As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on July 14, 2011

Registration No. 333-173581

 

 

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

 

 

AMENDMENT NO. 5

TO

FORM S-1

REGISTRATION STATEMENT

UNDER

THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933

 

 

FRANCESCA’S HOLDINGS CORPORATION

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

 

 

Delaware   5632   20-8874704
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)   (Primary Standard Industrial Classification Code Number)   (I.R.S. Employer
Identification Number)

 

 

c/o Francesca’s Collections, Inc.

3480 W. 12 th Street

Houston, Texas 77008

(713) 864-1358

(Address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code, of registrant’s principal executive offices)

 

 

John De Meritt

President and Chief Executive Officer

3480 W. 12 th Street

Houston, Texas 77008

(713) 864-1358

(Name, address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code, of agent for service)

 

 

Copies of Communications to:

 

Sung Pak, Esq.

O’Melveny & Myers LLP

7 Times Square

New York, New York 10036

(212) 326-2000

 

LizabethAnn R. Eisen, Esq.

Cravath, Swaine & Moore LLP

Worldwide Plaza

825 Eighth Avenue

New York, New York 10019

(212) 474-1000

 

 

Approximate date of commencement of proposed sale to public: As soon as practicable after the effective date of this Registration Statement.

If any securities being registered on this Form are to be offered on a delayed or continuous basis pursuant to Rule 415 under the Securities Act, check the following box.   ¨

If this Form is filed to register additional securities for an offering pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering.   ¨

If this Form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(c) under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering.   ¨

If this Form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(d) under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering.   ¨

If delivery of the prospectus is expected to be made pursuant to Rule 434, check the following box.   ¨

 

 

CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE

 

 
Title of Each Class of
Securities to be Registered
  Amount to be
Registered(1)
 

Proposed
Maximum
Offering Price

per Share(2)

  Proposed
Maximum
Aggregate
Offering Price(2)
  Amount of
Registration Fee(3)

Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share

  11,500,000   $16.00   $184,000,000   $21,362
 
 
(1) Includes 1,500,000 shares of common stock subject to the underwriters’ option to purchase additional shares of our common stock from the selling stockholders.
(2) Estimated solely for the purpose of computing the registration fee in accordance with Rule 457(a) under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.
(3) Previously paid in connection with prior filings of this Registration Statement.

 

 

The Registrant hereby amends this registration statement on such date or dates as may be necessary to delay its effective date until the registrant shall file a further amendment which specifically states that this registration statement shall thereafter become effective in accordance with Section 8(a) of the Securities Act of 1933 or until the registration statement shall become effective on such date as the Commission, acting pursuant to said Section 8(a), may determine.

 

 

 


EXPLANATORY NOTE

This Amendment No. 5 (this “Amendment No. 5”) to Francesca’s Holdings Corporation’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 (Registration No. 333-173581) (the “Registration Statement”) is being filed solely to include Exhibits 3.3, 3.4, 5.1, 10.4, 10.13, 10.14, 10.15, 10.16, 10.27, 10.28, 10.29, 10.30, 10.31 and 23.3 and for the purpose of updating the exhibit index attached to the Registration Statement and referenced in Part II, Item 16(a) of the Registration Statement. This Amendment No. 5 does not modify any provision of the prospectus that forms a part of the Registration Statement. Accordingly, the prospectus has been omitted and this Amendment No. 5 consists of only the registration statement cover page, this explanatory note and Part II of the Registration Statement.


PART II

INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS

 

Item 13. Other Expenses of Issuance and Distribution

The following table sets forth the fees and expenses, other than underwriting discounts and commissions, payable in connection with the registration of the common stock hereunder. All amounts are estimates except the SEC registration fee, the FINRA filing fee and The NASDAQ Global Select Market listing fee.

 

SEC registration fee

   $ 21,400   

FINRA filing fee

     18,900   

The NASDAQ Global Select Market listing fee

     150,000   

Accounting fees and expenses

     625,000   

Legal fees and expenses

     1,050,000   

Blue Sky fees and expenses

     50,000   

Transfer Agent fees and expenses

     15,000   

Printing and engraving expenses

     300,000   

Miscellaneous Expenses

     550,000   
        

Total

     2,780,300   
        

 

Item 14. Indemnification of Directors and Officers

Section 102(b)(7) of the Delaware General Corporation Law, or the DGCL, permits a corporation in its certificate of incorporation or an amendment to eliminate or limit the personal liability of its directors or its stockholders for monetary damages for a breach of fiduciary duty as a director, except where the director breached his or her duty of loyalty, failed to act in good faith, engaged in intentional misconduct or knowingly violated a law, authorized the payment of a dividend or approved a stock repurchase in violation of law or obtained an improper personal benefit. Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation that will be in effect upon completion of this offering will provide for this limitation of liability.

Section 145 of the DGCL provides that a corporation has the power to indemnify a director, officer, employee or agent of the corporation and certain other persons serving at the request of the corporation in related capacities against expenses (including attorneys’ fees), judgments, fines and amounts paid in settlements actually and reasonably incurred by the person in connection with any threatened, pending or completed action, suit or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative, other than an action by or in the right of the corporation, to which he or she is a party by reason of such position, if such person acted in good faith and in a manner he or she reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the corporation and, with respect to any criminal action or proceeding, had no reasonable cause to believe his or her conduct was unlawful. Section 145 further provides that in the case of actions brought by or in the right of the corporation, no indemnification shall be made with respect to any claim, issue or matter as to which such person shall have been adjudged to be liable to the corporation unless and only to the extent that the Court of Chancery or other adjudicating court determines that, despite the adjudication of liability but in view of all of the circumstances of the case, such person is fairly and reasonably entitled to indemnify for such expenses which the Court of Chancery or such other court shall deem proper.

Section 145(g) of the DGCL further authorizes a corporation to purchase and maintain insurance on behalf of any indemnified person against any liability asserted against and incurred by such person in any indemnified capacity, or arising out of such person’s status as such, regardless of whether the corporation would otherwise have the power to indemnify under Delaware law.

 

II-1


Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation and our amended and restated bylaws that will be in effect upon completion of this offering will provide that we must indemnify our directors and officers to the fullest extent authorized by Delaware law and must also pay expenses incurred in defending any such proceeding in advance of its final disposition upon delivery of an undertaking, by or on behalf of an indemnified person, to repay all amounts so advanced if it should be determined ultimately that such person is not entitled to be indemnified under this section or otherwise.

Upon completion of this offering, we expect to enter into indemnification agreements with our directors and executive officers. In general, these agreements provide that we will indemnify the director or executive officer to the fullest extent permitted by law for claims arising in his or her capacity as a director or officer or in connection with his or her service at our request for another corporation or entity.

The indemnification rights set forth above shall not be exclusive of any other right which an indemnified person may have or hereafter acquire under any statute, provision of our amended and restated certificate of incorporation, our amended and restated bylaws, agreement, vote of stockholders or disinterested directors or otherwise.

We expect to maintain standard policies of insurance that provide coverage (1) to our directors and officers against loss rising from claims made by reason of breach of duty or other wrongful act and (2) to us with respect to indemnification payments that we may make to such directors and officers.

The underwriting agreement to be filed as an exhibit to this registration statement will provide for indemnification of us and our directors and certain of our officers by the underwriters for certain liabilities.

 

Item 15. Recent Sales of Unregistered Securities

Set forth below is information regarding shares of common stock and preferred stock issued and options granted by us within the past three years that were not registered under the Securities Act. Also included is the consideration, if any, received by us for such shares and options and information relating to the section of the Securities Act, or rule of the SEC, under which exemption from registration was claimed.

 

  (a) Issuances of Capital Stock

 

  (1) Common Stock

On February 25, 2010, the Registrant issued 406,000 shares of common stock, as adjusted for the 400-for-1 stock split, to an employee in connection with the exercise of stock options granted pursuant to the Registrant’s 2007 Stock Incentive Plan.

On November 11, 2010, the Registrant issued 38,325 shares of common stock to an employee in connection with the exercise of stock options granted pursuant to the Registrant’s 2010 Stock Incentive Plan.

On December 16, 2010, the Registrant issued 13,017 shares of common stock to an employee in connection with the exercise of stock options granted pursuant to the Registrant’s 2010 Stock Incentive Plan.

On March 29, 2011, the Registrant issued 12,775 shares of common stock to an employee in connection with the exercise of stock options granted pursuant to the Registrant’s 2010 Stock Incentive Plan.

On April 1, 2011, the Registrant issued 9,609 shares of common stock to an employee in connection with the exercise of stock options granted pursuant to the Registrant’s 2010 Stock Incentive Plan.

 

II-2


On April 5, 2011, the Registrant issued 4,258 shares of common stock to an employee in connection with the exercise of stock options granted pursuant to the Registrant’s 2010 Stock Incentive Plan.

On May 9, 2011, the Registrant issued 12,500 shares of common stock to an employee in connection with the exercise of stock options granted pursuant to the Registrant’s 2010 Stock Incentive Plan.

On May 10, 2011, the Registrant issued 22,259 shares of common stock to certain employees in connection with the exercise of stock options granted pursuant to the Registrant’s 2010 Stock Incentive Plan.

On June 1, 2011, the Registrant issued 9,000 shares of common stock to an employee in connection with the exercise of stock options granted pursuant to the Registrant’s 2010 Stock Incentive Plan.

 

  (2) Preferred Stock

None.

 

  (b) Stock Option Grants

On April 1, 2008, the Registrant granted a stock option to purchase 100,000 shares of common stock at an exercise price of $1.43 per share, as adjusted for the 400-for-1 stock split, to an employee pursuant to the Registrant’s 2007 Stock Incentive Plan.

On October 5, 2009, the Registrant granted a stock option to purchase 406,000 shares of common stock at an exercise price of $0.34 per share, as adjusted for the 400-for-1 stock split, to an employee pursuant to the Registrant’s 2007 Stock Incentive Plan.

On March 26, 2010, the Registrant granted stock options to purchase 1,062,400 shares of common stock at an exercise price of $6.13 per share, as adjusted for the 400-for-1 stock split, to certain employees pursuant to the Registrant’s 2010 Stock Incentive Plan.

On May 1, 2010, the Registrant granted stock options to purchase 400,000 shares of common stock at an exercise price of $6.13 per share to certain employees pursuant to the Registrant’s 2010 Stock Incentive Plan.

On July 1, 2010, the Registrant granted a stock option to purchase 80,000 shares of common stock at an exercise price of $6.13 per share to an employee pursuant to the Registrant’s 2010 Stock Incentive Plan.

On December 1, 2010, the Registrant granted stock options to purchase 452,030 shares of common stock at an exercise price of $10.19 per share to certain employees pursuant to the Registrant’s 2010 Stock Incentive Plan.

No underwriters were involved in the foregoing issuances of securities. The offers, sales and issuances of the securities described above were deemed to be exempt from registration under the Securities Act in reliance upon Rule 701 of the Securities Act or Section 4(2) of the Securities Act. The offers, sales and issuances of the securities that were deemed to be exempt in reliance on Rule 701 were transactions under compensatory benefit plans and contracts relating to compensation as provided under Rule 701. The offers, sales and issuances of the securities that were deemed to be exempt in reliance upon Section 4(2) were each transactions not involving any public offering, and all recipients of these securities were accredited investors within the meaning of Rule 501 of Regulation D of the Securities Act who were acquiring the applicable securities for investment and not distribution and had represented that they could bear the risks of the investment. Each of the recipients of securities in these transactions had adequate access, through employment, business or other relationships, to information about us.

 

 

II-3


Item 16. Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules

 

  (a) Exhibits

 

Exhibit Number

    

Description

  1.1†       Form of Underwriting Agreement.
  3.1†       Certificate of Incorporation of Francesca’s Holdings Corporation.
  3.2†       Bylaws of Francesca’s Holdings Corporation.
  3.3       Form of Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Francesca’s Holdings Corporation, to be effective upon completion of this offering.
  3.4       Form of Amended and Restated Bylaws of Francesca’s Holdings Corporation, to be effective upon completion of this offering.
  4.1†       Form of Specimen Common Stock of Francesca’s Holdings Corporation.
  5.1       Opinion of O’Melveny & Myers LLP.
  10.1†       Stockholders’ Agreement, dated as of February 26, 2010, among Francesca’s Holdings Corporation, CCMP Capital Investors II, L.P., CCMP Capital Investors (Cayman) II, L.P., Francesca’s Collections, Inc., the Management Stockholders signatory thereto and any other Persons signatory thereto from time to time.
  10.2†       Credit Agreement, dated as of November 17, 2010, among Francesca’s Collections, Inc., as borrower, Francesca’s LLC, as parent, the other guarantors party thereto, Royal Bank of Canada, as administrative agent and collateral agent, and the lenders party thereto.+
  10.3†       Guaranty and Security Agreement, dated as of November 17, 2010, among Francesca’s Collections, Inc., the other guarantors party thereto, and Royal Bank of Canada, as administrative agent and collateral agent.
  10.4       Form of Indemnification Agreement
  10.5†       Francesca’s Holdings Corporation 2007 Stock Incentive Plan
  10.6†       Employee Stock Option Agreement for Theresa Backes, dated as of December 1, 2007
  10.7†       Francesca’s Holdings Corporation 2010 Stock Incentive Plan
  10.8†       Nonqualified Stock Option Agreement for John De Meritt, dated as of March 31, 2010
  10.9†       Nonqualified Stock Option Agreement for Khalid M. Malik, dated as of March 31, 2010
  10.10†       Nonqualified Stock Option Agreement for Cynthia Thomassee, dated as of May 1, 2010
  10.11†       Nonqualified Stock Option Agreement for Gene Morphis, dated as of December 14, 2010
  10.12†       Nonqualified Stock Option Agreement for Richard J. Emmett, dated as of March 31, 2010
  10.13       Francesca’s Holdings Corporation 2011 Equity Incentive Plan
  10.14       Francesca’s Holdings Corporation 2011 Equity Incentive Plan - Form of Nonqualified Stock Option Agreement
  10.15       Francesca’s Holdings Corporation 2011 Equity Incentive Plan - Form of Restricted Stock Award Agreement

 

II-4


Exhibit Number

    

Description

  10.16       Francesca’s Holdings Corporation 2011 Executive Bonus Plan
  10.17†       Employment Agreement between Francesca’s Holdings Corporation, Francesca’s Collections, Inc. and John De Meritt, dated as of February 26, 2010
  10.18†       Employment Letter Agreement between Francesca’s Holdings Corporation and Gene Morphis, dated as of September 9, 2010
  10.19†       Employment Letter Agreement between Francesca’s Holdings Corporation and Theresa Backes
  10.20†       Employment Agreement between Francesca’s Holdings Corporation, Francesca’s Collections, Inc. and Kyong Yi Gill, dated as of February 26, 2010
  10.21†       Employment Letter Agreement between Francesca’s Holdings Corporation and Khalid M. Malik, dated as of November 12, 2009
  10.22†       Agreement and First Amendment to Employment Letter Agreement between Francesca’s Holdings Corporation and Khalid M. Malik, dated as of February 26, 2010
  10.23†       Letter Agreement between Francesca’s Holdings Corporation and Richard J. Emmett, dated as of November 12, 2009
  10.24†       Amendment to Letter Agreement between Francesca’s Holdings Corporation and Richard J. Emmett, dated as of February 26, 2010
  10.25†       Form of Lock-up Agreement
  10.26†       Commitment Letter, dated May 23, 2011, among Royal Bank of Canada, KeyBank National Association and Francesca’s Collections, Inc.
  10.27       Amended and Restated Employment Agreement between Francesca’s Holdings Corporation, Francesca’s Collections, Inc. and John De Meritt, dated as of July 14, 2011
  10.28       Amendment to Employment Letter Agreement between Francesca’s Holdings Corporation and Gene Morphis, dated as of July 14, 2011
  10.29       Employment Letter Agreement between Francesca’s Collections, Inc. and Theresa Backes, dated as of July 14, 2011
  10.30       Amended and Restated Employment Agreement between Francesca’s Holdings Corporation, Francesca’s Collections, Inc. and Kyong Yi Gill, dated as of July 14, 2011
  10.31       Employment Letter Agreement between Francesca’s Holdings Corporation, Francesca’s Collections, Inc. and Khalid M. Malik, dated as of July 14, 2011
  16.1†       Letter from BDO USA, LLP (formerly known as BDO Seidman, LLP) to the Securities and Exchange Commission dated April 18, 2011.
  21.1†       Subsidiaries of Francesca’s Holdings Corporation.
  23.1†       Consent of Ernst & Young LLP.
  23.2†       Consent of BDO USA, LLP (formerly known as BDO Seidman, LLP).
  23.3       Consent of O’Melveny & Myers LLP (included as part of Exhibit 5.1).
  24.1†       Powers of Attorney (included on signature pages to the Registration Statement filed on April 18, 2011).

 

  * To be filed by amendment.
  Previously filed.
  + Confidential treatment has been requested with respect to certain portions of this exhibit. Omitted portions will be filed separately with the SEC.

 

II-5


  (b) Financial Statement Schedules

Schedules not listed have been omitted because the information required to be set forth therein is not applicable, not material or is shown in the financial statements or notes thereto.

 

Item 17. Undertakings.

The undersigned Registrant hereby undertakes to provide to the underwriters at the closing specified in the underwriting agreement, certificates in such denomination and registered in such names as required by the underwriter to permit prompt delivery to each purchaser.

Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act of 1933 may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of the Registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise, the Registrant has been advised that, in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission, such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by the Registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer or controlling person of the Registrant in the successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such director, officer or controlling person in connection with the securities being registered, the Registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question of whether such indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.

The undersigned Registrant hereby undertakes that:

(1) For purposes of determining any liability under the Securities Act, the information omitted from the form of prospectus filed as part of this registration statement in reliance upon Rule 430A and contained in the form of prospectus filed by the registrant pursuant to Rule 424(b)(1) or (4) or 497(h) under the Securities Act shall be deemed to be part of the registration statement as of the time it was declared effective.

(2) For purposes of determining any liability under the Securities Act, each post-effective amendment that contains a form of prospectus shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.

 

II-6


SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the Registrant has duly caused this registration statement on Form S-1 to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Houston, State of Texas, on the 14th day of July, 2011.

 

FRANCESCA’S HOLDINGS CORPORATION

By:

 

/ S /    J OHN D E M ERITT

 

Name: John De Meritt

Title: President, Chief Executive Officer

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this registration statement has been signed by the following persons in the capacities held on the dates indicated.

 

Signature

  

Title

 

Date

/ S /    J OHN D E M ERITT        

John De Meritt

  

President, Chief Executive Officer and Director

(Principal Executive Officer)

  July 14, 2011

*

Gene Morphis

  

Chief Financial Officer

(Principal Financial and
Accounting Officer)

 

July 14, 2011

*

Greg Brenneman

  

Director, Non-Executive Chairman

 

July 14, 2011

*

Kyong Gill

  

Director, Executive Vice Chairperson

 

July 14, 2011

*

Neill Davis

  

Director

 

July 14, 2011

*

Richard Emmett

  

Director

 

July 14, 2011

*

Joseph Scharfenberger

  

Director

 

July 14, 2011

*

Richard Zannino

  

Director

 

July 14, 2011

 

*

  / S /    J OHN D E M ERITT
   
 

Name:   John De Meritt

Title:     Attorney-in-fact

 

II-7


EXHIBIT INDEX

 

Exhibit Number

    

Description

  1.1†       Form of Underwriting Agreement.
  3.1†       Certificate of Incorporation of Francesca’s Holdings Corporation.
  3.2†       Bylaws of Francesca’s Holdings Corporation.
  3.3       Form of Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Francesca’s Holdings Corporation, to be effective upon completion of this offering.
  3.4       Form of Amended and Restated Bylaws of Francesca’s Holdings Corporation, to be effective upon completion of this offering.
  4.1†       Form of Specimen Common Stock of Francesca’s Holdings Corporation.
  5.1       Opinion of O’Melveny & Myers LLP.
  10.1†       Stockholders’ Agreement, dated as of February 26, 2010, among Francesca’s Holdings Corporation, CCMP Capital Investors II, L.P., CCMP Capital Investors (Cayman) II, L.P., Francesca’s Collections, Inc., the Management Stockholders signatory thereto and any other Persons signatory thereto from time to time.
  10.2†       Credit Agreement, dated as of November 17, 2010, among Francesca’s Collections, Inc., as borrower, Francesca’s LLC, as parent, the other guarantors party thereto, Royal Bank of Canada, as administrative agent and collateral agent, and the lenders party thereto.+
  10.3†       Guaranty and Security Agreement, dated as of November 17, 2010, among Francesca’s Collections, Inc., the other guarantors party thereto, and Royal Bank of Canada, as administrative agent and collateral agent.
  10.4       Form of Indemnification Agreement
  10.5†       Francesca’s Holdings Corporation 2007 Stock Incentive Plan
  10.6†       Employee Stock Option Agreement for Theresa Backes, dated as of December 1, 2007
  10.7†       Francesca’s Holdings Corporation 2010 Stock Incentive Plan
  10.8†       Nonqualified Stock Option Agreement for John De Meritt, dated as of March 31, 2010
  10.9†       Nonqualified Stock Option Agreement for Khalid M. Malik, dated as of March 31, 2010
  10.10†       Nonqualified Stock Option Agreement for Cynthia Thomassee, dated as of May 1, 2010
  10.11†       Nonqualified Stock Option Agreement for Gene Morphis, dated as of December 14, 2010
  10.12†       Nonqualified Stock Option Agreement for Richard J. Emmett, dated as of March 31, 2010
  10.13       Francesca’s Holdings Corporation 2011 Equity Incentive Plan
  10.14       Francesca’s Holdings Corporation 2011 Equity Incentive Plan—Form of Nonqualified Stock Option Agreement
  10.15       Francesca’s Holdings Corporation 2011 Equity Incentive Plan—Form of Restricted Stock Award Agreement
  10.16       Francesca’s Holdings Corporation 2011 Executive Bonus Plan

 

1


Exhibit Number

    

Description

  10.17†       Employment Agreement between Francesca’s Holdings Corporation and John De Meritt, dated as of February 26, 2010
  10.18†       Employment Letter Agreement between Francesca’s Holdings Corporation and Gene Morphis, dated as of September 9, 2010
  10.19†       Employment Letter Agreement between Francesca’s Holdings Corporation and Theresa Backes
  10.20†       Employment Agreement between Francesca’s Holdings Corporation and Kyong Yi Gill, dated as of February 26, 2010
  10.21†       Employment Letter Agreement between Francesca’s Holdings Corporation and Khalid M. Malik, dated as of September 25, 2009
  10.22†       Agreement and First Amendment to Employment Letter Agreement between Francesca’s Holdings Corporation and Khalid M. Malik, dated as of February 26, 2010
  10.23†       Letter Agreement between Francesca’s Holdings Corporation and Richard J. Emmett, dated as of November 12, 2009
  10.24†       Amendment to Letter Agreement between Francesca’s Holdings Corporation and Richard J. Emmett, dated as of February 26, 2010
  10.25†       Form of Lock-up Agreement
  10.26†       Commitment Letter, dated May 23, 2011, among Royal Bank of Canada, KeyBank National Association and Francesca’s Collections, Inc.
  10.27       Amended and Restated Employment Agreement between Francesca’s Holdings Corporation, Francesca’s Collections, Inc. and John De Meritt, dated as of July 14, 2011
  10.28       Amendment to Employment Letter Agreement between Francesca’s Holdings Corporation and Gene Morphis, dated as of July 14, 2011
  10.29       Employment Letter Agreement between Francesca’s Collections, Inc. and Theresa Backes, dated as of July 14, 2011
  10.30       Amended and Restated Employment Agreement between Francesca’s Holdings Corporation, Francesca’s Collections, Inc. and Kyong Yi Gill, dated as of July 14, 2011
  10.31       Employment Letter Agreement between Francesca’s Holdings Corporation, Francesca’s Collections, Inc. and Khalid M. Malik, dated as of July 14, 2011
  16.1†       Letter from BDO USA, LLP (formerly known as BDO Seidman, LLP) to the Securities and Exchange Commission dated April 18, 2011.
  21.1†       Subsidiaries of Francesca’s Holdings Corporation.
  23.1†       Consent of Ernst & Young LLP.
  23.2†       Consent of BDO USA, LLP (formerly known as BDO Seidman, LLP).
  23.3       Consent of O’Melveny & Myers LLP (included as part of Exhibit 5.1).
  24.1†       Powers of Attorney (included on signature pages to the Registration Statement filed on April 18, 2011).

