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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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001-12107
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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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•
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the Company is to continue to pay Ms. Andersen’s base salary in bi-weekly installments for 18 months following her Termination Date (as defined in the Andersen Executive Agreement);
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•
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the Company will pay Ms. Andersen a pro-rata annual cash incentive based on actual performance during the applicable bonus period (as defined in the Andersen Executive Agreement) and the number of days elapsed in the applicable bonus period prior to her Termination Date, which payment will be at the full discretion of the Compensation Committee;
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•
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the Company will reimburse Ms. Andersen during the 18 months following her Termination Date for 100% of the monthly premium costs of COBRA coverage (less applicable withholding taxes on such reimbursement), subject to her election of such coverage and the additional eligibility requirements set forth in the Andersen Executive Agreement; and
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•
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the outstanding equity awards held by Ms. Andersen will vest (if at all) in accordance with the terms of the applicable award agreements.
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•
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the Company will pay Ms. Andersen, in one lump-sum payment, an amount equal to 18 months of her base salary;
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the Company will pay Ms. Andersen a lump-sum payment (less taxes and withholdings) of an amount equal to her target bonus opportunity under the Company’s short-term cash bonus plan in which she is then eligible to participate;
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•
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the Company will reimburse Ms. Andersen during the 18 months following her Termination Date for 100% of the monthly premium costs of COBRA coverage (less applicable withholding taxes on such reimbursement), subject to her election of such coverage and the additional eligibility requirements set forth in the Andersen Executive Agreement; and
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•
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the outstanding equity awards held by Ms. Andersen will vest (if at all) in accordance with the terms of the applicable award agreements.
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the Company is to continue to pay Ms. Scott’s base salary in bi-weekly installments for 18 months following her Termination Date (as defined in the Scott Executive Agreement);
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•
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the Company will pay Ms. Scott a pro-rata annual cash incentive based on actual performance during the applicable bonus period (as defined in the Scott Executive Agreement) and the number of days elapsed in the applicable bonus period prior to her Termination Date, which payment will be at the full discretion of the Compensation Committee;
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•
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the Company will reimburse Ms. Scott during the 18 months following her Termination Date for 100% of the monthly premium costs of COBRA coverage (less applicable withholding taxes on such reimbursement), subject to her election of such coverage and the additional eligibility requirements set forth in the Scott Executive Agreement; and
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•
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the outstanding equity awards held by Ms. Scott will vest (if at all) in accordance with the terms of the applicable award agreements.
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•
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the Company will pay Ms. Scott, in one lump-sum payment, an amount equal to 18 months of her base salary;
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•
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the Company will pay Ms. Scott a lump-sum payment (less taxes and withholdings) of an amount equal to her target bonus opportunity under the Company’s short-term cash bonus plan in which she is then eligible to participate;
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•
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the Company will reimburse Ms. Scott during the 18 months following her Termination Date for 100% of the monthly premium costs of COBRA coverage (less applicable withholding taxes on such reimbursement), subject to her election of such coverage and the additional eligibility requirements set forth in the Scott Executive Agreement; and
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•
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the outstanding equity awards held by Ms. Scott will vest (if at all) in accordance with the terms of the applicable award agreements.
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Exhibit No.
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Description
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10.1
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Offer Letter from Abercrombie & Fitch to Stacia Andersen, executed by Ms. Andersen on May 11, 2016
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10.2
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Executive Agreement entered into between Abercrombie & Fitch Management Co. and Stacia Andersen, effective as of May 20, 2016, the execution date by Abercrombie & Fitch Management Co.
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10.3
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Offer Letter from Abercrombie & Fitch to Kristin Scott, executed by Ms. Scott on May 15, 2016
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10.4
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Executive Agreement entered into between Abercrombie & Fitch Management Co. and Kristin Scott, effective as of May 20, 2016, the execution date by Abercrombie & Fitch Management Co.
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99.1
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News Release issued by Abercrombie & Fitch Co. on May 23, 2016, related to the appointment of Stacia Andersen to serve as President - Abercrombie & Fitch and abercrombie (kids) brand and the appointment of Kristin Scott to serve as President - Hollister brand
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ABERCROMBIE & FITCH CO.
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Dated: May 23, 2016
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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 and Corporate Secretary
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Exhibit No.
