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ABERCROMBIE & FITCH CO.
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(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
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Delaware
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1-12107
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31-1469076
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(State or other jurisdiction
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(Commission File Number)
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(IRS Employer
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of incorporation)
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Identification No.)
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6301 Fitch Path, New Albany, Ohio 43054
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(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)
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(614) 283-6500
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(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)
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Not Applicable
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(Former name or former address, if changed since last report)
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Item 5.02.
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Departure of Directors or Certain Officers; Election of Directors; Appointment of Certain Officers; Compensatory Arrangements of Certain Officers.
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•
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the Company will continue to pay the NEO's base salary in bi-weekly installments for 12 months (in the case of Ms. Crevoiserat) or 18 months (in the case of Mr. Ramsden, Mr. Angelides and Ms. Horowitz) following the termination date;
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•
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the Company will pay the NEO a pro-rated portion of the NEO’s bonus under the short-term cash bonus plan of the Company in which the NEO is then eligible to participate based on actual performance during the applicable bonus period (as defined in the 2015 Agreement) and the number of days in such bonus period that elapse prior to the termination date;
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•
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the Company will reimburse the NEO during the 12 months (in the case of Ms. Crevoiserat) or 18 months (in the case of Mr. Ramsden, Mr. Angelides and Ms. Horowitz) following the termination date for 100% of the monthly premium costs of continuation coverage under the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985, as amended (“COBRA”), subject to the NEO’s election of such coverage and the additional eligibility requirements set forth in the 2015 Agreement;
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•
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in the case of Ms. Crevoiserat, Mr. Angelides and Ms. Horowitz, the Company will pay the NEO the additional cash amounts to which they are entitled under their respective offer letters;
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•
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the outstanding equity awards (other than the Special Award RSUs granted to Mr. Ramsden) held by the NEO will vest (if at all) in accordance with the terms of the applicable award agreements and, in the case of Ms. Crevoiserat, Mr. Angelides and Ms. Horowitz, their respective offer letters; and
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•
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in the case of Mr. Ramsden, a pro-rated portion of the Special Award RSUs (less any previously vested portion) will vest based on the number of days within the period from the Effective Date to November 30, 2016.
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•
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the Company will (i) pay Mr. Ramsden a lump sum payment in an amount equal to 18 months of his base salary, (ii) continue to pay Ms. Crevoiserat’s base salary in bi-weekly installments for 12 months following the termination date and (iii) continue to pay Mr. Angelides’ and Ms. Horowitz’s base salary in bi-weekly installments for 18 months following the termination date;
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•
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the Company will pay the NEO a lump sum payment in an amount equal to the NEO’s target bonus opportunity under the Company’s short-term cash bonus plan in which the NEO is then eligible to participate;
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•
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the Company will reimburse the NEO during the 12 months (in the case of Ms. Crevoiserat) or 18 months (in the case of Mr. Ramsden, Mr. Angelides and Ms. Horowitz) following the termination date for 100% of the monthly premium costs of continuation coverage under COBRA, subject to the NEO’s election of such coverage and the additional eligibility requirements set forth in the 2015 Agreement;
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•
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the outstanding equity awards (other than the Special Award RSUs granted to Mr. Ramsden) held by the NEO will vest (if at all) in accordance with the terms of the applicable award agreements; and
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•
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the Special Award RSUs will vest in accordance with the terms of the Abercrombie & Fitch Co. Amended and Restated 2007 Long-Term Incentive Plan (the “2007 LTIP”), provided, that if the change of control occurs within three months of the termination of Mr. Ramsden’s employment by the Company without cause and a portion of the Special Award RSUs had vested in connection with such prior termination of employment, Mr. Ramsden would be entitled to the vesting of an additional number of Special Award RSUs equal to the excess of (i) the Special Award RSUs that would have vested pursuant to the change of control provisions of the 2007 LTIP if he had remained employed through the date of the change of control over (ii) the number of Special Award RSUs that had vested upon the termination of his employment.
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Item 9.01.
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Financial Statements and Exhibits.
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Exhibit No.
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Description
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10.1
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Agreement entered into between Abercrombie & Fitch Management Co. and Jonathan E. Ramsden as of July 7, 2015, the execution date by Abercrombie & Fitch Management Co.*
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10.2
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Form of Agreement entered into between Abercrombie & Fitch Management Co. and each of Joanne C. Crevoiserat, Christos E. Angelides and Fran Horowitz as of July 7, 2015, the execution date by Abercrombie & Fitch Management Co.*
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10.3
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Letter, dated April 3, 2014, from Abercrombie & Fitch to Joanne C. Crevoiserat setting forth terms of employment as Executive Vice President-Finance and Chief Financial Officer, and accepted by Joanne C. Crevoiserat on April 8, 2014, together with the related Agreement, made and entered into April 27, 2014, executed by Joanne C. Crevoiserat on April 8, 2014 and by Abercrombie & Fitch Management Co. on April 27, 2014 (Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of Abercrombie & Fitch Co. for the quarterly period ended May 3, 2014).
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Exhibit No.
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Description
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10.4
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Offer Letter, accepted by Christos E. Angelides on June 10, 2014, by and between Abercrombie & Fitch and Christos E. Angelides (Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K of Abercrombie & Fitch Co. filed on June 10, 2014).
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10.5
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Offer Letter, accepted by Fran Horowitz on October 9, 2014, by and between Abercrombie & Fitch and Fran Horowitz (Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K of Abercrombie & Fitch Co. filed on October 15, 2014).
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ABERCROMBIE & FITCH CO.