 

* To be filed by amendment.
Previously filed.
+ Confidential treatment has been requested with respect to certain portions of this exhibit. Omitted portions will be filed separately with the SEC.

 

2

Exhibit 3.3

AMENDED AND RESTATED

CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION

OF

FRANCESCA’S HOLDINGS CORPORATION

1. The name of the Corporation is Francesca’s Holdings Corporation. The original certificate of incorporation of the Corporation was filed with the office of the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware on April 13, 2007.

2. This Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation was duly adopted by the Board of Directors of the Corporation (the “Board of Directors”) and by the stockholders of the Corporation in accordance with Sections 242 and 245 of the Delaware General Corporation Law (“DGCL”) and by the written consent of its stockholders in accordance with Section 228 of the DGCL.

3. This Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation restates and integrates and further amends the certificate of incorporation of the Corporation, as heretofore amended or supplemented.

4. The Certificate of Incorporation is hereby amended and restated to read in its entirety as follows:

ARTICLE I

Section 1.1. Name . The name of the Corporation is Francesca’s Holdings Corporation

ARTICLE II

Section 2.1. Address . The address of the Corporation’s registered office in the State of Delaware is Trust Center Corporation, 1209 Orange Street, in the City of Wilmington, County of New Castle, 19801. The name of its registered agent at such address is The Corporation Trust Company.

ARTICLE III

Section 3.1. Purpose . The purpose of the Corporation is to engage in any lawful act or activity for which corporations may be organized under the DGCL. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the Corporation shall have all of the powers conferred on corporations by the DGCL and other applicable law.

ARTICLE IV

Section 4.1. Authorized Shares . The total number of shares of stock which the Corporation shall have authority to issue is eighty million forty five thousand (80,045,000)


shares, of which (i) eighty million (80,000,000) shares shall be shares of Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share (the “Common Stock”) and (ii) forty five thousand (45,000) shares shall be shares of Preferred Stock, par value $0.01 per share (the “Preferred Stock”). Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, the rights and preferences of the Common Stock shall at all times be subject to the rights and preferences of the Preferred Stock as may be set forth in one or more certificates of designations filed with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware from time to time in accordance with the DGCL and this Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation. The number of authorized shares of Preferred Stock and Common Stock may be increased or decreased (but not below the number of shares thereof then outstanding) from time to time by the affirmative vote of the holders of at least a majority of the voting power of the Corporation’s then outstanding shares of stock entitled to vote thereon, voting together as a single class, irrespective of the provisions of Section 242(b)(2) of the DGCL (or any successor provision thereto), and no vote of the holders of any of the Common Stock or the Preferred Stock voting separately as a class or series shall be required therefor.

Section 4.2. Common Stock . The Common Stock shall have the following powers, designations, preferences and rights, and qualifications, limitations and restrictions:

(a) Voting . Each holder of record of shares of Common Stock shall be entitled to vote at all meetings of the stockholders of the Corporation and shall have one vote for each share of Common Stock held of record by such holder of record as of the applicable record date on any matter that is submitted to a vote of the stockholders of the Corporation; provided, however, that to the fullest extent permitted by law, holders of Common Stock, as such, shall have no voting power with respect to, and shall not be entitled to vote on, any amendment to this Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation (including any certificate of designations relating to any series or class of Preferred Stock) that relates solely to the terms of one or more outstanding series or class(es) of Preferred Stock if the holders of such affected series or class(es) of Preferred Stock are entitled, either separately or together with the holders of one or more other such series or class(es), to vote thereon pursuant to applicable law or this Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation (including any certificate of designations relating to any series or class of Preferred Stock).

(b) Dividends and Distributions . Subject to the prior rights of all classes or series of Preferred Stock at the time outstanding having prior rights as to dividends or other distributions, the holders of shares of Common Stock shall be entitled to receive such dividends and other distributions in cash, property, or stock as may be declared on the Common Stock by the Board of Directors from time to time out of assets or funds of the Corporation legally available therefor and shall share equally on a per share basis in all such dividends and other distributions.

(c) Liquidation, etc . Subject to the prior rights of creditors of the Corporation and the holders of all classes or series of Preferred Stock at the time outstanding having prior rights as to distributions upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Corporation, in the event of any liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Corporation, either


voluntary or involuntary, the holders of shares of Common Stock shall be entitled to receive their ratable and proportionate share of the remaining assets of the Corporation.

(d) No holder of shares of Common Stock shall have cumulative voting rights.

(e) No holder of shares of Common Stock shall be entitled to preemptive, subscription, redemption, or conversion rights.

Section 4.3. Preferred Stock . The Board of Directors is hereby expressly authorized, by resolution or resolutions, at any time and from time to time, to provide for the issuance of a share or shares of Preferred Stock in one or more series or classes and to fix for each such series or class the number of shares constituting such series or class and the designation of such series or class, the voting powers (if any), whether full or limited, of the shares of such series or class, and the powers, preferences, and relative, participating, optional or other special rights of the shares of each such series or class and the qualifications, limitations, and restrictions thereof, and to cause to be filed with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware a certificate of designations with respect thereto. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, to the fullest extent as may now or hereafter be permitted by the DGCL, the authority of the Board of Directors with respect to the Preferred Stock and any series or class thereof shall include, but not be limited to, determination of the following:

(a) the number of shares constituting any series or class and the distinctive designation of that series or class;

(b) the dividend rate on the shares of any series or class, whether dividends shall be cumulative and, if so, from which date or dates, and the relative rights of priority, if any, of payment of dividends on shares of that series or class;

(c) whether any series or class shall have voting rights, in addition to the voting rights provided by applicable law, and, if so, the number of votes per share and the terms and conditions of such voting rights;

(d) whether any series or class shall have conversion privileges and, if so, the terms and conditions of conversion, including provision for adjustment of the conversion rate upon such events as the Board of Directors shall determine;

(e) whether the shares of any series or class shall be redeemable and, if so, the terms and conditions of such redemption, including the date or dates upon or after which they shall be redeemable and the amount per share payable in case of redemption, which amount may vary under different conditions and at different redemption dates;

(f) whether any series or class shall have a sinking fund for the redemption or purchase of shares of that series or class, and, if so, the terms and amount of such sinking fund;


(g) the rights of the shares of any series or class in the event of voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Corporation, and the relative rights of priority, if any, of payment of shares of that series or class; and

(h) any other powers, preferences, rights, qualifications, limitations, and restrictions of any series or class.

The powers, preferences and relative, participating, optional and other special rights of the shares of each series or class of Preferred Stock, and the qualifications, limitations or restrictions thereof, if any, may differ from those of any and all other series or classes at any time outstanding. Unless otherwise provided in the resolution or resolutions providing for the issuance of such series or class of Preferred Stock, shares of Preferred Stock, regardless of series or class, which shall be issued and thereafter acquired by the Corporation through purchase, redemption, exchange, conversion or otherwise shall return to the status of authorized but unissued Preferred Stock, without designation as to series or class of Preferred Stock, and the Company shall have the right to reissue such shares.

Section 4.4. Power to Sell and Purchase Shares . Subject to the requirements of applicable law, the Corporation shall have the power to issue and sell all or any part of any shares of any class of stock herein or hereafter authorized to such persons, and for such consideration and for such corporate purposes, as the Board of Directors shall from time to time, in its discretion, determine, whether or not greater consideration could be received upon the issue or sale of the same number of shares of another class, and as otherwise permitted by law. Subject to the requirements of applicable law, the Corporation shall have the power to purchase any shares of any class of stock herein or hereafter authorized from such persons, and for such consideration and for such corporate purposes, as the Board of Directors shall from time to time, in its discretion, determine, whether or not less consideration could be paid upon the purchase of the same number of shares of another class, and as otherwise permitted by law.

ARTICLE V

Section 5.1. Powers of the Board . The business and affairs of the Corporation shall be managed by or under the direction of the Board of Directors. In addition to the powers and authority expressly conferred upon them by applicable law or by this Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation (including any certificate of designations relating to any series or class of Preferred Stock) or the Bylaws of the Corporation, the Board of Directors is hereby empowered to exercise all such powers and do all such acts and things as may be exercised or done by the Corporation, except as otherwise specifically required by law or as otherwise provided in this Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation (including any certificate of designations relating to any series or class of Preferred Stock).

Section 5.2. Number of Directors . The number of directors which constitute the entire Board of Directors of the Corporation shall be designated in the Bylaws of the Corporation.


Section 5.3. Classification of the Board . The directors of the Corporation shall be divided into three classes designated Class I, Class II and Class III. Each class shall consist, as nearly as may be possible, of one-third of the total number of directors constituting the entire Board of Directors. The Board of Directors may assign members of the Board of Directors already in office to such classes. The term of office of the initial Class I directors shall expire at the first annual meeting of the stockholders; the term of office of the initial Class II directors shall expire at the second annual meeting of the stockholders; and the term of office of the initial Class III directors shall expire at the third annual meeting of the stockholders. At each annual meeting of stockholders, commencing with the first annual meeting of stockholders, successors to the class of directors whose term expires at that annual meeting shall be elected to hold office until the third annual meeting next succeeding his or her election and until his or her respective successor shall have been duly elected and qualified. If the number of directors is changed, any increase or decrease shall be apportioned among the classes in such a manner as the Board of Directors shall determine so as to maintain the number of directors in each class as nearly equal as possible, but in no case will a decrease in the number of directors shorten the term of any incumbent director.

Section 5.4. Removal of Directors . Subject to the terms of any one or more series or classes of Preferred Stock, any director or the entire Board of Directors may be removed from office at any time, but only for cause and only by the affirmative vote of the holders of at least a majority of the voting power of the Corporation’s outstanding shares of stock entitled to vote generally in the election of directors, voting together as a single class. For purposes of this Article V, “cause” shall mean, with respect to any director, (i) the willful failure by such director to perform, or the gross negligence of such director in performing, the duties of a director, (ii) the engaging by such director in willful or serious misconduct that is injurious to the Corporation or (iii) the conviction of such director of, or the entering by such director of a plea of nolo contendere to, a crime that constitutes a felony.

Section 5.5. Term . A director shall hold office until the annual meeting for the year in which his or her term expires and until his or her successor shall be elected and shall qualify, subject, however, to prior death, resignation, retirement or removal from office. A director may resign at any time upon notice to the Corporation.

Section 5.6. Vacancies . Subject to the terms of any one or more series or classes of Preferred Stock, any vacancies in the Board of Directors for any reason and any newly created directorships resulting by reason of any increase in the number of directors shall be filled only by the Board of Directors (and not by the stockholders), acting by a majority of the remaining directors then in office, even if less than a quorum, or by a sole remaining director, and any directors so appointed shall hold office until the next election of the class of directors to which such directors have been appointed and until their successors are duly elected and qualified.

Section 5.7. Director Elections by Holders of Preferred Stock . Notwithstanding the foregoing, whenever the holders of any one or more series or classes of Preferred Stock shall have the right, voting separately by series or class, to elect one or more directors at an annual or special meeting of stockholders, the election, filling of vacancies, removal of directors and other


features of such one or more directorships shall be governed by the terms of such one or more series or classes of Preferred Stock to the extent permitted by law.

Section 5.8. Officers . Except as otherwise expressly delegated by resolution of the Board of Directors, the Board of Directors shall have the exclusive power and authority to appoint and remove officers of the Corporation.

ARTICLE VI

Section 6.1. Elections of Directors . Elections of directors need not be by written ballot except and to the extent provided in the Bylaws of the Corporation.

Section 6.2. Advance Notice . Advance notice of nominations for the election of directors or proposals of other business to be considered by stockholders, made other than by the Board of Directors or a duly authorized committee thereof or any authorized officer of the Corporation to whom the Board of Directors or such committee shall have delegated such authority, shall be given in the manner provided in the Bylaws of the Corporation. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the Bylaws may require that such advance notice include such information as the Board of Directors may deem appropriate or useful.

Section 6.3. No Stockholder Action by Consent . Subject to the terms of any one or more series or classes of Preferred Stock, if CCMP Capital Advisors, LLC and its affiliates (collectively, “CCMP”) collectively, beneficially own (as shall be determined in accordance with Rules 13d-3 and 13d-5 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”)) less than fifty percent (50.0%) of the then outstanding shares of the Common Stock, then any action required or permitted to be taken by the stockholders of the Corporation must be effected at a duly called annual or special meeting of such stockholders of the Corporation and may not be effected by any written consent in lieu of a meeting by such stockholders, unless the directors then in office unanimously recommend that such action be permitted to be taken by written consent of stockholders. For purposes of this Section 6.3 and Article VI, “affiliates” shall mean, with respect to a given person, all other persons that, directly or indirectly, control, are controlled by or are under common control with, such person; provided, however, that for the purposes of this definition, (i) none of the Corporation, its subsidiaries and any entities (including corporations, partnerships, limited liability companies or other persons) in which the Corporation or its subsidiaries hold, directly or indirectly, an ownership interest, on the one hand, or (ii) CCMP and its affiliates (excluding the Corporation, its subsidiaries or other entities described in clause (i)), on the other hand, shall be deemed to be “affiliates” of one another. For purposes of this definition, “control” (including, with correlative meanings, the terms “controlled by” and “under common control with”) as applied to any person means the possession, directly or indirectly, of beneficial ownership of, or the power to vote, ten percent (10%) or more of the securities having voting power for the election of directors (or other persons acting in similar capacities) of such person or the power otherwise to direct or cause the direction of the management and policies of such person, whether through the ownership of securities, by contract or otherwise.


Section 6.4. Postponement, Conduct and Adjournment of Meetings . Any meeting of stockholders may be postponed by action of the Board of Directors at any time in advance of such meeting. The Board of Directors shall have the power to adopt such rules and regulations for the conduct of the meetings and management of the affairs of the Corporation as they may deem proper and the power to adjourn any meeting of stockholders without a vote of the stockholders, which powers may be delegated by the Board of Directors to the chairman of such meeting in either such rules and regulations or pursuant to the Bylaws of the Corporation.

Section 6.5. Special Meetings of Stockholders . Special meetings of the stockholders of the Corporation, for any purpose or purposes, may be called at any time, but only by or at the direction of a majority of the directors then in office or the Chief Executive Officer of the Corporation. The ability of stockholders to call a special meeting of stockholders is specifically denied.

ARTICLE VII

Section 7.1. Limited Liability of Directors . To the fullest extent permitted by the DGCL, as the same exists or as may hereafter be amended, no director of the Corporation shall have any personal liability to the Corporation or any of its stockholders for monetary damages for any breach of fiduciary duty as a director. If the DGCL is amended hereafter to permit the further elimination or limitation of the liability of directors, then the liability of a director of the Corporation shall be eliminated or limited to the fullest extent permitted by the DGCL, as so amended.

Section 7.2. Mandatory Indemnification and Advancement of Expenses . The Corporation shall indemnify its directors and officers to the fullest extent authorized or permitted by law, as now or hereafter in effect, and such right to indemnification shall continue as to a person who has ceased to be a director or officer of the Corporation and shall inure to the benefit of his or her heirs, executors and personal and legal representatives. The right to indemnification conferred by this Article VII shall include the right to be paid by the Corporation the expenses incurred in defending or otherwise participating in any proceeding in advance of its final disposition upon receipt by the Corporation of an undertaking by or on behalf of the director or officer receiving advancement to repay the amount advanced if it shall ultimately be determined that such person is not entitled to be indemnified by the Corporation under this Article VII.

Section 7.3. Directors . The Corporation hereby acknowledges that the directors of the Corporation may have certain rights to indemnification, advancement of expenses and/or insurance provided by stockholders or affiliates of stockholders of the Corporation (other than the subsidiaries of the Corporation) (collectively, “Stockholder Affiliates”) separate from the indemnification obligations of the Corporation under this Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation or otherwise. The Corporation hereby agrees (i) that it is the indemnitor of first resort and that its obligations to the directors of the Corporation under this Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation (or any other indemnity provided by the Corporation) are primary and any obligation of any Stockholder Affiliate to advance expenses or to provide indemnification for the same expenses or liabilities incurred by the directors of the Corporation are secondary, (ii) that the Corporation shall be required to advance the full amount of expenses


incurred by the directors of the Corporation and shall be liable for the full amount of all expenses, judgments, penalties, fines and amounts paid in settlement to the extent legally permitted and as required by this Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation (or any other indemnity provided by the Corporation), without regard to any rights the directors of the Corporation may have against any Stockholder Affiliate, and (iii) that the Corporation irrevocably waives, relinquishes and releases the Stockholder Affiliates from any and all claims against the Stockholder Affiliates for contribution, subrogation or any other recovery of any kind in respect thereof. The Corporation further agrees that no advancement or payment by any Stockholder Affiliate on behalf of a director of the Corporation with respect to any claim for which the director of the Corporation has sought indemnification from the Corporation pursuant to this Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation (or any other indemnity provided by the Corporation) shall affect the foregoing and the Stockholder Affiliates shall have a right of contribution and/or be subrogated to the extent of such advancement or payment to all of the rights of recovery of the director of the Corporation against the Corporation.

Section 7.4. Employees and Agents . The Corporation may, to the extent authorized from time to time by the Board of Directors, provide rights to indemnification and to the advancement of expenses to employees and agents of the Corporation similar to those conferred in this Article VII to directors and officers of the Corporation.

Section 7.5. Non-Exclusivity . The rights to indemnification and to the advance of expenses conferred in this Article VII shall not be exclusive of any other right which any person may have or hereafter acquire under this Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation (including any certificate of designations relating to any series or class of Preferred Stock), the Bylaws of the Corporation, any statute, agreement, vote of stockholders or disinterested directors or otherwise. All rights to indemnification under this Article VII shall be deemed to be a contract between the Corporation and each director of the Corporation or any of its subsidiaries who serves or served in such capacity at any time while this Article VII is in effect.

Section 7.6. Service for Subsidiaries . Any person serving as a director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation, partnership, limited liability company, joint venture or other enterprise, at least 50% of whose equity interests are owned by the Corporation, shall be conclusively presumed to be serving in such capacity at the request of the Corporation.

Section 7.7. Reliance . Persons who after the date of the adoption of this provision become or remain directors or officers of the Corporation or who, while a director or officer of the Corporation, become or remain a director, officer, employee or agent of a subsidiary, shall be conclusively presumed to have relied on the rights to indemnity, advance of expenses and other rights contained in this Article VII in entering into or continuing such service. The rights to indemnification and to the advance of expenses conferred in this Article VII shall apply to claims made against an indemnitee arising out of the acts or omissions which occurred or occur both prior and subsequent to the adoption hereof.

Section 7.8. Non-Exclusivity of Rights . The rights to indemnification and to the advance of expenses conferred in this Article VII shall not be exclusive of any other right which any person may have or hereafter acquire under this Amended and Restated Certificate or under any statute, by-law, agreement, vote of stockholders or disinterested directors or otherwise.


Section 7.9. Insurance . The Corporation shall have the power to purchase and maintain insurance on behalf of any person who is or was or has agreed to become a director, officer, employee or agent of the Corporation against any liability asserted against him or her and incurred by him or her or on his or her behalf in such capacity, or arising out of his or her status as such, whether or not the Corporation would have the power to indemnify him or her against such liability.

Section 7.10. Amendment of Article VII . No alteration, amendment, addition to or repeal of this Article VII, nor the adoption of any provision of this Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation (including any certificate of designations relating to any series or class of Preferred Stock) inconsistent with this Article VII, shall adversely affect any rights to indemnification and to the advancement of expenses of a director or officer of the Corporation existing at the time of such alteration, amendment, addition to, repeal or adoption with respect to any acts or omissions occurring prior to such alteration, amendment, addition to, repeal or adoption.

Section 7.11. Severability . If this Article VII or any portion hereof shall be invalidated on any ground by any court of competent jurisdiction, then the Corporation shall nevertheless indemnify or advance expenses to each person entitled to indemnification or advancement of expenses, as the case may be, as to all expense, liability and loss actually and reasonably incurred or suffered by such person and for which indemnification or advancement of expenses, as the case may be, is available to such person pursuant to this Article VII to the full extent permitted by any applicable portion of this Article VII that shall not have been invalidated and to the full extent permitted by applicable law.

ARTICLE VIII

Section 8.1. Bylaws . In furtherance and not in limitation of the powers conferred upon it by the laws of the State of Delaware, the Board of Directors is expressly authorized and empowered to make, alter, amend, add to or repeal any and all Bylaws of the Corporation by a majority of the directors then in office. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation (including any certificate of designations relating to any series or class of Preferred Stock), the affirmative vote of the holders of at least sixty-six and two-thirds percent (66  2 / 3 %) of the voting power of the Corporation’s then outstanding shares entitled to vote generally in the election of directors, voting together as a single class, shall be required for the stockholders to make, alter, amend, add to or repeal any or all Bylaws of the Corporation or to adopt any provision inconsistent therewith.

ARTICLE IX

Section 9.1. Creditors . Whenever a compromise or arrangement is proposed between the Corporation and its creditors or any class of them and/or between the corporation and its stockholders or any class of them, any court of equitable jurisdiction within the State of Delaware may, on the application in a summary way of the corporation or of any creditor or stockholder thereof or on the application of any receiver or receivers appointed for the Corporation under § 291 of Title 8 of the DGCL or on the application of trustees in dissolution or


of any receiver or receivers appointed for the Corporation under § 279 of Title 8 of the DGCL order a meeting of the creditors or class of creditors, and/or of the stockholders or class of stockholders of the Corporation, as the case may be, to be summoned in such manner as the said court directs. If a majority in number representing three fourths in value of the creditors or class of creditors, and/or of the stockholders or class of stockholders of the Corporation, as the case may be, agree to any compromise or arrangement and to any reorganization of the Corporation as consequence of such compromise or arrangement, the said compromise or arrangement and the said reorganization shall, if sanctioned by the court to which the said application has been made, be binding on all the creditors or class of creditors, and/or on all the stockholders or class of stockholders, of the Corporation, as the case may be, and also on the Corporation.

ARTICLE X

Section 10.1. Section 203 of the DGCL . The Corporation expressly elects not to be governed by Section 203 of the DGCL.

