:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
United States
|
|
$
|
239.5
|
|
|
$
|
243.9
|
|
|
$
|
234.2
|
|
Foreign
|
|
88.8
|
|
|
111.5
|
|
|
115.8
|
|
|||
Total long-lived assets
|
|
$
|
328.3
|
|
|
$
|
355.4
|
|
|
$
|
350.0
|
|
(a)
|
Net revenue is attributed to geographic areas based on the location of the customer.
|
2018 Quarter Ended
|
|
December 31,
2017 |
|
March 31,
2018 |
|
June 30,
2018 |
|
September 30,
2018 |
||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||||
Net Revenue
|
|
$
|
669.7
|
|
|
$
|
710.5
|
|
|
$
|
708.6
|
|
|
$
|
759.2
|
|
Gross Profit
|
|
319.6
|
|
|
350.4
|
|
|
348.0
|
|
|
376.2
|
|
||||
Net Income Attributable to Common Shareholders
|
|
88.3
|
|
|
28.5
|
|
|
45.2
|
|
|
90.4
|
|
||||
Net Income Attributable to Common
Shareholders per Common Share - Basic
|
|
1.34
|
|
|
0.43
|
|
|
0.68
|
|
|
1.36
|
|
||||
Net Income Attributable to Common
Shareholders per Common Share - Diluted
|
|
1.31
|
|
|
0.42
|
|
|
0.67
|
|
|
1.33
|
|
||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||||
2017 Quarter Ended
|
|
December 31,
2016 |
|
March 31,
2017 |
|
June 30,
2017 |
|
September 30,
2017 |
||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||||
Net Revenue
|
|
$
|
637.4
|
|
|
$
|
678.9
|
|
|
$
|
689.1
|
|
|
$
|
783.3
|
|
Gross Profit
|
|
302.6
|
|
|
324.4
|
|
|
331.1
|
|
|
362.5
|
|
||||
Net Income Attributable to Common Shareholders
|
|
23.8
|
|
|
34.4
|
|
|
6.0
|
|
|
69.4
|
|
||||
Net Income Attributable to Common
Shareholders per Common Share - Basic |
|
0.36
|
|
|
0.52
|
|
|
0.09
|
|
|
1.06
|
|
||||
Net Income Attributable to Common
Shareholders per Common Share - Diluted |
|
0.36
|
|
|
0.51
|
|
|
0.09
|
|
|
1.03
|
|
|
Amount
|
||
2019
|
$
|
31.0
|
|
2020
|
22.9
|
|
|
2021
|
18.6
|
|
|
2022
|
14.9
|
|
|
2023
|
14.2
|
|
|
2024 and beyond
|
28.0
|
|
Item 9.
|
CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND
FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE
|
Item 9A.
|
CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
|
Item 9B.
|
OTHER INFORMATION
|
•
|
one-year term of employment, which shall be extended automatically, on the same terms and conditions, for successive one-year periods, unless either party gives written notice to the other of its intention not to renew such employment agreement at least 180 days’ prior to the end of the relevant term; provided, however, that the executive’s employment may be terminated earlier pursuant to the terms of the employment agreement;
|
•
|
non-competition/non-solicitation period is twelve (12) months for all executives, except for Mr. Groetelaars who has a non-competition/non-solicitation period of eighteen (18) months;
|
•
|
participation in and receipt of benefits and perquisites, including retirement and health and welfare benefits (such as participation in the supplemental executive retirement plan (the “SERP”), supplemental long-term disability insurance coverage, a Company-paid Executive physical examination, and reimbursement for a portion of tax preparation and estate and financial planning services) as are available to other senior executives of the Company, subject to the terms of the applicable plan documents and generally applicable Company policies;
|
•
|
if the executive is terminated by the Company other than for “cause,” including a termination by the executive for “good reason” (each as defined in the employment agreement), the Company will be required to pay severance to the executive in an amount equal to (i) one times (two (2) times for Mr. Groetelaars) the sum of the executive’s annual base salary plus the executive’s target bonus for the year in which the executive’s employment is terminated, with payments continuing over the twelve (12) months (twenty-four (24) months for Mr. Groetelaars) after the time of such termination, plus (ii) all other deferred compensation, payments, accrued benefits of employment or fringe benefits to which the executive may be entitled pursuant to the express terms of compensation plan arrangements, applicable benefit plans, programs or grants or under the terms of the executive’s employment agreement (collectively, “Accrued Benefits”);
|
•
|
each executive will receive a pro-rated portion of the bonus for the fiscal year in which the executive’s employment terminates without cause or for good reason, based on the performance level and the number of days executive was employed during such fiscal year;
|
•
|
health and similar welfare benefits will continue for twelve (12) months or until the executive is eligible to be covered by comparable benefits of a subsequent employer, whichever is earlier, and the executive will be immediately vested in the SERP;
|
•
|
in the case of death or disability, the Company would not be required to make any additional payments other than (i) all Accrued Benefits to which the executive or his/her estate is entitled in accordance with any applicable plans, and (ii) the executive would be immediately vested in the SERP;
|
•
|
if the executive retires, the Company will be required to pay his/her retirement benefits and all other applicable benefits pursuant to terms of such plans; the Company’s obligation to pay the executive’s base salary, annual bonus, and long-term incentives shall cease except to the extent incentives are vested and in accordance with such plans; any outstanding restricted stock units, stock options and performance share units fully vest if the executive retires after having reached age fifty-five (55) and completed five (5) years of employment (ten (10) years of employment for executives hired on or after August 1, 2016), so long as the grant was made more than one year prior to retirement; grants made within one year of retirement will vest on a pro-rated basis;
|
•
|
Mr. Groetelaars has a base salary of $1,020,000 per year; a cash incentive compensation opportunity under the Company’s short-term incentive compensation program, with a target bonus of 100% of base salary (payouts under this program range from 0% to 200% of base salary with the incentive compensation opportunity based on established financial and non-financial criteria); and is eligible to participate in the Company’s stock-based long-term incentive compensation program providing for annual grants of restricted stock units, stock options and performance share units as described in the Company’s Proxy Statement filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on January 19, 2018, with the total combined target grant date award value for Mr. Groetelaars’ position currently being 400% of his base salary;
|
•
|
Mr. Strobel has a base salary of $535,000 per year; a cash incentive compensation opportunity under the Company’s short-term incentive compensation program, with a target bonus of 75% of base salary (payouts under this program range from 0% to 200% of base salary with the incentive compensation opportunity based on established financial and non-financial criteria); and is eligible to participate in the Company’s stock-based long-term incentive compensation program providing for annual grants of restricted stock units, stock options and performance share units as described in the
|
•
|
Mr. Alonso Marum has a base salary of $488,000 per year; a cash incentive compensation opportunity under the Company’s short-term incentive compensation program, with a target bonus of 70% of base salary (payouts under this program range from 0% to 200% of base salary with the incentive compensation opportunity based on established financial and non-financial criteria); and is eligible to participate in the Company’s stock-based long-term incentive compensation program providing for annual grants of restricted stock units, stock options and performance share units as described in the Company’s Proxy Statement filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on January 19, 2018, with the total combined target grant date award value for Mr. Alonso Marum’s position currently being 175% of his base salary; and
|
•
|
Ms. Rasin has a base salary of $492,000 per year; a cash incentive compensation opportunity under the Company’s short-term incentive compensation program, with a target bonus of 60% of base salary (payouts under this program range from 0% to 200% of base salary with the incentive compensation opportunity based on established financial and non-financial criteria); and is eligible to participate in the Company’s stock-based long-term incentive compensation program providing for annual grants of restricted stock units, stock options and performance share units as described in the Company’s Proxy Statement filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on January 19, 2018, with the total combined target grant date award value for Ms. Rasin’s position currently being 175% of her base salary.
|
•
|
payment of specified benefits upon termination of executive’s employment without “cause” or for “good reason” (each as defined in the change in control agreement) in anticipation of or within two (2) years (three (3) years for Mr. Groetelaars) after a Change in Control (as defined in the change in control agreement and described below); the benefits to be provided by the Company upon a Change in Control and such a termination are:
|
◦
|
a lump sum payment in cash equal to two (2) times (three (3) times for Mr. Groetelaars) the sum of the executive’s annual base salary plus the executive’s target bonus;
|
◦
|
continued health and medical insurance for the executive and his/her dependents for twenty-four (24) months (thirty-six (36) months for Mr. Groetelaars), with the right to purchase continued medical insurance (at COBRA rates) from the end of this period until the executive reaches retirement age;
|
◦
|
for a period of two (2) years (three (3) years for Mr. Groetelaars) following such termination, continuation of the group term life insurance program provided for the executive immediately prior to the Change in Control; and
|
◦
|
a cash payment for certain perquisites, such as accrued and unpaid vacation;
|
•
|
in addition, in the event the executive’s employment is terminated within two (2) years (three (3) years for Mr. Groetelaars) after a Change in Control, all outstanding stock options, restricted stock units and performance share units will become fully vested, with the performance share units deemed earned based on achievement of the financial performance measures at target (100%);
|
•
|
the change in control agreement does not provide for any excise tax “gross-up” payments; and
|
•
|
a “Change in Control” is defined generally as (1) the acquisition of beneficial ownership of 35% or more of the voting power of all the Company voting securities by a person or group; (2) the consummation of certain mergers or consolidations; (3) the failure of a majority of the members of the Board to consist of Current Directors (defined as any director on the date of the change in control agreement and any director whose election was approved by a majority of the then-Current Directors); (4) the consummation of a sale of substantially all of the assets of the Company; or (5) the date of approval by the shareholders of the Company of a plan of complete liquidation of the Company.
|
Item 10.
|
DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
|
Item 11.
|
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
|
Item 12.
|
SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT
AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS
|
Item 13.
|
CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE
|
Item 14.
|
PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING FEES AND SERVICES
|
Item 15.
|
EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
|
(a)
|
The following documents have been filed as a part of this Form 10-K or, where noted, incorporated by reference:
|
(1)
|
Financial Statements
|
(2)
|
Financial Statement Schedules
|
(3)
|
Exhibits (See changes to Exhibit Index below):
|
•
|
should not in all instances be treated as categorical statements of fact, but rather as a way of allocating the risk to one of the parties if those statements prove to be inaccurate;
|
•
|
may have been qualified by disclosures that were made to the other party in connection with the negotiation of the applicable agreement, which disclosures are not necessarily reflected in the agreement;
|
•
|
may apply standards of materiality in a way that is different from what may be viewed as material to certain investors; and
|
•
|
were made only as of the date of the applicable agreement or such other date or dates as may be specified in the agreement and are subject to more recent developments.
|
|
|
|
|
ADDITIONS
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||||||||
DESCRIPTION
|
|
BALANCE AT
BEGINNING
OF PERIOD
|
|
CHARGED TO
COSTS AND
EXPENSES
|
|
CHARGED TO
OTHER
ACCOUNTS
|
|
|
|
DEDUCTIONS
NET OF
RECOVERIES
|
|
|
|
BALANCE
AT END
OF PERIOD
|
||||||||||
Reserves deducted from assets to which they apply:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||||||
Allowance for possible losses and sales returns - accounts receivable:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||||||
Fiscal Year Ended:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||||||
September 30, 2018
|
|
$
|
25.1
|
|
|
$
|
2.5
|
|
|
$
|
0.2
|
|
|
(a)
|
|
$
|
(6.0
|
)
|
|
(b)
|
|
$
|
21.8
|
|
September 30, 2017
|
|
26.8
|
|
|
4.3
|
|
|
2.0
|
|
|
(a)
|
|
(8.0
|
)
|
|
(b)
|
|
25.1
|
|
|||||
September 30, 2016
|
|
26.0
|
|
|
2.1
|
|
|
2.2
|
|
|
(a)
|
|
(3.5
|
)
|
|
(b)
|
|
26.8
|
|
|||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||||||
Valuation allowance against deferred tax assets:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
Fiscal Year Ended:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
September 30, 2018
|
|
$
|
58.2
|
|
|
$
|
23.1
|
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
|
(c)
|
|
$
|
(1.1
|
)
|
|
(d)
|
|
$
|
80.2
|
|
September 30, 2017
|
|
26.9
|
|
|
30.8
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
(c)
|
|
0.5
|
|
|
(d)
|
|
58.2
|
|
|||||
September 30, 2016
|
|
40.7
|
|
|
(14.9
|
)
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
|
1.1
|
|
|
(d)
|
|
26.9
|
|
(a)
|
Reduction of gross revenue for uncollectible health care rental reimbursements, cash discounts and other adjustments in determining net revenue. Also includes the effect of acquired businesses, if any.
|
(b)
|
Generally reflects the write-off of specific receivables against recorded reserves.
|
(c)
|
Generally reflects the effect of acquired businesses, if any.
|
(d)
|
Primarily reflects write-offs of deferred tax assets against the valuation allowance.
|
|
HILL-ROM HOLDINGS, INC.
|
|
|
|
|
|
By:
|
/s/ John P. Groetelaars
|
|
|
John P. Groetelaars
|
|
|
President and Chief Executive Officer
|
/s/
|
William G. Dempsey
|
|
/s/
|
James R. Giertz
|
|
William G. Dempsey
|
|
|
James R. Giertz
|
|
Chair of the Board
|
|
|
Director
|
|
|
|
|
|
/s/
|
John P. Groetelaars
|
|
/s/
|
Charles E. Golden
|
|
John P. Groetelaars
|
|
|
Charles E. Golden
|
|
President and Chief Executive Officer and Director
|
|
|
Director
|
|
(Principal Executive Officer)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
/s/
|
Steven J. Strobel
|
|
/s/
|
William H. Kucheman
|
|
Steven J. Strobel
|
|
|
William H. Kucheman
|
|
Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
|
|
|
Director
|
|
(Principal Financial Officer)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
/s/
|
Richard M. Wagner
|
|
/s/
|
Ronald A. Malone
|
|
Richard M. Wagner
|
|
|
Ronald A. Malone
|
|
Vice President — Controller and
|
|
|
Director
|
|
Chief Accounting Officer
|
|
|
|
|
(Principal Accounting Officer)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
/s/
|
Gary L. Ellis
|
|
/s/
|
Nancy M. Schlichting
|
|
Gary L. Ellis
|
|
|
Nancy M. Schlichting
|
|
Director
|
|
|
Director
|
|
|
|
|
|
/s/
|
Mary Garrett
|
|
/s/
|
Stacy Enxing Seng
|
|
Mary Garrett
|
|
|
Stacy Enxing Seng
|
|
Director
|
|
|
Director
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
SECTION 1.01.
|
Defined Terms 1
|
SECTION 1.02.
|
Classification of Loans and Borrowings 51
|
SECTION 1.03.
|
Terms Generally 51
|
SECTION 1.04.
|
Accounting Terms; GAAP; Pro Forma Calculations 52
|
SECTION 1.05.
|
Status of Obligations 53
|
SECTION 1.06.
|
Leverage Ratios 53
|
SECTION 1.07.
|
Cashless Rollovers 53
|
SECTION 1.08.
|
[Reserved] 53
|
SECTION 1.09.
|
Limited Condition Acquisitions 54
|
SECTION 1.10.
|
Effect of Restatement 54
|
SECTION 2.01.
|
Commitments 55
|
SECTION 2.02.
|
Loans and Borrowings 55
|
SECTION 2.03.
|
Requests for Borrowings 56
|
SECTION 2.04.
|
Determination of Dollar Amounts 57
|
SECTION 2.05.
|
Swingline Loans 57
|
SECTION 2.06.
|
Letters of Credit 58
|
SECTION 2.07.
|
Funding of Borrowings 63
|
SECTION 2.08.
|
Interest Elections 63
|
SECTION 2.09.
|
Termination and Reduction of Commitments 65
|
SECTION 2.10.
|
Repayment and Amortization of Loans; Evidence of Debt 65
|
SECTION 2.11.
|
Prepayment of Loans 66
|
SECTION 2.12.
|
Fees 70
|
SECTION 2.13.
|
Interest 71
|
SECTION 2.14.
|
Alternate Rate of Interest 71
|
SECTION 2.15.
|
Increased Costs 72
|
SECTION 2.16.
|
Break Funding Payments 73
|
SECTION 2.17.
|
Taxes 74
|
SECTION 2.18.
|
Payments Generally; Allocations of Proceeds; Pro Rata Treatment; Sharing of Set-offs 77
|
SECTION 2.19.
|
Mitigation Obligations; Replacement of Lenders 79
|
SECTION 2.20.
|
Incremental Facilities 80
|
SECTION 2.21.
|
Judgment Currency 83
|
SECTION 2.22.
|
Defaulting Lenders 83
|
SECTION 2.23.
|
Refinancing Amendments 85
|
SECTION 2.24.
|
Loan Repurchases 90
|
SECTION 2.25.
|
Extensions of Loans and Commitments 91
|
SECTION 3.01.
|
Organization; Powers 93
|
SECTION 3.02.
|
Authorization; No Conflicts 93
|
SECTION 3.03.
|
Governmental Approvals 93
|
SECTION 3.04.
|
Enforceability 93
|
SECTION 3.05.
|
Financial Condition; No Material Adverse Change 94
|
SECTION 3.06.
|
Properties; Intellectual Property 94
|
SECTION 3.07.
|
Litigation 95
|
SECTION 3.08.
|
Compliance with Agreements; No Default 95
|
SECTION 3.09.
|
Environmental Matters 95
|
SECTION 3.10.
|
Insurance 95
|
SECTION 3.11.
|
Taxes 95
|
SECTION 3.12.
|
ERISA 95
|
SECTION 3.13.
|
Federal Reserve Regulations; Investment Company Status 96
|
SECTION 3.14.
|
Disclosure 96
|
SECTION 3.15.
|
Compliance with Laws 96
|
SECTION 3.16.
|
Anti-Corruption Laws and Sanctions 97
|
SECTION 3.17.
|
Subsidiaries 97
|
SECTION 3.18.
|
Security Documents 97
|
SECTION 3.19.
|
Solvency 98
|
SECTION 3.20.
|
EEA Financial Institution 98
|
SECTION 4.01.
|
Restatement Effective Date 99
|
SECTION 4.02.
|
Each Other Credit Event 101
|
SECTION 5.01.
|
Financial Statements 101
|
SECTION 5.02.
|
Certificates; Other Information 103
|
SECTION 5.03.
|
Notices 104
|
SECTION 5.04.
|
Payment of Obligations 104
|
SECTION 5.05.
|
Preservation of Existence, Etc. 104
|
SECTION 5.06.
|
Maintenance of Properties; Insurance 104
|
SECTION 5.07.
|
Compliance with Laws 106
|
SECTION 5.08.
|
Books and Records 106
|
SECTION 5.09.
|
Maintenance of Ratings 106
|
SECTION 5.10.
|
Inspection Rights 106
|
SECTION 5.11.
|
Use of Proceeds 106
|
SECTION 5.12.
|
Additional Subsidiary Guarantors; Additional Security; Further Assurances, etc. 107
|
SECTION 5.13.
|
Designation of Subsidiaries 109
|
SECTION 5.14.
|
Post-Closing Requirements 109
|
SECTION 6.01.
|
Liens 110
|
SECTION 6.02.
|
Permitted Acquisitions 113
|
SECTION 6.03.
|
Indebtedness 113
|
SECTION 6.04.
|
Fundamental Changes 120
|
SECTION 6.05.
|
Asset Sales 121
|
SECTION 6.06.
|
Restricted Payments 123
|
SECTION 6.07.
|
Change in Nature of Business and Fiscal Year 124
|
SECTION 6.08.
|
Investments, Loans, Advances, Guarantees and Acquisitions 124
|
SECTION 6.09.
|
Transactions with Affiliates 127
|
SECTION 6.10.
|
Burdensome Agreements 127
|
SECTION 6.11.
|
Holding Company Covenant 128
|
SECTION 6.12.
|
Modification of Organization Documents and Junior Financing Documentation 129
|
SECTION 6.13.
|
Financial Covenants 130
|
SECTION 6.14.
|
Restrictions on New US, LLP 130
|
SECTION 7.01.
|
Events of Default 131
|
SECTION 7.02.
|
Equity Cure 133
|
SECTION 7.03.
|
Application of Payments 134
|
SECTION 7.04.
|
[Reserved]. 134
|
SECTION 9.01.
|
Notices 140
|
SECTION 9.02.
|
Waivers; Amendments 142
|
SECTION 9.03.
|
Expenses; Indemnity; Damage Waiver 144
|
SECTION 9.04.
|
Successors and Assigns 145
|
SECTION 9.05.
|
Survival 149
|
SECTION 9.06.
|
Counterparts; Integration; Effectiveness; Electronic Execution 149
|
SECTION 9.07.
|
Severability 149
|
SECTION 9.08.
|
Right of Setoff 150
|
SECTION 9.09.
|
Governing Law; Jurisdiction; Consent to Service of Process 150
|
SECTION 9.10.
|
WAIVER OF JURY TRIAL 150
|
SECTION 9.11.
|
Headings 151
|
SECTION 9.12.
|
Confidentiality 151
|
SECTION 9.13.
|
USA PATRIOT Act 152
|
SECTION 9.14.
|
Releases of Liens and Guarantees 152
|
SECTION 9.15.
|
Interest Rate Limitation 154
|
SECTION 9.16.
|
No Advisory or Fiduciary Responsibility 154
|
SECTION 9.17.
|
Platform; Borrower Materials 155
|
SECTION 9.18.
|
Acknowledgement and Consent to Bail-In of EEA Financial Institutions 156
|
Pricing Level
|
First Lien Net
Leverage Ratio |
Commitment Fee Rate
|
Eurocurrency
Initial Revolving Loans |
ABR Initial Revolving Loans
|
Eurocurrency
Initial Term A Loans |
ABR Initial Term A Loans
|
|
I
|
> 3.00:1.00
|
0.40%
|
2.00%
|
1.00%
|
2.00%
|
1.00%
|
|
II
|
<
3.00:1.00 but > 2.50:1.00
|
0.35%
|
1.75%
|
0.75%
|
1.75%
|
0.75%
|
|
III
|
<
2.50:1.00
|
0.30%
|
1.50%
|
0.50%
|
1.50%
|
0.50%
|
Any Fiscal Quarter (i.e. March 31, June 30, September 30 and December 31) in the Four Fiscal Quarter Period Ending
|
Maximum Secured
Net Leverage Ratio |
|
December 31, 2016
|
4.50:1.00
|
|
December 31, 2017
|
4.00:1.00
|
|
December 31, 2018
|
3.50:1.00
|
|
December 31, 2019 and thereafter
|
3.00:1.00
|
|
Any Fiscal Quarter (i.e. March 31, June 30, September 30 and December 31) in the Four Fiscal Quarter Period Ending
|
Minimum Interest
Coverage Ratio |
|
December 31, 2016
|
3.25:1.00
|
|
December 31, 2017
|
3.50:1.00
|
|
December 31, 2018
|
3.75:1.00
|
|
December 31, 2019 and thereafter
|
4.00:1.00
|
|
(b)
|
Although the Company may endeavor to (i) qualify the purchase right(s) for favorable
|
1.
|
HR Europe B.V.
, a private limited liability company, having its registered office at the Hoogoorddreef 15, geb. Amerika, 7
th
floor, (1101BA) in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, ("
Company
"), in this matter duly represented by Etienne Claessens, VP Human Resources International;
|
2.
|
Mr. Francisco Canal Vega
, residing at the Roemer Visscherstraat 34H, (1051EZ) in Amsterdam, the Netherlands ("
Executive
").
|
A.
|
the Company and Executive entered into an employment agreement dated August 27, 2015 and subsequently into an Addendum (I) thereto dated July 2017 and another Addendum (II) thereto dated April 23, 2018 (hereinafter collectively referred to as: “
Employment Agreement
”) which sets forth the terms and conditions upon which Executive is currently employed by the Company in the position Senior Vice President and President Global Surgical Solutions;
|
B.
|
the Company and Executive desire to enter into this agreement (“
Addendum III
”) to provide certain benefits to Executive in the event of Executive’s involuntary termination of employment by the Company under certain circumstances; and
|
C.
|
NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of Executive’s continued employment with the Company and the mutual covenants set forth in the Employment Agreement and herein, as well as other good and valuable consideration, the receipt of which is hereby acknowledged, the Company and Executive agree to amend the Employment Agreement as adopted in this Addendum III:
|
1.1
|
Article 1, paragraph 4 of the Employment Agreement (“Severance Payments”), is
amended in that the sentence that begins:
|
1.2
|
The Target Bonus will be set on an annual basis and will be based upon the performance measures and objectives established by the Board of Hill-Rom Holdings, Inc. from time to time, but ultimately subject to the Compensation and Management Development Committee’s discretion.
|
2.1
|
The Director will receive a pro-rated portion of the Target Bonus for the fiscal
year in which the Director’s employment terminates on the initiative of the Company, if the termination is for reasons other than for urgent cause (within the meaning of Article 7:678 of the Dutch Civil Code or for cause (reasonable ground in the meaning of Article 7:669 paragraph 3 of the Dutch Civil Code) , based on the performance level and the number of days the Director was employed during such fiscal year.
|
2.2
|
The Director will receive a pro-rated portion of the Target Bonus for the fiscal
year in which the Director’s employment terminates on the initiative of the Director for Good Reason pursuant to paragraph 3 of this Article, based on the performance level and the number of days the Director was employed during such fiscal year.
|
2.3
|
The Director
may terminate his employment agreement and declare this to have been terminated for “Good Reason” upon the occurrence, without Director’s consent, of any of the following circumstances:
|
For HR Europe B.V.:
|
|
For Director:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
_______________________
|
|
_________________________
|
Etienne Claessens
|
|
Francisco Canal Vega
|
1.
|
Employment
.
|
(a)
|
Continuing on the date hereof and ending as provided in Paragraph 9 herein, the Executive agrees to continue to serve as President and Chief Executive Officer for the Company, reporting to the Board of Directors of the Company. Executive agrees to perform all duties and responsibilities traditionally assigned to, or falling within the normal responsibilities of, an individual employed as President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company. Executive also agrees to perform any and all additional duties or responsibilities consistent with such position as may be assigned by the Board of Directors of the Company in its sole discretion.
|
(b)
|
The Company agrees to continue to employ the Executive pursuant to the terms of this Agreement, and the Executive agrees to continue be so employed, for a term of one (1) year (the “
Initial Term
”) commencing as of the date hereof. On the first anniversary of the date hereof and, after the Initial Term, on such first anniversary and each annual anniversary of such date thereafter, the term of this Agreement shall be automatically extended for successive one-year periods, provided, however, that either party hereto may elect not to extend this Agreement by giving written notice to the other party at least one hundred and eighty (180) days prior to any such anniversary date. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Executive’s employment hereunder may be earlier terminated in accordance with Section 9 hereof. The period of time between the date hereof and the termination of the Executive’s employment hereunder shall be referred to herein as the “
Employment Term
.”
|
2.
|
Efforts and Duty of Loyalty
. During the Employment Term, Executive covenants and agrees to exercise reasonable efforts to perform all assigned duties in a diligent and professional manner and in the best interest of the Company. Executive agrees to devote Executive’s full working time, attention, talents, skills and efforts to further the Company’s business interests. Executive agrees not to engage in any outside business activity, whether or not pursued for gain, profit or other pecuniary advantage, without the express written consent of the Company. Executive shall act at all times in accordance with the Company’s code of ethical business conduct, and all other applicable policies which may exist or be adopted by the Company from time to time. The Executive may serve on other boards of directors as long as such service shall not interfere with the proper performance of Executive’s duties and obligations hereunder consistent with the Company’s Corporate Governance Standards for Board of Directors and applicable laws, with the prior consent of the Company. The Company’s Board of Directors appointed Executive to the Board of Directors of the Company on the date of the Prior Employment Agreement subject to the requirement that he stand for re-election at the next annual meeting of shareholders of the Company at which he otherwise would have been required under the Company’s Articles of Incorporation or Bylaws to stand for re-election. Executive shall not be entitled to receive compensation for his service as a member of the Board of Directors of the Company.
|
3.
|
At-Will Employment
. Subject to the terms and conditions of the severance opportunity set forth below, Executive specifically acknowledges and accepts such employment on an “at-will” basis and agrees that both Executive and the Company retain the right to terminate
|
4.
|
Compensation
. For all services rendered by Executive on behalf of, or at the request of, the Company, in Executive’s capacity as President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company, Executive shall be compensated as follows during the Employment Term.
|
(a)
|
Base Salary
. For the services performed by Executive under this Agreement, the Company shall pay Executive a base salary of One Million Twenty Thousand Dollars ($1,020,000) per year (“
Base Salary
”). The Base Salary shall be paid in the same increments as the Company’s normal payroll, but no less frequently than monthly, and prorated for any partial year of service during the Employment Term. Executive’s Base Salary shall be reviewed at least annually.
|
(b)
|
Bonus
. The Executive shall participate in any short-term incentive compensation program as may be in effect from time to time, as determined solely at the discretion of the Board, or any other bonus program as the Company may establish from time to time in its sole discretion. For each fiscal year, the annual performance bonus target will be not less than 100% of Base Salary earned during such fiscal year (the “
Target Bonus
”). The Target Bonus will be based upon the performance measures and objectives established by the Board from time to time, but ultimately subject to the Compensation and Management Development Committee’s (“
Committee
”) discretion. The minimum annual performance bonus will be 0% of the Target Bonus and the maximum annual performance bonus will be 200% of the Target Bonus. Any bonus earned shall be paid no later than March 15th of the calendar year following the calendar year in which the applicable fiscal year ended, subject to the Executive remaining continuously employed with the Company through the date that such bonus is paid, except as otherwise expressly provided hereunder.
|
(c)
|
Equity Awards
. The Executive shall be eligible to receive equity and other long-term incentive awards under the equity-based incentive compensation plans adopted by the Company during the Employment Term for which employees are generally eligible. The level of the Executive’s participation in any such plan, if any, shall be determined in the sole discretion of the Committee from time to time.
|
(d)
|
Other Benefits
. During the Employment Term, Executive will be entitled to participate in and receive such additional benefits and perquisites, including retirement and health and welfare benefits (such as participation in the supplemental executive retirement plan (the “
SERP
”), supplemental long-term disability insurance coverage, a Company-paid Executive physical examination, reimbursement for a portion of tax preparation and estate and financial planning services and flexible paid time off in accordance with the Company’s policy on accrual and use applicable to employees as in effect from time to time, including, but not limited to, forty (40) hours of sick leave), in each case, as are available to other senior executives of the Company and as the Board may deem appropriate and as pre-approved by the Committee. The Executive’s participation will be subject to the terms of the applicable plan documents and generally applicable Company
|
5.
|
Changes to Compensation
. Notwithstanding anything contained herein to the contrary, Executive acknowledges that the Company specifically reserves the right to make changes to Executive’s compensation in its sole discretion including, but not limited to, modifying or eliminating a compensation component. The Parties agree that such changes shall be deemed effective immediately and an approved modification of this Agreement unless, within thirty (30) days after receiving notice of such change, Executive exercises Executive’s right to terminate this Agreement Without Cause or for Good Reason, as provided and defined below in Paragraph 9, as may be applicable.
|
6.
|
Direct Deposit
. Within thirty (30) days of the date hereof, Executive agrees to make all necessary arrangements to have all sums paid pursuant to this Agreement direct deposited into one or more bank accounts as designated by Executive.
|
7.
|
Predecessor Employers
. Except as otherwise disclosed in writing to the Committee of the Board prior to the date hereof Executive warrants that Executive is not a party to any contract, restrictive covenant, or other agreement purporting to limit or otherwise adversely affecting Executive’s ability to secure employment with any third party. Alternatively, should any such agreement exist, Executive warrants that the contemplated services to be performed hereunder will not violate the terms and conditions of any such agreement.
|
8.
|
Restricted Duties
. Executive agrees not to disclose, or use for the benefit of the Company, any confidential or proprietary information belonging to any predecessor employer(s) that otherwise has not been made public and further acknowledges that the Company has specifically instructed Executive not to disclose or use such confidential or proprietary information. Based on Executive’s understanding of the anticipated duties and responsibilities hereunder, Executive acknowledges that such duties and responsibilities will not compel the disclosure or use of any such confidential and proprietary information.
|
9.
|
Termination
. The Executive’s employment with the Company and the Employment Term shall end early upon the first to occur of any of the following events:
|
(a)
|
Death
. In the event Executive dies during the Employment Term, this Agreement shall automatically terminate upon the date of death of the Executive.
|
(b)
|
Disability
. In the event Executive suffers a Disability (as defined herein) during the term of employment, this Agreement shall automatically be terminated on the date of such Disability. For purposes of this Agreement, Executive shall be considered to have suffered a “
Disability
”: (i) upon a good faith determination by Company that, as a result of any mental or physical impairment, Executive is and will likely remain unable to perform the essential functions of Executive’s duties or responsibilities hereunder on a full-time basis for one hundred eighty (180) days, with or without reasonable accommodation, or (ii) Executive becomes eligible for or receives any benefits pursuant to the Company’s long-term disability policy. Notwithstanding anything expressed or implied above to the contrary, the Company agrees to fully comply with its obligations under the Family and Medical Leave Act
|
(c)
|
Cause
. Executive’s employment may be terminated by the Company at any time for Cause without notice or prior warning. For purposes of this Agreement, “
Cause
” shall mean the Company’s good faith determination that Executive has:
|
(i)
|
Acted with gross neglect or willful misconduct in the discharge of Executive’s duties and responsibilities, or continuously refused to follow or comply with the lawful direction of the Board of Directors of the Company or the material terms and conditions of this Agreement; provided, however, that such refusal is not based primarily on Executive’s good faith compliance with applicable legal or ethical standards;
|
(ii)
|
Engaged in fraudulent, unethical, or illegal conduct in the performance of his duties that causes, or in the Board of Directors’ reasonable opinion, has the potential to cause, the Company or its directors significant embarrassment or ridicule;
|
(iii)
|
Willfully violated a material requirement of any written Company policy or procedure, specifically including a violation of the Company’s code of ethics;
|
(iv)
|
Willfully disclosed without proper authorization any material trade secrets or other material Confidential Information (as defined herein); or
|
(v)
|
Engaged in any act that constitutes a breach of fiduciary duty under Indiana law.
|
(d)
|
Without Cause
. The Parties agree that either party may terminate this employment relationship at any time, “
Without Cause
”, upon sixty (60) days’ advance written notice or, if terminated by the Company, pay in lieu of notice (hereinafter referred to as “
Notice Pay
”). However, in no event shall Executive be entitled to Notice Pay if Executive is eligible for and accepts severance payments pursuant to the provisions of Paragraph 10(d) below. Notice pay shall be paid as if the Executive remained on payroll, subject to Paragraph 10(d) hereof.
|
(e)
|
Good Reason
. Executive may terminate Executive’s employment and declare this Agreement to have been terminated for “
Good Reason
” upon the occurrence, without Executive’s consent, of any of the following circumstances:
|
(i)
|
the material diminution of Executive’s duties, responsibilities, authorities or offices, or the assignment to Executive of duties that are materially inconsistent with Executive’s position as President and Chief Executive Officer;
|
(ii)
|
A reduction by the Company in the amount of Executive’s base salary or target bonus percentage;
|
(iii)
|
The discontinuation or reduction by the Company of Executive’s participation at previously existing levels of eligibility in any incentive compensation, additional compensation or equity programs, benefits, policies or perquisites; provided, however, that the Company may make such changes and/or reductions without implicating the provisions of this subparagraph (iii) so long as such discontinuation or reduction applies to all other senior executives of the Company and the discontinuation of reduction applies at a level that is no less favorable to Executive than that applied to all other senior executives of the Company;
|
(iv)
|
A change by the Company in the Executive’s reporting structure such that the Executive is no longer reporting directly to the Board of Directors; or
|
(v)
|
the relocation of the Company’s principal executive offices or Executive’s place of work to a location requiring a change of more than fifty (50) miles in Executive’s daily commute.
|
(f)
|
Voluntary Termination
. Executive may voluntarily, and without Good Reason, terminate Executive’s employment for any reason.
|
(g)
|
Expiration of Employment Term; Non-Extension of Agreement
. This Agreement may be terminated upon the expiration of the Employment Term due to a non-extension of the Agreement by the Company or the Executive.
|
10.
|
Consequences of Termination
.
|
(a)
|
Death
. In the event that Executive’s employment and the Employment Term ends on account of the Executive’s death, the Executive or the Executive’s estate, as the case may be, shall be entitled to the following (with the amounts due hereunder to be paid in accordance with the Company’s past practice and applicable law):
|
(i)
|
immediate vesting in the SERP, which shall be paid in accordance with the award agreements, benefits plans, past practice and applicable law (the “
SERP Benefit
”);
|
(ii)
|
any Base Salary, earned but unpaid through the date of termination; and
|
(iii)
|
all other deferred compensation, payments, accrued benefits of employment or fringe benefits to which the Executive may be entitled pursuant to the express terms of (A) any applicable compensation arrangement, (B) any applicable benefit, equity or fringe benefit plan, program or grant or (C) this Agreement (collectively, Paragraphs 10(a)(ii) and
ý
10(a)(iii) hereof shall be hereafter referred to as the “
Accrued Benefits
”).
|
(b)
|
Disability
. In the event that the Executive’s employment and the Employment Term ends on account of the Executive’s Disability, the Company shall pay or provide to the Executive the Accrued Benefits and the SERP Benefit.
|
(c)
|
Termination for Cause; Voluntary Termination; Non-Extension of Employment Term
. If the Executive’s employment is terminated (i) by the Company for Cause, (ii) by the Executive voluntarily and without Good Reason, or (iii) as a result of the non-extension of the Employment Term by either party as provided in Paragraph 9, the Company shall pay or provide to the Executive the Accrued Benefits.
|
(d)
|
Termination Without Cause or for Good Reason
. In the event Executive’s employment is terminated by the Company Without Cause or by the Executive for Good Reason, the Company shall pay or provide the Executive with the following, (subject to the provisions of Paragraph 26):
|
(i)
|
the Accrued Benefits;
|
(ii)
|
the SERP Benefit;
|
(iii)
|
two (2) times the sum of (A) Executive’s Base Salary for a period of twelve (12) months plus (B) the Executive’s Target Bonus for the year in which the Executive’s employment is terminated. Except as required by Code Section 409A (as defined below), this total amount shall be paid in accordance with the Company’s standard payroll practices (e.g. bi-weekly) over the twenty-four (24) month period following Executive’s termination, except no
|
(iv)
|
If Executive elects continuation coverage under the Company’s medical plan pursuant to Part 6 of Subtitle B of title I of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended (“
COBRA
”), the Company shall reimburse Executive, on a monthly basis, for a portion of Executive’s COBRA payments (provided such reimbursement does not result in any taxes or penalties for the Company) in an amount equal to the difference between (A) the amount the Company paid as a monthly premium for Executive’s participation in such plan immediately prior to Executive’s termination Without Cause or termination for Good Reason and (B) the amount Executive was required to pay as a monthly premium for participation in such plan immediately prior to such termination, until the earlier of (x) the end of the twelve (12) month period beginning on the effective date of termination of the Executive’s employment hereunder, or (y) such time as the Executive is eligible to be covered by comparable benefits of a subsequent employer. The Executive agrees to notify the Company promptly if and when Executive begins employment with another employer and if and when Executive becomes eligible to participate in any health or welfare plans of another employer; and
|
(v)
|
a lump sum payment in cash equal to the portion of the Target Bonus which would have been payable to the Executive for the fiscal year in which the termination occurred, based on the actual performance level during such fiscal year, but with such amount further prorated based on the number of days that elapsed between the start of such fiscal and the date of such termination of Executive’s employment. This pro-rated bonus (if any) will be paid at such time as the bonus would have been paid had Executive remained employed with the Company through the end of the applicable bonus period.
|
11.
|
Release
. Any payments made pursuant to Paragraph 10(d) are contingent upon Executive materially complying with the restrictive covenants contained herein and executing a separation and release agreement in the form attached as
Exhibit A
(the “
Release
”). Further, the Company’s obligation to provide payments pursuant to Paragraph 10(d) shall be deemed null and void should Executive fail or refuse to execute and deliver to the Company the Release (without modification) within any time period as may be prescribed by law or, in
|
12.
|
Reaffirmation
. Upon termination of Executive’s employment for any reason, Executive agrees, if requested to reaffirm in writing Executive’s post-employment obligation as set forth in this Agreement, that Executive will make such reaffirmation.
|
13.
|
Restrictive Covenants
. The capitalized terms used, but not defined herein in Paragraphs 13(a) through 13(i), will have the meanings given to such terms in Paragraph 13(j).
|
(a)
|
Assignment of Rights
.
|
(i)
|
Copyrights
. Executive agrees that all works of authorship fixed in any tangible medium of expression by Executive during the term of this Agreement relating to the Company’s business (“
Works
”), either solely or jointly with others, shall be and remain exclusively the property of the Company. Each such Work created by Executive is a “work made for hire” under the copyright law and the Company may file applications to register copyright in such Works as author and copyright owner thereof. If, for any reason, a Work created by Executive is excluded from the definition of a “work made for hire” under the copyright law, then Executive does hereby assign, sell, and convey to the Company the entire rights, title, and interests in and to such Work, including the copyright therein, to the Company. Executive will execute any documents that the Company deems necessary in connection with the assignment of such Work and copyright therein. Executive will take whatever steps and do whatever acts the Company requests, including, but not limited to, placement of the Company’s proper copyright notice on Works created by Executive to secure or aid in securing copyright protection in such Works and will assist the Company or its nominees in filing applications to register claims of copyright in such Works. The Company shall have free and unlimited access at all times to all Works and all copies thereof and shall have the right to claim and take possession on demand of such Works and copies.
|
(ii)
|
Inventions
. Executive agrees that all discoveries, concepts, and ideas, whether patentable or not, including, but not limited to, apparatus, processes, methods, compositions of matter, techniques, and formulae, as well as improvements thereof or know-how related thereto, relating to any present or prospective product, process, or service of the Company (“
Inventions
”) that Executive conceives or makes during the term of this Agreement relating to the Company’s business, shall become and remain the exclusive property of the Company, whether patentable or not, and Executive will, without royalty or any other consideration:
|
(A)
|
Inform the Company promptly and fully of such Inventions by written reports, setting forth in detail the procedures employed and the results achieved;
|
(B)
|
Assign to the Company all of Executive’s rights, title, and interests in and to such Inventions, any applications for United States and foreign letters patent, any United States and foreign letters patent, and any renewals thereof granted upon such Inventions;
|
(C)
|
Assist the Company or its nominees, at the expense of the Company, to obtain such United States and foreign letters patent for such Inventions as the Company may elect; and
|
(D)
|
Execute, acknowledge, and deliver to the Company at the Company’s expense such written documents and instruments, and do such other acts, such as giving testimony in support of Executive’s inventorship, as may be necessary in the opinion of the Company, to obtain and maintain United States and foreign letters patent upon such Inventions and to vest the entire rights and title thereto in the Company and to confirm the complete ownership by the Company of such Inventions, patent applications, and patents.
|
(b)
|
Return of Company Property
. All records, files, drawings, documents, data in whatever form, business equipment (including computers, cell phones, etc.), and the like relating to, or provided by, the Company shall be and remain the sole property of the Company. Upon termination of employment, Executive shall immediately return to the Company all such items without retention of any copies and without additional request by the Company. De minimis items such as pay stubs, 401(k) plan summaries, employee bulletins, and the like are excluded from this requirement. Executive may retain Executive’s address books to the extent they only contain contact information.
|
(c)
|
Confidential Information
. Executive acknowledges that the Companies possess certain trade secrets as well as other confidential and proprietary information which they have acquired or will acquire at great effort and expense. Such information may include, without limitation, confidential information, whether in tangible or intangible form, regarding the Companies’ products and services, marketing strategies, business plans, operations, costs, current or prospective customer information (including customer identities, contacts, requirements, creditworthiness, preferences, and like matters), product concepts, designs, prototypes or specifications, research and development efforts, technical data and know‑how, sales information, including pricing and other terms and conditions of sale, financial information, internal procedures, techniques, forecasts, methods, trade information, trade secrets, software programs, project requirements, inventions, trademarks, trade names, and similar information regarding the Companies’ business(es) (collectively referred to herein as “
Confidential Information
”). Executive further acknowledges that, as a result of Executive’s employment with the Company, Executive will have access to, will become acquainted with, and/or may help develop, such Confidential Information. Confidential Information shall not include information readily available in the public so long as such information
|
(d)
|
Restricted Use of Confidential Information
. Executive agrees that all Confidential Information is and shall remain the sole and exclusive property of the Company and/or its affiliated entities. Except as may be expressly authorized by the Company in writing, or other than in the course of the Executive’s employment and for the benefit of the Company, Executive agrees not to disclose, or cause any other person or entity to disclose, any Confidential Information to any third party while employed by the Company and for as long thereafter as such information remains confidential (or as limited by applicable law). Further, Executive agrees to use such Confidential Information only in the course of Executive’s duties in furtherance of the Company’s business and agrees not to make use of any such Confidential Information for Executive’s own purposes or for the benefit of any other entity or person. The foregoing shall not apply to information that (i) was known to the public prior to its disclosure to the Executive; (ii) becomes generally known to the public subsequent to disclosure to the Executive through no wrongful act of the Executive or any representative of the Executive; or (iii) the Executive is required to disclose by applicable law, regulation or legal process, or is requested by subpoena, court order or a governmental, regulatory or self-regulatory body with the apparent authority to disclose any Confidential Information (provided that in such case the Executive shall (A) provide the Company with prior notice of the contemplated disclosure, (B) cooperate with the Company at its expense in seeking a protective order or other appropriate protection of such information, and (C) disclose only that Confidential Information which Executive is legally required to disclose).
|
(e)
|
Non-Solicitation
. During Executive’s employment and for a period of eighteen (18) months thereafter, Executive agrees not to directly or indirectly engage in the following prohibited conduct:
|
(i)
|
Solicit, offer products or services to, or accept orders for, any Competitive Products or otherwise transact any competitive business on behalf of any Competitor;
|
(ii)
|
Attempt on behalf of any Competitor to entice or otherwise cause any third party to withdraw, curtail or cease doing business with the Company (or any Affiliate thereof), specifically including customers, vendors, independent contractors and other third-party entities;
|
(iii)
|
Except in the course of the Executive’s employment and for the benefit of the Company, disclose to any person or entity the identities, contacts or preferences of any customers of the Company (or any Affiliate thereof), or the identity of any other persons or entities having business dealings with the Company (or any Affiliate thereof);
|
(iv)
|
Induce any individual who has been employed by or had provided services to the Company (or any Affiliate thereof) within the six (6) month period
|
(v)
|
Assist, coordinate or otherwise offer employment to, accept employment inquiries from, or employ any individual who is or had been employed by the Company (or any Affiliate thereof) at any time within the six (6) month period immediately preceding such offer, or inquiry;
|
(vi)
|
Communicate or indicate in any way to any customer of the Company (or any Affiliate thereof), prior to formal separation from the Company, any interest, desire, plan, or decision to separate from the Company; other than by way of long term retirement plans; or
|
(vii)
|
Otherwise attempt on behalf of any Competitor to directly or indirectly interfere with the Company’s business, the business of any of the Companies or their relationship with their employees, consultants, independent contractors or customers.
|
(f)
|
Limited Non-Compete
. For the above-stated reasons, and as a condition of employment to the fullest extent permitted by law, Executive agrees during the Relevant Non‑Compete Period not to directly or indirectly engage in the following competitive activities:
|
(i)
|
Executive shall not have any ownership interest in, work for, advise, consult, or have any business connection or business or employment relationship in any competitive capacity with any Competitor unless Executive provides written notice to the Company of such relationship prior to entering into such relationship and, further, provides sufficient written assurances to the Company’s satisfaction that such relationship will not jeopardize the Company’s legitimate interests or otherwise violate the terms of this Agreement;
|
(ii)
|
Executive shall not engage in any research, development, production, sale or distribution of any Competitive Products on behalf of a Competitor;
|
(iii)
|
Executive shall not market, sell, or otherwise offer or provide any Competitive Products within any Geographic Territory on behalf of a Competitor; or
|
(iv)
|
Executive shall not distribute, market, sell or otherwise offer or provide any Competitive Products to any customer of the Company on behalf of a Competitor.
|
(g)
|
Non-Disparagement
. Executive agrees not to make any written or oral statement that may defame, disparage or cast in a negative light so as to do harm to the personal or professional reputation of (i) the Company, (ii) its Executives, officers, directors or trustees or (iii) the services and/or products provided by the Company and its subsidiaries or affiliate entities. Similarly, in response to any written inquiry from
|
(h)
|
Further Covenants
.
|
(i)
|
The U.S. Defend Trade Secrets Act of 2016 (“
DTSA
”) provides that an individual shall not be held criminally or civilly liable under any federal or state trade secret law for the disclosure of a trade secret that (A) is made in confidence to a federal, state or local government official, either directly or indirectly, or to an attorney, and solely for the purpose of reporting or investigating a suspected violation of law; or (B) is made in a complaint or other document filed in a lawsuit or other proceeding, if such filing is made under seal. In addition, the DTSA provides that an individual who files a lawsuit for retaliation by an employer for reporting a suspected violation of law may disclose the trade secret to the attorney of the individual and use the trade secret information in the court proceeding, if the individual files any document containing the trade secret under seal and does not disclose the trade secret, except pursuant to court order. Accordingly, the Parties have the right to disclose in confidence trade secrets to federal, state, and local government officials, or to an attorney, for the sole purpose of reporting or investigating a suspected violation of law. The parties also have the right to disclose trade secrets in a document filed in a lawsuit or other proceeding, but only if the filing is made under seal and protected from public disclosure.
|
(ii)
|
Nothing in this Agreement prevents Executive from providing, without prior notice to the Company, information to governmental authorities regarding possible legal violations or otherwise testifying or participating in any investigation or proceeding by any governmental authorities regarding possible legal violations, and for purpose of clarity Executive is not prohibited from providing information voluntarily to the United States Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to Section 21F of the Exchange Act.
|
(i)
|
Acknowledged Need for Limited Restrictive Covenants
. Executive acknowledges that the Companies have spent and will continue to expend substantial amounts of time, money and effort to develop their business strategies, Confidential Information, customer identities and relationships, goodwill and Executive relationships, and that Executive will benefit from these efforts. Further, Executive acknowledges the inevitable use of, or near-certain influence by Executive’s knowledge of, the Confidential Information disclosed to Executive during the course of employment
|
(j)
|
Non-Compete Definitions
. For purposes of this Agreement, the Parties agree that the following terms shall apply:
|
(i)
|
“
Affiliate
” includes any parent, subsidiary, joint venture, sister company, or other entity controlled, owned, managed or otherwise associated with the Company;
|
(ii)
|
“
Assigned Customer Base
” shall include all accounts or customers formally assigned to Executive within a given territory or geographical area or contacted by Executive at any time during the eighteen (18) month period preceding Executive’s date of separation;
|
(iii)
|
“
Competitive Products
” shall include any product or service that directly or indirectly competes with, is substantially similar to, or serves as a reasonable substitute for, any product or service in research, development or design, or manufactured, produced, sold or distributed by the Company;
|
(iv)
|
“
Competitor
” shall mean the list of companies on Exhibit B, which can be changed at any time prior to 90 days before termination of employment by or of Executive by written notice to Executive, so long as the list does not exceed fifteen (15) companies and each of which is a material competitor of the Company.
|
(v)
|
“
Directly or indirectly
” shall be construed such that the foregoing restrictions shall apply equally to Executive whether performed individually or as a partner, shareholder, officer, director, manager, Executive, salesperson, independent contractor, broker, agent, or consultant for any other individual, partnership, firm, corporation, company, or other entity engaged in such conduct.
|
(vi)
|
“
Geographic Territory
” shall include any territory in which the Company has provided any services or sold any products at any time during the twenty-four (24) month period preceding Executive’s date of separation;
|
(vii)
|
“
Relevant Non-Compete Period
” shall include the period of Executive’s employment with the Company as well as a period of eighteen (18) months after such employment is terminated, regardless of the reason for such termination provided.
|
(k)
|
Consent to Reasonableness
. In light of the above-referenced concerns, including Executive’s knowledge of and access to the Companies’ Confidential Information,
|
(l)
|
Survival of Restrictive Covenants
. Executive acknowledges that the above restrictive covenants shall survive the termination of this Agreement and the termination of Executive’s employment for any reason. Executive further acknowledges that any alleged breach by the Company of any contractual, statutory or other obligation shall not excuse or terminate the obligations hereunder or otherwise preclude the Company from seeking injunctive or other relief. Rather, Executive acknowledges that such obligations are independent and separate covenants undertaken by Executive for the benefit of the Company.
|
(m)
|
Post-Termination Notification
. For the duration of Executive’s Relevant Non-Compete Period or other restrictive covenant period, whichever is longer, Executive agrees to promptly notify the Company no later than five (5) business days of Executive’s acceptance of any employment or consulting engagement. Such notice shall include sufficient information to ensure Executive compliance with Executive’s non-compete obligations and must include at a minimum the following information: (i) the name of the employer or entity for which Executive is providing any consulting services; (ii) a description of Executive’s intended duties; and (iii) the anticipated start date. Such information is required to ensure Executive’s compliance with Executive’s non-compete obligations as well as all other applicable restrictive covenants. Such notice shall be provided in writing to the Office of SVP, Corporate Secretary and Chief Legal Officer at 130 East Randolph Street, Suite 1000, Chicago, Illinois 60601. Failure to timely provide such notice shall be deemed a material breach of this Agreement and entitle the Company to return of any Severance paid to Executive plus attorneys’ fees. Executive further consents to the Company’s notification to any new employer of Executive’s rights and obligations under this Agreement.
|
(n)
|
Scope of Restrictions
. If the scope of any restriction contained in any preceding paragraphs of this Agreement is deemed too broad to permit enforcement of such restriction to its fullest extent, then such restriction shall be enforced to the maximum extent permitted by law, and Executive hereby consents and agrees that such scope may be judicially modified accordingly in any proceeding brought to enforce such restriction.
|
(o)
|
Specific Enforcement/Injunctive Relief
. Executive agrees that it would be difficult to measure any damages to the Company from a breach of the above-referenced restrictive covenants, but acknowledges that the potential for such damages would be great, incalculable and irremediable, and that monetary damages alone would be an inadequate remedy. Accordingly, Executive agrees that the Company shall be entitled to immediate injunctive relief against such breach, or threatened breach, in any court having jurisdiction. In addition, if Executive violates any such restrictive covenant, Executive agrees that the period of such violation shall be added to the term of the restriction. In determining the period of any violation, the Parties stipulate that in any calendar month in which Executive engages in any activity in violation of such provisions, Executive shall be deemed to have violated such provision for the entire month, and that month shall be added to the duration of the non-competition provision. Executive acknowledges that the remedies described above shall not be the exclusive remedies, and the Company may seek any other remedy available to it either in law or in equity, including, by way of example only, statutory remedies for misappropriation of trade secrets, and including the recovery of compensatory or punitive damages. Executive further agrees that the Company shall be entitled to an award of all costs and attorneys’ fees incurred by it in any attempt to enforce the terms of this Agreement if the Company prevails.