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Dated: July 9, 2015
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By:
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/s/ Robert E. Bostrom
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Robert E. Bostrom
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Senior Vice President, General Counsel
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and Corporate Secretary
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Exhibit No.
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Description
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10.1
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Agreement entered into between Abercrombie & Fitch Management Co. and Jonathan E. Ramsden as of July 7, 2015, the execution date by Abercrombie & Fitch Management Co.*
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10.2
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Form of Agreement entered into between Abercrombie & Fitch Management Co. and each of Joanne C. Crevoiserat, Christos E. Angelides and Fran Horowitz as of July 7, 2015, the execution date by Abercrombie & Fitch Management Co.*
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10.3
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Letter, dated April 3, 2014, from Abercrombie & Fitch to Joanne C. Crevoiserat setting forth terms of employment as Executive Vice President-Finance and Chief Financial Officer, and accepted by Joanne C. Crevoiserat on April 8, 2014, together with the related Agreement, made and entered into April 27, 2014, executed by Joanne C. Crevoiserat on April 8, 2014 and by Abercrombie & Fitch Management Co. on April 27, 2014 (Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of Abercrombie & Fitch Co. for the quarterly period ended May 3, 2014).
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10.4
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Offer Letter, accepted by Christos E. Angelides on June 10, 2014, by and between Abercrombie & Fitch and Christos E. Angelides (Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K of Abercrombie & Fitch Co. filed on June 10, 2014).
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10.5
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Offer Letter, accepted by Fran Horowitz on October 9, 2014, by and between Abercrombie & Fitch and Fran Horowitz (Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K of Abercrombie & Fitch Co. filed on October 15, 2014).
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1.
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Term of Agreement; Termination of Employment
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2.
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Special Award
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(1)
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Tranche 1: 25% of the total grant shall vest on September 30, 2015 (“Tranche 1 Vesting Date”), so long as Executive is still employed on that date.
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(2)
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Tranche 2: 25% of the total grant shall vest on May 31, 2016 (“Tranche 2 Vesting Date”), so long as Executive is still employed on that date.
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(3)
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Tranche 3: 50% of the total grant shall vest on November 30, 2016 (“Tranche 3 Vesting Date”), so long as Executive is still employed on that date.
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(1)
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Termination for Cause or without Good Reason
. If the Executive's employment is terminated for Cause or by the Executive without Good Reason, any unvested shares of the Special Award will be immediately forfeited and canceled.
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(2)
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Termination Without Cause or for Good Reason
. If the Executive's employment is terminated prior to the Tranche 3 Vesting Date by the Company without Cause, other than in relation to a Change of Control, Death or Disability, or by the Executive for Good Reason, in each case, the Executive shall receive accelerated vesting of a pro-rated portion of the Special Award, less any previously vested portion, where the numerator is the number of days between the Effective Date and the Termination Date and the denominator is the number of days between the Effective Date and the Tranche 3 Vesting Date.
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(3)
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Change of Control.
If the Executive’s employment is terminated by the Company without Cause following a Change of Control, the Special Award shall vest in accordance with the terms of the Abercrombie & Fitch Co. 2007 Long Term Incentive Plan (“Long Term Incentive Plan”) under which it was granted. If a Change of Control occurs within 3 months after Executive’s Termination Date, and Executive has already received accelerated vesting of a pro-rated portion of the Special Award pursuant to Section 2(b)(2), immediately prior to the completion of the Change of Control, Executive will be entitled to receive a number of shares of Company common stock equal to the excess of (x) the number of Special Award shares that would have become vested pursuant to the Change of Control provisions of the Long Term Incentive Plan if he had remained employed with the Company through such date over (y) the number of shares received pursuant to Section 2(b)(2), which additional shares shall also be subject to all applicable provisions of the Long Term Incentive Plan that may apply to equity grants in connection with any such Change of Control.
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(4)
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Death or Disability
. If the Executive's employment is terminated by the Company by reason of the Executive's Death or Disability, any unvested shares of the Special Award shall become fully vested as of the Termination Date. For purposes of this Agreement, “
Disability
” shall be defined as set forth in Section 3(c) below.
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(c)
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Deferred Settlement.
Except as set forth in this Section 2, the Special Award shall be subject to the terms and conditions of the Company’s standard form of Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement; provided, however, that instead of settlement promptly following vesting of the Special Award, settlement of the Special Award shall be deferred and the shares subject to the vested portion of the Special Award shall not be issued to Executive until the date that is six (6) months following the Termination Date (or, if sooner, the date of Executive’s death).
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(d)
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Dividend Equivalents
. Executive shall have no rights to receive dividends with respect to the shares subject to the Special Award prior to the date the Special Award vests in accordance with the terms of this Section 2. However, Executive shall be credited with cash dividends paid on the shares underlying the vested portion of the Special Award at the time and equal in amount to the cash dividends actually paid with respect to such shares. The amount of cash dividends credited to Executive shall be divided by the then Fair Market Value (as defined under the Company’s 2007 Long-Term Incentive Plan) of the Company’s common shares; and the number of shares subject to the then-vested portion of the Special Award shall be increased by the resulting number of common shares (carried to three decimals).
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3.
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Compensation Upon Certain Terminations by the Company.
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(1)
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The Company will continue to pay the Executive’s Base Salary (as defined below) during the period beginning on the Executive’s Termination Date and continuing for eighteen months thereafter (“
Salary Continuation
”). This Salary Continuation payment shall be paid in bi-weekly installments, consistent with the Company’s payroll practices. Subject to Section 5(c) hereof, the first such payment shall be made on the first payroll date following the Release Effective Date, such payment to include all payments that would have otherwise been payable between the Termination Date and the date of such payment.