ARTICLE XI

Section 11.1. Corporate Opportunities . To the fullest extent permitted by Section 122(17) of the DGCL and except as may be otherwise expressly agreed in writing by the Corporation and CCMP, the Corporation, on behalf of itself and its subsidiaries, renounces any interest or expectancy of the Corporation and its subsidiaries in, or in being offered an opportunity to participate in, business opportunities, which are from time to time presented to CCMP or any of its managers, officers, directors, agents, stockholders, members, partners, affiliates and subsidiaries (other than the Corporation and its subsidiaries), even if the opportunity is one that the Corporation or its subsidiaries might reasonably be deemed to have pursued or had the ability or desire to pursue if granted the opportunity to do so, and no such person or entity shall be liable to the Corporation or any of its subsidiaries for breach of any fiduciary or other duty, as a director or officer or otherwise, by reason of the fact that such person or entity pursues or acquires such business opportunity, directs such business opportunity to another person or entity or fails to present such business opportunity, or information regarding such business opportunity, to the Corporation or its subsidiaries unless, in the case of any such person who is a director or officer of the Corporation, such business opportunity is expressly offered to such director or officer in writing solely in his or her capacity as a director or officer of the Corporation. Neither the alteration, amendment, addition to or repeal of this Article XI, nor the adoption of any provision of this Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation (including any certificate of designations relating to any series or class of Preferred Stock) inconsistent with this Article XI, shall eliminate or reduce the effect of this Article XI in respect of any business opportunity first identified or any other matter occurring, or any cause of action, suit or claim that, but for this Article XI, would accrue or arise, prior to such alteration, amendment, addition, repeal or adoption.

Section 11.2. Deemed Notice . Any person or entity purchasing or otherwise acquiring any interest in any shares of the Corporation shall be deemed to have notice or and to have consented to the provisions of this Article XI.


ARTICLE XII

Section 12.1. Amendment . The Corporation reserves the right, at any time and from time to time, to alter, amend, add to or repeal any provision contained in this Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation (including any certificate of designations relating to any series or class of Preferred Stock) in any manner now or hereafter prescribed by law, and all rights, preferences, privileges and powers of any nature conferred upon stockholders, directors or any other persons herein are granted subject to this reservation; provided, however, that notwithstanding any other provision of this Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation (including any certificate of designations relating to any series or class of Preferred Stock), and in addition to any other vote that may be required by law, the affirmative vote of the holders of at least sixty-six and two-thirds percent (66  2 / 3 %) of the voting power of the Corporation’s then outstanding shares of stock entitled to vote thereon, voting together as a single class, shall be required to alter, amend, add to or repeal, or to adopt any provision inconsistent with, Article IV Article V, Article VI, Article VII, Article VIII, Article XI, Article X, this Article XII or Article XIII.

ARTICLE XIII

Section 13.1. Forum Selection . Unless the Corporation consents in writing to the selection of an alternative forum, the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware shall be the sole and exclusive forum for (a) any derivative action or proceeding brought on behalf of the Corporation, (b) any action asserting a claim of breach of a fiduciary duty owed by any director, officer, employee or agent of the Corporation to the Corporation or the Corporation’s stockholders, (c) any action asserting a claim arising pursuant to any provision of the DGCL, or (d) any action asserting a claim governed by the internal affairs doctrine, in each such case subject to such Court of Chancery having personal jurisdiction over the indispensable parties named as defendants therein. Any person or entity purchasing or other acquiring any interest in share of capital stock of the Corporation shall be deemed to have notice of and consent to the provisions of this Article XIII.

Exhibit 3.4

AMENDED AND RESTATED BYLAWS

OF

FRANCESCA’S HOLDINGS CORPORATION

(a Delaware Corporation)

Effective July     , 2011

ARTICLE I

STOCKHOLDERS

Section 1.01 Annual Meetings . The annual meeting of the stockholders of the Corporation for the election of Directors and for the transaction of such other business as properly may come before such meeting shall be held at such place, either within or without the State of Delaware, or, within the sole discretion of the Board of Directors, and subject to such guidelines and procedures as the Board of Directors may adopt, by means of remote communication and at such date and at such time, as may be fixed from time to time by resolution of the Board of Directors and set forth in the notice or waiver of notice of the meeting.

Section 1.02 Special Meetings . Special meetings of the stockholders of the Corporation, for any purpose or purposes, may be called at any time, but only by or at the direction of a majority of the Directors then in office or the Chief Executive Officer of the Corporation. Such special meetings of the stockholders shall be held at such places, within or without the State of Delaware, or, within the sole discretion of the Board of Directors, and subject to such guidelines and procedures as the Board of Directors may adopt, by means of remote communication, as shall be specified in the respective notices or waivers of notice thereof. The ability of stockholders to call a special meeting of stockholders is specifically denied.

Section 1.03 No Stockholder Action by Consent . Subject to the terms of any one or more series or classes of Preferred Stock, if CCMP Capital Advisors, LLC and its affiliates (collectively, “CCMP”) collectively, beneficially own (as determined in accordance with Rules 13d-3 and 13d-5 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”)) less than fifty percent (50.0%) of the then outstanding shares of the common stock, then any action required or permitted to be taken by the stockholders of the Corporation must be effected at a duly called annual or special meeting of such stockholders of the Corporation and may not be effected by any written consent in lieu of a meeting by such stockholders, unless the directors then in office unanimously recommend that such action be permitted to be taken by written consent of stockholders. In the event that an action is permitted to be taken by written consent of stockholders in accordance with this Section 1.03 and a signed written consent(s) (and any related revocation(s)) is (are) delivered to the Corporation in the manner provided by applicable law, the Corporation may engage independent inspectors of elections for the purpose of performing promptly a ministerial review of the validity of the consents and revocations. In the event the Corporation engages such inspectors, then for the purpose of permitting the inspectors to perform such review no action by written consent in lieu of a meeting of stockholders shall be effective until such inspectors have completed their review, determined that the requisite number

 

1


of valid and unrevoked consents delivered to the Corporation in accordance with applicable law have been obtained to take the action specified in the consents, and certified such determination for entry in the records of the Corporation kept for the purpose of recording the proceedings of meetings of stockholders, and such action by written consent will take effect as of the date and time of the certification of the written consents and will not relate back to the date the written consents to take action were delivered to the Corporation. For purposes of this Article I, “affiliates” shall mean, with respect to a given person, all other persons that, directly or indirectly, control, are controlled by or are under common control with, such person; provided, however, that for the purposes of this definition, (i) none of the Corporation, its subsidiaries and any entities (including corporations, partnerships, limited liability companies or other persons) in which the Corporation or its subsidiaries hold, directly or indirectly, an ownership interest, on the one hand, or (ii) CCMP and its affiliates (excluding the Corporation, its subsidiaries or other entities described in clause (i)), on the other hand, shall be deemed to be “affiliates” of one another. For purposes of this definition, “control” (including, with correlative meanings, the terms “controlled by” and “under common control with”) as applied to any person shall mean the possession, directly or indirectly, of beneficial ownership of, or the power to vote, ten percent (10%) or more of the securities having voting power for the election of directors (or other persons acting in similar capacities) of such person or the power otherwise to direct or cause the direction of the management and policies of such person, whether through the ownership of securities, by contract or otherwise.

Section 1.04 Notice of Meetings; Waiver .

(a) The Secretary of the Corporation or any Assistant Secretary shall cause written notice of the place, if any, date and hour of each meeting of the stockholders, and, in the case of a special meeting, the purpose or purposes for which such meeting is called, and the means of remote communication, if any, by which stockholders and proxyholders may be deemed to be present in person and vote at such meeting, to be given personally by mail or by electronic transmission, or as otherwise provided in these Amended and Restated Bylaws, not fewer than ten (10) nor more than sixty (60) days prior to the meeting, to each stockholder of record entitled to vote at such meeting. If such notice is mailed, it shall be deemed to have been given personally to a stockholder when deposited in the United States mail, postage prepaid, directed to the stockholder at his or her address as it appears on the record of stockholders of the Corporation, or, if a stockholder shall have filed with the Secretary of the Corporation a written request that notices to such stockholder be mailed to some other address, then directed to such stockholder at such other address. Such further notice shall be given as may be required by law.

(b) A written waiver of any notice of any annual or special meeting signed by the person entitled thereto, or a waiver by electronic transmission by the person entitled to notice, shall be deemed equivalent to notice. Neither the business to be transacted at, nor the purpose of, any annual or special meeting of the stockholders need be specified in a written waiver of notice. Attendance of a stockholder at a meeting of stockholders shall constitute a waiver of notice of such meeting, except when the stockholder attends a meeting for the express purpose of objecting, at the beginning of the meeting, to the transaction of any business on the ground that the meeting is not lawfully called or convened.

 

2


(c) For notice given by electronic transmission to a stockholder to be effective, such stockholder must consent to the Corporation’s giving notice by that particular form of electronic transmission. A stockholder may revoke consent to receive notice by electronic transmission by written notice to the Corporation. A stockholder’s consent to notice by electronic transmission is automatically revoked if the Corporation is unable to deliver two consecutive electronic transmission notices and such inability becomes known to the Secretary of the Corporation, any Assistant Secretary, the transfer agent or other person responsible for giving notice.

(d) Notices are deemed given (i) if by facsimile, when faxed to a number where the stockholder has consented to receive notice; (ii) if by electronic mail, when mailed electronically to an electronic mail address at which the stockholder has consented to receive such notice; (iii) if by posting on an electronic network (such as a website or chatroom) together with a separate notice to the stockholder of such specific posting, upon the later to occur of (A) such posting or (B) the giving of the separate notice of such posting; or (iv) if by any other form of electronic communication, when directed to the stockholder in the manner consented to by the stockholder.

(e) If a stockholder meeting is to be held by means of remote communication and stockholders will take action at such meeting, the notice of such meeting must: (i) specify the means of remote communication, if any, by which stockholders and proxyholders may be deemed to be present and vote at such meeting; and (ii) provide the information required to access the stockholder list. A waiver of notice may be given by electronic transmission.

Section 1.05 Quorum . Except as otherwise required by law or by the Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Francesca’s Holdings Corporation (the “Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation”), at each meeting of stockholders the presence in person or by proxy of the holders of record of a majority in voting power of the shares entitled to vote at a meeting of stockholders shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business at such meeting. Shares of its own stock belonging to the Corporation or to another corporation, if a majority of the shares entitled to vote in the election of directors of such other corporation is held, directly or indirectly, by the Corporation, shall neither be entitled to vote nor be counted for quorum purposes; provided , however, that the foregoing shall not limit the right of the Corporation or any subsidiary of the Corporation to vote stock, including but not limited to its own stock, held by it in a fiduciary capacity.

Section 1.06 Voting . If, pursuant to Section 5.05 of these Amended and Restated Bylaws, a record date has been fixed, every holder of record of shares entitled to vote at a meeting of stockholders shall, subject to the terms of any one or more series or classes of Preferred Stock, be entitled to one (1) vote for each share outstanding in his or her name on the books of the Corporation at the close of business on such record date. If no record date has been fixed, then every holder of record of shares entitled to vote at a meeting of stockholders shall, subject to the terms of any one or more series or classes of Preferred Stock, be entitled to one (1) vote for each share of stock standing in his or her name on the books of the Corporation at the close of business on the day next preceding the day on which notice of the meeting is given, or, if notice is waived, at the close of business on the day next preceding the day on which the meeting is held. Except as otherwise required by law, the Amended and Restated Certificate of

 

3


Incorporation or these Amended and Restated Bylaws, Directors shall be elected by a plurality of the votes of the shares present in person or represented by proxy at a meeting and voting for nominees in the election of Directors, and in all other matters, the affirmative vote of the majority of shares present in person or represented by proxy at a meeting and voting on the subject matter shall be the act of the stockholders.

Section 1.07 Voting by Ballot . No vote of the stockholders on an election of Directors need be taken by written ballot or by electronic transmission unless otherwise required by law. Any vote not required to be taken by ballot or by electronic transmission may be conducted in any manner approved by the Board of Directors prior to the meeting at which such vote is taken.

Section 1.08 Postponement and Adjournment . Any meeting of stockholders may be postponed by action of the Board of Directors at any time in advance of such meeting. If a quorum is not present at any meeting of the stockholders, the chairman of such meeting shall have the power to adjourn the meeting without a vote of the stockholders. Notice of any adjourned meeting of the stockholders of the Corporation need not be given if the place, if any, date and hour thereof are announced at the meeting at which the adjournment is taken, provided, however, that if the adjournment is for more than thirty (30) days, or if after the adjournment a new record date for the adjourned meeting is fixed pursuant to Section 5.05 of these Amended and Restated Bylaws, a notice of the adjourned meeting, conforming to the requirements of Section 1.04 of these Amended and Restated Bylaws, shall be given to each stockholder of record entitled to vote at such meeting. At any adjourned meeting at which a quorum is present, any business may be transacted that might have been transacted on the original date of the meeting.

Section 1.09 Proxies . Any stockholder entitled to vote at any meeting of the stockholders may authorize another person or persons to vote at any such meeting and express such vote on behalf of him or her by proxy. A stockholder may authorize a valid proxy by executing a written instrument signed by such stockholder, or by causing his or her signature to be affixed to such writing by any reasonable means including, but not limited to, by facsimile signature, or by transmitting or authorizing the transmission of a telegram, cablegram or other means of electronic transmission to the person designated as the holder of the proxy, a proxy solicitation firm or a like authorized agent. No such proxy shall be voted or acted upon after the expiration of three (3) years from the date of such proxy, unless such proxy provides for a longer period. Every proxy shall be revocable at the pleasure of the stockholder executing it, except in those cases where applicable law provides that a proxy shall be irrevocable. A stockholder may revoke any proxy which is not irrevocable by attending the meeting and voting in person or by filing with the Secretary of the Corporation either an instrument in writing revoking the proxy or another duly executed proxy bearing a later date. Proxies by telegram, cablegram or other electronic transmission must either set forth or be submitted with information from which it can be determined that the telegram, cablegram or other electronic transmission was authorized by the stockholder. Any copy, facsimile telecommunication or other reliable reproduction of a writing or transmission created pursuant to this section may be substituted or used in lieu of the original writing or transmission for any and all purposes for which the original writing or transmission could be used, provided that such copy, facsimile telecommunication or other reproduction shall be a complete reproduction of the entire original writing or transmission.

 

4


Section 1.10 Organization; Procedure . At every meeting of stockholders the chairman of such meeting shall be the Chairman of the Board or, if no Chairman of the Board has been elected or in the event of his or her absence or disability, a chairman chosen by the Board of Directors. The Secretary of the Corporation, or in the event of his or her absence or disability, an Assistant Secretary, if any, or if there be no Assistant Secretary, in the absence of the Secretary of the Corporation, an appointee of the chairman of the meeting, shall act as Secretary of the meeting. The order of business and all other matters of procedure at every meeting of stockholders may be determined by the chairman of such meeting.

Section 1.11 Business at Annual and Special Meetings . No business may be transacted at an annual or special meeting of shareholders other than business that is:

(a) specified in a notice of meeting (or any supplement thereto) given by or at the direction of the Board of Directors or a duly authorized committee thereof,

(b) otherwise brought before the meeting by or at the direction of the Board of Directors or a duly authorized committee thereof or any authorized officer of the Corporation to whom the Board of Directors or such committee shall have delegated such authority, or

(c) otherwise brought before the meeting by a “Noticing Shareholder” who complies with the notice procedures set forth in Section 1.12 of these Amended and Restated Bylaws.

A “Noticing Shareholder” must be either a “Record Holder” or a “Nominee Holder.” A “Record Holder” is a shareholder that holds of record stock of the Corporation entitled to vote at the meeting on the business (including any election of a director) to be appropriately conducted at the meeting. A “Nominee Holder” is a shareholder that holds such stock through a nominee or “street name” holder of record and can demonstrate to the Corporation such indirect ownership of such stock and such Nominee Holder’s entitlement to vote such stock on such business. Clause (c) of this Section 1.11 shall be the exclusive means for a Noticing Shareholder to make director nominations or submit other business before a meeting of shareholders (other than proposals brought under Rule 14a-8 under the Exchange Act and included in the Corporation’s notice of meeting, which proposals are not governed by these Amended and Restated Bylaws). Notwithstanding anything in these Amended and Restated Bylaws to the contrary, no business shall be conducted at a shareholders’ meeting except in accordance with the procedures set forth in Section 1.11 and Section 1.12 of these Amended and Restated Bylaws.

Section 1.12 Notice of Stockholder Business and Nominations . In order for a Noticing Shareholder to properly bring any item of business before a meeting of shareholders, the Noticing Shareholder must give timely notice thereof in writing to the Secretary of the Corporation in compliance with the requirements of this Section 1.12. Section 1.12 shall constitute an “advance notice provision” for annual meetings for purposes of Rule 14a-4(c)(1) under the Exchange Act.

(a) To be timely, a Noticing Shareholder’s notice shall be delivered to the Secretary at the principal executive offices of the Corporation:

 

5


(i) in the case of an annual meeting of shareholders, not earlier than the close of business on the 150th day and not later than the close of business on the 120th day prior to the first anniversary of the preceding year’s annual meeting; provided, however, that in the event the date of the annual meeting is more than 30 days before or more than 60 days after such anniversary date, notice by the shareholder to be timely must be so delivered not earlier than the close of business on the 150th day prior to the date of such annual meeting and not later than the close of business on the later of the 120th day prior to the date of such annual meeting or, if the first public announcement of the date of such annual meeting is less than 100 days prior to the date of such annual meeting, the 10th day following the day on which public announcement of the date of such meeting is first made by the Corporation; and

(ii) in the case of a special meeting of shareholders called for the purpose of electing directors, not earlier than the close of business on the one-hundred twentieth (120th) day prior to such special meeting and not later than the close of business on the later of the ninetieth (90th) day prior to such special meeting or the tenth (10th) day following the date on which notice of the date of the special meeting was mailed or public disclosure of the date of the special meeting was made, whichever first occurs. In no event shall any adjournment or postponement of an annual or special meeting, or the announcement thereof, commence a new time period for the giving of a shareholder’s notice as described above.

(b) To be in proper form, whether in regard to a nominee for election to the Board of Directors or other business, a Noticing Shareholder’s notice to the Secretary must:

(i) set forth, as to the Noticing Shareholder and, if the Noticing Shareholder holds for the benefit of another, the beneficial owner on whose behalf the nomination or proposal is made, the following information together with a representation as to the accuracy of the information:

(A) the name and address of the Noticing Shareholder as they appear on the Corporation’s books and, if the Noticing Shareholder holds for the benefit of another, the name and address of such beneficial owner (collectively “Holder”);

(B) the class or series and number of shares of the Corporation that are, directly or indirectly, owned beneficially and/or of record, and the date such ownership was acquired;

(C) any option, warrant, convertible security, stock appreciation right, or similar right with an exercise or conversion privilege or a settlement payment or mechanism at a price related to any class or series of shares of the Corporation or with a value derived in whole or in part from the value of any class or series of shares of the Corporation, whether or not the instrument or right shall be subject to settlement in the underlying class or series of capital stock of the Corporation or otherwise (a “Derivative Instrument”) that is directly or indirectly owned beneficially by the Holder or any Shareholder Associated Person of the Noticing Shareholder and any other direct or indirect opportunity to profit or share in any profit derived from any increase or decrease in the value of shares of the Corporation;

 

6


(D) any proxy, contract, arrangement, understanding, or relationship pursuant to which the Holder has a right to vote or has granted a right to vote any shares of any security of the Corporation;

(E) any short interest in any security of the Corporation (for purposes of these Amended and Restated Bylaws a person shall be deemed to have a short interest in a security if the Holder or any Shareholder Associated Person of the Noticing Shareholder directly or indirectly, through any contract, arrangement, understanding, relationship or otherwise, has the opportunity to profit or share in any profit derived from any decrease in the value of the subject security);

(F) any rights to dividends on the shares of the Corporation owned beneficially by the Holder that are separated or separable from the underlying shares of the Corporation;

(G) any proportionate interest in shares of the Corporation or Derivative Instruments held, directly or indirectly, by a general or limited partnership or limited liability company or similar entity in which the Holder or any Shareholder Associated Person of the Noticing Shareholder is a general partner or, directly or indirectly, beneficially owns an interest in a general partner, is the manager, managing member or directly or indirectly beneficially owns an interest in the manager or managing member of a limited liability company or similar entity;

(H) any performance-related fees (other than an asset-based fee) that the Holder or any Shareholder Associated Person of the Noticing Shareholder is entitled to based on any increase or decrease in the value of shares of the Corporation or Derivative Instruments, if any;

(I) any arrangements, rights, or other interests described in Sections 1.12(b)(i)(C)-(H) held by members of such Holder’s immediate family sharing the same household;

(J) a representation that the Noticing Shareholder intends to appear in person or by proxy at the meeting to nominate the person(s) named or propose the business specified in the notice and whether or not such shareholder intends to deliver a proxy statement and/or form of proxy to holders of at least the percentage of the Corporation’s outstanding shares required to approve the nomination(s) or the business proposed and/or otherwise to solicit proxies from shareholders in support of the nomination(s) or the business proposed;

(K) a certification regarding whether or not such shareholder and Shareholder Associated Persons have complied with all applicable federal, state and other legal requirements in connection with such shareholder’s and/or Shareholder Associated Persons’ acquisition of shares or other securities of the Corporation and/or such shareholder’s and/or Shareholder Associated Persons’ acts or omissions as a shareholder of the Corporation;

 

7


(L) any other information relating to the Holder that would be required to be disclosed in a proxy statement or other filings required to be made in connection with solicitations of proxies for, as applicable, the proposal and/or for the election of directors in a contested election pursuant to Section 14 of the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations thereunder; and

(M) any other information as reasonably requested by the Corporation.

Such information shall be provided as of the date of the notice and shall be supplemented by the Holder not later than 10 days after the record date for the meeting to disclose such ownership as of the record date.

(ii) If the notice relates to any business other than a nomination of a director or directors that the shareholder proposes to bring before the meeting, the notice must set forth:

(A) a brief description of the business desired to be brought before the meeting (including the text of any resolutions proposed for consideration), the reasons for conducting such business at the meeting, and any material direct or indirect interest of the Holder or any Shareholder Associated Persons in such business; and

(B) a description of all agreements, arrangements and understandings, direct and indirect, between the Holder, and any other person or persons (including their names) in connection with the proposal of such business by the Holder.

(iii) set forth, as to each person, if any, whom the Holder proposes to nominate for election or reelection to the Board of Directors:

(A) all information relating to the nominee (including, without limitation, the nominee’s name, age, business and residence address and principal occupation or employment and the class or series and number of shares of capital stock of the Corporation that are owned beneficially or of record by the nominee) that would be required to be disclosed in a proxy statement or other filings required to be made in connection with solicitations of proxies for election of directors in a contested election pursuant to Section 14 of the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations thereunder (including such person’s written consent to being named in the proxy statement as a nominee and to serving as a director if elected);

(B) a description of any agreements, arrangements and understandings between or among such shareholder or any Shareholder Associated Person, on the one hand, and any other persons (including any Shareholder Associated Person), on the other hand, in connection with the nomination of such person for election as a director; and

(C) a description of all direct and indirect compensation and other material monetary agreements, arrangements, and understandings during the past three years, and any other material relationships, between or among the Holder and respective affiliates and associates, or others acting in concert therewith, on the one hand, and each proposed nominee, and his or her respective affiliates and associates, or others acting in

 

8


concert therewith, on the other hand, including, without limitation all information that would be required to be disclosed pursuant to Item 404 of Regulation S-K if the Holder making the nomination or on whose behalf the nomination is made, if any, or any affiliate or associate thereof or person acting in concert therewith, were the “registrant” for purposes of Item 404 and the nominee were a director or executive officer of such registrant.

(iv) with respect to each nominee for election or reelection to the Board of Directors, the Noticing Shareholder shall include a completed and signed questionnaire, representation, and agreement required by Section 1.13 of these Amended and Restated Bylaws. The Corporation may require any proposed nominee to furnish such other information as may reasonably be required by the Corporation to determine the eligibility of the proposed nominee to serve as an independent director of the Corporation or that could be material to a reasonable shareholder’s understanding of the independence, or lack thereof, of the nominee.