|
(p)
|
Publicly Traded Stock
. The Parties agree that nothing contained in this Agreement shall be construed to prohibit Executive from investing Executive’s personal assets in any stock or corporate security traded or quoted on a national securities exchange or national market system provided, however, such investments do not require any services on the part of Executive in the operation or the affairs of the business or otherwise violate the Company’s code of ethics.
|
14.
|
Contractual Limitations Period
. For any dispute or claim arising under this Agreement, Executive must commence legal action within the shorter of one (1) year of accrual of the cause of action or such shorter period that may be specified by law.
|
15.
|
Non-Jury Trials
. Notwithstanding any right to a jury trial for any claims, Executive waives any such right to a jury trial, and agrees that any claim of any type (including but not limited to employment discrimination litigation, wage litigation, defamation, or any other claim) lodged in any court will be tried, if at all, without a jury.
|
16.
|
Choice of Forum
. Executive acknowledges that the Company is primarily based in Indiana, and Executive understands and acknowledges the Company’s desire and need to defend any litigation against it in Illinois. Accordingly, the Parties agree that any claim of any type brought by Executive against the Company or any of its employees or agents must be maintained only in a court sitting in Cook County, Illinois, or, if a federal court, the Northern District of Illinois. Executive further understands and acknowledges that in the event the Company initiates litigation against Executive, the Company may need to prosecute such litigation in such state where the Executive is subject to personal jurisdiction. Accordingly, for purposes of enforcement of this Agreement, Executive specifically consents to personal jurisdiction in the State of Illinois.
|
17.
|
Choice of Law
. This Agreement shall be deemed to have been made within the County of Cook, State of Illinois and shall be interpreted and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Illinois. Any and all matters of dispute of any nature whatsoever arising out of, or in any way connected with the interpretation of this Agreement, any disputes arising out of the Agreement or the employment relationship between the Parties hereto, shall be governed by, construed by and enforced in accordance with the laws of the State of Illinois without regard to any applicable state’s choice of law provisions.
|
18.
|
Titles
. Titles are used for the purpose of convenience in this Agreement and shall be ignored in any construction of it.
|
19.
|
Severability
. The Parties agree that each and every paragraph, sentence, clause, term and provision of this Agreement is severable and that, in the event any portion of this Agreement is adjudged to be invalid or unenforceable, the remaining portions thereof shall remain in effect and be enforced to the fullest extent permitted by law. Further, should any particular clause, covenant, or provision of this Agreement be held unreasonable or contrary to public policy for any reason, the Parties acknowledge and agree that such covenant, provision or clause shall automatically be deemed modified such that the contested covenant, provision or clause will have the closest effect permitted by applicable law to the original form and shall be given effect and enforced as so modified to whatever extent would be reasonable and enforceable under applicable law.
|
20.
|
Assignment-Notices
. The rights and obligations of the Company under this Agreement shall inure to its benefit, as well as the benefit of its parent, subsidiary, successor and affiliated entities, and shall be binding upon the successors and assigns of the Company. This Agreement, being personal to Executive, cannot be assigned by Executive, but Executive’s personal representative shall be bound by all its terms and conditions. Any notice required hereunder shall be sufficient if in writing and mailed to the last known residence of Executive or to the Company at its principal office with a copy mailed to the Office of the General Counsel.
|
21.
|
Amendments and Modifications
. Except as specifically provided herein, no modification, amendment, extension or waiver of this Agreement or any provision hereof shall be binding upon the Company or Executive unless in writing and signed by both Parties. The waiver by the Company or Executive of a breach of any provision of this Agreement shall not be construed as a waiver of any subsequent breach. Nothing in this Agreement shall be construed as a limitation upon the Company’s right to modify or amend any of its manuals or policies in its sole discretion and any such modification or amendment which pertains to matters addressed herein shall be deemed to be incorporated herein and made a part of this Agreement.
|
22.
|
Outside Representations
. Executive represents and acknowledges that in signing this Agreement Executive does not rely, and has not relied, upon any representation or statement made by the Company or by any of the Company’s employees, officers, agents, stockholders, directors or attorneys with regard to the subject matter, basis or effect of this Agreement other than those specifically contained herein.
|
23.
|
Other Remedies
. The Executive agrees to execute and be bound by the terms and conditions of the Company’s Limited Recapture Agreement, and any applicable laws, rules and regulations.
|
24.
|
Voluntary and Knowing Execution
. Executive acknowledges that Executive has been offered a reasonable amount of time within which to consider and review this Agreement; that Executive has carefully read and fully understands all of the provisions of this Agreement; and that Executive has entered into this Agreement knowingly and voluntarily, with the assistance of counsel.
|
25.
|
Liability Insurance
. The Company shall cover the Executive under directors and officers liability insurance both during and, while potential liability exists, after the term of this Agreement in the same amount and to the same extent as the Company covers its other officers and non-independent directors.
|
26.
|
Tax Matters
.
|
(a)
|
Withholding
. The Company may withhold from any and all amounts payable under this Agreement or otherwise such federal, state and local taxes as may be required to be withheld pursuant to any applicable law or regulation.
|
(b)
|
Code Section 409A Notification
. Executive acknowledges that Executive has been advised of the American Jobs Creation Act of 2004, which includes Internal Revenue Code Section 409A, and the regulations and guidance promulgated thereunder (collectively “
Code Section 409A
”), and which also significantly changed the taxation of nonqualified deferred compensation plans and arrangements.
|
(i)
|
The intent of the parties is that payments and benefits under this Agreement comply with, or be exempt from, Code Section 409A and, accordingly, to the maximum extent permitted, this Agreement shall be interpreted to be in accordance therewith. If any provision of this Agreement (or of any award of compensation, including equity compensation or benefits) would cause the Executive to incur any additional tax or interest under Code Section 409A, the Company shall, after consulting with the Executive, reform such provision to try to comply with Code Section 409A through good faith modifications to the minimum extent reasonably appropriate to conform with Code Section 409A. To the extent that any provision hereof is modified in order to comply with Code Section 409A, such modification shall be made in good faith and shall, to the maximum extent reasonably possible, maintain the original intent and economic benefit to the Executive and the Company of the applicable provision without violating the provisions of Code Section 409A.
|
(ii)
|
A termination of employment shall not be deemed to have occurred for purposes of any provision of this Agreement providing for the payment of any amounts or benefits upon or following a termination of employment that are considered “nonqualified deferred compensation” under Code Section 409A unless such termination is also a “separation from service” within the
|
(iii)
|
With regard to any provision herein that provides for reimbursement of costs and expenses or in-kind benefits, except as permitted by Code Section 409A, (A) the right to reimbursement or in-kind benefits shall not be subject to liquidation or exchange for another benefit, (B) the amount of expenses eligible for reimbursement, or in-kind benefits provided during any taxable year shall not affect the expenses eligible for reimbursement, or in-kind benefits to be provided in any other taxable year, and (C) such payments shall be made on or before the last day of Executive’s taxable year following the taxable year in which the expense occurred.
|
(iv)
|
For purposes of Code Section 409A, the Executive’s right to receive any installment payments pursuant to this Agreement shall be treated as a right to receive a series of separate and distinct payments. In no event may the Executive, directly or indirectly, designate the calendar year of any payment to be made under this Agreement that is considered nonqualified deferred compensation. In no event shall the timing of Executive’s execution of a Release, directly or indirectly, result in the Executive designating the calendar year of payment, and if a payment that is subject to execution of the Release could be made in more than one taxable year, payment shall be made in the later taxable year.
|
(v)
|
Executive acknowledges that, notwithstanding anything contained herein to the contrary, both Parties shall be independently responsible for assessing their own risks and liabilities under Code Section 409A that may be associated with any payment made under the terms of this Agreement or any other arrangement which may be deemed to trigger Code Section 409A. Further, the Parties agree that each shall independently bear responsibility for any
|
27.
|
Entire Agreement
. This Agreement constitutes the entire employment agreement between the Parties hereto concerning the subject matter hereof and shall supersede all prior and contemporaneous agreements between the Parties in connection with the subject matter of this Agreement. Nothing in this Agreement, however, shall affect any separately‑executed written agreement addressing any other issues. For the avoidance of doubt, if the Executive receives any severance compensation pursuant to a change in control agreement or any other severance plan or program, such agreement’s terms regarding severance compensation will control and will be in place of any severance payments as may be provided under Paragraph 10(d) of this Agreement.
|
EXECUTIVE
|
HILL-ROM HOLDINGS, INC.
|
Signed: __________________________
Name: John P. Groetelaars
Dated: ___________________________
|
By: _____________________________
Title: ____________________________
Dated: ___________________________
|
1.
|
Executive’s active employment by the Company shall terminate effective ____________, 20__ (the “
Effective Termination Date
”). Except as specifically provided by this Agreement, or in any other non-employment agreement that may exist between the Company and Executive, Executive agrees that the Company shall have no other obligations or liabilities to Executive following Executive’s Effective Termination Date and that Executive’s receipt of the Severance Benefits shall constitute a complete settlement, satisfaction and waiver of any and all claims Executive may have against the Company.
|
2.
|
Executive further submits, and the Company hereby accepts, Executive’s resignation as an Executive, officer and director, as of Executive’s Effective Termination Date for any position Executive may hold. The Parties agree that this resignation shall apply to all such positions Executive may hold with the Company or any parent thereof. Executive agrees to execute any documents needed to effectuate such resignation. Executive further agrees to take whatever steps are necessary to facilitate and ensure the smooth transition of Executive’s duties and responsibilities to others.
|
3.
|
The Company agrees to provide Executive Severance Benefits on the termination of Executive’s employment, as provided for in Paragraph 10(d) of Executive’s Employment Agreement.
|
4.
|
The Company further agrees to provide Executive with limited out-placement counseling with a company of its choice provided that Executive participates in such counseling immediately following termination of employment. Notwithstanding anything in this Paragraph 4 to the contrary, the out-placement counseling shall not be provided after the last day of the second calendar year following the calendar year in which termination of employment occurs.
|
5.
|
In exchange for the Severance Benefits, Executive on behalf of
[himself/herself]
,
[his/her]
heirs, representatives, agents and assigns,
[and anyone acting or claiming on [his/her] or their joint or several behalf,]
hereby RELEASES, INDEMNIFIES, HOLDS HARMLESS,
|
6.
|
Without limiting the generality of the foregoing release, it shall include: (a) all claims or potential claims arising under any federal, state or local employment law or statute, including, but not limited to, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act(s) of 1964 and 1991, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA), the Older Workers Benefit Protection Act (OWBPA), the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act (WARN) or the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA), the Illinois Human Rights Act, as amended, applicable state civil rights law(s), or applicable state employment law(s); (b) any claims on account of, arising out of or in any way connected with Executive’s employment with the Company or leaving of that employment; (c) any claims alleged or which could have been alleged in any charge or complaint against the Company; (d) any claims relating to the conduct of any Executive, officer, director, agent or other representative of the Company; (e) any claims of discrimination, harassment or retaliation on any basis; (f) any claims arising from any legal restrictions on an employer’s right to separate its Executives; (g) any claims for personal injury, compensatory or punitive damages or other forms of relief; and (h) all other causes of action sounding in contract, tort or other common law basis, including (i) the breach of any alleged oral or written contract, (ii) negligent or intentional misrepresentations, (iii) wrongful discharge, (iv) just cause dismissal, (v) defamation, (vi) interference with contract or business relationship or (vii) negligent or intentional infliction of emotional distress.
|
7.
|
Executive further agrees and covenants not to sue the Company or any entity or individual subject to this Agreement with respect to any claims, demands, liabilities or obligations released by this Agreement provided, however, that nothing contained in this Agreement shall:
|
a.
|
prevent Executive from filing an administrative charge with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission or any other federal state or local agency, or the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (“
SEC
”) Whistleblower unit or participating in investigations by those entities; or
|
b.
|
prevent employee from challenging, under the Older Worker’s Benefit Protection Act (29 U.S.C. § 626), the knowing and voluntary nature of Executive’s release of any age claims in this Agreement in court or before the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.
|
8.
|
Notwithstanding Executive’s right to file an administrative charge with the EEOC, the SEC’s Whistleblower unit, or any other federal, state, or local agency, Executive agrees that with Executive’s release of claims in this Agreement, Executive has waived any right Executive may have to recover monetary or other personal relief in any proceeding based in whole or in part on claims released by Executive in this Agreement. For example, Executive waives
|
9.
|
The U.S. Defend Trade Secrets Act of 2016 (“
DTSA
”) provides that an individual shall not be held criminally or civilly liable under any federal or state trade secret law for the disclosure of a trade secret that (a) is made in confidence to a federal, state or local government official, either directly or indirectly, or to an attorney, and solely for the purpose of reporting or investigating a suspected violation of law; or (b) is made in a complaint or other document filed in a lawsuit or other proceeding, if such filing is made under seal. In addition, the DTSA provides that an individual who files a lawsuit for retaliation by an employer for reporting a suspected violation of law may disclose the trade secret to the attorney of the individual and use the trade secret information in the court proceeding, if the individual files any document containing the trade secret under seal and does not disclose the trade secret, except pursuant to court order. Accordingly, the Parties have the right to disclose in confidence trade secrets to federal, state, and local government officials, or to an attorney, for the sole purpose of reporting or investigating a suspected violation of law. The parties also have the right to disclose trade secrets in a document filed in a lawsuit or other proceeding, but only if the filing is made under seal and protected from public disclosure.
|
10.
|
Insofar as this Agreement pertains to the release of Executive’s claims, if any, under the ADEA or other civil rights laws, the Parties acknowledge that it is their mutual and specific intent that the above waiver fully complies with the requirements of the OWBPA and any similar law governing release of claims. Accordingly, Executive hereby acknowledges that:
|
a.
|
Executive has carefully read and fully understands all of the provisions of this Agreement and that Executive has entered into this Agreement knowingly and voluntarily;
|
b.
|
The Severance Benefits offered in exchange for Executive’s release of claims exceed in kind and scope that to which Executive would have otherwise been legally entitled absent the execution of this Agreement;
|
c.
|
Prior to signing this Agreement, Executive had been advised, and is being advised by this Agreement, to consult with an attorney of Executive’s choice concerning its terms and conditions; and
|
d.
|
Executive has been offered at least twenty-one (21)
days within which to review and consider this Agreement.
|
11.
|
[ADD THIS LANGUAGE IF THE EMPLOYEE IS IN CALIFORNIA]
Executive specifically acknowledges that, as a condition of this Agreement, Executive expressly releases all rights and claims that Executive knows about as well as those Executive may not know about. Executive expressly waives all rights under Section 1542 of the Civil Code of the State of California, which reads as follows:
|
a.
|
“A general release does not extend to claims which the creditor does not know or suspect to exist in Executive’s favor at the time of executing the release which if known, must have materially affected Executive’s settlement with the debtor.”
|
b.
|
Notwithstanding the provision by Section 1542, and for the purpose of implementing a full and complete release and discharge of the Company as set forth above, Executive expressly acknowledges that this Agreement is intended to include and does in its effect, without limitation, include all claims which Executive does not know or suspect to exist in Executive’s favor at the time of signing this Agreement and that this Agreement expressly contemplates the extinguishment of all such claims.
|
12.
|
The Parties agree that this Agreement shall not become effective and enforceable until the date this Agreement is signed by both Parties or seven (7) calendar days after its execution by Executive, whichever is later. Executive may revoke this Agreement for any reason by providing written notice of such intent to the Company within seven (7) days after Executive has signed this Agreement, thereby forfeiting Executive’s right to receive any Severance Benefits provided hereunder and rendering this Agreement null and void in its entirety.
|
13.
|
Executive affirms that, as of the date of execution of this Agreement, Executive has filed no lawsuit, charge, claim or complaint with any governmental agency or in any court against the Company or the releasees described in Paragraph 5 herein.
|
14.
|
The provisions of Paragraphs 13 (Restrictive Covenants); 15 (Non-Jury Trials); 16 (Choice of Forum); 17 (Choice of Law); and 26 (Tax Matters) of the Employment Agreement are hereby expressly incorporated by reference.
|
15.
|
The Parties agree that nothing contained herein shall purport to waive or otherwise affect any of Executive’s rights or claims that may arise after Executive signs this Agreement. It is further understood by the Parties that nothing in this Agreement shall affect any rights Executive may have under any Company sponsored deferred compensation program, equity award agreement, and/or retirement plan
provided by the Company as of the date of Executive’s termination, such items to be governed exclusively by the terms of the applicable agreements or plan documents.
|
16.
|
Similarly, notwithstanding any provision contained herein to the contrary, this Agreement shall not constitute a waiver or release or otherwise affect Executive’s rights with respect to any vested benefits, any rights Executive has to benefits which cannot be waived by law, any coverage provided under any Directors and Officers (“
D&O
”) policy, any rights Executive may have under any indemnification agreement Executive has with the Company prior to the date hereof, any rights Executive has as a shareholder, or any claim for breach of this Agreement, including, but not limited to the benefits promised by the terms of this Agreement.
|
17.
|
[Option A]
Executive acknowledges that Executive’s termination and the Severance Benefits offered hereunder were based on an individual determination and were not offered in conjunction with any group termination or group severance program and waives any claim to the contrary.
|
18.
|
Executive hereby affirms and acknowledges Executive’s continued obligations to comply with the post-termination covenants contained in Executive’s Employment Agreement, including but not limited to, the non-compete, trade secret and confidentiality provisions. Executive acknowledges that a copy of the Employment Agreement has been provided to Executive and, to the extent not inconsistent with the terms of this Agreement or applicable law, the terms thereof shall be incorporated herein by reference. Executive acknowledges that the restrictions contained therein are valid and reasonable in every respect and are necessary to protect the Company’s legitimate business interests. Executive hereby affirmatively waives any claim or defense to the contrary.
|
19.
|
Executive agrees to cooperate with the Company in connection with any pending or future litigation, proceeding or other matter which has been or may be brought against or by the Company before any agency, court, or other tribunal and concerning or relating in any way to any matter falling within Executive’s knowledge or former area of responsibility. Executive agrees to immediately notify the Company, through the Office of the General Counsel, in the event Executive is contacted by any outside attorney (including paralegals or other affiliated parties) with regard to matters related to Executive’s employment with the Company unless (i) the Company is represented by the attorney, (ii) Executive is represented by the attorney for the purpose of protecting Executive’s personal interests or (iii) the Company has been advised of and has approved such contact. Executive agrees to provide reasonable assistance and completely truthful testimony in such matters including, without limitation, facilitating and assisting in the preparation of any underlying defense, responding to discovery requests, preparing for and attending deposition(s) as well as appearing in court to provide truthful testimony. The Company agrees to reimburse Executive for all reasonable out of pocket expenses incurred at the request of the Company associated with such assistance and testimony.
|
20.
|
EXECUTIVE SPECIFICALLY AGREES AND UNDERSTANDS THAT THE EXISTENCE AND TERMS OF THIS AGREEMENT ARE STRICTLY CONFIDENTIAL AND THAT SUCH CONFIDENTIALITY IS A MATERIAL TERM OF THIS AGREEMENT
. Accordingly, except as required by law or unless authorized to do so by the Company in writing, Executive agrees that Executive shall not communicate, display or otherwise reveal any of the contents of this Agreement to anyone other than Executive’s spouse, legal counsel or financial advisor provided, however, that they are first advised of the confidential nature of this Agreement and Executive obtains their agreement to be bound by the same. The Company agrees that Executive may respond to legitimate inquiries regarding the termination of Executive’s employment by stating that the Parties have terminated their relationship on an amicable basis and that the Parties have entered into a confidential release agreement that prohibits Executive from further discussing the specifics of Executive’s separation. Nothing contained herein shall be construed to prevent Executive from discussing or otherwise advising subsequent employers of the existence of
|
21.
|
In the event that Executive breaches or threatens to breach any provision of this Agreement or the Employment Agreement, Executive agrees that the Company shall be entitled to seek any and all equitable and legal relief provided by law, specifically including immediate and permanent injunctive relief. Executive hereby waives any claim that the Company has an adequate remedy at law. In addition, and to the extent not prohibited by law, Executive agrees that the Company shall be entitled to discontinue providing any additional Severance Benefits upon such breach. Executive agrees that the foregoing relief shall not be construed to limit or otherwise restrict the Company’s ability to pursue any other remedy provided by law, including the recovery of any actual, compensatory or punitive damages. Moreover, if Executive pursues any claims against the Company subject to the foregoing release provisions of this Agreement, Executive agrees to immediately reimburse the Company for the value of all benefits received under this Agreement to the fullest extent permitted by law.
|
22.
|
Similarly, in the event that the Company breaches or threatens to breach any provision of this Agreement, Executive shall be entitled to seek any and all equitable or other available relief provided by law, specifically including immediate and permanent injunctive relief.
|
23.
|
Both Parties acknowledge that this Agreement is entered into solely for the purpose of terminating Executive’s employment relationship with the Company on an amicable basis and shall not be construed as an admission of liability or wrongdoing by the Company or Executive, both Parties having expressly denied any such liability or wrongdoing.
|
24.
|
Each of the promises and obligations shall be binding upon and shall inure to the benefit of the heirs, executors, administrators, assigns and successors in interest of each of the Parties.
|
25.
|
Executive hereby represents and warrants that Executive has not previously assigned or purported to assign or transfer to any person or entity any of the claims or causes of action herein released.
|
26.
|
The Parties agree that each and every paragraph, sentence, clause, term and provision of this Agreement is severable and that, if any portion of this Agreement should be deemed not enforceable for any reason, such portion shall be stricken and the remaining portion or portions thereof should continue to be enforced to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law.
|
27.
|
This Agreement shall be governed by and interpreted in accordance with the laws of the State of Illinois without regard to any applicable state’s choice of law provisions.
|
28.
|
Executive represents and acknowledges that in signing this Agreement Executive does not rely, and has not relied, upon any representation or statement made by the Company or by any of the Company’s Executives, officers, agents, stockholders, directors or attorneys with regard to the subject matter, basis or effect of this Agreement other than those specifically contained herein.
|
29.
|
This Agreement represents the entire agreement between the Parties concerning the subject matter hereof, shall supersede any and all prior agreements which may otherwise exist between them concerning the subject matter hereof (specifically excluding, however, the post-termination obligations contained in an Executive’s Employment Agreement, any obligations contained in an existing and valid indemnity agreement of change in control or any obligation contained in any other legally-binding document), and shall not be altered, amended, modified or otherwise changed except by a writing executed by both Parties.
|
30.
|
This Agreement may be executed in separate counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an original and both of which taken together shall constitute one and the same agreement.
|
[EXECUTIVE]
|
COMPANY NAME
|
Signed: _________________________
Printed: _________________________
Dated: __________________________
|
By: ____________________________
Title: ___________________________
Dated: __________________________
|
1.
|
Employment
.
|
(a)
|
Continuing on the date hereof and ending as provided in Paragraph 9 herein, the Executive agrees to continue to serve as Senior Vice President, Chief Legal Officer and Secretary for the Company, reporting to the Chief Executive Officer of the Company (the “
CEO
”). Executive agrees to perform all duties and responsibilities traditionally assigned to, or falling within the normal responsibilities of, an individual employed as Senior Vice President, Chief Legal Officer and Secretary of the Company. Executive also agrees to perform any and all additional duties or responsibilities consistent with such position as may be assigned by the Board of Directors of the Company (the “
Board
”) or the CEO in its or his or her sole discretion.
|
(b)
|
The Company agrees to continue to employ the Executive pursuant to the terms of this Agreement, and the Executive agrees to continue be so employed, for a term of one (1) year (the “
Initial Term
”) commencing as of the date hereof. On the first anniversary of the date hereof and, after the Initial Term, on such first anniversary and each annual anniversary of such date thereafter, the term of this Agreement shall be automatically extended for successive one-year periods, provided, however, that either party hereto may elect not to extend this Agreement by giving written notice to the other party at least one hundred and eighty (180) days prior to any such anniversary date. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Executive’s employment hereunder may be earlier terminated in accordance with Section 9 hereof. The period of time between the date hereof and the termination of the Executive’s employment hereunder shall be referred to herein as the “
Employment Term
.”
|
2.
|
Efforts and Duty of Loyalty
. During the Employment Term, Executive covenants and agrees to exercise reasonable efforts to perform all assigned duties in a diligent and professional manner and in the best interest of the Company. Executive agrees to devote Executive’s full working time, attention, talents, skills and efforts to further the Company’s business interests. Executive agrees not to engage in any outside business activity, whether or not pursued for gain, profit or other pecuniary advantage, without the express written consent of the Company. Executive shall act at all times in accordance with the Company’s code of ethical business conduct, and all other applicable policies which may exist or be adopted by the Company from time to time. The Executive may serve on other boards of directors as long as such service shall not interfere with the proper performance of Executive’s duties and obligations hereunder consistent with the Company’s Corporate Governance Standards for Board of Directors and applicable laws, with the prior consent of the Company.
|
3.
|
At-Will Employment
. Subject to the terms and conditions of the severance opportunity set forth below, Executive specifically acknowledges and accepts such employment on an “at-will” basis and agrees that both Executive and the Company retain the right to terminate this relationship at any time, with or without cause, for any reason not prohibited by applicable law upon notice as required by this Agreement.
|
4.
|
Compensation
. For all services rendered by Executive on behalf of, or at the request of, the Company, in Executive’s capacity as Senior Vice President, Chief Legal Officer and
|
(a)
|
Base Salary
. For the services performed by Executive under this Agreement, the Company shall pay Executive a base salary of Four Hundred Ninety-Two Thousand Dollars ($492,000) per year (“
Base Salary
”). The Base Salary shall be paid in the same increments as the Company’s normal payroll, but no less frequently than monthly, and prorated for any partial year of service during the Employment Term. Executive’s Base Salary shall be reviewed at least annually.
|
(b)
|
Bonus
. The Executive shall participate in any short-term incentive compensation program as may be in effect from time to time, as determined solely at the discretion of the Board, or any other bonus program as the Company may establish from time to time in its sole discretion. For each fiscal year, the annual performance bonus target will be not less than 60% of Base Salary earned during such fiscal year (the “
Target Bonus
”). The Target Bonus will be based upon the performance measures and objectives established by the Board from time to time, but ultimately subject to the Compensation and Management Development Committee’s (“
Committee
”) discretion. The minimum annual performance bonus will be 0% of the Target Bonus and the maximum annual performance bonus will be 200% of the Target Bonus. Any bonus earned shall be paid no later than March 15th of the calendar year following the calendar year in which the applicable fiscal year ended, subject to the Executive remaining continuously employed with the Company through the date that such bonus is paid, except as otherwise expressly provided hereunder.
|
(c)
|
Equity Awards
. The Executive shall be eligible to receive equity and other long-term incentive awards under the equity-based incentive compensation plans adopted by the Company during the Employment Term for which employees are generally eligible. The level of the Executive’s participation in any such plan, if any, shall be determined in the sole discretion of the Committee from time to time.
|
(d)
|
Other Benefits
. During the Employment Term, Executive will be entitled to participate in and receive such additional benefits and perquisites, including retirement and health and welfare benefits (such as participation in the supplemental executive retirement plan (the “
SERP
”), supplemental long-term disability insurance coverage, a Company-paid Executive physical examination, reimbursement for a portion of tax preparation and estate and financial planning services and flexible paid time off in accordance with the Company’s policy on accrual and use applicable to employees as in effect from time to time, including, but not limited to, forty (40) hours of sick leave), in each case, as are available to other senior executives of the Company and as the Board may deem appropriate and as pre-approved by the Committee. The Executive’s participation will be subject to the terms of the applicable plan documents and generally applicable Company policies. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Company may modify or terminate any employee benefit plan at any time.
|
5.
|
Changes to Compensation
. Notwithstanding anything contained herein to the contrary, Executive acknowledges that the Company specifically reserves the right to make changes to Executive’s compensation in its sole discretion including, but not limited to, modifying or eliminating a compensation component. The Parties agree that such changes shall be deemed effective immediately and an approved modification of this Agreement unless, within thirty (30) days after receiving notice of such change, Executive exercises Executive’s right to terminate this Agreement Without Cause or for Good Reason, as provided and defined below in Paragraph 9, as may be applicable.
|
6.
|
Direct Deposit
. Within thirty (30) days of the date hereof, Executive agrees to make all necessary arrangements to have all sums paid pursuant to this Agreement direct deposited into one or more bank accounts as designated by Executive.
|
7.
|
Predecessor Employers
. Except as otherwise disclosed in writing to the Committee of the Board prior to the date hereof Executive warrants that Executive is not a party to any contract, restrictive covenant, or other agreement purporting to limit or otherwise adversely affecting Executive’s ability to secure employment with any third party. Alternatively, should any such agreement exist, Executive warrants that the contemplated services to be performed hereunder will not violate the terms and conditions of any such agreement.
|
8.
|
Restricted Duties
. Executive agrees not to disclose, or use for the benefit of the Company, any confidential or proprietary information belonging to any predecessor employer(s) that otherwise has not been made public and further acknowledges that the Company has specifically instructed Executive not to disclose or use such confidential or proprietary information. Based on Executive’s understanding of the anticipated duties and responsibilities hereunder, Executive acknowledges that such duties and responsibilities will not compel the disclosure or use of any such confidential and proprietary information.
|
9.
|
Termination
. The Executive’s employment with the Company and the Employment Term shall end early upon the first to occur of any of the following events:
|
(a)
|
Death
. In the event Executive dies during the Employment Term, this Agreement shall automatically terminate upon the date of death of the Executive.
|
(b)
|
Disability
. In the event Executive suffers a Disability (as defined herein) during the term of employment, this Agreement shall automatically be terminated on the date of such Disability. For purposes of this Agreement, Executive shall be considered to have suffered a “
Disability
”: (i) upon a good faith determination by Company that, as a result of any mental or physical impairment, Executive is and will likely remain unable to perform the essential functions of Executive’s duties or responsibilities hereunder on a full-time basis for one hundred eighty (180) days, with or without reasonable accommodation, or (ii) Executive becomes eligible for or receives any benefits pursuant to the Company’s long-term disability policy. Notwithstanding anything expressed or implied above to the contrary, the Company agrees to fully comply with its obligations under the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993 and the Americans with Disabilities Act as well as any other applicable federal, state, or local law, regulation, or ordinance governing the provision of leave
|
(c)
|
Cause
. Executive’s employment may be terminated by the Company at any time for Cause without notice or prior warning. For purposes of this Agreement, “
Cause
” shall mean the Company’s good faith determination that Executive has:
|
(i)
|
Acted with gross neglect or willful misconduct in the discharge of Executive’s duties and responsibilities, or refused to follow or comply with the lawful direction of the Board or the terms and conditions of this Agreement; provided, however, that such refusal is not based primarily on Executive’s good faith compliance with applicable legal or ethical standards.
|
(ii)
|
Acquiesced or participated in any conduct that is dishonest, fraudulent, illegal, unethical, involves moral turpitude or is otherwise illegal and involves conduct that has the potential, in the Board’s reasonable opinion, to cause the Company, its officers or its directors significant embarrassment or ridicule.
|
(iii)
|
Violated a material requirement of any Company policy or procedure, specifically including a violation of the Company’s code of ethics.
|
(iv)
|
Violated any provisions of the restrictive covenants listed in Paragraph 13.
|
(v)
|
Engaged in any act that, in the reasonable opinion of the Board, would hold the Company, its officers or directors up to probable civil or criminal liability, provided that, if Executive acts in good faith for compliance with applicable legal or ethical standards, such actions shall not be grounds for termination for Cause.
|
(vi)
|
Breached the warranties of Executive set forth in Paragraph 7 herein.
|
(vii)
|
Engaged in such other conduct recognized at law as constituting cause.
|
(d)
|
Without Cause
. The Parties agree that either party may terminate this employment relationship at any time, “
Without Cause
”, upon sixty (60) days’ advance written notice or, if terminated by the Company, pay in lieu of notice (hereinafter referred to as “
Notice Pay
”). However, in no event shall Executive be entitled to Notice Pay if Executive is eligible for and accepts severance payments pursuant to the provisions of Paragraph 10(d) below. Notice pay shall be paid as if the Executive remained on payroll, subject to Paragraph 10(d) hereof.
|
(e)
|
Good Reason
. Executive may terminate Executive’s employment and declare this Agreement to have been terminated for “
Good Reason
” upon the occurrence, without Executive’s consent, of any of the following circumstances:
|
(i)
|
the assignment to Executives of duties that are materially inconsistent with Executive’s position as Senior Vice President, Chief Legal Officer and Secretary;
|
(ii)
|
the failure to elect or reelect Executive as Senior Vice President, Chief Legal Officer and Secretary of the Company (unless such failure is related in any way to the Company’s decision to terminate Executive for Cause);
|
(iii)
|
a reduction by the Company in the amount of Executive’s Base Salary or the discontinuation or reduction by the Company of Executive’s participation at previously existing levels of eligibility in any incentive compensation, additional compensation or equity programs, benefits, policies or perquisites; provided, however, that the Company may make such changes and/or reductions without implicating the provisions of this subparagraph (iii) so long as Executive is treated in a manner that is commensurate with the treatment of other senior executives of the Company;
|
(iv)
|
a failure by the Company to perform its obligations under this Employment Agreement; and
|
(v)
|
the relocation of the Company’s principal executive offices or Executive’s place of work to a location requiring a change of more than fifty (50) miles in Executive’s daily commute.
|
(f)
|
Voluntary Termination
. Executive may voluntarily, and without Good Reason, terminate Executive’s employment for any reason.
|
(g)
|
Expiration of Employment Term; Non-Extension of Agreement
. This Agreement may be terminated upon the expiration of the Employment Term due to a non-extension of the Agreement by the Company or the Executive.
|
10.
|
Consequences of Termination
.
|
(a)
|
Death
. In the event that Executive’s employment and the Employment Term ends on account of the Executive’s death, the Executive or the Executive’s estate, as the case may be, shall be entitled to the following (with the amounts due hereunder to be paid in accordance with the Company’s past practice and applicable law):
|
(i)
|
immediate vesting in the SERP, which shall be paid in accordance with the award agreements, benefits plans, past practice and applicable law (the “
SERP Benefit
”);
|
(ii)
|
any Base Salary, earned but unpaid through the date of termination; and
|
(iii)
|
all other deferred compensation, payments, accrued benefits of employment or fringe benefits to which the Executive may be entitled pursuant to the express terms of (A) any applicable compensation arrangement, (B) any applicable benefit, equity or fringe benefit plan, program or grant or (C) this Agreement (collectively, Paragraphs 10(a)(ii) and
ý
10(a)(iii) hereof shall be hereafter referred to as the “
Accrued Benefits
”).
|
(b)
|
Disability
. In the event that the Executive’s employment and the Employment Term ends on account of the Executive’s Disability, the Company shall pay or provide to the Executive the Accrued Benefits and the SERP Benefit.
|
(c)
|
Termination for Cause; Voluntary Termination; Non-Extension of Employment Term
. If the Executive’s employment is terminated (i) by the Company for Cause, (ii) by the Executive voluntarily and without Good Reason, or (iii) as a result of the non-extension of the Employment Term by either party as provided in Paragraph 9, the Company shall pay or provide to the Executive the Accrued Benefits.
|
(d)
|
Termination Without Cause or for Good Reason
. In the event Executive’s employment is terminated by the Company Without Cause or by the Executive for Good Reason, the Company shall pay or provide the Executive with the following, (subject to the provisions of Paragraph 26):
|
(i)
|
the Accrued Benefits;
|
(ii)
|
the SERP Benefit;
|
(iii)
|
one (1) times the sum of (A) Executive’s Base Salary for a period of twelve (12) months plus (B) the Executive’s Target Bonus for the year in which the Executive’s employment is terminated. Except as required by Code Section 409A (as defined below), this total amount shall be paid in accordance with the Company’s standard payroll practices (e.g. bi-weekly) over the twelve (12) month period following Executive’s termination, except no payment shall be made until after the Release (as defined below) becomes effective and the first payment thereafter shall include any missed payment. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if any execution and revocation period overlap two calendar years, the first payment will be paid in the second (2nd) calendar year and shall include any missed payment;
|
(iv)
|
If Executive elects continuation coverage under the Company’s medical plan pursuant to Part 6 of Subtitle B of title I of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended (“
COBRA
”), the Company shall reimburse Executive, on a monthly basis, for a portion of Executive’s COBRA payments (provided such reimbursement does not result in any taxes or penalties for the Company) in an amount equal to the difference between (A) the amount the Company paid as a monthly premium for Executive’s participation in such plan immediately prior to Executive’s termination Without Cause or termination for Good Reason and (B) the amount Executive was required to pay as a monthly premium for participation in such plan immediately prior to such termination, until the earlier of (x) the end of the twelve (12) month period beginning on the effective date of termination of the Executive’s employment hereunder, or (y) such time as the Executive is eligible to be covered by comparable benefits of a subsequent employer. The Executive agrees to notify the Company promptly if and when Executive begins employment with another employer and if and when Executive becomes eligible to participate in any health or welfare plans of another employer; and
|
(v)
|
a lump sum payment in cash equal to the portion of the Target Bonus which would have been payable to the Executive for the fiscal year in which the termination occurred, based on the actual performance level during such fiscal year, but with such amount further prorated based on the number of days that elapsed between the start of such fiscal and the date of such termination of Executive’s employment. This pro-rated bonus (if any) will be paid at such time as the bonus would have been paid had Executive remained employed with the Company through the end of the applicable bonus period.
|
11.
|
Release
. Any payments made pursuant to Paragraph 10(d) are contingent upon Executive materially complying with the restrictive covenants contained herein and executing a separation and release agreement in a form not substantially different from the form attached as
Exhibit A
(the “
Release
”). Further, the Company’s obligation to provide payments pursuant to Paragraph 10(d) shall be deemed null and void should Executive fail or refuse to execute and deliver to the Company the Company’s then standard Release (without modification) within any time period as may be prescribed by law or, in absence thereof, twenty-one (21) days after the Executive’s Effective Termination Date (as defined in the Release).
|
12.
|
Reaffirmation
. Upon termination of Executive’s employment for any reason, Executive agrees, if requested to reaffirm in writing Executive’s post-employment obligation as set forth in this Agreement, that Executive will make such reaffirmation.
|
13.
|
Restrictive Covenants
. The capitalized terms used, but not defined herein in Paragraphs 13(a) through 13(i), will have the meanings given to such terms in Paragraph 13(j).
|
(a)
|
Assignment of Rights
.
|
(i)
|
Copyrights
. Executive agrees that all works of authorship fixed in any tangible medium of expression by Executive during the term of this Agreement relating to the Company’s business (“
Works
”), either solely or jointly with others, shall be and remain exclusively the property of the Company. Each such Work created by Executive is a “work made for hire” under the copyright law and the Company may file applications to register copyright in such Works as author and copyright owner thereof. If, for any reason, a Work created by Executive is excluded from the definition of a “work made for hire” under the copyright law, then Executive does hereby assign, sell, and convey to the Company the entire rights, title, and interests in and to such Work, including the copyright therein, to the Company. Executive will execute any documents that the Company deems necessary in connection with the assignment of such Work and copyright therein. Executive will take whatever steps and do whatever acts the Company requests, including, but not limited to, placement of the Company’s proper copyright notice on Works created by Executive to secure or aid in securing copyright protection in such Works and will assist the Company or its nominees in filing applications to register claims of copyright in such Works. The Company shall have free and unlimited access at all times to all Works and all copies thereof and shall have the right to claim and take possession on demand of such Works and copies.
|
(ii)
|
Inventions
. Executive agrees that all discoveries, concepts, and ideas, whether patentable or not, including, but not limited to, apparatus, processes, methods, compositions of matter, techniques, and formulae, as well as improvements thereof or know-how related thereto, relating to any present
|
(A)
|
Inform the Company promptly and fully of such Inventions by written reports, setting forth in detail the procedures employed and the results achieved;
|
(B)
|
Assign to the Company all of Executive’s rights, title, and interests in and to such Inventions, any applications for United States and foreign letters patent, any United States and foreign letters patent, and any renewals thereof granted upon such Inventions;
|
(C)
|
Assist the Company or its nominees, at the expense of the Company, to obtain such United States and foreign letters patent for such Inventions as the Company may elect; and
|
(D)
|
Execute, acknowledge, and deliver to the Company at the Company’s expense such written documents and instruments, and do such other acts, such as giving testimony in support of Executive’s inventorship, as may be necessary in the opinion of the Company, to obtain and maintain United States and foreign letters patent upon such Inventions and to vest the entire rights and title thereto in the Company and to confirm the complete ownership by the Company of such Inventions, patent applications, and patents.
|
(b)
|
Return of Company Property
. All records, files, drawings, documents, data in whatever form, business equipment (including computers, cell phones, etc.), and the like relating to, or provided by, the Company shall be and remain the sole property of the Company. Upon termination of employment, Executive shall immediately return to the Company all such items without retention of any copies and without additional request by the Company. De minimis items such as pay stubs, 401(k) plan summaries, employee bulletins, and the like are excluded from this requirement. Executive may retain Executive’s address books to the extent they only contain contact information.
|
(c)
|
Confidential Information
. Executive acknowledges that the Companies possess certain trade secrets as well as other confidential and proprietary information which they have acquired or will acquire at great effort and expense. Such information may include, without limitation, confidential information, whether in tangible or intangible form, regarding the Companies’ products and services, marketing strategies, business plans, operations, costs, current or prospective customer information (including customer identities, contacts, requirements, creditworthiness, preferences, and like matters), product concepts, designs, prototypes or specifications, research and development efforts, technical data and
|
(d)
|
Restricted Use of Confidential Information
. Executive agrees that all Confidential Information is and shall remain the sole and exclusive property of the Company and/or its affiliated entities. Except as may be expressly authorized by the Company in writing, or other than in the course of the Executive’s employment and for the benefit of the Company, Executive agrees not to disclose, or cause any other person or entity to disclose, any Confidential Information to any third party while employed by the Company and for as long thereafter as such information remains confidential (or as limited by applicable law). Further, Executive agrees to use such Confidential Information only in the course of Executive’s duties in furtherance of the Company’s business and agrees not to make use of any such Confidential Information for Executive’s own purposes or for the benefit of any other entity or person. The foregoing shall not apply to information that (i) was known to the public prior to its disclosure to the Executive; (ii) becomes generally known to the public subsequent to disclosure to the Executive through no wrongful act of the Executive or any representative of the Executive; or (iii) the Executive is required to disclose by applicable law, regulation or legal process, or is requested by subpoena, court order or a governmental, regulatory or self-regulatory body with the apparent authority to disclose any Confidential Information (provided that in such case the Executive shall (A) provide the Company with prior notice of the contemplated disclosure, (B) cooperate with the Company at its expense in seeking a protective order or other appropriate protection of such information, and (C) disclose only that Confidential Information which Executive is legally required to disclose).
|
(e)
|
Non-Solicitation
. During Executive’s employment and for a period of twelve (12) months thereafter, Executive agrees not to directly or indirectly engage in the following prohibited conduct:
|
(i)
|
Solicit, offer products or services to, or accept orders for, any Competitive Products or otherwise transact any competitive business on behalf of any Competitor;
|
(ii)
|
Attempt on behalf of any Competitor to entice or otherwise cause any third party to withdraw, curtail or cease doing business with the Company (or any Affiliate thereof), specifically including customers, vendors, independent contractors and other third-party entities;
|
(iii)
|
Except in the course of the Executive’s employment and for the benefit of the Company, disclose to any person or entity the identities, contacts or preferences of any customers of the Company (or any Affiliate thereof), or the identity of any other persons or entities having business dealings with the Company (or any Affiliate thereof);
|
(iv)
|
Induce any individual who has been employed by or had provided services to the Company (or any Affiliate thereof) within the six (6) month period immediately preceding the effective date of Executive’s separation to terminate such relationship with the Company (or any Affiliate thereof);
|
(v)
|
Assist, coordinate or otherwise offer employment to, accept employment inquiries from, or employ any individual who is or had been employed by the Company (or any Affiliate thereof) at any time within the six (6) month period immediately preceding such offer, or inquiry;
|
(vi)
|
Communicate or indicate in any way to any customer of the Company (or any Affiliate thereof), prior to formal separation from the Company, any interest, desire, plan, or decision to separate from the Company; other than by way of long term retirement plans; or
|
(vii)
|
Otherwise attempt on behalf of any Competitor to directly or indirectly interfere with the Company’s business, the business of any of the Companies or their relationship with their employees, consultants, independent contractors or customers.
|
(f)
|
Limited Non-Compete
. For the above-stated reasons, and as a condition of employment to the fullest extent permitted by law, Executive agrees during the Relevant Non‑Compete Period not to directly or indirectly engage in the following competitive activities:
|
(i)
|
Executive shall not have any ownership interest in, work for, advise, consult, or have any business connection or business or employment relationship in any competitive capacity with any Competitor unless Executive provides written notice to the Company of such relationship prior to entering into such relationship and, further, provides sufficient written assurances to the Company’s satisfaction that such relationship will not jeopardize the Company’s legitimate interests or otherwise violate the terms of this Agreement;
|
(ii)
|
Executive shall not engage in any research, development, production, sale or distribution of any Competitive Products on behalf of a Competitor;
|
(iii)
|
Executive shall not market, sell, or otherwise offer or provide any Competitive Products within any Geographic Territory on behalf of a Competitor; or
|
(iv)
|
Executive shall not distribute, market, sell or otherwise offer or provide any Competitive Products to any customer of the Company on behalf of a Competitor.
|
(g)
|
Non-Disparagement
. Executive agrees not to make any written or oral statement that may defame, disparage or cast in a negative light so as to do harm to the personal or professional reputation of (i) the Company, (ii) its Executives, officers, directors or trustees or (iii) the services and/or products provided by the Company and its subsidiaries or affiliate entities. Similarly, in response to any written inquiry from any prospective employer or in connection with a written inquiry in connection with any future business relationship involving Executive, the Company agrees not to provide any information, and the senior officers shall not make any written or oral statement, that may defame, disparage or cast in a negative light so as to do harm to the personal or professional reputation of Executive. The Parties acknowledge, however, that nothing contained herein shall be construed to prevent or prohibit the Company or the Executive from providing truthful information in response to any court order, discovery request, subpoena or other lawful request, rebutting statements by others or making normal competitive-type statements.
|
(h)
|
Further Covenants
.
|
(i)
|
The U.S. Defend Trade Secrets Act of 2016 (“
DTSA
”) provides that an individual shall not be held criminally or civilly liable under any federal or state trade secret law for the disclosure of a trade secret that (A) is made in confidence to a federal, state or local government official, either directly or indirectly, or to an attorney, and solely for the purpose of reporting or investigating a suspected violation of law; or (B) is made in a complaint or other document filed in a lawsuit or other proceeding, if such filing is made under seal. In addition, the DTSA provides that an individual who files a lawsuit for retaliation by an employer for reporting a suspected violation of law may disclose the trade secret to the attorney of the individual and use the trade secret information in the court proceeding, if the individual files any document containing the trade secret under seal and does not disclose the trade secret, except pursuant to court order. Accordingly, the Parties have the right to disclose in confidence trade secrets to federal, state, and local government officials, or to an attorney, for the sole purpose of reporting or investigating a suspected violation of law. The parties also have the right to disclose trade secrets in a document filed in a lawsuit or other proceeding, but only if the filing is made under seal and protected from public disclosure.
|
(ii)
|
Nothing in this Agreement prevents Executive from providing, without prior notice to the Company, information to governmental authorities regarding possible legal violations or otherwise testifying or participating in any investigation or proceeding by any governmental authorities regarding possible legal violations, and for purpose of clarity Executive is not prohibited from providing information voluntarily to the United States
|
(i)
|
Acknowledged Need for Limited Restrictive Covenants
. Executive acknowledges that the Companies have spent and will continue to expend substantial amounts of time, money and effort to develop their business strategies, Confidential Information, customer identities and relationships, goodwill and Executive relationships, and that Executive will benefit from these efforts. Further, Executive acknowledges the inevitable use of, or near-certain influence by Executive’s knowledge of, the Confidential Information disclosed to Executive during the course of employment if Executive is allowed to compete against the Company in an unrestricted manner and that such use would be unfair and extremely detrimental to the Company. Accordingly, based on these legitimate business reasons, Executive acknowledges each of the Companies’ need to protect their legitimate business interests by reasonably restricting Executive’s ability to compete with the Company on a limited basis or solicit its employees or customers, in each case, as provided herein.
|
(j)
|
Non-Compete Definitions
. For purposes of this Agreement, the Parties agree that the following terms shall apply:
|
(i)
|
“
Affiliate
” includes any parent, subsidiary, joint venture, sister company, or other entity controlled, owned, managed or otherwise associated with the Company;
|
(ii)
|
“
Assigned Customer Base
” shall include all accounts or customers formally assigned to Executive within a given territory or geographical area or contacted by Executive at any time during the eighteen (18) month period preceding Executive’s date of separation;
|
(iii)
|
“
Competitive Products
” shall include any product or service that directly or indirectly competes with, is substantially similar to, or serves as a reasonable substitute for, any product or service in research, development or design, or manufactured, produced, sold or distributed by the Company;
|
(iv)
|
“
Competitor
” shall mean the list of companies on Exhibit B, which can be changed at any time prior to 90 days before termination of employment by or of Executive by written notice to Executive, so long as the list does not exceed fifteen (15) companies and each of which is a material competitor of the Company.
|
(v)
|
“
Directly or indirectly
” shall be construed such that the foregoing restrictions shall apply equally to Executive whether performed individually or as a partner, shareholder, officer, director, manager, Executive, salesperson, independent contractor, broker, agent, or consultant for any other individual, partnership, firm, corporation, company, or other entity engaged in such conduct.
|
(vi)
|
“
Geographic Territory
” shall include any territory in which the Company has provided any services or sold any products at any time during the twenty-four (24) month period preceding Executive’s date of separation;
|
(vii)
|
“
Relevant Non-Compete Period
” shall include the period of Executive’s employment with the Company as well as a period of twelve (12) months after such employment is terminated, regardless of the reason for such termination provided.
|
(k)
|
Consent to Reasonableness
. In light of the above-referenced concerns, including Executive’s knowledge of and access to the Companies’ Confidential Information, Executive acknowledges that the terms of such restrictive covenants are reasonable and necessary to protect the Company’s legitimate business interests and will not unreasonably interfere with Executive’s ability to obtain alternate employment. As such, Executive hereby agrees that such restrictions are valid and enforceable, and affirmatively waives any argument or defense to the contrary. Executive acknowledges that this limited noncompetition provision is not an attempt to prevent Executive from obtaining other employment in violation of IC § 22-5-3-1 or any other similar statute. Executive further acknowledges that the Company may need to take action, including litigation, to enforce this limited non-competition provision, which efforts the Parties stipulate shall not be deemed an attempt to prevent Executive from obtaining other employment.
|
(l)
|
Survival of Restrictive Covenants
. Executive acknowledges that the above restrictive covenants shall survive the termination of this Agreement and the termination of Executive’s employment for any reason. Executive further acknowledges that any alleged breach by the Company of any contractual, statutory or other obligation shall not excuse or terminate the obligations hereunder or otherwise preclude the Company from seeking injunctive or other relief. Rather, Executive acknowledges that such obligations are independent and separate covenants undertaken by Executive for the benefit of the Company.
|
(m)
|
Post-Termination Notification
. For the duration of Executive’s Relevant Non-Compete Period or other restrictive covenant period, whichever is longer, Executive agrees to promptly notify the Company no later than five (5) business days of Executive’s acceptance of any employment or consulting engagement. Such notice shall include sufficient information to ensure Executive compliance with Executive’s non-compete obligations and must include at a minimum the following information: (i) the name of the employer or entity for which Executive is providing any consulting services; (ii) a description of Executive’s intended duties; and (iii) the anticipated start date. Such information is required to ensure Executive’s compliance with Executive’s non-compete obligations as well as all other applicable restrictive covenants. Such notice shall be provided in writing to the Office of SVP, Corporate Secretary and Chief Legal Officer at 130 East Randolph Street, Suite 1000, Chicago, Illinois 60601. Failure to timely provide such notice shall be deemed a material breach of this Agreement and entitle the Company to return of any Severance paid to Executive plus attorneys’ fees. Executive further consents to the Company’s
|
(n)
|
Scope of Restrictions
. If the scope of any restriction contained in any preceding paragraphs of this Agreement is deemed too broad to permit enforcement of such restriction to its fullest extent, then such restriction shall be enforced to the maximum extent permitted by law, and Executive hereby consents and agrees that such scope may be judicially modified accordingly in any proceeding brought to enforce such restriction.
|
(o)
|
Specific Enforcement/Injunctive Relief
. Executive agrees that it would be difficult to measure any damages to the Company from a breach of the above-referenced restrictive covenants, but acknowledges that the potential for such damages would be great, incalculable and irremediable, and that monetary damages alone would be an inadequate remedy. Accordingly, Executive agrees that the Company shall be entitled to immediate injunctive relief against such breach, or threatened breach, in any court having jurisdiction. In addition, if Executive violates any such restrictive covenant, Executive agrees that the period of such violation shall be added to the term of the restriction. In determining the period of any violation, the Parties stipulate that in any calendar month in which Executive engages in any activity in violation of such provisions, Executive shall be deemed to have violated such provision for the entire month, and that month shall be added to the duration of the non-competition provision. Executive acknowledges that the remedies described above shall not be the exclusive remedies, and the Company may seek any other remedy available to it either in law or in equity, including, by way of example only, statutory remedies for misappropriation of trade secrets, and including the recovery of compensatory or punitive damages. Executive further agrees that the Company shall be entitled to an award of all costs and attorneys’ fees incurred by it in any attempt to enforce the terms of this Agreement if the Company prevails.
|
(p)
|
Publicly Traded Stock
. The Parties agree that nothing contained in this Agreement shall be construed to prohibit Executive from investing Executive’s personal assets in any stock or corporate security traded or quoted on a national securities exchange or national market system provided, however, such investments do not require any services on the part of Executive in the operation or the affairs of the business or otherwise violate the Company’s code of ethics.
|
14.