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(2)
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The Company will pay to the Executive, at such time as those executives who are actively employed with the Company would receive payments under the Company’s short-term cash bonus plan in which the Executive was eligible to participate immediately prior to the Termination Date (but in no event later than the 15
th
day of the third month of the fiscal year following the fiscal year in which the Termination Date occurred), a pro-rated amount of the Executive’s bonus under such plan, based on the actual performance during the applicable period, determined in accordance with the terms of the short-term cash bonus plan and subject to the approval of the Compensation and Organization Committee of the Board of Directors. The pro-rated amount shall be calculated using a fraction where the numerator is the number of days from the beginning of the applicable bonus period through the Termination Date and the denominator is the total number of days in the applicable bonus period.
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(3)
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Subject to the Executive's timely election of continuation coverage under the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985, as amended ("
COBRA
"), during the period in which Salary Continuation is in effect, the Company shall reimburse the Executive for 100% of the monthly premium costs of COBRA coverage, less applicable withholding taxes on such reimbursement; provided, however, that the Company's obligation to provide such benefits shall cease upon the earlier of (i) the Executive's becoming eligible for such benefits as the result of employment with another employer and (ii) the expiration of the Executive's right to continue such medical and dental benefits under applicable law (such as COBRA); provided, further, that notwithstanding the foregoing, the Company shall not be obligated to provide the continuation coverage contemplated by this Section 3(a)(3) if it would result in the imposition of excise taxes on the Company for
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(1)
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The Company will pay Executive, in one lump sum payment, an amount equal to eighteen months of the Executive's Base Salary in effect on the Termination Date, payable in a lump sum on the sixtieth (60
th
) day following the Termination Date
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(2)
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The Company will pay Executive a lump sum payment, less taxes and withholdings, of an amount equal to the Executive's Target Bonus, payable in a lump sum on the sixtieth (60
th
) day following the Termination Date.
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(3)
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Subject to the Executive's timely election of continuation coverage under COBRA for a period of eighteen months following the Termination Date, the Company shall reimburse the Executive for 100% of the monthly premium costs of COBRA coverage, less applicable withholding taxes on such reimbursement; provided, however, that the Company's obligation to provide such benefits shall cease upon the earlier of (i) the Executive's becoming eligible for such benefits as the result of employment with another employer and (ii) the expiration of the Executive's right to continue such medical and dental benefits under applicable law (such as COBRA); provided, further, that notwithstanding the foregoing, the Company shall not be obligated to provide the continuation coverage contemplated by this Section 3(d)(3) if it would result in the imposition of excise taxes on the Company for
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(1)
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Base Salary
. For the purpose of this Agreement, “Base Salary” shall mean the Executive’s annual rate of base salary as in effect on the applicable date; provided, however, that if the Executive’s employment with the Company is being terminated by the Executive for Good Reason as a result of a reduction in the Executive’s Base Salary, then “Base Salary” shall, for purposes of the definition of “Good Reason” and Section 4 of this Agreement, constitute the Executive’s Base Salary as in effect prior to such reduction.
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(2)
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Cause
. For purposes of this Agreement, "Cause" shall mean: (i) the Executive’s conviction of, or entrance of a plea of guilty or
nolo contendere
to, a felony under federal or state law; (ii) fraudulent conduct by the Executive in connection with the business affairs of the Company; (iii) the Executive’s willful refusal to materially perform the Executive’s duties hereunder; (iv) the Executive’s willful misconduct which has, or would have if generally known, a materially adverse effect on the business or reputation of the company; or (v) the Executive’s material breach of a covenant, representation, warranty or obligation of the Executive to the Company. With respect to the circumstances in subsections (iii), (iv), and (v), above, such circumstances will only constitute “Cause” once the Company has provided the Executive written notice and the Executive has failed to cure such issue within 30 days. No act or failure to act on the Executive’s part shall be considered “willful” unless done, or omitted to be done, by the Executive in bad faith and without reasonable belief that the Executive’s action or omission was in the best interest of the Company.
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(3)
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Change of Control
. For purposes of this Agreement, "Change of Control" shall have the same meaning as such term is defined in the Long-Term Incentive Plan as in effect on the date of this Agreement;
provided
, however, that for purposes of this Agreement, such definition shall only apply to the extent that the event that constitutes such a “Change of Control” also constitutes a “change in ownership or control” as such term is defined in Section 409A of the United States Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “
Code
”), and the regulations and guidance issued thereunder (“
Section 409A of the Code
”).
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(4)
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Good Reason
. For purposes of this Agreement, “Good Reason” shall mean, without the Executive’s written consent: (i) a reduction in the Executive’s Base Salary or Target Bonus as in effect from time to time; (ii) the Company materially reduces (including as a result of any co-sharing of responsibilities arrangement) the Executive’s authority, responsibilities, or duties, (iii) the Company requires the Executive to be based at a location in excess of 50 miles from the location of its principal executive office as of the date of this Agreement; (iv) the Company fails to obtain the written assumption of its obligations to the Executive under this Agreement by a successor no later than the consummation of a Change in Control; (v) a material breach by the Company of its obligations to the Executive under this
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(5)
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Target Bonus
. “Target Bonus” shall mean the percentage of the Executive’s Base Salary equal to the Executive’s short-term cash bonus opportunity under the terms of the applicable short-term cash bonus program in which the Executive is entitled to participate in respect of the fiscal year of the Company in which the Termination Date occurs (if any); provided, however, that if the Executive’s employment with the Company is terminated by the Executive for Good Reason as a result of a reduction in the Executive’s Target Bonus, then “Target Bonus” shall mean the Executive’s Target Bonus as in effect immediately prior to such reduction.