(c) Notwithstanding anything in Section 1.12(a) to the contrary, if the number of directors to be elected to the Board of Directors is increased and there is no public announcement by the Corporation naming all of the nominees for director or specifying the size of the increased Board of Directors at least 100 days prior to the first anniversary of the preceding year’s annual meeting, a shareholder’s notice required by these Amended and Restated Bylaws shall also be considered timely, but only with respect to nominees for any new positions created by such increase, if it shall be delivered to the Secretary at the principal executive offices of the Corporation not later than the close of business on the 10th day following the day on which the public announcement naming all nominees or specifying the size of the increased Board of Directors is first made by the Corporation.

(d) For purposes of these Amended and Restated Bylaws:

(i) “public announcement” shall mean disclosure in a press release reported by a national news service or in a document publicly filed by the Corporation with the Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to Section 13, 14, or 15(d) of the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations thereunder;

(ii) “Shareholder Associated Person” means, with respect to any shareholder, (i) any person acting in concert with such shareholder, (ii) any beneficial owner of shares of stock of the Corporation owned of record or beneficially by such shareholder (other than a shareholder that is a depositary) and (iii) any person controlling, controlled by or under common control with any shareholder, or any Shareholder Associated Person identified in clauses (i) or (ii) above; and

(iii) “Affiliate” and “Associate” are defined by reference to Rule 12b-2 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. An “affiliate” is any “person that directly, or indirectly through one or more intermediaries, controls, or is controlled by, or is under common control with, the person specified.” “Control” is defined as the “possession, direct or indirect, of the power to direct or cause the direction of the management policies of a person, whether through the ownership of voting securities, by contract, or otherwise.” The term “associate” of a person means: (i) any corporation or organization (other than the registrant or a majority-owned

 

9


subsidiary of the registrant) of which such person is an officer or partner or is, directly or indirectly, the beneficial owner of 10 percent or more of any class of equity securities, (ii) any trust or other estate in which such person has a substantial beneficial interest or as to which such person serves as trustee or in a similar fiduciary capacity, and (iii) any relative or spouse of such person, or any relative of such spouse, who has the same home as such person or who is a director or officer of the registrant or any of its parents or subsidiaries.

(e) Only those persons who are nominated in accordance with the procedures set forth in these Amended and Restated Bylaws shall be eligible to serve as directors. Only such business shall be conducted at a meeting of shareholders as shall have been brought before the meeting in accordance with the procedures set forth in these Amended and Restated Bylaws, provided, however, that, once business has been properly brought before the meeting in accordance with Section 1.12, nothing in this Section 1.12(e) shall be deemed to preclude discussion by any shareholder of such business. If any information submitted pursuant to this Section 1.12 by any shareholder proposing a nominee(s) for election as a director at a meeting of shareholders is inaccurate in any material respect, such information shall be deemed not to have been provided in accordance with Section 1.12. Except as otherwise provided by law, the Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation, or these Amended and Restated Bylaws, the chairman of the meeting shall have the power and duty to determine whether a nomination or any business proposed to be brought before the meeting was made or proposed, as the case may be, in compliance with the procedures set forth in these Amended and Restated Bylaws and, if he or she should determine that any proposed nomination or business is not in compliance with these Amended and Restated Bylaws, he or she shall so declare to the meeting and any such nomination or business not properly brought before the meeting shall be disregarded or not be transacted.

(f) Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of these Amended and Restated Bylaws, a Noticing Shareholder also shall comply with all applicable requirements of the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations thereunder with respect to the matters set forth in these Amended and Restated Bylaws; provided, however, that any references in these Amended and Restated Bylaws to the Exchange Act or the rules thereunder are not intended to and shall not limit the requirements applicable to nominations or proposals as to any other business to be considered pursuant to Section 1.11 or Section 1.12 of these Amended and Restated Bylaws.

(g) Nothing in these Amended and Restated Bylaws shall be deemed to affect any rights of (A) stockholders to request inclusion of proposals in the Corporation’s proxy statement pursuant to Rule 14a-8 under the Exchange Act or (B) the holders of any series or class of Preferred Stock, if any, if so provided under any applicable certificate of designation for such Preferred Stock.

Section 1.13 Submission of Questionnaire, Representation and Agreement . To be eligible to be a nominee for election or reelection as a director of the Corporation by a Holder, a person must complete and deliver (in accordance with the time periods prescribed for delivery of notice under Section 1.12 of these Amended and Restated Bylaws) to the Secretary at the principal executive offices of the Corporation a written questionnaire providing the information requested about the background and qualifications of such person and the background of any other person or entity on whose behalf the nomination is being made and a written representation

 

10


and agreement (the questionnaire, representation, and agreement to be in the form provided by the Secretary upon written request) that such person:

(a) is not and will not become a party to:

(i) any agreement, arrangement or understanding with, and has not given any commitment or assurance to, any person or entity as to how the person, if elected as a director of the Corporation, will act or vote on any issue or question (a “Voting Commitment”) that has not been disclosed to the Corporation, or

(ii) any Voting Commitment that could limit or interfere with the person’s ability to comply, if elected as a director of the Corporation, with the person’s fiduciary duties under applicable law,

(b) is not and will not become a party to any agreement, arrangement or understanding with any person or entity other than the Corporation with respect to any direct or indirect compensation, reimbursement, or indemnification in connection with service or action as a director that has not been disclosed therein, and

(c) in the person’s individual capacity and on behalf of any person or entity on whose behalf the nomination is being made, would be in compliance, if elected as a director of the Corporation, and will comply with all applicable publicly disclosed corporate governance, conflict of interest, confidentiality, and stock ownership and trading policies and guidelines of the Corporation.

Section 1.14 Inspectors of Elections . Preceding any meeting of the stockholders, the Board of Directors shall appoint one (1) or more persons to act as “inspectors” of elections, and may designate one (1) or more alternate inspectors. In the event no inspector or alternate is able to act, the chairman of such meeting shall appoint one (1) or more inspectors to act at the meeting. Each inspector, before entering upon the discharge of the duties of an inspector, shall take and sign an oath faithfully to execute the duties of inspector with strict impartiality and according to the best of his or her ability. The inspector shall:

(a) ascertain the number of shares outstanding and the voting power of each;

(b) determine the shares represented at a meeting and the validity of proxies and ballots;

(c) specify the information relied upon to determine the validity of electronic transmissions in accordance with Section 1.09 of these Amended and Restated Bylaws;

(d) count all votes and ballots;

(e) determine and retain for a reasonable period a record of the disposition of any challenges made to any determination by the inspectors;

(f) certify his or her determination of the number of shares represented at the meeting, and his or her count of all votes and ballots;

 

11


(g) appoint or retain other persons or entities to assist in the performance of the duties of inspector; and

(h) when determining the shares represented and the validity of proxies and ballots, be limited to an examination of the proxies, any envelopes submitted with those proxies, any information provided in accordance with Section 1.09 of these Amended and Restated Bylaws, ballots and the regular books and records of the Corporation. The inspector may consider other reliable information for the limited purpose of reconciling proxies and ballots submitted by or on behalf of banks, brokers or their nominees or a similar person which represent more votes than the holder of a proxy is authorized by the record owner to cast or more votes than the stockholder holds of record. If the inspector considers other reliable information as outlined in this section, the inspector, at the time of his or her certification pursuant to paragraph (f) of this section, shall specify the precise information considered, the person or persons from whom the information was obtained, when this information was obtained, the means by which the information was obtained, and the basis for the inspector’s belief that such information is accurate and reliable.

Section 1.15 Opening and Closing of Polls . The date and time for the opening and the closing of the polls for each matter to be voted upon at a stockholder meeting shall be announced at the meeting. The inspector shall be prohibited from accepting any ballots, proxies or votes or any revocations thereof or changes thereto after the closing of the polls, unless the Delaware Court of Chancery upon application by a stockholder shall determine otherwise.

Section 1.16 List of Stockholders Entitled to Vote . The officer of the Corporation who has charge of the stock ledger of the Corporation shall prepare and make, at least ten (10) days before every meeting of the stockholders, a complete list of the stockholders entitled to vote at the meeting, arranged in alphabetical order, and showing the address of each stockholder and the number of shares registered in the name of each stockholder. Such list shall be open to the examination of any stockholder, for any purpose germane to the meeting, during ordinary business hours, for a period of at least ten (10) days prior to the meeting either (i) on a reasonably accessible electronic network, provided that the information required to gain access to such list is provided with the notice of the meeting, or (ii) during ordinary business hours, at the principal place of business of the Corporation. In the event that the Corporation determines to make the list available on an electronic network, the Corporation may take reasonable steps to ensure that such information is available only to stockholders of the Corporation. If the meeting is to be held at a place, then the list shall be produced and kept at the time and place of the meeting during the whole time thereof, and may be inspected by any stockholder who is present.

Section 1.17 Stock Ledger . The stock ledger of the Corporation shall be the only evidence as to who are the stockholders entitled to examine the stock ledger, the list required by Section 1.16 of this Article I or the books of the Corporation, or to vote in person or by proxy at any meeting of the stockholders.

ARTICLE II

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

 

12


Section 2.01 General Powers . Except as may otherwise be provided by law, the Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation or these Amended and Restated Bylaws, the business and affairs of the Corporation shall be managed by or under the direction of the Board of Directors. In addition to the powers and authority expressly conferred upon them by applicable law or by the Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation or these Amended and Restated Bylaws of the Corporation, the Board of Directors is hereby empowered to exercise all such powers and do all such acts and things as may be exercised or done by the Corporation, except as otherwise specifically required by law or as otherwise provided in the Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation.

Section 2.02 Number of Directors . Upon the Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation becoming effective pursuant to the General Corporation Law of the Sate of Delaware (the “Effective Time”), the total number of directors constituting the entire Board of Directors shall be seven (7). Thereafter, subject to the terms of any one or more series or classes of Preferred Stock, the total number of directors constituting the entire Board of Directors shall consist of not less than one nor more than fifteen members, the exact number of which shall be fixed from time to time exclusively by resolution adopted by the affirmative vote of a majority of the entire Board of Directors.

Section 2.03 Classified Board of Directors; Election of Directors . Effective upon the Effective Time, the directors of the Corporation shall be divided into three classes designated Class I, Class II and Class III. Each class shall consist, as nearly as may be possible, of one-third of the total number of directors constituting the entire Board of Directors. The Board of Directors may assign members of the Board of Directors already in office to such classes as of the Effective Time. The term of office of the initial Class I directors shall expire at the first annual meeting of the stockholders following the Effective Time; the term of office of the initial Class II directors shall expire at the second annual meeting of the stockholders following the Effective Time; and the term of office of the initial Class III directors shall expire at the third annual meeting of the stockholders following the Effective Time. At each annual meeting of stockholders, commencing with the first annual meeting of stockholders following the Effective Time, successors to the class of directors whose term expires at that annual meeting shall be elected to hold office until the third annual meeting next succeeding his or her election and until his or her respective successor shall have been duly elected and qualified. If the number of directors is changed, any increase or decrease shall be apportioned among the classes in such a manner as the Board of Directors shall determine so as to maintain the number of directors in each class as nearly equal as possible, but in no case will a decrease in the number of directors shorten the term of any incumbent director.

Section 2.04 The Chairman of the Board . The Directors may elect from among the members of the Board a “Chairman of the Board.” The Chairman of the Board shall be deemed an officer of the Corporation and shall have such duties and powers as set forth in these Amended and Restated Bylaws or as shall otherwise be conferred upon the Chairman of the Board from time to time by the Board of Directors. Except where by law the signature of the Chief Executive Officer is required, the Chairman of the Board shall possess the same power as the Chief Executive Officer to sign all contracts, certificates and other instruments of the Corporation which may be authorized by the Board of Directors. The Chairman of the Board may be the Chief Executive Officer of the Corporation. The Chairman of the Board shall, if

 

13


present, preside over all meetings of the stockholders and of the Board of Directors. The Board of Directors shall by resolution establish a procedure to provide for an acting Chairman of the Board in the event the most recently elected Chairman of the Board is unable to serve or act in that capacity.

Section 2.05 Annual and Regular Meetings . The annual meeting of the Board of Directors for the purpose of electing officers and for the transaction of such other business as may come before the meeting shall be held after the annual meeting of the stockholders and may be held at such places within or without the State of Delaware and at such times as the Board may from time to time determine, and if so determined notice thereof need not be given. Notice of such annual meeting of the Board of Directors need not be given. The Board of Directors from time to time may by resolution provide for the holding of regular meetings and fix the place (which may be within or without the State of Delaware) and the date and hour of such meetings. Notice of regular meetings need not be given, provided , however, that if the Board of Directors shall fix or change the time or place of any regular meeting, notice of such action shall be mailed promptly, or sent by telephone, including a voice messaging system or other system or technology designed to record and communicate messages, telegraph, facsimile, electronic mail or other electronic means, to each Director who shall not have been present at the meeting at which such action was taken, addressed to him or her at his or her usual place of business, or shall be delivered to him or her personally. Notice of such action need not be given to any Director who attends the first regular meeting after such action is taken without protesting the lack of notice to him or her, prior to or at the commencement of such meeting, or to any Director who submits a signed waiver of notice, whether before or after such meeting.

Section 2.06 Special Meetings; Notice . Special meetings of the Board of Directors shall be held whenever called by the Chairman of the Board, Chief Executive Officer (or, in the event of his or her absence or disability, by the President or any Executive Vice President), or by the Board of Directors pursuant to the following sentence, at such place (within or without the State of Delaware), date and hour as may be specified in the respective notices or waivers of notice of such meetings. Special meetings of the Board of Directors also may be held whenever called pursuant to a resolution approved by a majority of the entire Board of Directors. Special meetings of the Board of Directors may be called on twenty-four (24) hours’ notice, if notice is given to each Director personally or by telephone, including a voice messaging system, or other system or technology designed to record and communicate messages, telegraph, facsimile, electronic mail or other electronic means, or on five (5) days’ notice, if notice is mailed to each Director, addressed to him or her at his or her usual place of business or to such other address as any Director may request by notice to the Secretary. Notice of any special meeting need not be given to any Director who attends such meeting without protesting the lack of notice to him or her, prior to or at the commencement of such meeting, or to any Director who submits a signed waiver of notice, whether before or after such meeting, and any business may be transacted thereat.

Section 2.07 Quorum; Voting . At all meetings of the Board of Directors, the presence of at least a majority of the total authorized number of Directors shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business. Except as otherwise required by law or by the Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation or these Amended and Restated Bylaws, the vote of at

 

14


least a majority of the Directors present at any meeting at which a quorum is present shall be the act of the Board of Directors.

Section 2.08 Adjournment . A majority of the Directors present, whether or not a quorum is present, may adjourn any meeting of the Board of Directors to another time or place. No notice need be given of any adjourned meeting unless the time and place of the adjourned meeting are not announced at the time of adjournment, in which case notice conforming to the requirements of Section 2.05 of these Amended and Restated Bylaws shall be given to each Director.

Section 2.09 Action Without a Meeting . Any action required or permitted to be taken at any meeting of the Board of Directors may be taken without a meeting if all members of the Board of Directors consent thereto in writing or by electronic transmission, and such writing, writings or electronic transmission or transmissions are filed with the minutes of proceedings of the Board of Directors. Such filing shall be in paper form if the minutes are maintained in paper form and shall be in electronic form if the minutes are maintained in electronic form.

Section 2.10 Regulations; Manner of Acting . To the extent consistent with applicable law, the Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation and these Amended and Restated Bylaws, the Board of Directors may adopt by resolution such rules and regulations for the conduct of meetings of the Board of Directors and for the management of the property, affairs and business of the Corporation as the Board of Directors may deem appropriate. The Directors shall act only as a Board of Directors and the individual Directors shall have no power in their individual capacities unless expressly authorized by the Board of Directors.

Section 2.11 Action by Telephonic Communications . Members of the Board of Directors may participate in a meeting of the Board of Directors by means of conference telephone or other communications equipment by means of which all persons participating in the meeting can hear each other, and participation in a meeting pursuant to this provision shall constitute presence in person at such meeting.

Section 2.12 Resignations . Any Director may resign at any time by submitting an electronic transmission or by delivering a written notice of resignation, signed by such Director, to the Chairman of the Board or the Secretary. Unless otherwise specified therein, such resignation shall take effect upon delivery.

Section 2.13 Removal of Directors . Subject to the terms of any one or more series or classes of Preferred Stock, any director or the entire Board of Directors may be removed from office at any time, but only for cause and only by the affirmative vote of the holders of at least a majority of the voting power of the Corporation’s outstanding shares of stock entitled to vote generally in the election of directors, voting together as a single class. For purposes of this Article II, “cause” shall mean, with respect to any director, (i) the willful failure by such director to perform, or the gross negligence of such director in performing, the duties of a director, (ii) the engaging by such director in willful or serious misconduct that is injurious to the Corporation or (iii) the conviction of such director of, or the entering by such director of a plea of nolo contendere to, a crime that constitutes a felony.

 

15


Section 2.14 Vacancies and Newly Created Directorships . Subject to the terms of any one or more series or classes of Preferred Stock, any vacancies in the Board of Directors for any reason and any newly created directorships resulting by reason of any increase in the number of directors shall be filled only by the Board of Directors (and not by the stockholders), acting by a majority of the remaining directors then in office, even if less than a quorum, or by a sole remaining director, and any directors so appointed shall hold office until the next election of the class of directors to which such directors have been appointed and until their successors are duly elected and qualified.

Section 2.15 Compensation . The amount, if any, which each Director shall be entitled to receive as compensation for such Director’s services, shall be fixed from time to time by resolution of the Board of Directors or any committee thereof. The directors may be paid their expenses, if any, of attendance at each meeting of the Board of Directors and may be paid a fixed sum for attendance at each meeting of the Board of Directors or a stated salary for service as director, payable in cash or securities. No such payment shall preclude any director from serving the Corporation in any other capacity and receiving compensation therefor. Members of special or standing committees may be allowed like compensation for service as committee members.

Section 2.16 Reliance on Accounts and Reports, Etc . A Director, or a member of any committee designated by the Board of Directors, shall, in the performance of such Director’s or member’s duties, be fully protected in relying in good faith upon the records of the Corporation and upon information, opinions, reports or statements presented to the Corporation by any of the Corporation’s officers or employees, or committees designated by the Board of Directors, or by any other person as to the matters the Director or the member reasonably believes are within such other person’s professional or expert competence and who the Director or member reasonably believes or determines has been selected with reasonable care by or on behalf of the Corporation.

Section 2.17 Director Elections by Holders of Preferred Stock . Notwithstanding the foregoing, whenever the holders of any one or more series or classes of Preferred Stock shall have the right, voting separately by series or class, to elect one or more directors at an annual or special meeting of stockholders, the election, filling of vacancies, removal of directors and other features of such one or more directorships shall be governed by the terms of such one or more series or classes of Preferred Stock to the extent permitted by law.

ARTICLE III

COMMITTEES

Section 3.01 Committees . The Board of Directors, by resolution adopted by the affirmative vote of a majority of Directors then in office, may designate from among its members one (1) or more committees of the Board of Directors, each committee to consist of such number of Directors as from time to time may be fixed by the Board of Directors. Any such committee shall serve at the pleasure of the Board of Directors. Each such committee shall have the powers and duties delegated to it by the Board of Directors, subject to the limitations set forth in applicable Delaware law. The Board of Directors may appoint a Chairman of any committee, who shall preside at meetings of any such committee. The Board of Directors may elect one (1) or more of its members as alternate members of any such committee who may take the place of

 

16


any absent member or members at any meeting of such committee, upon request of the Chairman of the Board or the Chairman of such committee.

Section 3.02 Powers . Each committee shall have and may exercise such powers of the Board of Directors as may be provided by resolution or resolutions of the Board of Directors. No committee shall have the power or authority: to approve or adopt, or recommend to the stockholders, any action or matter expressly required by the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware to be submitted to the stockholders for approval; or to adopt, amend or repeal the Amended and Restated Bylaws of the Corporation.

Section 3.03 Proceedings . Each committee may fix its own rules of procedure and may meet at such place (within or without the State of Delaware), at such time and upon such notice, if any, as it shall determine from time to time. Each committee shall keep minutes of its proceedings and shall report such proceedings to the Board of Directors at the meeting of the Board of Directors next following any such proceedings.

Section 3.04 Quorum and Manner of Acting . Except as may be otherwise provided in the resolution creating such committee or in the rules of such committee, at all meetings of any committee, the presence of members (or alternate members) constituting a majority of the total authorized membership of such committee shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business. The act of the majority of the members present at any meeting at which a quorum is present shall be the act of such committee. Any action required or permitted to be taken at any meeting of any committee may be taken without a meeting, if all members of such committee shall consent to such action in writing or by electronic transmission and such writing, writings or electronic transmission or transmissions are filed with the minutes of the proceedings of the committee. Such filing shall be in paper form if the minutes are maintained in paper form and shall be in electronic form if the minutes are maintained in electronic form. The members of any committee shall act only as a committee, and the individual members of such committee shall have no power in their individual capacities unless expressly authorized by the Board of Directors.

Section 3.05 Action by Telephonic Communications . Unless otherwise provided by the Board of Directors, members of any committee may participate in a meeting of such committee by means of conference telephone or other communications equipment by means of which all persons participating in the meeting can hear each other, and participation in a meeting pursuant to this provision shall constitute presence in person at such meeting.

Section 3.06 Absent or Disqualified Members . In the absence or disqualification of a member of any committee, if no alternate member is present to act in his or her stead, the member or members thereof present at any meeting and not disqualified from voting, whether or not he, she or they constitute a quorum, may unanimously appoint another member of the Board of Directors to act at the meeting in the place of any such absent or disqualified member.

Section 3.07 Resignations . Any member (and any alternate member) of any committee may resign at any time by delivering a written notice of resignation, signed by such member, to the Board of Directors or the Chairman of the Board. Unless otherwise specified therein, such resignation shall take effect upon delivery.

 

17


Section 3.08 Removal . Any member (and any alternate member) of any committee may be removed at any time, either for or without cause, by resolution adopted by a majority of the entire Board of Directors.

Section 3.09 Vacancies . If any vacancy shall occur in any committee, by reason of disqualification, death, resignation, removal or otherwise, the remaining members (and any alternate members) shall continue to act, and any such vacancy may be filled by the Board of Directors.

ARTICLE IV

OFFICERS

Section 4.01 Chief Executive Officer . The Board of Directors shall select a Chief Executive Officer to serve at the pleasure of the Board of Directors. The Chief Executive Officer shall (a) supervise the implementation of policies adopted or approved by the Board of Directors, (b) exercise a general supervision and superintendence over all the business and affairs of the Corporation, and (c) possess such other powers and perform such other duties as may be assigned to him or her by these Amended and Restated Bylaws, as may from time to time be assigned by the Board of Directors and as may be incident to the office of Chief Executive Officer of the Corporation. The Chief Executive Officer shall have general authority to execute bonds, deeds and contracts in the name of the Corporation and affix the corporate seal thereto, except where required or permitted by law to be otherwise signed and executed and except that the other officers of the Corporation may sign and execute documents when so authorized by these Amended and Restated Bylaws, the Board of Directors or the Chief Executive Officer.