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Description
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10.1
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Offer Letter from Abercrombie & Fitch to Stacia Andersen, executed by Ms. Andersen on May 11, 2016
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10.2
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Executive Agreement entered into between Abercrombie & Fitch Management Co. and Stacia Andersen, effective as of May 20, 2016, the execution date by Abercrombie & Fitch Management Co.
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10.3
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Offer Letter from Abercrombie & Fitch to Kristin Scott, executed by Ms. Scott on May 15, 2016
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10.4
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Executive Agreement entered into between Abercrombie & Fitch Management Co. and Kristin Scott, effective as of May 20, 2016, the execution date by Abercrombie & Fitch Management Co.
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99.1
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News Release issued by Abercrombie & Fitch Co. on May 23, 2016, related to the appointment of Stacia Andersen to serve as President - Abercrombie & Fitch and abercrombie (kids) brand and the appointment of Kristin Scott to serve as President - Hollister brand
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Position
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Brand President, A&F / Kids
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Start Date
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To be determined
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Base Salary
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$750,000
annually; paid bi-weekly
Annual salary adjustments based on:
(1) Your performance
(2) Economic factors (i.e. business conditions, inflation, job market, etc.)
Any increase for your first review period may be pro-rated depending on your start date.
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Bonus Program
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You will be eligible to participate in A&F’s Annual Leadership Team Incentive Compensation (IC) Program at a target payout level of
100%
of your annual base earnings and a maximum payout of 200% of your annual base earnings. At the base salary quoted in this offer, your target annual payout is $750,000, and your maximum annual payout is $1,500,000.
IC for you and other Leadership Team members will be based on annual financial and strategic results, and if earned will be paid in March following conclusion of the prior Fiscal Year, subject to participants’ being actively employed on the payout date.
For 2016, your IC, if earned, will be pro-rated based on your start date.
For 2016, the financial-results component of your IC determination will be based on overall Company financial results; in subsequent years, the financial-results component of your IC determination will be based on your Brand results. (Please note that the Annual Leadership Team IC Program is subject to change each year in the discretion of the Compensation Committee of the A&F Board of Directors (the “Compensation Committee”)).
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Inducement Equity Grant: Performance Share Awards (PSAs) and Restricted Stock Units (RSUs)
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Subject to approval of the Compensation Committee or its designee and subject to the terms and conditions of the grant, you will receive an
inducement equity grant
with an approximate total value of
$1,500,000
. 50% of the grant value will be in the form of A&F Performance Share Awards (PSAs), and 50% will be in the form of A&F Restricted Stock Units (RSUs). The actual number of PSAs and RSUs granted will be based on the 20-day average share closing price up to and including the date of the grant, which will occur (subject to Compensation Committee approval) at the next regularly scheduled meeting of the Compensation Committee following your Start Date or as soon as practicable thereafter.
Upon vesting, one PSA converts to one share of A&F stock. PSAs vest after a three-year performance period to the extent that specified performance targets are achieved.
Upon vesting, one RSU converts to one share of A&F stock. Subject to continued employment with A&F, these RSUs will vest on each anniversary of the grant date in accordance with the following 4-year vesting schedule:
Year 1
Year 2
Year 3
Year 4
25% 25% 25% 25%
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Supplemental Inducement Equity Grant: Restricted Stock Units (RSUs)
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Subject to approval of the Compensation Committee or its designee and subject to the terms and conditions of the grant, you will receive a
supplemental inducement equity grant
with an approximate total value of
$750,000
, in the form of A&F Restricted Stock Units (RSUs). The actual number of RSUs granted will be based on the 20-day average share closing price up to and including the date of the grant, which will occur (subject to Compensation Committee approval) at the next regularly scheduled meeting of the Compensation Committee following your Start Date or as soon as practicable thereafter.
Upon vesting, one RSU converts to one share of A&F stock. Subject to continued employment with A&F, these RSUs will vest on the second anniversary of the grant date.
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2017 Annual Equity Grant
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Subject to satisfactory performance and continued employment, Management will recommend to the Compensation Committee that an equity grant equal in value to approximately
$1,500,000
be awarded to you as part of A&F’s Fiscal Year 2017 annual equity grant process. The vesting schedule, types of awards, and other terms and conditions will be consistent with grants made during the 2017 annual grant process to other Leadership Team members.