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(a)
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This Agreement is intended to avoid the imposition of taxes and/or penalties under Section 409A of the Code. The parties agree that this Agreement shall at all times be interpreted, construed and operated in a manner to avoid the imposition of taxes and/or penalties under with Section 409A of the Code. All references to a termination of employment and separation from service shall mean “separation from service” as defined in Section 409A of the Code, and the date of such “separation from service” shall be referred to as the “
Termination Date
”.
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(b)
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All reimbursements provided under this Agreement shall comply with Section 409A of the Code and shall be subject to the following requirement: (i) the amount of expenses eligible for reimbursement, during the Executive’s taxable year may not affect the expenses eligible for reimbursement to be provided in another taxable year; and
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(c)
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Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, for purposes of the period specified in this Agreement relating to the timing of the Executive’s execution of the Release as a condition of the Company’s obligation to provide any severance payments or benefits, if such period would begin in one taxable year and end in a second taxable year, any payment otherwise due to the Executive upon execution of the Release shall be made in the second taxable year and without regard to when the Release was executed or became irrevocable.
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(d)
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If the Executive is a “specified employee” (as defined under Section 409A of the Code) on the Executive’s Termination Date, to the extent that any amount payable under this Agreement constitutes “non-qualified deferred compensation” under Section 409A of the Code (and is not otherwise excepted from Section 409A of the Code coverage by virtue of being considered “separation pay” or a “short term deferral” or otherwise) and is payable to Executive based upon a separation from service, such amount shall not be paid until the first day following the six (6) month anniversary of the Executive’s Termination Date.
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(e)
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To the maximum extent permitted under Section 409A of the Code, the payments and benefits under this Agreement are intended to meet the requirements of the short-term deferral exemption under Section 409A of the Code and the “separation pay exception” under Treasury Regulation §1.409A-1(b)(9)(iii). Any right to a series of installment payments shall be treated as a right to a series of separate payments for purposes of Section 409A of the Code.
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(f)
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All amounts due and payable under this Agreement shall be paid less all amounts required to be withheld by law, including all applicable federal, state and local withholding taxes and deductions.
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(a)
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For the purposes of this Section 7, the term “
Company
” shall include Abercrombie & Fitch Management Co. and all of its subsidiaries, parent companies and affiliates thereof
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(b)
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Non-Disclosure and Non-Use
. The Executive shall not, during the Term and at all times thereafter, without the written authorization of the CEO of the Company or such other executive governing body as may exist in lieu of the CEO, (hereinafter referred to as the “
Executive Approval
”), use (except for the benefit of the Company) any Confidential and Trade Secret Information relating to the Company. The Executive shall hold in strictest confidence and shall not, without the Executive Approval, disclose to anyone, other than directors, officers, employees and counsel of the Company in furtherance of the business of the Company, any Confidential and Trade Secret Information relating to the Company. For purposes of this Agreement, “
Confidential and Trade Secret Information
” includes: the general or specific nature of any concept in development, the business plan or development schedule of any concept, vendor, merchant or customer lists or other processes, know-how, designs, formulas, methods, software, improvements, technology, new products, marketing and selling plans, business plans, development schedules, budgets and unpublished financial statements, licenses, prices and costs, suppliers, and information regarding the skills, compensation or duties of employees, independent contractors or consultants of the Company and any other information about the Company that is proprietary or confidential. Notwithstanding the foregoing, nothing herein shall prevent the Executive from disclosing Confidential and Trade Secret Information to the extent required by law or by any court or regulatory authority having actual or apparent authority to require such disclosure or in connection with any litigation or arbitration involving this Agreement.
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(c)
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Non-Disparagement and Cooperation
. Neither the Executive nor any officer, director of the Company, nor any other spokesperson authorized as a spokesperson by any officer or director of the Company, shall, during the Term or at any time thereafter, intentionally state or otherwise publish anything about the other party which would adversely affect the reputation, image or business relationships and goodwill of the other
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(d)
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Non-Competition
. For the period of Executive’s employment with the Company and for twelve months following Executive’s Termination Date with the Company for any reason (the “
Non-Competition Period
”), Executive shall not, directly or indirectly, without the Executive Approval, own, manage, operate, join, control, be employed by, consult with or participate in the ownership, management, operation or control of, or be connected with (as a stockholder, partner, or otherwise), any entity listed on
Appendix A
attached to this Agreement, or any of their current or future divisions, subsidiaries or affiliates (whether majority or minority owned), even if said division, subsidiary or affiliate becomes unrelated to the entity on
Appendix A
at some future date, or any other entity engaged in a business that is competitive with the Company in any part of the world in which the Company conducts business or is actively preparing or considering conducting business (“
Competing Entity
”); provided, however, that the “beneficial ownership” by the Executive, either individually or by a “group” in which the Executive is a member (as such terms are used in Rule 13d of the General Rules and Regulations under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “
Exchange Act
”)), of less than 2% of the voting stock of any publicly held corporation shall not be a violation of this Section 7(d). The Executive acknowledges and agrees that any consideration that the Executive received in respect of any non-competition covenant in favor of the Company or its subsidiaries entered into prior to the date hereof shall be incorporated herein as consideration for the promises set forth in this Section 7(d) and that the provisions contained in this Section 7(d) shall supersede any prior non-competition covenants between the Executive and the Company or its subsidiaries.