Section 4.02 Secretary of the Corporation . The Board of Directors shall appoint a Secretary of the Corporation to serve at the pleasure of the Board of Directors. The Secretary of the Corporation shall (a) keep minutes of all meetings of the stockholders and of the Board of Directors, (b) authenticate records of the Corporation, (c) give, or cause to be given, notice of all meetings of the stockholders and special meetings of the Board of Directors, and (d) in general, have such powers and perform such other duties as may be assigned to him or her by these Amended and Restated Bylaws, as may from time to time be assigned to him or her by the Board of Directors or the Chief Executive Officer and as may be incident to the office of Secretary of the Corporation. If the Secretary shall be unable or shall refuse to cause to be given notice of all meetings of the stockholders and special meetings of the Board of Directors, and if there be no Assistant Secretary, then the Board of Directors may choose another officer to cause such notice to be given. The Secretary shall have custody of the seal of the Corporation and the Secretary or any Assistant Secretary, if there be one, shall have authority to affix the same to any instrument requiring it and when so affixed, it may be attested by the signature of the Secretary or by the signature of any such Assistant Secretary. The Board of Directors may give general authority to any other officer to affix the seal of the Corporation and to attest to the affixing by such officer’s signature. The Secretary shall see that all books, reports, statements certificates and other documents and records required by law to be kept or filed are properly kept or filed, as the case may be.

Section 4.03 Other Officers Elected by Board Of Directors . At any meeting of the Board of Directors, the Board of Directors may elect a President, Vice Presidents, a Chief

 

18


Financial Officer, a Treasurer, Assistant Treasurers, Assistant Secretaries, or such other officers of the Corporation as the Board of Directors may deem necessary, to serve at the pleasure of the Board of Directors. Other officers elected by the Board of Directors shall have such powers and perform such duties as may be assigned to such officers by or pursuant to authorization of the Board of Directors or by the Chief Executive Officer.

Section 4.04 Removal and Resignation; Vacancies . Any officer may be removed for or without cause at any time by the Board of Directors. Any officer may resign at any time by delivering a written notice of resignation, signed by such officer, to the Board of Directors, the Chief Executive Officer or the Secretary. Unless otherwise specified therein, such resignation shall take effect upon delivery. Any vacancy occurring in any office of the Corporation by death, resignation, removal or otherwise, shall be filled by or pursuant to authorization of the Board of Directors.

Section 4.05 Authority and Duties of Officers . The officers of the Corporation shall have such authority and shall exercise such powers and perform such duties as may be specified in these Amended and Restated Bylaws, except that in any event each officer shall exercise such powers and perform such duties as may be required by law.

Section 4.06 Salaries of Officers . The salaries of all officers of the Corporation shall be fixed by the Board of Directors or any duly authorized committee thereof.

ARTICLE V

CAPITAL STOCK

Section 5.01 Certificates of Stock . The Board of Directors may authorize that some or all of the shares of any or all of the Corporation’s classes or series of stock be evidenced by a certificate or certificates of stock. The Board of Directors may also authorize the issue of some or all of the shares of any or all of the Corporation’s classes or series of stock without certificates. The rights and obligations of shareholders with the same class and/or series of stock shall be identical whether or not their shares are represented by certificates.

(a) Shares with Certificates . If the Board of Directors chooses to issue shares of stock evidenced by a certificate or certificates, each individual certificate shall include the following on its face: (i) the Corporation’s name, (ii) the fact that the Corporation is organized under the laws of Delaware, (iii) the name of the person to whom the certificate is issued, (iv) the number of shares represented thereby, (v) the class of shares and the designation of the series, if any, which the certificate represents, and (vi) such other information as applicable law may require or as may be lawful. If the Corporation is authorized to issue different classes of shares or different series within a class, the designations, relative rights, preferences and limitations determined for each series (and the authority of the Board of Directors to determine variations for future series) shall be summarized on the front or back of each certificate. Alternatively, each certificate shall state on its front or back that the Corporation will furnish the shareholder this information in writing, without charge, upon request. Each certificate of stock issued by the Corporation shall be signed (either manually or in facsimile) by any two officers of the Corporation. If the person who signed a certificate no longer holds office when the certificate is issued, the certificate is nonetheless valid.

 

19


(b) Shares without Certificates . If the Board of Directors chooses to issue shares of stock without certificates, the Corporation, if required by the Exchange Act, shall, within a reasonable time after the issue or transfer of shares without certificates, send the shareholder a written notice containing the information required to be set forth or stated on certificates pursuant to the laws of the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware. The Corporation may adopt a system of issuance, recordation and transfer of its shares of stock by electronic or other means not involving the issuance of certificates, provided the use of such system by the Corporation is permitted in accordance with applicable law.

Section 5.02 Signatures; Facsimile . All signatures on the certificate referred to in Section 5.01 of these Amended and Restated Bylaws may be in facsimile, engraved or printed form, to the extent permitted by law. In case any officer, transfer agent or registrar who has signed, or whose facsimile, engraved or printed signature has been placed upon a certificate, shall have ceased to be such officer, transfer agent or registrar before such certificate is issued, it may be issued by the Corporation with the same effect as if he or she were such officer, transfer agent or registrar at the date of issue.

Section 5.03 Lost, Stolen or Destroyed Certificates . The Board of Directors may direct that a new certificate be issued in place of any certificate theretofore issued by the Corporation alleged to have been lost, stolen or destroyed, upon delivery to the Corporation of an affidavit of the owner or owners of such certificate, setting forth such allegation. The Corporation may require the owner of such lost, stolen or destroyed certificate, or his or her legal representative, to give the Corporation a bond sufficient to indemnify it against any claim that may be made against it on account of the alleged loss, theft or destruction of any such certificate or the issuance of any such new certificate.

Section 5.04 Transfer of Stock . Upon surrender to the Corporation or the transfer agent of the Corporation of a certificate for shares, duly endorsed or accompanied by appropriate evidence of succession, assignment or authority to transfer, the Corporation shall issue a new certificate to the person entitled thereto, cancel the old certificate and record the transaction upon its books. Within a reasonable time after the transfer of uncertificated stock, the Corporation shall send to the registered owner thereof a written notice containing the information required to be set forth or stated on certificates pursuant to the laws of the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware. Subject to the provisions of the Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation and these Amended and Restated Bylaws, the Board of Directors may prescribe such additional rules and regulations as it may deem appropriate relating to the issue, transfer and registration of shares of the Corporation.

Section 5.05 Record Date . In order to determine the stockholders entitled to notice of or to vote at any meeting of stockholders or any adjournment thereof, the Board of Directors may fix, in advance, a record date, which record date shall not precede the date on which the resolution fixing the record date is adopted by the Board of Directors, and which shall not be more than sixty (60) nor fewer than ten (10) days before the date of such meeting. A determination of stockholders of record entitled to notice of or to vote at a meeting of stockholders shall apply to any adjournment of the meeting, provided , however, that the Board of Directors may fix a new record date for the adjourned meeting. In order that the Corporation may determine the stockholders entitled to receive payment of any dividend or other distribution or

 

20


allotment of any rights of the stockholders entitled to exercise any rights in respect of any change, conversion or exchange of stock, or for the purpose of any other lawful action, the Board of Directors may fix a record date, which record date shall not precede the date upon which the resolution fixing the record date is adopted, and which record date shall be not more than sixty (60) days prior to such action. If no record date is fixed, the record date for determining stockholders for any such purpose shall be at the close of business on the day on which the Board of Directors adopts the resolution relating thereto.

Section 5.06 Registered Stockholders . Prior to due surrender of a certificate for registration of transfer of any certificated shares, the Corporation may treat the registered owner as the person exclusively entitled to receive dividends and other distributions, to vote, to receive notice and otherwise to exercise all the rights and powers of the owner of the shares represented by such certificate, and the Corporation shall not be bound to recognize any equitable or legal claim to or interest in such shares on the part of any other person, whether or not the Corporation shall have notice of such claim or interests. Whenever any transfer of shares shall be made for collateral security, and not absolutely, it shall be so expressed in the entry of the transfer if, when the certificates are presented to the Corporation for transfer or uncertificated shares are requested to be transferred, both the transferor and transferee request the Corporation to do so.

Section 5.07 Transfer Agent and Registrar . The Board of Directors may appoint one (1) or more transfer agents and one (1) or more registrars, and may require all certificates representing shares to bear the signature of any such transfer agents or registrars.

ARTICLE VI

INDEMNIFICATION

Section 6.01 Mandatory Indemnification and Advancement of Expenses . The Corporation shall indemnify its directors and officers to the fullest extent authorized or permitted by law, as now or hereafter in effect, and such right to indemnification shall continue as to a person who has ceased to be a director or officer of the Corporation and shall inure to the benefit of his or her heirs, executors and personal and legal representatives. The right to indemnification conferred by this Article VI shall include the right to be paid by the Corporation the expenses incurred in defending or otherwise participating in any proceeding in advance of its final disposition upon receipt by the Corporation of an undertaking by or on behalf of the director or officer receiving advancement to repay the amount advanced if it shall ultimately be determined that such person is not entitled to be indemnified by the Corporation under this Article VI.

Section 6.02 Directors . The Corporation hereby acknowledges that the directors of the Corporation may have certain rights to indemnification, advancement of expenses and/or insurance provided by stockholders or affiliates of stockholders of the Corporation (other than the subsidiaries of the Corporation) (collectively, “Stockholder Affiliates”) separate from the indemnification obligations of the Corporation under these Amended and Restated Bylaws or otherwise. The Corporation hereby agrees (i) that it is the indemnitor of first resort and that its obligations to the directors of the Corporation under these Amended and Restated Bylaws (or any other indemnity provided by the Corporation) are primary and any obligation of any Stockholder Affiliate to advance expenses or to provide indemnification for the same expenses or liabilities incurred by the directors of the Corporation are secondary, (ii) that the Corporation

 

21


shall be required to advance the full amount of expenses incurred by the directors of the Corporation and shall be liable for the full amount of all expenses, judgments, penalties, fines and amounts paid in settlement to the extent legally permitted and as required by these Amended and Restated Bylaws (or any other indemnity provided by the Corporation), without regard to any rights the directors of the Corporation may have against any Stockholder Affiliate, and (iii) that the Corporation irrevocably waives, relinquishes and releases the Stockholder Affiliates from any and all claims against the Stockholder Affiliates for contribution, subrogation or any other recovery of any kind in respect thereof. The Corporation further agrees that no advancement or payment by any Stockholder Affiliate on behalf of a director of the Corporation with respect to any claim for which the director of the Corporation has sought indemnification from the Corporation pursuant to these Amended and Restated Bylaws (or any other indemnity provided by the Corporation) shall affect the foregoing and the Stockholder Affiliates shall have a right of contribution and/or be subrogated to the extent of such advancement or payment to all of the rights of recovery of the director of the Corporation against the Corporation.

Section 6.03 Non-Exclusivity; Insurance .

(a) The rights of indemnification and to receive advancement of expenses as provided by this Article VI shall not be deemed exclusive of any other rights to which Indemnitee may at any time be entitled under applicable law, the Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation, these Amended and Restated Bylaws, any agreement, a vote of stockholders, a resolution of directors or otherwise. No right or remedy conferred in this Article VI is intended to be exclusive of any other right or remedy, and every other right and remedy shall be cumulative and in addition to every other right and remedy given in this Article VI or now or hereafter existing at law or in equity or otherwise. All rights to indemnification under this Article VI shall be deemed to be a contract between the Corporation and each director of the Corporation or any of its subsidiaries who serves or served in such capacity at any time while this Article VI is in effect. The assertion or employment of any right or remedy in this Article VI, or otherwise, shall not prevent the concurrent assertion or employment of any other right or remedy; and

(b) The Corporation shall have the power to purchase and maintain insurance on behalf of any person who is or was or has agreed to become a director, officer, employee or agent of the Corporation against any liability asserted against him or her and incurred by him or her or on his or her behalf in such capacity, or arising out of his or her status as such, whether or not the Corporation would have the power to indemnify him or her against such liability.

Section 6.04 Reliance . Persons who after the date of the adoption of this provision become or remain directors or officers of the Corporation or who, while a director or officer of the Corporation, become or remain a director, officer, employee or agent of a subsidiary, shall be conclusively presumed to have relied on the rights to indemnity, advance of expenses and other rights contained in this Article VI in entering into or continuing such service. The rights to indemnification and to the advance of expenses conferred in this Article VI shall apply to claims made against an indemnitee arising out of the acts or omissions which occurred or occur both prior and subsequent to the adoption hereof.

 

22


ARTICLE VII

OFFICES

Section 7.01 Initial Registered Office . The registered office of the Corporation in the State of Delaware shall be located at The Corporation Trust Company, 1209 Orange Street, in the City of Wilmington, County of New Castle, 19801.

Section 7.02 Other Offices . The Corporation may maintain offices or places of business at such other locations within or without the State of Delaware as the Board of Directors may from time to time determine or as the business of the Corporation may require.

ARTICLE VIII

GENERAL PROVISIONS

Section 8.01 Dividends . Subject to any applicable provisions of law and the Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation, dividends upon the shares of the Corporation may be declared by the Board of Directors at any regular or special meeting of the Board of Directors and any such dividend may be paid in cash, property, or shares of the Corporation’s capital stock. A member of the Board of Directors, or a member of any committee designated by the Board of Directors, shall be fully protected in relying in good faith upon the records of the Corporation and upon such information, opinions, reports or statements presented to the Corporation by any of its officers or employees, or committees of the Board of Directors, or by any other person as to matters the Director reasonably believes are within such other person’s professional or expert competence and who has been selected with reasonable care by or on behalf of the Corporation, as to the value and amount of the assets, liabilities and/or net profits of the Corporation, or any other facts pertinent to the existence and amount of surplus or other funds from which dividends might properly be declared and paid.

Section 8.02 Execution of Instruments . The Board of Directors may authorize, or provide for the authorization of, officers, employees or agents to enter into any contract or execute and deliver any instrument in the name and on behalf of the Corporation. Any such authorization must be in writing or by electronic transmission and may be general or limited to specific contracts or instruments.

Section 8.03 Voting as Stockholder . Unless otherwise determined by resolution of the Board of Directors, the Chief Executive Officer, the President, if any, the Chief Financial Officer, any Executive Vice President or any other person authorized by the Board of Directors shall have full power and authority on behalf of the Corporation to attend any meeting of stockholders of any corporation in which the Corporation may hold stock, and to act, vote (or execute proxies to vote) and exercise in person or by proxy all other rights, powers and privileges incident to the ownership of such stock. Such officers acting on behalf of the Corporation shall have full power and authority to execute any instrument expressing consent to or dissent from any action of any such corporation without a meeting. The Board of Directors may by resolution from time to time confer such power and authority upon any other person or persons.

 

23


Section 8.04 Corporate Seal . The corporate seal shall be in such form as the Board of Directors shall prescribe.

Section 8.05 Fiscal Year . The fiscal year of the Corporation shall be fixed, and shall be subject to change, by the Board of Directors.

ARTICLE IX

AMENDMENT OF BYLAWS

Subject to the provisions of the Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation, these Amended and Restated Bylaws, or any of them, may be altered, amended, added to or repealed, or any provision inconsistent therewith may be adopted (i) by the Board of Directors, by resolution adopted by a majority of the directors then in office, or (ii) by the affirmative vote of the holders of at least sixty-six and two-thirds percent (66 2/3%) of the voting power of the Corporation’s then outstanding shares entitled to vote generally in the election of directors, voting together as a single class.

ARTICLE X

CONSTRUCTION

In the event of any conflict between the provisions of these Amended and Restated Bylaws as in effect from time to time and the provisions of the Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Corporation as in effect from time to time, the provisions of such Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation shall be controlling.

* * *

 

24

Exhibit 5.1

[OMM LETTERHEAD]

July 14, 2011

Francesca’s Holdings Corporation

3480 West 12 th Street

Houston, Texas 77008

Re: Registration of Securities of Francesca’s Holdings Corporation

Ladies and Gentlemen:

At your request, we have examined the Registration Statement on Form S-1 (File No. 333-173581) of Francesca’s Holdings Corporation, a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “Commission”) on April 18, 2011 and as amended by Amendment No. 1 filed with the Commission on May 24, 2011, Amendment No. 2 filed with the Commission on June 14, 2011, Amendment No. 3 filed with the Commission on July 1, 2011, Amendment No. 4 filed with the Commission on July 12, 2011 and Amendment No. 5 filed with the Commission on July 14, 2011 (collectively, the “Registration Statement”) in connection with the registration under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, of the offer and sale of up to 8,166,667 of the Company’s common shares (the “Securities”) by the selling shareholders of the Company pursuant to an underwritten public offering (the “Underwritten Offering”) and the offer and sale of up to 3,333,333 shares of the Securities by the Company pursuant to the Underwritten Offering.

We are of the opinion that (a) the Securities offered for sale by the selling shareholders pursuant to the Underwritten Offering have been duly authorized by all necessary action on the part of the Company, validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable and (b) the Securities offered for sale by the Company pursuant to the Underwritten Offering have been duly authorized by all necessary action on the part of the Company and upon payment for and delivery of the Securities as contemplated by the Registration Statement, the Securities will be validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable.

The law covered by this opinion letter is limited to the present federal law of the United States, the present law of the State of New York and the current Delaware General Corporation Law.

We hereby consent to the use of this opinion as an exhibit to the Registration Statement and to the reference to this firm under the heading “Legal Matters” in the Prospectus constituting part of the Registration Statement.

Respectfully submitted,

/s/ O’Melveny & Myers LLP

Exhibit 10.4

DIRECTOR AND OFFICER INDEMNIFICATION AGREEMENT

THIS DIRECTOR AND OFFICER INDEMNIFICATION AGREEMENT (this “ Agreement ”) is made as of this [          ] day of [              ] 2011, by and between Francesca’s Holdings Corporation, a Delaware corporation (the “ Company ”), and [              ] (the “ Indemnitee ”).

WHEREAS , the Company desires to attract and retain the services of highly qualified individuals to act as directors and officers;

WHEREAS , increased corporate litigation and investigations have subjected directors and officers to litigation risks and expenses, and the limitations on the availability and terms of director and officer liability insurance have made it increasingly difficult for the Company to attract and retain such persons;

WHEREAS , the Company’s certificate of incorporation permits the Company to provide indemnification and advancement rights to directors and officers through bylaw provisions or through agreements with directors and officers, or otherwise, to the extent provided therein;

WHEREAS , the Company’s bylaws require that the Company indemnify its directors and officers as authorized by the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware (“ DGCL ”), as amended, under which the Company is incorporated, and such bylaws expressly provide that the indemnification provided therein is not exclusive and contemplate that the Company may enter into separate agreements with its directors, officers and other persons to set forth specific indemnification provisions;

WHEREAS , in light of the fact that the certificate of incorporation and bylaws of the Company are subject to change and may not contain all the provisions and protections set forth in this Agreement, the Company has determined that Indemnitee and other directors and officers of the Company may not be willing to serve or continue to serve in such capacities without additional protection; and

WHEREAS , the Company desires and has requested the Indemnitee to serve or continue to serve as a director or officer of the Company, as the case may be, and has proffered this Agreement to Indemnitee as an additional inducement to serve in such capacity.

NOW, THEREFORE , in consideration of the promises and the covenants contained herein, and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of what is hereby authorized, the Company and Indemnitee do hereby covenant and agree as follows:

1. Definitions.

(a) “ Change in Control ” means the occurrence of any of the following:

(i) any person other than the Permitted Investors shall become, directly or indirectly, the legal or beneficial owner of, or shall have acquired, directly or indirectly pursuant to any contractual obligation or otherwise, control over or control over the voting rights of, more than 50% of the ordinary voting power represented by the issued and outstanding voting stock of the Company; or


(ii) continuing directors shall cease for any reason other than death or disability to constitute a majority of the members of the board of directors of the Company then in office; or

(iii) any person other than the Permitted Investors or a Subsidiary of the Company shall acquire all or substantially all of the assets of the Company.

For the purposes of this definition and otherwise, the following terms shall have the following meanings, notwithstanding any other definition for any such term in any other provisions of this Agreement: (w) “ person ” means any “person” as such term is used in the United States Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, including any partnership, limited partnership, syndicate or group of persons that is deemed to be a “person” for purposes of Sections 13(d) and 14(d)(2) of such Securities Exchange Act; (x) “ beneficial owner ” means any “beneficial owner” under and as defined in Rules 13d-3 and 13d-5 of the United States Securities and Exchange Commission under such Securities Exchange Act; (y) “ continuing director ” means, at any date of determination, each individual member of the board of directors of the Company who (i) has been a member of such board in the period of twelve successive calendar months last ended prior to such date or (ii) whose nomination for election by the stockholders of the Company was approved by a vote of at least a majority of the directors who were continuing directors at the time of such nomination and (z) “ Permitted Investors ” means (i) CCMP Capital Investors II, L.P. and CCMP Capital Investors (Cayman) II, L.P., (ii) their affiliated co-investment partnerships, (iii) any affiliate of the foregoing, and (iv) any partner or employee of (x) any of the foregoing or (y) any management company managing any of the foregoing.

(b) “ Corporate Status ” describes the status of a person who is serving or has served (i) as a director or officer of the Company, (ii) as a Company employee in a fiduciary capacity with respect to an employee benefit plan of the Company or (iii) as a director or officer of any other Entity at the request of the Company. For purposes of subsection (iii) of this Section l(b) , a director or officer of the Company who is serving or has served as a director or officer of a Subsidiary shall be deemed to be serving as the request of the Company.

(c) “ Disinterested Director ” means a director of the Company who (i) is not and was not a party to the Proceeding in respect of which indemnification is sought by the Indemnitee and (ii) is determined to be “disinterested” under applicable Delaware state law.

(d) “ Entity ” shall mean any corporation, partnership (general or limited), limited liability company, joint venture, trust, employee benefit plan, company, foundation, association, organization or other legal entity, other than the Company.

(e) “ Expenses ” shall be construed broadly to mean all direct and indirect fees of any type or nature whatsoever, costs and expenses incurred in connection with any Proceeding, including, without limitation, all attorneys’ fees and costs, disbursements and retainers (including, without limitation, any fees, disbursements and retainers incurred by

 

-2-


Indemnitee pursuant to Section 10 of this Agreement), fees and disbursements of experts, witnesses, private investigators and professional advisors (including, without limitation, accountants and investment bankers), court costs, filing fees, transcript costs, fees of experts, travel expenses, duplicating, imaging, printing and binding costs, telephone and fax transmission charges, computer legal research costs, postage, delivery service fees, secretarial services, fees and expenses of third party vendors; the premium, security for, and other costs associated with any bond (including supersedeas or appeal bonds, injunction bonds, cost bonds, appraisal bonds or their equivalents), in each case incurred in connection with prosecuting, defending, preparing to prosecute or defend, investigating, being or preparing to be a witness in, or otherwise participating in, a Proceeding (including, without limitation, any judicial or arbitration Proceeding brought to enforce the Indemnitee’s rights under, or to recover damages for breach of, this Agreement), as well as all other “expenses” within the meaning of that term as used in Section 145 of the DGCL and all other disbursements or expenses of types customarily and reasonably incurred in connection with prosecuting, defending, preparing to prosecute or defend, investigating, being or preparing to be a witness in, or otherwise participating in, actions, suits, or proceedings similar to or of the same type as the Proceeding with respect to which such disbursements or expenses were incurred. Expenses also shall include Expenses incurred in connection with any appeal resulting from any Proceeding.

(f) “ Indemnifiable Expenses ,” “ Indemnifiable Liabilities ” and “ Indemnifiable Amounts ” shall have the meanings ascribed to those terms in Section 3(a) below.