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Executive Severance Agreement (ESA)
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In consideration of (and as a condition of) this offer of employment and your continued employment following hire, you agree to enter into an Executive Severance Agreement (ESA) in the form attached as Exhibit B to this offer letter. The ESA includes severance protection and other benefits for you, as well as protections for the company such as non-competition and non-solicitation provisions.
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Relocation/Commuting
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A&F will provide you with the following relocation and commuting-assistance benefits:
A&F will provide you with a one-time bonus payment of
$100,000
to assist with relocation and commuting costs during your transition to the Central Ohio area (the “Relocation and Commuting Bonus”). This Relocation and Commuting Bonus (less applicable taxes and other withholdings) will be made along with your first regular paycheck. In order to obtain this payment, you will be required to sign an agreement (in the form attached as Exhibit A) to repay the bonus in full if you resign or are terminated for gross misconduct within twenty-four (24) months of your start date.
You will be provided with temporary housing for up to three months.
You will be eligible for reimbursement of relocation expenses as follows:
Reasonable and customary movement of household goods and of up to two automobiles.
Reasonable and customary closing costs toward the sale of your current residence (up to $20,000)
Reasonable and customary closing costs toward the purchase of a new primary residence in Central Ohio (up to $20,000)
Reimbursement of relocation expenses is subject to the following terms and conditions:
All relocation benefits must be used within one year of your start date.
Relocation expenses will not be “grossed up” to offset Federal and State taxes.
If you wish to have A&F pay your relocation expenses, you must sign an agreement (in the form attached as Exhibit A) to repay those expenses in full if you resign or are terminated for gross misconduct within twenty-four (24) months of your start date.
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Benefits
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You will be eligible to participate in various A&F benefit programs as set forth in this letter and other relevant documents. All benefit programs are subject to change in accordance with A&F’s policies and procedures.
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A&F Qualified Savings
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As of the first of the following month of your start date, you will be eligible to participate in the Abercrombie & Fitch Co. Savings and Retirement Plan. As a participant in this plan, you will be eligible to defer up to 50% of your base salary and bonus payouts, or up to the IRS maximum annual deferral limit ($18,000 for 2016), whichever is less. After one year of employment, the first 5% of your base salary and bonus payouts that you defer into this plan will be matched by A&F at 100%. The maximum level of pensionable compensation allowed by the IRS is $265,000 for 2016. Company matching contributions and earnings are always 100% vested.
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A&F Non-Qualified Savings Plan
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After 30 days of employment, you will be eligible to participate in the Abercrombie & Fitch Co. Non-Qualified Savings Plan. This plan allows you to defer up to 75% of your base salary each year, and up to 75% of your Bonus payouts. The company will match the first 3% that you defer on a dollar-for-dollar basis. Company contributions and earnings vest 100% after 5 years of continuous service on the anniversary date of employment.
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Healthcare Coverage
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After one month of employment, you will be eligible to participate in our Healthcare Benefit plans. For 2016, the associate contribution required for these benefits is as follows:
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Medical/Dental
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Vision
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Single Coverage
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$ 39.50 bi-weekly
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$ 2.08 bi-weekly
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Single (+) Spouse
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$ 90.00 bi-weekly
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$ 3.68 bi-weekly
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Single (+) Child(ren)
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$ 74.00 bi-weekly
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$ 4.34 bi-weekly
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Family Coverage
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$ 125.00 bi-weekly
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$ 6.75 bi-weekly
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Life & Disability Insurance
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After one month of employment, you will automatically be enrolled in A&F’s Life & Disability Insurance plans.
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Flexible Spending Account
(FSA)
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After one month of employment, you will be eligible to participate in A&F’s Flexible Spending Account (FSA) plan. FSAs allow you to save money by paying for certain healthcare and childcare expenses with pre-tax dollars via automatic payroll deductions.
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Associate Assistance
Program (AAP)
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After one month of employment, you will automatically be enrolled in A&F’s Associate Assistance Program (AAP). The AAP gives you or any covered dependents access to free, confidential psychological, financial or legal counseling through our AAP provider. Up to 8 free visits, per specific issue, are available through the AAP.
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A&F Gym
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Effective upon hire, you will be eligible to join The A&F Gym, our state of the art 8,000 square foot on-site fitness facility. The cost of membership can be paid via automatic payroll deduction after you enroll.