|
Notice of Claim and Contractual Limitations Period
. Executive acknowledges the Company’s need for prompt notice, investigation, and resolution of any claims that may be filed against it due to the number of relationships it has with employees and others (and due to the turnover among such individuals with knowledge relevant to any underlying claim). Accordingly, Executive agrees prior to initiating any litigation of any type (including, but not limited to, employment discrimination litigation, wage litigation, defamation, or any other claim) to notify the Company, within one hundred and eighty (180) days after the claim accrued, by sending a certified letter addressed to the Company’s General Counsel setting forth: (a) claimant’s name, address, and phone; (b) the name of any attorney representing Executive; (c) the nature of the claim; (d) the date the claim arose; and (e) the
|
15.
|
Non-Jury Trials
. Notwithstanding any right to a jury trial for any claims, Executive waives any such right to a jury trial, and agrees that any claim of any type (including but not limited to employment discrimination litigation, wage litigation, defamation, or any other claim) lodged in any court will be tried, if at all, without a jury.
|
16.
|
Choice of Forum
. Executive acknowledges that the Company is primarily based in Indiana, and Executive understands and acknowledges the Company’s desire and need to defend any litigation against it in Illinois. Accordingly, the Parties agree that any claim of any type brought by Executive against the Company or any of its employees or agents must be maintained only in a court sitting in Cook County, Illinois, or, if a federal court, the Northern District of Illinois. Executive further understands and acknowledges that in the event the Company initiates litigation against Executive, the Company may need to prosecute such litigation in such state where the Executive is subject to personal jurisdiction. Accordingly, for purposes of enforcement of this Agreement, Executive specifically consents to personal jurisdiction in the State of Illinois.
|
17.
|
Choice of Law
. This Agreement shall be deemed to have been made within the County of Cook, State of Illinois and shall be interpreted and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Illinois. Any and all matters of dispute of any nature whatsoever arising out of, or in any way connected with the interpretation of this Agreement, any disputes arising out of the Agreement or the employment relationship between the Parties hereto, shall be governed by, construed by and enforced in accordance with the laws of the State of Illinois without regard to any applicable state’s choice of law provisions.
|
18.
|
Titles
. Titles are used for the purpose of convenience in this Agreement and shall be ignored in any construction of it.
|
19.
|
Severability
. The Parties agree that each and every paragraph, sentence, clause, term and provision of this Agreement is severable and that, in the event any portion of this Agreement is adjudged to be invalid or unenforceable, the remaining portions thereof shall remain in effect and be enforced to the fullest extent permitted by law. Further, should any particular clause, covenant, or provision of this Agreement be held unreasonable or contrary to public policy for any reason, the Parties acknowledge and agree that such covenant, provision or clause shall automatically be deemed modified such that the contested covenant, provision or clause will have the closest effect permitted by applicable law to the original form and shall be given effect and enforced as so modified to whatever extent would be reasonable and enforceable under applicable law.
|
20.
|
Assignment-Notices
. The rights and obligations of the Company under this Agreement shall inure to its benefit, as well as the benefit of its parent, subsidiary, successor and affiliated entities, and shall be binding upon the successors and assigns of the Company. This
|
21.
|
Amendments and Modifications
. Except as specifically provided herein, no modification, amendment, extension or waiver of this Agreement or any provision hereof shall be binding upon the Company or Executive unless in writing and signed by both Parties. The waiver by the Company or Executive of a breach of any provision of this Agreement shall not be construed as a waiver of any subsequent breach. Nothing in this Agreement shall be construed as a limitation upon the Company’s right to modify or amend any of its manuals or policies in its sole discretion and any such modification or amendment which pertains to matters addressed herein shall be deemed to be incorporated herein and made a part of this Agreement.
|
22.
|
Outside Representations
. Executive represents and acknowledges that in signing this Agreement Executive does not rely, and has not relied, upon any representation or statement made by the Company or by any of the Company’s employees, officers, agents, stockholders, directors or attorneys with regard to the subject matter, basis or effect of this Agreement other than those specifically contained herein.
|
23.
|
Other Remedies
. The Executive agrees to execute and be bound by the terms and conditions of the Company’s Limited Recapture Agreement, and any applicable laws, rules and regulations.
|
24.
|
Voluntary and Knowing Execution
. Executive acknowledges that Executive has been offered a reasonable amount of time within which to consider and review this Agreement; that Executive has carefully read and fully understands all of the provisions of this Agreement; and that Executive has entered into this Agreement knowingly and voluntarily, with the assistance of counsel.
|
25.
|
Liability Insurance
. The Company shall cover the Executive under directors and officers liability insurance both during and, while potential liability exists, after the term of this Agreement in the same amount and to the same extent as the Company covers its other officers and non-independent directors.
|
26.
|
Tax Matters
.
|
(a)
|
Withholding
. The Company may withhold from any and all amounts payable under this Agreement or otherwise such federal, state and local taxes as may be required to be withheld pursuant to any applicable law or regulation.
|
(b)
|
Code Section 409A Notification
. Executive acknowledges that Executive has been advised of the American Jobs Creation Act of 2004, which includes Internal Revenue Code Section 409A, and the regulations and guidance promulgated thereunder
|
(i)
|
The intent of the parties is that payments and benefits under this Agreement comply with, or be exempt from, Code Section 409A and, accordingly, to the maximum extent permitted, this Agreement shall be interpreted to be in accordance therewith. If any provision of this Agreement (or of any award of compensation, including equity compensation or benefits) would cause the Executive to incur any additional tax or interest under Code Section 409A, the Company shall, after consulting with the Executive, reform such provision to try to comply with Code Section 409A through good faith modifications to the minimum extent reasonably appropriate to conform with Code Section 409A. To the extent that any provision hereof is modified in order to comply with Code Section 409A, such modification shall be made in good faith and shall, to the maximum extent reasonably possible, maintain the original intent and economic benefit to the Executive and the Company of the applicable provision without violating the provisions of Code Section 409A.
|
(ii)
|
A termination of employment shall not be deemed to have occurred for purposes of any provision of this Agreement providing for the payment of any amounts or benefits upon or following a termination of employment that are considered “nonqualified deferred compensation” under Code Section 409A unless such termination is also a “separation from service” within the meaning of Code Section 409A and, for purposes of any such provision of this Agreement, references to a “termination,” “termination of employment” or like terms shall mean “separation from service.” If the Executive is deemed on the date of termination to be a “specified employee” within the meaning of that term under Code Section 409A(a)(2)(B), then with regard to any payment that is considered non-qualified deferred compensation under Code Section 409A payable on account of a “separation from service,” and with regard to which an exemption from such section does not apply, such payment or benefit shall be made or provided at the date which is the earlier of (A) the expiration of the six (6)-month period measured from the date of such “separation from service” of the Executive, and (B) the date of the Executive’s death (the “
Delay Period
”). Upon the expiration of the Delay Period, all payments and benefits delayed pursuant to this Paragraph 26(b)(ii) (whether they would have otherwise been payable in a single sum or in installments in the absence of such delay) shall be paid or reimbursed to the Executive in a lump sum, and any remaining payments and benefits due under this Agreement shall be paid or provided in accordance with the normal payment dates specified for them herein.
|
(iii)
|
With regard to any provision herein that provides for reimbursement of costs and expenses or in-kind benefits, except as permitted by Code Section 409A, (A) the right to reimbursement or in-kind benefits shall not be subject to liquidation or exchange for another benefit, (B) the amount of expenses
|
(iv)
|
For purposes of Code Section 409A, the Executive’s right to receive any installment payments pursuant to this Agreement shall be treated as a right to receive a series of separate and distinct payments. In no event may the Executive, directly or indirectly, designate the calendar year of any payment to be made under this Agreement that is considered nonqualified deferred compensation. In no event shall the timing of Executive’s execution of a Release, directly or indirectly, result in the Executive designating the calendar year of payment, and if a payment that is subject to execution of the Release could be made in more than one taxable year, payment shall be made in the later taxable year.
|
(v)
|
Executive acknowledges that, notwithstanding anything contained herein to the contrary, both Parties shall be independently responsible for assessing their own risks and liabilities under Code Section 409A that may be associated with any payment made under the terms of this Agreement or any other arrangement which may be deemed to trigger Code Section 409A. Further, the Parties agree that each shall independently bear responsibility for any and all taxes, penalties or other tax obligations as may be imposed upon them in their individual capacity as a matter of law.
|
27.
|
Entire Agreement
. This Agreement constitutes the entire employment agreement between the Parties hereto concerning the subject matter hereof and shall supersede all prior and contemporaneous agreements between the Parties in connection with the subject matter of this Agreement. Nothing in this Agreement, however, shall affect any separately‑executed written agreement addressing any other issues. For the avoidance of doubt, if the Executive receives any severance compensation pursuant to a change in control agreement or any other severance plan or program, such agreement’s terms regarding severance compensation will control and will be in place of any severance payments as may be provided under Paragraph 10(d) of this Agreement.
|
28.
|
Counterparts
. This Agreement may be executed in separate counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an original and both of which taken together shall constitute one and the same agreement.
|
EXECUTIVE
|
HILL-ROM HOLDINGS, INC.
|
Signed: __________________________
Name: Deborah Rasin
Dated: ___________________________
|
By: _____________________________
Title: Chief Human Resources Officer
Dated: ___________________________
|
1.
|
Executive’s active employment by the Company shall terminate effective ____________, 20__ (the “
Effective Termination Date
”). Except as specifically provided by this Agreement, or in any other non-employment agreement that may exist between the Company and Executive, Executive agrees that the Company shall have no other obligations or liabilities to Executive following Executive’s Effective Termination Date and that Executive’s receipt of the Severance Benefits shall constitute a complete settlement, satisfaction and waiver of any and all claims Executive may have against the Company.
|
2.
|
Executive further submits, and the Company hereby accepts, Executive’s resignation as an Executive, officer and director, as of Executive’s Effective Termination Date for any position Executive may hold. The Parties agree that this resignation shall apply to all such positions Executive may hold with the Company or any parent thereof. Executive agrees to execute any documents needed to effectuate such resignation. Executive further agrees to take whatever steps are necessary to facilitate and ensure the smooth transition of Executive’s duties and responsibilities to others.
|
3.
|
The Company agrees to provide Executive Severance Benefits on the termination of Executive’s employment, as provided for in Paragraph 10(d) of Executive’s Employment Agreement.
|
4.
|
The Company further agrees to provide Executive with limited out-placement counseling with a company of its choice provided that Executive participates in such counseling immediately following termination of employment. Notwithstanding anything in this Paragraph 4 to the contrary, the out-placement counseling shall not be provided after the last day of the second calendar year following the calendar year in which termination of employment occurs.
|
5.
|
In exchange for the Severance Benefits, Executive on behalf of
[himself/herself]
,
[his/her]
heirs, representatives, agents and assigns,
[and anyone acting or claiming on [his/her] or
|
6.
|
Without limiting the generality of the foregoing release, it shall include: (a) all claims or potential claims arising under any federal, state or local employment law or statute, including, but not limited to, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act(s) of 1964 and 1991, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA), the Older Workers Benefit Protection Act (OWBPA), the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act (WARN) or the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA), the Illinois Human Rights Act, as amended, applicable state civil rights law(s), or applicable state employment law(s); (b) any claims on account of, arising out of or in any way connected with Executive’s employment with the Company or leaving of that employment; (c) any claims alleged or which could have been alleged in any charge or complaint against the Company; (d) any claims relating to the conduct of any Executive, officer, director, agent or other representative of the Company; (e) any claims of discrimination, harassment or retaliation on any basis; (f) any claims arising from any legal restrictions on an employer’s right to separate its Executives; (g) any claims for personal injury, compensatory or punitive damages or other forms of relief; and (h) all other causes of action sounding in contract, tort or other common law basis, including (i) the breach of any alleged oral or written contract, (ii) negligent or intentional misrepresentations, (iii) wrongful discharge, (iv) just cause dismissal, (v) defamation, (vi) interference with contract or business relationship or (vii) negligent or intentional infliction of emotional distress.
|
7.
|
Executive further agrees and covenants not to sue the Company or any entity or individual subject to this Agreement with respect to any claims, demands, liabilities or obligations released by this Agreement provided, however, that nothing contained in this Agreement shall:
|
a.
|
prevent Executive from filing an administrative charge with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission or any other federal state or local agency, or the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (“
SEC
”) Whistleblower unit or participating in investigations by those entities; or
|
b.
|
prevent employee from challenging, under the Older Worker’s Benefit Protection Act (29 U.S.C. § 626), the knowing and voluntary nature of Executive’s release of any age claims in this Agreement in court or before the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.
|
8.
|
Notwithstanding Executive’s right to file an administrative charge with the EEOC, the SEC’s Whistleblower unit, or any other federal, state, or local agency, Executive agrees that with Executive’s release of claims in this Agreement, Executive has waived any right Executive
|
9.
|
The U.S. Defend Trade Secrets Act of 2016 (“
DTSA
”) provides that an individual shall not be held criminally or civilly liable under any federal or state trade secret law for the disclosure of a trade secret that (a) is made in confidence to a federal, state or local government official, either directly or indirectly, or to an attorney, and solely for the purpose of reporting or investigating a suspected violation of law; or (b) is made in a complaint or other document filed in a lawsuit or other proceeding, if such filing is made under seal. In addition, the DTSA provides that an individual who files a lawsuit for retaliation by an employer for reporting a suspected violation of law may disclose the trade secret to the attorney of the individual and use the trade secret information in the court proceeding, if the individual files any document containing the trade secret under seal and does not disclose the trade secret, except pursuant to court order. Accordingly, the Parties have the right to disclose in confidence trade secrets to federal, state, and local government officials, or to an attorney, for the sole purpose of reporting or investigating a suspected violation of law. The parties also have the right to disclose trade secrets in a document filed in a lawsuit or other proceeding, but only if the filing is made under seal and protected from public disclosure.
|
10.
|
Insofar as this Agreement pertains to the release of Executive’s claims, if any, under the ADEA or other civil rights laws, the Parties acknowledge that it is their mutual and specific intent that the above waiver fully complies with the requirements of the OWBPA and any similar law governing release of claims. Accordingly, Executive hereby acknowledges that:
|
a.
|
Executive has carefully read and fully understands all of the provisions of this Agreement and that Executive has entered into this Agreement knowingly and voluntarily;
|
b.
|
The Severance Benefits offered in exchange for Executive’s release of claims exceed in kind and scope that to which Executive would have otherwise been legally entitled absent the execution of this Agreement;
|
c.
|
Prior to signing this Agreement, Executive had been advised, and is being advised by this Agreement, to consult with an attorney of Executive’s choice concerning its terms and conditions; and
|
d.
|
Executive has been offered at least twenty-one (21)
days within which to review and consider this Agreement.
|
11.
|
[ADD THIS LANGUAGE IF THE EMPLOYEE IS IN CALIFORNIA]
Executive specifically acknowledges that, as a condition of this Agreement, Executive expressly releases all rights and claims that Executive knows about as well as those Executive may
|
a.
|
“A general release does not extend to claims which the creditor does not know or suspect to exist in Executive’s favor at the time of executing the release which if known, must have materially affected Executive’s settlement with the debtor.”
|
b.
|
Notwithstanding the provision by Section 1542, and for the purpose of implementing a full and complete release and discharge of the Company as set forth above, Executive expressly acknowledges that this Agreement is intended to include and does in its effect, without limitation, include all claims which Executive does not know or suspect to exist in Executive’s favor at the time of signing this Agreement and that this Agreement expressly contemplates the extinguishment of all such claims.
|
12.
|
The Parties agree that this Agreement shall not become effective and enforceable until the date this Agreement is signed by both Parties or seven (7) calendar days after its execution by Executive, whichever is later. Executive may revoke this Agreement for any reason by providing written notice of such intent to the Company within seven (7) days after Executive has signed this Agreement, thereby forfeiting Executive’s right to receive any Severance Benefits provided hereunder and rendering this Agreement null and void in its entirety.
|
13.
|
Executive affirms that, as of the date of execution of this Agreement, Executive has filed no lawsuit, charge, claim or complaint with any governmental agency or in any court against the Company or the releasees described in Paragraph 5 herein.
|
14.
|
The provisions of Paragraphs 13 (Restrictive Covenants); 15 (Non-Jury Trials); 16 (Choice of Forum); 17 (Choice of Law); and 26 (Tax Matters) of the Employment Agreement are hereby expressly incorporated by reference.
|
15.
|
The Parties agree that nothing contained herein shall purport to waive or otherwise affect any of Executive’s rights or claims that may arise after Executive signs this Agreement. It is further understood by the Parties that nothing in this Agreement shall affect any rights Executive may have under any Company sponsored deferred compensation program, equity award agreement, and/or retirement plan
provided by the Company as of the date of Executive’s termination, such items to be governed exclusively by the terms of the applicable agreements or plan documents.
|
16.
|
Similarly, notwithstanding any provision contained herein to the contrary, this Agreement shall not constitute a waiver or release or otherwise affect Executive’s rights with respect to any vested benefits, any rights Executive has to benefits which cannot be waived by law, any coverage provided under any Directors and Officers (“
D&O
”) policy, any rights Executive may have under any indemnification agreement Executive has with the Company prior to the date hereof, any rights Executive has as a shareholder, or any claim for breach of this Agreement, including, but not limited to the benefits promised by the terms of this Agreement.
|
17.
|
[Option A]
Executive acknowledges that Executive’s termination and the Severance Benefits offered hereunder were based on an individual determination and were not offered in conjunction with any group termination or group severance program and waives any claim to the contrary.
|
18.
|
Executive hereby affirms and acknowledges Executive’s continued obligations to comply with the post-termination covenants contained in Executive’s Employment Agreement, including but not limited to, the non-compete, trade secret and confidentiality provisions. Executive acknowledges that a copy of the Employment Agreement has been provided to Executive and, to the extent not inconsistent with the terms of this Agreement or applicable law, the terms thereof shall be incorporated herein by reference. Executive acknowledges that the restrictions contained therein are valid and reasonable in every respect and are necessary to protect the Company’s legitimate business interests. Executive hereby affirmatively waives any claim or defense to the contrary.
|
19.
|
Executive hereby consents and authorizes the Company to deduct as an offset from the Severance Benefits, so long as the deduction is not taken from nonqualified deferred compensation under the definition of Code Section 409A, the value of any Company property not returned or returned in a damaged condition as well as any monies paid by the Company on Executive’s behalf (e.g., payment of any outstanding credit card).
|
20.
|
Executive agrees to cooperate with the Company in connection with any pending or future litigation, proceeding or other matter which has been or may be brought against or by the Company before any agency, court, or other tribunal and concerning or relating in any way to any matter falling within Executive’s knowledge or former area of responsibility. Executive agrees to immediately notify the Company, through the Office of the General Counsel, in the event Executive is contacted by any outside attorney (including paralegals or other affiliated parties) with regard to matters related to Executive’s employment with the Company unless (i) the Company is represented by the attorney, (ii) Executive is represented by the attorney for the purpose of protecting Executive’s personal interests or (iii) the Company has been advised of and has approved such contact. Executive agrees to provide reasonable assistance and completely truthful testimony in such matters including, without limitation, facilitating and assisting in the preparation of any underlying defense, responding to discovery requests, preparing for and attending deposition(s) as well as appearing in court to provide truthful testimony. The Company agrees to reimburse Executive for all reasonable out of pocket expenses incurred at the request of the Company associated with such assistance and testimony.
|
21.
|
EXECUTIVE SPECIFICALLY AGREES AND UNDERSTANDS THAT THE EXISTENCE AND TERMS OF THIS AGREEMENT ARE STRICTLY CONFIDENTIAL AND THAT SUCH CONFIDENTIALITY IS A MATERIAL TERM OF THIS AGREEMENT
. Accordingly, except as required by law or unless authorized to
|
22.
|
In the event that Executive breaches or threatens to breach any provision of this Agreement or the Employment Agreement, Executive agrees that the Company shall be entitled to seek any and all equitable and legal relief provided by law, specifically including immediate and permanent injunctive relief. Executive hereby waives any claim that the Company has an adequate remedy at law. In addition, and to the extent not prohibited by law, Executive agrees that the Company shall be entitled to discontinue providing any additional Severance Benefits upon such breach. Executive agrees that the foregoing relief shall not be construed to limit or otherwise restrict the Company’s ability to pursue any other remedy provided by law, including the recovery of any actual, compensatory or punitive damages. Moreover, if Executive pursues any claims against the Company subject to the foregoing release provisions of this Agreement, Executive agrees to immediately reimburse the Company for the value of all benefits received under this Agreement to the fullest extent permitted by law.
|
23.
|
Similarly, in the event that the Company breaches or threatens to breach any provision of this Agreement, Executive shall be entitled to seek any and all equitable or other available relief provided by law, specifically including immediate and permanent injunctive relief. In the event Executive is wholly unsuccessful, the Company shall be entitled to an award of its costs and attorneys’ fees.
|
24.
|
Both Parties acknowledge that this Agreement is entered into solely for the purpose of terminating Executive’s employment relationship with the Company on an amicable basis and shall not be construed as an admission of liability or wrongdoing by the Company or Executive, both Parties having expressly denied any such liability or wrongdoing.
|
25.
|
Each of the promises and obligations shall be binding upon and shall inure to the benefit of the heirs, executors, administrators, assigns and successors in interest of each of the Parties.
|
26.
|
Executive hereby represents and warrants that Executive has not previously assigned or purported to assign or transfer to any person or entity any of the claims or causes of action herein released.
|
27.
|
The Parties agree that each and every paragraph, sentence, clause, term and provision of this Agreement is severable and that, if any portion of this Agreement should be deemed not enforceable for any reason, such portion shall be stricken and the remaining portion or portions thereof should continue to be enforced to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law.
|
28.
|
This Agreement shall be governed by and interpreted in accordance with the laws of the State of Illinois without regard to any applicable state’s choice of law provisions.
|
29.
|
Executive represents and acknowledges that in signing this Agreement Executive does not rely, and has not relied, upon any representation or statement made by the Company or by any of the Company’s Executives, officers, agents, stockholders, directors or attorneys with regard to the subject matter, basis or effect of this Agreement other than those specifically contained herein.
|
30.
|
This Agreement represents the entire agreement between the Parties concerning the subject matter hereof, shall supersede any and all prior agreements which may otherwise exist between them concerning the subject matter hereof (specifically excluding, however, the post-termination obligations contained in an Executive’s Employment Agreement, any obligations contained in an existing and valid indemnity agreement of change in control or any obligation contained in any other legally-binding document), and shall not be altered, amended, modified or otherwise changed except by a writing executed by both Parties.
|
31.
|
This Agreement may be executed in separate counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an original and both of which taken together shall constitute one and the same agreement.
|
[EXECUTIVE]
|
COMPANY NAME
|
Signed: _________________________
Printed: _________________________
Dated: __________________________
|
By: ____________________________
Title: ___________________________
Dated: __________________________
|
1.
|
Employment
.
|
(a)
|
Continuing on the date hereof and ending as provided in Paragraph 9 herein, the Executive agrees to continue to serve as Senior Vice President, President International for the Company, reporting to the Chief Executive Officer of the Company (the “
CEO
”). Executive agrees to perform all duties and responsibilities traditionally assigned to, or falling within the normal responsibilities of, an individual employed as Senior Vice President, President, International of the Company. Executive also agrees to perform any and all additional duties or responsibilities consistent with such position as may be assigned by the Board of Directors of the Company (the “
Board
”) or the CEO in its or his or her sole discretion.
|
(b)
|
The Company agrees to continue to employ the Executive pursuant to the terms of this Agreement, and the Executive agrees to continue be so employed, for a term of one (1) year (the “
Initial Term
”) commencing as of the date hereof. On the first anniversary of the date hereof and, after the Initial Term, on such first anniversary and each annual anniversary of such date thereafter, the term of this Agreement shall be automatically extended for successive one-year periods, provided, however, that either party hereto may elect not to extend this Agreement by giving written notice to the other party at least one hundred and eighty (180) days prior to any such anniversary date. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Executive’s employment hereunder may be earlier terminated in accordance with Section 9 hereof. The period of time between the date hereof and the termination of the Executive’s employment hereunder shall be referred to herein as the “
Employment Term
.”
|
2.
|
Efforts and Duty of Loyalty
. During the Employment Term, Executive covenants and agrees to exercise reasonable efforts to perform all assigned duties in a diligent and professional manner and in the best interest of the Company. Executive agrees to devote Executive’s full working time, attention, talents, skills and efforts to further the Company’s business interests. Executive agrees not to engage in any outside business activity, whether or not pursued for gain, profit or other pecuniary advantage, without the express written consent of the Company. Executive shall act at all times in accordance with the Company’s code of ethical business conduct, and all other applicable policies which may exist or be adopted by the Company from time to time. The Executive may serve on other boards of directors as long as such service shall not interfere with the proper performance of Executive’s duties and obligations hereunder consistent with the Company’s Corporate Governance Standards for Board of Directors and applicable laws, with the prior consent of the Company.
|
3.
|
At-Will Employment
. Subject to the terms and conditions of the severance opportunity set forth below, Executive specifically acknowledges and accepts such employment on an “at-will” basis and agrees that both Executive and the Company retain the right to terminate this relationship at any time, with or without cause, for any reason not prohibited by applicable law upon notice as required by this Agreement.
|
4.
|
Compensation
. For all services rendered by Executive on behalf of, or at the request of, the Company, in Executive’s capacity as Senior Vice President, President International of the Company, Executive shall be compensated as follows during the Employment Term.
|
(a)
|
Base Salary
. For the services performed by Executive under this Agreement, the Company shall pay Executive a base salary of Four Hundred Eighty-Eight Thousand Dollars ($488,000) per year (“
Base Salary
”). The Base Salary shall be paid in the same increments as the Company’s normal payroll, but no less frequently than monthly, and prorated for any partial year of service during the Employment Term. Executive’s Base Salary shall be reviewed at least annually.
|
(b)
|
Bonus
. The Executive shall participate in any short-term incentive compensation program as may be in effect from time to time, as determined solely at the discretion of the Board, or any other bonus program as the Company may establish from time to time in its sole discretion. For each fiscal year, the annual performance bonus target will be not less than 70% of Base Salary earned during such fiscal year (the “
Target Bonus
”). The Target Bonus will be based upon the performance measures and objectives established by the Board from time to time, but ultimately subject to the Compensation and Management Development Committee’s (“
Committee
”) discretion. The minimum annual performance bonus will be 0% of the Target Bonus and the maximum annual performance bonus will be 200% of the Target Bonus. Any bonus earned shall be paid no later than March 15th of the calendar year following the calendar year in which the applicable fiscal year ended, subject to the Executive remaining continuously employed with the Company through the date that such bonus is paid, except as otherwise expressly provided hereunder.
|
(c)
|
Equity Awards
. The Executive shall be eligible to receive equity and other long-term incentive awards under the equity-based incentive compensation plans adopted by the Company during the Employment Term for which employees are generally eligible. The level of the Executive’s participation in any such plan, if any, shall be determined in the sole discretion of the Committee from time to time.
|
(d)
|
Other Benefits
. During the Employment Term, Executive will be entitled to participate in and receive such additional benefits and perquisites, including retirement and health and welfare benefits (such as participation in the supplemental executive retirement plan (the “
SERP
”), supplemental long-term disability insurance coverage, a Company-paid Executive physical examination, reimbursement for a portion of tax preparation and estate and financial planning services and flexible paid time off in accordance with the Company’s policy on accrual and use applicable to employees as in effect from time to time, including, but not limited to, forty (40) hours of sick leave), in each case, as are available to other senior executives of the Company and as the Board may deem appropriate and as pre-approved by the Committee. The Executive’s participation will be subject to the terms of the applicable plan documents and generally applicable Company policies. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Company may modify or terminate any employee benefit plan at any time.
|
5.
|
Changes to Compensation
. Notwithstanding anything contained herein to the contrary, Executive acknowledges that the Company specifically reserves the right to make changes to Executive’s compensation in its sole discretion including, but not limited to, modifying or eliminating a compensation component. The Parties agree that such changes shall be
|
6.
|
Direct Deposit
. Within thirty (30) days of the date hereof, Executive agrees to make all necessary arrangements to have all sums paid pursuant to this Agreement direct deposited into one or more bank accounts as designated by Executive.
|
7.
|
Predecessor Employers
. Except as otherwise disclosed in writing to the Committee of the Board prior to the date hereof Executive warrants that Executive is not a party to any contract, restrictive covenant, or other agreement purporting to limit or otherwise adversely affecting Executive’s ability to secure employment with any third party. Alternatively, should any such agreement exist, Executive warrants that the contemplated services to be performed hereunder will not violate the terms and conditions of any such agreement.
|
8.
|
Restricted Duties
. Executive agrees not to disclose, or use for the benefit of the Company, any confidential or proprietary information belonging to any predecessor employer(s) that otherwise has not been made public and further acknowledges that the Company has specifically instructed Executive not to disclose or use such confidential or proprietary information. Based on Executive’s understanding of the anticipated duties and responsibilities hereunder, Executive acknowledges that such duties and responsibilities will not compel the disclosure or use of any such confidential and proprietary information.
|
9.
|
Termination
. The Executive’s employment with the Company and the Employment Term shall end early upon the first to occur of any of the following events:
|
(a)
|
Death
. In the event Executive dies during the Employment Term, this Agreement shall automatically terminate upon the date of death of the Executive.
|
(b)
|
Disability
. In the event Executive suffers a Disability (as defined herein) during the term of employment, this Agreement shall automatically be terminated on the date of such Disability. For purposes of this Agreement, Executive shall be considered to have suffered a “
Disability
”: (i) upon a good faith determination by Company that, as a result of any mental or physical impairment, Executive is and will likely remain unable to perform the essential functions of Executive’s duties or responsibilities hereunder on a full-time basis for one hundred eighty (180) days, with or without reasonable accommodation, or (ii) Executive becomes eligible for or receives any benefits pursuant to the Company’s long-term disability policy. Notwithstanding anything expressed or implied above to the contrary, the Company agrees to fully comply with its obligations under the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993 and the Americans with Disabilities Act as well as any other applicable federal, state, or local law, regulation, or ordinance governing the provision of leave to individuals with serious health conditions or the protection of individuals with disabilities as well as the Company’s obligation to provide reasonable accommodation thereunder.
|
(c)
|
Cause
. Executive’s employment may be terminated by the Company at any time for Cause without notice or prior warning. For purposes of this Agreement, “
Cause
” shall mean the Company’s good faith determination that Executive has:
|
(i)
|
Acted with gross neglect or willful misconduct in the discharge of Executive’s duties and responsibilities, or refused to follow or comply with the lawful direction of the Board or the terms and conditions of this Agreement; provided, however, that such refusal is not based primarily on Executive’s good faith compliance with applicable legal or ethical standards.
|
(ii)
|
Acquiesced or participated in any conduct that is dishonest, fraudulent, illegal, unethical, involves moral turpitude or is otherwise illegal and involves conduct that has the potential, in the Board’s reasonable opinion, to cause the Company, its officers or its directors significant embarrassment or ridicule.
|
(iii)
|
Violated a material requirement of any Company policy or procedure, specifically including a violation of the Company’s code of ethics.
|
(iv)
|
Violated any provisions of the restrictive covenants listed in Paragraph 13.
|
(v)
|
Engaged in any act that, in the reasonable opinion of the Board, would hold the Company, its officers or directors up to probable civil or criminal liability, provided that, if Executive acts in good faith for compliance with applicable legal or ethical standards, such actions shall not be grounds for termination for Cause.
|
(vi)
|
Breached the warranties of Executive set forth in Paragraph 7 herein.
|
(vii)
|
Engaged in such other conduct recognized at law as constituting cause.
|
(d)
|
Without Cause
. The Parties agree that either party may terminate this employment relationship at any time, “
Without Cause
”, upon sixty (60) days’ advance written notice or, if terminated by the Company, pay in lieu of notice (hereinafter referred to as “
Notice Pay
”). However, in no event shall Executive be entitled to Notice Pay
|
(e)
|
Good Reason
. Executive may terminate Executive’s employment and declare this Agreement to have been terminated for “
Good Reason
” upon the occurrence, without Executive’s consent, of any of the following circumstances:
|
(i)
|
the assignment to Executives of duties that are materially inconsistent with Executive’s position as Senior Vice President, President International;
|
(ii)
|
the failure to elect or reelect Executive as Senior Vice President, President International of the Company (unless such failure is related in any way to the Company’s decision to terminate Executive for Cause);
|
(iii)
|
a reduction by the Company in the amount of Executive’s Base Salary or the discontinuation or reduction by the Company of Executive’s participation at previously existing levels of eligibility in any incentive compensation, additional compensation or equity programs, benefits, policies or perquisites; provided, however, that the Company may make such changes and/or reductions without implicating the provisions of this subparagraph (iii) so long as Executive is treated in a manner that is commensurate with the treatment of other senior executives of the Company;
|
(iv)
|
a failure by the Company to perform its obligations under this Employment Agreement; and
|
(v)
|
the relocation of the Company’s principal executive offices or Executive’s place of work to a location requiring a change of more than fifty (50) miles in Executive’s daily commute.
|
(f)
|
Voluntary Termination
. Executive may voluntarily, and without Good Reason, terminate Executive’s employment for any reason.
|
(g)
|
Expiration of Employment Term; Non-Extension of Agreement
. This Agreement may be terminated upon the expiration of the Employment Term due to a non-extension of the Agreement by the Company or the Executive.
|
10.
|
Consequences of Termination
.
|
(a)
|
Death
. In the event that Executive’s employment and the Employment Term ends on account of the Executive’s death, the Executive or the Executive’s estate, as the case may be, shall be entitled to the following (with the amounts due hereunder to be paid in accordance with the Company’s past practice and applicable law):
|
(i)
|
immediate vesting in the SERP, which shall be paid in accordance with the award agreements, benefits plans, past practice and applicable law (the “
SERP Benefit
”);
|
(ii)
|
any Base Salary, earned but unpaid through the date of termination; and
|
(iii)
|
all other deferred compensation, payments, accrued benefits of employment or fringe benefits to which the Executive may be entitled pursuant to the express terms of (A) any applicable compensation arrangement, (B) any applicable benefit, equity or fringe benefit plan, program or grant or (C) this Agreement (collectively, Paragraphs 10(a)(ii) and
ý
10(a)(iii) hereof shall be hereafter referred to as the “
Accrued Benefits
”).
|
(b)
|
Disability
. In the event that the Executive’s employment and the Employment Term ends on account of the Executive’s Disability, the Company shall pay or provide to the Executive the Accrued Benefits and the SERP Benefit.
|
(c)
|
Termination for Cause; Voluntary Termination; Non-Extension of Employment Term
. If the Executive’s employment is terminated (i) by the Company for Cause, (ii) by the Executive voluntarily and without Good Reason, or (iii) as a result of the non-extension of the Employment Term by either party as provided in Paragraph 9, the Company shall pay or provide to the Executive the Accrued Benefits.
|
(d)
|
Termination Without Cause or for Good Reason
. In the event Executive’s employment is terminated by the Company Without Cause or by the Executive for Good Reason, the Company shall pay or provide the Executive with the following, (subject to the provisions of Paragraph 26):
|
(i)
|
the Accrued Benefits;
|
(ii)
|
the SERP Benefit;
|
(iii)
|
one (1) times the sum of (A) Executive’s Base Salary for a period of twelve (12) months plus (B) the Executive’s Target Bonus for the year in which the Executive’s employment is terminated. Except as required by Code Section 409A (as defined below), this total amount shall be paid in accordance with the Company’s standard payroll practices (e.g. bi-weekly) over the twelve (12) month period following Executive’s termination, except no payment shall be made until after the Release (as defined below) becomes effective and the first payment thereafter shall include any missed payment. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if any execution and revocation period overlap two calendar years, the first payment will be paid in the second (2nd) calendar year and shall include any missed payment;
|
(iv)
|
If Executive elects continuation coverage under the Company’s medical plan pursuant to Part 6 of Subtitle B of title I of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended (“
COBRA
”), the Company shall reimburse Executive, on a monthly basis, for a portion of Executive’s COBRA payments (provided such reimbursement does not result in any taxes or penalties for the Company) in an amount equal to the difference between (A) the amount the Company paid as a monthly premium for Executive’s participation in such plan immediately prior to Executive’s termination Without Cause or termination for Good Reason and (B) the amount Executive was required to pay as a monthly premium for participation in such plan immediately prior to such termination, until the earlier of (x) the end of the twelve (12) month period beginning on the effective date of termination of the Executive’s employment hereunder, or (y) such time as the Executive is eligible to be covered by comparable benefits of a subsequent employer. The Executive agrees to notify the Company promptly if and when Executive begins employment with another employer and if and when Executive becomes eligible to participate in any health or welfare plans of another employer; and
|
(v)
|
a lump sum payment in cash equal to the portion of the Target Bonus which would have been payable to the Executive for the fiscal year in which the termination occurred, based on the actual performance level during such fiscal year, but with such amount further prorated based on the number of days that elapsed between the start of such fiscal and the date of such termination of Executive’s employment. This pro-rated bonus (if any) will be paid at such time as the bonus would have been paid had Executive remained employed with the Company through the end of the applicable bonus period.
|
11.
|
Release
. Any payments made pursuant to Paragraph 10(d) are contingent upon Executive materially complying with the restrictive covenants contained herein and executing a separation and release agreement in a form not substantially different from the form attached as
Exhibit A
(the “
Release
”). Further, the Company’s obligation to provide payments pursuant to Paragraph 10(d) shall be deemed null and void should Executive fail or refuse to execute and deliver to the Company the Company’s then standard Release (without modification) within any time period as may be prescribed by law or, in absence thereof, twenty-one (21) days after the Executive’s Effective Termination Date (as defined in the Release).
|
12.
|
Reaffirmation
. Upon termination of Executive’s employment for any reason, Executive agrees, if requested to reaffirm in writing Executive’s post-employment obligation as set forth in this Agreement, that Executive will make such reaffirmation.
|
13.
|
Restrictive Covenants
. The capitalized terms used, but not defined herein in Paragraphs 13(a) through 13(i), will have the meanings given to such terms in Paragraph 13(j).
|
(a)
|
Assignment of Rights
.
|
(i)
|
Copyrights
. Executive agrees that all works of authorship fixed in any tangible medium of expression by Executive during the term of this Agreement relating to the Company’s business (“
Works
”), either solely or jointly with others, shall be and remain exclusively the property of the Company. Each such Work created by Executive is a “work made for hire” under the copyright law and the Company may file applications to register copyright in such Works as author and copyright owner thereof. If, for any reason, a Work created by Executive is excluded from the definition of a “work made for hire” under the copyright law, then Executive does hereby assign, sell, and convey to the Company the entire rights, title, and interests in and to such Work, including the copyright therein, to the Company. Executive will execute any documents that the Company deems necessary in connection with the assignment of such Work and copyright therein. Executive will take whatever steps and do whatever acts the Company requests, including, but not limited to, placement of the Company’s proper copyright notice on Works created by Executive to secure or aid in securing copyright protection in such Works and will assist the Company or its nominees in filing applications to register claims of copyright in such Works. The Company shall have free and unlimited access at all times to all Works and all copies thereof and shall have the right to claim and take possession on demand of such Works and copies.
|
(ii)
|
Inventions
. Executive agrees that all discoveries, concepts, and ideas, whether patentable or not, including, but not limited to, apparatus, processes, methods, compositions of matter, techniques, and formulae, as well as improvements thereof or know-how related thereto, relating to any present or prospective product, process, or service of the Company (“
Inventions
”) that Executive conceives or makes during the term of this Agreement relating to the Company’s business, shall become and remain the exclusive property of the Company, whether patentable or not, and Executive will, without royalty or any other consideration:
|
(A)
|
Inform the Company promptly and fully of such Inventions by written reports, setting forth in detail the procedures employed and the results achieved;
|
(B)
|
Assign to the Company all of Executive’s rights, title, and interests in and to such Inventions, any applications for United States and foreign letters patent, any United States and foreign letters patent, and any renewals thereof granted upon such Inventions;
|
(C)
|
Assist the Company or its nominees, at the expense of the Company, to obtain such United States and foreign letters patent for such Inventions as the Company may elect; and
|
(D)
|
Execute, acknowledge, and deliver to the Company at the Company’s expense such written documents and instruments, and do such other acts, such as giving testimony in support of Executive’s inventorship, as may be necessary in the opinion of the Company, to obtain and maintain United States and foreign letters patent upon such Inventions and to vest the entire rights and title thereto in the Company and to confirm the complete ownership by the Company of such Inventions, patent applications, and patents.
|
(b)
|
Return of Company Property
. All records, files, drawings, documents, data in whatever form, business equipment (including computers, cell phones, etc.), and the like relating to, or provided by, the Company shall be and remain the sole property of the Company. Upon termination of employment, Executive shall immediately return to the Company all such items without retention of any copies and without additional request by the Company. De minimis items such as pay stubs, 401(k) plan summaries, employee bulletins, and the like are excluded from this requirement. Executive may retain Executive’s address books to the extent they only contain contact information.
|
(c)
|
Confidential Information
. Executive acknowledges that the Companies possess certain trade secrets as well as other confidential and proprietary information which they have acquired or will acquire at great effort and expense. Such information may include, without limitation, confidential information, whether in tangible or intangible form, regarding the Companies’ products and services, marketing strategies, business plans, operations, costs, current or prospective customer information (including customer identities, contacts, requirements, creditworthiness, preferences, and like matters), product concepts, designs, prototypes or specifications, research and development efforts, technical data and know‑how, sales information, including pricing and other terms and conditions of sale, financial information, internal procedures, techniques, forecasts, methods, trade information, trade secrets, software programs, project requirements, inventions, trademarks, trade names, and similar information regarding the Companies’ business(es) (collectively referred to herein as “
Confidential Information
”). Executive further acknowledges that, as a result of Executive’s employment with the Company, Executive will have access to, will become acquainted with, and/or may help develop, such Confidential Information. Confidential Information shall not include information readily available in the public so long as such information was not made available through fault of Executive or wrong doing by any other individual.
|
(d)
|
Restricted Use of Confidential Information
. Executive agrees that all Confidential Information is and shall remain the sole and exclusive property of the Company and/or its affiliated entities. Except as may be expressly authorized by the Company in
|
(e)
|
Non-Solicitation
. During Executive’s employment and for a period of twelve (12) months thereafter, Executive agrees not to directly or indirectly engage in the following prohibited conduct:
|
(i)
|
Solicit, offer products or services to, or accept orders for, any Competitive Products or otherwise transact any competitive business on behalf of any Competitor;
|
(ii)
|
Attempt on behalf of any Competitor to entice or otherwise cause any third party to withdraw, curtail or cease doing business with the Company (or any Affiliate thereof), specifically including customers, vendors, independent contractors and other third-party entities;
|
(iii)
|
Except in the course of the Executive’s employment and for the benefit of the Company, disclose to any person or entity the identities, contacts or preferences of any customers of the Company (or any Affiliate thereof), or the identity of any other persons or entities having business dealings with the Company (or any Affiliate thereof);
|
(iv)
|
Induce any individual who has been employed by or had provided services to the Company (or any Affiliate thereof) within the six (6) month period immediately preceding the effective date of Executive’s separation to terminate such relationship with the Company (or any Affiliate thereof);
|
(v)
|
Assist, coordinate or otherwise offer employment to, accept employment inquiries from, or employ any individual who is or had been employed by the Company (or any Affiliate thereof) at any time within the six (6) month period immediately preceding such offer, or inquiry;
|
(vi)
|
Communicate or indicate in any way to any customer of the Company (or any Affiliate thereof), prior to formal separation from the Company, any interest, desire, plan, or decision to separate from the Company; other than by way of long term retirement plans; or
|
(vii)
|
Otherwise attempt on behalf of any Competitor to directly or indirectly interfere with the Company’s business, the business of any of the Companies or their relationship with their employees, consultants, independent contractors or customers.
|
(f)
|
Limited Non-Compete
. For the above-stated reasons, and as a condition of employment to the fullest extent permitted by law, Executive agrees during the Relevant Non‑Compete Period not to directly or indirectly engage in the following competitive activities:
|
(i)
|
Executive shall not have any ownership interest in, work for, advise, consult, or have any business connection or business or employment relationship in any competitive capacity with any Competitor unless Executive provides written notice to the Company of such relationship prior to entering into such relationship and, further, provides sufficient written assurances to the Company’s satisfaction that such relationship will not jeopardize the Company’s legitimate interests or otherwise violate the terms of this Agreement;
|
(ii)
|
Executive shall not engage in any research, development, production, sale or distribution of any Competitive Products on behalf of a Competitor;
|
(iii)
|
Executive shall not market, sell, or otherwise offer or provide any Competitive Products within any Geographic Territory on behalf of a Competitor; or
|
(iv)
|
Executive shall not distribute, market, sell or otherwise offer or provide any Competitive Products to any customer of the Company on behalf of a Competitor.
|
(g)
|
Non-Disparagement
. Executive agrees not to make any written or oral statement that may defame, disparage or cast in a negative light so as to do harm to the personal or professional reputation of (i) the Company, (ii) its Executives, officers, directors or trustees or (iii) the services and/or products provided by the Company and its subsidiaries or affiliate entities. Similarly, in response to any written inquiry from any prospective employer or in connection with a written inquiry in connection with any future business relationship involving Executive, the Company agrees not to provide any information, and the senior officers shall not make any written or oral statement, that may defame, disparage or cast in a negative light so as to do harm to the personal or professional reputation of Executive. The Parties acknowledge, however, that nothing contained herein shall be construed to prevent or prohibit the Company or the Executive from providing truthful information in response to any
|
(h)
|
Further Covenants
.
|
(i)
|
The U.S. Defend Trade Secrets Act of 2016 (“
DTSA
”) provides that an individual shall not be held criminally or civilly liable under any federal or state trade secret law for the disclosure of a trade secret that (A) is made in confidence to a federal, state or local government official, either directly or indirectly, or to an attorney, and solely for the purpose of reporting or investigating a suspected violation of law; or (B) is made in a complaint or other document filed in a lawsuit or other proceeding, if such filing is made under seal. In addition, the DTSA provides that an individual who files a lawsuit for retaliation by an employer for reporting a suspected violation of law may disclose the trade secret to the attorney of the individual and use the trade secret information in the court proceeding, if the individual files any document containing the trade secret under seal and does not disclose the trade secret, except pursuant to court order. Accordingly, the Parties have the right to disclose in confidence trade secrets to federal, state, and local government officials, or to an attorney, for the sole purpose of reporting or investigating a suspected violation of law. The parties also have the right to disclose trade secrets in a document filed in a lawsuit or other proceeding, but only if the filing is made under seal and protected from public disclosure.
|
(ii)
|
Nothing in this Agreement prevents Executive from providing, without prior notice to the Company, information to governmental authorities regarding possible legal violations or otherwise testifying or participating in any investigation or proceeding by any governmental authorities regarding possible legal violations, and for purpose of clarity Executive is not prohibited from providing information voluntarily to the United States Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to Section 21F of the Exchange Act.
|
(i)
|
Acknowledged Need for Limited Restrictive Covenants
. Executive acknowledges that the Companies have spent and will continue to expend substantial amounts of time, money and effort to develop their business strategies, Confidential Information, customer identities and relationships, goodwill and Executive relationships, and that Executive will benefit from these efforts. Further, Executive acknowledges the inevitable use of, or near-certain influence by Executive’s knowledge of, the Confidential Information disclosed to Executive during the course of employment if Executive is allowed to compete against the Company in an unrestricted manner and that such use would be unfair and extremely detrimental to the Company. Accordingly, based on these legitimate business reasons, Executive acknowledges each of the Companies’ need to protect their legitimate business interests by reasonably restricting Executive’s ability to compete with the Company on a limited basis or solicit its employees or customers, in each case, as provided herein.
|
(j)
|
Non-Compete Definitions
. For purposes of this Agreement, the Parties agree that the following terms shall apply:
|
(i)
|
“
Affiliate
” includes any parent, subsidiary, joint venture, sister company, or other entity controlled, owned, managed or otherwise associated with the Company;
|
(ii)
|
“
Assigned Customer Base
” shall include all accounts or customers formally assigned to Executive within a given territory or geographical area or contacted by Executive at any time during the eighteen (18) month period preceding Executive’s date of separation;
|
(iii)
|
“
Competitive Products
” shall include any product or service that directly or indirectly competes with, is substantially similar to, or serves as a reasonable substitute for, any product or service in research, development or design, or manufactured, produced, sold or distributed by the Company;
|
(iv)
|
“
Competitor
” shall mean the list of companies on Exhibit B, which can be changed at any time prior to 90 days before termination of employment by or of Executive by written notice to Executive, so long as the list does not exceed fifteen (15) companies and each of which is a material competitor of the Company.
|
(v)
|
“
Directly or indirectly
” shall be construed such that the foregoing restrictions shall apply equally to Executive whether performed individually or as a partner, shareholder, officer, director, manager, Executive, salesperson, independent contractor, broker, agent, or consultant for any other individual, partnership, firm, corporation, company, or other entity engaged in such conduct.
|
(vi)
|
“
Geographic Territory
” shall include any territory in which the Company has provided any services or sold any products at any time during the twenty-four (24) month period preceding Executive’s date of separation;
|
(vii)
|
“
Relevant Non-Compete Period
” shall include the period of Executive’s employment with the Company as well as a period of twelve (12) months after such employment is terminated, regardless of the reason for such termination provided.
|
(k)
|
Consent to Reasonableness
. In light of the above-referenced concerns, including Executive’s knowledge of and access to the Companies’ Confidential Information, Executive acknowledges that the terms of such restrictive covenants are reasonable and necessary to protect the Company’s legitimate business interests and will not unreasonably interfere with Executive’s ability to obtain alternate employment. As such, Executive hereby agrees that such restrictions are valid and enforceable, and affirmatively waives any argument or defense to the contrary. Executive acknowledges that this limited noncompetition provision is not an attempt to prevent Executive from obtaining other employment in violation of IC § 22-5-3-1 or any
|
(l)
|
Survival of Restrictive Covenants
. Executive acknowledges that the above restrictive covenants shall survive the termination of this Agreement and the termination of Executive’s employment for any reason. Executive further acknowledges that any alleged breach by the Company of any contractual, statutory or other obligation shall not excuse or terminate the obligations hereunder or otherwise preclude the Company from seeking injunctive or other relief. Rather, Executive acknowledges that such obligations are independent and separate covenants undertaken by Executive for the benefit of the Company.
|
(m)
|
Post-Termination Notification
. For the duration of Executive’s Relevant Non-Compete Period or other restrictive covenant period, whichever is longer, Executive agrees to promptly notify the Company no later than five (5) business days of Executive’s acceptance of any employment or consulting engagement. Such notice shall include sufficient information to ensure Executive compliance with Executive’s non-compete obligations and must include at a minimum the following information: (i) the name of the employer or entity for which Executive is providing any consulting services; (ii) a description of Executive’s intended duties; and (iii) the anticipated start date. Such information is required to ensure Executive’s compliance with Executive’s non-compete obligations as well as all other applicable restrictive covenants. Such notice shall be provided in writing to the Office of SVP, Corporate Secretary and Chief Legal Officer at 130 East Randolph Street, Suite 1000, Chicago, Illinois 60601. Failure to timely provide such notice shall be deemed a material breach of this Agreement and entitle the Company to return of any Severance paid to Executive plus attorneys’ fees. Executive further consents to the Company’s notification to any new employer of Executive’s rights and obligations under this Agreement.
|
(n)
|
Scope of Restrictions
. If the scope of any restriction contained in any preceding paragraphs of this Agreement is deemed too broad to permit enforcement of such restriction to its fullest extent, then such restriction shall be enforced to the maximum extent permitted by law, and Executive hereby consents and agrees that such scope may be judicially modified accordingly in any proceeding brought to enforce such restriction.
|
(o)
|
Specific Enforcement/Injunctive Relief
. Executive agrees that it would be difficult to measure any damages to the Company from a breach of the above-referenced restrictive covenants, but acknowledges that the potential for such damages would be great, incalculable and irremediable, and that monetary damages alone would be an inadequate remedy. Accordingly, Executive agrees that the Company shall be entitled to immediate injunctive relief against such breach, or threatened breach, in any court having jurisdiction. In addition, if Executive violates any such restrictive covenant, Executive agrees that the period of such violation shall be added to the
|
(p)
|
Publicly Traded Stock
. The Parties agree that nothing contained in this Agreement shall be construed to prohibit Executive from investing Executive’s personal assets in any stock or corporate security traded or quoted on a national securities exchange or national market system provided, however, such investments do not require any services on the part of Executive in the operation or the affairs of the business or otherwise violate the Company’s code of ethics.
|
14.
|
Notice of Claim and Contractual Limitations Period
. Executive acknowledges the Company’s need for prompt notice, investigation, and resolution of any claims that may be filed against it due to the number of relationships it has with employees and others (and due to the turnover among such individuals with knowledge relevant to any underlying claim). Accordingly, Executive agrees prior to initiating any litigation of any type (including, but not limited to, employment discrimination litigation, wage litigation, defamation, or any other claim) to notify the Company, within one hundred and eighty (180) days after the claim accrued, by sending a certified letter addressed to the Company’s General Counsel setting forth: (a) claimant’s name, address, and phone; (b) the name of any attorney representing Executive; (c) the nature of the claim; (d) the date the claim arose; and (e) the relief requested. This provision is in addition to any other notice and exhaustion requirements that might apply. For any dispute or claim of any type against the Company (including but not limited to employment discrimination litigation, wage litigation, defamation, or any other claim), Executive must commence legal action within the shorter of one (1) year of accrual of the cause of action or such shorter period that may be specified by law.
|
15.
|
Non-Jury Trials
. Notwithstanding any right to a jury trial for any claims, Executive waives any such right to a jury trial, and agrees that any claim of any type (including but not limited to employment discrimination litigation, wage litigation, defamation, or any other claim) lodged in any court will be tried, if at all, without a jury.
|
16.
|
Choice of Forum
. Executive acknowledges that the Company is primarily based in Indiana, and Executive understands and acknowledges the Company’s desire and need to defend any litigation against it in Illinois. Accordingly, the Parties agree that any claim of any type brought by Executive against the Company or any of its employees or agents must be maintained only in a court sitting in Cook County, Illinois, or, if a federal court, the Northern District of Illinois. Executive further understands and acknowledges that in the event the Company initiates litigation against Executive, the Company may need to prosecute such
|
17.
|
Choice of Law
. This Agreement shall be deemed to have been made within the County of Cook, State of Illinois and shall be interpreted and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Illinois. Any and all matters of dispute of any nature whatsoever arising out of, or in any way connected with the interpretation of this Agreement, any disputes arising out of the Agreement or the employment relationship between the Parties hereto, shall be governed by, construed by and enforced in accordance with the laws of the State of Illinois without regard to any applicable state’s choice of law provisions.
|
18.
|
Titles
. Titles are used for the purpose of convenience in this Agreement and shall be ignored in any construction of it.
|
19.