(g) “ Independent Counsel ” means a law firm, or a person admitted to practice law in any State of the United States, that is experienced in matters of corporation law and neither presently is, nor in the past three (3) years has been, retained to represent: (i) the Company or the Indemnitee in any matter material to either such party (other than with respect to matters concerning the Indemnitee under this Agreement, or of other indemnities under similar indemnification agreements), or (ii) any other party to the Proceeding giving rise to a claim for indemnification hereunder. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the term “Independent Counsel” shall not include any law firm or person who, under the applicable standards of professional conduct then prevailing, would have a conflict of interest in representing either the Company or the Indemnitee in an action to determine the Indemnitee’s rights under this Agreement.

(h) “ Liabilities ” shall be broadly construed to mean, without limitation, all judgments, damages, liabilities, losses, penalties, taxes, fines and amounts paid in settlement, in each case, of any type whatsoever, in connection with a Proceeding. References herein to “fines” shall include any excise tax assessed with respect to any employee benefit plan.

(i) “ Proceeding ” shall be construed broadly to mean, without limitation, any threatened, pending or completed claim, government, regulatory and self-regulatory action, suit, arbitration, mediation, alternate dispute resolution process, investigation (including any internal investigation), inquiry, administrative hearing, appeal, or any other actual, threatened or completed proceeding, whether brought in the right of the

 

-3-


Company or otherwise and whether of a civil (including intentional or unintentional tort claims), criminal, administrative, arbitrative or investigative nature, whether formal or informal, including a proceeding initiated by Indemnitee pursuant to Section 10 of this Agreement to enforce Indemnitee’s rights hereunder.

(j) “ Subsidiary ” shall mean any Entity (1) of which the Company owns (either directly or indirectly) either (i) a general partner, managing member or other similar interest or (ii) (A) 50% or more of the voting power of the voting capital equity interests of such Entity, or (B) 50% or more of the outstanding voting capital stock or other voting equity interests of such Entity or (2) as to which the Company otherwise has the power to generally direct the management thereof.

(k) References herein to a director of any other Entity shall include, in the case of any Entity that is not managed by a board of directors, such other position, such as manager or trustee or member of the governing body of such Entity, that entails responsibility for the management and direction of such Entity’s affairs, including, without limitation, the general partner of any partnership (general or limited) and the manager or managing member of any limited liability company.

2. Services by Indemnitee. In consideration of the Company’s covenants and commitments hereunder, Indemnitee agrees to serve or continue to serve as either a director on the board of directors of the Company or as officer, as applicable, so long as the Indemnitee is duly elected or appointed and until such time as the Indemnitee is removed, terminated, or tenders a resignation.

3. Agreement to Indemnify. The Company agrees to indemnify Indemnitee to the fullest extent permitted, and in the manner permitted, by applicable law as in effect as of the date hereof or as such laws may, from time to time, be amended (but only if amended in a way that broadens the right to indemnification and advancement of expenses) as follows:

(a) Indemnification for Third Party Proceedings . Subject to the exceptions contained in Section 4(a) and Section 6 below, if Indemnitee was or is a party or was or is otherwise involved in or was or is threatened to be made a party or is otherwise involved in any capacity to any Proceeding (other than an action by or in the right of the Company) by reason of Indemnitee’s Corporate Status, Indemnitee shall be indemnified by the Company to the fullest extent permitted by the DGCL, as the same may be amended from time to time, against all Expenses and Liabilities actually and reasonably incurred or paid by Indemnitee or on Indemnitee’s behalf in connection with such a Proceeding (referred to herein as “ Indemnifiable Expenses ” and “ Indemnifiable Liabilities ,” respectively, and collectively as “ Indemnifiable Amounts ”). In addition, the Indemnitee’s Corporate Status may allow for indemnification under certain agreements containing indemnity provisions with another Entity or protections under the organization documents of such other Entity. In those instances, the Company is still wholly liable for making any indemnification payments for all Indemnifiable Amounts notwithstanding the payment obligation of such amounts by a third party to the Indemnitee.

 

-4-


(b) Indemnification in Derivative Actions and Direct Actions by the Company . Subject to the exceptions contained in Section 4(b) and Section 6 below, if Indemnitee was or is a party or was or is otherwise involved in or was or is threatened to be made a party to or was or is otherwise involved in any capacity in any Proceeding by or in the right of the Company to procure a judgment in its favor by reason of Indemnitee’s Corporate Status, Indemnitee shall be indemnified by the Company against all Indemnifiable Expenses. In addition, the Indemnitee’s Corporate Status may allow for indemnification under certain agreements containing indemnity provisions with another Entity or protections under the organization documents of such other Entity. In those instances, the Company is still wholly liable for making any indemnification payments for all Indemnifiable Expenses notwithstanding the payment obligation of such amounts by a third party to the Indemnitee.

(c) In the event that any Permitted Investor pays, forwards or otherwise satisfies any Indemnifiable Amounts to an Indemnitee, such amounts shall be promptly reimbursed by the Company to such payor to the extent that such Indemnifiable Amounts were required to be paid by the Company to the Indemnitee pursuant to the terms of the Agreement. Further, for the avoidance of doubt and notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, the Company hereby acknowledges that the Indemnitee may have certain rights to indemnification, advancement of expenses and/or insurance provided by a Permitted Investor separate from the indemnification obligations of the Company under this Agreement or otherwise. The Company hereby agrees (i) that it is the indemnitor of first resort and that its obligations to the Indemnitee under this Agreement (or any other indemnity provided by the Company) are primary and any obligation of any Permitted Investor to advance expenses or to provide indemnification for the same expenses or liabilities incurred by the Indemnitee are secondary, (ii) that the Company shall be required to advance the full amount of expenses incurred by the Indemnitee and shall be liable for the full amount of all expenses, judgments, penalties, fines and amounts paid in settlement to the extent legally permitted and as required by this Agreement (or any other indemnity provided by the Company), without regard to any rights the Indemnitee may have against any Permitted Investor, and (iii) that the Company irrevocably waives, relinquishes and releases the Permitted Investor from any and all claims against the Permitted Investor for contribution, subrogation or any other recovery of any kind in respect thereof. The Company further agrees that no advancement or payment by any Permitted Investor on behalf of the Indemnitee with respect to any claim for which the Indemnitee has sought indemnification from the Company pursuant to this Agreement (or any other indemnity provided by the Company) shall affect the foregoing and the Permitted Investor shall have a right of contribution and/or be subrogated to the extent of such advancement or payment to all of the rights of recovery of the Indemnitee against the Company.

4. Exceptions to Indemnification. Indemnitee shall be entitled to indemnification under Section 3(a) and Section 3(b) above in all circumstances other than the following:

(a) Exceptions to Indemnification for Third Party Proceedings . If indemnification is requested under Section 3(a) and there has been a final non-appealable judgment by a court of competent jurisdiction that, in connection with the subject of the Proceeding out of which the claim for indemnification has arisen, Indemnitee failed to act (i) in good faith and (ii) in a manner Indemnitee reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the Company, or, with respect to any criminal action or proceeding, Indemnitee had reasonable cause to believe that Indemnitee’s conduct was unlawful, Indemnitee shall not be entitled to payment of Indemnifiable Amounts hereunder.

(b) Exceptions to Indemnification in Derivative Actions and Direct Actions by the Company . If indemnification is requested under Section 3(b) and

 

-5-


(i) there has been a final non-appealable judgment by a court of competent jurisdiction that, in connection with the subject of the Proceeding out of which the claim for indemnification has arisen, Indemnitee failed to act (A) in good faith and (B) in a manner Indemnitee reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the Company, Indemnitee shall not be entitled to payment of Indemnifiable Expenses hereunder; or

(ii) there has been a final non-appealable judgment by a court of competent jurisdiction that Indemnitee is liable to the Company with respect to any claim, issue or matter involved in the Proceeding out of which the claim for indemnification has arisen,

then no Indemnifiable Expenses shall be paid with respect to such claim, issue or matter unless the court of competent jurisdiction in which such Proceeding was brought shall determine upon application that, despite the adjudication of liability, but in view of all the circumstances of the case, Indemnitee is fairly and reasonably entitled to indemnity for such Indemnifiable Expenses which such court shall deem proper.

(c) For purposes of this Agreement, if the Indemnitee has acted in good faith and in a manner such the Indemnitee reasonably believed to be in the interest of the participants and beneficiaries of an employee benefit plan, the Indemnitee shall be deemed to have acted in a manner not opposed to the best interests of the Company.

5. Procedure for Payment of Indemnifiable Amounts.

(a) Subject to Section 9 , Indemnitee shall submit to the Company a written request specifying in reasonable detail the Indemnifiable Amounts for which Indemnitee seeks payment under Section 3 , Section 6 , or Section 7 of this Agreement and a short description of the basis for the claim. The Company shall pay such Indemnifiable Amounts to Indemnitee within sixty (60) calendar days of receipt of the request. At the request of the Company, Indemnitee shall furnish such documentation and information as are reasonably available to Indemnitee and necessary to establish that Indemnitee is entitled to indemnification hereunder.

(b) Upon written request by the Indemnitee for indemnification pursuant to the first sentence of Section 5(a) hereof, if required by applicable law and to the extent not otherwise provided pursuant to the terms of this Agreement, a determination with respect to the Indemnitee’s entitlement to indemnification shall be made in the specific case as follows: (i) if a Change in Control shall have occurred and if so requested in writing by the Indemnitee, by Independent Counsel in a written opinion to the Board of Directors; or (ii) if a Change in Control shall not have occurred (or if a Change in Control shall have occurred but the Indemnitee shall not have requested that indemnification be determined by Independent Counsel as provided in subpart (i) of this Section 5(b) ), (A) by a majority vote of the Disinterested Directors, even though less than a quorum of the Board of Directors, or (B) by a committee of Disinterested Directors designated by majority vote of the Disinterested Directors, even though less than a quorum of the Board of Directors, (C) if there are no such Disinterested Directors or, if such Disinterested Directors so direct, by Independent Counsel in a written opinion to the Board of Directors, or (D) by the Company’s stockholders in accordance with applicable law. Notice in

 

-6-


writing of any determination as to the Indemnitee’s entitlement to indemnification shall be delivered to the Indemnitee promptly after such determination is made, and if such determination of entitlement to indemnification has been made by Independent Counsel in a written opinion to the Board of Directors, then such notice shall be accompanied by a copy of such written opinion. If it is determined that the Indemnitee is entitled to indemnification, then payment to the Indemnitee of all amounts to which the Indemnitee is determined to be entitled (other than sums that were already advanced) shall be made within sixty (60) calendar days after such determination. If it is determined that the Indemnitee is not entitled to indemnification, then the written notice to the Indemnitee (or, if such determination has been made by Independent Counsel in a written opinion, the copy of such written opinion delivered to the Indemnitee) shall disclose the basis upon which such determination is based. The Indemnitee shall cooperate with the person, persons, or entity making the determination with respect to the Indemnitee’s entitlement to indemnification, including providing to such person, persons, or entity upon reasonable advance request any documentation or information that is not privileged or otherwise protected from disclosure and that is reasonably available to the Indemnitee and reasonably necessary to determine whether and to what extent the Indemnitee is entitled to indemnification.

(c) If the determination of entitlement to indemnification is to be made by Independent Counsel pursuant to Section 5(b) hereof, the Independent Counsel shall be selected as provided in this Section 5(c) . If a Change in Control shall not have occurred (or if a Change in Control shall have occurred but the Indemnitee shall not have requested that indemnification be determined by Independent Counsel as provided in subpart (i) of Section 5(b) ), then the Independent Counsel shall be selected by the Board of Directors, and the Company shall give written notice to the Indemnitee advising the Indemnitee of the identity of the Independent Counsel so selected. If a Change in Control shall have occurred and the Indemnitee shall have requested that indemnification be determined by Independent Counsel, then the Independent Counsel shall be selected by the Indemnitee (unless the Indemnitee shall request that such selection be made by the Board of Directors, in which event the preceding sentence shall apply), and the Indemnitee shall give written notice to the Company advising it of the identity of the Independent Counsel so selected. In either event, the Indemnitee or the Company, as the case may be, may, within thirty (30) calendar days after such written notice of selection has been given, deliver to the Company or to the Indemnitee, as the case may be, a written objection to such selection; provided, however, that such objection may be asserted only on the ground that the law firm or person so selected does not meet the requirements of “Independent Counsel” as defined in Section 1 of this Agreement, and the objection shall set forth the basis of such assertion. Absent a proper and timely objection, the person so selected shall act as Independent Counsel. If such written objection is so made and substantiated, the law firm or person so selected may not serve as Independent Counsel unless and until such objection is withdrawn or the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware or another court of competent jurisdiction in the State of Delaware has determined that such objection is without merit. If the determination of entitlement to indemnification is to be made by Independent Counsel pursuant to Section 5(b) hereof and, following the expiration of sixty (60) calendar days after submission by the Indemnitee of a written request for indemnification pursuant to Section 5(a) hereof, Independent Counsel shall not have been selected, or an objection thereto has been made and not withdrawn, then either the Company or the Indemnitee may petition the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware or other court of competent jurisdiction in the State of Delaware for resolution of any objection that shall have been made by the Company or the Indemnitee to the other’s selection of

 

-7-


Independent Counsel and/or for appointment as Independent Counsel of a law firm or person selected by such court (or selected by such person as the court shall designate), and the law firm or person with respect to whom all objections are so resolved or the law firm or person so appointed shall act as Independent Counsel under Section 5(b) hereof. Upon the due commencement of any Proceeding pursuant to Section 11(e) of this Agreement, Independent Counsel shall be discharged and relieved of any further responsibility in such capacity (subject to the applicable standards of professional conduct then prevailing). If the determination of entitlement to indemnification is to be made by Independent Counsel pursuant to Section 5(b) hereof, then the Company agrees to pay the reasonable fees and expenses of such Independent Counsel and to fully indemnify and hold harmless such Independent Counsel against any and all expenses, claims, liabilities, and damages arising out of or relating to this Agreement or its engagement pursuant hereto.

6. Indemnification for Expenses if Indemnitee is Wholly or Partly Successful. Notwithstanding anything contained in this Agreement to the contrary, to the extent that Indemnitee is or was, or is or was threatened to be made, by reason of Indemnitee’s Corporate Status, a party to and is successful, on the merits or otherwise, in defending any Proceeding, Indemnitee shall be indemnified against all Indemnifiable Expenses incurred by Indemnitee or on Indemnitee’s behalf in connection with the defense of such Proceeding. If Indemnitee is not wholly successful in such Proceeding but is successful on the merits or otherwise as to one or more but less than all claims, issues or matters in such Proceeding, the Company shall indemnify Indemnitee for the portion thereof to which Indemnitee is entitled. If the Indemnitee is not wholly successful in such Proceeding, the Company also shall indemnify, hold harmless and exonerate Indemnitee against all Expenses reasonably incurred in connection with a claim, issue or matter related to any claim, issue, or matter on which the Indemnitee was successful. For purposes of this Agreement, the termination of any claim, issue or matter in such a Proceeding by dismissal, with or without prejudice, shall be deemed to be a successful result as to such claim, issue or matter. Notwithstanding any of the foregoing, nothing herein shall be construed to limit an Indemnitee’s right to indemnification which he or she would otherwise be entitled to pursuant to Section 3 and Section 4 hereof, regardless of the Indemnitee’s success in a Proceeding.

7. Indemnification for Expenses as a Witness. Anything in this Agreement to the contrary notwithstanding, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, to the extent that the Indemnitee, by reason of the Indemnitee’s Corporate Status, is or was, or is or was threatened to be made, a witness in any Proceeding to which the Indemnitee is not a party, the Indemnitee shall be indemnified against all Indemnifiable Expenses incurred by the Indemnitee or on the Indemnitee’s behalf in connection therewith. To the extent permitted by applicable law, the Indemnitee shall be entitled to indemnification for Expenses incurred in connection with being or threatened to be made a witness, as provided in this Section 7 , regardless of whether the Indemnitee met the standards of conduct set forth in Sections 4(a) and 4(b) hereof.

8. Agreement to Advance Expenses; Conditions. The Company shall pay to Indemnitee all Indemnifiable Expenses incurred by or on behalf of Indemnitee in connection with any Proceeding to which Indemnitee was or is a party or was or is otherwise involved or was or is threatened to be made a party to or was or is otherwise involved in any capacity in any Proceeding by reason of Indemnitee’s Corporate Status, including a Proceeding by or in the right

 

-8-


of the Company, in advance of the final disposition of such Proceeding. Indemnitee hereby undertakes to repay the amount of Indemnifiable Expenses paid to Indemnitee if it shall ultimately be determined by final judicial decision of a court of competent jurisdiction, from which decision there is no further right to appeal, that Indemnitee is not entitled under this Agreement to, or is prohibited by applicable law from, indemnification with respect to such Indemnifiable Expenses. Any advances and undertakings to repay pursuant to this Section 8 shall be unsecured and interest free. The Indemnitee shall be entitled to advancement of Indemnifiable Expenses as provided in this Section 8 regardless of any determination by or on behalf of the Company that the Indemnitee has not met the standards of conduct set forth in Sections 4(a) and 4(b) hereof.

9. Procedure for Advance Payment of Expenses. Indemnitee shall submit to the Company a written request specifying in reasonable detail the Indemnifiable Expenses for which Indemnitee seeks an advancement under Section 8 of this Agreement, together with documentation reasonably evidencing that Indemnitee has incurred such Indemnifiable Expenses. Payment of Indemnifiable Expenses under Section 8 shall be made no later than sixty (60) calendar days after the Company’s receipt of such request.

10. Burden of Proof; Defenses; and Presumptions.

(a) In any Proceeding pursuant to Section 11 hereof brought by the Indemnitee to enforce rights to indemnification or to an advancement of Indemnifiable Expenses hereunder, or in any Proceeding brought by the Company to recover an advancement of Indemnifiable Expenses (whether pursuant to the terms of an undertaking or otherwise), the burden shall be on the Company to prove that the Indemnitee is not entitled to be indemnified, or to such an advancement of Indemnifiable Expenses, as the case may be.

(b) It shall be a defense in any Proceeding pursuant to Section 11 hereof to enforce rights to indemnification under Section 3(a) or Section 3(b) hereof (but not in any Proceeding pursuant to Section 11 hereof to enforce a right to an advancement of Indemnifiable Expenses under Sections 8 and 9 hereof) that the Indemnitee has not met the standards of conduct set forth in Section 4(a) or Section 4(b) , as the case may be, but the burden of proving such defense shall be on the Company. With respect to any Proceeding pursuant to Section 11 hereof brought by the Indemnitee to enforce a right to indemnification hereunder, or any Proceeding brought by the Company to recover an advancement of Indemnifiable Expenses (whether pursuant to the terms of an undertaking or otherwise), neither (i) the failure of the Company (including by its directors or independent legal counsel) to have made a determination prior to the commencement of such Proceeding that indemnification is proper in the circumstances because the Indemnitee has met the applicable standards of conduct, nor (ii) an actual determination by the Company (including by its directors or independent legal counsel) that the Indemnitee has not met such applicable standards of conduct, shall create a presumption that the Indemnitee has not met the applicable standards of conduct or, in the case of a Proceeding pursuant to Section 11 hereof brought by the Indemnitee seeking to enforce a right to indemnification, be a defense to such Proceeding.

(c) The termination of any Proceeding by judgment, order, settlement, conviction, or upon a plea of nolo contendre or its equivalent, shall not, in and of itself,

 

-9-


adversely affect the right of the Indemnitee to indemnification hereunder or create a presumption that the Indemnitee did not act in good faith and in a manner the Indemnitee reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the Company, and, with respect to any criminal Proceeding, shall not create a presumption that the Indemnitee had reasonable cause to believe that his or her conduct was unlawful.

(d) For purposes of any determination of good faith, Indemnitee shall be deemed to have acted in good faith if Indemnitee’s action is reasonably based on the records or books of account of the Company or other Entity, including financial statements, or on information supplied to Indemnitee by the officers of the Company or other Entity in the course of their duties, or on the advice of legal counsel for the Company or other Entity or on information or records given or reports made to the Company or other Entity by an independent certified public accountant or by an appraiser or other expert selected by the Company or other Entity. The provisions of this Section 10(d) shall not be deemed to be exclusive or to limit in any way the other circumstances in which the Indemnitee may be deemed or found to have met the applicable standard of conduct set forth in this Agreement.

(e) The knowledge and/or actions, or failure to act, of any other director, officer, agent, or employee of the Company or of an other Entity shall not be imputed to the Indemnitee for purposes of determining the Indemnitee’s right to indemnification or advancement of Indemnifiable Expenses under this Agreement.

11. Remedies of Indemnitees.

(a) Right to Petition Court . In the event that Indemnitee makes a request for payment of Indemnifiable Amounts under Section 3 or Section 5 herein or a request for an advancement of Indemnifiable Expenses under Section 8 or Section 9 herein and the Company fails to make such payment or advancement in a timely manner pursuant to the terms of this Agreement, Indemnitee may petition a court to enforce the Company’s obligations under this Agreement.

(b) Expenses . The Company agrees to reimburse Indemnitee in full for any Expenses actually and reasonably incurred by Indemnitee in connection with investigating, preparing for, litigating, defending or settling any action brought by Indemnitee under Section 11(a) above; provided , however , that to the extent Indemnitee is unsuccessful on the merits in such action then the Company shall have no obligation to reimburse Indemnitee under this Section 11(b) .

(c) Validity of Agreement . The Company shall be precluded from asserting in any Proceeding, including, without limitation, an action under Section 11(a) above, that the provisions of this Agreement are not valid, binding and enforceable or that there is insufficient consideration for this Agreement and shall stipulate in court that the Company is bound by all the provisions of this Agreement.

(d) Failure to Act Not a Defense . The failure of the Company (including its Board of Directors or any committee thereof, independent legal counsel, or stockholders) to make a determination concerning the permissibility of the payment of Indemnifiable

 

-10-


Amounts or the advancement of Indemnifiable Expenses under this Agreement shall not be a defense in any action brought under Section 10(a) above, and shall not create a presumption that such payment or advancement is not permissible

(e) Entitlement to Indemnification; Independent Counsel . In the event that (i) a determination is made pursuant to Section 5 of this Agreement that the Indemnitee is not entitled to indemnification under this Agreement, (ii) if the determination of entitlement to indemnification is not to be made by Independent Counsel pursuant to Section 5(b) hereof, no determination of entitlement to indemnification shall have been made pursuant to Section 5(b) of this Agreement within sixty (60) calendar days after receipt by the Company of the Indemnitee’s written request for indemnification, (iii) if the determination of entitlement to indemnification is to be made by Independent Counsel pursuant to Section 5(b) hereof, no determination of entitlement to indemnification shall have been made pursuant to Section 5(b) hereof within eighty (80) calendar days after receipt by the Company of the Indemnitee’s written request for indemnification, unless an objection to the selection of such Independent Counsel has been made and substantiated and not withdrawn, in which case the applicable time period shall be seventy (70) calendar days after the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware or another court of competent jurisdiction in the State of Delaware (or such person appointed by such court to make such determination) has determined or appointed the person to act as Independent Counsel pursuant to Section 5(b) hereof, (iv) payment of indemnification is not made pursuant to Section 6 or Section 7 of this Agreement within twenty (20) calendar days after receipt by the Company of a written request therefor, or (v) payment of indemnification pursuant to Section 6 or Section 7 of this Agreement is not made within sixty (60) calendar days after a determination has been made pursuant to Section 5(b) that the Indemnitee is entitled to indemnification, then the Indemnitee shall be entitled to seek an adjudication by the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware of the Indemnitee’s entitlement to such indemnification or advancement of Indemnifiable Expenses.

