ABERCROMBIE & FITCH CO.
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(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
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Delaware
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1-12107
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31-1469076
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(State or other jurisdiction
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(Commission File Number)
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(IRS Employer
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of incorporation)
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Identification No.)
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6301 Fitch Path, New Albany, Ohio 43054
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(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)
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(614) 283-6500
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(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)
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Not Applicable
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(Former name or former address, if changed since last report)
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Title of each class
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Trading symbol(s)
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Name of each exchange on which registered
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Class A Common Stock, $0.01 Par Value
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ANF
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New York Stock Exchange
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•
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the continued payment of the Crevoiserat Base Salary in bi-weekly installments for a period of 18 months following the Separation Date;
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•
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reimbursement during the 18 months following the Separation Date for 100% of the monthly premium costs of continuation coverage under COBRA, subject to Ms. Crevoiserat’s timely election of such continuation coverage and satisfaction of the additional eligibility requirements set forth in the Severance Agreement;
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•
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a pro-rated annual cash incentive (based on the number of days from February 3, 2019 through the Separation Date) for the fiscal year ending February 1, 2020 (“Fiscal 2019”), based on (and subject to) actual Fiscal 2019 performance under the Registrant’s Short-Term Cash Incentive Plan, which annual cash incentive would be paid (if earned based on the Company’s actual Fiscal 2019 performance) to Ms. Crevoiserat at the same time as those executive officers who are actively employed by the Company receive their annual cash incentives earned for Fiscal 2019 under the Registrant’s Short-Term Cash Incentive Plan; and
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•
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an additional lump-sum cash payment in the amount of $2,500,000 (less applicable tax withholdings and deductions), to be paid within 30 days following Ms. Crevoiserat’s execution of the Release (subject to Ms. Crevoiserat’s not having revoked the Release within seven days following such execution). This payment is in recognition of Ms. Crevoiserat’s significant contributions during her five years with the Company - including the operational improvements she drove to help stabilize the Company early on in her tenure, as well as the Company-wide transformation initiatives she has led to build greater agility and efficiency and embed transformation throughout the Company’s businesses. These contributions are expected to have a lasting positive impact and, thus, warrant recognition in connection with
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Exhibit No.
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Description
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10.1
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10.2
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Abercrombie & Fitch Co.
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Dated: June 18, 2019
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By:
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/s/ Gregory J. Henchel
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Gregory J. Henchel
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Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary
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ABERCROMBIE & FITCH MANAGEMENT CO.
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JOANNE CREVOISERAT
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By:
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/s/ Fran Horowitz
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/s/ Joanne Crevoiserat
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Fran Horowitz
Chief Executive Officer
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Executive Signature
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June 12, 2019
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June 12, 2019
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Date of Company Signature
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Date of Executive's Signature
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1.
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Term of Agreement; Termination of Employment
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2.
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Compensation Upon Certain Terminations by the Company.
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(1)
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The Company will continue to pay the Executive's Base Salary (as defined below) during the period beginning on the Executive's Termination Date and continuing for e
i
ghteen months thereafter ("Salary Continuation"). This Salary Continuat
i
on payment shall be paid in bi-weekly installments, consistent with
the
Company's payroll practices. Subject to Sect
i
ons 4(c) and 4(d) 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, with respect to the short-term cash bonus plan in which the Executive was eligible to participate
in the
year of the Executive's Termination Date, on the six (6) month anniversary of the Executive's Termination Date, a pro-rated amount of the Executive's bonus under such plan based on actual performance during
t
he applicable performance period, determined
in
accordance with the terms of the plan and subject to the approval of the Compensation and Organizat
i
on Committee of the Board of Directors, through the earlier to occur of the end of the applicab
l
e performance period and the six (6) month anniversary of the Executive's Termination Date. The pro-rated amount will 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
i
s in effect, the Company shall re
i
mburse 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 ob
li
gation
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 Protect
i
on and Affordable Care Act of 2010, as amended, and the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act of 2010, as amended (to the extent appl
i
cable).
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(4)
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The Executive will be eligible to receive the additional cash amounts in lieu of the Executive's then-outstanding and unvested equity replacement grants and inducement equity grants, as described under the heading "Term
i
nation Without Cause or for Good Reason" in
the
Letter Agreement. Subject to Sections 4(c) and 4(d) hereof, the first such payment shall be made on the first payroll date follow
i
ng the Release Effective Date.