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(e)
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Non-Solicitation
. For the period of Executive’s employment with the Company and for twenty-four months following Executive’s Termination Date with the Company for any reason (“
Non-Solicitation Period
”), the Executive shall not, either directly or indirectly, alone or in conjunction with another party, interfere with or harm, or attempt to interfere with or harm, the relationship of the Company with any person who at any time was a customer or supplier of the Company or otherwise had a business relationship with the Company. During the Non-Solicitation Period, the Executive shall not hire, solicit for hire, aid in or facilitate the hire, or cause to be hired, either as an employee, contractor or consultant, any person who is currently employed, or was em-
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(f)
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Confidentiality of this Agreement
. The Executive agrees that, during the Term and at all times thereafter, the Executive shall not speak about, write about, or otherwise publicize or disclose to any third party the terms of this Agreement or any fact concerning its negotiation, execution or implementation, except with (i) an attorney, accountant, or other advisor engaged by the Executive; (ii) the Internal Revenue Service or other governmental agency upon proper request; or (iii) the Executive’s immediate family; provided, that all such persons agree in advance to keep said information confidential and not to disclose it to others.
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(g)
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Remedies
. The Executive agrees that any breach of the terms of this Section 7 would result in irreparable injury and damage to the Company for which the Company would have no adequate remedy at law; the Executive therefore also agrees that in the event of said breach or any threat of breach, the Company shall be entitled to an immediate injunction and restraining order to prevent such breach and/or threatened breach and/or continued breach by the Executive and/or any and all persons and/or entities acting for and/or with the Executive, without having to prove damages. The terms of this Section 7(g) shall not prevent the Company from pursuing any other available remedies for any breach or threatened breach hereof, including but not limited to the recovery of damages from the Executive. The Executive and the Company further agree that the confidentiality provisions and the covenants not to compete and solicit contained in this Section 7 are reasonable and that the Company would not have entered into this Agreement but for the inclusion of such covenants herein. The parties agree that the prevailing party shall be entitled to all costs and expenses, including reasonable attorneys' fees and costs, in addition to any other remedies to which either may be entitled at law or in equity in connection with the enforcement of the covenants set forth in this Section 7. Should a court with jurisdiction determine, however, that all or any portion of the covenants set forth in this Section 7 is unreasonable, either in period of time, geographical area, or otherwise, the parties hereto agree that such covenants or portion thereof should be interpreted and enforced to the maximum extent that such court deems reasonable. In the event of any violation of the provisions of this Section 7, the Executive acknowledges and agrees that the post-termination restrictions contained in this Section 7 shall be extended by a period of time equal to the period of such violation, it being the intention of the parties hereto that the running of the applicable post-termination of employment restriction period shall be tolled during any period of such violation. In the event of a material violation by the Executive of this Section 7, any severance being paid to the Executive pursuant to Section 3 of this Agreement or otherwise shall immediately cease, and the aggregate gross amount of any severance previously paid to the Executive shall be immediately repaid to the Company.
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(h)
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The provisions of this Section 7 shall survive any termination of this Agreement and any termination of the Executive’s employment, and the existence of any claim or cause of action by the Executive against the Company, whether predicated on this Agreement or otherwise, shall not constitute a defense to the enforcement by the Company of the covenants and agreements of this Section 7.
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(a)
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This Agreement shall be binding upon and shall inure to the benefit of the Company, its successors and assigns, and the Company shall require any successor or assign to expressly assume and agree to perform this Agreement in the same manner and to the same extent that the Company would be required to perform it if no such succession or assignment had taken place. The term “the Company” as used herein shall include any such successors and assigns to the Company's business and/or assets. The term “successors and assigns” as used herein shall mean a corporation or other entity acquiring or otherwise succeeding to, directly or indirectly, all or substantially all the assets and business of the Company (including this Agreement) whether by operation of law or otherwise.
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(b)
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Neither this Agreement nor any right or interest hereunder shall be assignable or transferable by the Executive, the Executive's beneficiaries or legal representatives, except by will or by the laws of descent and distribution. This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be enforceable by the Executive's legal personal representative.
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/s/ Jonathan Ramsden
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/s/ Arthur C. Martinez
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/s/ Michael E. Greenlees
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American Eagle Outfitters, Inc.
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Gap, Inc.
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J. Crew Group, Inc.
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Pacific Sunwear of California, Inc.
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Urban Outfitters, Inc.
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Aeropostale, Inc.
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Polo Ralph Lauren Corporation
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Jack Wills, Ltd.
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SuperGroup, Plc.
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Levi Strauss & Co.
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L Brands (formerly known as Limited Brands, including, without limitation, Victoria's Secret, Pink, Bath & Body Works, La Senza and Henri Bendel)
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Express, Inc.
|
(1)
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The Company will continue to pay the Executive’s Base Salary (as defined below) during the period beginning on the Executive’s Termination Date and continuing for [eighteen/twelve] months thereafter (“
Salary Continuation
”). This Salary Continuation payment shall be paid in bi-weekly installments, consistent with the Company’s payroll practices. Subject to Section 4(c) hereof, the first such payment shall be made on the first payroll date following the Release Effective Date, such payment to include all payments that would have otherwise been payable between the Termination Date and the date of such payment.