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Merchandise Discount
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You will receive a discount of 40% on qualifying purchases at all Abercrombie & Fitch and abercrombie stores. You will also receive a discount of 30% on qualifying purchases at all Hollister Co. stores. (Please note that this benefit is subject to the terms of the Associate Discount Policy as set forth in our Associate Handbook.)
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Paid Time Off (PTO) /Holidays
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You will be eligible for 33 paid time off (PTO) days per fiscal year. PTO will be pro-rated during the first year based on your start date. Unused PTO days do not carry over into subsequent fiscal years. A&F also grants 8 paid holidays to all home office associates annually.
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Additional A&F Perks
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In addition to benefits listed above, you will be eligible for the following A&F Perks:
Volunteer day
Summer Hours
On-Site Café
Varsity Field and Equipment
Stock Purchase Plan
Please see the Home Office Associate Handbook or your Associate Relations Representative for more information on these programs.
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Background/Reference Inquiry and Work Authorization
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This offer of employment is contingent on successful completion of background and reference checks, and on successful demonstration of your authorization to work in the United States. Please complete the enclosed Fair Credit Reporting Act Disclosure and Authorization Form (attached as Exhibit C) and return it along with your signed copy of this employment offer letter.
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Approval of the Board of Directors
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This offer of employment is contingent on approval by the Board of Directors of A&F and the Board’s appointment of you to this position.
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/s/ John Gabrielli
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John Gabrielli
Senior Vice President, Human Resources
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/s/ Stacia Andersen
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May 11, 2016
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Stacia Andersen
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Date
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Date: May 11, 2016
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Stacia Andersen
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Name (Printed)
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/s/ Stacia Andersen
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Signature
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Approved by:
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/s/ John Gabrielli
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John Gabrielli
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Senior Vice President, Human Resources
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Abercrombie & Fitch
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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 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, 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 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 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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(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 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)
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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 3 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 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, 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 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 of receipt of written notice by the Executive to the Company; so long as the Executive provides such written notice to the Company no later than 90 days following the first date the event giving rise to a claim of Good Reason exists;
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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 (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)
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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 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)
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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 Chief Executive Officer (“
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
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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 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 administrative proceedings against the Company, with respect to the pending or threatened legal action, unless the Executive receives the written consent of the Company to do so, or is otherwise compelled by law to do so, and then only after advance notice to the Company. Nothing herein shall prevent the Executive from pursuing any claim in connection with enforcing or defending the Executive’s rights or obligations under this Agreement.
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(d)
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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.
|
(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
|
(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. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Executive shall have the duty to disclose to any employer or prospective employer the fact that the Executive is bound by the Executive Covenants contained in Sections 6(b), (d), and (e) of this Agreement, but remains prohibited from disclosing other terms of this Agreement consistent with this Section 6(f).
|
(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.
|
(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.
|
|
/s/ Stacia Andersen
|
Stacia Andersen
|
|
/s/ Arthur C. Martinez
|
Arthur C. Martinez
|
Executive Chairman of the Board of Directors
|
Abercrombie & Fitch Co.
|
|
/s/ Michael E. Greenlees
|
Michael E. Greenlees
|
Chair of the Compensation and Organization Committee of the Board of Directors
|
Abercrombie & Fitch Co.
|
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.
|
(1)
|
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 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.
|
(2)
|
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 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.
|
(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).
|
(1)
|
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
|
(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.
|
(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.
|
(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.
|
(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, 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
”).
|
(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 of receipt of written notice by the Executive to the Company; so long as the Executive provides such written notice to the Company no later than 90 days following the first date the event giving rise to a claim of Good Reason exists;
|
(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
|
(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
”.
|
(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.
|
(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.
|
(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.
|
(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
|
(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 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
|
(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 administrative proceedings against the Company, with respect to the pending or threatened legal action, unless the Executive receives the written consent of the Company to do so, or is otherwise compelled by law to do so, and then only after advance notice to the Company. Nothing herein shall prevent the Executive from pursuing any claim in connection with enforcing or defending the Executive’s rights or obligations under this Agreement.
|
(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.
|
(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
|
(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. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Executive shall have the duty to disclose to any employer or prospective employer the fact that the Executive is bound by the Executive Covenants contained in Sections 6(b), (d), and (e) of this Agreement, but remains prohibited from disclosing other terms of this Agreement consistent with this Section 6(f).
|
(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.
|
(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.
|
|
/s/ Stacia Andersen
|
Stacia Andersen
|
|
/s/ Arthur C. Martinez
|
Arthur C. Martinez
|
Executive Chairman of the Board of Directors
|
Abercrombie & Fitch Co.
|
|
/s/ Michael E. Greenlees
|
Michael E. Greenlees
|
Chair of the Compensation and Organization Committee of the Board of Directors
|
Abercrombie & Fitch Co.
|
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.
|
Position
|
|
Brand President, Hollister
|
Start Date
|
|
On or before
August 1, 2016.