|
Severability
. The Parties agree that each and every paragraph, sentence, clause, term and provision of this Agreement is severable and that, in the event any portion of this Agreement is adjudged to be invalid or unenforceable, the remaining portions thereof shall remain in effect and be enforced to the fullest extent permitted by law. Further, should any particular clause, covenant, or provision of this Agreement be held unreasonable or contrary to public policy for any reason, the Parties acknowledge and agree that such covenant, provision or clause shall automatically be deemed modified such that the contested covenant, provision or clause will have the closest effect permitted by applicable law to the original form and shall be given effect and enforced as so modified to whatever extent would be reasonable and enforceable under applicable law.
|
20.
|
Assignment-Notices
. The rights and obligations of the Company under this Agreement shall inure to its benefit, as well as the benefit of its parent, subsidiary, successor and affiliated entities, and shall be binding upon the successors and assigns of the Company. This Agreement, being personal to Executive, cannot be assigned by Executive, but Executive’s personal representative shall be bound by all its terms and conditions. Any notice required hereunder shall be sufficient if in writing and mailed to the last known residence of Executive or to the Company at its principal office with a copy mailed to the Office of the General Counsel.
|
21.
|
Amendments and Modifications
. Except as specifically provided herein, no modification, amendment, extension or waiver of this Agreement or any provision hereof shall be binding upon the Company or Executive unless in writing and signed by both Parties. The waiver by the Company or Executive of a breach of any provision of this Agreement shall not be construed as a waiver of any subsequent breach. Nothing in this Agreement shall be construed as a limitation upon the Company’s right to modify or amend any of its manuals or policies in its sole discretion and any such modification or amendment which pertains to matters addressed herein shall be deemed to be incorporated herein and made a part of this Agreement.
|
22.
|
Outside Representations
. Executive represents and acknowledges that in signing this Agreement Executive does not rely, and has not relied, upon any representation or statement made by the Company or by any of the Company’s employees, officers, agents, stockholders,
|
23.
|
Other Remedies
. The Executive agrees to execute and be bound by the terms and conditions of the Company’s Limited Recapture Agreement, and any applicable laws, rules and regulations.
|
24.
|
Voluntary and Knowing Execution
. Executive acknowledges that Executive has been offered a reasonable amount of time within which to consider and review this Agreement; that Executive has carefully read and fully understands all of the provisions of this Agreement; and that Executive has entered into this Agreement knowingly and voluntarily, with the assistance of counsel.
|
25.
|
Liability Insurance
. The Company shall cover the Executive under directors and officers liability insurance both during and, while potential liability exists, after the term of this Agreement in the same amount and to the same extent as the Company covers its other officers and non-independent directors.
|
26.
|
Tax Matters
.
|
(a)
|
Withholding
. The Company may withhold from any and all amounts payable under this Agreement or otherwise such federal, state and local taxes as may be required to be withheld pursuant to any applicable law or regulation.
|
(b)
|
Code Section 409A Notification
. Executive acknowledges that Executive has been advised of the American Jobs Creation Act of 2004, which includes Internal Revenue Code Section 409A, and the regulations and guidance promulgated thereunder (collectively “
Code Section 409A
”), and which also significantly changed the taxation of nonqualified deferred compensation plans and arrangements.
|
(i)
|
The intent of the parties is that payments and benefits under this Agreement comply with, or be exempt from, Code Section 409A and, accordingly, to the maximum extent permitted, this Agreement shall be interpreted to be in accordance therewith. If any provision of this Agreement (or of any award of compensation, including equity compensation or benefits) would cause the Executive to incur any additional tax or interest under Code Section 409A, the Company shall, after consulting with the Executive, reform such provision to try to comply with Code Section 409A through good faith modifications to the minimum extent reasonably appropriate to conform with Code Section 409A. To the extent that any provision hereof is modified in order to comply with Code Section 409A, such modification shall be made in good faith and shall, to the maximum extent reasonably possible, maintain the original intent and economic benefit to the Executive and the Company of the applicable provision without violating the provisions of Code Section 409A.
|
(ii)
|
A termination of employment shall not be deemed to have occurred for purposes of any provision of this Agreement providing for the payment of
|
(iii)
|
With regard to any provision herein that provides for reimbursement of costs and expenses or in-kind benefits, except as permitted by Code Section 409A, (A) the right to reimbursement or in-kind benefits shall not be subject to liquidation or exchange for another benefit, (B) the amount of expenses eligible for reimbursement, or in-kind benefits provided during any taxable year shall not affect the expenses eligible for reimbursement, or in-kind benefits to be provided in any other taxable year, and (C) such payments shall be made on or before the last day of Executive’s taxable year following the taxable year in which the expense occurred.
|
(iv)
|
For purposes of Code Section 409A, the Executive’s right to receive any installment payments pursuant to this Agreement shall be treated as a right to receive a series of separate and distinct payments. In no event may the Executive, directly or indirectly, designate the calendar year of any payment to be made under this Agreement that is considered nonqualified deferred compensation. In no event shall the timing of Executive’s execution of a Release, directly or indirectly, result in the Executive designating the calendar year of payment, and if a payment that is subject to execution of the Release could be made in more than one taxable year, payment shall be made in the later taxable year.
|
(v)
|
Executive acknowledges that, notwithstanding anything contained herein to the contrary, both Parties shall be independently responsible for assessing their own risks and liabilities under Code Section 409A that may be associated with any payment made under the terms of this Agreement or any other
|
27.
|
Entire Agreement
. This Agreement constitutes the entire employment agreement between the Parties hereto concerning the subject matter hereof and shall supersede all prior and contemporaneous agreements between the Parties in connection with the subject matter of this Agreement. Nothing in this Agreement, however, shall affect any separately‑executed written agreement addressing any other issues. For the avoidance of doubt, if the Executive receives any severance compensation pursuant to a change in control agreement or any other severance plan or program, such agreement’s terms regarding severance compensation will control and will be in place of any severance payments as may be provided under Paragraph 10(d) of this Agreement.
|
EXECUTIVE
|
HILL-ROM HOLDINGS, INC.
|
Signed: __________________________
Name: Carlos Alonso Marum
Dated: ___________________________
|
By: _____________________________
Title: Chief Human Resources Officer
Dated: ___________________________
|
1.
|
Executive’s active employment by the Company shall terminate effective ____________, 20__ (the “
Effective Termination Date
”). Except as specifically provided by this Agreement, or in any other non-employment agreement that may exist between the Company and Executive, Executive agrees that the Company shall have no other obligations or liabilities to Executive following Executive’s Effective Termination Date and that Executive’s receipt of the Severance Benefits shall constitute a complete settlement, satisfaction and waiver of any and all claims Executive may have against the Company.
|
2.
|
Executive further submits, and the Company hereby accepts, Executive’s resignation as an Executive, officer and director, as of Executive’s Effective Termination Date for any position Executive may hold. The Parties agree that this resignation shall apply to all such positions Executive may hold with the Company or any parent thereof. Executive agrees to execute any documents needed to effectuate such resignation. Executive further agrees to take whatever steps are necessary to facilitate and ensure the smooth transition of Executive’s duties and responsibilities to others.
|
3.
|
The Company agrees to provide Executive Severance Benefits on the termination of Executive’s employment, as provided for in Paragraph 10(d) of Executive’s Employment Agreement.
|
4.
|
The Company further agrees to provide Executive with limited out-placement counseling with a company of its choice provided that Executive participates in such counseling immediately following termination of employment. Notwithstanding anything in this Paragraph 4 to the contrary, the out-placement counseling shall not be provided after the last day of the second calendar year following the calendar year in which termination of employment occurs.
|
5.
|
In exchange for the Severance Benefits, Executive on behalf of
[himself/herself]
,
[his/her]
heirs, representatives, agents and assigns,
[and anyone acting or claiming on [his/her] or their joint or several behalf,]
hereby RELEASES, INDEMNIFIES, HOLDS HARMLESS,
|
6.
|
Without limiting the generality of the foregoing release, it shall include: (a) all claims or potential claims arising under any federal, state or local employment law or statute, including, but not limited to, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act(s) of 1964 and 1991, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA), the Older Workers Benefit Protection Act (OWBPA), the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act (WARN) or the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA), the Illinois Human Rights Act, as amended, applicable state civil rights law(s), or applicable state employment law(s); (b) any claims on account of, arising out of or in any way connected with Executive’s employment with the Company or leaving of that employment; (c) any claims alleged or which could have been alleged in any charge or complaint against the Company; (d) any claims relating to the conduct of any Executive, officer, director, agent or other representative of the Company; (e) any claims of discrimination, harassment or retaliation on any basis; (f) any claims arising from any legal restrictions on an employer’s right to separate its Executives; (g) any claims for personal injury, compensatory or punitive damages or other forms of relief; and (h) all other causes of action sounding in contract, tort or other common law basis, including (i) the breach of any alleged oral or written contract, (ii) negligent or intentional misrepresentations, (iii) wrongful discharge, (iv) just cause dismissal, (v) defamation, (vi) interference with contract or business relationship or (vii) negligent or intentional infliction of emotional distress.
|
7.
|
Executive further agrees and covenants not to sue the Company or any entity or individual subject to this Agreement with respect to any claims, demands, liabilities or obligations released by this Agreement provided, however, that nothing contained in this Agreement shall:
|
a.
|
prevent Executive from filing an administrative charge with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission or any other federal state or local agency, or the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (“
SEC
”) Whistleblower unit or participating in investigations by those entities; or
|
b.
|
prevent employee from challenging, under the Older Worker’s Benefit Protection Act (29 U.S.C. § 626), the knowing and voluntary nature of Executive’s release of any age claims in this Agreement in court or before the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.
|
8.
|
Notwithstanding Executive’s right to file an administrative charge with the EEOC, the SEC’s Whistleblower unit, or any other federal, state, or local agency, Executive agrees that with Executive’s release of claims in this Agreement, Executive has waived any right Executive may have to recover monetary or other personal relief in any proceeding based in whole or in part on claims released by Executive in this Agreement. For example, Executive waives
|
9.
|
The U.S. Defend Trade Secrets Act of 2016 (“
DTSA
”) provides that an individual shall not be held criminally or civilly liable under any federal or state trade secret law for the disclosure of a trade secret that (a) is made in confidence to a federal, state or local government official, either directly or indirectly, or to an attorney, and solely for the purpose of reporting or investigating a suspected violation of law; or (b) is made in a complaint or other document filed in a lawsuit or other proceeding, if such filing is made under seal. In addition, the DTSA provides that an individual who files a lawsuit for retaliation by an employer for reporting a suspected violation of law may disclose the trade secret to the attorney of the individual and use the trade secret information in the court proceeding, if the individual files any document containing the trade secret under seal and does not disclose the trade secret, except pursuant to court order. Accordingly, the Parties have the right to disclose in confidence trade secrets to federal, state, and local government officials, or to an attorney, for the sole purpose of reporting or investigating a suspected violation of law. The parties also have the right to disclose trade secrets in a document filed in a lawsuit or other proceeding, but only if the filing is made under seal and protected from public disclosure.
|
10.
|
Insofar as this Agreement pertains to the release of Executive’s claims, if any, under the ADEA or other civil rights laws, the Parties acknowledge that it is their mutual and specific intent that the above waiver fully complies with the requirements of the OWBPA and any similar law governing release of claims. Accordingly, Executive hereby acknowledges that:
|
a.
|
Executive has carefully read and fully understands all of the provisions of this Agreement and that Executive has entered into this Agreement knowingly and voluntarily;
|
b.
|
The Severance Benefits offered in exchange for Executive’s release of claims exceed in kind and scope that to which Executive would have otherwise been legally entitled absent the execution of this Agreement;
|
c.
|
Prior to signing this Agreement, Executive had been advised, and is being advised by this Agreement, to consult with an attorney of Executive’s choice concerning its terms and conditions; and
|
d.
|
Executive has been offered at least twenty-one (21)
days within which to review and consider this Agreement.
|
11.
|
[ADD THIS LANGUAGE IF THE EMPLOYEE IS IN CALIFORNIA]
Executive specifically acknowledges that, as a condition of this Agreement, Executive expressly releases all rights and claims that Executive knows about as well as those Executive may not know about. Executive expressly waives all rights under Section 1542 of the Civil Code of the State of California, which reads as follows:
|
a.
|
“A general release does not extend to claims which the creditor does not know or suspect to exist in Executive’s favor at the time of executing the release which if known, must have materially affected Executive’s settlement with the debtor.”
|
b.
|
Notwithstanding the provision by Section 1542, and for the purpose of implementing a full and complete release and discharge of the Company as set forth above, Executive expressly acknowledges that this Agreement is intended to include and does in its effect, without limitation, include all claims which Executive does not know or suspect to exist in Executive’s favor at the time of signing this Agreement and that this Agreement expressly contemplates the extinguishment of all such claims.
|
12.
|
The Parties agree that this Agreement shall not become effective and enforceable until the date this Agreement is signed by both Parties or seven (7) calendar days after its execution by Executive, whichever is later. Executive may revoke this Agreement for any reason by providing written notice of such intent to the Company within seven (7) days after Executive has signed this Agreement, thereby forfeiting Executive’s right to receive any Severance Benefits provided hereunder and rendering this Agreement null and void in its entirety.
|
13.
|
Executive affirms that, as of the date of execution of this Agreement, Executive has filed no lawsuit, charge, claim or complaint with any governmental agency or in any court against the Company or the releasees described in Paragraph 5 herein.
|
14.
|
The provisions of Paragraphs 13 (Restrictive Covenants); 15 (Non-Jury Trials); 16 (Choice of Forum); 17 (Choice of Law); and 26 (Tax Matters) of the Employment Agreement are hereby expressly incorporated by reference.
|
15.
|
The Parties agree that nothing contained herein shall purport to waive or otherwise affect any of Executive’s rights or claims that may arise after Executive signs this Agreement. It is further understood by the Parties that nothing in this Agreement shall affect any rights Executive may have under any Company sponsored deferred compensation program, equity award agreement, and/or retirement plan
provided by the Company as of the date of Executive’s termination, such items to be governed exclusively by the terms of the applicable agreements or plan documents.
|
16.
|
Similarly, notwithstanding any provision contained herein to the contrary, this Agreement shall not constitute a waiver or release or otherwise affect Executive’s rights with respect to any vested benefits, any rights Executive has to benefits which cannot be waived by law, any coverage provided under any Directors and Officers (“
D&O
”) policy, any rights Executive may have under any indemnification agreement Executive has with the Company prior to the date hereof, any rights Executive has as a shareholder, or any claim for breach of this Agreement, including, but not limited to the benefits promised by the terms of this Agreement.
|
17.
|
[Option A]
Executive acknowledges that Executive’s termination and the Severance Benefits offered hereunder were based on an individual determination and were not offered in conjunction with any group termination or group severance program and waives any claim to the contrary.
|
18.
|
Executive hereby affirms and acknowledges Executive’s continued obligations to comply with the post-termination covenants contained in Executive’s Employment Agreement, including but not limited to, the non-compete, trade secret and confidentiality provisions. Executive acknowledges that a copy of the Employment Agreement has been provided to Executive and, to the extent not inconsistent with the terms of this Agreement or applicable law, the terms thereof shall be incorporated herein by reference. Executive acknowledges that the restrictions contained therein are valid and reasonable in every respect and are necessary to protect the Company’s legitimate business interests. Executive hereby affirmatively waives any claim or defense to the contrary.
|
19.
|
Executive hereby consents and authorizes the Company to deduct as an offset from the Severance Benefits, so long as the deduction is not taken from nonqualified deferred compensation under the definition of Code Section 409A, the value of any Company property not returned or returned in a damaged condition as well as any monies paid by the Company on Executive’s behalf (e.g., payment of any outstanding credit card).
|
20.
|
Executive agrees to cooperate with the Company in connection with any pending or future litigation, proceeding or other matter which has been or may be brought against or by the Company before any agency, court, or other tribunal and concerning or relating in any way to any matter falling within Executive’s knowledge or former area of responsibility. Executive agrees to immediately notify the Company, through the Office of the General Counsel, in the event Executive is contacted by any outside attorney (including paralegals or other affiliated parties) with regard to matters related to Executive’s employment with the Company unless (i) the Company is represented by the attorney, (ii) Executive is represented by the attorney for the purpose of protecting Executive’s personal interests or (iii) the Company has been advised of and has approved such contact. Executive agrees to provide reasonable assistance and completely truthful testimony in such matters including, without limitation, facilitating and assisting in the preparation of any underlying defense, responding to discovery requests, preparing for and attending deposition(s) as well as appearing in court to provide truthful testimony. The Company agrees to reimburse Executive for all reasonable out of pocket expenses incurred at the request of the Company associated with such assistance and testimony.
|
21.
|
EXECUTIVE SPECIFICALLY AGREES AND UNDERSTANDS THAT THE EXISTENCE AND TERMS OF THIS AGREEMENT ARE STRICTLY CONFIDENTIAL AND THAT SUCH CONFIDENTIALITY IS A MATERIAL TERM OF THIS AGREEMENT
. Accordingly, except as required by law or unless authorized to do so by the Company in writing, Executive agrees that Executive shall not communicate, display or otherwise reveal any of the contents of this Agreement to anyone other than Executive’s spouse, legal counsel or financial advisor provided, however, that they are first advised of the confidential nature of this Agreement and Executive obtains their agreement
|
22.
|
In the event that Executive breaches or threatens to breach any provision of this Agreement or the Employment Agreement, Executive agrees that the Company shall be entitled to seek any and all equitable and legal relief provided by law, specifically including immediate and permanent injunctive relief. Executive hereby waives any claim that the Company has an adequate remedy at law. In addition, and to the extent not prohibited by law, Executive agrees that the Company shall be entitled to discontinue providing any additional Severance Benefits upon such breach. Executive agrees that the foregoing relief shall not be construed to limit or otherwise restrict the Company’s ability to pursue any other remedy provided by law, including the recovery of any actual, compensatory or punitive damages. Moreover, if Executive pursues any claims against the Company subject to the foregoing release provisions of this Agreement, Executive agrees to immediately reimburse the Company for the value of all benefits received under this Agreement to the fullest extent permitted by law.
|
23.
|
Similarly, in the event that the Company breaches or threatens to breach any provision of this Agreement, Executive shall be entitled to seek any and all equitable or other available relief provided by law, specifically including immediate and permanent injunctive relief. In the event Executive is wholly unsuccessful, the Company shall be entitled to an award of its costs and attorneys’ fees.
|
24.
|
Both Parties acknowledge that this Agreement is entered into solely for the purpose of terminating Executive’s employment relationship with the Company on an amicable basis and shall not be construed as an admission of liability or wrongdoing by the Company or Executive, both Parties having expressly denied any such liability or wrongdoing.
|
25.
|
Each of the promises and obligations shall be binding upon and shall inure to the benefit of the heirs, executors, administrators, assigns and successors in interest of each of the Parties.
|
26.
|
Executive hereby represents and warrants that Executive has not previously assigned or purported to assign or transfer to any person or entity any of the claims or causes of action herein released.
|
27.
|
The Parties agree that each and every paragraph, sentence, clause, term and provision of this Agreement is severable and that, if any portion of this Agreement should be deemed not enforceable for any reason, such portion shall be stricken and the remaining portion or portions thereof should continue to be enforced to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law.
|
28.
|
This Agreement shall be governed by and interpreted in accordance with the laws of the State of Illinois without regard to any applicable state’s choice of law provisions.
|
29.
|
Executive represents and acknowledges that in signing this Agreement Executive does not rely, and has not relied, upon any representation or statement made by the Company or by any of the Company’s Executives, officers, agents, stockholders, directors or attorneys with regard to the subject matter, basis or effect of this Agreement other than those specifically contained herein.
|
30.
|
This Agreement represents the entire agreement between the Parties concerning the subject matter hereof, shall supersede any and all prior agreements which may otherwise exist between them concerning the subject matter hereof (specifically excluding, however, the post-termination obligations contained in an Executive’s Employment Agreement, any obligations contained in an existing and valid indemnity agreement of change in control or any obligation contained in any other legally-binding document), and shall not be altered, amended, modified or otherwise changed except by a writing executed by both Parties.
|
31.
|
This Agreement may be executed in separate counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an original and both of which taken together shall constitute one and the same agreement.
|
[EXECUTIVE]
|
COMPANY NAME
|
Signed: _________________________
Printed: _________________________
Dated: __________________________
|
By: ____________________________
Title: ___________________________
Dated: __________________________
|
1.
|
Employment
.
|
(a)
|
Continuing on the date hereof and ending as provided in Paragraph 9 herein, the Executive agrees to continue to serve as Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer for the Company, reporting to the Chief Executive Officer of the Company (the “
CEO
”). Executive agrees to perform all duties and responsibilities traditionally assigned to, or falling within the normal responsibilities of, an individual employed as Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer of the Company. Executive also agrees to perform any and all additional duties or responsibilities consistent with such position as may be assigned by the Board of Directors of the Company (the “
Board
”) or the CEO in its or his or her sole discretion.
|
(b)
|
The Company agrees to continue to employ the Executive pursuant to the terms of this Agreement, and the Executive agrees to continue be so employed, for a term of one (1) year (the “
Initial Term
”) commencing as of the date hereof. On the first anniversary of the date hereof and, after the Initial Term, on such first anniversary and each annual anniversary of such date thereafter, the term of this Agreement shall be automatically extended for successive one-year periods, provided, however, that either party hereto may elect not to extend this Agreement by giving written notice to the other party at least one hundred and eighty (180) days prior to any such anniversary date. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Executive’s employment hereunder may be earlier terminated in accordance with Section 9 hereof. The period of time between the date hereof and the termination of the Executive’s employment hereunder shall be referred to herein as the “
Employment Term
.”
|
2.
|
Efforts and Duty of Loyalty
. During the Employment Term, Executive covenants and agrees to exercise reasonable efforts to perform all assigned duties in a diligent and professional manner and in the best interest of the Company. Executive agrees to devote Executive’s full working time, attention, talents, skills and efforts to further the Company’s business interests. Executive agrees not to engage in any outside business activity, whether or not pursued for gain, profit or other pecuniary advantage, without the express written consent of the Company. Executive shall act at all times in accordance with the Company’s code of ethical business conduct, and all other applicable policies which may exist or be adopted by the Company from time to time. The Executive may serve on other boards of directors as long as such service shall not interfere with the proper performance of Executive’s duties and obligations hereunder consistent with the Company’s Corporate Governance Standards for Board of Directors and applicable laws, with the prior consent of the Company.
|
3.
|
At-Will Employment
. Subject to the terms and conditions of the severance opportunity set forth below, Executive specifically acknowledges and accepts such employment on an “at-will” basis and agrees that both Executive and the Company retain the right to terminate this relationship at any time, with or without cause, for any reason not prohibited by applicable law upon notice as required by this Agreement.
|
4.
|
Compensation
. For all services rendered by Executive on behalf of, or at the request of, the Company, in Executive’s capacity as Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer of the Company, Executive shall be compensated as follows during the Employment Term.
|
(a)
|
Base Salary
. For the services performed by Executive under this Agreement, the Company shall pay Executive a base salary of Five Hundred Thirty-Five Thousand Dollars ($535,000) per year (“
Base Salary
”). The Base Salary shall be paid in the same increments as the Company’s normal payroll, but no less frequently than monthly, and prorated for any partial year of service during the Employment Term. Executive’s Base Salary shall be reviewed at least annually.
|
(b)
|
Bonus
. The Executive shall participate in any short-term incentive compensation program as may be in effect from time to time, as determined solely at the discretion of the Board, or any other bonus program as the Company may establish from time to time in its sole discretion. For each fiscal year, the annual performance bonus target will be not less than 75% of Base Salary earned during such fiscal year (the “
Target Bonus
”). The Target Bonus will be based upon the performance measures and objectives established by the Board from time to time, but ultimately subject to the Compensation and Management Development Committee’s (“
Committee
”) discretion. The minimum annual performance bonus will be 0% of the Target Bonus and the maximum annual performance bonus will be 200% of the Target Bonus. Any bonus earned shall be paid no later than March 15th of the calendar year following the calendar year in which the applicable fiscal year ended, subject to the Executive remaining continuously employed with the Company through the date that such bonus is paid, except as otherwise expressly provided hereunder.
|
(c)
|
Equity Awards
. The Executive shall be eligible to receive equity and other long-term incentive awards under the equity-based incentive compensation plans adopted by the Company during the Employment Term for which employees are generally eligible. The level of the Executive’s participation in any such plan, if any, shall be determined in the sole discretion of the Committee from time to time.
|
(d)
|
Other Benefits
. During the Employment Term, Executive will be entitled to participate in and receive such additional benefits and perquisites, including retirement and health and welfare benefits (such as participation in the supplemental executive retirement plan (the “
SERP
”), supplemental long-term disability insurance coverage, a Company-paid Executive physical examination, reimbursement for a portion of tax preparation and estate and financial planning services and flexible paid time off in accordance with the Company’s policy on accrual and use applicable to employees as in effect from time to time, including, but not limited to, forty (40) hours of sick leave), in each case, as are available to other senior executives of the Company and as the Board may deem appropriate and as pre-approved by the Committee. The Executive’s participation will be subject to the terms of the applicable plan documents and generally applicable Company policies. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Company may modify or terminate any employee benefit plan at any time.
|
5.
|
Changes to Compensation
. Notwithstanding anything contained herein to the contrary, Executive acknowledges that the Company specifically reserves the right to make changes to Executive’s compensation in its sole discretion including, but not limited to, modifying or eliminating a compensation component. The Parties agree that such changes shall be
|
6.
|
Direct Deposit
. Within thirty (30) days of the date hereof, Executive agrees to make all necessary arrangements to have all sums paid pursuant to this Agreement direct deposited into one or more bank accounts as designated by Executive.
|
7.
|
Predecessor Employers
. Except as otherwise disclosed in writing to the Committee of the Board prior to the date hereof Executive warrants that Executive is not a party to any contract, restrictive covenant, or other agreement purporting to limit or otherwise adversely affecting Executive’s ability to secure employment with any third party. Alternatively, should any such agreement exist, Executive warrants that the contemplated services to be performed hereunder will not violate the terms and conditions of any such agreement.
|
8.
|
Restricted Duties
. Executive agrees not to disclose, or use for the benefit of the Company, any confidential or proprietary information belonging to any predecessor employer(s) that otherwise has not been made public and further acknowledges that the Company has specifically instructed Executive not to disclose or use such confidential or proprietary information. Based on Executive’s understanding of the anticipated duties and responsibilities hereunder, Executive acknowledges that such duties and responsibilities will not compel the disclosure or use of any such confidential and proprietary information.
|
9.
|
Termination
. The Executive’s employment with the Company and the Employment Term shall end early upon the first to occur of any of the following events:
|
(a)
|
Death
. In the event Executive dies during the Employment Term, this Agreement shall automatically terminate upon the date of death of the Executive.
|
(b)
|
Disability
. In the event Executive suffers a Disability (as defined herein) during the term of employment, this Agreement shall automatically be terminated on the date of such Disability. For purposes of this Agreement, Executive shall be considered to have suffered a “
Disability
”: (i) upon a good faith determination by Company that, as a result of any mental or physical impairment, Executive is and will likely remain unable to perform the essential functions of Executive’s duties or responsibilities hereunder on a full-time basis for one hundred eighty (180) days, with or without reasonable accommodation, or (ii) Executive becomes eligible for or receives any benefits pursuant to the Company’s long-term disability policy. Notwithstanding anything expressed or implied above to the contrary, the Company agrees to fully comply with its obligations under the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993 and the Americans with Disabilities Act as well as any other applicable federal, state, or local law, regulation, or ordinance governing the provision of leave to individuals with serious health conditions or the protection of individuals with disabilities as well as the Company’s obligation to provide reasonable accommodation thereunder.
|
(c)
|
Cause
. Executive’s employment may be terminated by the Company at any time for Cause without notice or prior warning. For purposes of this Agreement, “
Cause
” shall mean the Company’s good faith determination that Executive has:
|
(i)
|
Acted with gross neglect or willful misconduct in the discharge of Executive’s duties and responsibilities, or refused to follow or comply with the lawful direction of the Board or the terms and conditions of this Agreement; provided, however, that such refusal is not based primarily on Executive’s good faith compliance with applicable legal or ethical standards.
|
(ii)
|
Acquiesced or participated in any conduct that is dishonest, fraudulent, illegal, unethical, involves moral turpitude or is otherwise illegal and involves conduct that has the potential, in the Board’s reasonable opinion, to cause the Company, its officers or its directors significant embarrassment or ridicule.
|
(iii)
|
Violated a material requirement of any Company policy or procedure, specifically including a violation of the Company’s code of ethics.
|
(iv)
|
Violated any provisions of the restrictive covenants listed in Paragraph 13.
|
(v)
|
Engaged in any act that, in the reasonable opinion of the Board, would hold the Company, its officers or directors up to probable civil or criminal liability, provided that, if Executive acts in good faith for compliance with applicable legal or ethical standards, such actions shall not be grounds for termination for Cause.
|
(vi)
|
Breached the warranties of Executive set forth in Paragraph 7 herein.
|
(vii)
|
Engaged in such other conduct recognized at law as constituting cause.
|
(d)
|
Without Cause
. The Parties agree that either party may terminate this employment relationship at any time, “
Without Cause
”, upon sixty (60) days’ advance written notice or, if terminated by the Company, pay in lieu of notice (hereinafter referred to as “
Notice Pay
”). However, in no event shall Executive be entitled to Notice Pay
|
(e)
|
Good Reason
. Executive may terminate Executive’s employment and declare this Agreement to have been terminated for “
Good Reason
” upon the occurrence, without Executive’s consent, of any of the following circumstances:
|
(i)
|
the assignment to Executives of duties that are materially inconsistent with Executive’s position as Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer;
|
(ii)
|
the failure to elect or reelect Executive as Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer of the Company (unless such failure is related in any way to the Company’s decision to terminate Executive for Cause);
|
(iii)
|
a reduction by the Company in the amount of Executive’s Base Salary or the discontinuation or reduction by the Company of Executive’s participation at previously existing levels of eligibility in any incentive compensation, additional compensation or equity programs, benefits, policies or perquisites; provided, however, that the Company may make such changes and/or reductions without implicating the provisions of this subparagraph (iii) so long as Executive is treated in a manner that is commensurate with the treatment of other senior executives of the Company;
|
(iv)
|
a failure by the Company to perform its obligations under this Employment Agreement; and
|
(v)
|
the relocation of the Company’s principal executive offices or Executive’s place of work to a location requiring a change of more than fifty (50) miles in Executive’s daily commute.
|
(f)
|
Voluntary Termination
. Executive may voluntarily, and without Good Reason, terminate Executive’s employment for any reason.
|
(g)
|
Expiration of Employment Term; Non-Extension of Agreement
. This Agreement may be terminated upon the expiration of the Employment Term due to a non-extension of the Agreement by the Company or the Executive.
|
10.
|
Consequences of Termination
.
|
(a)
|
Death
. In the event that Executive’s employment and the Employment Term ends on account of the Executive’s death, the Executive or the Executive’s estate, as the case may be, shall be entitled to the following (with the amounts due hereunder to be paid in accordance with the Company’s past practice and applicable law):
|
(i)
|
immediate vesting in the SERP, which shall be paid in accordance with the award agreements, benefits plans, past practice and applicable law (the “
SERP Benefit
”);
|
(ii)
|
any Base Salary, earned but unpaid through the date of termination; and
|
(iii)
|
all other deferred compensation, payments, accrued benefits of employment or fringe benefits to which the Executive may be entitled pursuant to the express terms of (A) any applicable compensation arrangement, (B) any applicable benefit, equity or fringe benefit plan, program or grant or (C) this Agreement (collectively, Paragraphs 10(a)(ii) and
ý
10(a)(iii) hereof shall be hereafter referred to as the “
Accrued Benefits
”).
|
(b)
|
Disability
. In the event that the Executive’s employment and the Employment Term ends on account of the Executive’s Disability, the Company shall pay or provide to the Executive the Accrued Benefits and the SERP Benefit.
|
(c)
|
Termination for Cause; Voluntary Termination; Non-Extension of Employment Term
. If the Executive’s employment is terminated (i) by the Company for Cause, (ii) by the Executive voluntarily and without Good Reason, or (iii) as a result of the non-extension of the Employment Term by either party as provided in Paragraph 9, the Company shall pay or provide to the Executive the Accrued Benefits.
|
(d)
|
Termination Without Cause or for Good Reason
. In the event Executive’s employment is terminated by the Company Without Cause or by the Executive for Good Reason, the Company shall pay or provide the Executive with the following, (subject to the provisions of Paragraph 26):
|
(i)
|
the Accrued Benefits;
|
(ii)
|
the SERP Benefit;
|
(iii)
|
one (1) times the sum of (A) Executive’s Base Salary for a period of twelve (12) months plus (B) the Executive’s Target Bonus for the year in which the Executive’s employment is terminated. Except as required by Code Section 409A (as defined below), this total amount shall be paid in accordance with the Company’s standard payroll practices (e.g. bi-weekly) over the twelve (12) month period following Executive’s termination, except no payment shall be made until after the Release (as defined below) becomes effective and the first payment thereafter shall include any missed payment. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if any execution and revocation period overlap two calendar years, the first payment will be paid in the second (2nd) calendar year and shall include any missed payment;
|
(iv)
|
If Executive elects continuation coverage under the Company’s medical plan pursuant to Part 6 of Subtitle B of title I of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended (“
COBRA
”), the Company shall reimburse Executive, on a monthly basis, for a portion of Executive’s COBRA payments (provided such reimbursement does not result in any taxes or penalties for the Company) in an amount equal to the difference between (A) the amount the Company paid as a monthly premium for Executive’s participation in such plan immediately prior to Executive’s termination Without Cause or termination for Good Reason and (B) the amount Executive was required to pay as a monthly premium for participation in such plan immediately prior to such termination, until the earlier of (x) the end of the twelve (12) month period beginning on the effective date of termination of the Executive’s employment hereunder, or (y) such time as the Executive is eligible to be covered by comparable benefits of a subsequent employer. The Executive agrees to notify the Company promptly if and when Executive begins employment with another employer and if and when Executive becomes eligible to participate in any health or welfare plans of another employer; and
|
(v)
|
a lump sum payment in cash equal to the portion of the Target Bonus which would have been payable to the Executive for the fiscal year in which the termination occurred, based on the actual performance level during such fiscal year, but with such amount further prorated based on the number of days that elapsed between the start of such fiscal and the date of such termination of Executive’s employment. This pro-rated bonus (if any) will be paid at such time as the bonus would have been paid had Executive remained employed with the Company through the end of the applicable bonus period.
|
11.
|
Release
. Any payments made pursuant to Paragraph 10(d) are contingent upon Executive materially complying with the restrictive covenants contained herein and executing a separation and release agreement in a form not substantially different from the form attached as
Exhibit A
(the “
Release
”). Further, the Company’s obligation to provide payments pursuant to Paragraph 10(d) shall be deemed null and void should Executive fail or refuse to execute and deliver to the Company the Company’s then standard Release (without modification) within any time period as may be prescribed by law or, in absence thereof, twenty-one (21) days after the Executive’s Effective Termination Date (as defined in the Release).
|
12.
|
Reaffirmation
. Upon termination of Executive’s employment for any reason, Executive agrees, if requested to reaffirm in writing Executive’s post-employment obligation as set forth in this Agreement, that Executive will make such reaffirmation.
|
13.
|
Restrictive Covenants
. The capitalized terms used, but not defined herein in Paragraphs 13(a) through 13(i), will have the meanings given to such terms in Paragraph 13(j).
|
(a)
|
Assignment of Rights
.
|
(i)
|
Copyrights
. Executive agrees that all works of authorship fixed in any tangible medium of expression by Executive during the term of this Agreement relating to the Company’s business (“
Works
”), either solely or jointly with others, shall be and remain exclusively the property of the Company. Each such Work created by Executive is a “work made for hire” under the copyright law and the Company may file applications to register copyright in such Works as author and copyright owner thereof. If, for any reason, a Work created by Executive is excluded from the definition of a “work made for hire” under the copyright law, then Executive does hereby assign, sell, and convey to the Company the entire rights, title, and interests in and to such Work, including the copyright therein, to the Company. Executive will execute any documents that the Company deems necessary in connection with the assignment of such Work and copyright therein. Executive will take whatever steps and do whatever acts the Company requests, including, but not limited to, placement of the Company’s proper copyright notice on Works created by Executive to secure or aid in securing copyright protection in such Works and will assist the Company or its nominees in filing applications to register claims of copyright in such Works. The Company shall have free and unlimited access at all times to all Works and all copies thereof and shall have the right to claim and take possession on demand of such Works and copies.
|
(ii)
|
Inventions
. Executive agrees that all discoveries, concepts, and ideas, whether patentable or not, including, but not limited to, apparatus, processes, methods, compositions of matter, techniques, and formulae, as well as improvements thereof or know-how related thereto, relating to any present or prospective product, process, or service of the Company (“
Inventions
”) that Executive conceives or makes during the term of this Agreement relating to the Company’s business, shall become and remain the exclusive property of the Company, whether patentable or not, and Executive will, without royalty or any other consideration:
|
(A)
|
Inform the Company promptly and fully of such Inventions by written reports, setting forth in detail the procedures employed and the results achieved;
|
(B)
|
Assign to the Company all of Executive’s rights, title, and interests in and to such Inventions, any applications for United States and foreign letters patent, any United States and foreign letters patent, and any renewals thereof granted upon such Inventions;
|
(C)
|
Assist the Company or its nominees, at the expense of the Company, to obtain such United States and foreign letters patent for such Inventions as the Company may elect; and
|
(D)
|
Execute, acknowledge, and deliver to the Company at the Company’s expense such written documents and instruments, and do such other acts, such as giving testimony in support of Executive’s inventorship, as may be necessary in the opinion of the Company, to obtain and maintain United States and foreign letters patent upon such Inventions and to vest the entire rights and title thereto in the Company and to confirm the complete ownership by the Company of such Inventions, patent applications, and patents.
|
(b)
|
Return of Company Property
. All records, files, drawings, documents, data in whatever form, business equipment (including computers, cell phones, etc.), and the like relating to, or provided by, the Company shall be and remain the sole property of the Company. Upon termination of employment, Executive shall immediately return to the Company all such items without retention of any copies and without additional request by the Company. De minimis items such as pay stubs, 401(k) plan summaries, employee bulletins, and the like are excluded from this requirement. Executive may retain Executive’s address books to the extent they only contain contact information.
|
(c)
|
Confidential Information
. Executive acknowledges that the Companies possess certain trade secrets as well as other confidential and proprietary information which they have acquired or will acquire at great effort and expense. Such information may include, without limitation, confidential information, whether in tangible or intangible form, regarding the Companies’ products and services, marketing strategies, business plans, operations, costs, current or prospective customer information (including customer identities, contacts, requirements, creditworthiness, preferences, and like matters), product concepts, designs, prototypes or specifications, research and development efforts, technical data and know‑how, sales information, including pricing and other terms and conditions of sale, financial information, internal procedures, techniques, forecasts, methods, trade information, trade secrets, software programs, project requirements, inventions, trademarks, trade names, and similar information regarding the Companies’ business(es) (collectively referred to herein as “
Confidential Information
”). Executive further acknowledges that, as a result of Executive’s employment with the Company, Executive will have access to, will become acquainted with, and/or may help develop, such Confidential Information. Confidential Information shall not include information readily available in the public so long as such information was not made available through fault of Executive or wrong doing by any other individual.
|
(d)
|
Restricted Use of Confidential Information
. Executive agrees that all Confidential Information is and shall remain the sole and exclusive property of the Company and/or its affiliated entities. Except as may be expressly authorized by the Company in
|
(e)
|
Non-Solicitation
. During Executive’s employment and for a period of twelve (12) months thereafter, Executive agrees not to directly or indirectly engage in the following prohibited conduct:
|
(i)
|
Solicit, offer products or services to, or accept orders for, any Competitive Products or otherwise transact any competitive business on behalf of any Competitor;
|
(ii)
|
Attempt on behalf of any Competitor to entice or otherwise cause any third party to withdraw, curtail or cease doing business with the Company (or any Affiliate thereof), specifically including customers, vendors, independent contractors and other third-party entities;
|
(iii)
|
Except in the course of the Executive’s employment and for the benefit of the Company, disclose to any person or entity the identities, contacts or preferences of any customers of the Company (or any Affiliate thereof), or the identity of any other persons or entities having business dealings with the Company (or any Affiliate thereof);
|
(iv)
|
Induce any individual who has been employed by or had provided services to the Company (or any Affiliate thereof) within the six (6) month period immediately preceding the effective date of Executive’s separation to terminate such relationship with the Company (or any Affiliate thereof);
|
(v)
|
Assist, coordinate or otherwise offer employment to, accept employment inquiries from, or employ any individual who is or had been employed by the Company (or any Affiliate thereof) at any time within the six (6) month period immediately preceding such offer, or inquiry;
|
(vi)
|
Communicate or indicate in any way to any customer of the Company (or any Affiliate thereof), prior to formal separation from the Company, any interest, desire, plan, or decision to separate from the Company; other than by way of long term retirement plans; or
|
(vii)
|
Otherwise attempt on behalf of any Competitor to directly or indirectly interfere with the Company’s business, the business of any of the Companies or their relationship with their employees, consultants, independent contractors or customers.
|
(f)
|
Limited Non-Compete
. For the above-stated reasons, and as a condition of employment to the fullest extent permitted by law, Executive agrees during the Relevant Non‑Compete Period not to directly or indirectly engage in the following competitive activities:
|
(i)
|
Executive shall not have any ownership interest in, work for, advise, consult, or have any business connection or business or employment relationship in any competitive capacity with any Competitor unless Executive provides written notice to the Company of such relationship prior to entering into such relationship and, further, provides sufficient written assurances to the Company’s satisfaction that such relationship will not jeopardize the Company’s legitimate interests or otherwise violate the terms of this Agreement;
|
(ii)
|
Executive shall not engage in any research, development, production, sale or distribution of any Competitive Products on behalf of a Competitor;
|
(iii)
|
Executive shall not market, sell, or otherwise offer or provide any Competitive Products within any Geographic Territory on behalf of a Competitor; or
|
(iv)
|
Executive shall not distribute, market, sell or otherwise offer or provide any Competitive Products to any customer of the Company on behalf of a Competitor.
|
(g)
|
Non-Disparagement
. Executive agrees not to make any written or oral statement that may defame, disparage or cast in a negative light so as to do harm to the personal or professional reputation of (i) the Company, (ii) its Executives, officers, directors or trustees or (iii) the services and/or products provided by the Company and its subsidiaries or affiliate entities. Similarly, in response to any written inquiry from any prospective employer or in connection with a written inquiry in connection with any future business relationship involving Executive, the Company agrees not to provide any information, and the senior officers shall not make any written or oral statement, that may defame, disparage or cast in a negative light so as to do harm to the personal or professional reputation of Executive. The Parties acknowledge, however, that nothing contained herein shall be construed to prevent or prohibit the Company or the Executive from providing truthful information in response to any
|
(h)
|
Further Covenants
.
|
(i)
|
The U.S. Defend Trade Secrets Act of 2016 (“
DTSA
”) provides that an individual shall not be held criminally or civilly liable under any federal or state trade secret law for the disclosure of a trade secret that (A) is made in confidence to a federal, state or local government official, either directly or indirectly, or to an attorney, and solely for the purpose of reporting or investigating a suspected violation of law; or (B) is made in a complaint or other document filed in a lawsuit or other proceeding, if such filing is made under seal. In addition, the DTSA provides that an individual who files a lawsuit for retaliation by an employer for reporting a suspected violation of law may disclose the trade secret to the attorney of the individual and use the trade secret information in the court proceeding, if the individual files any document containing the trade secret under seal and does not disclose the trade secret, except pursuant to court order. Accordingly, the Parties have the right to disclose in confidence trade secrets to federal, state, and local government officials, or to an attorney, for the sole purpose of reporting or investigating a suspected violation of law. The parties also have the right to disclose trade secrets in a document filed in a lawsuit or other proceeding, but only if the filing is made under seal and protected from public disclosure.
|
(ii)
|
Nothing in this Agreement prevents Executive from providing, without prior notice to the Company, information to governmental authorities regarding possible legal violations or otherwise testifying or participating in any investigation or proceeding by any governmental authorities regarding possible legal violations, and for purpose of clarity Executive is not prohibited from providing information voluntarily to the United States Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to Section 21F of the Exchange Act.
|
(i)
|
Acknowledged Need for Limited Restrictive Covenants
. Executive acknowledges that the Companies have spent and will continue to expend substantial amounts of time, money and effort to develop their business strategies, Confidential Information, customer identities and relationships, goodwill and Executive relationships, and that Executive will benefit from these efforts. Further, Executive acknowledges the inevitable use of, or near-certain influence by Executive’s knowledge of, the Confidential Information disclosed to Executive during the course of employment if Executive is allowed to compete against the Company in an unrestricted manner and that such use would be unfair and extremely detrimental to the Company. Accordingly, based on these legitimate business reasons, Executive acknowledges each of the Companies’ need to protect their legitimate business interests by reasonably restricting Executive’s ability to compete with the Company on a limited basis or solicit its employees or customers, in each case, as provided herein.
|
(j)
|
Non-Compete Definitions
. For purposes of this Agreement, the Parties agree that the following terms shall apply:
|
(i)
|
“
Affiliate
” includes any parent, subsidiary, joint venture, sister company, or other entity controlled, owned, managed or otherwise associated with the Company;
|
(ii)
|
“
Assigned Customer Base
” shall include all accounts or customers formally assigned to Executive within a given territory or geographical area or contacted by Executive at any time during the eighteen (18) month period preceding Executive’s date of separation;
|
(iii)
|
“
Competitive Products
” shall include any product or service that directly or indirectly competes with, is substantially similar to, or serves as a reasonable substitute for, any product or service in research, development or design, or manufactured, produced, sold or distributed by the Company;
|
(iv)
|
“
Competitor
” shall mean the list of companies on Exhibit B, which can be changed at any time prior to 90 days before termination of employment by or of Executive by written notice to Executive, so long as the list does not exceed fifteen (15) companies and each of which is a material competitor of the Company.
|
(v)
|
“
Directly or indirectly
” shall be construed such that the foregoing restrictions shall apply equally to Executive whether performed individually or as a partner, shareholder, officer, director, manager, Executive, salesperson, independent contractor, broker, agent, or consultant for any other individual, partnership, firm, corporation, company, or other entity engaged in such conduct.
|
(vi)
|
“
Geographic Territory
” shall include any territory in which the Company has provided any services or sold any products at any time during the twenty-four (24) month period preceding Executive’s date of separation;
|
(vii)
|
“
Relevant Non-Compete Period
” shall include the period of Executive’s employment with the Company as well as a period of twelve (12) months after such employment is terminated, regardless of the reason for such termination provided.
|
(k)
|
Consent to Reasonableness
. In light of the above-referenced concerns, including Executive’s knowledge of and access to the Companies’ Confidential Information, Executive acknowledges that the terms of such restrictive covenants are reasonable and necessary to protect the Company’s legitimate business interests and will not unreasonably interfere with Executive’s ability to obtain alternate employment. As such, Executive hereby agrees that such restrictions are valid and enforceable, and affirmatively waives any argument or defense to the contrary. Executive acknowledges that this limited noncompetition provision is not an attempt to prevent Executive from obtaining other employment in violation of IC § 22-5-3-1 or any
|
(l)
|
Survival of Restrictive Covenants
. Executive acknowledges that the above restrictive covenants shall survive the termination of this Agreement and the termination of Executive’s employment for any reason. Executive further acknowledges that any alleged breach by the Company of any contractual, statutory or other obligation shall not excuse or terminate the obligations hereunder or otherwise preclude the Company from seeking injunctive or other relief. Rather, Executive acknowledges that such obligations are independent and separate covenants undertaken by Executive for the benefit of the Company.
|
(m)
|
Post-Termination Notification
. For the duration of Executive’s Relevant Non-Compete Period or other restrictive covenant period, whichever is longer, Executive agrees to promptly notify the Company no later than five (5) business days of Executive’s acceptance of any employment or consulting engagement. Such notice shall include sufficient information to ensure Executive compliance with Executive’s non-compete obligations and must include at a minimum the following information: (i) the name of the employer or entity for which Executive is providing any consulting services; (ii) a description of Executive’s intended duties; and (iii) the anticipated start date. Such information is required to ensure Executive’s compliance with Executive’s non-compete obligations as well as all other applicable restrictive covenants. Such notice shall be provided in writing to the Office of SVP, Corporate Secretary and Chief Legal Officer at 130 East Randolph Street, Suite 1000, Chicago, Illinois 60601. Failure to timely provide such notice shall be deemed a material breach of this Agreement and entitle the Company to return of any Severance paid to Executive plus attorneys’ fees. Executive further consents to the Company’s notification to any new employer of Executive’s rights and obligations under this Agreement.
|
(n)
|
Scope of Restrictions
. If the scope of any restriction contained in any preceding paragraphs of this Agreement is deemed too broad to permit enforcement of such restriction to its fullest extent, then such restriction shall be enforced to the maximum extent permitted by law, and Executive hereby consents and agrees that such scope may be judicially modified accordingly in any proceeding brought to enforce such restriction.
|
(o)
|
Specific Enforcement/Injunctive Relief
. Executive agrees that it would be difficult to measure any damages to the Company from a breach of the above-referenced restrictive covenants, but acknowledges that the potential for such damages would be great, incalculable and irremediable, and that monetary damages alone would be an inadequate remedy. Accordingly, Executive agrees that the Company shall be entitled to immediate injunctive relief against such breach, or threatened breach, in any court having jurisdiction. In addition, if Executive violates any such restrictive covenant, Executive agrees that the period of such violation shall be added to the
|
(p)
|
Publicly Traded Stock
. The Parties agree that nothing contained in this Agreement shall be construed to prohibit Executive from investing Executive’s personal assets in any stock or corporate security traded or quoted on a national securities exchange or national market system provided, however, such investments do not require any services on the part of Executive in the operation or the affairs of the business or otherwise violate the Company’s code of ethics.
|
14.
|
Notice of Claim and Contractual Limitations Period
. Executive acknowledges the Company’s need for prompt notice, investigation, and resolution of any claims that may be filed against it due to the number of relationships it has with employees and others (and due to the turnover among such individuals with knowledge relevant to any underlying claim). Accordingly, Executive agrees prior to initiating any litigation of any type (including, but not limited to, employment discrimination litigation, wage litigation, defamation, or any other claim) to notify the Company, within one hundred and eighty (180) days after the claim accrued, by sending a certified letter addressed to the Company’s General Counsel setting forth: (a) claimant’s name, address, and phone; (b) the name of any attorney representing Executive; (c) the nature of the claim; (d) the date the claim arose; and (e) the relief requested. This provision is in addition to any other notice and exhaustion requirements that might apply. For any dispute or claim of any type against the Company (including but not limited to employment discrimination litigation, wage litigation, defamation, or any other claim), Executive must commence legal action within the shorter of one (1) year of accrual of the cause of action or such shorter period that may be specified by law.
|
15.
|
Non-Jury Trials
. Notwithstanding any right to a jury trial for any claims, Executive waives any such right to a jury trial, and agrees that any claim of any type (including but not limited to employment discrimination litigation, wage litigation, defamation, or any other claim) lodged in any court will be tried, if at all, without a jury.
|
16.
|
Choice of Forum
. Executive acknowledges that the Company is primarily based in Indiana, and Executive understands and acknowledges the Company’s desire and need to defend any litigation against it in Illinois. Accordingly, the Parties agree that any claim of any type brought by Executive against the Company or any of its employees or agents must be maintained only in a court sitting in Cook County, Illinois, or, if a federal court, the Northern District of Illinois. Executive further understands and acknowledges that in the event the Company initiates litigation against Executive, the Company may need to prosecute such
|
17.
|
Choice of Law
. This Agreement shall be deemed to have been made within the County of Cook, State of Illinois and shall be interpreted and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Illinois. Any and all matters of dispute of any nature whatsoever arising out of, or in any way connected with the interpretation of this Agreement, any disputes arising out of the Agreement or the employment relationship between the Parties hereto, shall be governed by, construed by and enforced in accordance with the laws of the State of Illinois without regard to any applicable state’s choice of law provisions.
|
18.
|
Titles
. Titles are used for the purpose of convenience in this Agreement and shall be ignored in any construction of it.
|
19.
|
Severability
. The Parties agree that each and every paragraph, sentence, clause, term and provision of this Agreement is severable and that, in the event any portion of this Agreement is adjudged to be invalid or unenforceable, the remaining portions thereof shall remain in effect and be enforced to the fullest extent permitted by law. Further, should any particular clause, covenant, or provision of this Agreement be held unreasonable or contrary to public policy for any reason, the Parties acknowledge and agree that such covenant, provision or clause shall automatically be deemed modified such that the contested covenant, provision or clause will have the closest effect permitted by applicable law to the original form and shall be given effect and enforced as so modified to whatever extent would be reasonable and enforceable under applicable law.
|
20.
|
Assignment-Notices
. The rights and obligations of the Company under this Agreement shall inure to its benefit, as well as the benefit of its parent, subsidiary, successor and affiliated entities, and shall be binding upon the successors and assigns of the Company. This Agreement, being personal to Executive, cannot be assigned by Executive, but Executive’s personal representative shall be bound by all its terms and conditions. Any notice required hereunder shall be sufficient if in writing and mailed to the last known residence of Executive or to the Company at its principal office with a copy mailed to the Office of the General Counsel.
|
21.
|
Amendments and Modifications
. Except as specifically provided herein, no modification, amendment, extension or waiver of this Agreement or any provision hereof shall be binding upon the Company or Executive unless in writing and signed by both Parties. The waiver by the Company or Executive of a breach of any provision of this Agreement shall not be construed as a waiver of any subsequent breach. Nothing in this Agreement shall be construed as a limitation upon the Company’s right to modify or amend any of its manuals or policies in its sole discretion and any such modification or amendment which pertains to matters addressed herein shall be deemed to be incorporated herein and made a part of this Agreement.
|
22.
|
Outside Representations
. Executive represents and acknowledges that in signing this Agreement Executive does not rely, and has not relied, upon any representation or statement made by the Company or by any of the Company’s employees, officers, agents, stockholders,
|
23.
|
Other Remedies
. The Executive agrees to execute and be bound by the terms and conditions of the Company’s Limited Recapture Agreement, and any applicable laws, rules and regulations.
|
24.
|
Voluntary and Knowing Execution
. Executive acknowledges that Executive has been offered a reasonable amount of time within which to consider and review this Agreement; that Executive has carefully read and fully understands all of the provisions of this Agreement; and that Executive has entered into this Agreement knowingly and voluntarily, with the assistance of counsel.
|
25.