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(1)
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The Company will pay the Executive an amount equal to eighteen months of the Executive's Base Salary in effect on the Termination Date, payable in bi-weekly installments over the eighteen months following the Termination Date, consistent with the Company's payroll practices. Subject to Section 4(c) and 4(d) hereof, the first such payment shall be made on the first payroll date following the Release Effective Date, such payment to include all payments
that
would have been payable between the Termination Date and the date of such payment. Notwithstanding the foregoing, to the extent that
the
amounts described in this Section 2(d)(l) qualify for an exemption under Section 409A of the Code (e.g., the short-term deferral exemption under Section 409A of the Code or the "separation pay except
i
on" under Treasury Regulation § l.409A-l(b)(9)(iii)), the amounts shall be paid in a lump sum on the sixtieth (60
th
) day following the Termination Date provided that payment at such time would not result in the imposition of tax penalties under Section 409A of the Code.
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(2)
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The Company will pay Executive an amount equal to 1.5 times the Executive's Target Bonus. Subject to Sections 4(c) and 4(d) hereof, such amount shall be
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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 applicab
l
e withholding taxes on such re
i
mbursement; 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 bus
i
ness 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
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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 Company's 2016 Long-Term Incentive Plan for Associates;
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 Contro
l
" 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 regulat
i
ons 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" sha
l
l 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) a material reduction (including as a result of any co-sharing of responsibilities arrangement) of the Executive's authority, responsibilities, or duties, (iii) a requirement that the Executive 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 of Control; (v) a material breach by the Company of its obligations to the Executive under this Agreement; or (vi) in anticipation or contemplation of or following a Change of 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 not
i
ce 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. To the extent required for compliance 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 or the Executive's death, if earlier.
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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 §l.409A-l(b)(9)(iii). Any right to a series
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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 Abercromb
i
e & 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 information regarding the skills, compensation or duties of employees, independent contractors or consultants of the Company and any other
information
about the Company that is proprietary or confidential. Notwithstanding the foregoing, nothing herein shall prevent the Executive from disclosing Confidential and Trade Secret Information to the extent required by law or by any court or regulatory authority having actual or apparent authority to require such disclosure or in connection with any litigation or arbitration involving this Agreement.
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(c)
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Non-D
i
sparagement 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 thereaf
t
er, 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 lega
l
claims asserted against the Company and other matters requ
i
ring the testimony or input and knowledge of the Executive. If at any time the Executive should be requ
i
red 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 litiga
t
ion 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. Noth
i
ng herein shall prevent the Execut
i
ve from pursuing any cla
i
m in connection with enforcing or defending the Executive's rights or obligations under this Agreement, or engaging in any activity as set forth in Sect
i
on 14 of this Agreement.
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(d)
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Non-Competition
. For the per
i
od of Executive's employment with the Company and its subsidiar
i
es and for twelve (12) months following Executive's Termination Date with the Company and its subsidiaries for any reason (the "
Non-Competit
i
on Period
"), Executive shall not, directly or ind
i
rectly, withou
t
the Executive Approval, own, manage, operate, join, control, be employed by, consult with or part
i
cipate 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 affil
i
ate becomes unrelated to the entity on
Appendix A
at some future date, or any other entity engaged in a business that is compet
i
tive with the Company in any part of the world in which the Company conducts business or is actively preparing or considering conducting business ("
Competing Ent
i
ty
"); provided, however, that the "beneficial ownership" by the Executive, either individually or by a "group" in wh
i
ch 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
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(e)
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Non-Solicitation
. For the period of Executive's employment with the Company and its subsidiaries and for twenty-four (24) 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 t
i
me was a customer or supplier of the Company or otherwise had a business relationship with the Company. During
the
Non Solicitation Period, the Executive shall not hire, solicit for hire, aid in or facilitate the hire, or cause to be hired, either as an employee, contractor or consultant, any person who is currently employed, or was employed at any time during the six-month period prior thereto, as an employee, contractor or consultant of the Company. The Executive acknowledges and agrees that any consideration
that
the Executive received for in respect of any non-solicitation covenant in favor of the Company or
i
ts subs
i
diaries entered into prior to the date hereof shall be incorporated herein as cons
i
derat
i
on for the promises set forth in this Section 6(e) and that the provisions contained in th
i
s Section 6(e) shall supersede any prior non-solicitation covenants between the Executive and the Company or
its
subsidiaries.