(f) Not Prejudiced by Adverse Determination . In the event that a determination shall have been made pursuant to Section 5(b) of this Agreement that the Indemnitee is not entitled to indemnification, any Proceeding commenced pursuant to this Section 7 shall be conducted in all respects as a de novo trial, or arbitration, on the merits and the Indemnitee shall not be prejudiced by reason of that adverse determination.

12. Notice by Indemnitee. Indemnitee agrees to notify the Company promptly upon being served with any summons, citation, subpoena, complaint, indictment, information, or other document relating to any Proceeding which could reasonably be expected to result in the payment of Indemnifiable Amounts or the advancement of Indemnifiable Expenses hereunder; provided , however , that the failure to give any such notice shall not disqualify Indemnitee from the right to receive payments of Indemnifiable Amounts or advancements of Indemnifiable Expenses.

13. Representations and Warranties of the Company. The Company hereby represents and warrants to Indemnitee as follows:

 

-11-


(a) Authority . The Company has all necessary power and authority to enter into, and be bound by the terms of, this Agreement, and the execution, delivery and performance of the undertakings contemplated by this Agreement have been duly authorized by the Company.

(b) Enforceability . This Agreement, when executed and delivered by the Company in accordance with the provisions hereof, shall be a legal, valid and binding obligation of the Company, enforceable against the Company in accordance with its terms, except as such enforceability may be limited by equitable principles and applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, moratorium, reorganization or similar laws affecting the enforcement of creditors’ rights generally.

(c) No Conflicts . This Agreement, when executed and delivered by the Company in accordance with the provisions hereof, does not, and the Company’s performance of its obligations under the Agreement will not violate the Company’s certificate or articles of incorporation, bylaws, other agreements to which the Company is a party to or applicable law.

(d) Insurance . The Company shall use its best efforts to cause Indemnitee, at the Company’s expense, to be covered by such insurance policies or policies providing liability insurance for directors or officers of the Company or of any Subsidiary, if any, in accordance with its or their terms to the same extent as provided to any then-current director or officer of the Company or any Subsidiary under such policy or policies.

14. Contract Rights Not Exclusive; Subrogation. The rights to payment of Indemnifiable Amounts and advancement of Indemnifiable Expenses provided by this Agreement shall be in addition to, but not exclusive of, any other rights which Indemnitee may have at any time under applicable law, the Company’s bylaws or certificate of incorporation, or any other agreement, vote of stockholders or directors (or a committee of directors), or otherwise, both as to action in Indemnitee’s official capacity and as to action in any other capacity as a result of Indemnitee’s serving in a Corporate Status. No right or remedy herein conferred is intended to be exclusive of any other right or remedy, and every other right and remedy shall be cumulative and in addition to every other right and remedy, given hereunder or now or hereafter existing at law or in equity or otherwise. In the event of any change after the date of this Agreement in any applicable law, statute, or rule that expands the power of a Delaware corporation to indemnify a member of its board of directors or an officer, employee, agent, or fiduciary, it is the intent of the parties hereto that Indemnitee shall enjoy by this Agreement the greatest benefits afforded by such change. The assertion or employment of any right or remedy hereunder, or otherwise, shall not prevent the concurrent assertion or employment of any other right or remedy. Subject to the provisions of Section 3(c), in the event of any payment to or on behalf of the Indemnitee under this Agreement, the Company shall be subrogated to the extent of such payment to all of the rights of recovery of the Indemnitee, who shall execute all papers required and take all action necessary to secure such rights, including execution of such documents as are necessary to enable the Company to bring suit to enforce such rights.

15. Successors. This Agreement shall be (a) binding upon all successors and assigns of the Company (including any transferee of all or a substantial portion of the business, stock

 

-12-


and/or assets of the Company and any direct or indirect successor by merger or consolidation or otherwise by operation of law) and (b) binding on and shall inure to the benefit of the heirs, personal representatives, executors and administrators of Indemnitee. This Agreement shall continue for the benefit of Indemnitee and such heirs, personal representatives, executors and administrators after Indemnitee has ceased to have Corporate Status.

16. Change in Law. To the extent that a change in Delaware law (whether by statute or judicial decision) shall permit broader indemnification or advancement of expenses than is provided under the terms of the bylaws of the Company and this Agreement, Indemnitee shall be entitled to such broader indemnification and advancements, and this Agreement shall be deemed to be amended to such extent, but only to the extent such amendment permits Indemnitee to broader indemnification and advancement rights other than Delaware law permitted prior to the adoption of such amendment.

17. Severability. Whenever possible, each provision of this Agreement shall be interpreted in such a manner as to be effective and valid under applicable law, but if any provision of this Agreement, or any clause thereof, shall be determined by a court of competent jurisdiction to be illegal, invalid or unenforceable, in whole or in part, such provision or clause shall be limited or modified in its application to the minimum extent necessary to make such provision or clause valid, legal and enforceable, and the remaining provisions and clauses of this Agreement shall remain fully enforceable and binding on the parties.

18. Modifications and Waiver. Except as provided in Section 16 above with respect to changes in Delaware law which broaden the right of Indemnitee to be indemnified by the Company, no supplement, modification or amendment of this Agreement shall be binding unless executed in writing by each of the parties hereto. No waiver of any of the provisions of this Agreement shall be deemed or shall constitute a waiver of any other provisions of this Agreement (whether or not similar), nor shall such waiver constitute a continuing waiver.

19. General Notices. All notices, requests, demands and other communications hereunder shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been duly given (a) when delivered by hand, (b) when transmitted by facsimile and receipt is acknowledged, or (c) if mailed by certified or registered mail with postage prepaid, on the third business day after the date on which it is so mailed

 

  (i) If to Indemnitee, to:

[              ]

 

  (ii) If to the Company, to:

c/o Francesca’s Collections, Inc.

3480 W. 12 th Street

Houston, Texas 77008

Facsimile: [              ]

 

-13-


or to such other address as may have been furnished in the same manner by any party to the others.

20. Governing Law. This Agreement shall be exclusively governed by and construed and enforced under the laws of the State of Delaware without giving effect to the provisions thereof relating to conflicts of law of such state.

21. Consent to Jurisdiction.

(a) Each of the Company and the Indemnitee hereby irrevocably and unconditionally (i) agrees and consents to the jurisdiction of the courts of the State of Delaware for all purposes in connection with any action, suit, or proceeding that arises out of or relates to this Agreement and agrees that any such action instituted under this Agreement shall be brought only in the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware (or in any other state court of the State of Delaware if the Court of Chancery does not have subject matter jurisdiction over such action), and not in any other state or federal court in the United States of America or any court or tribunal in any other country; (ii) consents to submit to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of the State of Delaware for purposes of any action or proceeding arising out of or in connection with this Agreement; (iii) waives any objection to the laying of venue of any such action or proceeding in the courts of the State of Delaware; and (iv) waives, and agrees not to plead or to make, any claim that any such action or proceeding brought in the courts of the State of Delaware has been brought in an improper or otherwise inconvenient forum.

(b) Each of the Company and the Indemnitee hereby consents to service of any summons and complaint and any other process that may be served in any action, suit, or proceeding arising out of or relating to this Agreement in any court of the State of Delaware by mailing by certified or registered mail, with postage prepaid, copies of such process to such party at its address for receiving notice pursuant to Section 20 hereof. Nothing herein shall preclude service of process by any other means permitted by applicable law.

22. Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in one or more counterparts, each of which shall for all purposes be deemed to be an original but all of which together shall constitute but one and the same Agreement. Only one such counterpart need be produced to evidence the existence of this Agreement.

23. Headings. The headings of the sections of this Agreement are inserted for convenience only and shall not be deemed to constitute part of this Agreement or to affect the construction hereof.

24. Entire Agreement. This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersedes all prior and contemporaneous agreements, understandings and negotiations, written and oral, between the parties with respect to the subject matter of this Agreement, provided, however, that this Agreement is supplement to and in furtherance of the Company’s certificate of incorporation, bylaws, the DGCL and any other applicable law, and shall not be deemed a substitute therefor, and does not diminish or abrogate any rights of Indemnitee thereunder.

 

-14-


[END OF TEXT]

 

-15-


IN WITNESS WHEREOF , the parties hereto have executed this Agreement as of the day and year first above written.

 

COMPANY:

 

FRANCESCA’S HOLDINGS CORPORATION

By:    
  Name:
  Title
INDEMNITEE:
By:    
  Name: [                              ]

Signature page to the Director and Officer Indemnification Agreement

 

-16-

Exhibit 10.13

Francesca’s Holdings Corporation

2011 EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN

1. PURPOSE OF PLAN

The purpose of this Francesca’s Holdings Corporation 2011 Equity Incentive Plan (this “ Plan ”) of Francesca’s Holdings Corporation, a Delaware corporation (the “ Corporation ”), is to promote the success of the Corporation and to increase stockholder value by providing an additional means through the grant of awards to attract, motivate, retain and reward selected employees and other eligible persons.

2. ELIGIBILITY

The Administrator (as such term is defined in Section 3.1) may grant awards under this Plan only to those persons that the Administrator determines to be Eligible Persons. An Eligible Person is any person who is either: (a) an officer (whether or not a director) or employee of the Corporation or one of its Subsidiaries; (b) a director of the Corporation or one of its Subsidiaries; or (c) an individual consultant or advisor who renders or has rendered bona fide services (other than services in connection with the offering or sale of securities of the Corporation or one of its Subsidiaries in a capital-raising transaction or as a market maker or promoter of securities of the Corporation or one of its Subsidiaries) to the Corporation or one of its Subsidiaries and who is selected to participate in this Plan by the Administrator; provided, however, that a person who is otherwise an Eligible Person under clause (c) above may participate in this Plan only if such participation would not adversely affect either the Corporation’s eligibility to use Form S-8 to register under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the Securities Act ), the offering and sale of shares issuable under this Plan by the Corporation or the Corporation’s compliance with any other applicable laws. An Eligible Person who has been granted an award (a participant ) may, if otherwise eligible, be granted additional awards if the Administrator shall so determine. As used herein, Subsidiary means any corporation or other entity a majority of whose outstanding voting stock or voting power is beneficially owned directly or indirectly by the Corporation; and Board means the Board of Directors of the Corporation.

3. PLAN ADMINISTRATION

 

  3.1

The Administrator . This Plan shall be administered by and all awards under this Plan shall be authorized by the Administrator. The Administrator means the Board or one or more committees appointed by the Board or another committee (within its delegated authority) to administer all or certain aspects of this Plan. Any such committee shall be comprised solely of one or more directors or such number of directors as may be required under applicable law. A committee may delegate some or all of its authority to another committee so constituted. The Board or a committee comprised solely of directors may also delegate, to the extent permitted by Section 157(c) of the Delaware General Corporation Law and any other applicable law, to one or more officers of the Corporation, its powers under this Plan (a) to designate the officers and employees of the Corporation and its Subsidiaries who will receive grants of awards under this Plan, and (b) to determine the number of shares subject to, and the other terms and conditions of,


  such awards. The Board may delegate different levels of authority to different committees with administrative and grant authority under this Plan. Unless otherwise provided in the Bylaws of the Corporation or the applicable charter of any Administrator: (a) a majority of the members of the acting Administrator shall constitute a quorum, and (b) the vote of a majority of the members present assuming the presence of a quorum or the unanimous written consent of the members of the Administrator shall constitute action by the acting Administrator.

With respect to awards intended to satisfy the requirements for performance-based compensation under Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “ Code ”), this Plan shall be administered by a committee consisting solely of two or more outside directors (as this requirement is applied under Section 162(m) of the Code); provided , however , that the failure to satisfy such requirement shall not affect the validity of the action of any committee otherwise duly authorized and acting in the matter. Award grants, and transactions in or involving awards, intended to be exempt under Rule 16b-3 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “ Exchange Act ”), must be duly and timely authorized by the Board or a committee consisting solely of two or more non-employee directors (as this requirement is applied under Rule 16b-3 promulgated under the Exchange Act). To the extent required by any applicable listing agency, this Plan shall be administered by a committee composed entirely of independent directors (within the meaning of the applicable listing agency).

 

  3.2 Powers of the Administrator . Subject to the express provisions of this Plan, the Administrator is authorized and empowered to do all things necessary or desirable in connection with the authorization of awards and the administration of this Plan (in the case of a committee or delegation to one or more officers, within the authority delegated to that committee or person(s)), including, without limitation, the authority to:

 

  (a) determine eligibility and, from among those persons determined to be eligible, the particular Eligible Persons who will receive an award under this Plan;

 

  (b) grant awards to Eligible Persons, determine the price at which securities will be offered or awarded and the number of securities to be offered or awarded to any of such persons, determine the other specific terms and conditions of such awards consistent with the express limits of this Plan, establish the installments (if any) in which such awards shall become exercisable or shall vest (which may include, without limitation, performance and/or time-based schedules), or determine that no delayed exercisability or vesting is required, establish any applicable performance targets, and establish the events of termination or reversion of such awards;

 

  (c) approve the forms of award agreements (which need not be identical either as to type of award or among participants);

 

2


  (d) construe and interpret this Plan and any agreements defining the rights and obligations of the Corporation, its Subsidiaries, and participants under this Plan, further define the terms used in this Plan, and prescribe, amend and rescind rules and regulations relating to the administration of this Plan or the awards granted under this Plan;

 

  (e) cancel, modify, or waive the Corporation’s rights with respect to, or modify, discontinue, suspend, or terminate any or all outstanding awards, subject to any required consent under Section 8.6.5;

 

  (f) accelerate or extend the vesting or exercisability or extend the term of any or all such outstanding awards (in the case of options or stock appreciation rights, within the maximum ten-year term of such awards) in such circumstances as the Administrator may deem appropriate (including, without limitation, in connection with a termination of employment (including a termination of employment by reason of death or disability) or services or other events of a personal nature) subject to any required consent under Section 8.6.5;

 

  (g) adjust the number of shares of Common Stock subject to any award, adjust the price of any or all outstanding awards or otherwise change previously imposed terms and conditions, in such circumstances as the Administrator may deem appropriate, in each case subject to Sections 4 and 8.6 (and subject to the no repricing provision below);

 

  (h) determine the date of grant of an award, which may be a designated date after but not before the date of the Administrator’s action (unless otherwise designated by the Administrator, the date of grant of an award shall be the date upon which the Administrator took the action granting an award);

 

  (i) determine whether, and the extent to which, adjustments are required pursuant to Section 7 hereof and authorize the termination, conversion, substitution or succession of awards upon the occurrence of an event of the type described in Section 7;

 

  (j) acquire or settle (subject to Sections 7 and 8.6) rights under awards in cash, stock of equivalent value, or other consideration (subject to the no repricing provision below); and

 

  (k) determine the fair market value of the Common Stock or awards under this Plan from time to time and/or the manner in which such value will be determined.

Notwithstanding the foregoing and except for an adjustment pursuant to Section 7.1 or a repricing approved by stockholders, in no case may the Administrator (1) amend an outstanding stock option or SAR to reduce the exercise price or base price of the award, (2) cancel, exchange, or surrender an outstanding stock option or SAR in exchange for cash or other awards for the purpose of repricing the award, or (3) cancel, exchange, or surrender an outstanding stock option or SAR

 

3


in exchange for an option or SAR with an exercise or base price that is less than the exercise or base price of the original award.

 

  3.3 Binding Determinations . Any action taken by, or inaction of, the Corporation, any Subsidiary, or the Administrator relating or pursuant to this Plan and within its authority hereunder or under applicable law shall be within the absolute discretion of that entity or body and shall be binding, final and conclusive upon all persons. Neither the Board nor any Board committee, nor any member thereof or person acting at the direction thereof, shall be liable for any act, omission, interpretation, construction or determination made in good faith in connection with this Plan (or any award made under this Plan), and all such persons shall be entitled to indemnification and reimbursement by the Corporation in respect of any claim, loss, damage or expense (including, without limitation, attorneys’ fees) arising or resulting therefrom to the fullest extent permitted by law and/or under any directors and officers liability insurance coverage that may be in effect from time to time.

 

  3.4 Reliance on Experts . In making any determination or in taking or not taking any action under this Plan, the Administrator may obtain and may rely upon the advice of experts, including employees and professional advisors to the Corporation. No director, officer or agent of the Corporation or any of its Subsidiaries shall be liable for any such action or determination taken or made or omitted in good faith.

 

  3.5 Delegation . The Administrator may delegate ministerial, non-discretionary functions to individuals who are officers or employees of the Corporation or any of its Subsidiaries or to third parties.

4. SHARES OF COMMON STOCK SUBJECT TO THE PLAN; SHARE LIMITS

 

  4.1 Shares Available . Subject to the provisions of Section 7.1, the capital stock that may be delivered under this Plan shall be shares of the Corporation’s authorized but unissued Common Stock and any shares of its Common Stock held as treasury shares. For purposes of this Plan, “ Common Stock ” shall mean the common stock of the Corporation and such other securities or property as may become the subject of awards under this Plan, or may become subject to such awards, pursuant to an adjustment made under Section 7.1.

 

  4.2 Share Limits . The maximum number of shares of Common Stock that may be delivered pursuant to awards granted to Eligible Persons under this Plan (the “ Share Limit ”) is equal to 3,175,365 shares of Common Stock.

The following limits also apply with respect to awards granted under this Plan:

 

  (a) The maximum number of shares of Common Stock subject to those options and stock appreciation rights that are granted during any calendar year to any individual under this Plan is 1,500,000 shares.

 

4


  (b) The maximum number of shares of Common Stock subject to all awards that are granted during any calendar year to any individual under this Plan is 1,500,000 shares.

 

  (c) Additional limits with respect to Performance-Based Awards are set forth in Section 5.2.3.

Each of the foregoing numerical limits is subject to adjustment as contemplated by Section 4.3, Section 7.1, and Section 8.10.

 

  4.3 Awards Settled in Cash, Reissue of Awards and Shares . Except as provided in the next sentence, shares that are subject to or underlie awards granted under this Plan which expire or for any reason are cancelled or terminated, are forfeited, fail to vest, or for any other reason are not paid or delivered under this Plan shall again be available for subsequent awards under this Plan. Any shares delivered to the Corporation, exchanged by a participant or withheld by the Corporation or one of its Subsidiaries as part or full payment for the purchase price of an award under this Plan, or to satisfy the Corporation’s withholding obligation with respect to an award under this Plan, shall again be available for subsequent awards under this Plan; provided, however, that such shares shall continue to be counted as outstanding for purposes of determining whether the limits in Section 4.2(a) and (b) have been attained. To the extent that an award granted under this Plan is settled in cash or a form other than shares of Common Stock, the shares that would have been delivered had there been no such cash or other settlement shall not be counted against the shares available for issuance under this Plan. In the event that shares of Common Stock are delivered in respect of a dividend equivalent right granted under this Plan, the number of shares delivered with respect to the award shall be counted against the share limits of this Plan (including, for purposes of clarity, the limits of Section 4.2 of this Plan). To the extent that shares of Common Stock are delivered pursuant to the exercise of a stock appreciation right or stock option granted under this Plan, the number of underlying shares as to which the exercise related shall be counted against the applicable share limits under Section 4.2, as opposed to only counting the shares issued. (For purposes of clarity, if a stock appreciation right relates to 100,000 shares and is exercised at a time when the payment due to the participant is 15,000 shares, 100,000 shares shall be charged against the applicable share limits under Section 4.2 with respect to such exercise.) Refer to Section 8.10 for application of the foregoing share limits with respect to assumed awards. The foregoing adjustments to the share limits of this Plan are subject to any applicable limitations under Section 162(m) of the Code with respect to awards intended as performance-based compensation thereunder.

 

  4.4

Reservation of Shares; No Fractional Shares; Minimum Issue . The Corporation shall at all times reserve a number of shares of Common Stock sufficient to cover the Corporation’s obligations and contingent obligations to deliver shares with respect to awards then outstanding under this Plan (exclusive of any dividend equivalent obligations to the extent the Corporation has the right to settle such rights in cash). No fractional shares shall be delivered under this Plan. The Administrator may pay cash in lieu of any fractional shares in

 

5


  settlements of awards under this Plan. The Administrator may from time to time impose a limit (of not greater than 100 shares) on the minimum number of shares that may be purchased or exercised as to awards granted under this Plan unless (as to any particular award) the total number purchased or exercised is the total number at the time available for purchase or exercise under the award.

5. AWARDS

 

  5.1 Type and Form of Awards . The Administrator shall determine the type or types of award(s) to be made to each selected Eligible Person. Awards may be granted singly, in combination or in tandem. Awards also may be made in combination or in tandem with, in replacement of, as alternatives to, or as the payment form for grants or rights under any other employee or compensation plan of the Corporation or one of its Subsidiaries. The types of awards that may be granted under this Plan are (subject, in each case, to the no repricing provisions of Section 3.2):

5.1.1 Stock Options . A stock option is the grant of a right to purchase a specified number of shares of Common Stock during a specified period as determined by the Administrator. Each option shall be a nonqualified stock option (an option not intended to be an incentive stock option within the meaning of Section 422 of the Code). The maximum term of each option shall be ten (10) years. The per share exercise price for each option shall be not less than 100% of the fair market value of a share of Common Stock on the date of grant of the option. When an option is exercised, the exercise price for the shares to be purchased shall be paid in full in cash or such other method permitted by the Administrator consistent with Section 5.5.

5.1.2 Stock Appreciation Rights . A stock appreciation right or “ SAR ” is a right to receive a payment, in cash and/or Common Stock, equal to the excess of the fair market value of a specified number of shares of Common Stock on the date the SAR is exercised over the “ base price ” of the award, which base price shall be set forth in the applicable award agreement and shall be not less than 100% of the fair market value of a share of Common Stock on the date of grant of the SAR. The maximum term of a SAR shall be ten (10) years.

5.1.3 Other Awards; Dividend Equivalent Rights . The other types of awards that may be granted under this Plan include: (a) stock bonuses, restricted stock, performance stock, stock units, phantom stock or similar rights to purchase or acquire shares, whether at a fixed or variable price or ratio related to the Common Stock, upon the passage of time, the occurrence of one or more events, or the satisfaction of performance criteria or other conditions, or any combination thereof; (b) any similar securities with a value derived from the value of or related to the Common Stock and/or returns thereon; or (c) cash awards. Dividend equivalent rights may be granted as a separate award or in connection with another award under this Plan; provided, however, that dividend equivalent rights may not be granted in connection with a stock option or SAR granted under this Plan. In addition, any dividends and/or dividend equivalents as to the unvested portion of a restricted stock award that is subject to performance-based vesting

 

6


requirements or the unvested portion of a stock unit award that is subject to performance-based vesting requirements will be subject to termination and forfeiture to the same extent as the corresponding portion of the award to which they relate.

 

  5.2 Section 162(m) Performance-Based Awards . Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, any of the types of awards listed in Section 5.1.4 above may be, and options and SARs granted to officers and employees (“ Qualifying Options ” and “ Qualifying SARS ,” respectively) typically will be, granted as awards intended to satisfy the requirements for “performance-based compensation” within the meaning of Section 162(m) of the Code (“ Performance-Based Awards ). The grant, vesting, exercisability or payment of Performance-Based Awards may depend (or, in the case of Qualifying Options or Qualifying SARs, may also depend) on the degree of achievement of one or more performance goals relative to a pre-established targeted level or levels using one or more of the Business Criteria set forth below (on an absolute basis or relative to the performance of other companies or upon comparisons of any of the indicators of performance relative to other companies) for the Corporation on a consolidated basis or for one or more of the Corporation’s subsidiaries, segments, divisions or business units, or any combination of the foregoing. Any Qualifying Option or Qualifying SAR shall be subject only to the requirements of Section 5.2.1 and 5.2.3 in order for such award to satisfy the requirements for “performance-based compensation” under Section 162(m) of the Code. Any other Performance-Based Award shall be subject to all of the following provisions of this Section 5.2.