|
Liability Insurance
. The Company shall cover the Executive under directors and officers liability insurance both during and, while potential liability exists, after the term of this Agreement in the same amount and to the same extent as the Company covers its other officers and non-independent directors.
|
26.
|
Tax Matters
.
|
(a)
|
Withholding
. The Company may withhold from any and all amounts payable under this Agreement or otherwise such federal, state and local taxes as may be required to be withheld pursuant to any applicable law or regulation.
|
(b)
|
Code Section 409A Notification
. Executive acknowledges that Executive has been advised of the American Jobs Creation Act of 2004, which includes Internal Revenue Code Section 409A, and the regulations and guidance promulgated thereunder (collectively “
Code Section 409A
”), and which also significantly changed the taxation of nonqualified deferred compensation plans and arrangements.
|
(i)
|
The intent of the parties is that payments and benefits under this Agreement comply with, or be exempt from, Code Section 409A and, accordingly, to the maximum extent permitted, this Agreement shall be interpreted to be in accordance therewith. If any provision of this Agreement (or of any award of compensation, including equity compensation or benefits) would cause the Executive to incur any additional tax or interest under Code Section 409A, the Company shall, after consulting with the Executive, reform such provision to try to comply with Code Section 409A through good faith modifications to the minimum extent reasonably appropriate to conform with Code Section 409A. To the extent that any provision hereof is modified in order to comply with Code Section 409A, such modification shall be made in good faith and shall, to the maximum extent reasonably possible, maintain the original intent and economic benefit to the Executive and the Company of the applicable provision without violating the provisions of Code Section 409A.
|
(ii)
|
A termination of employment shall not be deemed to have occurred for purposes of any provision of this Agreement providing for the payment of
|
(iii)
|
With regard to any provision herein that provides for reimbursement of costs and expenses or in-kind benefits, except as permitted by Code Section 409A, (A) the right to reimbursement or in-kind benefits shall not be subject to liquidation or exchange for another benefit, (B) the amount of expenses eligible for reimbursement, or in-kind benefits provided during any taxable year shall not affect the expenses eligible for reimbursement, or in-kind benefits to be provided in any other taxable year, and (C) such payments shall be made on or before the last day of Executive’s taxable year following the taxable year in which the expense occurred.
|
(iv)
|
For purposes of Code Section 409A, the Executive’s right to receive any installment payments pursuant to this Agreement shall be treated as a right to receive a series of separate and distinct payments. In no event may the Executive, directly or indirectly, designate the calendar year of any payment to be made under this Agreement that is considered nonqualified deferred compensation. In no event shall the timing of Executive’s execution of a Release, directly or indirectly, result in the Executive designating the calendar year of payment, and if a payment that is subject to execution of the Release could be made in more than one taxable year, payment shall be made in the later taxable year.
|
(v)
|
Executive acknowledges that, notwithstanding anything contained herein to the contrary, both Parties shall be independently responsible for assessing their own risks and liabilities under Code Section 409A that may be associated with any payment made under the terms of this Agreement or any other
|
27.
|
Entire Agreement
. This Agreement constitutes the entire employment agreement between the Parties hereto concerning the subject matter hereof and shall supersede all prior and contemporaneous agreements between the Parties in connection with the subject matter of this Agreement. Nothing in this Agreement, however, shall affect any separately‑executed written agreement addressing any other issues. For the avoidance of doubt, if the Executive receives any severance compensation pursuant to a change in control agreement or any other severance plan or program, such agreement’s terms regarding severance compensation will control and will be in place of any severance payments as may be provided under Paragraph 10(d) of this Agreement.
|
EXECUTIVE
|
HILL-ROM HOLDINGS, INC.
|
Signed: __________________________
Name: Steven Strobel
Dated: ___________________________
|
By: _____________________________
Title: Chief Human Resources Officer
Dated: ___________________________
|
1.
|
Executive’s active employment by the Company shall terminate effective ____________, 20__ (the “
Effective Termination Date
”). Except as specifically provided by this Agreement, or in any other non-employment agreement that may exist between the Company and Executive, Executive agrees that the Company shall have no other obligations or liabilities to Executive following Executive’s Effective Termination Date and that Executive’s receipt of the Severance Benefits shall constitute a complete settlement, satisfaction and waiver of any and all claims Executive may have against the Company.
|
2.
|
Executive further submits, and the Company hereby accepts, Executive’s resignation as an Executive, officer and director, as of Executive’s Effective Termination Date for any position Executive may hold. The Parties agree that this resignation shall apply to all such positions Executive may hold with the Company or any parent thereof. Executive agrees to execute any documents needed to effectuate such resignation. Executive further agrees to take whatever steps are necessary to facilitate and ensure the smooth transition of Executive’s duties and responsibilities to others.
|
3.
|
The Company agrees to provide Executive Severance Benefits on the termination of Executive’s employment, as provided for in Paragraph 10(d) of Executive’s Employment Agreement.
|
4.
|
The Company further agrees to provide Executive with limited out-placement counseling with a company of its choice provided that Executive participates in such counseling immediately following termination of employment. Notwithstanding anything in this Paragraph 4 to the contrary, the out-placement counseling shall not be provided after the last day of the second calendar year following the calendar year in which termination of employment occurs.
|
5.
|
In exchange for the Severance Benefits, Executive on behalf of
[himself/herself]
,
[his/her]
heirs, representatives, agents and assigns,
[and anyone acting or claiming on [his/her] or their joint or several behalf,]
hereby RELEASES, INDEMNIFIES, HOLDS HARMLESS, and FOREVER DISCHARGES (a) Hill-Rom Holdings, Inc., (b) its parent, subsidiary or affiliated entities, (c) in such capacity, all of their present or former directors, officers, employees, shareholders, trustees and agents, as well as, (d) all predecessors, successors and assigns thereof from any and all actions, charges, claims, demands, damages or liabilities of any kind or character whatsoever, known or unknown, which Executive now has or may have had through the effective date of this Agreement.
|
6.
|
Without limiting the generality of the foregoing release, it shall include: (a) all claims or potential claims arising under any federal, state or local employment law or statute, including, but not limited to, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act(s) of 1964 and 1991, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA), the Older Workers Benefit Protection Act (OWBPA), the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act (WARN) or the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA), the Illinois Human Rights Act, as amended, applicable state civil rights law(s), or applicable state employment law(s); (b) any claims on account of, arising out of or in any way connected with Executive’s employment with the Company or leaving of that employment; (c) any claims alleged or which could have been alleged in any charge or complaint against the Company; (d) any claims relating to the conduct of any Executive, officer, director, agent or other representative of the Company; (e) any claims of discrimination, harassment or retaliation on any basis; (f) any claims arising from any legal restrictions on an employer’s right to separate its Executives; (g) any claims for personal injury, compensatory or punitive damages or other forms of relief; and (h) all other causes of action sounding in contract, tort or other common law basis, including (i) the breach of any alleged oral or written contract, (ii) negligent or intentional misrepresentations, (iii) wrongful discharge, (iv) just cause dismissal, (v) defamation, (vi) interference with contract or business relationship or (vii) negligent or intentional infliction of emotional distress.
|
7.
|
Executive further agrees and covenants not to sue the Company or any entity or individual subject to this Agreement with respect to any claims, demands, liabilities or obligations released by this Agreement provided, however, that nothing contained in this Agreement shall:
|
a.
|
prevent Executive from filing an administrative charge with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission or any other federal state or local agency, or the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (“
SEC
”) Whistleblower unit or participating in investigations by those entities; or
|
b.
|
prevent employee from challenging, under the Older Worker’s Benefit Protection Act (29 U.S.C. § 626), the knowing and voluntary nature of Executive’s release of any age claims in this Agreement in court or before the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.
|
8.
|
Notwithstanding Executive’s right to file an administrative charge with the EEOC, the SEC’s Whistleblower unit, or any other federal, state, or local agency, Executive agrees that with
|
9.
|
The U.S. Defend Trade Secrets Act of 2016 (“
DTSA
”) provides that an individual shall not be held criminally or civilly liable under any federal or state trade secret law for the disclosure of a trade secret that (a) is made in confidence to a federal, state or local government official, either directly or indirectly, or to an attorney, and solely for the purpose of reporting or investigating a suspected violation of law; or (b) is made in a complaint or other document filed in a lawsuit or other proceeding, if such filing is made under seal. In addition, the DTSA provides that an individual who files a lawsuit for retaliation by an employer for reporting a suspected violation of law may disclose the trade secret to the attorney of the individual and use the trade secret information in the court proceeding, if the individual files any document containing the trade secret under seal and does not disclose the trade secret, except pursuant to court order. Accordingly, the Parties have the right to disclose in confidence trade secrets to federal, state, and local government officials, or to an attorney, for the sole purpose of reporting or investigating a suspected violation of law. The parties also have the right to disclose trade secrets in a document filed in a lawsuit or other proceeding, but only if the filing is made under seal and protected from public disclosure.
|
10.
|
Insofar as this Agreement pertains to the release of Executive’s claims, if any, under the ADEA or other civil rights laws, the Parties acknowledge that it is their mutual and specific intent that the above waiver fully complies with the requirements of the OWBPA and any similar law governing release of claims. Accordingly, Executive hereby acknowledges that:
|
a.
|
Executive has carefully read and fully understands all of the provisions of this Agreement and that Executive has entered into this Agreement knowingly and voluntarily;
|
b.
|
The Severance Benefits offered in exchange for Executive’s release of claims exceed in kind and scope that to which Executive would have otherwise been legally entitled absent the execution of this Agreement;
|
c.
|
Prior to signing this Agreement, Executive had been advised, and is being advised by this Agreement, to consult with an attorney of Executive’s choice concerning its terms and conditions; and
|
d.
|
Executive has been offered at least twenty-one (21)
days within which to review and consider this Agreement.
|
11.
|
[ADD THIS LANGUAGE IF THE EMPLOYEE IS IN CALIFORNIA]
Executive specifically acknowledges that, as a condition of this Agreement, Executive expressly releases all rights and claims that Executive knows about as well as those Executive may
|
a.
|
“A general release does not extend to claims which the creditor does not know or suspect to exist in Executive’s favor at the time of executing the release which if known, must have materially affected Executive’s settlement with the debtor.”
|
b.
|
Notwithstanding the provision by Section 1542, and for the purpose of implementing a full and complete release and discharge of the Company as set forth above, Executive expressly acknowledges that this Agreement is intended to include and does in its effect, without limitation, include all claims which Executive does not know or suspect to exist in Executive’s favor at the time of signing this Agreement and that this Agreement expressly contemplates the extinguishment of all such claims.
|
12.
|
The Parties agree that this Agreement shall not become effective and enforceable until the date this Agreement is signed by both Parties or seven (7) calendar days after its execution by Executive, whichever is later. Executive may revoke this Agreement for any reason by providing written notice of such intent to the Company within seven (7) days after Executive has signed this Agreement, thereby forfeiting Executive’s right to receive any Severance Benefits provided hereunder and rendering this Agreement null and void in its entirety.
|
13.
|
Executive affirms that, as of the date of execution of this Agreement, Executive has filed no lawsuit, charge, claim or complaint with any governmental agency or in any court against the Company or the releasees described in Paragraph 5 herein.
|
14.
|
The provisions of Paragraphs 13 (Restrictive Covenants); 15 (Non-Jury Trials); 16 (Choice of Forum); 17 (Choice of Law); and 26 (Tax Matters) of the Employment Agreement are hereby expressly incorporated by reference.
|
15.
|
The Parties agree that nothing contained herein shall purport to waive or otherwise affect any of Executive’s rights or claims that may arise after Executive signs this Agreement. It is further understood by the Parties that nothing in this Agreement shall affect any rights Executive may have under any Company sponsored deferred compensation program, equity award agreement, and/or retirement plan
provided by the Company as of the date of Executive’s termination, such items to be governed exclusively by the terms of the applicable agreements or plan documents.
|
16.
|
Similarly, notwithstanding any provision contained herein to the contrary, this Agreement shall not constitute a waiver or release or otherwise affect Executive’s rights with respect to any vested benefits, any rights Executive has to benefits which cannot be waived by law, any coverage provided under any Directors and Officers (“
D&O
”) policy, any rights Executive may have under any indemnification agreement Executive has with the Company prior to the date hereof, any rights Executive has as a shareholder, or any claim for breach of this Agreement, including, but not limited to the benefits promised by the terms of this Agreement.
|
17.
|
[Option A]
Executive acknowledges that Executive’s termination and the Severance Benefits offered hereunder were based on an individual determination and were not offered in conjunction with any group termination or group severance program and waives any claim to the contrary.
|
18.
|
Executive hereby affirms and acknowledges Executive’s continued obligations to comply with the post-termination covenants contained in Executive’s Employment Agreement, including but not limited to, the non-compete, trade secret and confidentiality provisions. Executive acknowledges that a copy of the Employment Agreement has been provided to Executive and, to the extent not inconsistent with the terms of this Agreement or applicable law, the terms thereof shall be incorporated herein by reference. Executive acknowledges that the restrictions contained therein are valid and reasonable in every respect and are necessary to protect the Company’s legitimate business interests. Executive hereby affirmatively waives any claim or defense to the contrary.
|
19.
|
Executive hereby consents and authorizes the Company to deduct as an offset from the Severance Benefits, so long as the deduction is not taken from nonqualified deferred compensation under the definition of Code Section 409A, the value of any Company property not returned or returned in a damaged condition as well as any monies paid by the Company on Executive’s behalf (e.g., payment of any outstanding credit card).
|
20.
|
Executive agrees to cooperate with the Company in connection with any pending or future litigation, proceeding or other matter which has been or may be brought against or by the Company before any agency, court, or other tribunal and concerning or relating in any way to any matter falling within Executive’s knowledge or former area of responsibility. Executive agrees to immediately notify the Company, through the Office of the General Counsel, in the event Executive is contacted by any outside attorney (including paralegals or other affiliated parties) with regard to matters related to Executive’s employment with the Company unless (i) the Company is represented by the attorney, (ii) Executive is represented by the attorney for the purpose of protecting Executive’s personal interests or (iii) the Company has been advised of and has approved such contact. Executive agrees to provide reasonable assistance and completely truthful testimony in such matters including, without limitation, facilitating and assisting in the preparation of any underlying defense, responding to discovery requests, preparing for and attending deposition(s) as well as appearing in court to provide truthful testimony. The Company agrees to reimburse Executive for all reasonable out of pocket expenses incurred at the request of the Company associated with such assistance and testimony.
|
21.
|
EXECUTIVE SPECIFICALLY AGREES AND UNDERSTANDS THAT THE EXISTENCE AND TERMS OF THIS AGREEMENT ARE STRICTLY CONFIDENTIAL AND THAT SUCH CONFIDENTIALITY IS A MATERIAL TERM OF THIS AGREEMENT
. Accordingly, except as required by law or unless authorized to
|
22.
|
In the event that Executive breaches or threatens to breach any provision of this Agreement or the Employment Agreement, Executive agrees that the Company shall be entitled to seek any and all equitable and legal relief provided by law, specifically including immediate and permanent injunctive relief. Executive hereby waives any claim that the Company has an adequate remedy at law. In addition, and to the extent not prohibited by law, Executive agrees that the Company shall be entitled to discontinue providing any additional Severance Benefits upon such breach. Executive agrees that the foregoing relief shall not be construed to limit or otherwise restrict the Company’s ability to pursue any other remedy provided by law, including the recovery of any actual, compensatory or punitive damages. Moreover, if Executive pursues any claims against the Company subject to the foregoing release provisions of this Agreement, Executive agrees to immediately reimburse the Company for the value of all benefits received under this Agreement to the fullest extent permitted by law.
|
23.
|
Similarly, in the event that the Company breaches or threatens to breach any provision of this Agreement, Executive shall be entitled to seek any and all equitable or other available relief provided by law, specifically including immediate and permanent injunctive relief. In the event Executive is wholly unsuccessful, the Company shall be entitled to an award of its costs and attorneys’ fees.
|
24.
|
Both Parties acknowledge that this Agreement is entered into solely for the purpose of terminating Executive’s employment relationship with the Company on an amicable basis and shall not be construed as an admission of liability or wrongdoing by the Company or Executive, both Parties having expressly denied any such liability or wrongdoing.
|
25.
|
Each of the promises and obligations shall be binding upon and shall inure to the benefit of the heirs, executors, administrators, assigns and successors in interest of each of the Parties.
|
26.
|
Executive hereby represents and warrants that Executive has not previously assigned or purported to assign or transfer to any person or entity any of the claims or causes of action herein released.
|
27.
|
The Parties agree that each and every paragraph, sentence, clause, term and provision of this Agreement is severable and that, if any portion of this Agreement should be deemed
|
28.
|
This Agreement shall be governed by and interpreted in accordance with the laws of the State of Illinois without regard to any applicable state’s choice of law provisions.
|
29.
|
Executive represents and acknowledges that in signing this Agreement Executive does not rely, and has not relied, upon any representation or statement made by the Company or by any of the Company’s Executives, officers, agents, stockholders, directors or attorneys with regard to the subject matter, basis or effect of this Agreement other than those specifically contained herein.
|
30.
|
This Agreement represents the entire agreement between the Parties concerning the subject matter hereof, shall supersede any and all prior agreements which may otherwise exist between them concerning the subject matter hereof (specifically excluding, however, the post-termination obligations contained in an Executive’s Employment Agreement, any obligations contained in an existing and valid indemnity agreement of change in control or any obligation contained in any other legally-binding document), and shall not be altered, amended, modified or otherwise changed except by a writing executed by both Parties.
|
31.
|
This Agreement may be executed in separate counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an original and both of which taken together shall constitute one and the same agreement.
|
[EXECUTIVE]
|
COMPANY NAME
|
Signed: _________________________
Printed: _________________________
Dated: __________________________
|
By: ____________________________
Title: ___________________________
Dated: __________________________
|
(a)
|
“
Annual Base Salary
” means the annualized amount of Executive’s rate of base salary in effect immediately before the Change in Control or immediately before the date of Termination, whichever is greater.
|
(b)
|
“
Cause
” shall have the same meaning set forth in any current employment agreement that the Executive has with the Company or any of its subsidiaries.
|
(c)
|
A “
Change in Control
” shall be deemed to occur on:
|
(i)
|
the date that any person, corporation, partnership, syndicate, trust, estate or other group acting with a view to the acquisition, holding or disposition of securities of the Company, becomes, directly or indirectly, the beneficial owner, as defined in Rule 13d-3 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (“
Beneficial Owner
”), of securities of the Company representing 35% or more of the voting power of all securities of the Company having the right under ordinary circumstances to vote at an election of the Board (“
Voting Securities
”), other than by reason of (A) the acquisition of securities of the Company by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or any employee benefit plan of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, (B) the acquisition of Company securities directly from the Company, or (C) the acquisition of Company securities by one or more members of the Hillenbrand Family (which term shall mean descendants of John A. Hillenbrand and their spouses, trusts primarily for their benefit or entities controlled by them);
|
(ii)
|
the consummation of a merger or consolidation of the Company with another corporation unless:
|
(iii)
|
the date on which a majority of the members of the Board consist of persons other than current directors (which term shall mean any member of the Board on the date hereof and any member whose nomination or election has been approved by a majority of current directors then on the Board);
|
(iv)
|
the consummation of a sale or other disposition of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company; or
|
(v)
|
the date of approval by the shareholders of the Company of a plan of complete liquidation of the Company.
|
(d)
|
“
Code
” means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.
|
(e)
|
“
Good Reason
” means the occurrence, without Executive’s consent, of any of the following acts by the Company, or failures by the Company to act (each a “
Good Reason Condition
”), provided Executive provides written notice to the Company of the occurrence of the Good Reason Condition within ninety (90) business days after the Executive has knowledge of it; the Company fails to notify Executive of the Company’s intended method of correction within thirty (30) business days after the Company receives Executive’s notice, or the Company fails to correct the Good Reason Condition within thirty (30) business days after such Executive notice; and the Executive resigns within sixty (60) business days after the end of the 30-business-day period after Executive’s notice:
|
(i)
|
a material diminution in Executive’s duties, responsibilities, authorities or offices, the assignment to Executive of duties that are materially inconsistent with Executive’s position as President and Chief Executive Officer, or a change by the Company in the Executive’s reporting structure such that the Executive is no longer reporting directly to the Board of Directors or, if the Company is no longer the ultimate parent of the Company and its affiliates, the affiliate of the Company that is the ultimate parent company of the Company and its affiliates;
|
(ii)
|
the failure to elect or reelect Executive as President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company and any other office of the Company that the Executive may hold from time to time (unless such failure is related in any way to the Company’s decision to terminate Executive for cause);
|
(iii)
|
the failure of the Company to continue to provide Executive with office space, related facilities and support personnel (including, but not limited to, administrative and secretarial assistance) within the Company’s principal executive offices commensurate with Executive’s responsibilities to, and position within, the Company;
|
(iv)
|
a reduction by the Company in the amount of Executive’s annual base salary or target bonus percentage or the discontinuation or reduction by the Company of Executive’s participation at previously existing levels in any incentive compensation, additional compensation or equity programs, benefits, policies or perquisites; provided, however, that the Company may make such changes and/or reductions without implicating the provisions of this subsection (iv) so long as such discontinuation or reduction applies to all other senior executives of the Company and the discontinuation or reduction applies at a level that is no less favorable to Executive than that applicable to all other senior executives of the Company;
|
(v)
|
the relocation of the Company’s principal executive offices or Executive’s place of work to a location requiring a change of more than fifty (50) miles in Executive’s daily commute; or
|
(vi)
|
any other action or inaction by the Company that constitutes a material breach of this Agreement.
|
(f)
|
“
Section 409A
” means Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code.
|
(g)
|
“
Short-Term Incentive Compensation
” means the incentive compensation payable solely at the discretion of the Board, pursuant to the Company’s then existing incentive compensation program or any other program as the Company may establish from time to time in its sole discretion.
|
(h)
|
“
Target Bonus
” means the annual target bonus, which will be not less than 100% of the Base Salary earned during such fiscal year.
|
1.
|
Executive and the Company have entered into an amended and restated change in control agreement, which has been provided to Executive, effective as of ____________, 20__ (the “
Change in Control Agreement
”).
|
2.
|
Executive’s employment by the Company has been terminated following a Change in Control (as defined in the Change in Control Agreement). Executive shall terminate employment effective
__________,
20__
(Executive’s “
Effective Termination Date
”). Except as specifically provided by this Agreement, the Change in Control Agreement, or any other non-employment agreement that may exist between the Company and Executive, Executive agrees that the Company shall have no other obligations or liabilities to Executive following Executive’s Effective Termination Date and that Executive’s receipt of the benefits as outlined in the Change in Control Agreement shall constitute a complete settlement, satisfaction and waiver of any and all claims Executive may have against the Company.
|
3.
|
Executive acknowledges that Executive has been advised of the American Jobs Creation Act of 2004, which added Section 409A to the Internal Revenue Code (“
Section 409A
”), and significantly changed the taxation of nonqualified deferred compensation plans and arrangements. Under proposed and final regulations as of the date of this Agreement, Executive has been advised that if Executive is a “key executive” covered by Section 409A or any similar law, Executive’s severance pay may be treated by the Internal Revenue Service as providing “nonqualified deferred compensation,” and therefore subject to Section 409A. In that event, several provisions in Section 409A may affect Executive’s receipt of severance compensation. These include, but are not limited to, a provision which requires that distributions to “specified employees” of public companies on account of separation from service may not be made earlier than six (6) months after the effective date of such separation. If applicable, failure to comply with Section 409A can lead to immediate taxation of deferrals, with interest calculated at a penalty rate and a 20% penalty. As a result of the requirements imposed by the American Jobs Creation Act of 2004, Executive agrees if Executive is a “specified employee” at the time of Executive’s termination of employment and if severance payments are covered as “non-qualified deferred compensation” or otherwise not exempt, the severance pay benefits shall not be paid until a date at least six (6) months after Executive’s Effective Termination Date from Company, as more fully explained in the Change in Control Agreement.
|
4.
|
In consideration of the promises contained in this Agreement and contingent upon Executive’s compliance with such promises, the Company agrees to provide Executive the benefits outlined in the Change in Control Agreement (the “
Severance Benefits
”).
|
5.
|
The Company further agrees to provide Executive with limited out-placement counseling with a company of its choice provided that Executive participates in such counseling immediately following termination of employment. Notwithstanding anything in this Section 5 to the contrary, the out-placement counseling shall not be provided after the last day of the second calendar year following the calendar year in which termination of employment occurs.
|
6.
|
In exchange for the foregoing Severance Benefits, the Executive,
on behalf of
[himself/herself]
, Executive’s heirs, representatives, agents and assigns, any anyone acting or claiming on
[his/her]
or their joint and several behalf, hereby RELEASES, INDEMNIFIES, HOLDS HARMLESS, and FOREVER DISCHARGES (a) Hill-Rom Holdings, Inc., (b) its subsidiary or affiliated entities, (c) all of their present or former directors, officers, employees, shareholders, trustees, and agents, as well as, (d) all predecessors, successors and assigns thereof from any and all actions, charges, claims, demands, damages or liabilities of any kind or character whatsoever, known or unknown, which Executive now has or may have had through the effective date of this Agreement.
|
7.
|
Without limiting the generality of the foregoing release, it shall include: (a) all claims or potential claims arising under any federal, state or local employment law or statute, including, but not limited to, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act(s) of 1964 and 1991, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA), the Older Workers Benefit Protection Act (OWBPA), the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act (WARN), the Fair Labor Standards Act 29 U.S.C. §§ 201
et
seq.
, the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, specifically including the Corporate and Criminal Fraud Accountability Act, 18 U.S.C. §1514,A
et
seq.
, or the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA), the Illinois Human Rights Act, as amended, applicable state civil rights law(s), or applicable state employment law(s); (b) any claims on account of, arising out of or in any way connected with Executive’s employment with the Company or leaving of that employment; (c) any claims alleged or which could have been alleged in any charge or complaint against the Company; (d) any claims relating to the conduct of any Executive, officer, director, agent or other representative of the Company; (e) any claims of discrimination, harassment or retaliation on any basis; (f) any claims arising from any legal restrictions on an employer’s right to separate its Executives; (g) any claims for personal injury, compensatory or punitive damages or other forms of relief; and (h) all other causes of action sounding in contract, tort or other common law basis, including (i) the breach of any alleged oral or written contract, (ii) negligent or intentional misrepresentations, (iii) wrongful discharge, (iv) just cause dismissal, (v) defamation, (vi) interference with contract or business relationship or (vii) negligent or intentional infliction of emotional distress.
|
8.
|
Executive further agrees and covenants not to sue the Company or any entity or individual subject to this Agreement with respect to any claims, demands, liabilities or obligations released by this Agreement provided, however, that nothing contained in this Agreement shall:
|
(a)
|
prevent Executive from filing an administrative charge with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission or any other federal state or local agency, or the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (“
SEC
”) Whistleblower unit or participating in investigations by those entities; or
|
(b)
|
prevent employee from challenging, under OWBPA, the knowing and voluntary nature of Executive’s release of any age claims in this Agreement in court or before the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.
[INCLUDE THIS SUBSECTION 8(b) IF EMPLOYEE IS AGE 40 OR OLDER]
|
9.
|
Notwithstanding Executive’s right to file an administrative charge with the EEOC, the SEC’s Whistleblower unit, or any other federal, state, or local agency, Executive agrees that with Executive’s release of claims in this Agreement, Executive has waived any right Executive may have to recover monetary or other personal relief in any proceeding based in whole or in part on claims released by Executive in this Agreement. For example, Executive waives any right to monetary damages or reinstatement if an administrative charge is brought against the Company whether by Executive, the EEOC, or any other person or entity, including but not limited to any federal, state, or local agency. Further, with Executive’s release of claims in this Agreement, Executive specifically assigns to the Company Executive’s right to any recovery arising from any such proceeding.
|
10.
|
The U.S. Defend Trade Secrets Act of 2016 (“
DTSA
”) provides that an individual shall not be held criminally or civilly liable under any federal or state trade secret law for the disclosure of a trade secret that (a) is made in confidence to a federal, state or local government official, either directly or indirectly, or to an attorney, and solely for the purpose of reporting or investigating a suspected violation of law; or (b) is made in a complaint or other document filed in a lawsuit or other proceeding, if such filing is made under seal. In addition, the DTSA provides that an individual who files a lawsuit for retaliation by an employer for reporting a suspected violation of law may disclose the trade secret to the attorney of the individual and use the trade secret information in the court proceeding, if the individual files any document containing the trade secret under seal and does not disclose the trade secret, except pursuant to court order. Accordingly, the Parties have the right to disclose in confidence trade secrets to federal, state, and local government officials, or to an attorney, for the sole purpose of reporting or investigating a suspected violation of law. The Parties also have the right to disclose trade secrets in a document filed in a lawsuit or other proceeding, but only if the filing is made under seal and protected from public disclosure.
|
11.
|
[INCLUDE THIS LANGUAGE IF THE EMPLOYEE IS AGE 40 OR OLDER
]
Insofar as this Agreement pertains to the release of Executive’s claims, if any, under
|
(a)
|
Executive has carefully read and fully understands all of the provisions of this Agreement and that Executive has entered into this Agreement knowingly and voluntarily;
|
(b)
|
The Severance Benefits offered in exchange for Executive’s release of claims exceed in kind and scope that to which Executive would have otherwise been legally entitled absent the execution of this Agreement;
|
(c)
|
Prior to signing this Agreement, Executive had been advised, and is being advised by this Agreement, to consult with an attorney of Executive’s choice concerning its terms and conditions; and
|
(d)
|
Executive has been offered at least twenty-one (21) days within which to review and consider this Agreement.
|
12.
|
[ADD THIS LANGUAGE IF THE EMPLOYEE IS AGE 40 OR OLDER]
The Parties agree that this Agreement shall not become effective and enforceable until the date this Agreement is signed by both Parties or seven (7) calendar days after its execution by Executive, whichever is later. Executive may revoke this Agreement for any reason by providing written notice of such intent to the Company within seven (7) days after Executive has signed this Agreement, thereby forfeiting Executive’s right to receive any Severance Benefits provided hereunder and rendering this Agreement null and void in its entirety. This revocation must be sent to the Executive’s HR representative with a copy sent to the Hill-Rom Office of Chief Legal Officer and must be received by the end of the seventh day after the Executive signs this Agreement to be effective.
|
13.
|
[ADD THIS LANGUAGE IF THE EMPLOYEE IS IN CALIFORNIA]
Executive specifically acknowledges that, as a condition of this Agreement, Executive expressly releases all rights and claims that Executive knows about as well as those Executive may not know about. Executive expressly waives all rights under Section 1542 of the Civil Code of the State of California, which reads as follows:
|
14.
|
The Parties agree that nothing contained herein shall purport to waive or otherwise affect any of Executive’s rights or claims that may arise after Executive signs this Agreement. It is further understood by the Parties that nothing in this Agreement shall affect any rights Executive may have under any deferred compensation program, equity award agreement, and/or retirement plan provided by the Company as of the date of Executive’s termination, such items to be governed exclusively by the terms of the applicable agreements or plan documents.
|
15.
|
Similarly, notwithstanding any provision contained herein to the contrary, this Agreement shall not constitute a waiver or release or otherwise affect Executive’s rights with respect to any vested benefits, any rights Executive has to benefits which cannot be waived by law, any coverage provided under any Directors and Officers (“
D&O
”) policy, any rights Executive may have under any indemnification agreement Executive has with the Company prior to the date hereof, any rights Executive has as a shareholder, or any claim for breach of this Agreement, including, but not limited to the benefits promised by the terms of this Agreement.
|
16.
|
Except as provided in the Change in Control Agreement, Executive acknowledges that Executive will not be eligible to receive or vest in any additional stock options, stock awards or restricted stock units (“
RSUs
”) as of Executive’s Effective Termination Date. Failure to exercise any vested options within the applicable period as set for in the plan and/or grant will result in their forfeiture. Executive acknowledges that any stock options, stock awards or RSUs held for less than the required period shall be deemed forfeited as of the effective date of this Agreement. All terms and conditions of such stock options, stock awards or RSUs shall not be affected by this Agreement, shall remain in full force and effect, and shall govern the Parties’ rights with respect to such equity based awards.
|
17.
|
[Option A]
Executive acknowledges that Executive’s termination and the Severance Benefits offered hereunder were based on an individual determination and were not offered in conjunction with any group termination or group severance program and waives any claim to the contrary.
|
18.
|
Executive hereby affirms and acknowledges Executive’s continued obligations to comply with the post-termination covenants contained in the employment agreement between the Parties, including but not limited to, the non-compete, trade secret and confidentiality provisions. Executive acknowledges that a copy of such employment
|
19.
|
Executive hereby consents and authorizes the Company to deduct as an offset from the Severance Benefits the value of any Company property not returned or returned in a damaged condition as well as any monies paid by the Company on Executive’s behalf (e.g., payment of any outstanding credit card)
to
the extent permitted by Section 409A.
|
20.
|
Executives acknowledges and agrees that the provisions of
[Paragraph 13
(Restrictive Covenants)]
of that certain employment agreement by and between Executive and the Company, dated as of [___________, 20___], are specifically incorporated herein by reference and shall survive in accordance with their terms;
provided however, for purposes of applying such paragraph, the term “Relevant Non-Compete Period” shall be reduced to twelve (12) months.
|
21.
|
EXECUTIVE SPECIFICALLY AGREES AND UNDERSTANDS THAT THE EXISTENCE AND TERMS OF THIS AGREEMENT ARE STRICTLY CONFIDENTIAL AND THAT SUCH CONFIDENTIALITY IS A MATERIAL TERM OF THIS AGREEMENT.
Accordingly, except as required by law or unless authorized to do so by the Company in writing, Executive agrees that Executive shall not communicate, display or otherwise reveal any of the contents of this Agreement to anyone other than Executive’s spouse, legal counsel or financial advisor provided, however, that they are first advised of the confidential nature of this Agreement and Executive obtains their agreement to be bound by the same. The Company agrees that Executive may respond to legitimate inquiries regarding the termination of Executive’s employment by stating that the Parties have terminated their relationship on an amicable basis and that the Parties have entered into a confidential release agreement that prohibits Executive’s from further discussing the specifics of Executive’s separation. Nothing contained herein shall be construed to prevent Executive from discussing or otherwise advising subsequent employers of the existence of any obligations as set forth in Executive’s Employment Agreement. Further, nothing contained herein shall be construed to limit or otherwise restrict the Company’s ability to disclose the terms and conditions of this Agreement as may be required by business necessity.
|
22.
|
In the event that Executive breaches or threatens to breach any provision of this Agreement, Executive agrees that the Company shall be entitled to seek any and all equitable and legal relief provided by law, specifically including immediate and permanent injunctive relief. Executive hereby waives any claim that the Company
|
23.
|
Similarly, in the event that the Company breaches or threatens to breach any provision of this Agreement, Executive shall be entitled to seek any and all equitable or other available relief provided by law, specifically including immediate and permanent injunctive relief. In the event Executive is required to file suit to enforce the terms of this Agreement, the Company agrees that Executive shall be entitled to an award of all costs and attorneys’ fees incurred by Executive’s in any wholly successful effort (i.e. entry of a judgment in Executive’s favor) to enforce the terms of this Agreement.
|
24.
|
Both Parties acknowledge that this Agreement is entered into solely for the purpose of terminating Executive’s employment relationship with the Company on an amicable basis and shall not be construed as an admission of liability or wrongdoing by the Company or Executive, both Parties having expressly denied any such liability or wrongdoing.
|
25.
|
Each of the promises and obligations shall be binding upon and shall inure to the benefit of the heirs, executors, administrators, assigns and successors in interest of each of the Parties.
|
26.
|
Executive affirms that, as of the date of execution of this Agreement, Executive has filed no lawsuit, charge, claim or complaint with any governmental agency or in any court against the Company or the releasees described in Section 6.
|
27.
|
Executive hereby represents and warrants that Executive has not previously assigned or purported to assign or transfer to any person or entity any of the claims or causes of action herein released.
|
28.
|
The Parties agree that each and every paragraph, sentence, clause, term and provision of this Agreement is severable and that, if any portion of this Agreement should be deemed not enforceable for any reason, such portion shall be stricken and the remaining portion or portions thereof should continue to be enforced to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law.
|
29.
|
This Agreement shall be governed by and interpreted in accordance with the laws of the State of Illinois without regard to any applicable state’s choice of law provisions.
|
30.
|
Executive represents and acknowledges that in signing this Agreement Executive does not rely, and has not relied, upon any representation or statement made by the Company or by any of the Company’s Executives, officers, agents, stockholders, directors or attorneys with regard to the subject matter, basis or effect of this Agreement other than those specifically contained herein.
|
31.
|
This Agreement represents the entire agreement between the Parties concerning the subject matter hereof, shall supersede any and all prior agreements which may otherwise exist between them concerning the subject matter hereof (specifically excluding, however, the post-termination obligations contained in Executive’s Employment Agreement), and shall not be altered, amended, modified or otherwise changed except by a writing executed by both Parties.
|
32.
|
This Agreement may be executed in separate counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an original and both of which taken together shall constitute one and the same agreement.
|
[EXECUTIVE]
|
|
Hill-Rom Holdings, Inc.
|
||
Signed:
|
__________________________
|
|
By:
|
_________________________
|
Printed:
|
__________________________
|
|
Title:
|
_________________________
|
Dated:
|
__________________________
|
|
Dated:
|
_________________________
|
•
|
Getinge Group
|
•
|
Arjo Huntleigh (Getinge Spin-Off)
|
•
|
Heine Optotechnik
|
•
|
Linet
|
•
|
Midmark
|
•
|
Mindray
|
•
|
Mizhuo/OSI
|
•
|
Omron Healthcare
|
•
|
Paramount Bed Company, Ltd.
|
•
|
Riester
|
•
|
Schiller
|
•
|
Skytron
|
•
|
Steris Corporation
|
•
|
Stryker Corporation
|
•
|
Vocera
|
(a)
|
“
Annual Base Salary
” means the annualized amount of Executive’s rate of base salary in effect immediately before the Change in Control or immediately before the date of Termination, whichever is greater.
|
(b)
|
“
Cause
” shall have the same meaning set forth in any current employment agreement that the Executive has with the Company or any of its subsidiaries.
|
(c)
|
A “
Change in Control
” shall be deemed to occur on:
|
(i)
|
the date that any person, corporation, partnership, syndicate, trust, estate or other group acting with a view to the acquisition, holding or disposition of securities of the Company, becomes, directly or indirectly, the beneficial owner, as defined in Rule 13d-3 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (“
Beneficial Owner
”), of securities of the Company representing 35% or more of the voting power of all securities of the Company having the right under ordinary circumstances to vote at an election of the Board (“
Voting Securities
”), other than by reason of (A) the acquisition of securities
|
(ii)
|
the consummation of a merger or consolidation of the Company with another corporation unless:
|
(iii)
|
the date on which a majority of the members of the Board consist of persons other than current directors (which term shall mean any member of the Board on the date hereof and any member whose nomination or election has been approved by a majority of current directors then on the Board);
|
(iv)
|
the consummation of a sale or other disposition of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company; or
|
(v)
|
the date of approval by the shareholders of the Company of a plan of complete liquidation of the Company.
|
(d)
|
“
Code
” means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.
|
(e)
|
“
Good Reason
” means the occurrence, without Executive’s consent, of any of the following acts by the Company, or failures by the Company to act (each a “
Good Reason Condition
”), provided Executive provides written notice to the Company of the occurrence of the Good Reason Condition within ninety (90) business days after the Executive has knowledge of it; the Company fails to notify Executive of the Company’s intended method of correction within thirty (30) business days after the Company receives Executive’s notice, or the Company fails to correct the Good Reason Condition within thirty (30) business days after such Executive notice; and the Executive resigns within sixty (60) business days after the end of the 30-business-day period after Executive’s notice:
|
(i)
|
a material diminution in Executive’s duties;
|
(ii)
|
the failure to elect or reelect Executive as ________________ of the Company (unless such failure is related in any way to the Company’s decision to terminate Executive for cause);
|
(iii)
|
the failure of the Company to continue to provide Executive with office space, related facilities and support personnel (including, but not limited to, administrative and secretarial assistance) within the Company’s principal executive offices commensurate with Executive’s responsibilities to, and position within, the Company;
|
(iv)
|
a material reduction by the Company in the amount of Executive’s Annual Base Salary or the discontinuation or material reduction by the Company of Executive’s participation at the same level of eligibility as compared to other peer employees in any incentive compensation, additional compensation, benefits, policies or perquisites subject to Executive understanding that such reduction(s) shall be permissible if the change applies in a similar way to other peer level employees;
|
(v)
|
the relocation of the Company’s principal executive offices or Executive’s place of work to a location requiring a change of more than fifty (50) miles in Executive’s daily commute; or
|
(vi)
|
any other action or inaction by the Company that constitutes a material breach of this Agreement.
|
(f)
|
“
Section 409A
” means Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code.
|
(g)
|
“
Short-Term Incentive Compensation
” means the incentive compensation payable solely at the discretion of the Board, pursuant to the Company’s then existing incentive compensation program or any other program as the Company may establish from time to time in its sole discretion.
|
(h)
|
“
Target Bonus
” means the annual target bonus, which will be not less than __%
Executive’s “Target Bonus” percentage is set forth in Executive’s Employment Agreement.
of the Base Salary earned during such fiscal year.
|
1.
|
Executive and the Company have entered into an amended and restated change in control agreement, which has been provided to Executive, effective as of ____________, 20__ (the “
Change in Control Agreement
”).
|
2.
|
Executive’s employment by the Company has been terminated following a Change in Control (as defined in the Change in Control Agreement). Executive shall terminate employment effective
__________,
20__
(Executive’s “
Effective Termination Date
”). Except as specifically provided by this Agreement, the Change in Control Agreement, or any other non-employment agreement that may exist between the Company and Executive, Executive agrees that the Company shall have no other obligations or liabilities to Executive following Executive’s Effective Termination Date and that Executive’s receipt of the benefits as outlined in the Change in Control Agreement shall constitute a complete settlement, satisfaction and waiver of any and all claims Executive may have against the Company.
|
3.
|
Executive acknowledges that Executive has been advised of the American Jobs Creation Act of 2004, which added Section 409A to the Internal Revenue Code (“
Section 409A
”), and significantly changed the taxation of nonqualified deferred compensation plans and arrangements. Under proposed and final regulations as of the date of this Agreement, Executive has been advised that if Executive is a “key executive” covered by Section 409A or any similar law, Executive’s severance pay may be treated by the Internal Revenue Service as providing “nonqualified deferred compensation,” and therefore subject to Section 409A. In that event, several provisions in Section 409A may affect Executive’s receipt of severance compensation. These include, but are not limited to, a provision which requires that distributions to “specified employees” of public companies on account of separation from service may not be made earlier than six (6) months after the effective date of such separation. If applicable, failure to comply with Section 409A can lead to immediate taxation of deferrals, with interest calculated at a penalty rate and a 20% penalty. As a result of the requirements imposed by the American Jobs Creation Act of 2004, Executive agrees if Executive is a “specified employee” at the time of Executive’s termination of employment and if severance payments are covered as “non-qualified deferred compensation” or otherwise not exempt, the severance pay benefits shall not be paid until a date at least six (6) months after Executive’s Effective Termination Date from Company, as more fully explained in the Change in Control Agreement.
|
4.
|
In consideration of the promises contained in this Agreement and contingent upon Executive’s compliance with such promises, the Company agrees to provide Executive the benefits outlined in the Change in Control Agreement (the “
Severance Benefits
”).
|
5.
|
The Company further agrees to provide Executive with limited out-placement counseling with a company of its choice provided that Executive participates in such counseling immediately following termination of employment. Notwithstanding anything in this Section 5 to the contrary, the out-placement counseling shall not be provided after the last day of the second calendar year following the calendar year in which termination of employment occurs.
|
6.
|
In exchange for the foregoing Severance Benefits, the Executive,
on behalf of
[himself/herself]
, Executive’s heirs, representatives, agents and assigns, any anyone acting or claiming on
[his/her]
or their joint and several behalf, hereby RELEASES, INDEMNIFIES, HOLDS HARMLESS, and FOREVER DISCHARGES (a) Hill-Rom Holdings, Inc., (b) its subsidiary or affiliated entities, (c) all of their present or former directors, officers, employees, shareholders, trustees, and agents, as well as, (d) all predecessors, successors and assigns thereof from any and all actions, charges, claims, demands, damages or liabilities of any kind or character whatsoever, known or unknown, which Executive now has or may have had through the effective date of this Agreement.
|
7.
|
Without limiting the generality of the foregoing release, it shall include: (a) all claims or potential claims arising under any federal, state or local employment law or statute, including, but not limited to, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act(s) of 1964 and 1991, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA), the Older Workers Benefit Protection Act (OWBPA), the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act (WARN), the Fair Labor Standards Act 29 U.S.C. §§ 201
et
seq.
, the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, specifically including the Corporate and Criminal Fraud Accountability Act, 18 U.S.C. §1514,A
et
seq.
, or the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA), the Illinois Human Rights Act, as amended, applicable state civil rights law(s), or applicable state employment law(s); (b) any claims on account of, arising out of or in any way connected with Executive’s employment with the Company or leaving of that employment; (c) any claims alleged or which could have been alleged in any charge or complaint against the Company; (d) any claims relating to the conduct of any Executive, officer, director, agent or other representative of the Company; (e) any claims of discrimination, harassment or retaliation on any basis; (f) any claims arising from any legal restrictions on an employer’s right to separate its Executives; (g) any claims for personal injury, compensatory or punitive damages or other forms of relief; and (h) all other causes of action sounding in contract, tort or other common law basis, including (i) the breach of any alleged oral or written contract, (ii) negligent or intentional misrepresentations, (iii) wrongful discharge, (iv) just cause dismissal, (v) defamation, (vi) interference with contract or business relationship or (vii) negligent or intentional infliction of emotional distress.
|
8.
|
Executive further agrees and covenants not to sue the Company or any entity or individual subject to this Agreement with respect to any claims, demands, liabilities or obligations released by this Agreement provided, however, that nothing contained in this Agreement shall:
|
(a)
|
prevent Executive from filing an administrative charge with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission or any other federal state or local agency, or the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (“
SEC
”) Whistleblower unit or participating in investigations by those entities; or
|
(b)
|
prevent employee from challenging, under OWBPA, the knowing and voluntary nature of Executive’s release of any age claims in this Agreement in court or before the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.
[INCLUDE THIS SUBSECTION 8(b) IF EMPLOYEE IS AGE 40 OR OLDER]
|
9.
|
Notwithstanding Executive’s right to file an administrative charge with the EEOC, the SEC’s Whistleblower unit, or any other federal, state, or local agency, Executive agrees that with Executive’s release of claims in this Agreement, Executive has waived any right Executive may have to recover monetary or other personal relief in any proceeding based in whole or in part on claims released by Executive in this Agreement. For example, Executive waives any right to monetary damages or reinstatement if an administrative charge is brought against the Company whether by Executive, the EEOC, or any other person or entity, including but not limited to any federal, state, or local agency. Further, with Executive’s release of claims in this Agreement, Executive specifically assigns to the Company Executive’s right to any recovery arising from any such proceeding.
|
10.
|
The U.S. Defend Trade Secrets Act of 2016 (“
DTSA
”) provides that an individual shall not be held criminally or civilly liable under any federal or state trade secret law for the disclosure of a trade secret that (a) is made in confidence to a federal, state or local government official, either directly or indirectly, or to an attorney, and solely for the purpose of reporting or investigating a suspected violation of law; or (b) is made in a complaint or other document filed in a lawsuit or other proceeding, if such filing is made under seal. In addition, the DTSA provides that an individual who files a lawsuit for retaliation by an employer for reporting a suspected violation of law may disclose the trade secret to the attorney of the individual and use the trade secret information in the court proceeding, if the individual files any document containing the trade secret under seal and does not disclose the trade secret, except pursuant to court order. Accordingly, the Parties have the right to disclose in confidence trade secrets to federal, state, and local government officials, or to an attorney, for the sole purpose of reporting or investigating a suspected violation of law. The Parties also have the right to disclose trade secrets in a document filed in a lawsuit or other proceeding, but only if the filing is made under seal and protected from public disclosure.
|
11.
|
[INCLUDE THIS LANGUAGE IF THE EMPLOYEE IS AGE 40 OR OLDER
]
Insofar as this Agreement pertains to the release of Executive’s claims, if any, under
|
(c)
|
Executive has carefully read and fully understands all of the provisions of this Agreement and that Executive has entered into this Agreement knowingly and voluntarily;
|
(d)
|
The Severance Benefits offered in exchange for Executive’s release of claims exceed in kind and scope that to which Executive would have otherwise been legally entitled absent the execution of this Agreement;
|
(e)
|
Prior to signing this Agreement, Executive had been advised, and is being advised by this Agreement, to consult with an attorney of Executive’s choice concerning its terms and conditions; and
|
(f)
|
Executive has been offered at least twenty-one (21) days within which to review and consider this Agreement.
|
12.
|
[ADD THIS LANGUAGE IF THE EMPLOYEE IS AGE 40 OR OLDER]
The Parties agree that this Agreement shall not become effective and enforceable until the date this Agreement is signed by both Parties or seven (7) calendar days after its execution by Executive, whichever is later. Executive may revoke this Agreement for any reason by providing written notice of such intent to the Company within seven (7) days after Executive has signed this Agreement, thereby forfeiting Executive’s right to receive any Severance Benefits provided hereunder and rendering this Agreement null and void in its entirety. This revocation must be sent to the Executive’s HR representative with a copy sent to the Hill-Rom Office of Chief Legal Officer and must be received by the end of the seventh day after the Executive signs this Agreement to be effective.
|
13.
|
[ADD THIS LANGUAGE IF THE EMPLOYEE IS IN CALIFORNIA]
Executive specifically acknowledges that, as a condition of this Agreement, Executive expressly releases all rights and claims that Executive knows about as well as those Executive may not know about. Executive expressly waives all rights under Section 1542 of the Civil Code of the State of California, which reads as follows:
|
14.
|
The Parties agree that nothing contained herein shall purport to waive or otherwise affect any of Executive’s rights or claims that may arise after Executive signs this Agreement. It is further understood by the Parties that nothing in this Agreement shall affect any rights Executive may have under any deferred compensation program, equity award agreement, and/or retirement plan provided by the Company as of the date of Executive’s termination, such items to be governed exclusively by the terms of the applicable agreements or plan documents.
|
15.
|
Similarly, notwithstanding any provision contained herein to the contrary, this Agreement shall not constitute a waiver or release or otherwise affect Executive’s rights with respect to any vested benefits, any rights Executive has to benefits which cannot be waived by law, any coverage provided under any Directors and Officers (“
D&O
”) policy, any rights Executive may have under any indemnification agreement Executive has with the Company prior to the date hereof, any rights Executive has as a shareholder, or any claim for breach of this Agreement, including, but not limited to the benefits promised by the terms of this Agreement.
|
16.
|
Except as provided in the Change in Control Agreement, Executive acknowledges that Executive will not be eligible to receive or vest in any additional stock options, stock awards or restricted stock units (“
RSUs
”) as of Executive’s Effective Termination Date. Failure to exercise any vested options within the applicable period as set for in the plan and/or grant will result in their forfeiture. Executive acknowledges that any stock options, stock awards or RSUs held for less than the required period shall be deemed forfeited as of the effective date of this Agreement. All terms and conditions of such stock options, stock awards or RSUs shall not be affected by this Agreement, shall remain in full force and effect, and shall govern the Parties’ rights with respect to such equity based awards.
|
17.
|
[Option A]
Executive acknowledges that Executive’s termination and the Severance Benefits offered hereunder were based on an individual determination and were not offered in conjunction with any group termination or group severance program and waives any claim to the contrary.
|
18.
|
Executive hereby affirms and acknowledges Executive’s continued obligations to comply with the post-termination covenants contained in the employment agreement between the Parties, including but not limited to, the non-compete, trade secret and confidentiality provisions. Executive acknowledges that a copy of such employment
|
19.
|
Executive hereby consents and authorizes the Company to deduct as an offset from the Severance Benefits the value of any Company property not returned or returned in a damaged condition as well as any monies paid by the Company on Executive’s behalf (e.g., payment of any outstanding credit card)
to
the extent permitted by Section 409A.
|
20.
|
Executives acknowledges and agrees that the provisions of
[Paragraph 13
(Restrictive Covenants)]
of that certain employment agreement by and between Executive and the Company, dated as of [___________, 20___], are specifically incorporated herein by reference and shall survive in accordance with their terms.
|
21.
|
EXECUTIVE SPECIFICALLY AGREES AND UNDERSTANDS THAT THE EXISTENCE AND TERMS OF THIS AGREEMENT ARE STRICTLY CONFIDENTIAL AND THAT SUCH CONFIDENTIALITY IS A MATERIAL TERM OF THIS AGREEMENT.