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(f)
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Confidentiality of this Agreement
. Unless this Agreement is required to be publicly disclosed under applicable U.S. securities laws, 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. This Section 6(f) shall not prohibit Executive from disclosing the terms of this Sect
i
on 6 to a prospective employer.
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(g)
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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
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(h)
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The provisions of this Section 6 shall survive any termination of this Agreement and any termination of the Executive's employment, and the existence of any claim or cause of action by the Executive against the Company, whether predicated on this Agreement or otherwise, shall not constitute a defense to
the
enforcement by the Company of the covenants and agreements of this Section 6.
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7.
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Successors and Assigns
.
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(a)
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This Agreement shall be binding upon and shall
inure
to the benefit of the Company, its successors and assigns, and the Company shall require any successor or assign to
expressly
assume and agree to perform this Agreement in the same manner and to the same extent that the Company would be required to
perform it
if no such succession or assignment had taken
place.
The term "the Company" as used herein shall include any such successors and assigns to the Company's business and/or assets. The term "successors and assigns" as used herein shall mean a corporation or other entity acquiring or otherwise succeeding to, directly or
indirectly,
all or substantially all the assets and business of the Company (including this Agreement) whether by operation of law or otherwise.
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(b)
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Neither this Agreement nor any right or interest hereunder shall be assignable or
transferable
by the Executive, the Executive's beneficiaries or legal representatives, except by will or by the laws of descent and distribution. This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be enforceable by the Executive's legal personal representative.
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/s/ Joanne Crevoiserat
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Joanne Crevoiserat
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/s/ Arthur C. Martinez
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Arthur C. Martinez
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Executive Chairman of the Board of Directors
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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
|
Ascena Retail Group
|
Lululemon Athletica, Inc.
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Levi Strauss & Co.
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L Brands (formerly known as Limited Brands, including, without limitation, Victoria’s Secret, Pink, Bath & Body Works, La Senza and Henri Bendel)
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Express, Inc.
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Nike, Inc.
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Under Armour, Inc.
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Amazon.com, Inc.
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1.
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Release
.
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(a)
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Executive, individually, and on behalf of Executive’s heirs, executors, administrators, and assigns, agrees not to sue, acquits, releases, and forever discharges the Company, as collectively defined above, of and from all actions and causes of action, suits, debts, claims, and demands which may legally be waived by private agreement, in law or in equity, which Executive ever had, or may now have, with respect to any aspect of Executive’s employment by, and/or separation of employment from, the Company, whether known or unknown to Executive at the time of execution of this Release, including, but not limited to, claims for breach of contract (express or implied), personal injury, defamation and wrongful discharge; claims based on any oral or written agreements or promises, contract, constitutional provision, common law, public policy, and tort; claims for retaliation, and/or discrimination or harassment in employment; and claims for compensatory, actual, special, consequential, reliance, punitive, exemplary and/or other damages for personal injuries, pain and suffering, emotional distress, health care expenses, back pay, front pay, separation pay, wages, benefits, attorney’s fees, costs, interest or other monies, from the beginning of time through the date that Executive signs this Release.
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(b)
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Excluded from this Release of Claims are any claims or rights which cannot be waived by law, including claims arising after the date of this Release and any workers compensation claims. Also excluded from this Release are any claims for indemnification under the Company charter and by-laws or for coverage under any applicable contract of directors and officers liability insurance respecting Executive’s acts and omissions occurring prior to the date of separation. This
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(c)
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Executive agrees that, with the exception of any action the law precludes Executive from waiving by agreement, Executive’s covenants and releases, as set forth in this Release, include a waiver of any and all rights or remedies under any present and/or future federal, state, local or foreign statute, law and/or regulation, including, but not limited to: state and U.S. Constitutions; state common law; Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964; the Civil Rights Act of 1866; the Civil Rights Act of 1991; the Americans with Disabilities Act; the Equal Pay Act; the Family and Medical Leave Act; the Employee Retirement Income Security Act; the Age Discrimination in Employment Act; the Older Workers Benefit Protection Act; the Genetic Information Non-Discrimination Act; the Occupational Safety and Health Act; the National Labor Relations Act; the federal Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act; the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act; the Ohio Civil Rights Act, Ohio Re v. Code Ch. 4112; any similar federal, state or local statute or law applicable to Executive’s employment, all as amended. This Release is also intended to and shall release the Company from any and all wage and hour related claims arising out of or in any way connected with Executive’s employment with the Company, to the maximum extent permitted by federal and state law.