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(2)
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The Company will pay to the Executive, (i) with respect to the short-term cash bonus in respect of fiscal year 2015 (if not already paid), on the first payroll date following the Release Effective Date, and (ii) with respect to any short-term cash bonus in respect of fiscal year 2016 and thereafter, on the six (6) month anniversary of the Executive’s Termination Date, a pro-rated amount of the Executive’s bonus under such plan, based on the actual performance determined in accor-
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(3)
|
Subject to the Executive's timely election of continuation coverage under the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985, as amended ("
COBRA
"), during the period in which Salary Continuation is in effect, the Company shall reimburse the Executive for 100% of the monthly premium costs of COBRA coverage, less applicable withholding taxes on such reimbursement; provided, however, that the Company's obligation to provide such benefits shall cease upon the earlier of (i) the Executive's becoming eligible for such benefits as the result of employment with another employer and (ii) the expiration of the Executive's right to continue such medical and dental benefits under applicable law (such as COBRA); provided, further, that notwithstanding the foregoing, the Company shall not be obligated to provide the continuation coverage contemplated by this Section 2(a)(3) if it would result in the imposition of excise taxes on the Company for failure to comply with the nondiscrimination requirements of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act of 2010, as amended, and the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act of 2010, as amended (to the extent applicable).
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(4)
|
The Executive will be eligible to receive the additional cash amounts as described under the heading “Termination Without Cause or for Good Reason” in the Letter Agreement subject to the terms of the Letter Agreement, and which, for the avoidance of doubt, consist of (i) if the termination of employment occurs before the first anniversary of the Executive’s commencement of employment with the Company (the “
Commencement Date
”), $___million in lieu of the unvested equity awards that will be forfeited as a result of the termination of employment as provided in the Letter Agreement, or (ii) if the termination of employment occurs after the first anniversary of the Commencement Date, an additional cash amount in lieu of the Executive’s unvested equity awards (to the extent applicable). This provision 2(a)(4) shall expire upon the vesting of all equity granted under the Letter Agreement as part of the Equity Replacement Grant and Inducement Equity Grant, and in no event later than _________.
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(1)
|
The Company will pay Executive, in one lump sum payment, an amount equal to [twelve/eighteen] months of the Executive's Base Salary in effect on the Termination Date, payable in bi-weekly installments, consistent with the Company’s payroll practices. Subject to Section 4(c) hereof, the first such payment shall be made on the first payroll date following the Release Effective Date, such payment to include all payments that would have been payable between the Termination Date and the date of such payment; provided.
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(2)
|
The Company will pay Executive a lump sum payment, less taxes and withholdings, of an amount equal to the Executive's Target Bonus, payable in a lump sum on the sixtieth (60
th
) day following the Termination Date.
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(3)
|
Subject to the Executive's timely election of continuation coverage under COBRA for a period of [twelve/eighteen] months following the Termination Date, the Company shall reimburse the Executive for 100% of the monthly premium costs of COBRA coverage, less applicable withholding taxes on such reimbursement; provided, however, that the Company's obligation to provide such benefits shall cease upon the earlier of (i) the Executive's becoming eligible for such benefits as the result of employment with another employer and (ii) the expiration of the Executive's right to continue such medical and dental benefits under applicable law (such as COBRA); provided, further, that notwithstanding the foregoing, the Company shall not be obligated to provide the continuation coverage contemplated by this Section 2(d)(3) if it would result in the imposition of excise taxes on the Company for failure to comply with the nondiscrimination requirements of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act of 2010, as amended, and the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act of 2010, as amended (to the extent applicable).
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(1)
|
Base Salary
. For the purpose of this Agreement, “Base Salary” shall mean the Executive’s annual rate of base salary as in effect on the applicable date; provided, however, that if the Executive’s employment with the Company is being terminated by the Executive for Good Reason as a result of a reduction in the Executive’s Base Salary, then “Base Salary” shall, for purposes of the definition of “Good Reason” and Section 3 of this Agreement, constitute the Executive’s Base Salary as in effect prior to such reduction.
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(2)
|
Cause
. For purposes of this Agreement, "Cause" shall mean: (i) the Executive’s conviction of, or entrance of a plea of guilty or
nolo contendere
to, a felony under federal or state law; (ii) fraudulent conduct by the Executive in connection with the business affairs of the Company; (iii) the Executive’s willful refusal to materially perform the Executive’s duties hereunder; (iv) the Executive’s willful misconduct which has, or would have if generally known, a materially adverse effect on the business or reputation of the company; or (v) the Executive’s material breach of a covenant, representation, warranty or obligation of the Executive to the Company. With respect to the circumstances in subsections (iii), (iv), and (v), above, such circumstances will only constitute “Cause” once the Company has provided the Executive written notice and the Executive has failed to cure such issue within 30 days. No act or failure to act on the Executive’s part shall be considered “willful” unless done, or omitted to be done, by the Executive in bad faith and without reasonable belief that the Executive’s action or omission was in the best interest of the Company.
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(3)
|
Change of Control
. For purposes of this Agreement, "Change of Control" shall have the same meaning as such term is defined in the Amended and Restated A&F Long-Term Incentive Plan as in effect on the date of this Agreement;
provided
, however, that for purposes of this Agreement and the Letter Agreement, such definition shall only apply to the extent that the event that constitutes such a “Change of Control” also constitutes a “change in ownership or control” as such term is defined in Section 409A of the United States Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “
Code
”), and the regulations and guidance issued
|
(4)
|
Good Reason
. For purposes of this Agreement, “Good Reason” shall mean, without the Executive’s written consent: (i) a reduction in the Executive’s Base Salary or Target Bonus as in effect from time to time; (ii) the Company materially reduces (including as a result of any co-sharing of responsibilities arrangement) the Executive’s authority, responsibilities, or duties, (iii) the Company requires the Executive to be based at a location in excess of 50 miles from the location of its principal executive office as of the date of this Agreement; (iv) the Company fails to obtain the written assumption of its obligations to the Executive under this Agreement by a successor no later than the consummation of a Change in Control; (v) a material breach by the Company of its obligations to the Executive under this Agreement; or (vi) on or following a Change in Control, as defined above, a material adverse change in the Executive’s reporting structure; which in each of the circumstances described above, is not remedied by the Company within 30 days
|
(5)
|
Target Bonus
. “Target Bonus” shall mean the percentage of the Executive’s Base Salary equal to the Executive’s short-term cash bonus opportunity under the terms of the applicable short-term cash bonus program in which the Executive is entitled to participate in respect of the fiscal year of the Company in which the Termination Date occurs (if any); provided, however, that if the Executive’s employment with the Company is terminated by the Executive for Good Reason as a result of a reduction in the Executive’s Target Bonus, then “Target Bonus” shall mean the Executive’s Target Bonus as in effect immediately prior to such reduction.