Accordingly, except as required by law or unless authorized to do so by the Company in writing, Executive agrees that Executive shall not communicate, display or otherwise reveal any of the contents of this Agreement to anyone other than Executive’s spouse, legal counsel or financial advisor provided, however, that they are first advised of the confidential nature of this Agreement and Executive obtains their agreement to be bound by the same. The Company agrees that Executive may respond to legitimate inquiries regarding the termination of Executive’s employment by stating that the Parties have terminated their relationship on an amicable basis and that the Parties have entered into a confidential release agreement that prohibits Executive’s from further discussing the specifics of Executive’s separation. Nothing contained herein shall be construed to prevent Executive from discussing or otherwise advising subsequent employers of the existence of any obligations as set forth in Executive’s Employment Agreement. Further, nothing contained herein shall be construed to limit or otherwise restrict the Company’s ability to disclose the terms and conditions of this Agreement as may be required by business necessity.
|
22.
|
In the event that Executive breaches or threatens to breach any provision of this Agreement, Executive agrees that the Company shall be entitled to seek any and all equitable and legal relief provided by law, specifically including immediate and permanent injunctive relief. Executive hereby waives any claim that the Company has an adequate remedy at law. In addition, and to the extent not prohibited by law, Executive agrees that the Company shall be entitled to discontinue providing any
|
23.
|
Similarly, in the event that the Company breaches or threatens to breach any provision of this Agreement, Executive shall be entitled to seek any and all equitable or other available relief provided by law, specifically including immediate and permanent injunctive relief. In the event Executive is required to file suit to enforce the terms of this Agreement, the Company agrees that Executive shall be entitled to an award of all costs and attorneys’ fees incurred by Executive’s in any wholly successful effort (i.e. entry of a judgment in Executive’s favor) to enforce the terms of this Agreement. In the event Executive is wholly unsuccessful, the Company shall be entitled to an award of its costs and attorneys’ fees.
|
24.
|
Both Parties acknowledge that this Agreement is entered into solely for the purpose of terminating Executive’s employment relationship with the Company on an amicable basis and shall not be construed as an admission of liability or wrongdoing by the Company or Executive, both Parties having expressly denied any such liability or wrongdoing.
|
25.
|
Each of the promises and obligations shall be binding upon and shall inure to the benefit of the heirs, executors, administrators, assigns and successors in interest of each of the Parties.
|
26.
|
Executive affirms that, as of the date of execution of this Agreement, Executive has filed no lawsuit, charge, claim or complaint with any governmental agency or in any court against the Company or the releasees described in Section 6.
|
27.
|
Executive hereby represents and warrants that Executive has not previously assigned or purported to assign or transfer to any person or entity any of the claims or causes of action herein released.
|
28.
|
The Parties agree that each and every paragraph, sentence, clause, term and provision of this Agreement is severable and that, if any portion of this Agreement should be deemed not enforceable for any reason, such portion shall be stricken and the remaining portion or portions thereof should continue to be enforced to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law.
|
29.
|
This Agreement shall be governed by and interpreted in accordance with the laws of the State of Illinois without regard to any applicable state’s choice of law provisions.
|
30.
|
Executive represents and acknowledges that in signing this Agreement Executive does not rely, and has not relied, upon any representation or statement made by the Company or by any of the Company’s Executives, officers, agents, stockholders, directors or attorneys with regard to the subject matter, basis or effect of this Agreement other than those specifically contained herein.
|
31.
|
This Agreement represents the entire agreement between the Parties concerning the subject matter hereof, shall supersede any and all prior agreements which may otherwise exist between them concerning the subject matter hereof (specifically excluding, however, the post-termination obligations contained in Executive’s Employment Agreement), and shall not be altered, amended, modified or otherwise changed except by a writing executed by both Parties.
|
32.
|
This Agreement may be executed in separate counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an original and both of which taken together shall constitute one and the same agreement.
|
[EXECUTIVE]
|
|
Hill-Rom Holdings, Inc.
|
||
Signed:
|
__________________________
|
|
By:
|
_________________________
|
Printed:
|
__________________________
|
|
Title:
|
_________________________
|
Dated:
|
__________________________
|
|
Dated:
|
_________________________
|
•
|
Getinge Group
|
•
|
Arjo Huntleigh (Getinge Spin-Off)
|
•
|
Heine Optotechnik
|
•
|
Linet
|
•
|
Midmark
|
•
|
Mindray
|
•
|
Mizhuo/OSI
|
•
|
Omron Healthcare
|
•
|
Paramount Bed Company, Ltd.
|
•
|
Riester
|
•
|
Schiller
|
•
|
Skytron
|
•
|
Steris Corporation
|
•
|
Stryker Corporation
|
•
|
Vocera
|
1.
|
Employment
.
|
(a)
|
Continuing on the date hereof and ending as provided in Paragraph 9 herein, the Executive agrees to continue to serve as Senior Vice President, Corporate Development & Strategy for the Company, reporting to the Chief Executive Officer of the Company (the “
CEO
”). Executive agrees to perform all duties and responsibilities traditionally assigned to, or falling within the normal responsibilities of, an individual employed as Senior Vice President, Corporate Development & Strategy of the Company. Executive also agrees to perform any and all additional duties or responsibilities consistent with such position as may be assigned by the Board of Directors of the Company (the “
Board
”) or the CEO in its or his or her sole discretion.
|
(b)
|
The Company agrees to continue to employ the Executive pursuant to the terms of this Agreement, and the Executive agrees to continue be so employed, for a term of one (1) year (the “
Initial Term
”) commencing as of the date hereof. On the first anniversary of the date hereof and, after the Initial Term, on such first anniversary and each annual anniversary of such date thereafter, the term of this Agreement shall be automatically extended for successive one-year periods, provided, however, that either party hereto may elect not to extend this Agreement by giving written notice to the other party at least one hundred and eighty (180) days prior to any such anniversary date. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Executive’s employment hereunder may be earlier terminated in accordance with Section 9 hereof. The period of time between the date hereof and the termination of the Executive’s employment hereunder shall be referred to herein as the “
Employment Term
.”
|
2.
|
Efforts and Duty of Loyalty
. During the Employment Term, Executive covenants and agrees to exercise reasonable efforts to perform all assigned duties in a diligent and professional manner and in the best interest of the Company. Executive agrees to devote Executive’s full working time, attention, talents, skills and efforts to further the Company’s business interests. Executive agrees not to engage in any outside business activity, whether or not pursued for gain, profit or other pecuniary advantage, without the express written consent of the Company. Executive shall act at all times in accordance with the Company’s code of ethical business conduct, and all other applicable policies which may exist or be adopted by the Company from time to time. The Executive may serve on other boards of directors as long as such service shall not interfere with the proper performance of Executive’s duties and obligations hereunder consistent with the Company’s Corporate Governance Standards for Board of Directors and applicable laws, with the prior consent of the Company.
|
3.
|
At-Will Employment
. Subject to the terms and conditions of the severance opportunity set forth below, Executive specifically acknowledges and accepts such employment on an “at-will” basis and agrees that both Executive and the Company retain the right to terminate this relationship at any time, with or without cause, for any reason not prohibited by applicable law upon notice as required by this Agreement.
|
4.
|
Compensation
. For all services rendered by Executive on behalf of, or at the request of, the Company, in Executive’s capacity as Senior Vice President, Corporate Development &
|
(a)
|
Base Salary
. For the services performed by Executive under this Agreement, the Company shall pay Executive a base salary of Four Hundred Forty-Two Thousand Dollars ($442,000) per year (“
Base Salary
”). The Base Salary shall be paid in the same increments as the Company’s normal payroll, but no less frequently than monthly, and prorated for any partial year of service during the Employment Term. Executive’s Base Salary shall be reviewed at least annually.
|
(b)
|
Bonus
. The Executive shall participate in any short-term incentive compensation program as may be in effect from time to time, as determined solely at the discretion of the Board, or any other bonus program as the Company may establish from time to time in its sole discretion. For each fiscal year, the annual performance bonus target will be not less than 60% of Base Salary earned during such fiscal year (the “
Target Bonus
”). The Target Bonus will be based upon the performance measures and objectives established by the Board from time to time, but ultimately subject to the Compensation and Management Development Committee’s (“
Committee
”) discretion. The minimum annual performance bonus will be 0% of the Target Bonus and the maximum annual performance bonus will be 200% of the Target Bonus. Any bonus earned shall be paid no later than March 15th of the calendar year following the calendar year in which the applicable fiscal year ended, subject to the Executive remaining continuously employed with the Company through the date that such bonus is paid, except as otherwise expressly provided hereunder.
|
(c)
|
Equity Awards
. The Executive shall be eligible to receive equity and other long-term incentive awards under the equity-based incentive compensation plans adopted by the Company during the Employment Term for which employees are generally eligible. The level of the Executive’s participation in any such plan, if any, shall be determined in the sole discretion of the Committee from time to time.
|
(d)
|
Other Benefits
. During the Employment Term, Executive will be entitled to participate in and receive such additional benefits and perquisites, including retirement and health and welfare benefits (such as participation in the supplemental executive retirement plan (the “
SERP
”), supplemental long-term disability insurance coverage, a Company-paid Executive physical examination, reimbursement for a portion of tax preparation and estate and financial planning services and flexible paid time off in accordance with the Company’s policy on accrual and use applicable to employees as in effect from time to time, including, but not limited to, forty (40) hours of sick leave), in each case, as are available to other senior executives of the Company and as the Board may deem appropriate and as pre-approved by the Committee. The Executive’s participation will be subject to the terms of the applicable plan documents and generally applicable Company policies. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Company may modify or terminate any employee benefit plan at any time.
|
5.
|
Changes to Compensation
. Notwithstanding anything contained herein to the contrary, Executive acknowledges that the Company specifically reserves the right to make changes
|
6.
|
Direct Deposit
. Within thirty (30) days of the date hereof, Executive agrees to make all necessary arrangements to have all sums paid pursuant to this Agreement direct deposited into one or more bank accounts as designated by Executive.
|
7.
|
Predecessor Employers
. Except as otherwise disclosed in writing to the Committee of the Board prior to the date hereof Executive warrants that Executive is not a party to any contract, restrictive covenant, or other agreement purporting to limit or otherwise adversely affecting Executive’s ability to secure employment with any third party. Alternatively, should any such agreement exist, Executive warrants that the contemplated services to be performed hereunder will not violate the terms and conditions of any such agreement.
|
8.
|
Restricted Duties
. Executive agrees not to disclose, or use for the benefit of the Company, any confidential or proprietary information belonging to any predecessor employer(s) that otherwise has not been made public and further acknowledges that the Company has specifically instructed Executive not to disclose or use such confidential or proprietary information. Based on Executive’s understanding of the anticipated duties and responsibilities hereunder, Executive acknowledges that such duties and responsibilities will not compel the disclosure or use of any such confidential and proprietary information.
|
9.
|
Termination
. The Executive’s employment with the Company and the Employment Term shall end early upon the first to occur of any of the following events:
|
(a)
|
Death
. In the event Executive dies during the Employment Term, this Agreement shall automatically terminate upon the date of death of the Executive.
|
(b)
|
Disability
. In the event Executive suffers a Disability (as defined herein) during the term of employment, this Agreement shall automatically be terminated on the date of such Disability. For purposes of this Agreement, Executive shall be considered to have suffered a “
Disability
”: (i) upon a good faith determination by Company that, as a result of any mental or physical impairment, Executive is and will likely remain unable to perform the essential functions of Executive’s duties or responsibilities hereunder on a full-time basis for one hundred eighty (180) days, with or without reasonable accommodation, or (ii) Executive becomes eligible for or receives any benefits pursuant to the Company’s long-term disability policy. Notwithstanding anything expressed or implied above to the contrary, the Company agrees to fully comply with its obligations under the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993 and the Americans with Disabilities Act as well as any other applicable federal, state, or local law, regulation, or ordinance governing the provision of leave to individuals with serious health conditions or the protection of individuals with disabilities as well as the Company’s obligation to provide reasonable accommodation thereunder.
|
(c)
|
Cause
. Executive’s employment may be terminated by the Company at any time for Cause without notice or prior warning. For purposes of this Agreement, “
Cause
” shall mean the Company’s good faith determination that Executive has:
|
(i)
|
Acted with gross neglect or willful misconduct in the discharge of Executive’s duties and responsibilities, or refused to follow or comply with the lawful direction of the Board or the terms and conditions of this Agreement; provided, however, that such refusal is not based primarily on Executive’s good faith compliance with applicable legal or ethical standards.
|
(ii)
|
Acquiesced or participated in any conduct that is dishonest, fraudulent, illegal, unethical, involves moral turpitude or is otherwise illegal and involves conduct that has the potential, in the Board’s reasonable opinion, to cause the Company, its officers or its directors significant embarrassment or ridicule.
|
(iii)
|
Violated a material requirement of any Company policy or procedure, specifically including a violation of the Company’s code of ethics.
|
(iv)
|
Violated any provisions of the restrictive covenants listed in Paragraph 13.
|
(v)
|
Engaged in any act that, in the reasonable opinion of the Board, would hold the Company, its officers or directors up to probable civil or criminal liability, provided that, if Executive acts in good faith for compliance with applicable legal or ethical standards, such actions shall not be grounds for termination for Cause.
|
(vi)
|
Breached the warranties of Executive set forth in Paragraph 7 herein.
|
(vii)
|
Engaged in such other conduct recognized at law as constituting cause.
|
(d)
|
Without Cause
. The Parties agree that either party may terminate this employment relationship at any time, “
Without Cause
”, upon sixty (60) days’ advance written notice or, if terminated by the Company, pay in lieu of notice (hereinafter referred to as “
Notice Pay
”). However, in no event shall Executive be entitled to Notice Pay
|
(e)
|
Good Reason
. Executive may terminate Executive’s employment and declare this Agreement to have been terminated for “
Good Reason
” upon the occurrence, without Executive’s consent, of any of the following circumstances:
|
(i)
|
the assignment to Executives of duties that are materially inconsistent with Executive’s position as Senior Vice President, Corporate Development & Strategy;
|
(ii)
|
the failure to elect or reelect Executive as Senior Vice President, Corporate Development & Strategy of the Company (unless such failure is related in any way to the Company’s decision to terminate Executive for Cause);
|
(iii)
|
a reduction by the Company in the amount of Executive’s Base Salary or the discontinuation or reduction by the Company of Executive’s participation at previously existing levels of eligibility in any incentive compensation, additional compensation or equity programs, benefits, policies or perquisites; provided, however, that the Company may make such changes and/or reductions without implicating the provisions of this subparagraph (iii) so long as Executive is treated in a manner that is commensurate with the treatment of other senior executives of the Company;
|
(iv)
|
a failure by the Company to perform its obligations under this Employment Agreement; and
|
(v)
|
the relocation of the Company’s principal executive offices or Executive’s place of work to a location requiring a change of more than fifty (50) miles in Executive’s daily commute.
|
(f)
|
Voluntary Termination
. Executive may voluntarily, and without Good Reason, terminate Executive’s employment for any reason.
|
(g)
|
Expiration of Employment Term; Non-Extension of Agreement
. This Agreement may be terminated upon the expiration of the Employment Term due to a non-extension of the Agreement by the Company or the Executive.
|
10.
|
Consequences of Termination
.
|
(a)
|
Death
. In the event that Executive’s employment and the Employment Term ends on account of the Executive’s death, the Executive or the Executive’s estate, as the case may be, shall be entitled to the following (with the amounts due hereunder to be paid in accordance with the Company’s past practice and applicable law):
|
(i)
|
immediate vesting in the SERP, which shall be paid in accordance with the award agreements, benefits plans, past practice and applicable law (the “
SERP Benefit
”);
|
(ii)
|
any Base Salary, earned but unpaid through the date of termination; and
|
(iii)
|
all other deferred compensation, payments, accrued benefits of employment or fringe benefits to which the Executive may be entitled pursuant to the express terms of (A) any applicable compensation arrangement, (B) any applicable benefit, equity or fringe benefit plan, program or grant or (C) this Agreement (collectively, Paragraphs 10(a)(ii) and
ý
10(a)(iii) hereof shall be hereafter referred to as the “
Accrued Benefits
”).
|
(b)
|
Disability
. In the event that the Executive’s employment and the Employment Term ends on account of the Executive’s Disability, the Company shall pay or provide to the Executive the Accrued Benefits and the SERP Benefit.
|
(c)
|
Termination for Cause; Voluntary Termination; Non-Extension of Employment Term
. If the Executive’s employment is terminated (i) by the Company for Cause, (ii) by the Executive voluntarily and without Good Reason, or (iii) as a result of the non-extension of the Employment Term by either party as provided in Paragraph 9, the Company shall pay or provide to the Executive the Accrued Benefits.
|
(d)
|
Termination Without Cause or for Good Reason
. In the event Executive’s employment is terminated by the Company Without Cause or by the Executive for Good Reason, the Company shall pay or provide the Executive with the following, (subject to the provisions of Paragraph 26):
|
(i)
|
the Accrued Benefits;
|
(ii)
|
the SERP Benefit;
|
(iii)
|
one (1) times the sum of (A) Executive’s Base Salary for a period of twelve (12) months plus (B) the Executive’s Target Bonus for the year in which the Executive’s employment is terminated. Except as required by Code Section 409A (as defined below), this total amount shall be paid in accordance with the Company’s standard payroll practices (e.g. bi-weekly) over the twelve (12) month period following Executive’s termination, except no payment shall be made until after the Release (as defined below) becomes effective and the first payment thereafter shall include any missed payment. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if any execution and revocation period
|
(iv)
|
If Executive elects continuation coverage under the Company’s medical plan pursuant to Part 6 of Subtitle B of title I of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended (“
COBRA
”), the Company shall reimburse Executive, on a monthly basis, for a portion of Executive’s COBRA payments (provided such reimbursement does not result in any taxes or penalties for the Company) in an amount equal to the difference between (A) the amount the Company paid as a monthly premium for Executive’s participation in such plan immediately prior to Executive’s termination Without Cause or termination for Good Reason and (B) the amount Executive was required to pay as a monthly premium for participation in such plan immediately prior to such termination, until the earlier of (x) the end of the twelve (12) month period beginning on the effective date of termination of the Executive’s employment hereunder, or (y) such time as the Executive is eligible to be covered by comparable benefits of a subsequent employer. The Executive agrees to notify the Company promptly if and when Executive begins employment with another employer and if and when Executive becomes eligible to participate in any health or welfare plans of another employer; and
|
(v)
|
a lump sum payment in cash equal to the portion of the Target Bonus which would have been payable to the Executive for the fiscal year in which the termination occurred, based on the actual performance level during such fiscal year, but with such amount further prorated based on the number of days that elapsed between the start of such fiscal and the date of such termination of Executive’s employment. This pro-rated bonus (if any) will be paid at such time as the bonus would have been paid had Executive remained employed with the Company through the end of the applicable bonus period.
|
11.
|
Release
. Any payments made pursuant to Paragraph 10(d) are contingent upon Executive materially complying with the restrictive covenants contained herein and executing a separation and release agreement in a form not substantially different from the form attached as
Exhibit A
(the “
Release
”). Further, the Company’s obligation to provide payments pursuant to Paragraph 10(d) shall be deemed null and void should Executive fail or refuse to execute and deliver to the Company the Company’s then standard Release (without modification) within any time period as may be prescribed by law or, in absence thereof, twenty-one (21) days after the Executive’s Effective Termination Date (as defined in the Release).
|
12.
|
Reaffirmation
. Upon termination of Executive’s employment for any reason, Executive agrees, if requested to reaffirm in writing Executive’s post-employment obligation as set forth in this Agreement, that Executive will make such reaffirmation.
|
13.
|
Restrictive Covenants
. The capitalized terms used, but not defined herein in Paragraphs 13(a) through 13(i), will have the meanings given to such terms in Paragraph 13(j).
|
(a)
|
Assignment of Rights
.
|
(i)
|
Copyrights
. Executive agrees that all works of authorship fixed in any tangible medium of expression by Executive during the term of this Agreement relating to the Company’s business (“
Works
”), either solely or jointly with others, shall be and remain exclusively the property of the Company. Each such Work created by Executive is a “work made for hire” under the copyright law and the Company may file applications to register copyright in such Works as author and copyright owner thereof. If, for any reason, a Work created by Executive is excluded from the definition of a “work made for hire” under the copyright law, then Executive does hereby assign, sell, and convey to the Company the entire rights, title, and interests in and to such Work, including the copyright therein, to the Company. Executive will execute any documents that the Company deems necessary in connection with the assignment of such Work and copyright therein. Executive will take whatever steps and do whatever acts the Company requests, including, but not limited to, placement of the Company’s proper copyright notice on Works created by Executive to secure or aid in securing copyright protection in such Works and will assist the Company or its nominees in filing applications to register claims of copyright in such Works. The Company shall have free and unlimited access at all times to all Works and all copies thereof and shall have the right to claim and take possession on demand of such Works and copies.
|
(ii)
|
Inventions
. Executive agrees that all discoveries, concepts, and ideas, whether patentable or not, including, but not limited to, apparatus, processes, methods, compositions of matter, techniques, and formulae, as well as improvements thereof or know-how related thereto, relating to any present or prospective product, process, or service of the Company (“
Inventions
”) that Executive conceives or makes during the term of this Agreement relating to the Company’s business, shall become and remain the exclusive property of the Company, whether patentable or not, and Executive will, without royalty or any other consideration:
|
(A)
|
Inform the Company promptly and fully of such Inventions by written reports, setting forth in detail the procedures employed and the results achieved;
|
(B)
|
Assign to the Company all of Executive’s rights, title, and interests in and to such Inventions, any applications for United States and
|
(C)
|
Assist the Company or its nominees, at the expense of the Company, to obtain such United States and foreign letters patent for such Inventions as the Company may elect; and
|
(D)
|
Execute, acknowledge, and deliver to the Company at the Company’s expense such written documents and instruments, and do such other acts, such as giving testimony in support of Executive’s inventorship, as may be necessary in the opinion of the Company, to obtain and maintain United States and foreign letters patent upon such Inventions and to vest the entire rights and title thereto in the Company and to confirm the complete ownership by the Company of such Inventions, patent applications, and patents.
|
(b)
|
Return of Company Property
. All records, files, drawings, documents, data in whatever form, business equipment (including computers, cell phones, etc.), and the like relating to, or provided by, the Company shall be and remain the sole property of the Company. Upon termination of employment, Executive shall immediately return to the Company all such items without retention of any copies and without additional request by the Company. De minimis items such as pay stubs, 401(k) plan summaries, employee bulletins, and the like are excluded from this requirement. Executive may retain Executive’s address books to the extent they only contain contact information.
|
(c)
|
Confidential Information
. Executive acknowledges that the Companies possess certain trade secrets as well as other confidential and proprietary information which they have acquired or will acquire at great effort and expense. Such information may include, without limitation, confidential information, whether in tangible or intangible form, regarding the Companies’ products and services, marketing strategies, business plans, operations, costs, current or prospective customer information (including customer identities, contacts, requirements, creditworthiness, preferences, and like matters), product concepts, designs, prototypes or specifications, research and development efforts, technical data and know‑how, sales information, including pricing and other terms and conditions of sale, financial information, internal procedures, techniques, forecasts, methods, trade information, trade secrets, software programs, project requirements, inventions, trademarks, trade names, and similar information regarding the Companies’ business(es) (collectively referred to herein as “
Confidential Information
”). Executive further acknowledges that, as a result of Executive’s employment with the Company, Executive will have access to, will become acquainted with, and/or may help develop, such Confidential Information. Confidential Information shall not include information readily available in the public so long as such information was not made available through fault of Executive or wrong doing by any other individual.
|
(d)
|
Restricted Use of Confidential Information
. Executive agrees that all Confidential Information is and shall remain the sole and exclusive property of the Company and/or its affiliated entities. Except as may be expressly authorized by the Company in writing, or other than in the course of the Executive’s employment and for the benefit of the Company, Executive agrees not to disclose, or cause any other person or entity to disclose, any Confidential Information to any third party while employed by the Company and for as long thereafter as such information remains confidential (or as limited by applicable law). Further, Executive agrees to use such Confidential Information only in the course of Executive’s duties in furtherance of the Company’s business and agrees not to make use of any such Confidential Information for Executive’s own purposes or for the benefit of any other entity or person. The foregoing shall not apply to information that (i) was known to the public prior to its disclosure to the Executive; (ii) becomes generally known to the public subsequent to disclosure to the Executive through no wrongful act of the Executive or any representative of the Executive; or (iii) the Executive is required to disclose by applicable law, regulation or legal process, or is requested by subpoena, court order or a governmental, regulatory or self-regulatory body with the apparent authority to disclose any Confidential Information (provided that in such case the Executive shall (A) provide the Company with prior notice of the contemplated disclosure, (B) cooperate with the Company at its expense in seeking a protective order or other appropriate protection of such information, and (C) disclose only that Confidential Information which Executive is legally required to disclose).
|
(e)
|
Non-Solicitation
. During Executive’s employment and for a period of twelve (12) months thereafter, Executive agrees not to directly or indirectly engage in the following prohibited conduct:
|
(i)
|
Solicit, offer products or services to, or accept orders for, any Competitive Products or otherwise transact any competitive business on behalf of any Competitor;
|
(ii)
|
Attempt on behalf of any Competitor to entice or otherwise cause any third party to withdraw, curtail or cease doing business with the Company (or any Affiliate thereof), specifically including customers, vendors, independent contractors and other third-party entities;
|
(iii)
|
Except in the course of the Executive’s employment and for the benefit of the Company, disclose to any person or entity the identities, contacts or preferences of any customers of the Company (or any Affiliate thereof), or the identity of any other persons or entities having business dealings with the Company (or any Affiliate thereof);
|
(iv)
|
Induce any individual who has been employed by or had provided services to the Company (or any Affiliate thereof) within the six (6) month period immediately preceding the effective date of Executive’s separation to terminate such relationship with the Company (or any Affiliate thereof);
|
(v)
|
Assist, coordinate or otherwise offer employment to, accept employment inquiries from, or employ any individual who is or had been employed by the Company (or any Affiliate thereof) at any time within the six (6) month period immediately preceding such offer, or inquiry;
|
(vi)
|
Communicate or indicate in any way to any customer of the Company (or any Affiliate thereof), prior to formal separation from the Company, any interest, desire, plan, or decision to separate from the Company; other than by way of long term retirement plans; or
|
(vii)
|
Otherwise attempt on behalf of any Competitor to directly or indirectly interfere with the Company’s business, the business of any of the Companies or their relationship with their employees, consultants, independent contractors or customers.
|
(f)
|
Limited Non-Compete
. For the above-stated reasons, and as a condition of employment to the fullest extent permitted by law, Executive agrees during the Relevant Non‑Compete Period not to directly or indirectly engage in the following competitive activities:
|
(i)
|
Executive shall not have any ownership interest in, work for, advise, consult, or have any business connection or business or employment relationship in any competitive capacity with any Competitor unless Executive provides written notice to the Company of such relationship prior to entering into such relationship and, further, provides sufficient written assurances to the Company’s satisfaction that such relationship will not jeopardize the Company’s legitimate interests or otherwise violate the terms of this Agreement;
|
(ii)
|
Executive shall not engage in any research, development, production, sale or distribution of any Competitive Products on behalf of a Competitor;
|
(iii)
|
Executive shall not market, sell, or otherwise offer or provide any Competitive Products within any Geographic Territory on behalf of a Competitor; or
|
(iv)
|
Executive shall not distribute, market, sell or otherwise offer or provide any Competitive Products to any customer of the Company on behalf of a Competitor.
|
(g)
|
Non-Disparagement
. Executive agrees not to make any written or oral statement that may defame, disparage or cast in a negative light so as to do harm to the personal or professional reputation of (i) the Company, (ii) its Executives, officers, directors or trustees or (iii) the services and/or products provided by the Company and its subsidiaries or affiliate entities. Similarly, in response to any written inquiry from any prospective employer or in connection with a written inquiry in connection with any future business relationship involving Executive, the Company agrees not to provide any information, and the senior officers shall not make any written or oral
|
(h)
|
Further Covenants
.
|
(i)
|
The U.S. Defend Trade Secrets Act of 2016 (“
DTSA
”) provides that an individual shall not be held criminally or civilly liable under any federal or state trade secret law for the disclosure of a trade secret that (A) is made in confidence to a federal, state or local government official, either directly or indirectly, or to an attorney, and solely for the purpose of reporting or investigating a suspected violation of law; or (B) is made in a complaint or other document filed in a lawsuit or other proceeding, if such filing is made under seal. In addition, the DTSA provides that an individual who files a lawsuit for retaliation by an employer for reporting a suspected violation of law may disclose the trade secret to the attorney of the individual and use the trade secret information in the court proceeding, if the individual files any document containing the trade secret under seal and does not disclose the trade secret, except pursuant to court order. Accordingly, the Parties have the right to disclose in confidence trade secrets to federal, state, and local government officials, or to an attorney, for the sole purpose of reporting or investigating a suspected violation of law. The parties also have the right to disclose trade secrets in a document filed in a lawsuit or other proceeding, but only if the filing is made under seal and protected from public disclosure.
|
(ii)
|
Nothing in this Agreement prevents Executive from providing, without prior notice to the Company, information to governmental authorities regarding possible legal violations or otherwise testifying or participating in any investigation or proceeding by any governmental authorities regarding possible legal violations, and for purpose of clarity Executive is not prohibited from providing information voluntarily to the United States Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to Section 21F of the Exchange Act.
|
(i)
|
Acknowledged Need for Limited Restrictive Covenants
. Executive acknowledges that the Companies have spent and will continue to expend substantial amounts of time, money and effort to develop their business strategies, Confidential Information, customer identities and relationships, goodwill and Executive relationships, and that Executive will benefit from these efforts. Further, Executive acknowledges the inevitable use of, or near-certain influence by Executive’s knowledge of, the Confidential Information disclosed to Executive during the course of employment if Executive is allowed to compete against the Company in an unrestricted manner and that such use would be unfair and extremely detrimental to the Company. Accordingly, based on these legitimate business reasons, Executive acknowledges
|
(j)
|
Non-Compete Definitions
. For purposes of this Agreement, the Parties agree that the following terms shall apply:
|
(i)
|
“
Affiliate
” includes any parent, subsidiary, joint venture, sister company, or other entity controlled, owned, managed or otherwise associated with the Company;
|
(ii)
|
“
Assigned Customer Base
” shall include all accounts or customers formally assigned to Executive within a given territory or geographical area or contacted by Executive at any time during the eighteen (18) month period preceding Executive’s date of separation;
|
(iii)
|
“
Competitive Products
” shall include any product or service that directly or indirectly competes with, is substantially similar to, or serves as a reasonable substitute for, any product or service in research, development or design, or manufactured, produced, sold or distributed by the Company;
|
(iv)
|
“
Competitor
” shall mean the list of companies on Exhibit B, which can be changed at any time prior to 90 days before termination of employment by or of Executive by written notice to Executive, so long as the list does not exceed fifteen (15) companies and each of which is a material competitor of the Company.
|
(v)
|
“
Directly or indirectly
” shall be construed such that the foregoing restrictions shall apply equally to Executive whether performed individually or as a partner, shareholder, officer, director, manager, Executive, salesperson, independent contractor, broker, agent, or consultant for any other individual, partnership, firm, corporation, company, or other entity engaged in such conduct.
|
(vi)
|
“
Geographic Territory
” shall include any territory in which the Company has provided any services or sold any products at any time during the twenty-four (24) month period preceding Executive’s date of separation;
|
(vii)
|
“
Relevant Non-Compete Period
” shall include the period of Executive’s employment with the Company as well as a period of twelve (12) months after such employment is terminated, regardless of the reason for such termination provided.
|
(k)
|
Consent to Reasonableness
. In light of the above-referenced concerns, including Executive’s knowledge of and access to the Companies’ Confidential Information, Executive acknowledges that the terms of such restrictive covenants are reasonable and necessary to protect the Company’s legitimate business interests and will not unreasonably interfere with Executive’s ability to obtain alternate employment. As
|
(l)
|
Survival of Restrictive Covenants
. Executive acknowledges that the above restrictive covenants shall survive the termination of this Agreement and the termination of Executive’s employment for any reason. Executive further acknowledges that any alleged breach by the Company of any contractual, statutory or other obligation shall not excuse or terminate the obligations hereunder or otherwise preclude the Company from seeking injunctive or other relief. Rather, Executive acknowledges that such obligations are independent and separate covenants undertaken by Executive for the benefit of the Company.
|
(m)
|
Post-Termination Notification
. For the duration of Executive’s Relevant Non-Compete Period or other restrictive covenant period, whichever is longer, Executive agrees to promptly notify the Company no later than five (5) business days of Executive’s acceptance of any employment or consulting engagement. Such notice shall include sufficient information to ensure Executive compliance with Executive’s non-compete obligations and must include at a minimum the following information: (i) the name of the employer or entity for which Executive is providing any consulting services; (ii) a description of Executive’s intended duties; and (iii) the anticipated start date. Such information is required to ensure Executive’s compliance with Executive’s non-compete obligations as well as all other applicable restrictive covenants. Such notice shall be provided in writing to the Office of SVP, Corporate Secretary and Chief Legal Officer at 130 East Randolph Street, Suite 1000, Chicago, Illinois 60601. Failure to timely provide such notice shall be deemed a material breach of this Agreement and entitle the Company to return of any Severance paid to Executive plus attorneys’ fees. Executive further consents to the Company’s notification to any new employer of Executive’s rights and obligations under this Agreement.
|
(n)
|
Scope of Restrictions
. If the scope of any restriction contained in any preceding paragraphs of this Agreement is deemed too broad to permit enforcement of such restriction to its fullest extent, then such restriction shall be enforced to the maximum extent permitted by law, and Executive hereby consents and agrees that such scope may be judicially modified accordingly in any proceeding brought to enforce such restriction.
|
(o)
|
Specific Enforcement/Injunctive Relief
. Executive agrees that it would be difficult to measure any damages to the Company from a breach of the above-referenced restrictive covenants, but acknowledges that the potential for such damages would be great, incalculable and irremediable, and that monetary damages alone would be
|
(p)
|
Publicly Traded Stock
. The Parties agree that nothing contained in this Agreement shall be construed to prohibit Executive from investing Executive’s personal assets in any stock or corporate security traded or quoted on a national securities exchange or national market system provided, however, such investments do not require any services on the part of Executive in the operation or the affairs of the business or otherwise violate the Company’s code of ethics.
|
14.
|
Notice of Claim and Contractual Limitations Period
. Executive acknowledges the Company’s need for prompt notice, investigation, and resolution of any claims that may be filed against it due to the number of relationships it has with employees and others (and due to the turnover among such individuals with knowledge relevant to any underlying claim). Accordingly, Executive agrees prior to initiating any litigation of any type (including, but not limited to, employment discrimination litigation, wage litigation, defamation, or any other claim) to notify the Company, within one hundred and eighty (180) days after the claim accrued, by sending a certified letter addressed to the Company’s General Counsel setting forth: (a) claimant’s name, address, and phone; (b) the name of any attorney representing Executive; (c) the nature of the claim; (d) the date the claim arose; and (e) the relief requested. This provision is in addition to any other notice and exhaustion requirements that might apply. For any dispute or claim of any type against the Company (including but not limited to employment discrimination litigation, wage litigation, defamation, or any other claim), Executive must commence legal action within the shorter of one (1) year of accrual of the cause of action or such shorter period that may be specified by law.
|
15.
|
Non-Jury Trials
. Notwithstanding any right to a jury trial for any claims, Executive waives any such right to a jury trial, and agrees that any claim of any type (including but not limited to employment discrimination litigation, wage litigation, defamation, or any other claim) lodged in any court will be tried, if at all, without a jury.
|
16.
|
Choice of Forum
. Executive acknowledges that the Company is primarily based in Indiana, and Executive understands and acknowledges the Company’s desire and need to defend any litigation against it in Illinois. Accordingly, the Parties agree that any claim of any type
|
17.
|
Choice of Law
. This Agreement shall be deemed to have been made within the County of Cook, State of Illinois and shall be interpreted and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Illinois. Any and all matters of dispute of any nature whatsoever arising out of, or in any way connected with the interpretation of this Agreement, any disputes arising out of the Agreement or the employment relationship between the Parties hereto, shall be governed by, construed by and enforced in accordance with the laws of the State of Illinois without regard to any applicable state’s choice of law provisions.
|
18.
|
Titles
. Titles are used for the purpose of convenience in this Agreement and shall be ignored in any construction of it.
|
19.
|
Severability
. The Parties agree that each and every paragraph, sentence, clause, term and provision of this Agreement is severable and that, in the event any portion of this Agreement is adjudged to be invalid or unenforceable, the remaining portions thereof shall remain in effect and be enforced to the fullest extent permitted by law. Further, should any particular clause, covenant, or provision of this Agreement be held unreasonable or contrary to public policy for any reason, the Parties acknowledge and agree that such covenant, provision or clause shall automatically be deemed modified such that the contested covenant, provision or clause will have the closest effect permitted by applicable law to the original form and shall be given effect and enforced as so modified to whatever extent would be reasonable and enforceable under applicable law.
|
20.
|
Assignment-Notices
. The rights and obligations of the Company under this Agreement shall inure to its benefit, as well as the benefit of its parent, subsidiary, successor and affiliated entities, and shall be binding upon the successors and assigns of the Company. This Agreement, being personal to Executive, cannot be assigned by Executive, but Executive’s personal representative shall be bound by all its terms and conditions. Any notice required hereunder shall be sufficient if in writing and mailed to the last known residence of Executive or to the Company at its principal office with a copy mailed to the Office of the General Counsel.
|
21.
|
Amendments and Modifications
. Except as specifically provided herein, no modification, amendment, extension or waiver of this Agreement or any provision hereof shall be binding upon the Company or Executive unless in writing and signed by both Parties. The waiver by the Company or Executive of a breach of any provision of this Agreement shall not be construed as a waiver of any subsequent breach. Nothing in this Agreement shall be construed as a limitation upon the Company’s right to modify or amend any of its manuals or policies in its sole discretion and any such modification or amendment which pertains to matters addressed herein shall be deemed to be incorporated herein and made a part of this Agreement.
|
22.
|
Outside Representations
. Executive represents and acknowledges that in signing this Agreement Executive does not rely, and has not relied, upon any representation or statement made by the Company or by any of the Company’s employees, officers, agents, stockholders, directors or attorneys with regard to the subject matter, basis or effect of this Agreement other than those specifically contained herein.
|
23.
|
Other Remedies
. The Executive agrees to execute and be bound by the terms and conditions of the Company’s Limited Recapture Agreement, and any applicable laws, rules and regulations.
|
24.
|
Voluntary and Knowing Execution
. Executive acknowledges that Executive has been offered a reasonable amount of time within which to consider and review this Agreement; that Executive has carefully read and fully understands all of the provisions of this Agreement; and that Executive has entered into this Agreement knowingly and voluntarily, with the assistance of counsel.
|
25.
|
Liability Insurance
. The Company shall cover the Executive under directors and officers liability insurance both during and, while potential liability exists, after the term of this Agreement in the same amount and to the same extent as the Company covers its other officers and non-independent directors.
|
26.
|
Tax Matters
.
|
(a)
|
Withholding
. The Company may withhold from any and all amounts payable under this Agreement or otherwise such federal, state and local taxes as may be required to be withheld pursuant to any applicable law or regulation.
|
(b)
|
Code Section 409A Notification
. Executive acknowledges that Executive has been advised of the American Jobs Creation Act of 2004, which includes Internal Revenue Code Section 409A, and the regulations and guidance promulgated thereunder (collectively “
Code Section 409A
”), and which also significantly changed the taxation of nonqualified deferred compensation plans and arrangements.
|
(i)
|
The intent of the parties is that payments and benefits under this Agreement comply with, or be exempt from, Code Section 409A and, accordingly, to the maximum extent permitted, this Agreement shall be interpreted to be in accordance therewith. If any provision of this Agreement (or of any award of compensation, including equity compensation or benefits) would cause the Executive to incur any additional tax or interest under Code Section 409A, the Company shall, after consulting with the Executive, reform such provision to try to comply with Code Section 409A through good faith modifications to the minimum extent reasonably appropriate to conform with Code Section 409A. To the extent that any provision hereof is modified in order to comply with Code Section 409A, such modification shall be made in good faith and shall, to the maximum extent reasonably possible, maintain the original intent and economic benefit to the Executive and the Company of the applicable provision without violating the provisions of Code Section 409A.
|
(ii)
|
A termination of employment shall not be deemed to have occurred for purposes of any provision of this Agreement providing for the payment of any amounts or benefits upon or following a termination of employment that are considered “nonqualified deferred compensation” under Code Section 409A unless such termination is also a “separation from service” within the meaning of Code Section 409A and, for purposes of any such provision of this Agreement, references to a “termination,” “termination of employment” or like terms shall mean “separation from service.” If the Executive is deemed on the date of termination to be a “specified employee” within the meaning of that term under Code Section 409A(a)(2)(B), then with regard to any payment that is considered non-qualified deferred compensation under Code Section 409A payable on account of a “separation from service,” and with regard to which an exemption from such section does not apply, such payment or benefit shall be made or provided at the date which is the earlier of (A) the expiration of the six (6)-month period measured from the date of such “separation from service” of the Executive, and (B) the date of the Executive’s death (the “
Delay Period
”). Upon the expiration of the Delay Period, all payments and benefits delayed pursuant to this Paragraph 26(b)(ii) (whether they would have otherwise been payable in a single sum or in installments in the absence of such delay) shall be paid or reimbursed to the Executive in a lump sum, and any remaining payments and benefits due under this Agreement shall be paid or provided in accordance with the normal payment dates specified for them herein.
|
(iii)
|
With regard to any provision herein that provides for reimbursement of costs and expenses or in-kind benefits, except as permitted by Code Section 409A, (A) the right to reimbursement or in-kind benefits shall not be subject to liquidation or exchange for another benefit, (B) the amount of expenses eligible for reimbursement, or in-kind benefits provided during any taxable year shall not affect the expenses eligible for reimbursement, or in-kind benefits to be provided in any other taxable year, and (C) such payments shall be made on or before the last day of Executive’s taxable year following the taxable year in which the expense occurred.
|
(iv)
|
For purposes of Code Section 409A, the Executive’s right to receive any installment payments pursuant to this Agreement shall be treated as a right to receive a series of separate and distinct payments. In no event may the Executive, directly or indirectly, designate the calendar year of any payment to be made under this Agreement that is considered nonqualified deferred compensation. In no event shall the timing of Executive’s execution of a Release, directly or indirectly, result in the Executive designating the calendar year of payment, and if a payment that is subject to execution of the Release could be made in more than one taxable year, payment shall be made in the later taxable year.
|
(v)
|
Executive acknowledges that, notwithstanding anything contained herein to the contrary, both Parties shall be independently responsible for assessing
|
27.
|
Entire Agreement
. This Agreement constitutes the entire employment agreement between the Parties hereto concerning the subject matter hereof and shall supersede all prior and contemporaneous agreements between the Parties in connection with the subject matter of this Agreement. Nothing in this Agreement, however, shall affect any separately‑executed written agreement addressing any other issues. For the avoidance of doubt, if the Executive receives any severance compensation pursuant to a change in control agreement or any other severance plan or program, such agreement’s terms regarding severance compensation will control and will be in place of any severance payments as may be provided under Paragraph 10(d) of this Agreement.
|
28.
|
Counterparts
. This Agreement may be executed in separate counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an original and both of which taken together shall constitute one and the same agreement.
|
EXECUTIVE
|
HILL-ROM HOLDINGS, INC.
|
Signed: __________________________
Name: Andreas Frank
Dated: ___________________________
|
By: _____________________________
Title: Chief Human Resources Officer
Dated: ___________________________
|
1.
|
Executive’s active employment by the Company shall terminate effective ____________, 20__ (the “
Effective Termination Date
”). Except as specifically provided by this Agreement, or in any other non-employment agreement that may exist between the Company and Executive, Executive agrees that the Company shall have no other obligations or liabilities to Executive following Executive’s Effective Termination Date and that Executive’s receipt of the Severance Benefits shall constitute a complete settlement, satisfaction and waiver of any and all claims Executive may have against the Company.
|
2.
|
Executive further submits, and the Company hereby accepts, Executive’s resignation as an Executive, officer and director, as of Executive’s Effective Termination Date for any position Executive may hold. The Parties agree that this resignation shall apply to all such positions Executive may hold with the Company or any parent thereof. Executive agrees to execute any documents needed to effectuate such resignation. Executive further agrees to take whatever steps are necessary to facilitate and ensure the smooth transition of Executive’s duties and responsibilities to others.
|
3.
|
The Company agrees to provide Executive Severance Benefits on the termination of Executive’s employment, as provided for in Paragraph 10(d) of Executive’s Employment Agreement.
|
4.
|
The Company further agrees to provide Executive with limited out-placement counseling with a company of its choice provided that Executive participates in such counseling immediately following termination of employment. Notwithstanding anything in this Paragraph 4 to the contrary, the out-placement counseling shall not be provided after the last day of the second calendar year following the calendar year in which termination of employment occurs.
|
5.
|
In exchange for the Severance Benefits, Executive on behalf of
[himself/herself]
,
[his/her]
heirs, representatives, agents and assigns,
[and anyone acting or claiming on [his/her] or their joint or several behalf,]
hereby RELEASES, INDEMNIFIES, HOLDS HARMLESS,
|
6.
|
Without limiting the generality of the foregoing release, it shall include: (a) all claims or potential claims arising under any federal, state or local employment law or statute, including, but not limited to, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act(s) of 1964 and 1991, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA), the Older Workers Benefit Protection Act (OWBPA), the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act (WARN) or the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA), the Illinois Human Rights Act, as amended, applicable state civil rights law(s), or applicable state employment law(s); (b) any claims on account of, arising out of or in any way connected with Executive’s employment with the Company or leaving of that employment; (c) any claims alleged or which could have been alleged in any charge or complaint against the Company; (d) any claims relating to the conduct of any Executive, officer, director, agent or other representative of the Company; (e) any claims of discrimination, harassment or retaliation on any basis; (f) any claims arising from any legal restrictions on an employer’s right to separate its Executives; (g) any claims for personal injury, compensatory or punitive damages or other forms of relief; and (h) all other causes of action sounding in contract, tort or other common law basis, including (i) the breach of any alleged oral or written contract, (ii) negligent or intentional misrepresentations, (iii) wrongful discharge, (iv) just cause dismissal, (v) defamation, (vi) interference with contract or business relationship or (vii) negligent or intentional infliction of emotional distress.
|
7.
|
Executive further agrees and covenants not to sue the Company or any entity or individual subject to this Agreement with respect to any claims, demands, liabilities or obligations released by this Agreement provided, however, that nothing contained in this Agreement shall:
|
a.
|
prevent Executive from filing an administrative charge with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission or any other federal state or local agency, or the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (“
SEC
”) Whistleblower unit or participating in investigations by those entities; or
|
b.
|
prevent employee from challenging, under the Older Worker’s Benefit Protection Act (29 U.S.C. § 626), the knowing and voluntary nature of Executive’s release of any age claims in this Agreement in court or before the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.
|
8.
|
Notwithstanding Executive’s right to file an administrative charge with the EEOC, the SEC’s Whistleblower unit, or any other federal, state, or local agency, Executive agrees that with Executive’s release of claims in this Agreement, Executive has waived any right Executive may have to recover monetary or other personal relief in any proceeding based in whole or in part on claims released by Executive in this Agreement. For example, Executive waives
|
9.
|
The U.S. Defend Trade Secrets Act of 2016 (“
DTSA
”) provides that an individual shall not be held criminally or civilly liable under any federal or state trade secret law for the disclosure of a trade secret that (a) is made in confidence to a federal, state or local government official, either directly or indirectly, or to an attorney, and solely for the purpose of reporting or investigating a suspected violation of law; or (b) is made in a complaint or other document filed in a lawsuit or other proceeding, if such filing is made under seal. In addition, the DTSA provides that an individual who files a lawsuit for retaliation by an employer for reporting a suspected violation of law may disclose the trade secret to the attorney of the individual and use the trade secret information in the court proceeding, if the individual files any document containing the trade secret under seal and does not disclose the trade secret, except pursuant to court order. Accordingly, the Parties have the right to disclose in confidence trade secrets to federal, state, and local government officials, or to an attorney, for the sole purpose of reporting or investigating a suspected violation of law. The parties also have the right to disclose trade secrets in a document filed in a lawsuit or other proceeding, but only if the filing is made under seal and protected from public disclosure.
|
10.
|
Insofar as this Agreement pertains to the release of Executive’s claims, if any, under the ADEA or other civil rights laws, the Parties acknowledge that it is their mutual and specific intent that the above waiver fully complies with the requirements of the OWBPA and any similar law governing release of claims. Accordingly, Executive hereby acknowledges that:
|
a.
|
Executive has carefully read and fully understands all of the provisions of this Agreement and that Executive has entered into this Agreement knowingly and voluntarily;
|
b.
|
The Severance Benefits offered in exchange for Executive’s release of claims exceed in kind and scope that to which Executive would have otherwise been legally entitled absent the execution of this Agreement;
|
c.
|
Prior to signing this Agreement, Executive had been advised, and is being advised by this Agreement, to consult with an attorney of Executive’s choice concerning its terms and conditions; and
|
d.
|
Executive has been offered at least twenty-one (21)
days within which to review and consider this Agreement.
|
11.
|
[ADD THIS LANGUAGE IF THE EMPLOYEE IS IN CALIFORNIA]
Executive specifically acknowledges that, as a condition of this Agreement, Executive expressly releases all rights and claims that Executive knows about as well as those Executive may not know about. Executive expressly waives all rights under Section 1542 of the Civil Code of the State of California, which reads as follows:
|
a.
|
“A general release does not extend to claims which the creditor does not know or suspect to exist in Executive’s favor at the time of executing the release which if known, must have materially affected Executive’s settlement with the debtor.”
|
b.
|
Notwithstanding the provision by Section 1542, and for the purpose of implementing a full and complete release and discharge of the Company as set forth above, Executive expressly acknowledges that this Agreement is intended to include and does in its effect, without limitation, include all claims which Executive does not know or suspect to exist in Executive’s favor at the time of signing this Agreement and that this Agreement expressly contemplates the extinguishment of all such claims.
|
12.
|
The Parties agree that this Agreement shall not become effective and enforceable until the date this Agreement is signed by both Parties or seven (7) calendar days after its execution by Executive, whichever is later. Executive may revoke this Agreement for any reason by providing written notice of such intent to the Company within seven (7) days after Executive has signed this Agreement, thereby forfeiting Executive’s right to receive any Severance Benefits provided hereunder and rendering this Agreement null and void in its entirety.
|
13.
|
Executive affirms that, as of the date of execution of this Agreement, Executive has filed no lawsuit, charge, claim or complaint with any governmental agency or in any court against the Company or the releasees described in Paragraph 5 herein.
|
14.
|
The provisions of Paragraphs 13 (Restrictive Covenants); 15 (Non-Jury Trials); 16 (Choice of Forum); 17 (Choice of Law); and 26 (Tax Matters) of the Employment Agreement are hereby expressly incorporated by reference.
|
15.
|
The Parties agree that nothing contained herein shall purport to waive or otherwise affect any of Executive’s rights or claims that may arise after Executive signs this Agreement. It is further understood by the Parties that nothing in this Agreement shall affect any rights Executive may have under any Company sponsored deferred compensation program, equity award agreement, and/or retirement plan
provided by the Company as of the date of Executive’s termination, such items to be governed exclusively by the terms of the applicable agreements or plan documents.
|
16.
|
Similarly, notwithstanding any provision contained herein to the contrary, this Agreement shall not constitute a waiver or release or otherwise affect Executive’s rights with respect to any vested benefits, any rights Executive has to benefits which cannot be waived by law, any coverage provided under any Directors and Officers (“
D&O
”) policy, any rights Executive may have under any indemnification agreement Executive has with the Company prior to the date hereof, any rights Executive has as a shareholder, or any claim for breach of this Agreement, including, but not limited to the benefits promised by the terms of this Agreement.
|
17.
|
[Option A]
Executive acknowledges that Executive’s termination and the Severance Benefits offered hereunder were based on an individual determination and were not offered in conjunction with any group termination or group severance program and waives any claim to the contrary.
|
18.
|
Executive hereby affirms and acknowledges Executive’s continued obligations to comply with the post-termination covenants contained in Executive’s Employment Agreement, including but not limited to, the non-compete, trade secret and confidentiality provisions. Executive acknowledges that a copy of the Employment Agreement has been provided to Executive and, to the extent not inconsistent with the terms of this Agreement or applicable law, the terms thereof shall be incorporated herein by reference. Executive acknowledges that the restrictions contained therein are valid and reasonable in every respect and are necessary to protect the Company’s legitimate business interests. Executive hereby affirmatively waives any claim or defense to the contrary.
|
19.
|
Executive hereby consents and authorizes the Company to deduct as an offset from the Severance Benefits, so long as the deduction is not taken from nonqualified deferred compensation under the definition of Code Section 409A, the value of any Company property not returned or returned in a damaged condition as well as any monies paid by the Company on Executive’s behalf (e.g., payment of any outstanding credit card).
|
20.
|
Executive agrees to cooperate with the Company in connection with any pending or future litigation, proceeding or other matter which has been or may be brought against or by the Company before any agency, court, or other tribunal and concerning or relating in any way to any matter falling within Executive’s knowledge or former area of responsibility. Executive agrees to immediately notify the Company, through the Office of the General Counsel, in the event Executive is contacted by any outside attorney (including paralegals or other affiliated parties) with regard to matters related to Executive’s employment with the Company unless (i) the Company is represented by the attorney, (ii) Executive is represented by the attorney for the purpose of protecting Executive’s personal interests or (iii) the Company has been advised of and has approved such contact. Executive agrees to provide reasonable assistance and completely truthful testimony in such matters including, without limitation, facilitating and assisting in the preparation of any underlying defense, responding to discovery requests, preparing for and attending deposition(s) as well as appearing in court to provide truthful testimony. The Company agrees to reimburse Executive for all reasonable out of pocket expenses incurred at the request of the Company associated with such assistance and testimony.
|
21.
|
EXECUTIVE SPECIFICALLY AGREES AND UNDERSTANDS THAT THE EXISTENCE AND TERMS OF THIS AGREEMENT ARE STRICTLY CONFIDENTIAL AND THAT SUCH CONFIDENTIALITY IS A MATERIAL TERM OF THIS AGREEMENT
. Accordingly, except as required by law or unless authorized to do so by the Company in writing, Executive agrees that Executive shall not communicate, display or otherwise reveal any of the contents of this Agreement to anyone other than Executive’s spouse, legal counsel or financial advisor provided, however, that they are first advised of the confidential nature of this Agreement and Executive obtains their agreement
|
22.
|
In the event that Executive breaches or threatens to breach any provision of this Agreement or the Employment Agreement, Executive agrees that the Company shall be entitled to seek any and all equitable and legal relief provided by law, specifically including immediate and permanent injunctive relief. Executive hereby waives any claim that the Company has an adequate remedy at law. In addition, and to the extent not prohibited by law, Executive agrees that the Company shall be entitled to discontinue providing any additional Severance Benefits upon such breach. Executive agrees that the foregoing relief shall not be construed to limit or otherwise restrict the Company’s ability to pursue any other remedy provided by law, including the recovery of any actual, compensatory or punitive damages. Moreover, if Executive pursues any claims against the Company subject to the foregoing release provisions of this Agreement, Executive agrees to immediately reimburse the Company for the value of all benefits received under this Agreement to the fullest extent permitted by law.
|
23.
|
Similarly, in the event that the Company breaches or threatens to breach any provision of this Agreement, Executive shall be entitled to seek any and all equitable or other available relief provided by law, specifically including immediate and permanent injunctive relief. In the event Executive is wholly unsuccessful, the Company shall be entitled to an award of its costs and attorneys’ fees.
|
24.
|
Both Parties acknowledge that this Agreement is entered into solely for the purpose of terminating Executive’s employment relationship with the Company on an amicable basis and shall not be construed as an admission of liability or wrongdoing by the Company or Executive, both Parties having expressly denied any such liability or wrongdoing.
|
25.
|
Each of the promises and obligations shall be binding upon and shall inure to the benefit of the heirs, executors, administrators, assigns and successors in interest of each of the Parties.
|
26.
|
Executive hereby represents and warrants that Executive has not previously assigned or purported to assign or transfer to any person or entity any of the claims or causes of action herein released.
|
27.