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(d)
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Executive intends that this Release shall bar each and every claim, demand and cause of action hereinabove specified, whether known or unknown to Executive at the time of execution of this Release. As a result, Executive acknowledges that Executive might, in the future, discover claims or facts in addition to or different from those which Executive now knows or believes to exist with respect to the subject matters of this Release and which, if known or suspected at the time of executing this Release, may have materially affected this settlement. Nevertheless, Executive hereby waives any rights, claims, or causes of action that might arise as a result of such different or additional claims or facts.
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2.
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Acknowledgements and Reporting
. Executive acknowledges and agrees that Executive: (a) has been properly paid for all hours worked at the Company; (b) has not suffered any on-the job injury at the Company for which Executive has not already filed a claim; (c) has not suffered any unreported workplace injury at the Company through the Separation Date (as defined in the Separation Agreement) or re-aggravated any job injury Executive has already reported or for which Executive has already filed a worker’s compensation claim; (d) has been properly provided any leave of absence at the Company because of Executive’s or a family member’s health condition; and, (e) has not been subjected to any improper treatment, conduct or actions by the Company due to or related to Executive’s request for, or taking of, any leave of absence because of Executive’s own or a family member’s health condition.
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3.
|
Acceptance and Older Workers Benefit Protection Act Acknowledgements
. Executive has at least twenty-one (21) days during which to consider this Release. Any modifications to this Release, whether material or immaterial, will not restart this twenty-
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(a)
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this Release, the Severance Agreement, and the Separation Agreement are written in plain and understandable language which Executive fully understands;
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(b)
|
Executive was advised and hereby is advised in writing to consult with an attorney of Executive’s choice prior to signing this Release;
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(c)
|
Executive is not waiving any claims that may arise after the execution of this Release under the ADEA; and,
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(d)
|
The Severance Payments in Section 5 of the Separation Agreement exceed the amount to which Executive would have otherwise been entitled from the Company.
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4.
|
Revocation
. Executive understands that this Release may be revoked for a period of seven (7) calendar days following Executive’s execution of the Release. The Release is not effective until this revocation period has expired. Executive understands that any revocation to be effective must be in writing and postmarked within seven (7) calendar days of the execution of this Release and addressed to: Abercrombie & Fitch Management Co., 6301 Fitch Path, New Albany, Ohio 43054,
Attention
: John Gabrielli, SVP & Chief Human Resources Officer. If revocation is by mail, then certified mail with return receipt requested is recommended to show proof of mailing.
|
5.
|
Modification and Waiver
. This Release shall not be changed, modified, terminated, canceled or amended except by a written instrument signed by Executive and the Company. The failure to exercise, or a delay in exercising, any right, remedy or power under this Release shall not operate as a waiver thereof, nor shall any single or partial exercise of any right, remedy or power under this Release preclude any other or further exercise thereof.
|
6.
|
Severability
. If any provision of this Release is judicially declared to be invalid or unenforceable for any reason, in whole or in part, only such provision or provisions shall be invalid or unenforceable without invalidating or rendering unenforceable or otherwise
|
7.
|
Headings
. The headings used in this Release are descriptive only, are for the convenience of identifying provisions, and are not determinative of the meaning or effect of any provision.
|
8.
|
Voluntary Execution
. Executive acknowledges that she is executing this Release voluntarily and of her own free will and that she fully understands and intends to be bound of the terms of this Release. Further, Executive acknowledges that she has received a copy of this Release on June 15, 2019, and has had an opportunity to carefully review this Release with her attorney prior to executing it or warrants that she chooses not to have her attorney review this Release prior to signing. Execution by facsimile or by an electronically transmitted signature shall be fully and legally binding. Executive acknowledges that this Release may not be executed prior to the Separation Date (as defined in the Separation Agreement), and if Executive executes the Release prior to the Separation Date (as defined in the Separation Agreement), it is null and void.