This offer of employment is contingent on a Start Date of no later than August 1, 2016 that is compliant with the Certification re: Restrictive Covenants below (see page 5). If you are unable to commence work by August 1, 2016 in compliance with the Certification re: Restrictive Covenants, this offer will expire and be void.
|
Base Salary
|
|
$750,000
annually; paid bi-weekly
Annual salary adjustments based on:
(1) Your performance
(2) Economic factors (i.e. business conditions, inflation, job market, etc.)
Any increase for your first review period may be pro-rated depending on your start date.
|
Bonus Program
|
|
You will be eligible to participate in A&F’s Annual Leadership Team Incentive Compensation (IC) Program at a target payout level of
100%
of your annual base earnings and a maximum payout of 200% of your annual base earnings. At the base salary quoted in this offer, your target annual payout is $750,000, and your maximum annual payout is $1,500,000.
IC for you and other Leadership Team members will be based on annual financial and strategic results, and if earned will be paid in March following conclusion of the prior Fiscal Year, subject to participants’ being actively employed on the payout date.
For 2016, your IC, if earned, will be pro-rated based on your start date.
For 2016, the financial-results component of your IC determination will be based on overall Company financial results; in subsequent years, the financial-results component of your IC determination will be based on your Brand results. (Please note that the Annual Leadership Team IC Program is subject to change each year in the discretion of the Compensation Committee of the A&F Board of Directors (the “Compensation Committee”)).
|
Inducement Equity Grant: Performance Share Awards (PSAs) and Restricted Stock Units (RSUs)
|
|
Subject to approval of the Compensation Committee or its designee and subject to the terms and conditions of the grant, you will receive an
inducement equity grant
with an approximate total value of
$1,500,000
. 50% of the grant value will be in the form of A&F Performance Share Awards (PSAs), and 50% will be in the form of A&F Restricted Stock Units (RSUs). The actual number of PSAs and RSUs granted will be based on the 20-day average share closing price up to and including the date of the grant, which will occur (subject to Compensation Committee approval) at the next regularly scheduled meeting of the Compensation Committee following your Start Date or as soon as practicable thereafter.
Upon vesting, one PSA converts to one share of A&F stock. PSAs vest after a three-year performance period to the extent that specified performance targets are achieved.
Upon vesting, one RSU converts to one share of A&F stock. Subject to continued employment with A&F, these RSUs will vest on each anniversary of the grant date in accordance with the following 4-year vesting schedule:
Year 1
Year 2
Year 3
Year 4
25% 25% 25% 25%
|
Supplemental Inducement Equity Grant: Restricted Stock Units (RSUs)
|
|
Subject to approval of the Compensation Committee or its designee and subject to the terms and conditions of the grant, you will receive a
supplemental inducement equity grant
with an approximate total value of
$750,000
, in the form of A&F Restricted Stock Units (RSUs). The actual number of RSUs granted will be based on the 20-day average share closing price up to and including the date of the grant, which will occur (subject to Compensation Committee approval) at the next regularly scheduled meeting of the Compensation Committee following your Start Date or as soon as practicable thereafter.
|
2017 Annual Equity Grant
|
|
Subject to satisfactory performance and continued employment, Management will recommend to the Compensation Committee that an equity grant equal in value to approximately
$1,500,000
be awarded to you as part of A&F’s Fiscal Year 2017 annual equity grant process. The vesting schedule, types of awards, and other terms and conditions will be consistent with grants made during the 2017 annual grant process to other Leadership Team members.
|
Executive Severance Agreement (ESA)
|
|
In consideration of (and as a condition of) this offer of employment and your continued employment following hire, you agree to enter into an Executive Severance Agreement (ESA) in the form attached as Exhibit A to this offer letter. The ESA includes severance protection and other benefits for you, as well as protections for the company such as non-competition and non-solicitation provisions.