|
The Parties agree that each and every paragraph, sentence, clause, term and provision of this Agreement is severable and that, if any portion of this Agreement should be deemed not enforceable for any reason, such portion shall be stricken and the remaining portion or portions thereof should continue to be enforced to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law.
|
28.
|
This Agreement shall be governed by and interpreted in accordance with the laws of the State of Illinois without regard to any applicable state’s choice of law provisions.
|
29.
|
Executive represents and acknowledges that in signing this Agreement Executive does not rely, and has not relied, upon any representation or statement made by the Company or by any of the Company’s Executives, officers, agents, stockholders, directors or attorneys with regard to the subject matter, basis or effect of this Agreement other than those specifically contained herein.
|
30.
|
This Agreement represents the entire agreement between the Parties concerning the subject matter hereof, shall supersede any and all prior agreements which may otherwise exist between them concerning the subject matter hereof (specifically excluding, however, the post-termination obligations contained in an Executive’s Employment Agreement, any obligations contained in an existing and valid indemnity agreement of change in control or any obligation contained in any other legally-binding document), and shall not be altered, amended, modified or otherwise changed except by a writing executed by both Parties.
|
31.
|
This Agreement may be executed in separate counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an original and both of which taken together shall constitute one and the same agreement.
|
[EXECUTIVE]
|
COMPANY NAME
|
Signed: _________________________
Printed: _________________________
Dated: __________________________
|
By: ____________________________
Title: ___________________________
Dated: __________________________
|
1.
|
Employment
.
|
(a)
|
Continuing on the date hereof and ending as provided in Paragraph 9 herein, the Executive agrees to continue to serve as Senior Vice President, President Patient Support Systems for the Company, reporting to the Chief Executive Officer of the Company (the “
CEO
”). Executive agrees to perform all duties and responsibilities traditionally assigned to, or falling within the normal responsibilities of, an individual employed as Senior Vice President, President Patient Support Systems of the Company. Executive also agrees to perform any and all additional duties or responsibilities consistent with such position as may be assigned by the Board of Directors of the Company (the “
Board
”) or the CEO in its or his or her sole discretion.
|
(b)
|
The Company agrees to continue to employ the Executive pursuant to the terms of this Agreement, and the Executive agrees to continue be so employed, for a term of one (1) year (the “
Initial Term
”) commencing as of the date hereof. On the first anniversary of the date hereof and, after the Initial Term, on such first anniversary and each annual anniversary of such date thereafter, the term of this Agreement shall be automatically extended for successive one-year periods, provided, however, that either party hereto may elect not to extend this Agreement by giving written notice to the other party at least one hundred and eighty (180) days prior to any such anniversary date. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Executive’s employment hereunder may be earlier terminated in accordance with Section 9 hereof. The period of time between the date hereof and the termination of the Executive’s employment hereunder shall be referred to herein as the “
Employment Term
.”
|
2.
|
Efforts and Duty of Loyalty
. During the Employment Term, Executive covenants and agrees to exercise reasonable efforts to perform all assigned duties in a diligent and professional manner and in the best interest of the Company. Executive agrees to devote Executive’s full working time, attention, talents, skills and efforts to further the Company’s business interests. Executive agrees not to engage in any outside business activity, whether or not pursued for gain, profit or other pecuniary advantage, without the express written consent of the Company. Executive shall act at all times in accordance with the Company’s code of ethical business conduct, and all other applicable policies which may exist or be adopted by the Company from time to time. The Executive may serve on other boards of directors as long as such service shall not interfere with the proper performance of Executive’s duties and obligations hereunder consistent with the Company’s Corporate Governance Standards for Board of Directors and applicable laws, with the prior consent of the Company.
|
3.
|
At-Will Employment
. Subject to the terms and conditions of the severance opportunity set forth below, Executive specifically acknowledges and accepts such employment on an “at-will” basis and agrees that both Executive and the Company retain the right to terminate this relationship at any time, with or without cause, for any reason not prohibited by applicable law upon notice as required by this Agreement.
|
4.
|
Compensation
. For all services rendered by Executive on behalf of, or at the request of, the Company, in Executive’s capacity as Senior Vice President, President Patient Support Systems of the Company, Executive shall be compensated as follows during the Employment Term.
|
(a)
|
Base Salary
. For the services performed by Executive under this Agreement, the Company shall pay Executive a base salary of Four Hundred Eighty-Four Thousand Dollars ($484,000) per year (“
Base Salary
”). The Base Salary shall be paid in the same increments as the Company’s normal payroll, but no less frequently than monthly, and prorated for any partial year of service during the Employment Term. Executive’s Base Salary shall be reviewed at least annually.
|
(b)
|
Bonus
. The Executive shall participate in any short-term incentive compensation program as may be in effect from time to time, as determined solely at the discretion of the Board, or any other bonus program as the Company may establish from time to time in its sole discretion. For each fiscal year, the annual performance bonus target will be not less than 70% of Base Salary earned during such fiscal year (the “
Target Bonus
”). The Target Bonus will be based upon the performance measures and objectives established by the Board from time to time, but ultimately subject to the Compensation and Management Development Committee’s (“
Committee
”) discretion. The minimum annual performance bonus will be 0% of the Target Bonus and the maximum annual performance bonus will be 200% of the Target Bonus. Any bonus earned shall be paid no later than March 15th of the calendar year following the calendar year in which the applicable fiscal year ended, subject to the Executive remaining continuously employed with the Company through the date that such bonus is paid, except as otherwise expressly provided hereunder.
|
(c)
|
Equity Awards
. The Executive shall be eligible to receive equity and other long-term incentive awards under the equity-based incentive compensation plans adopted by the Company during the Employment Term for which employees are generally eligible. The level of the Executive’s participation in any such plan, if any, shall be determined in the sole discretion of the Committee from time to time.
|
(d)
|
Other Benefits
. During the Employment Term, Executive will be entitled to participate in and receive such additional benefits and perquisites, including retirement and health and welfare benefits (such as participation in the supplemental executive retirement plan (the “
SERP
”), supplemental long-term disability insurance coverage, a Company-paid Executive physical examination, reimbursement for a portion of tax preparation and estate and financial planning services and flexible paid time off in accordance with the Company’s policy on accrual and use applicable to employees as in effect from time to time, including, but not limited to, forty (40) hours of sick leave), in each case, as are available to other senior executives of the Company and as the Board may deem appropriate and as pre-approved by the Committee. The Executive’s participation will be subject to the terms of the applicable plan documents and generally applicable Company policies. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Company may modify or terminate any employee benefit plan at any time.
|
5.
|
Changes to Compensation
. Notwithstanding anything contained herein to the contrary, Executive acknowledges that the Company specifically reserves the right to make changes to Executive’s compensation in its sole discretion including, but not limited to, modifying or eliminating a compensation component. The Parties agree that such changes shall be
|
6.
|
Direct Deposit
. Within thirty (30) days of the date hereof, Executive agrees to make all necessary arrangements to have all sums paid pursuant to this Agreement direct deposited into one or more bank accounts as designated by Executive.
|
7.
|
Predecessor Employers
. Except as otherwise disclosed in writing to the Committee of the Board prior to the date hereof Executive warrants that Executive is not a party to any contract, restrictive covenant, or other agreement purporting to limit or otherwise adversely affecting Executive’s ability to secure employment with any third party. Alternatively, should any such agreement exist, Executive warrants that the contemplated services to be performed hereunder will not violate the terms and conditions of any such agreement.
|
8.
|
Restricted Duties
. Executive agrees not to disclose, or use for the benefit of the Company, any confidential or proprietary information belonging to any predecessor employer(s) that otherwise has not been made public and further acknowledges that the Company has specifically instructed Executive not to disclose or use such confidential or proprietary information. Based on Executive’s understanding of the anticipated duties and responsibilities hereunder, Executive acknowledges that such duties and responsibilities will not compel the disclosure or use of any such confidential and proprietary information.
|
9.
|
Termination
. The Executive’s employment with the Company and the Employment Term shall end early upon the first to occur of any of the following events:
|
(a)
|
Death
. In the event Executive dies during the Employment Term, this Agreement shall automatically terminate upon the date of death of the Executive.
|
(b)
|
Disability
. In the event Executive suffers a Disability (as defined herein) during the term of employment, this Agreement shall automatically be terminated on the date of such Disability. For purposes of this Agreement, Executive shall be considered to have suffered a “
Disability
”: (i) upon a good faith determination by Company that, as a result of any mental or physical impairment, Executive is and will likely remain unable to perform the essential functions of Executive’s duties or responsibilities hereunder on a full-time basis for one hundred eighty (180) days, with or without reasonable accommodation, or (ii) Executive becomes eligible for or receives any benefits pursuant to the Company’s long-term disability policy. Notwithstanding anything expressed or implied above to the contrary, the Company agrees to fully comply with its obligations under the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993 and the Americans with Disabilities Act as well as any other applicable federal, state, or local law, regulation, or ordinance governing the provision of leave to individuals with serious health conditions or the protection of individuals with disabilities as well as the Company’s obligation to provide reasonable accommodation thereunder.
|
(c)
|
Cause
. Executive’s employment may be terminated by the Company at any time for Cause without notice or prior warning. For purposes of this Agreement, “
Cause
” shall mean the Company’s good faith determination that Executive has:
|
(i)
|
Acted with gross neglect or willful misconduct in the discharge of Executive’s duties and responsibilities, or refused to follow or comply with the lawful direction of the Board or the terms and conditions of this Agreement; provided, however, that such refusal is not based primarily on Executive’s good faith compliance with applicable legal or ethical standards.
|
(ii)
|
Acquiesced or participated in any conduct that is dishonest, fraudulent, illegal, unethical, involves moral turpitude or is otherwise illegal and involves conduct that has the potential, in the Board’s reasonable opinion, to cause the Company, its officers or its directors significant embarrassment or ridicule.
|
(iii)
|
Violated a material requirement of any Company policy or procedure, specifically including a violation of the Company’s code of ethics.
|
(iv)
|
Violated any provisions of the restrictive covenants listed in Paragraph 13.
|
(v)
|
Engaged in any act that, in the reasonable opinion of the Board, would hold the Company, its officers or directors up to probable civil or criminal liability, provided that, if Executive acts in good faith for compliance with applicable legal or ethical standards, such actions shall not be grounds for termination for Cause.
|
(vi)
|
Breached the warranties of Executive set forth in Paragraph 7 herein.
|
(vii)
|
Engaged in such other conduct recognized at law as constituting cause.
|
(d)
|
Without Cause
. The Parties agree that either party may terminate this employment relationship at any time, “
Without Cause
”, upon sixty (60) days’ advance written notice or, if terminated by the Company, pay in lieu of notice (hereinafter referred to as “
Notice Pay
”). However, in no event shall Executive be entitled to Notice Pay
|
(e)
|
Good Reason
. Executive may terminate Executive’s employment and declare this Agreement to have been terminated for “
Good Reason
” upon the occurrence, without Executive’s consent, of any of the following circumstances:
|
(i)
|
the assignment to Executives of duties that are materially inconsistent with Executive’s position as Senior Vice President, President Patient Support Systems;
|
(ii)
|
the failure to elect or reelect Executive as Senior Vice President, President Patient Support Systems of the Company (unless such failure is related in any way to the Company’s decision to terminate Executive for Cause);
|
(iii)
|
a reduction by the Company in the amount of Executive’s Base Salary or the discontinuation or reduction by the Company of Executive’s participation at previously existing levels of eligibility in any incentive compensation, additional compensation or equity programs, benefits, policies or perquisites; provided, however, that the Company may make such changes and/or reductions without implicating the provisions of this subparagraph (iii) so long as Executive is treated in a manner that is commensurate with the treatment of other senior executives of the Company;
|
(iv)
|
a failure by the Company to perform its obligations under this Employment Agreement; and
|
(v)
|
the relocation of the Company’s principal executive offices or Executive’s place of work to a location requiring a change of more than fifty (50) miles in Executive’s daily commute.
|
(f)
|
Voluntary Termination
. Executive may voluntarily, and without Good Reason, terminate Executive’s employment for any reason.
|
(g)
|
Expiration of Employment Term; Non-Extension of Agreement
. This Agreement may be terminated upon the expiration of the Employment Term due to a non-extension of the Agreement by the Company or the Executive.
|
10.
|
Consequences of Termination
.
|
(a)
|
Death
. In the event that Executive’s employment and the Employment Term ends on account of the Executive’s death, the Executive or the Executive’s estate, as the case may be, shall be entitled to the following (with the amounts due hereunder to be paid in accordance with the Company’s past practice and applicable law):
|
(i)
|
immediate vesting in the SERP, which shall be paid in accordance with the award agreements, benefits plans, past practice and applicable law (the “
SERP Benefit
”);
|
(ii)
|
any Base Salary, earned but unpaid through the date of termination; and
|
(iii)
|
all other deferred compensation, payments, accrued benefits of employment or fringe benefits to which the Executive may be entitled pursuant to the express terms of (A) any applicable compensation arrangement, (B) any applicable benefit, equity or fringe benefit plan, program or grant or (C) this Agreement (collectively, Paragraphs 10(a)(ii) and
ý
10(a)(iii) hereof shall be hereafter referred to as the “
Accrued Benefits
”).
|
(b)
|
Disability
. In the event that the Executive’s employment and the Employment Term ends on account of the Executive’s Disability, the Company shall pay or provide to the Executive the Accrued Benefits and the SERP Benefit.
|
(c)
|
Termination for Cause; Voluntary Termination; Non-Extension of Employment Term
. If the Executive’s employment is terminated (i) by the Company for Cause, (ii) by the Executive voluntarily and without Good Reason, or (iii) as a result of the non-extension of the Employment Term by either party as provided in Paragraph 9, the Company shall pay or provide to the Executive the Accrued Benefits.
|
(d)
|
Termination Without Cause or for Good Reason
. In the event Executive’s employment is terminated by the Company Without Cause or by the Executive for Good Reason, the Company shall pay or provide the Executive with the following, (subject to the provisions of Paragraph 26):
|
(i)
|
the Accrued Benefits;
|
(ii)
|
the SERP Benefit;
|
(iii)
|
one (1) times the sum of (A) Executive’s Base Salary for a period of twelve (12) months plus (B) the Executive’s Target Bonus for the year in which the Executive’s employment is terminated. Except as required by Code Section 409A (as defined below), this total amount shall be paid in accordance with the Company’s standard payroll practices (e.g. bi-weekly) over the twelve (12) month period following Executive’s termination, except no payment shall be made until after the Release (as defined below) becomes effective and the first payment thereafter shall include any missed payment. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if any execution and revocation period
|
(iv)
|
If Executive elects continuation coverage under the Company’s medical plan pursuant to Part 6 of Subtitle B of title I of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended (“
COBRA
”), the Company shall reimburse Executive, on a monthly basis, for a portion of Executive’s COBRA payments (provided such reimbursement does not result in any taxes or penalties for the Company) in an amount equal to the difference between (A) the amount the Company paid as a monthly premium for Executive’s participation in such plan immediately prior to Executive’s termination Without Cause or termination for Good Reason and (B) the amount Executive was required to pay as a monthly premium for participation in such plan immediately prior to such termination, until the earlier of (x) the end of the twelve (12) month period beginning on the effective date of termination of the Executive’s employment hereunder, or (y) such time as the Executive is eligible to be covered by comparable benefits of a subsequent employer. The Executive agrees to notify the Company promptly if and when Executive begins employment with another employer and if and when Executive becomes eligible to participate in any health or welfare plans of another employer; and
|
(v)
|
a lump sum payment in cash equal to the portion of the Target Bonus which would have been payable to the Executive for the fiscal year in which the termination occurred, based on the actual performance level during such fiscal year, but with such amount further prorated based on the number of days that elapsed between the start of such fiscal and the date of such termination of Executive’s employment. This pro-rated bonus (if any) will be paid at such time as the bonus would have been paid had Executive remained employed with the Company through the end of the applicable bonus period.
|
11.
|
Release
. Any payments made pursuant to Paragraph 10(d) are contingent upon Executive materially complying with the restrictive covenants contained herein and executing a separation and release agreement in a form not substantially different from the form attached as
Exhibit A
(the “
Release
”). Further, the Company’s obligation to provide payments pursuant to Paragraph 10(d) shall be deemed null and void should Executive fail or refuse to execute and deliver to the Company the Company’s then standard Release (without modification) within any time period as may be prescribed by law or, in absence thereof, twenty-one (21) days after the Executive’s Effective Termination Date (as defined in the Release).
|
12.
|
Reaffirmation
. Upon termination of Executive’s employment for any reason, Executive agrees, if requested to reaffirm in writing Executive’s post-employment obligation as set forth in this Agreement, that Executive will make such reaffirmation.
|
13.
|
Restrictive Covenants
. The capitalized terms used, but not defined herein in Paragraphs 13(a) through 13(i), will have the meanings given to such terms in Paragraph 13(j).
|
(a)
|
Assignment of Rights
.
|
(i)
|
Copyrights
. Executive agrees that all works of authorship fixed in any tangible medium of expression by Executive during the term of this Agreement relating to the Company’s business (“
Works
”), either solely or jointly with others, shall be and remain exclusively the property of the Company. Each such Work created by Executive is a “work made for hire” under the copyright law and the Company may file applications to register copyright in such Works as author and copyright owner thereof. If, for any reason, a Work created by Executive is excluded from the definition of a “work made for hire” under the copyright law, then Executive does hereby assign, sell, and convey to the Company the entire rights, title, and interests in and to such Work, including the copyright therein, to the Company. Executive will execute any documents that the Company deems necessary in connection with the assignment of such Work and copyright therein. Executive will take whatever steps and do whatever acts the Company requests, including, but not limited to, placement of the Company’s proper copyright notice on Works created by Executive to secure or aid in securing copyright protection in such Works and will assist the Company or its nominees in filing applications to register claims of copyright in such Works. The Company shall have free and unlimited access at all times to all Works and all copies thereof and shall have the right to claim and take possession on demand of such Works and copies.
|
(ii)
|
Inventions
. Executive agrees that all discoveries, concepts, and ideas, whether patentable or not, including, but not limited to, apparatus, processes, methods, compositions of matter, techniques, and formulae, as well as improvements thereof or know-how related thereto, relating to any present or prospective product, process, or service of the Company (“
Inventions
”) that Executive conceives or makes during the term of this Agreement relating to the Company’s business, shall become and remain the exclusive property of the Company, whether patentable or not, and Executive will, without royalty or any other consideration:
|
(A)
|
Inform the Company promptly and fully of such Inventions by written reports, setting forth in detail the procedures employed and the results achieved;
|
(B)
|
Assign to the Company all of Executive’s rights, title, and interests in and to such Inventions, any applications for United States and
|
(C)
|
Assist the Company or its nominees, at the expense of the Company, to obtain such United States and foreign letters patent for such Inventions as the Company may elect; and
|
(D)
|
Execute, acknowledge, and deliver to the Company at the Company’s expense such written documents and instruments, and do such other acts, such as giving testimony in support of Executive’s inventorship, as may be necessary in the opinion of the Company, to obtain and maintain United States and foreign letters patent upon such Inventions and to vest the entire rights and title thereto in the Company and to confirm the complete ownership by the Company of such Inventions, patent applications, and patents.
|
(b)
|
Return of Company Property
. All records, files, drawings, documents, data in whatever form, business equipment (including computers, cell phones, etc.), and the like relating to, or provided by, the Company shall be and remain the sole property of the Company. Upon termination of employment, Executive shall immediately return to the Company all such items without retention of any copies and without additional request by the Company. De minimis items such as pay stubs, 401(k) plan summaries, employee bulletins, and the like are excluded from this requirement. Executive may retain Executive’s address books to the extent they only contain contact information.
|
(c)
|
Confidential Information
. Executive acknowledges that the Companies possess certain trade secrets as well as other confidential and proprietary information which they have acquired or will acquire at great effort and expense. Such information may include, without limitation, confidential information, whether in tangible or intangible form, regarding the Companies’ products and services, marketing strategies, business plans, operations, costs, current or prospective customer information (including customer identities, contacts, requirements, creditworthiness, preferences, and like matters), product concepts, designs, prototypes or specifications, research and development efforts, technical data and know‑how, sales information, including pricing and other terms and conditions of sale, financial information, internal procedures, techniques, forecasts, methods, trade information, trade secrets, software programs, project requirements, inventions, trademarks, trade names, and similar information regarding the Companies’ business(es) (collectively referred to herein as “
Confidential Information
”). Executive further acknowledges that, as a result of Executive’s employment with the Company, Executive will have access to, will become acquainted with, and/or may help develop, such Confidential Information. Confidential Information shall not include information readily available in the public so long as such information was not made available through fault of Executive or wrong doing by any other individual.
|
(d)
|
Restricted Use of Confidential Information
. Executive agrees that all Confidential Information is and shall remain the sole and exclusive property of the Company and/or its affiliated entities. Except as may be expressly authorized by the Company in writing, or other than in the course of the Executive’s employment and for the benefit of the Company, Executive agrees not to disclose, or cause any other person or entity to disclose, any Confidential Information to any third party while employed by the Company and for as long thereafter as such information remains confidential (or as limited by applicable law). Further, Executive agrees to use such Confidential Information only in the course of Executive’s duties in furtherance of the Company’s business and agrees not to make use of any such Confidential Information for Executive’s own purposes or for the benefit of any other entity or person. The foregoing shall not apply to information that (i) was known to the public prior to its disclosure to the Executive; (ii) becomes generally known to the public subsequent to disclosure to the Executive through no wrongful act of the Executive or any representative of the Executive; or (iii) the Executive is required to disclose by applicable law, regulation or legal process, or is requested by subpoena, court order or a governmental, regulatory or self-regulatory body with the apparent authority to disclose any Confidential Information (provided that in such case the Executive shall (A) provide the Company with prior notice of the contemplated disclosure, (B) cooperate with the Company at its expense in seeking a protective order or other appropriate protection of such information, and (C) disclose only that Confidential Information which Executive is legally required to disclose).
|
(e)
|
Non-Solicitation
. During Executive’s employment and for a period of twelve (12) months thereafter, Executive agrees not to directly or indirectly engage in the following prohibited conduct:
|
(i)
|
Solicit, offer products or services to, or accept orders for, any Competitive Products or otherwise transact any competitive business on behalf of any Competitor;
|
(ii)
|
Attempt on behalf of any Competitor to entice or otherwise cause any third party to withdraw, curtail or cease doing business with the Company (or any Affiliate thereof), specifically including customers, vendors, independent contractors and other third-party entities;
|
(iii)
|
Except in the course of the Executive’s employment and for the benefit of the Company, disclose to any person or entity the identities, contacts or preferences of any customers of the Company (or any Affiliate thereof), or the identity of any other persons or entities having business dealings with the Company (or any Affiliate thereof);
|
(iv)
|
Induce any individual who has been employed by or had provided services to the Company (or any Affiliate thereof) within the six (6) month period immediately preceding the effective date of Executive’s separation to terminate such relationship with the Company (or any Affiliate thereof);
|
(v)
|
Assist, coordinate or otherwise offer employment to, accept employment inquiries from, or employ any individual who is or had been employed by the Company (or any Affiliate thereof) at any time within the six (6) month period immediately preceding such offer, or inquiry;
|
(vi)
|
Communicate or indicate in any way to any customer of the Company (or any Affiliate thereof), prior to formal separation from the Company, any interest, desire, plan, or decision to separate from the Company; other than by way of long term retirement plans; or
|
(vii)
|
Otherwise attempt on behalf of any Competitor to directly or indirectly interfere with the Company’s business, the business of any of the Companies or their relationship with their employees, consultants, independent contractors or customers.
|
(f)
|
Limited Non-Compete
. For the above-stated reasons, and as a condition of employment to the fullest extent permitted by law, Executive agrees during the Relevant Non‑Compete Period not to directly or indirectly engage in the following competitive activities:
|
(i)
|
Executive shall not have any ownership interest in, work for, advise, consult, or have any business connection or business or employment relationship in any competitive capacity with any Competitor unless Executive provides written notice to the Company of such relationship prior to entering into such relationship and, further, provides sufficient written assurances to the Company’s satisfaction that such relationship will not jeopardize the Company’s legitimate interests or otherwise violate the terms of this Agreement;
|
(ii)
|
Executive shall not engage in any research, development, production, sale or distribution of any Competitive Products on behalf of a Competitor;
|
(iii)
|
Executive shall not market, sell, or otherwise offer or provide any Competitive Products within any Geographic Territory on behalf of a Competitor; or
|
(iv)
|
Executive shall not distribute, market, sell or otherwise offer or provide any Competitive Products to any customer of the Company on behalf of a Competitor.
|
(g)
|
Non-Disparagement
. Executive agrees not to make any written or oral statement that may defame, disparage or cast in a negative light so as to do harm to the personal or professional reputation of (i) the Company, (ii) its Executives, officers, directors or trustees or (iii) the services and/or products provided by the Company and its subsidiaries or affiliate entities. Similarly, in response to any written inquiry from any prospective employer or in connection with a written inquiry in connection with any future business relationship involving Executive, the Company agrees not to provide any information, and the senior officers shall not make any written or oral
|
(h)
|
Further Covenants
.
|
(i)
|
The U.S. Defend Trade Secrets Act of 2016 (“
DTSA
”) provides that an individual shall not be held criminally or civilly liable under any federal or state trade secret law for the disclosure of a trade secret that (A) is made in confidence to a federal, state or local government official, either directly or indirectly, or to an attorney, and solely for the purpose of reporting or investigating a suspected violation of law; or (B) is made in a complaint or other document filed in a lawsuit or other proceeding, if such filing is made under seal. In addition, the DTSA provides that an individual who files a lawsuit for retaliation by an employer for reporting a suspected violation of law may disclose the trade secret to the attorney of the individual and use the trade secret information in the court proceeding, if the individual files any document containing the trade secret under seal and does not disclose the trade secret, except pursuant to court order. Accordingly, the Parties have the right to disclose in confidence trade secrets to federal, state, and local government officials, or to an attorney, for the sole purpose of reporting or investigating a suspected violation of law. The parties also have the right to disclose trade secrets in a document filed in a lawsuit or other proceeding, but only if the filing is made under seal and protected from public disclosure.
|
(ii)
|
Nothing in this Agreement prevents Executive from providing, without prior notice to the Company, information to governmental authorities regarding possible legal violations or otherwise testifying or participating in any investigation or proceeding by any governmental authorities regarding possible legal violations, and for purpose of clarity Executive is not prohibited from providing information voluntarily to the United States Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to Section 21F of the Exchange Act.
|
(i)
|
Acknowledged Need for Limited Restrictive Covenants
. Executive acknowledges that the Companies have spent and will continue to expend substantial amounts of time, money and effort to develop their business strategies, Confidential Information, customer identities and relationships, goodwill and Executive relationships, and that Executive will benefit from these efforts. Further, Executive acknowledges the inevitable use of, or near-certain influence by Executive’s knowledge of, the Confidential Information disclosed to Executive during the course of employment if Executive is allowed to compete against the Company in an unrestricted manner and that such use would be unfair and extremely detrimental to the Company. Accordingly, based on these legitimate business reasons, Executive acknowledges
|
(j)
|
Non-Compete Definitions
. For purposes of this Agreement, the Parties agree that the following terms shall apply:
|
(i)
|
“
Affiliate
” includes any parent, subsidiary, joint venture, sister company, or other entity controlled, owned, managed or otherwise associated with the Company;
|
(ii)
|
“
Assigned Customer Base
” shall include all accounts or customers formally assigned to Executive within a given territory or geographical area or contacted by Executive at any time during the eighteen (18) month period preceding Executive’s date of separation;
|
(iii)
|
“
Competitive Products
” shall include any product or service that directly or indirectly competes with, is substantially similar to, or serves as a reasonable substitute for, any product or service in research, development or design, or manufactured, produced, sold or distributed by the Company;
|
(iv)
|
“
Competitor
” shall mean the list of companies on Exhibit B, which can be changed at any time prior to 90 days before termination of employment by or of Executive by written notice to Executive, so long as the list does not exceed fifteen (15) companies and each of which is a material competitor of the Company.
|
(v)
|
“
Directly or indirectly
” shall be construed such that the foregoing restrictions shall apply equally to Executive whether performed individually or as a partner, shareholder, officer, director, manager, Executive, salesperson, independent contractor, broker, agent, or consultant for any other individual, partnership, firm, corporation, company, or other entity engaged in such conduct.
|
(vi)
|
“
Geographic Territory
” shall include any territory in which the Company has provided any services or sold any products at any time during the twenty-four (24) month period preceding Executive’s date of separation;
|
(vii)
|
“
Relevant Non-Compete Period
” shall include the period of Executive’s employment with the Company as well as a period of twelve (12) months after such employment is terminated, regardless of the reason for such termination provided.
|
(k)
|
Consent to Reasonableness
. In light of the above-referenced concerns, including Executive’s knowledge of and access to the Companies’ Confidential Information, Executive acknowledges that the terms of such restrictive covenants are reasonable and necessary to protect the Company’s legitimate business interests and will not unreasonably interfere with Executive’s ability to obtain alternate employment. As
|
(l)
|
Survival of Restrictive Covenants
. Executive acknowledges that the above restrictive covenants shall survive the termination of this Agreement and the termination of Executive’s employment for any reason. Executive further acknowledges that any alleged breach by the Company of any contractual, statutory or other obligation shall not excuse or terminate the obligations hereunder or otherwise preclude the Company from seeking injunctive or other relief. Rather, Executive acknowledges that such obligations are independent and separate covenants undertaken by Executive for the benefit of the Company.
|
(m)
|
Post-Termination Notification
. For the duration of Executive’s Relevant Non-Compete Period or other restrictive covenant period, whichever is longer, Executive agrees to promptly notify the Company no later than five (5) business days of Executive’s acceptance of any employment or consulting engagement. Such notice shall include sufficient information to ensure Executive compliance with Executive’s non-compete obligations and must include at a minimum the following information: (i) the name of the employer or entity for which Executive is providing any consulting services; (ii) a description of Executive’s intended duties; and (iii) the anticipated start date. Such information is required to ensure Executive’s compliance with Executive’s non-compete obligations as well as all other applicable restrictive covenants. Such notice shall be provided in writing to the Office of SVP, Corporate Secretary and Chief Legal Officer at 130 East Randolph Street, Suite 1000, Chicago, Illinois 60601. Failure to timely provide such notice shall be deemed a material breach of this Agreement and entitle the Company to return of any Severance paid to Executive plus attorneys’ fees. Executive further consents to the Company’s notification to any new employer of Executive’s rights and obligations under this Agreement.
|
(n)
|
Scope of Restrictions
. If the scope of any restriction contained in any preceding paragraphs of this Agreement is deemed too broad to permit enforcement of such restriction to its fullest extent, then such restriction shall be enforced to the maximum extent permitted by law, and Executive hereby consents and agrees that such scope may be judicially modified accordingly in any proceeding brought to enforce such restriction.
|
(o)
|
Specific Enforcement/Injunctive Relief
. Executive agrees that it would be difficult to measure any damages to the Company from a breach of the above-referenced restrictive covenants, but acknowledges that the potential for such damages would be great, incalculable and irremediable, and that monetary damages alone would be
|
(p)
|
Publicly Traded Stock
. The Parties agree that nothing contained in this Agreement shall be construed to prohibit Executive from investing Executive’s personal assets in any stock or corporate security traded or quoted on a national securities exchange or national market system provided, however, such investments do not require any services on the part of Executive in the operation or the affairs of the business or otherwise violate the Company’s code of ethics.
|
14.
|
Notice of Claim and Contractual Limitations Period
. Executive acknowledges the Company’s need for prompt notice, investigation, and resolution of any claims that may be filed against it due to the number of relationships it has with employees and others (and due to the turnover among such individuals with knowledge relevant to any underlying claim). Accordingly, Executive agrees prior to initiating any litigation of any type (including, but not limited to, employment discrimination litigation, wage litigation, defamation, or any other claim) to notify the Company, within one hundred and eighty (180) days after the claim accrued, by sending a certified letter addressed to the Company’s General Counsel setting forth: (a) claimant’s name, address, and phone; (b) the name of any attorney representing Executive; (c) the nature of the claim; (d) the date the claim arose; and (e) the relief requested. This provision is in addition to any other notice and exhaustion requirements that might apply. For any dispute or claim of any type against the Company (including but not limited to employment discrimination litigation, wage litigation, defamation, or any other claim), Executive must commence legal action within the shorter of one (1) year of accrual of the cause of action or such shorter period that may be specified by law.
|
15.
|
Non-Jury Trials
. Notwithstanding any right to a jury trial for any claims, Executive waives any such right to a jury trial, and agrees that any claim of any type (including but not limited to employment discrimination litigation, wage litigation, defamation, or any other claim) lodged in any court will be tried, if at all, without a jury.
|
16.
|
Choice of Forum
. Executive acknowledges that the Company is primarily based in Indiana, and Executive understands and acknowledges the Company’s desire and need to defend any litigation against it in Illinois. Accordingly, the Parties agree that any claim of any type
|
17.
|
Choice of Law
. This Agreement shall be deemed to have been made within the County of Cook, State of Illinois and shall be interpreted and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Illinois. Any and all matters of dispute of any nature whatsoever arising out of, or in any way connected with the interpretation of this Agreement, any disputes arising out of the Agreement or the employment relationship between the Parties hereto, shall be governed by, construed by and enforced in accordance with the laws of the State of Illinois without regard to any applicable state’s choice of law provisions.
|
18.
|
Titles
. Titles are used for the purpose of convenience in this Agreement and shall be ignored in any construction of it.
|
19.
|
Severability
. The Parties agree that each and every paragraph, sentence, clause, term and provision of this Agreement is severable and that, in the event any portion of this Agreement is adjudged to be invalid or unenforceable, the remaining portions thereof shall remain in effect and be enforced to the fullest extent permitted by law. Further, should any particular clause, covenant, or provision of this Agreement be held unreasonable or contrary to public policy for any reason, the Parties acknowledge and agree that such covenant, provision or clause shall automatically be deemed modified such that the contested covenant, provision or clause will have the closest effect permitted by applicable law to the original form and shall be given effect and enforced as so modified to whatever extent would be reasonable and enforceable under applicable law.
|
20.
|
Assignment-Notices
. The rights and obligations of the Company under this Agreement shall inure to its benefit, as well as the benefit of its parent, subsidiary, successor and affiliated entities, and shall be binding upon the successors and assigns of the Company. This Agreement, being personal to Executive, cannot be assigned by Executive, but Executive’s personal representative shall be bound by all its terms and conditions. Any notice required hereunder shall be sufficient if in writing and mailed to the last known residence of Executive or to the Company at its principal office with a copy mailed to the Office of the General Counsel.
|
21.
|
Amendments and Modifications
. Except as specifically provided herein, no modification, amendment, extension or waiver of this Agreement or any provision hereof shall be binding upon the Company or Executive unless in writing and signed by both Parties. The waiver by the Company or Executive of a breach of any provision of this Agreement shall not be construed as a waiver of any subsequent breach. Nothing in this Agreement shall be construed as a limitation upon the Company’s right to modify or amend any of its manuals or policies in its sole discretion and any such modification or amendment which pertains to matters addressed herein shall be deemed to be incorporated herein and made a part of this Agreement.
|
22.
|
Outside Representations
. Executive represents and acknowledges that in signing this Agreement Executive does not rely, and has not relied, upon any representation or statement made by the Company or by any of the Company’s employees, officers, agents, stockholders, directors or attorneys with regard to the subject matter, basis or effect of this Agreement other than those specifically contained herein.
|
23.
|
Other Remedies
. The Executive agrees to execute and be bound by the terms and conditions of the Company’s Limited Recapture Agreement, and any applicable laws, rules and regulations.
|
24.
|
Voluntary and Knowing Execution
. Executive acknowledges that Executive has been offered a reasonable amount of time within which to consider and review this Agreement; that Executive has carefully read and fully understands all of the provisions of this Agreement; and that Executive has entered into this Agreement knowingly and voluntarily, with the assistance of counsel.
|
25.
|
Liability Insurance
. The Company shall cover the Executive under directors and officers liability insurance both during and, while potential liability exists, after the term of this Agreement in the same amount and to the same extent as the Company covers its other officers and non-independent directors.
|
26.
|
Tax Matters
.
|
(a)
|
Withholding
. The Company may withhold from any and all amounts payable under this Agreement or otherwise such federal, state and local taxes as may be required to be withheld pursuant to any applicable law or regulation.
|
(b)
|
Code Section 409A Notification
. Executive acknowledges that Executive has been advised of the American Jobs Creation Act of 2004, which includes Internal Revenue Code Section 409A, and the regulations and guidance promulgated thereunder (collectively “
Code Section 409A
”), and which also significantly changed the taxation of nonqualified deferred compensation plans and arrangements.
|
(i)
|
The intent of the parties is that payments and benefits under this Agreement comply with, or be exempt from, Code Section 409A and, accordingly, to the maximum extent permitted, this Agreement shall be interpreted to be in accordance therewith. If any provision of this Agreement (or of any award of compensation, including equity compensation or benefits) would cause the Executive to incur any additional tax or interest under Code Section 409A, the Company shall, after consulting with the Executive, reform such provision to try to comply with Code Section 409A through good faith modifications to the minimum extent reasonably appropriate to conform with Code Section 409A. To the extent that any provision hereof is modified in order to comply with Code Section 409A, such modification shall be made in good faith and shall, to the maximum extent reasonably possible, maintain the original intent and economic benefit to the Executive and the Company of the applicable provision without violating the provisions of Code Section 409A.
|
(ii)
|
A termination of employment shall not be deemed to have occurred for purposes of any provision of this Agreement providing for the payment of any amounts or benefits upon or following a termination of employment that are considered “nonqualified deferred compensation” under Code Section 409A unless such termination is also a “separation from service” within the meaning of Code Section 409A and, for purposes of any such provision of this Agreement, references to a “termination,” “termination of employment” or like terms shall mean “separation from service.” If the Executive is deemed on the date of termination to be a “specified employee” within the meaning of that term under Code Section 409A(a)(2)(B), then with regard to any payment that is considered non-qualified deferred compensation under Code Section 409A payable on account of a “separation from service,” and with regard to which an exemption from such section does not apply, such payment or benefit shall be made or provided at the date which is the earlier of (A) the expiration of the six (6)-month period measured from the date of such “separation from service” of the Executive, and (B) the date of the Executive’s death (the “
Delay Period
”). Upon the expiration of the Delay Period, all payments and benefits delayed pursuant to this Paragraph 26(b)(ii) (whether they would have otherwise been payable in a single sum or in installments in the absence of such delay) shall be paid or reimbursed to the Executive in a lump sum, and any remaining payments and benefits due under this Agreement shall be paid or provided in accordance with the normal payment dates specified for them herein.
|
(iii)
|
With regard to any provision herein that provides for reimbursement of costs and expenses or in-kind benefits, except as permitted by Code Section 409A, (A) the right to reimbursement or in-kind benefits shall not be subject to liquidation or exchange for another benefit, (B) the amount of expenses eligible for reimbursement, or in-kind benefits provided during any taxable year shall not affect the expenses eligible for reimbursement, or in-kind benefits to be provided in any other taxable year, and (C) such payments shall be made on or before the last day of Executive’s taxable year following the taxable year in which the expense occurred.
|
(iv)
|
For purposes of Code Section 409A, the Executive’s right to receive any installment payments pursuant to this Agreement shall be treated as a right to receive a series of separate and distinct payments. In no event may the Executive, directly or indirectly, designate the calendar year of any payment to be made under this Agreement that is considered nonqualified deferred compensation. In no event shall the timing of Executive’s execution of a Release, directly or indirectly, result in the Executive designating the calendar year of payment, and if a payment that is subject to execution of the Release could be made in more than one taxable year, payment shall be made in the later taxable year.
|
(v)
|
Executive acknowledges that, notwithstanding anything contained herein to the contrary, both Parties shall be independently responsible for assessing
|
27.
|
Entire Agreement
. This Agreement constitutes the entire employment agreement between the Parties hereto concerning the subject matter hereof and shall supersede all prior and contemporaneous agreements between the Parties in connection with the subject matter of this Agreement. Nothing in this Agreement, however, shall affect any separately‑executed written agreement addressing any other issues. For the avoidance of doubt, if the Executive receives any severance compensation pursuant to a change in control agreement or any other severance plan or program, such agreement’s terms regarding severance compensation will control and will be in place of any severance payments as may be provided under Paragraph 10(d) of this Agreement.
|
28.
|
Counterparts
. This Agreement may be executed in separate counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an original and both of which taken together shall constitute one and the same agreement.
|
EXECUTIVE
|
HILL-ROM HOLDINGS, INC.
|
Signed: __________________________
Name: Paul Johnson
Dated: ___________________________
|
By: _____________________________
Title: Chief Human Resources Officer
Dated: ___________________________
|
1.
|
Executive’s active employment by the Company shall terminate effective ____________, 20__ (the “
Effective Termination Date
”). Except as specifically provided by this Agreement, or in any other non-employment agreement that may exist between the Company and Executive, Executive agrees that the Company shall have no other obligations or liabilities to Executive following Executive’s Effective Termination Date and that Executive’s receipt of the Severance Benefits shall constitute a complete settlement, satisfaction and waiver of any and all claims Executive may have against the Company.
|
2.
|
Executive further submits, and the Company hereby accepts, Executive’s resignation as an Executive, officer and director, as of Executive’s Effective Termination Date for any position Executive may hold. The Parties agree that this resignation shall apply to all such positions Executive may hold with the Company or any parent thereof. Executive agrees to execute any documents needed to effectuate such resignation. Executive further agrees to take whatever steps are necessary to facilitate and ensure the smooth transition of Executive’s duties and responsibilities to others.
|
3.
|
The Company agrees to provide Executive Severance Benefits on the termination of Executive’s employment, as provided for in Paragraph 10(d) of Executive’s Employment Agreement.
|
4.
|
The Company further agrees to provide Executive with limited out-placement counseling with a company of its choice provided that Executive participates in such counseling immediately following termination of employment. Notwithstanding anything in this Paragraph 4 to the contrary, the out-placement counseling shall not be provided after the last day of the second calendar year following the calendar year in which termination of employment occurs.
|
5.
|
In exchange for the Severance Benefits, Executive on behalf of
[himself/herself]
,
[his/her]
heirs, representatives, agents and assigns,
[and anyone acting or claiming on [his/her] or their joint or several behalf,]
hereby RELEASES, INDEMNIFIES, HOLDS HARMLESS,
|
6.
|
Without limiting the generality of the foregoing release, it shall include: (a) all claims or potential claims arising under any federal, state or local employment law or statute, including, but not limited to, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act(s) of 1964 and 1991, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA), the Older Workers Benefit Protection Act (OWBPA), the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act (WARN) or the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA), the Illinois Human Rights Act, as amended, applicable state civil rights law(s), or applicable state employment law(s); (b) any claims on account of, arising out of or in any way connected with Executive’s employment with the Company or leaving of that employment; (c) any claims alleged or which could have been alleged in any charge or complaint against the Company; (d) any claims relating to the conduct of any Executive, officer, director, agent or other representative of the Company; (e) any claims of discrimination, harassment or retaliation on any basis; (f) any claims arising from any legal restrictions on an employer’s right to separate its Executives; (g) any claims for personal injury, compensatory or punitive damages or other forms of relief; and (h) all other causes of action sounding in contract, tort or other common law basis, including (i) the breach of any alleged oral or written contract, (ii) negligent or intentional misrepresentations, (iii) wrongful discharge, (iv) just cause dismissal, (v) defamation, (vi) interference with contract or business relationship or (vii) negligent or intentional infliction of emotional distress.
|
7.
|
Executive further agrees and covenants not to sue the Company or any entity or individual subject to this Agreement with respect to any claims, demands, liabilities or obligations released by this Agreement provided, however, that nothing contained in this Agreement shall:
|
a.
|
prevent Executive from filing an administrative charge with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission or any other federal state or local agency, or the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (“
SEC
”) Whistleblower unit or participating in investigations by those entities; or
|
b.
|
prevent employee from challenging, under the Older Worker’s Benefit Protection Act (29 U.S.C. § 626), the knowing and voluntary nature of Executive’s release of any age claims in this Agreement in court or before the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.
|
8.
|
Notwithstanding Executive’s right to file an administrative charge with the EEOC, the SEC’s Whistleblower unit, or any other federal, state, or local agency, Executive agrees that with Executive’s release of claims in this Agreement, Executive has waived any right Executive may have to recover monetary or other personal relief in any proceeding based in whole or in part on claims released by Executive in this Agreement. For example, Executive waives
|
9.
|
The U.S. Defend Trade Secrets Act of 2016 (“
DTSA
”) provides that an individual shall not be held criminally or civilly liable under any federal or state trade secret law for the disclosure of a trade secret that (a) is made in confidence to a federal, state or local government official, either directly or indirectly, or to an attorney, and solely for the purpose of reporting or investigating a suspected violation of law; or (b) is made in a complaint or other document filed in a lawsuit or other proceeding, if such filing is made under seal. In addition, the DTSA provides that an individual who files a lawsuit for retaliation by an employer for reporting a suspected violation of law may disclose the trade secret to the attorney of the individual and use the trade secret information in the court proceeding, if the individual files any document containing the trade secret under seal and does not disclose the trade secret, except pursuant to court order. Accordingly, the Parties have the right to disclose in confidence trade secrets to federal, state, and local government officials, or to an attorney, for the sole purpose of reporting or investigating a suspected violation of law. The parties also have the right to disclose trade secrets in a document filed in a lawsuit or other proceeding, but only if the filing is made under seal and protected from public disclosure.
|
10.
|
Insofar as this Agreement pertains to the release of Executive’s claims, if any, under the ADEA or other civil rights laws, the Parties acknowledge that it is their mutual and specific intent that the above waiver fully complies with the requirements of the OWBPA and any similar law governing release of claims. Accordingly, Executive hereby acknowledges that:
|
a.
|
Executive has carefully read and fully understands all of the provisions of this Agreement and that Executive has entered into this Agreement knowingly and voluntarily;
|
b.
|
The Severance Benefits offered in exchange for Executive’s release of claims exceed in kind and scope that to which Executive would have otherwise been legally entitled absent the execution of this Agreement;
|
c.
|
Prior to signing this Agreement, Executive had been advised, and is being advised by this Agreement, to consult with an attorney of Executive’s choice concerning its terms and conditions; and
|
d.
|
Executive has been offered at least twenty-one (21)
days within which to review and consider this Agreement.
|
11.
|
[ADD THIS LANGUAGE IF THE EMPLOYEE IS IN CALIFORNIA]
Executive specifically acknowledges that, as a condition of this Agreement, Executive expressly releases all rights and claims that Executive knows about as well as those Executive may not know about. Executive expressly waives all rights under Section 1542 of the Civil Code of the State of California, which reads as follows:
|
a.
|
“A general release does not extend to claims which the creditor does not know or suspect to exist in Executive’s favor at the time of executing the release which if known, must have materially affected Executive’s settlement with the debtor.”
|
b.
|
Notwithstanding the provision by Section 1542, and for the purpose of implementing a full and complete release and discharge of the Company as set forth above, Executive expressly acknowledges that this Agreement is intended to include and does in its effect, without limitation, include all claims which Executive does not know or suspect to exist in Executive’s favor at the time of signing this Agreement and that this Agreement expressly contemplates the extinguishment of all such claims.
|
12.
|
The Parties agree that this Agreement shall not become effective and enforceable until the date this Agreement is signed by both Parties or seven (7) calendar days after its execution by Executive, whichever is later. Executive may revoke this Agreement for any reason by providing written notice of such intent to the Company within seven (7) days after Executive has signed this Agreement, thereby forfeiting Executive’s right to receive any Severance Benefits provided hereunder and rendering this Agreement null and void in its entirety.
|
13.
|
Executive affirms that, as of the date of execution of this Agreement, Executive has filed no lawsuit, charge, claim or complaint with any governmental agency or in any court against the Company or the releasees described in Paragraph 5 herein.
|
14.
|
The provisions of Paragraphs 13 (Restrictive Covenants); 15 (Non-Jury Trials); 16 (Choice of Forum); 17 (Choice of Law); and 26 (Tax Matters) of the Employment Agreement are hereby expressly incorporated by reference.
|
15.
|
The Parties agree that nothing contained herein shall purport to waive or otherwise affect any of Executive’s rights or claims that may arise after Executive signs this Agreement. It is further understood by the Parties that nothing in this Agreement shall affect any rights Executive may have under any Company sponsored deferred compensation program, equity award agreement, and/or retirement plan
provided by the Company as of the date of Executive’s termination, such items to be governed exclusively by the terms of the applicable agreements or plan documents.
|
16.
|
Similarly, notwithstanding any provision contained herein to the contrary, this Agreement shall not constitute a waiver or release or otherwise affect Executive’s rights with respect to any vested benefits, any rights Executive has to benefits which cannot be waived by law, any coverage provided under any Directors and Officers (“
D&O
”) policy, any rights Executive may have under any indemnification agreement Executive has with the Company prior to the date hereof, any rights Executive has as a shareholder, or any claim for breach of this Agreement, including, but not limited to the benefits promised by the terms of this Agreement.
|
17.
|
[Option A]
Executive acknowledges that Executive’s termination and the Severance Benefits offered hereunder were based on an individual determination and were not offered in conjunction with any group termination or group severance program and waives any claim to the contrary.
|
18.
|
Executive hereby affirms and acknowledges Executive’s continued obligations to comply with the post-termination covenants contained in Executive’s Employment Agreement, including but not limited to, the non-compete, trade secret and confidentiality provisions. Executive acknowledges that a copy of the Employment Agreement has been provided to Executive and, to the extent not inconsistent with the terms of this Agreement or applicable law, the terms thereof shall be incorporated herein by reference. Executive acknowledges that the restrictions contained therein are valid and reasonable in every respect and are necessary to protect the Company’s legitimate business interests. Executive hereby affirmatively waives any claim or defense to the contrary.
|
19.
|
Executive hereby consents and authorizes the Company to deduct as an offset from the Severance Benefits, so long as the deduction is not taken from nonqualified deferred compensation under the definition of Code Section 409A, the value of any Company property not returned or returned in a damaged condition as well as any monies paid by the Company on Executive’s behalf (e.g., payment of any outstanding credit card).
|
20.
|
Executive agrees to cooperate with the Company in connection with any pending or future litigation, proceeding or other matter which has been or may be brought against or by the Company before any agency, court, or other tribunal and concerning or relating in any way to any matter falling within Executive’s knowledge or former area of responsibility. Executive agrees to immediately notify the Company, through the Office of the General Counsel, in the event Executive is contacted by any outside attorney (including paralegals or other affiliated parties) with regard to matters related to Executive’s employment with the Company unless (i) the Company is represented by the attorney, (ii) Executive is represented by the attorney for the purpose of protecting Executive’s personal interests or (iii) the Company has been advised of and has approved such contact. Executive agrees to provide reasonable assistance and completely truthful testimony in such matters including, without limitation, facilitating and assisting in the preparation of any underlying defense, responding to discovery requests, preparing for and attending deposition(s) as well as appearing in court to provide truthful testimony. The Company agrees to reimburse Executive for all reasonable out of pocket expenses incurred at the request of the Company associated with such assistance and testimony.
|
21.
|
EXECUTIVE SPECIFICALLY AGREES AND UNDERSTANDS THAT THE EXISTENCE AND TERMS OF THIS AGREEMENT ARE STRICTLY CONFIDENTIAL AND THAT SUCH CONFIDENTIALITY IS A MATERIAL TERM OF THIS AGREEMENT
. Accordingly, except as required by law or unless authorized to do so by the Company in writing, Executive agrees that Executive shall not communicate, display or otherwise reveal any of the contents of this Agreement to anyone other than Executive’s spouse, legal counsel or financial advisor provided, however, that they are first advised of the confidential nature of this Agreement and Executive obtains their agreement
|
22.
|
In the event that Executive breaches or threatens to breach any provision of this Agreement or the Employment Agreement, Executive agrees that the Company shall be entitled to seek any and all equitable and legal relief provided by law, specifically including immediate and permanent injunctive relief. Executive hereby waives any claim that the Company has an adequate remedy at law. In addition, and to the extent not prohibited by law, Executive agrees that the Company shall be entitled to discontinue providing any additional Severance Benefits upon such breach. Executive agrees that the foregoing relief shall not be construed to limit or otherwise restrict the Company’s ability to pursue any other remedy provided by law, including the recovery of any actual, compensatory or punitive damages. Moreover, if Executive pursues any claims against the Company subject to the foregoing release provisions of this Agreement, Executive agrees to immediately reimburse the Company for the value of all benefits received under this Agreement to the fullest extent permitted by law.
|
23.
|
Similarly, in the event that the Company breaches or threatens to breach any provision of this Agreement, Executive shall be entitled to seek any and all equitable or other available relief provided by law, specifically including immediate and permanent injunctive relief. In the event Executive is wholly unsuccessful, the Company shall be entitled to an award of its costs and attorneys’ fees.
|
24.
|
Both Parties acknowledge that this Agreement is entered into solely for the purpose of terminating Executive’s employment relationship with the Company on an amicable basis and shall not be construed as an admission of liability or wrongdoing by the Company or Executive, both Parties having expressly denied any such liability or wrongdoing.
|
25.
|
Each of the promises and obligations shall be binding upon and shall inure to the benefit of the heirs, executors, administrators, assigns and successors in interest of each of the Parties.
|
26.
|
Executive hereby represents and warrants that Executive has not previously assigned or purported to assign or transfer to any person or entity any of the claims or causes of action herein released.
|
27.
|
The Parties agree that each and every paragraph, sentence, clause, term and provision of this Agreement is severable and that, if any portion of this Agreement should be deemed not enforceable for any reason, such portion shall be stricken and the remaining portion or portions thereof should continue to be enforced to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law.
|
28.
|
This Agreement shall be governed by and interpreted in accordance with the laws of the State of Illinois without regard to any applicable state’s choice of law provisions.
|
29.
|
Executive represents and acknowledges that in signing this Agreement Executive does not rely, and has not relied, upon any representation or statement made by the Company or by any of the Company’s Executives, officers, agents, stockholders, directors or attorneys with regard to the subject matter, basis or effect of this Agreement other than those specifically contained herein.
|
30.
|
This Agreement represents the entire agreement between the Parties concerning the subject matter hereof, shall supersede any and all prior agreements which may otherwise exist between them concerning the subject matter hereof (specifically excluding, however, the post-termination obligations contained in an Executive’s Employment Agreement, any obligations contained in an existing and valid indemnity agreement of change in control or any obligation contained in any other legally-binding document), and shall not be altered, amended, modified or otherwise changed except by a writing executed by both Parties.
|
31.
|
This Agreement may be executed in separate counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an original and both of which taken together shall constitute one and the same agreement.