|
9.
|
Protected Rights
. Nothing contained in this Release or in the Severance Agreement limits Executive’s ability to file a charge or complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, the National Labor Relations Board, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, the Securities and Exchange Commission, or any other federal, state or local governmental agency or commission (“Government Agencies”). Executive further understands that neither the Severance Agreement nor this Release limits Executive’s ability to communicate with any Government Agencies or otherwise participate in any investigation or proceeding that may be conducted by any Government Agency, including providing documents or other information, without notice to the Company. This Release and the Severance Agreement do not limit Executive’s right to receive an award from a Government Agency for information provided to any Government Agency.
|
10.
|
Governing Law
.
This Release shall in all respects be interpreted, construed, and governed by and in accordance with the internal substantive laws of the State of Ohio.
|
JOANNE CREVOISERAT
|
|
|
|
/s/ Joanne Crevoiserat
|
|
Executive Signature
|
|
|
|
June 15, 2019
|
|
Date of Executive's Signature
|
|
1.
|
Term of Agreement; Termination of Employment
|
2.
|
Compensation Upon Certain Terminations by the Company.
|
(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 e
i
ghteen months thereafter ("Salary Continuation"). This Salary Continuat
i
on payment shall be paid in bi-weekly installments, consistent with
the
Company's payroll practices. Subject to Sect
i
ons 4(c) and 4(d) 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, with respect to the short-term cash bonus plan in which the Executive was eligible to participate
in the
year of the Executive's Termination Date, on the six (6) month anniversary of the Executive's Termination Date, a pro-rated amount of the Executive's bonus under such plan based on actual performance during
t
he applicable performance period, determined
in
accordance with the terms of the plan and subject to the approval of the Compensation and Organizat
i
on Committee of the Board of Directors, through the earlier to occur of the end of the applicab
l
e performance period and the six (6) month anniversary of the Executive's Termination Date. The pro-rated amount will 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
i
s in effect, the Company shall re
i
mburse 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 ob
li
gation
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 Protect
i
on and Affordable Care Act of 2010, as amended, and the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act of 2010, as amended (to the extent appl
i
cable).
|
(4)
|
The Executive will be eligible to receive the additional cash amounts in lieu of the Executive's then-outstanding and unvested equity replacement grants and inducement equity grants, as described under the heading "Term
i
nation Without Cause or for Good Reason" in
the
Letter Agreement. Subject to Sections 4(c) and 4(d) hereof, the first such payment shall be made on the first payroll date follow
i
ng the Release Effective Date.
|
•
|
The Company will pay the Executive an amount equal to eighteen months of the Executive's Base Salary in effect on the Termination Date, payable in bi-weekly installments over the eighteen months following the Termination Date, consistent with the Company's payroll practices. Subject to Section 4(c) and 4(d) hereof, the first such payment shall be made on the first payroll date following the Release Effective Date, such payment to include all payments
that
would have been payable between the Termination Date and the date of such payment. Notwithstanding the foregoing, to the extent that
the
amounts described in this Section 2(d)(l) qualify for an exemption under Section 409A of the Code (e.g., the short-term deferral exemption under Section 409A of the Code or the "separation pay except
i
on" under Treasury Regulation § l.409A-l(b)(9)(iii)), the amounts shall be paid in a lump sum on the sixtieth (60
th
) day following the Termination Date provided that payment at such time would not result in the imposition of tax penalties under Section 409A of the Code.
|
•
|
The Company will pay Executive an amount equal to 1.5 times the Executive's Target Bonus. Subject to Sections 4(c) and 4(d) hereof, such amount shall be
|
•
|
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 applicab
l
e withholding taxes on such re
i
mbursement; 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).
|
•
|
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.
|
•
|
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 bus
i
ness 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
|
•
|
Change of Control
. For purposes of this Agreement,
"Change
of Control" shall have the same meaning as such
term
is defined in the Company's 2016 Long-Term Incentive Plan for Associates;
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 Contro
l
" 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 regulat
i
ons and guidance issued thereunder ("
Section 409A of the Code
").