|
Benefits
|
|
You will be eligible to participate in various A&F benefit programs as set forth in this letter and other relevant documents. All benefit programs are subject to change in accordance with A&F’s policies and procedures.
|
A&F Qualified Savings
|
|
As of the first of the following month of your start date, you will be eligible to participate in the Abercrombie & Fitch Co. Savings and Retirement Plan. As a participant in this plan, you will be eligible to defer up to 50% of your base salary and bonus payouts, or up to the IRS maximum annual deferral limit ($18,000 for 2016), whichever is less. After one year of employment, the first 5% of your base salary and bonus payouts that you defer into this plan will be matched by A&F at 100%. The maximum level of pensionable compensation allowed by the IRS is $265,000 for 2016. Company matching contributions and earnings are always 100% vested.
|
A&F Non-Qualified Savings Plan
|
|
After 30 days of employment, you will be eligible to participate in the Abercrombie & Fitch Co. Non-Qualified Savings Plan. This plan allows you to defer up to 75% of your base salary each year, and up to 75% of your Bonus payouts. The company will match the first 3% that you defer on a dollar-for-dollar basis. Company contributions and earnings vest 100% after 5 years of continuous service on the anniversary date of employment.
|
Healthcare Coverage
|
|
After one month of employment, you will be eligible to participate in our Healthcare Benefit plans. For 2016, the associate contribution required for these benefits is as follows:
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||
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Medical/Dental
|
Vision
|
|
|
Single Coverage
|
$ 39.50 bi-weekly
|
$ 2.08 bi-weekly
|
|
|
Single (+) Spouse
|
$ 90.00 bi-weekly
|
$ 3.68 bi-weekly
|
|
|
Single (+) Child(ren)
|
$ 74.00 bi-weekly
|
$ 4.34 bi-weekly
|
|
|
Family Coverage
|
$ 125.00 bi-weekly
|
$ 6.75 bi-weekly
|
Life & Disability Insurance
|
|
After one month of employment, you will automatically be enrolled in A&F’s Life & Disability Insurance plans.
|
Flexible Spending Account
(FSA)
|
|
After one month of employment, you will be eligible to participate in A&F’s Flexible Spending Account (FSA) plan. FSAs allow you to save money by paying for certain healthcare and childcare expenses with pre-tax dollars via automatic payroll deductions.
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Associate Assistance
Program (AAP)
|
|
After one month of employment, you will automatically be enrolled in A&F’s Associate Assistance Program (AAP). The AAP gives you or any covered dependents access to free, confidential psychological, financial or legal counseling through our AAP provider. Up to 8 free visits, per specific issue, are available through the AAP.
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A&F Gym
|
|
Effective upon hire, you will be eligible to join The A&F Gym, our state of the art 8,000 square foot on-site fitness facility. The cost of membership can be paid via automatic payroll deduction after you enroll.
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Merchandise Discount
|
|
You will receive a discount of 40% on qualifying purchases at all Abercrombie & Fitch and abercrombie stores. You will also receive a discount of 30% on qualifying purchases at all Hollister Co. stores. (Please note that this benefit is subject to the terms of the Associate Discount Policy as set forth in our Associate Handbook.)
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Paid Time Off (PTO) /Holidays
|
|
You will be eligible for 33 paid time off (PTO) days per fiscal year. PTO will be pro-rated during the first year based on your start date. Unused PTO days do not carry over into subsequent fiscal years. A&F also grants 8 paid holidays to all home office associates annually.
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Additional A&F Perks
|
|
In addition to benefits listed above, you will be eligible for the following A&F Perks:
Volunteer day
Summer Hours
On-Site Café
Varsity Field and Equipment
Stock Purchase Plan
Please see the Home Office Associate Handbook or your Associate Relations Representative for more information on these programs.
|
Background/Reference Inquiry and Work Authorization
|
|
This offer of employment is contingent on successful completion of background and reference checks, and on successful demonstration of your authorization to work in the United States. Please complete the enclosed Fair Credit Reporting Act Disclosure and Authorization Form (attached as Exhibit B) and return it along with your signed copy of this employment offer letter.