|
[EXECUTIVE]
|
COMPANY NAME
|
Signed: _________________________
Printed: _________________________
Dated: __________________________
|
By: ____________________________
Title: ___________________________
Dated: __________________________
|
1.
|
Employment
.
|
(a)
|
Continuing on the date hereof and ending as provided in Paragraph 9 herein, the Executive agrees to continue to serve as Senior Vice President, Chief Human Resources Officer for the Company, reporting to the Chief Executive Officer of the Company (the “
CEO
”). Executive agrees to perform all duties and responsibilities traditionally assigned to, or falling within the normal responsibilities of, an individual employed as Senior Vice President, Chief Human Resources Officer of the Company. Executive also agrees to perform any and all additional duties or responsibilities consistent with such position as may be assigned by the Board of Directors of the Company (the “
Board
”) or the CEO in its or his or her sole discretion.
|
(b)
|
The Company agrees to continue to employ the Executive pursuant to the terms of this Agreement, and the Executive agrees to continue be so employed, for a term of one (1) year (the “
Initial Term
”) commencing as of the date hereof. On the first anniversary of the date hereof and, after the Initial Term, on such first anniversary and each annual anniversary of such date thereafter, the term of this Agreement shall be automatically extended for successive one-year periods, provided, however, that either party hereto may elect not to extend this Agreement by giving written notice to the other party at least one hundred and eighty (180) days prior to any such anniversary date. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Executive’s employment hereunder may be earlier terminated in accordance with Section 9 hereof. The period of time between the date hereof and the termination of the Executive’s employment hereunder shall be referred to herein as the “
Employment Term
.”
|
2.
|
Efforts and Duty of Loyalty
. During the Employment Term, Executive covenants and agrees to exercise reasonable efforts to perform all assigned duties in a diligent and professional manner and in the best interest of the Company. Executive agrees to devote Executive’s full working time, attention, talents, skills and efforts to further the Company’s business interests. Executive agrees not to engage in any outside business activity, whether or not pursued for gain, profit or other pecuniary advantage, without the express written consent of the Company. Executive shall act at all times in accordance with the Company’s code of ethical business conduct, and all other applicable policies which may exist or be adopted by the Company from time to time. The Executive may serve on other boards of directors as long as such service shall not interfere with the proper performance of Executive’s duties and obligations hereunder consistent with the Company’s Corporate Governance Standards for Board of Directors and applicable laws, with the prior consent of the Company.
|
3.
|
At-Will Employment
. Subject to the terms and conditions of the severance opportunity set forth below, Executive specifically acknowledges and accepts such employment on an “at-will” basis and agrees that both Executive and the Company retain the right to terminate this relationship at any time, with or without cause, for any reason not prohibited by applicable law upon notice as required by this Agreement.
|
4.
|
Compensation
. For all services rendered by Executive on behalf of, or at the request of, the Company, in Executive’s capacity as Senior Vice President, Chief Human Resources Officer of the Company, Executive shall be compensated as follows during the Employment Term.
|
(a)
|
Base Salary
. For the services performed by Executive under this Agreement, the Company shall pay Executive a base salary of Four Hundred Sixty-Five Thousand Dollars ($465,000) per year (“
Base Salary
”). The Base Salary shall be paid in the same increments as the Company’s normal payroll, but no less frequently than monthly, and prorated for any partial year of service during the Employment Term. Executive’s Base Salary shall be reviewed at least annually.
|
(b)
|
Bonus
. The Executive shall participate in any short-term incentive compensation program as may be in effect from time to time, as determined solely at the discretion of the Board, or any other bonus program as the Company may establish from time to time in its sole discretion. For each fiscal year, the annual performance bonus target will be not less than 60% of Base Salary earned during such fiscal year (the “
Target Bonus
”). The Target Bonus will be based upon the performance measures and objectives established by the Board from time to time, but ultimately subject to the Compensation and Management Development Committee’s (“
Committee
”) discretion. The minimum annual performance bonus will be 0% of the Target Bonus and the maximum annual performance bonus will be 200% of the Target Bonus. Any bonus earned shall be paid no later than March 15th of the calendar year following the calendar year in which the applicable fiscal year ended, subject to the Executive remaining continuously employed with the Company through the date that such bonus is paid, except as otherwise expressly provided hereunder.
|
(c)
|
Equity Awards
. The Executive shall be eligible to receive equity and other long-term incentive awards under the equity-based incentive compensation plans adopted by the Company during the Employment Term for which employees are generally eligible. The level of the Executive’s participation in any such plan, if any, shall be determined in the sole discretion of the Committee from time to time.
|
(d)
|
Other Benefits
. During the Employment Term, Executive will be entitled to participate in and receive such additional benefits and perquisites, including retirement and health and welfare benefits (such as participation in the supplemental executive retirement plan (the “
SERP
”), supplemental long-term disability insurance coverage, a Company-paid Executive physical examination, reimbursement for a portion of tax preparation and estate and financial planning services and flexible paid time off in accordance with the Company’s policy on accrual and use applicable to employees as in effect from time to time, including, but not limited to, forty (40) hours of sick leave), in each case, as are available to other senior executives of the Company and as the Board may deem appropriate and as pre-approved by the Committee. The Executive’s participation will be subject to the terms of the applicable plan documents and generally applicable Company policies. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Company may modify or terminate any employee benefit plan at any time.
|
5.
|
Changes to Compensation
. Notwithstanding anything contained herein to the contrary, Executive acknowledges that the Company specifically reserves the right to make changes to Executive’s compensation in its sole discretion including, but not limited to, modifying or eliminating a compensation component. The Parties agree that such changes shall be
|
6.
|
Direct Deposit
. Within thirty (30) days of the date hereof, Executive agrees to make all necessary arrangements to have all sums paid pursuant to this Agreement direct deposited into one or more bank accounts as designated by Executive.
|
7.
|
Predecessor Employers
. Except as otherwise disclosed in writing to the Committee of the Board prior to the date hereof Executive warrants that Executive is not a party to any contract, restrictive covenant, or other agreement purporting to limit or otherwise adversely affecting Executive’s ability to secure employment with any third party. Alternatively, should any such agreement exist, Executive warrants that the contemplated services to be performed hereunder will not violate the terms and conditions of any such agreement.
|
8.
|
Restricted Duties
. Executive agrees not to disclose, or use for the benefit of the Company, any confidential or proprietary information belonging to any predecessor employer(s) that otherwise has not been made public and further acknowledges that the Company has specifically instructed Executive not to disclose or use such confidential or proprietary information. Based on Executive’s understanding of the anticipated duties and responsibilities hereunder, Executive acknowledges that such duties and responsibilities will not compel the disclosure or use of any such confidential and proprietary information.
|
9.
|
Termination
. The Executive’s employment with the Company and the Employment Term shall end early upon the first to occur of any of the following events:
|
(a)
|
Death
. In the event Executive dies during the Employment Term, this Agreement shall automatically terminate upon the date of death of the Executive.
|
(b)
|
Disability
. In the event Executive suffers a Disability (as defined herein) during the term of employment, this Agreement shall automatically be terminated on the date of such Disability. For purposes of this Agreement, Executive shall be considered to have suffered a “
Disability
”: (i) upon a good faith determination by Company that, as a result of any mental or physical impairment, Executive is and will likely remain unable to perform the essential functions of Executive’s duties or responsibilities hereunder on a full-time basis for one hundred eighty (180) days, with or without reasonable accommodation, or (ii) Executive becomes eligible for or receives any benefits pursuant to the Company’s long-term disability policy. Notwithstanding anything expressed or implied above to the contrary, the Company agrees to fully comply with its obligations under the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993 and the Americans with Disabilities Act as well as any other applicable federal, state, or local law, regulation, or ordinance governing the provision of leave to individuals with serious health conditions or the protection of individuals with disabilities as well as the Company’s obligation to provide reasonable accommodation thereunder.
|
(c)
|
Cause
. Executive’s employment may be terminated by the Company at any time for Cause without notice or prior warning. For purposes of this Agreement, “
Cause
” shall mean the Company’s good faith determination that Executive has:
|
(i)
|
Acted with gross neglect or willful misconduct in the discharge of Executive’s duties and responsibilities, or refused to follow or comply with the lawful direction of the Board or the terms and conditions of this Agreement; provided, however, that such refusal is not based primarily on Executive’s good faith compliance with applicable legal or ethical standards.
|
(ii)
|
Acquiesced or participated in any conduct that is dishonest, fraudulent, illegal, unethical, involves moral turpitude or is otherwise illegal and involves conduct that has the potential, in the Board’s reasonable opinion, to cause the Company, its officers or its directors significant embarrassment or ridicule.
|
(iii)
|
Violated a material requirement of any Company policy or procedure, specifically including a violation of the Company’s code of ethics.
|
(iv)
|
Violated any provisions of the restrictive covenants listed in Paragraph 13.
|
(v)
|
Engaged in any act that, in the reasonable opinion of the Board, would hold the Company, its officers or directors up to probable civil or criminal liability, provided that, if Executive acts in good faith for compliance with applicable legal or ethical standards, such actions shall not be grounds for termination for Cause.
|
(vi)
|
Breached the warranties of Executive set forth in Paragraph 7 herein.
|
(vii)
|
Engaged in such other conduct recognized at law as constituting cause.
|
(d)
|
Without Cause
. The Parties agree that either party may terminate this employment relationship at any time, “
Without Cause
”, upon sixty (60) days’ advance written notice or, if terminated by the Company, pay in lieu of notice (hereinafter referred to as “
Notice Pay
”). However, in no event shall Executive be entitled to Notice Pay
|
(e)
|
Good Reason
. Executive may terminate Executive’s employment and declare this Agreement to have been terminated for “
Good Reason
” upon the occurrence, without Executive’s consent, of any of the following circumstances:
|
(i)
|
the assignment to Executives of duties that are materially inconsistent with Executive’s position as Senior Vice President, Chief Human Resources Officer;
|
(ii)
|
the failure to elect or reelect Executive as Senior Vice President, Chief Human Resources Officer of the Company (unless such failure is related in any way to the Company’s decision to terminate Executive for Cause);
|
(iii)
|
a reduction by the Company in the amount of Executive’s Base Salary or the discontinuation or reduction by the Company of Executive’s participation at previously existing levels of eligibility in any incentive compensation, additional compensation or equity programs, benefits, policies or perquisites; provided, however, that the Company may make such changes and/or reductions without implicating the provisions of this subparagraph (iii) so long as Executive is treated in a manner that is commensurate with the treatment of other senior executives of the Company;
|
(iv)
|
a failure by the Company to perform its obligations under this Employment Agreement; and
|
(v)
|
the relocation of the Company’s principal executive offices or Executive’s place of work to a location requiring a change of more than fifty (50) miles in Executive’s daily commute.
|
(f)
|
Voluntary Termination
. Executive may voluntarily, and without Good Reason, terminate Executive’s employment for any reason.
|
(g)
|
Expiration of Employment Term; Non-Extension of Agreement
. This Agreement may be terminated upon the expiration of the Employment Term due to a non-extension of the Agreement by the Company or the Executive.
|
10.
|
Consequences of Termination
.
|
(a)
|
Death
. In the event that Executive’s employment and the Employment Term ends on account of the Executive’s death, the Executive or the Executive’s estate, as the case may be, shall be entitled to the following (with the amounts due hereunder to be paid in accordance with the Company’s past practice and applicable law):
|
(i)
|
immediate vesting in the SERP, which shall be paid in accordance with the award agreements, benefits plans, past practice and applicable law (the “
SERP Benefit
”);
|
(ii)
|
any Base Salary, earned but unpaid through the date of termination; and
|
(iii)
|
all other deferred compensation, payments, accrued benefits of employment or fringe benefits to which the Executive may be entitled pursuant to the express terms of (A) any applicable compensation arrangement, (B) any applicable benefit, equity or fringe benefit plan, program or grant or (C) this Agreement (collectively, Paragraphs 10(a)(ii) and
ý
10(a)(iii) hereof shall be hereafter referred to as the “
Accrued Benefits
”).
|
(b)
|
Disability
. In the event that the Executive’s employment and the Employment Term ends on account of the Executive’s Disability, the Company shall pay or provide to the Executive the Accrued Benefits and the SERP Benefit.
|
(c)
|
Termination for Cause; Voluntary Termination; Non-Extension of Employment Term
. If the Executive’s employment is terminated (i) by the Company for Cause, (ii) by the Executive voluntarily and without Good Reason, or (iii) as a result of the non-extension of the Employment Term by either party as provided in Paragraph 9, the Company shall pay or provide to the Executive the Accrued Benefits.
|
(d)
|
Termination Without Cause or for Good Reason
. In the event Executive’s employment is terminated by the Company Without Cause or by the Executive for Good Reason, the Company shall pay or provide the Executive with the following, (subject to the provisions of Paragraph 26):
|
(i)
|
the Accrued Benefits;
|
(ii)
|
the SERP Benefit;
|
(iii)
|
one (1) times the sum of (A) Executive’s Base Salary for a period of twelve (12) months plus (B) the Executive’s Target Bonus for the year in which the Executive’s employment is terminated. Except as required by Code Section 409A (as defined below), this total amount shall be paid in accordance with the Company’s standard payroll practices (e.g. bi-weekly) over the twelve (12) month period following Executive’s termination, except no payment shall be made until after the Release (as defined below) becomes effective and the first payment thereafter shall include any missed payment. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if any execution and revocation period
|
(iv)
|
If Executive elects continuation coverage under the Company’s medical plan pursuant to Part 6 of Subtitle B of title I of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended (“
COBRA
”), the Company shall reimburse Executive, on a monthly basis, for a portion of Executive’s COBRA payments (provided such reimbursement does not result in any taxes or penalties for the Company) in an amount equal to the difference between (A) the amount the Company paid as a monthly premium for Executive’s participation in such plan immediately prior to Executive’s termination Without Cause or termination for Good Reason and (B) the amount Executive was required to pay as a monthly premium for participation in such plan immediately prior to such termination, until the earlier of (x) the end of the twelve (12) month period beginning on the effective date of termination of the Executive’s employment hereunder, or (y) such time as the Executive is eligible to be covered by comparable benefits of a subsequent employer. The Executive agrees to notify the Company promptly if and when Executive begins employment with another employer and if and when Executive becomes eligible to participate in any health or welfare plans of another employer; and
|
(v)
|
a lump sum payment in cash equal to the portion of the Target Bonus which would have been payable to the Executive for the fiscal year in which the termination occurred, based on the actual performance level during such fiscal year, but with such amount further prorated based on the number of days that elapsed between the start of such fiscal and the date of such termination of Executive’s employment. This pro-rated bonus (if any) will be paid at such time as the bonus would have been paid had Executive remained employed with the Company through the end of the applicable bonus period.
|
11.
|
Release
. Any payments made pursuant to Paragraph 10(d) are contingent upon Executive materially complying with the restrictive covenants contained herein and executing a separation and release agreement in a form not substantially different from the form attached as
Exhibit A
(the “
Release
”). Further, the Company’s obligation to provide payments pursuant to Paragraph 10(d) shall be deemed null and void should Executive fail or refuse to execute and deliver to the Company the Company’s then standard Release (without modification) within any time period as may be prescribed by law or, in absence thereof, twenty-one (21) days after the Executive’s Effective Termination Date (as defined in the Release).
|
12.
|
Reaffirmation
. Upon termination of Executive’s employment for any reason, Executive agrees, if requested to reaffirm in writing Executive’s post-employment obligation as set forth in this Agreement, that Executive will make such reaffirmation.
|
13.
|
Restrictive Covenants
. The capitalized terms used, but not defined herein in Paragraphs 13(a) through 13(i), will have the meanings given to such terms in Paragraph 13(j).
|
(a)
|
Assignment of Rights
.
|
(i)
|
Copyrights
. Executive agrees that all works of authorship fixed in any tangible medium of expression by Executive during the term of this Agreement relating to the Company’s business (“
Works
”), either solely or jointly with others, shall be and remain exclusively the property of the Company. Each such Work created by Executive is a “work made for hire” under the copyright law and the Company may file applications to register copyright in such Works as author and copyright owner thereof. If, for any reason, a Work created by Executive is excluded from the definition of a “work made for hire” under the copyright law, then Executive does hereby assign, sell, and convey to the Company the entire rights, title, and interests in and to such Work, including the copyright therein, to the Company. Executive will execute any documents that the Company deems necessary in connection with the assignment of such Work and copyright therein. Executive will take whatever steps and do whatever acts the Company requests, including, but not limited to, placement of the Company’s proper copyright notice on Works created by Executive to secure or aid in securing copyright protection in such Works and will assist the Company or its nominees in filing applications to register claims of copyright in such Works. The Company shall have free and unlimited access at all times to all Works and all copies thereof and shall have the right to claim and take possession on demand of such Works and copies.
|
(ii)
|
Inventions
. Executive agrees that all discoveries, concepts, and ideas, whether patentable or not, including, but not limited to, apparatus, processes, methods, compositions of matter, techniques, and formulae, as well as improvements thereof or know-how related thereto, relating to any present or prospective product, process, or service of the Company (“
Inventions
”) that Executive conceives or makes during the term of this Agreement relating to the Company’s business, shall become and remain the exclusive property of the Company, whether patentable or not, and Executive will, without royalty or any other consideration:
|
(A)
|
Inform the Company promptly and fully of such Inventions by written reports, setting forth in detail the procedures employed and the results achieved;
|
(B)
|
Assign to the Company all of Executive’s rights, title, and interests in and to such Inventions, any applications for United States and
|
(C)
|
Assist the Company or its nominees, at the expense of the Company, to obtain such United States and foreign letters patent for such Inventions as the Company may elect; and
|
(D)
|
Execute, acknowledge, and deliver to the Company at the Company’s expense such written documents and instruments, and do such other acts, such as giving testimony in support of Executive’s inventorship, as may be necessary in the opinion of the Company, to obtain and maintain United States and foreign letters patent upon such Inventions and to vest the entire rights and title thereto in the Company and to confirm the complete ownership by the Company of such Inventions, patent applications, and patents.
|
(b)
|
Return of Company Property
. All records, files, drawings, documents, data in whatever form, business equipment (including computers, cell phones, etc.), and the like relating to, or provided by, the Company shall be and remain the sole property of the Company. Upon termination of employment, Executive shall immediately return to the Company all such items without retention of any copies and without additional request by the Company. De minimis items such as pay stubs, 401(k) plan summaries, employee bulletins, and the like are excluded from this requirement. Executive may retain Executive’s address books to the extent they only contain contact information.
|
(c)
|
Confidential Information
. Executive acknowledges that the Companies possess certain trade secrets as well as other confidential and proprietary information which they have acquired or will acquire at great effort and expense. Such information may include, without limitation, confidential information, whether in tangible or intangible form, regarding the Companies’ products and services, marketing strategies, business plans, operations, costs, current or prospective customer information (including customer identities, contacts, requirements, creditworthiness, preferences, and like matters), product concepts, designs, prototypes or specifications, research and development efforts, technical data and know‑how, sales information, including pricing and other terms and conditions of sale, financial information, internal procedures, techniques, forecasts, methods, trade information, trade secrets, software programs, project requirements, inventions, trademarks, trade names, and similar information regarding the Companies’ business(es) (collectively referred to herein as “
Confidential Information
”). Executive further acknowledges that, as a result of Executive’s employment with the Company, Executive will have access to, will become acquainted with, and/or may help develop, such Confidential Information. Confidential Information shall not include information readily available in the public so long as such information was not made available through fault of Executive or wrong doing by any other individual.
|
(d)
|
Restricted Use of Confidential Information
. Executive agrees that all Confidential Information is and shall remain the sole and exclusive property of the Company and/or its affiliated entities. Except as may be expressly authorized by the Company in writing, or other than in the course of the Executive’s employment and for the benefit of the Company, Executive agrees not to disclose, or cause any other person or entity to disclose, any Confidential Information to any third party while employed by the Company and for as long thereafter as such information remains confidential (or as limited by applicable law). Further, Executive agrees to use such Confidential Information only in the course of Executive’s duties in furtherance of the Company’s business and agrees not to make use of any such Confidential Information for Executive’s own purposes or for the benefit of any other entity or person. The foregoing shall not apply to information that (i) was known to the public prior to its disclosure to the Executive; (ii) becomes generally known to the public subsequent to disclosure to the Executive through no wrongful act of the Executive or any representative of the Executive; or (iii) the Executive is required to disclose by applicable law, regulation or legal process, or is requested by subpoena, court order or a governmental, regulatory or self-regulatory body with the apparent authority to disclose any Confidential Information (provided that in such case the Executive shall (A) provide the Company with prior notice of the contemplated disclosure, (B) cooperate with the Company at its expense in seeking a protective order or other appropriate protection of such information, and (C) disclose only that Confidential Information which Executive is legally required to disclose).
|
(e)
|
Non-Solicitation
. During Executive’s employment and for a period of twelve (12) months thereafter, Executive agrees not to directly or indirectly engage in the following prohibited conduct:
|
(i)
|
Solicit, offer products or services to, or accept orders for, any Competitive Products or otherwise transact any competitive business on behalf of any Competitor;
|
(ii)
|
Attempt on behalf of any Competitor to entice or otherwise cause any third party to withdraw, curtail or cease doing business with the Company (or any Affiliate thereof), specifically including customers, vendors, independent contractors and other third-party entities;
|
(iii)
|
Except in the course of the Executive’s employment and for the benefit of the Company, disclose to any person or entity the identities, contacts or preferences of any customers of the Company (or any Affiliate thereof), or the identity of any other persons or entities having business dealings with the Company (or any Affiliate thereof);
|
(iv)
|
Induce any individual who has been employed by or had provided services to the Company (or any Affiliate thereof) within the six (6) month period immediately preceding the effective date of Executive’s separation to terminate such relationship with the Company (or any Affiliate thereof);
|
(v)
|
Assist, coordinate or otherwise offer employment to, accept employment inquiries from, or employ any individual who is or had been employed by the Company (or any Affiliate thereof) at any time within the six (6) month period immediately preceding such offer, or inquiry;
|
(vi)
|
Communicate or indicate in any way to any customer of the Company (or any Affiliate thereof), prior to formal separation from the Company, any interest, desire, plan, or decision to separate from the Company; other than by way of long term retirement plans; or
|
(vii)
|
Otherwise attempt on behalf of any Competitor to directly or indirectly interfere with the Company’s business, the business of any of the Companies or their relationship with their employees, consultants, independent contractors or customers.
|
(f)
|
Limited Non-Compete
. For the above-stated reasons, and as a condition of employment to the fullest extent permitted by law, Executive agrees during the Relevant Non‑Compete Period not to directly or indirectly engage in the following competitive activities:
|
(i)
|
Executive shall not have any ownership interest in, work for, advise, consult, or have any business connection or business or employment relationship in any competitive capacity with any Competitor unless Executive provides written notice to the Company of such relationship prior to entering into such relationship and, further, provides sufficient written assurances to the Company’s satisfaction that such relationship will not jeopardize the Company’s legitimate interests or otherwise violate the terms of this Agreement;
|
(ii)
|
Executive shall not engage in any research, development, production, sale or distribution of any Competitive Products on behalf of a Competitor;
|
(iii)
|
Executive shall not market, sell, or otherwise offer or provide any Competitive Products within any Geographic Territory on behalf of a Competitor; or
|
(iv)
|
Executive shall not distribute, market, sell or otherwise offer or provide any Competitive Products to any customer of the Company on behalf of a Competitor.
|
(g)
|
Non-Disparagement
. Executive agrees not to make any written or oral statement that may defame, disparage or cast in a negative light so as to do harm to the personal or professional reputation of (i) the Company, (ii) its Executives, officers, directors or trustees or (iii) the services and/or products provided by the Company and its subsidiaries or affiliate entities. Similarly, in response to any written inquiry from any prospective employer or in connection with a written inquiry in connection with any future business relationship involving Executive, the Company agrees not to provide any information, and the senior officers shall not make any written or oral
|
(h)
|
Further Covenants
.
|
(i)
|
The U.S. Defend Trade Secrets Act of 2016 (“
DTSA
”) provides that an individual shall not be held criminally or civilly liable under any federal or state trade secret law for the disclosure of a trade secret that (A) is made in confidence to a federal, state or local government official, either directly or indirectly, or to an attorney, and solely for the purpose of reporting or investigating a suspected violation of law; or (B) is made in a complaint or other document filed in a lawsuit or other proceeding, if such filing is made under seal. In addition, the DTSA provides that an individual who files a lawsuit for retaliation by an employer for reporting a suspected violation of law may disclose the trade secret to the attorney of the individual and use the trade secret information in the court proceeding, if the individual files any document containing the trade secret under seal and does not disclose the trade secret, except pursuant to court order. Accordingly, the Parties have the right to disclose in confidence trade secrets to federal, state, and local government officials, or to an attorney, for the sole purpose of reporting or investigating a suspected violation of law. The parties also have the right to disclose trade secrets in a document filed in a lawsuit or other proceeding, but only if the filing is made under seal and protected from public disclosure.
|
(ii)
|
Nothing in this Agreement prevents Executive from providing, without prior notice to the Company, information to governmental authorities regarding possible legal violations or otherwise testifying or participating in any investigation or proceeding by any governmental authorities regarding possible legal violations, and for purpose of clarity Executive is not prohibited from providing information voluntarily to the United States Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to Section 21F of the Exchange Act.
|
(i)
|
Acknowledged Need for Limited Restrictive Covenants
. Executive acknowledges that the Companies have spent and will continue to expend substantial amounts of time, money and effort to develop their business strategies, Confidential Information, customer identities and relationships, goodwill and Executive relationships, and that Executive will benefit from these efforts. Further, Executive acknowledges the inevitable use of, or near-certain influence by Executive’s knowledge of, the Confidential Information disclosed to Executive during the course of employment if Executive is allowed to compete against the Company in an unrestricted manner and that such use would be unfair and extremely detrimental to the Company. Accordingly, based on these legitimate business reasons, Executive acknowledges
|
(j)
|
Non-Compete Definitions
. For purposes of this Agreement, the Parties agree that the following terms shall apply:
|
(i)
|
“
Affiliate
” includes any parent, subsidiary, joint venture, sister company, or other entity controlled, owned, managed or otherwise associated with the Company;
|
(ii)
|
“
Assigned Customer Base
” shall include all accounts or customers formally assigned to Executive within a given territory or geographical area or contacted by Executive at any time during the eighteen (18) month period preceding Executive’s date of separation;
|
(iii)
|
“
Competitive Products
” shall include any product or service that directly or indirectly competes with, is substantially similar to, or serves as a reasonable substitute for, any product or service in research, development or design, or manufactured, produced, sold or distributed by the Company;
|
(iv)
|
“
Competitor
” shall mean the list of companies on Exhibit B, which can be changed at any time prior to 90 days before termination of employment by or of Executive by written notice to Executive, so long as the list does not exceed fifteen (15) companies and each of which is a material competitor of the Company.
|
(v)
|
“
Directly or indirectly
” shall be construed such that the foregoing restrictions shall apply equally to Executive whether performed individually or as a partner, shareholder, officer, director, manager, Executive, salesperson, independent contractor, broker, agent, or consultant for any other individual, partnership, firm, corporation, company, or other entity engaged in such conduct.
|
(vi)
|
“
Geographic Territory
” shall include any territory in which the Company has provided any services or sold any products at any time during the twenty-four (24) month period preceding Executive’s date of separation;
|
(vii)
|
“
Relevant Non-Compete Period
” shall include the period of Executive’s employment with the Company as well as a period of twelve (12) months after such employment is terminated, regardless of the reason for such termination provided.
|
(k)
|
Consent to Reasonableness
. In light of the above-referenced concerns, including Executive’s knowledge of and access to the Companies’ Confidential Information, Executive acknowledges that the terms of such restrictive covenants are reasonable and necessary to protect the Company’s legitimate business interests and will not unreasonably interfere with Executive’s ability to obtain alternate employment. As
|
(l)
|
Survival of Restrictive Covenants
. Executive acknowledges that the above restrictive covenants shall survive the termination of this Agreement and the termination of Executive’s employment for any reason. Executive further acknowledges that any alleged breach by the Company of any contractual, statutory or other obligation shall not excuse or terminate the obligations hereunder or otherwise preclude the Company from seeking injunctive or other relief. Rather, Executive acknowledges that such obligations are independent and separate covenants undertaken by Executive for the benefit of the Company.
|
(m)
|
Post-Termination Notification
. For the duration of Executive’s Relevant Non-Compete Period or other restrictive covenant period, whichever is longer, Executive agrees to promptly notify the Company no later than five (5) business days of Executive’s acceptance of any employment or consulting engagement. Such notice shall include sufficient information to ensure Executive compliance with Executive’s non-compete obligations and must include at a minimum the following information: (i) the name of the employer or entity for which Executive is providing any consulting services; (ii) a description of Executive’s intended duties; and (iii) the anticipated start date. Such information is required to ensure Executive’s compliance with Executive’s non-compete obligations as well as all other applicable restrictive covenants. Such notice shall be provided in writing to the Office of SVP, Corporate Secretary and Chief Legal Officer at 130 East Randolph Street, Suite 1000, Chicago, Illinois 60601. Failure to timely provide such notice shall be deemed a material breach of this Agreement and entitle the Company to return of any Severance paid to Executive plus attorneys’ fees. Executive further consents to the Company’s notification to any new employer of Executive’s rights and obligations under this Agreement.
|
(n)
|
Scope of Restrictions
. If the scope of any restriction contained in any preceding paragraphs of this Agreement is deemed too broad to permit enforcement of such restriction to its fullest extent, then such restriction shall be enforced to the maximum extent permitted by law, and Executive hereby consents and agrees that such scope may be judicially modified accordingly in any proceeding brought to enforce such restriction.
|
(o)
|
Specific Enforcement/Injunctive Relief
. Executive agrees that it would be difficult to measure any damages to the Company from a breach of the above-referenced restrictive covenants, but acknowledges that the potential for such damages would be great, incalculable and irremediable, and that monetary damages alone would be
|
(p)
|
Publicly Traded Stock
. The Parties agree that nothing contained in this Agreement shall be construed to prohibit Executive from investing Executive’s personal assets in any stock or corporate security traded or quoted on a national securities exchange or national market system provided, however, such investments do not require any services on the part of Executive in the operation or the affairs of the business or otherwise violate the Company’s code of ethics.
|
14.
|
Notice of Claim and Contractual Limitations Period
. Executive acknowledges the Company’s need for prompt notice, investigation, and resolution of any claims that may be filed against it due to the number of relationships it has with employees and others (and due to the turnover among such individuals with knowledge relevant to any underlying claim). Accordingly, Executive agrees prior to initiating any litigation of any type (including, but not limited to, employment discrimination litigation, wage litigation, defamation, or any other claim) to notify the Company, within one hundred and eighty (180) days after the claim accrued, by sending a certified letter addressed to the Company’s General Counsel setting forth: (a) claimant’s name, address, and phone; (b) the name of any attorney representing Executive; (c) the nature of the claim; (d) the date the claim arose; and (e) the relief requested. This provision is in addition to any other notice and exhaustion requirements that might apply. For any dispute or claim of any type against the Company (including but not limited to employment discrimination litigation, wage litigation, defamation, or any other claim), Executive must commence legal action within the shorter of one (1) year of accrual of the cause of action or such shorter period that may be specified by law.
|
15.
|
Non-Jury Trials
. Notwithstanding any right to a jury trial for any claims, Executive waives any such right to a jury trial, and agrees that any claim of any type (including but not limited to employment discrimination litigation, wage litigation, defamation, or any other claim) lodged in any court will be tried, if at all, without a jury.
|
16.
|
Choice of Forum
. Executive acknowledges that the Company is primarily based in Indiana, and Executive understands and acknowledges the Company’s desire and need to defend any litigation against it in Illinois. Accordingly, the Parties agree that any claim of any type
|
17.
|
Choice of Law
. This Agreement shall be deemed to have been made within the County of Cook, State of Illinois and shall be interpreted and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Illinois. Any and all matters of dispute of any nature whatsoever arising out of, or in any way connected with the interpretation of this Agreement, any disputes arising out of the Agreement or the employment relationship between the Parties hereto, shall be governed by, construed by and enforced in accordance with the laws of the State of Illinois without regard to any applicable state’s choice of law provisions.
|
18.
|
Titles
. Titles are used for the purpose of convenience in this Agreement and shall be ignored in any construction of it.
|
19.
|
Severability
. The Parties agree that each and every paragraph, sentence, clause, term and provision of this Agreement is severable and that, in the event any portion of this Agreement is adjudged to be invalid or unenforceable, the remaining portions thereof shall remain in effect and be enforced to the fullest extent permitted by law. Further, should any particular clause, covenant, or provision of this Agreement be held unreasonable or contrary to public policy for any reason, the Parties acknowledge and agree that such covenant, provision or clause shall automatically be deemed modified such that the contested covenant, provision or clause will have the closest effect permitted by applicable law to the original form and shall be given effect and enforced as so modified to whatever extent would be reasonable and enforceable under applicable law.
|
20.
|
Assignment-Notices
. The rights and obligations of the Company under this Agreement shall inure to its benefit, as well as the benefit of its parent, subsidiary, successor and affiliated entities, and shall be binding upon the successors and assigns of the Company. This Agreement, being personal to Executive, cannot be assigned by Executive, but Executive’s personal representative shall be bound by all its terms and conditions. Any notice required hereunder shall be sufficient if in writing and mailed to the last known residence of Executive or to the Company at its principal office with a copy mailed to the Office of the General Counsel.
|
21.
|
Amendments and Modifications
. Except as specifically provided herein, no modification, amendment, extension or waiver of this Agreement or any provision hereof shall be binding upon the Company or Executive unless in writing and signed by both Parties. The waiver by the Company or Executive of a breach of any provision of this Agreement shall not be construed as a waiver of any subsequent breach. Nothing in this Agreement shall be construed as a limitation upon the Company’s right to modify or amend any of its manuals or policies in its sole discretion and any such modification or amendment which pertains to matters addressed herein shall be deemed to be incorporated herein and made a part of this Agreement.
|
22.
|
Outside Representations
. Executive represents and acknowledges that in signing this Agreement Executive does not rely, and has not relied, upon any representation or statement made by the Company or by any of the Company’s employees, officers, agents, stockholders, directors or attorneys with regard to the subject matter, basis or effect of this Agreement other than those specifically contained herein.
|
23.
|
Other Remedies
. The Executive agrees to execute and be bound by the terms and conditions of the Company’s Limited Recapture Agreement, and any applicable laws, rules and regulations.
|
24.
|
Voluntary and Knowing Execution
. Executive acknowledges that Executive has been offered a reasonable amount of time within which to consider and review this Agreement; that Executive has carefully read and fully understands all of the provisions of this Agreement; and that Executive has entered into this Agreement knowingly and voluntarily, with the assistance of counsel.
|
25.
|
Liability Insurance
. The Company shall cover the Executive under directors and officers liability insurance both during and, while potential liability exists, after the term of this Agreement in the same amount and to the same extent as the Company covers its other officers and non-independent directors.
|
26.
|
Tax Matters
.
|
(a)
|
Withholding
. The Company may withhold from any and all amounts payable under this Agreement or otherwise such federal, state and local taxes as may be required to be withheld pursuant to any applicable law or regulation.
|
(b)
|
Code Section 409A Notification
. Executive acknowledges that Executive has been advised of the American Jobs Creation Act of 2004, which includes Internal Revenue Code Section 409A, and the regulations and guidance promulgated thereunder (collectively “
Code Section 409A
”), and which also significantly changed the taxation of nonqualified deferred compensation plans and arrangements.
|
(i)
|
The intent of the parties is that payments and benefits under this Agreement comply with, or be exempt from, Code Section 409A and, accordingly, to the maximum extent permitted, this Agreement shall be interpreted to be in accordance therewith. If any provision of this Agreement (or of any award of compensation, including equity compensation or benefits) would cause the Executive to incur any additional tax or interest under Code Section 409A, the Company shall, after consulting with the Executive, reform such provision to try to comply with Code Section 409A through good faith modifications to the minimum extent reasonably appropriate to conform with Code Section 409A. To the extent that any provision hereof is modified in order to comply with Code Section 409A, such modification shall be made in good faith and shall, to the maximum extent reasonably possible, maintain the original intent and economic benefit to the Executive and the Company of the applicable provision without violating the provisions of Code Section 409A.
|
(ii)
|
A termination of employment shall not be deemed to have occurred for purposes of any provision of this Agreement providing for the payment of any amounts or benefits upon or following a termination of employment that are considered “nonqualified deferred compensation” under Code Section 409A unless such termination is also a “separation from service” within the meaning of Code Section 409A and, for purposes of any such provision of this Agreement, references to a “termination,” “termination of employment” or like terms shall mean “separation from service.” If the Executive is deemed on the date of termination to be a “specified employee” within the meaning of that term under Code Section 409A(a)(2)(B), then with regard to any payment that is considered non-qualified deferred compensation under Code Section 409A payable on account of a “separation from service,” and with regard to which an exemption from such section does not apply, such payment or benefit shall be made or provided at the date which is the earlier of (A) the expiration of the six (6)-month period measured from the date of such “separation from service” of the Executive, and (B) the date of the Executive’s death (the “
Delay Period
”). Upon the expiration of the Delay Period, all payments and benefits delayed pursuant to this Paragraph 26(b)(ii) (whether they would have otherwise been payable in a single sum or in installments in the absence of such delay) shall be paid or reimbursed to the Executive in a lump sum, and any remaining payments and benefits due under this Agreement shall be paid or provided in accordance with the normal payment dates specified for them herein.
|
(iii)
|
With regard to any provision herein that provides for reimbursement of costs and expenses or in-kind benefits, except as permitted by Code Section 409A, (A) the right to reimbursement or in-kind benefits shall not be subject to liquidation or exchange for another benefit, (B) the amount of expenses eligible for reimbursement, or in-kind benefits provided during any taxable year shall not affect the expenses eligible for reimbursement, or in-kind benefits to be provided in any other taxable year, and (C) such payments shall be made on or before the last day of Executive’s taxable year following the taxable year in which the expense occurred.
|
(iv)
|
For purposes of Code Section 409A, the Executive’s right to receive any installment payments pursuant to this Agreement shall be treated as a right to receive a series of separate and distinct payments. In no event may the Executive, directly or indirectly, designate the calendar year of any payment to be made under this Agreement that is considered nonqualified deferred compensation. In no event shall the timing of Executive’s execution of a Release, directly or indirectly, result in the Executive designating the calendar year of payment, and if a payment that is subject to execution of the Release could be made in more than one taxable year, payment shall be made in the later taxable year.
|
(v)
|
Executive acknowledges that, notwithstanding anything contained herein to the contrary, both Parties shall be independently responsible for assessing
|
27.
|
Entire Agreement
. This Agreement constitutes the entire employment agreement between the Parties hereto concerning the subject matter hereof and shall supersede all prior and contemporaneous agreements between the Parties in connection with the subject matter of this Agreement. Nothing in this Agreement, however, shall affect any separately‑executed written agreement addressing any other issues. For the avoidance of doubt, if the Executive receives any severance compensation pursuant to a change in control agreement or any other severance plan or program, such agreement’s terms regarding severance compensation will control and will be in place of any severance payments as may be provided under Paragraph 10(d) of this Agreement.
|
28.
|
Counterparts
. This Agreement may be executed in separate counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an original and both of which taken together shall constitute one and the same agreement.
|
EXECUTIVE
|
HILL-ROM HOLDINGS, INC.
|
Signed: __________________________
Name: Ken Meyers
Dated: ___________________________
|
By: _____________________________
Title: Chief Legal Officer
Dated: ___________________________
|
1.
|
Executive’s active employment by the Company shall terminate effective ____________, 20__ (the “
Effective Termination Date
”). Except as specifically provided by this Agreement, or in any other non-employment agreement that may exist between the Company and Executive, Executive agrees that the Company shall have no other obligations or liabilities to Executive following Executive’s Effective Termination Date and that Executive’s receipt of the Severance Benefits shall constitute a complete settlement, satisfaction and waiver of any and all claims Executive may have against the Company.
|
2.
|
Executive further submits, and the Company hereby accepts, Executive’s resignation as an Executive, officer and director, as of Executive’s Effective Termination Date for any position Executive may hold. The Parties agree that this resignation shall apply to all such positions Executive may hold with the Company or any parent thereof. Executive agrees to execute any documents needed to effectuate such resignation. Executive further agrees to take whatever steps are necessary to facilitate and ensure the smooth transition of Executive’s duties and responsibilities to others.
|
3.
|
The Company agrees to provide Executive Severance Benefits on the termination of Executive’s employment, as provided for in Paragraph 10(d) of Executive’s Employment Agreement.
|
4.
|
The Company further agrees to provide Executive with limited out-placement counseling with a company of its choice provided that Executive participates in such counseling immediately following termination of employment. Notwithstanding anything in this Paragraph 4 to the contrary, the out-placement counseling shall not be provided after the last day of the second calendar year following the calendar year in which termination of employment occurs.
|
5.
|
In exchange for the Severance Benefits, Executive on behalf of
[himself/herself]
,
[his/her]
heirs, representatives, agents and assigns,
[and anyone acting or claiming on [his/her] or their joint or several behalf,]
hereby RELEASES, INDEMNIFIES, HOLDS HARMLESS,
|
6.
|
Without limiting the generality of the foregoing release, it shall include: (a) all claims or potential claims arising under any federal, state or local employment law or statute, including, but not limited to, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act(s) of 1964 and 1991, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA), the Older Workers Benefit Protection Act (OWBPA), the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act (WARN) or the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA), the Illinois Human Rights Act, as amended, applicable state civil rights law(s), or applicable state employment law(s); (b) any claims on account of, arising out of or in any way connected with Executive’s employment with the Company or leaving of that employment; (c) any claims alleged or which could have been alleged in any charge or complaint against the Company; (d) any claims relating to the conduct of any Executive, officer, director, agent or other representative of the Company; (e) any claims of discrimination, harassment or retaliation on any basis; (f) any claims arising from any legal restrictions on an employer’s right to separate its Executives; (g) any claims for personal injury, compensatory or punitive damages or other forms of relief; and (h) all other causes of action sounding in contract, tort or other common law basis, including (i) the breach of any alleged oral or written contract, (ii) negligent or intentional misrepresentations, (iii) wrongful discharge, (iv) just cause dismissal, (v) defamation, (vi) interference with contract or business relationship or (vii) negligent or intentional infliction of emotional distress.
|
7.
|
Executive further agrees and covenants not to sue the Company or any entity or individual subject to this Agreement with respect to any claims, demands, liabilities or obligations released by this Agreement provided, however, that nothing contained in this Agreement shall:
|
a.
|
prevent Executive from filing an administrative charge with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission or any other federal state or local agency, or the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (“
SEC
”) Whistleblower unit or participating in investigations by those entities; or
|
b.
|
prevent employee from challenging, under the Older Worker’s Benefit Protection Act (29 U.S.C. § 626), the knowing and voluntary nature of Executive’s release of any age claims in this Agreement in court or before the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.
|
8.
|
Notwithstanding Executive’s right to file an administrative charge with the EEOC, the SEC’s Whistleblower unit, or any other federal, state, or local agency, Executive agrees that with Executive’s release of claims in this Agreement, Executive has waived any right Executive may have to recover monetary or other personal relief in any proceeding based in whole or in part on claims released by Executive in this Agreement. For example, Executive waives
|
9.
|
The U.S. Defend Trade Secrets Act of 2016 (“
DTSA
”) provides that an individual shall not be held criminally or civilly liable under any federal or state trade secret law for the disclosure of a trade secret that (a) is made in confidence to a federal, state or local government official, either directly or indirectly, or to an attorney, and solely for the purpose of reporting or investigating a suspected violation of law; or (b) is made in a complaint or other document filed in a lawsuit or other proceeding, if such filing is made under seal. In addition, the DTSA provides that an individual who files a lawsuit for retaliation by an employer for reporting a suspected violation of law may disclose the trade secret to the attorney of the individual and use the trade secret information in the court proceeding, if the individual files any document containing the trade secret under seal and does not disclose the trade secret, except pursuant to court order. Accordingly, the Parties have the right to disclose in confidence trade secrets to federal, state, and local government officials, or to an attorney, for the sole purpose of reporting or investigating a suspected violation of law. The parties also have the right to disclose trade secrets in a document filed in a lawsuit or other proceeding, but only if the filing is made under seal and protected from public disclosure.
|
10.
|
Insofar as this Agreement pertains to the release of Executive’s claims, if any, under the ADEA or other civil rights laws, the Parties acknowledge that it is their mutual and specific intent that the above waiver fully complies with the requirements of the OWBPA and any similar law governing release of claims. Accordingly, Executive hereby acknowledges that:
|
a.
|
Executive has carefully read and fully understands all of the provisions of this Agreement and that Executive has entered into this Agreement knowingly and voluntarily;
|
b.
|
The Severance Benefits offered in exchange for Executive’s release of claims exceed in kind and scope that to which Executive would have otherwise been legally entitled absent the execution of this Agreement;
|
c.
|
Prior to signing this Agreement, Executive had been advised, and is being advised by this Agreement, to consult with an attorney of Executive’s choice concerning its terms and conditions; and
|
d.
|
Executive has been offered at least twenty-one (21)
days within which to review and consider this Agreement.
|
11.
|
[ADD THIS LANGUAGE IF THE EMPLOYEE IS IN CALIFORNIA]
Executive specifically acknowledges that, as a condition of this Agreement, Executive expressly releases all rights and claims that Executive knows about as well as those Executive may not know about. Executive expressly waives all rights under Section 1542 of the Civil Code of the State of California, which reads as follows:
|
a.
|
“A general release does not extend to claims which the creditor does not know or suspect to exist in Executive’s favor at the time of executing the release which if known, must have materially affected Executive’s settlement with the debtor.”
|
b.
|
Notwithstanding the provision by Section 1542, and for the purpose of implementing a full and complete release and discharge of the Company as set forth above, Executive expressly acknowledges that this Agreement is intended to include and does in its effect, without limitation, include all claims which Executive does not know or suspect to exist in Executive’s favor at the time of signing this Agreement and that this Agreement expressly contemplates the extinguishment of all such claims.
|
12.
|
The Parties agree that this Agreement shall not become effective and enforceable until the date this Agreement is signed by both Parties or seven (7) calendar days after its execution by Executive, whichever is later. Executive may revoke this Agreement for any reason by providing written notice of such intent to the Company within seven (7) days after Executive has signed this Agreement, thereby forfeiting Executive’s right to receive any Severance Benefits provided hereunder and rendering this Agreement null and void in its entirety.
|
13.
|
Executive affirms that, as of the date of execution of this Agreement, Executive has filed no lawsuit, charge, claim or complaint with any governmental agency or in any court against the Company or the releasees described in Paragraph 5 herein.
|
14.
|
The provisions of Paragraphs 13 (Restrictive Covenants); 15 (Non-Jury Trials); 16 (Choice of Forum); 17 (Choice of Law); and 26 (Tax Matters) of the Employment Agreement are hereby expressly incorporated by reference.
|
15.
|
The Parties agree that nothing contained herein shall purport to waive or otherwise affect any of Executive’s rights or claims that may arise after Executive signs this Agreement. It is further understood by the Parties that nothing in this Agreement shall affect any rights Executive may have under any Company sponsored deferred compensation program, equity award agreement, and/or retirement plan
provided by the Company as of the date of Executive’s termination, such items to be governed exclusively by the terms of the applicable agreements or plan documents.
|
16.
|
Similarly, notwithstanding any provision contained herein to the contrary, this Agreement shall not constitute a waiver or release or otherwise affect Executive’s rights with respect to any vested benefits, any rights Executive has to benefits which cannot be waived by law, any coverage provided under any Directors and Officers (“
D&O
”) policy, any rights Executive may have under any indemnification agreement Executive has with the Company prior to the date hereof, any rights Executive has as a shareholder, or any claim for breach of this Agreement, including, but not limited to the benefits promised by the terms of this Agreement.
|
17.
|
[Option A]
Executive acknowledges that Executive’s termination and the Severance Benefits offered hereunder were based on an individual determination and were not offered in conjunction with any group termination or group severance program and waives any claim to the contrary.
|
18.
|
Executive hereby affirms and acknowledges Executive’s continued obligations to comply with the post-termination covenants contained in Executive’s Employment Agreement, including but not limited to, the non-compete, trade secret and confidentiality provisions. Executive acknowledges that a copy of the Employment Agreement has been provided to Executive and, to the extent not inconsistent with the terms of this Agreement or applicable law, the terms thereof shall be incorporated herein by reference. Executive acknowledges that the restrictions contained therein are valid and reasonable in every respect and are necessary to protect the Company’s legitimate business interests. Executive hereby affirmatively waives any claim or defense to the contrary.
|
19.
|
Executive hereby consents and authorizes the Company to deduct as an offset from the Severance Benefits, so long as the deduction is not taken from nonqualified deferred compensation under the definition of Code Section 409A, the value of any Company property not returned or returned in a damaged condition as well as any monies paid by the Company on Executive’s behalf (e.g., payment of any outstanding credit card).
|
20.
|
Executive agrees to cooperate with the Company in connection with any pending or future litigation, proceeding or other matter which has been or may be brought against or by the Company before any agency, court, or other tribunal and concerning or relating in any way to any matter falling within Executive’s knowledge or former area of responsibility. Executive agrees to immediately notify the Company, through the Office of the General Counsel, in the event Executive is contacted by any outside attorney (including paralegals or other affiliated parties) with regard to matters related to Executive’s employment with the Company unless (i) the Company is represented by the attorney, (ii) Executive is represented by the attorney for the purpose of protecting Executive’s personal interests or (iii) the Company has been advised of and has approved such contact. Executive agrees to provide reasonable assistance and completely truthful testimony in such matters including, without limitation, facilitating and assisting in the preparation of any underlying defense, responding to discovery requests, preparing for and attending deposition(s) as well as appearing in court to provide truthful testimony. The Company agrees to reimburse Executive for all reasonable out of pocket expenses incurred at the request of the Company associated with such assistance and testimony.
|
21.
|
EXECUTIVE SPECIFICALLY AGREES AND UNDERSTANDS THAT THE EXISTENCE AND TERMS OF THIS AGREEMENT ARE STRICTLY CONFIDENTIAL AND THAT SUCH CONFIDENTIALITY IS A MATERIAL TERM OF THIS AGREEMENT
. Accordingly, except as required by law or unless authorized to do so by the Company in writing, Executive agrees that Executive shall not communicate, display or otherwise reveal any of the contents of this Agreement to anyone other than Executive’s spouse, legal counsel or financial advisor provided, however, that they are first advised of the confidential nature of this Agreement and Executive obtains their agreement
|
22.
|
In the event that Executive breaches or threatens to breach any provision of this Agreement or the Employment Agreement, Executive agrees that the Company shall be entitled to seek any and all equitable and legal relief provided by law, specifically including immediate and permanent injunctive relief. Executive hereby waives any claim that the Company has an adequate remedy at law. In addition, and to the extent not prohibited by law, Executive agrees that the Company shall be entitled to discontinue providing any additional Severance Benefits upon such breach. Executive agrees that the foregoing relief shall not be construed to limit or otherwise restrict the Company’s ability to pursue any other remedy provided by law, including the recovery of any actual, compensatory or punitive damages. Moreover, if Executive pursues any claims against the Company subject to the foregoing release provisions of this Agreement, Executive agrees to immediately reimburse the Company for the value of all benefits received under this Agreement to the fullest extent permitted by law.
|
23.
|
Similarly, in the event that the Company breaches or threatens to breach any provision of this Agreement, Executive shall be entitled to seek any and all equitable or other available relief provided by law, specifically including immediate and permanent injunctive relief. In the event Executive is wholly unsuccessful, the Company shall be entitled to an award of its costs and attorneys’ fees.
|
24.
|
Both Parties acknowledge that this Agreement is entered into solely for the purpose of terminating Executive’s employment relationship with the Company on an amicable basis and shall not be construed as an admission of liability or wrongdoing by the Company or Executive, both Parties having expressly denied any such liability or wrongdoing.
|
25.
|
Each of the promises and obligations shall be binding upon and shall inure to the benefit of the heirs, executors, administrators, assigns and successors in interest of each of the Parties.
|
26.
|
Executive hereby represents and warrants that Executive has not previously assigned or purported to assign or transfer to any person or entity any of the claims or causes of action herein released.
|
27.
|
The Parties agree that each and every paragraph, sentence, clause, term and provision of this Agreement is severable and that, if any portion of this Agreement should be deemed not enforceable for any reason, such portion shall be stricken and the remaining portion or portions thereof should continue to be enforced to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law.
|
28.
|
This Agreement shall be governed by and interpreted in accordance with the laws of the State of Illinois without regard to any applicable state’s choice of law provisions.
|
29.
|
Executive represents and acknowledges that in signing this Agreement Executive does not rely, and has not relied, upon any representation or statement made by the Company or by any of the Company’s Executives, officers, agents, stockholders, directors or attorneys with regard to the subject matter, basis or effect of this Agreement other than those specifically contained herein.
|
30.
|
This Agreement represents the entire agreement between the Parties concerning the subject matter hereof, shall supersede any and all prior agreements which may otherwise exist between them concerning the subject matter hereof (specifically excluding, however, the post-termination obligations contained in an Executive’s Employment Agreement, any obligations contained in an existing and valid indemnity agreement of change in control or any obligation contained in any other legally-binding document), and shall not be altered, amended, modified or otherwise changed except by a writing executed by both Parties.
|
31.
|
This Agreement may be executed in separate counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an original and both of which taken together shall constitute one and the same agreement.
|
[EXECUTIVE]
|
COMPANY NAME
|
Signed: _________________________
Printed: _________________________
Dated: __________________________
|
By: ____________________________
Title: ___________________________
Dated: __________________________
|
/s/ PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
|
|
1.
|
I have reviewed this Annual Report on Form 10-K of Hill-Rom Holdings, Inc.;
|
2.
|
Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;
|
3.
|
Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;
|
4.
|
The registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:
|
a)
|
designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;
|
b)
|
designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;
|
c)
|
evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and
|
d)
|
disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.
|
5.
|
The registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s Board of Directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):
|
a)
|
all significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and
|
b)
|
any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.
|
|
1.
|
I have reviewed this Annual Report on Form 10-K of Hill-Rom Holdings, Inc.;
|
2.
|
Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;
|
3.
|
Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;
|
4.
|
The registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:
|
a)
|
designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;
|
b)
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designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;
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c)
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evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and
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d)
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disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.
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5.
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The registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s Board of Directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):
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a)
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all significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and
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b)
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any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.
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(1)
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The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and
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(2)
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The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.
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(1)
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The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and
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(2)
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The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.
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