|
•
|
Good Reason
. For purposes of this Agreement, "Good Reason" sha
l
l 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) a material reduction (including as a result of any co-sharing of responsibilities arrangement) of the Executive's authority, responsibilities, or duties, (iii) a requirement that the Executive 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 of Control; (v) a material breach by the Company of its obligations to the Executive under this Agreement; or (vi) in anticipation or contemplation of or following a Change of 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 not
i
ce 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.
|
•
|
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. To the extent required for compliance 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 or the Executive's death, if earlier.
|
(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 §l.409A-l(b)(9)(iii). Any right to a series
|
(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 Abercromb
i
e & 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 information regarding the skills, compensation or duties of employees, independent contractors or consultants of the Company and any other
information
about the Company that is proprietary or confidential. Notwithstanding the foregoing, nothing herein shall prevent the Executive from disclosing Confidential and Trade Secret Information to the extent required by law or by any court or regulatory authority having actual or apparent authority to require such disclosure or in connection with any litigation or arbitration involving this Agreement.
|
(c)
|
Non-D
i
sparagement 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 thereaf
t
er, 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 lega
l
claims asserted against the Company and other matters requ
i
ring the testimony or input and knowledge of the Executive. If at any time the Executive should be requ
i
red 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 litiga
t
ion 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. Noth
i
ng herein shall prevent the Execut
i
ve from pursuing any cla
i
m in connection with enforcing or defending the Executive's rights or obligations under this Agreement, or engaging in any activity as set forth in Sect
i
on 14 of this Agreement.
|
(d)
|
Non-Competition
. For the per
i
od of Executive's employment with the Company and its subsidiar
i
es and for twelve (12) months following Executive's Termination Date with the Company and its subsidiaries for any reason (the "
Non-Competit
i
on Period
"), Executive shall not, directly or ind
i
rectly, withou
t
the Executive Approval, own, manage, operate, join, control, be employed by, consult with or part
i
cipate 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 affil
i
ate becomes unrelated to the entity on
Appendix A
at some future date, or any other entity engaged in a business that is compet
i
tive with the Company in any part of the world in which the Company conducts business or is actively preparing or considering conducting business ("
Competing Ent
i
ty
"); provided, however, that the "beneficial ownership" by the Executive, either individually or by a "group" in wh
i
ch 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 (24) 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 t
i
me was a customer or supplier of the Company or otherwise had a business relationship with the Company. During
the
Non Solicitation Period, the Executive shall not hire, solicit for hire, aid in or facilitate the hire, or cause to be hired, either as an employee, contractor or consultant, any person who is currently employed, or was employed at any time during the six-month period prior thereto, as an employee, contractor or consultant of the Company. The Executive acknowledges and agrees that any consideration
that
the Executive received for in respect of any non-solicitation covenant in favor of the Company or
i
ts subs
i
diaries entered into prior to the date hereof shall be incorporated herein as cons
i
derat
i
on for the promises set forth in this Section 6(e) and that the provisions contained in th
i
s Section 6(e) shall supersede any prior non-solicitation covenants between the Executive and the Company or
its
subsidiaries.
|
(f)
|
Confidentiality of this Agreement
. Unless this Agreement is required to be publicly disclosed under applicable U.S. securities laws, 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. This Section 6(f) shall not prohibit Executive from disclosing the terms of this Sect
i
on 6 to a prospective employer.
|
(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
|
(h)
|
The provisions of this Section 6 shall survive any termination of this Agreement and any termination of the Executive's employment, and the existence of any claim or cause of action by the Executive against the Company, whether predicated on this Agreement or otherwise, shall not constitute a defense to
the
enforcement by the Company of the covenants and agreements of this Section 6.
|
7.
|
Successors and Assigns
.
|
(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/ Joanne Crevoiserat
|
Joanne Crevoiserat
|
|
/s/ Arthur C. Martinez
|
Arthur C. Martinez
|
Executive Chairman 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
|
Ascena Retail Group
|
Lululemon Athletica, Inc.
|
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.
|
Nike, Inc.
|
Under Armour, Inc.
|
Amazon.com, Inc.
|
|