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Approval of the Board of Directors
|
|
This offer of employment is contingent on approval by the Board of Directors of A&F and the Board’s appointment of you to this position.
|
/s/ John Gabrielli
|
John Gabrielli
Senior Vice President, Human Resources
|
/s/ Kristin Scott
|
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May 15, 2016
|
Kristin Scott
|
|
Date
|
(1)
|
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 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.
|
(2)
|
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 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.
|
(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).
|
(1)
|
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
|
(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.
|
(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.
|
(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; (v) the Executive’s material breach of a covenant, representation, warranty or obligation of the Executive to the Company, or (vi) the Executive’s prior employer threatens to, seeks to, or does enforce any restriction, covenant or limitation Executive entered with it that would prohibit or restrict Executive’s employment with 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, but this opportunity to cure shall not apply (and Executive may be terminated for Cause immediately) if such issue is not curable. 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.
|
(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, 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
”).
|
(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 of receipt of written notice by the Executive to the
|
(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.
|
(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
”.
|
(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.
|
(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.
|
(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.
|
(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
|
(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 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
|
(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 administrative proceedings against the Company, with respect to the pending or threatened legal action, unless the Executive receives the written consent of the Company to do so, or is otherwise compelled by law to do so, and then only after advance notice to the Company. Nothing herein shall prevent the Executive from pursuing any claim in connection with enforcing or defending the Executive’s rights or obligations under this Agreement.
|
(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.
|
(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.
|
(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. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Executive shall have the duty to disclose to any employer or prospective employer the fact that the Executive is bound by the Executive Covenants contained in Sections 6(b), (d), and (e) of this Agreement, but remains prohibited from disclosing other terms of this Agreement consistent with this Section 6(f).
|
(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.
|
(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.
|
|
/s/ Kristin Scott
|
Kristin Scott
|
|
/s/ Arthur C. Martinez
|
Arthur C. Martinez
|
Executive Chairman of the Board of Directors
|
Abercrombie & Fitch Co.
|
|
/s/ Michael E. Greenlees
|
Michael E. Greenlees
|
Chair of the Compensation and Organization Committee of the Board of Directors
|
Abercrombie & Fitch Co.
|
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.
|
(1)
|
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 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.
|
(2)
|
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 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.
|
(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).
|
(1)
|
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
|
(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.
|
(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.
|
(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; (v) the Executive’s material breach of a covenant, representation, warranty or obligation of the Executive to the Company, or (vi) the Executive’s prior employer threatens to, seeks to, or does enforce any restriction, covenant or limitation Executive entered with it that would prohibit or restrict Executive’s employment with 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, but this opportunity to cure shall not apply (and Executive may be terminated for Cause immediately) if such issue is not curable. 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.
|
(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, 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
”).
|
(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 of receipt of written notice by the Executive to the Company; so long as the Executive provides such written notice to the Company no later than 90 days following the first date the event giving rise to a claim of Good Reason exists;
|
(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.
|
(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
”.
|
(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.
|
(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.
|
(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.
|
(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)
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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 Chief Executive Officer (“
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
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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 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 administrative proceedings against the Company, with respect to the pending or threatened legal action, unless the Executive receives the written consent of the Company to do so, or is otherwise compelled by law to do so, and then only after advance notice to the Company. Nothing herein shall prevent the Executive from pursuing any claim in connection with enforcing or defending the Executive’s rights or obligations under this Agreement.
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(d)
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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
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(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. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Executive shall have the duty to disclose to any employer or prospective employer the fact that the Executive is bound by the Executive Covenants contained in Sections 6(b), (d), and (e) of this Agreement, but remains prohibited from disclosing other terms of this Agreement consistent with this Section 6(f).
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(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.
|
(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
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|
/s/ Kristin Scott
|
Kristin Scott
|
|
/s/ Arthur C. Martinez
|
Arthur C. Martinez
|
Executive Chairman of the Board of Directors
|
Abercrombie & Fitch Co.
|
|
/s/ Michael E. Greenlees
|
Michael E. Greenlees
|
Chair of the Compensation and Organization Committee of the Board of Directors
|
Abercrombie & Fitch Co.
|
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.
|
Media Contact:
|
Michael Scheiner
|
Abercrombie & Fitch
|
(614) 283-6192
|
Public_Relations@abercrombie.com
|
|
Investor Contact:
|
Brian Logan
|
Abercrombie & Fitch
|
(614) 283-6877
|
Investor_Relations@abercrombie.com
|