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(a)
|
This Agreement is intended to avoid the imposition of taxes and/or penalties under Section 409A of the Code. The parties agree that this Agreement shall at all times be interpreted, construed and operated in a manner to avoid the imposition of taxes and/or penalties under with Section 409A of the Code. All references to a termination of employment and separation from service shall mean “separation from service” as defined in Section 409A of the Code, and the date of such “separation from service” shall be referred to as the “
Termination Date
”.
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(b)
|
All reimbursements provided under this Agreement shall comply with Section 409A of the Code and shall be subject to the following requirement: (i) the amount of expenses eligible for reimbursement, during the Executive’s taxable year may not affect the expenses eligible for reimbursement to be provided in another taxable year; and (ii) the reimbursement of an eligible expense must be made by December 31 following the taxable year in which the expense was incurred. The right to reimbursement is not subject to liquidation or exchange for another benefit.
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(c)
|
Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, for purposes of the period specified in this Agreement relating to the timing of the Executive’s execution of the Release as a condition of the Company’s obligation to provide any severance payments or benefits, if such period would begin in one taxable year and end in a second taxable year, any payment otherwise due to the Executive upon execution of the Release shall be made in the second taxable year and without regard to when the Release was executed or became irrevocable.
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(d)
|
If the Executive is a “specified employee” (as defined under Section 409A of the Code) on the Executive’s Termination Date, to the extent that any amount payable under this Agreement constitutes “non-qualified deferred compensation” under Section 409A of the Code (and is not otherwise excepted from Section 409A of the Code coverage by virtue of being considered “separation pay” or a “short term deferral” or otherwise) and is payable to Executive based upon a separation from service, such amount shall not be paid until the first day following the six (6) month anniversary of the Executive’s Termination Date.
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(e)
|
To the maximum extent permitted under Section 409A of the Code, the payments and benefits under this Agreement are intended to meet the requirements of the short-term deferral exemption under Section 409A of the Code and the “separation pay exception” under Treasury Regulation §1.409A-1(b)(9)(iii). Any right to a series of installment payments shall be treated as a right to a series of separate payments for purposes of Section 409A of the Code.
|
(f)
|
All amounts due and payable under this Agreement shall be paid less all amounts required to be withheld by law, including all applicable federal, state and local withholding taxes and deductions.
|
(a)
|
For the purposes of this Section 6, the term “
Company
” shall include Abercrombie & Fitch Management Co. and all of its subsidiaries, parent companies and affiliates thereof
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(b)
|
Non-Disclosure and Non-Use
. The Executive shall not, during the Term and at all times thereafter, without the written authorization of the Chief Executive Officer (“
CEO
”) of the Company or such other executive governing body as may exist in lieu
|
(c)
|
Non-Disparagement and Cooperation
. Neither the Executive nor any officer, director of the Company, nor any other spokesperson authorized as a spokesperson by any officer or director of the Company, shall, during the Term or at any time thereafter, intentionally state or otherwise publish anything about the other party which would adversely affect the reputation, image or business relationships and goodwill of the other party in the market and community at large. During the Term and at all times thereafter, the Executive shall fully cooperate with the Company in defense of legal claims asserted against the Company and other matters requiring the testimony or input and knowledge of the Executive. If at any time the Executive should be required to cooperate with the Company pursuant to this Section 6(c), the Company agrees to promptly reimburse the Executive for reasonable documented costs and expenses incurred as a result thereof. The Executive agrees that, during the Term and at all times thereafter, the Executive will not speak or communicate with any party or representative of any party, who is known to the Executive to be either adverse to the Company in litigation or administrative proceedings or to have threatened to commence litigation or admin-
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(d)
|
Non-Competition
. For the period of Executive’s employment with the Company and its subsidiaries and for twelve months following Executive’s Termination Date with the Company and its subsidiaries for any reason (the “
Non-Competition Period
”), Executive shall not, directly or indirectly, without the Executive Approval, own, manage, operate, join, control, be employed by, consult with or participate in the ownership, management, operation or control of, or be connected with (as a stockholder, partner, or otherwise), any entity listed on
Appendix A
attached to this Agreement, or any of their current or future divisions, subsidiaries or affiliates (whether majority or minority owned), even if said division, subsidiary or affiliate becomes unrelated to the entity on
Appendix A
at some future date, or any other entity engaged in a business that is competitive with the Company in any part of the world in which the Company conducts business or is actively preparing or considering conducting business (“
Competing Entity
”); provided, however, that the “beneficial ownership” by the Executive, either individually or by a “group” in which the Executive is a member (as such terms are used in Rule 13d of the General Rules and Regulations under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “
Exchange Act
”)), of less than 2% of the voting stock of any publicly held corporation shall not be a violation of this Section 6(d). The Executive acknowledges and agrees that any consideration that the Executive received in respect of any non-competition covenant in favor of the Company or its subsidiaries entered into prior to the date hereof shall be incorporated herein as consideration for the promises set forth in this Section 6(d) and that the provisions contained in this Section 6(d) shall supersede any prior non-competition covenants between the Executive and the Company or its subsidiaries.
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(e)
|
Non-Solicitation
. For the period of Executive’s employment with the Company and its subsidiaries and for twenty-four months following Executive’s Termination Date with the Company and its subsidiaries for any reason (“
Non-Solicitation Period
”), the Executive shall not, either directly or indirectly, alone or in conjunction with another party, interfere with or harm, or attempt to interfere with or harm, the relationship of the Company with any person who at any time was a customer or supplier of the Company or otherwise had a business relationship with the Company. During the Non-Solicitation Period, the Executive shall not hire, solicit for hire, aid in or facilitate the hire, or cause to be hired, either as an employee, contractor or consultant, any person who is currently employed, or was employed at any time during the six-month period prior thereto, as an employee, contractor or consultant of the Company. The Executive acknowledges and agrees that any consideration that the Executive received for in respect of any non-solicitation covenant in favor of the Company or its subsidiaries entered into prior to the date hereof shall be incorporated herein as consideration for the promises set forth in this Section 6(e) and that the provisions contained in this Section 6(e) shall supersede any prior non-solicitation covenants between the Executive and the Company or its subsidiaries.
|
(f)
|
Confidentiality of this Agreement
. The Executive agrees that, during the Term and at all times thereafter, the Executive shall not speak about, write about, or otherwise publicize or disclose to any third party the terms of this Agreement or any fact concerning its negotiation, execution or implementation, except with (i) an attorney, accountant, or other advisor engaged by the Executive; (ii) the Internal Revenue Service or other governmental agency upon proper request; or (iii) the Executive’s immediate family; provided, that all such persons agree in advance to keep said information confidential and not to disclose it to others.
|
(g)
|
Remedies
. The Executive agrees that any breach of the terms of this Section 6 would result in irreparable injury and damage to the Company for which the Company would have no adequate remedy at law; the Executive therefore also agrees that in the event of said breach or any threat of breach, the Company shall be entitled to an immediate injunction and restraining order to prevent such breach and/or threatened breach and/or continued breach by the Executive and/or any and all persons and/or entities acting for and/or with the Executive, without having to prove damages. The terms of this Section 6(g) shall not prevent the Company from pursuing any other available remedies for any breach or threatened breach hereof, including but not limited to the recovery of damages from the Executive. The Executive and the Company further agree that the confidentiality provisions and the covenants not to compete and solicit contained in this Section 6 are reasonable and that the Company would not have entered into this Agreement but for the inclusion of such covenants herein. The parties agree that the prevailing party shall be entitled to all costs and expenses, including reasonable attorneys' fees and costs, in addition to any other remedies to which either may be entitled at law or in equity in connection with the enforcement of the covenants set forth in this Section 6. Should a court with jurisdiction determine, however, that all or any portion of the covenants set forth in this Section 6 is unreasonable, either in period of time, geographical area, or otherwise, the parties hereto agree that such covenants or portion thereof should be interpreted and enforced to the maximum extent that such court deems reasonable. In the event of any violation of the provisions of this Section 6, the Executive acknowledges and agrees that the post-termination restrictions contained in this Section 6 shall be extended by a period of time equal to the period of such violation, it being the intention of the parties hereto that the running of the applicable post-termination of employment restriction period shall be tolled during any period of such violation. In the event of a material violation by the Executive of this Section 6, any severance being paid to the Executive pursuant to Section 2 of this Agreement or otherwise shall immediately cease, and the aggregate gross amount of any severance previously paid to the Executive shall be immediately repaid to the Company.
|
(h)
|
The provisions of this Section 6 shall survive any termination of this Agreement and any termination of the Executive’s employment, and the existence of any claim or cause of action by the Executive against the Company, whether predicated on this Agreement or otherwise, shall not constitute a defense to the enforcement by the Company of the covenants and agreements of this Section 6.
|
(a)
|
This Agreement shall be binding upon and shall inure to the benefit of the Company, its successors and assigns, and the Company shall require any successor or assign to expressly assume and agree to perform this Agreement in the same manner and to the same extent that the Company would be required to perform it if no such succession or assignment had taken place. The term “the Company” as used herein shall include any such successors and assigns to the Company's business and/or assets. The term “successors and assigns” as used herein shall mean a corporation or other entity acquiring or otherwise succeeding to, directly or indirectly, all or substantially all the assets and business of the Company (including this Agreement) whether by operation of law or otherwise.
|
(b)
|
Neither this Agreement nor any right or interest hereunder shall be assignable or transferable by the Executive, the Executive's beneficiaries or legal representatives, except by will or by the laws of descent and distribution. This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be enforceable by the Executive's legal personal representative.
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|
|
|
|
[NAME OF EXECUTIVE]
|
|
|
American Eagle Outfitters, Inc.
|
Gap, Inc.
|
J. Crew Group, Inc.
|
Pacific Sunwear of California, Inc.
|
Urban Outfitters, Inc.
|
Aeropostale, Inc.
|
Polo Ralph Lauren Corporation
|
Jack Wills, Ltd.
|
SuperGroup, Plc.
|
Levi Strauss & Co.
|
L Brands (formerly known as Limited Brands, including, without limitation, Victoria's Secret, Pink, Bath & Body Works, La Senza and Henri Bendel)
|
Express, Inc.
|