5.2.1 Class; Administrator . The eligible class of persons for Performance-Based Awards under this Section 5.2 shall be officers and employees of the Corporation or one of its Subsidiaries. The Administrator approving Performance-Based Awards or making any certification required pursuant to Section 5.2.4 must be constituted as provided in Section 3.1 for awards that are intended as performance-based compensation under Section 162(m) of the Code.

5.2.2 Performance Goals . The specific performance goals for Performance-Based Awards (other than Qualifying Options and Qualifying SARs) shall be, on an absolute or relative basis, established based on one or more of the following business criteria (“ Business Criteria ”) as selected by the Administrator in its sole discretion: earnings per share, cash flow (which means cash and cash equivalents derived from either net cash flow from operations or net cash flow from operations, financing and investing activities), stock price, total stockholder return, gross revenue, revenue growth, operating income (before or after taxes), net earnings (before or after interest, taxes, depreciation and/or amortization), return on equity or on assets or on net investment, cost containment or reduction, or any combination thereof. These terms are used as applied under generally accepted accounting principles or in the financial reporting of the Corporation or of its Subsidiaries. To qualify awards as performance-based under Section 162(m), the applicable Business Criterion (or Business Criteria, as the case may be) and specific performance goal or goals (“targets”) must be established and approved by the Administrator during the first 90 days of the performance period (and, in the case of performance periods of less than one year, in no event after

 

7


25% or more of the performance period has elapsed) and while performance relating to such target(s) remains substantially uncertain within the meaning of Section 162(m) of the Code. The terms of the Performance-Based Awards may specify the manner, if any, in which performance targets shall be adjusted to mitigate the unbudgeted impact of material, unusual or nonrecurring gains and losses, accounting changes or other extraordinary events not foreseen at the time the targets were set unless the Administrator provides otherwise at the time of establishing the targets. The applicable performance measurement period may not be less than three months nor more than 10 years.

5.2.3 Form of Payment; Maximum Performance-Based Award . Grants or awards under this Section 5.2 may be paid in cash or shares of Common Stock or any combination thereof. Grants of Qualifying Options and Qualifying SARs to any one participant in any one calendar year shall be subject to the limit set forth in Section 4.2(b). The maximum number of shares of Common Stock which may be delivered pursuant to Performance-Based Awards (other than Qualifying Options and Qualifying SARs, and other than cash awards covered by the following sentence) that are granted to any one participant in any one calendar year shall not exceed 1,500,000 shares, either individually or in the aggregate, subject to adjustment as provided in Section 7.1. In addition, the aggregate amount of compensation to be paid to any one participant in respect of all Performance-Based Awards payable only in cash and not related to shares of Common Stock and granted to that participant in any one calendar year shall not exceed $3,000,000. Awards that are cancelled during the year shall be counted against these limits to the extent required by Section 162(m) of the Code.

5.2.4 Certification of Payment . Before any Performance-Based Award under this Section 5.2 (other than Qualifying Options and Qualifying SARs) is paid and to the extent required to qualify the award as performance-based compensation within the meaning of Section 162(m) of the Code, the Administrator must certify in writing that the performance target(s) and any other material terms of the Performance-Based Award were in fact timely satisfied.

5.2.5 Reservation of Discretion . The Administrator will have the discretion to determine the restrictions or other limitations of the individual awards granted under this Section 5.2 including the authority to reduce awards, payouts or vesting or to pay no awards, in its sole discretion, if the Administrator preserves such authority at the time of grant by language to this effect in its authorizing resolutions or otherwise.

5.2.6 Expiration of Grant Authority . As required pursuant to Section 162(m) of the Code and the regulations promulgated thereunder, the Administrator’s authority to grant new awards that are intended to qualify as performance-based compensation within the meaning of Section 162(m) of the Code (other than Qualifying Options and Qualifying SARs) shall terminate upon the first meeting of the Corporation’s stockholders that occurs in the fifth year following the year in which the Corporation’s stockholders first approve this Plan, subject to any subsequent extension that may be approved by stockholders.

 

8


  5.3 Award Agreements . Each award shall be evidenced by either (1) a written award agreement in a form approved by the Administrator and executed by the Corporation by an officer duly authorized to act on its behalf, or (2) an electronic notice of award grant in a form approved by the Administrator and recorded by the Corporation (or its designee) in an electronic recordkeeping system used for the purpose of tracking award grants under this Plan generally (in each case, an “award agreement”), as the Administrator may provide and, in each case and if required by the Administrator, executed or otherwise electronically accepted by the recipient of the award in such form and manner as the Administrator may require. The Administrator may authorize any officer of the Corporation (other than the particular award recipient) to execute any or all award agreements on behalf of the Corporation. The award agreement shall set forth the material terms and conditions of the award as established by the Administrator consistent with the express limitations of this Plan.

 

  5.4 Deferrals and Settlements . Payment of awards may be in the form of cash, Common Stock, other awards or combinations thereof as the Administrator shall determine, and with such restrictions as it may impose. The Administrator may also require or permit participants to elect to defer the issuance of shares or the settlement of awards in cash under such rules and procedures as it may establish under this Plan. The Administrator may also provide that deferred settlements include the payment or crediting of interest or other earnings on the deferral amounts, or the payment or crediting of dividend equivalents where the deferred amounts are denominated in shares.

 

  5.5 Consideration for Common Stock or Awards . The purchase price for any award granted under this Plan or the Common Stock to be delivered pursuant to an award, as applicable, may be paid by means of any lawful consideration as determined by the Administrator, including, without limitation, one or a combination of the following methods:

 

   

services rendered by the recipient of such award;

 

   

cash, check payable to the order of the Corporation, or electronic funds transfer;

 

   

notice and third party payment in such manner as may be authorized by the Administrator;

 

   

the delivery of previously owned shares of Common Stock;

 

   

by a reduction in the number of shares otherwise deliverable pursuant to the award; or

 

   

subject to such procedures as the Administrator may adopt, pursuant to a “cashless exercise” with a third party who provides financing for the purposes of (or who otherwise facilitates) the purchase or exercise of awards.

 

9


In no event shall any shares newly-issued by the Corporation be issued for less than the minimum lawful consideration for such shares or for consideration other than consideration permitted by applicable state law. Shares of Common Stock used to satisfy the exercise price of an option shall be valued at their fair market value on the date of exercise. The Corporation will not be obligated to deliver any shares unless and until it receives full payment of the exercise or purchase price therefor and any related withholding obligations under Section 8.5 and any other conditions to exercise or purchase have been satisfied. Unless otherwise expressly provided in the applicable award agreement, the Administrator may at any time eliminate or limit a participant’s ability to pay the purchase or exercise price of any award or shares by any method other than cash payment to the Corporation.

 

  5.6 Definition of Fair Market Value . For purposes of this Plan, “fair market value” shall mean, unless otherwise determined or provided by the Administrator in the circumstances, the last price (in regular trading) for a share of Common Stock as furnished by the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. (the “ NASD ”) through the NASDAQ Global Market Reporting System (the “ Global Market ”) for the date in question or, if no sales of Common Stock were reported by the NASD on the Global Market on that date, the last price (in regular trading) for a share of Common Stock as furnished by the NASD through the Global Market for the next preceding day on which sales of Common Stock were reported by the NASD. The Administrator may, however, provide with respect to one or more awards that the fair market value shall equal the last price (in regular trading) for a share of Common Stock as furnished by the NASD through the Global Market on the last trading day preceding the date in question or the average of the high and low trading prices of a share of Common Stock as furnished by the NASD through the Global Market for the date in question or the most recent trading day. If the Common Stock is no longer listed or is no longer actively traded on the Global Market as of the applicable date, the fair market value of the Common Stock shall be the value as reasonably determined by the Administrator for purposes of the award in the circumstances. The Administrator also may adopt a different methodology for determining fair market value with respect to one or more awards if a different methodology is necessary or advisable to secure any intended favorable tax, legal or other treatment for the particular award(s) (for example, and without limitation, the Administrator may provide that fair market value for purposes of one or more awards will be based on an average of closing prices (or the average of high and low daily trading prices) for a specified period preceding the relevant date).

 

  5.7 Transfer Restrictions .

5.7.1 Limitations on Exercise and Transfer . Unless otherwise expressly provided in (or pursuant to) this Section 5.7 or required by applicable law: (a) all awards are non-transferable and shall not be subject in any manner to sale, transfer, anticipation, alienation, assignment, pledge, encumbrance or charge; (b) awards shall be exercised only by the participant; and (c) amounts payable or shares issuable pursuant to any award shall be delivered only to (or for the account of) the participant.

 

10


5.7.2 Exceptions . The Administrator may permit awards to be exercised by and paid to, or otherwise transferred to, other persons or entities pursuant to such conditions and procedures, including limitations on subsequent transfers, as the Administrator may, in its sole discretion, establish in writing. Any permitted transfer shall be subject to compliance with applicable federal and state securities laws and shall not be for value (other than nominal consideration, settlement of marital property rights, or for interests in an entity in which more than 50% of the voting interests are held by the Eligible Person or by the Eligible Person’s family members).

5.7.3 Further Exceptions to Limits on Transfer . The exercise and transfer restrictions in Section 5.7.1 shall not apply to:

 

  (a) transfers to the Corporation (for example, in connection with the expiration or termination of the award),

 

  (b) the designation of a beneficiary to receive benefits in the event of the participant’s death or, if the participant has died, transfers to or exercise by the participant’s beneficiary, or, in the absence of a validly designated beneficiary, transfers by will or the laws of descent and distribution,

 

  (c) transfers to a family member (or former family member) pursuant to a domestic relations order if approved or ratified by the Administrator,

 

  (d) if the participant has suffered a disability, permitted transfers or exercises on behalf of the participant by his or her legal representative, or

 

  (e) the authorization by the Administrator of “cashless exercise” procedures with third parties who provide financing for the purpose of (or who otherwise facilitate) the exercise of awards consistent with applicable laws and the express authorization of the Administrator.

 

  5.8 International Awards . One or more awards may be granted to Eligible Persons who provide services to the Corporation or one of its Subsidiaries outside of the United States. Any awards granted to such persons may be granted pursuant to the terms and conditions of any applicable sub-plans, if any, appended to this Plan and approved by the Administrator.

6. EFFECT OF TERMINATION OF EMPLOYMENT OR SERVICE ON AWARDS

 

  6.1 General . The Administrator shall establish the effect of a termination of employment or service on the rights and benefits under each award under this Plan and in so doing may make distinctions based upon, inter alia, the cause of termination and type of award. If the participant is not an employee of the Corporation or one of its Subsidiaries and provides other services to the Corporation or one of its Subsidiaries, the Administrator shall be the sole judge for purposes of this Plan (unless a contract or the award otherwise provides) of whether the participant continues to render services to the Corporation or one of its Subsidiaries and the date, if any, upon which such services shall be deemed to have terminated.

 

11


  6.2 Events Not Deemed Terminations of Service . Unless the express policy of the Corporation or one of its Subsidiaries, or the Administrator, otherwise provides, the employment relationship shall not be considered terminated in the case of (a) sick leave, (b) military leave, or (c) any other leave of absence authorized by the Corporation or one of its Subsidiaries, or the Administrator; provided that, unless reemployment upon the expiration of such leave is guaranteed by contract or law or the Administrator otherwise provides, such leave is for a period of not more than three months. In the case of any employee of the Corporation or one of its Subsidiaries on an approved leave of absence, continued vesting of the award while on leave from the employ of the Corporation or one of its Subsidiaries may be suspended until the employee returns to service, unless the Administrator otherwise provides or applicable law otherwise requires. In no event shall an award be exercised after the expiration of the term set forth in the applicable award agreement.

 

  6.3 Effect of Change of Subsidiary Status . For purposes of this Plan and any award, if an entity ceases to be a Subsidiary of the Corporation a termination of employment or service shall be deemed to have occurred with respect to each Eligible Person in respect of such Subsidiary who does not continue as an Eligible Person in respect of the Corporation or another Subsidiary that continues as such after giving effect to the transaction or other event giving rise to the change in status unless the Subsidiary that is sold, spun-off or otherwise divested (or its successor or a direct or indirect parent of such Subsidiary or successor) assumes the Eligible Person’s award(s) in connection with such transaction.

7. ADJUSTMENTS; ACCELERATION

 

  7.1 Adjustments . Subject to Section 7.2, upon (or, as may be necessary to effect the adjustment, immediately prior to): any reclassification, recapitalization, stock split (including a stock split in the form of a stock dividend) or reverse stock split; any merger, combination, consolidation, or other reorganization; any spin-off, split-up, or similar extraordinary dividend distribution in respect of the Common Stock; or any exchange of Common Stock or other securities of the Corporation, or any similar, unusual or extraordinary corporate transaction in respect of the Common Stock; then the Administrator shall equitably and proportionately adjust (1) the number and type of shares of Common Stock (or other securities) that thereafter may be made the subject of awards (including the specific share limits, maximums and numbers of shares set forth elsewhere in this Plan), (2) the number, amount and type of shares of Common Stock (or other securities or property) subject to any outstanding awards, (3) the grant, purchase, or exercise price (which term includes the base price of any SAR or similar right) of any outstanding awards, and/or (4) the securities, cash or other property deliverable upon exercise or payment of any outstanding awards, in each case to the extent necessary to preserve (but not increase) the level of incentives intended by this Plan and the then-outstanding awards.

Unless otherwise expressly provided in the applicable award agreement, upon (or, as may be necessary to effect the adjustment, immediately prior to) any event or transaction described in the preceding paragraph or a sale of all or substantially all

 

12


of the business or assets of the Corporation as an entirety, the Administrator shall equitably and proportionately adjust the performance standards applicable to any then-outstanding performance-based awards to the extent necessary to preserve (but not increase) the level of incentives intended by this Plan and the then-outstanding performance-based awards.

It is intended that, if possible, any adjustments contemplated by the preceding two paragraphs be made in a manner that satisfies applicable U.S. legal, tax (including, without limitation and as applicable in the circumstances, Section 424 of the Code, Section 409A of the Code and Section 162(m) of the Code) and accounting (so as to not trigger any charge to earnings with respect to such adjustment) requirements.

Without limiting the generality of Section 3.3, any good faith determination by the Administrator as to whether an adjustment is required in the circumstances pursuant to this Section 7.1, and the extent and nature of any such adjustment, shall be conclusive and binding on all persons.

 

  7.2

Corporate Transactions—Assumption and Termination of Awards . The occurrence of any of the following shall be deemed a “ Change in Control ”: (a) a change in the ownership of the Corporation occurs on the date that any one Person (as defined below) or more than one Person acting as a group (as determined under Treas. Reg. Section 1.409A-3(i)(5)(v)(B)), other than a Subsidiary of the Corporation or one or more CCMP Entities (as defined below) or a “group” (as such term is used in Section 13(d) of the Exchange Act) in which a CCMP Entity is a member, acquires ownership of stock of the Corporation that, together with stock held by such Person or group, constitutes more than 85% of the total fair market value or total voting power of stock of the Corporation or (b) a change in the ownership of a substantial portion of the Corporation’s assets occurs on the date that any one Person, or more than one Person acting as a group (as determined under Treas. Reg. Section 1.409A-3(i)(5)(v)(B)), other than a Subsidiary or one or more CCMP Entities or a “group” (as such term is used in Section 13(d) of the Exchange Act) in which a CCMP Entity is a member, acquires (or has acquired during the 12-month period ending on the date of the most recent acquisition by such Person or Persons) assets from the Corporation that have a total gross fair market value of more than 85% of the total gross fair market value of all of the assets of the Corporation immediately prior to such acquisition or acquisitions. For this purpose, gross fair market value means the value of the assets of the Corporation, or the value of the assets being disposed of, determined in good faith by the Board without regard to any liabilities associated with such assets. For purposes of this Plan, the closing of a public offering of Common Stock pursuant to a registration statement declared effective under the Securities Act shall not constitute a “Change in Control”. As used in this Section 7.2, “ Person ” means any natural person, sole proprietorship, general partnership, limited partnership, limited liability company, joint venture, trust, unincorporated organization, association, corporation, governmental authority, or any other organization, irrespective of whether it is a legal entity and includes any successor (by merger or otherwise) of such entity. As used in this Section 7.2, “ CCMP

 

13


  Entity ” means collectively, CCMP, CCMP Cayman, CCMP Co-Invest and any CCMP Affiliate.

Following a Change in Control, the Administrator may make provision for a cash payment in settlement of, or for the termination, assumption, substitution or exchange of any or all outstanding share-based awards or the cash, securities or property deliverable to the holder of any or all outstanding share-based awards, based upon, to the extent relevant under the circumstances, the distribution or consideration payable to holders of the Common Stock upon or in respect of such event. Upon the occurrence of a Change in Control, then, unless the Administrator has made a provision for the substitution, assumption, exchange or other continuation or settlement of the award or (unless the Administrator has provided for the termination of the award) the award would otherwise continue in accordance with its terms in the circumstances, each award shall terminate upon the related event; provided that the holder of an option or SAR shall be given reasonable advance notice of the impending termination and a reasonable opportunity to exercise his or her outstanding vested options and SARs (after giving effect to any accelerated vesting required in the circumstances) in accordance with their terms before the termination of such awards (except that in no case shall more than ten days’ notice of the impending termination be required and any acceleration of vesting and any exercise of any portion of an award that is so accelerated may be made contingent upon the actual occurrence of the event).

Without limiting the preceding paragraph, in connection with any Change in Control or any change in control event defined in any applicable award agreement, the Administrator may, in its discretion, provide for the accelerated vesting of any award or awards as and to the extent determined by the Administrator in the circumstances.

The Administrator may adopt such valuation methodologies for outstanding awards as it deems reasonable in the event of a cash or property settlement and, in the case of options, SARs or similar rights, but without limitation on other methodologies, may base such settlement solely upon the excess (if any) of the per share amount payable upon or in respect of such event over the exercise or base price of the award.

In the event of a Change in Control or any change in control event defined in any applicable award agreement, the Administrator may take such action contemplated by this Section 7.2 prior to such event (as opposed to on the occurrence of such event) to the extent that the Administrator deems the action necessary to permit the participant to realize the benefits intended to be conveyed with respect to the underlying shares. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the Administrator may deem an acceleration to occur immediately prior to the applicable event and, in such circumstances, will reinstate the original terms of the award if an event giving rise to an acceleration does not occur.

Without limiting the generality of Section 3.3, any good faith determination by the Administrator pursuant to its authority under this Section 7.2 shall be conclusive and binding on all persons.

 

14


  7.3 Golden Parachute Limitation . Notwithstanding anything else contained in Section 7.2 to the contrary, in no event shall any award or payment be accelerated under Section 7.2 to an extent or in a manner so that such award or payment, together with any other compensation and benefits provided to, or for the benefit of, the participant under any other plan or agreement of the Corporation or one of its affiliates, would not be fully deductible by the Corporation or one of its affiliates for federal income tax purposes because of Section 280G of the Code. If a holder of an award would be entitled to benefits or payments hereunder and under any other plan or program that would constitute “parachute payments” as defined in Section 280G of the Code, then the holder may by written notice to the Corporation designate the order in which such parachute payments will be reduced or modified so that the Corporation or one of its affiliates is not denied federal income tax deductions for any “parachute payments” because of Section 280G of the Code. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if a participant is a party to an employment or other agreement with the Corporation or one of its affiliates, or is a participant in a severance program sponsored by the Corporation or one of its affiliates that contains express provisions regarding Section 280G and/or Section 4999 of the Code (or any similar successor provision), or the applicable award agreement includes such provisions, the Section 280G and/or Section 4999 provisions of such employment or other agreement or plan, as applicable, shall control as to the awards held by that participant (for example, and without limitation, a participant may be a party to an employment agreement with the Corporation or one of its affiliates that provides for a “gross-up” as opposed to a “cut-back” in the event that the Section 280G thresholds are reached or exceeded in connection with a change in control and, in such event, the Section 280G and/or Section 4999 provisions of such employment agreement shall control as to any Awards held by that Participant).

 

  7.4 Other Acceleration Rules . The Administrator may override the provisions of Section 7.2 by express provision in the award agreement and may accord any Eligible Person a right to refuse any acceleration, whether pursuant to the award agreement or otherwise, in such circumstances as the Administrator may approve.

8. OTHER PROVISIONS

 

  8.1 Compliance with Laws . This Plan, the granting and vesting of awards under this Plan, the offer, issuance and delivery of shares of Common Stock, and/or the payment of money under this Plan or under awards are subject to compliance with all applicable federal and state laws, rules and regulations (including but not limited to state and federal securities law and federal margin requirements) and to such approvals by any listing, regulatory or governmental authority as may, in the opinion of counsel for the Corporation, be necessary or advisable in connection therewith. The person acquiring any securities under this Plan will, if requested by the Corporation or one of its Subsidiaries, provide such assurances and representations to the Corporation or one of its Subsidiaries as the Administrator may deem necessary or desirable to assure compliance with all applicable legal and accounting requirements.

 

15


  8.2 No Rights to Award . No person shall have any claim or rights to be granted an award (or additional awards, as the case may be) under this Plan, subject to any express contractual rights (set forth in a document other than this Plan) to the contrary.

 

  8.3 No Employment/Service Contract . Nothing contained in this Plan (or in any other documents under this Plan or in any award) shall confer upon any Eligible Person or other participant any right to continue in the employ or other service of the Corporation or one of its Subsidiaries, constitute any contract or agreement of employment or other service or affect an employee’s status as an employee at will, nor shall interfere in any way with the right of the Corporation or one of its Subsidiaries to change a person’s compensation or other benefits, or to terminate his or her employment or other service, with or without cause. Nothing in this Section 8.3, however, is intended to adversely affect any express independent right of such person under a separate employment or service contract other than an award agreement.

 

  8.4 Plan Not Funded . Awards payable under this Plan shall be payable in shares or from the general assets of the Corporation, and no special or separate reserve, fund or deposit shall be made to assure payment of such awards. No participant, beneficiary or other person shall have any right, title or interest in any fund or in any specific asset (including shares of Common Stock, except as expressly otherwise provided) of the Corporation or one of its Subsidiaries by reason of any award hereunder. Neither the provisions of this Plan (or of any related documents), nor the creation or adoption of this Plan, nor any action taken pursuant to the provisions of this Plan shall create, or be construed to create, a trust of any kind or a fiduciary relationship between the Corporation or one of its Subsidiaries and any participant, beneficiary or other person. To the extent that a participant, beneficiary or other person acquires a right to receive payment pursuant to any award hereunder, such right shall be no greater than the right of any unsecured general creditor of the Corporation.

 

  8.5 Tax Withholding . Upon any exercise, vesting, or payment of any award, or upon any other tax withholding event with respect to any award, the Corporation or one of its Subsidiaries shall have the right at its option to:

 

  (a) require the participant (or the participant’s personal representative or beneficiary, as the case may be) to pay or provide for payment of at least the minimum amount of any taxes which the Corporation or one of its Subsidiaries may be required to withhold with respect to such award event or payment; or

 

  (b) deduct from any amount otherwise payable in cash (whether related to the award or otherwise) to the participant (or the participant’s personal representative or beneficiary, as the case may be) the minimum amount of any taxes which the Corporation or one of its Subsidiaries may be required to withhold with respect to such award event or payment.

 

16


In any case where a tax is required to be withheld in connection with the delivery of shares of Common Stock under this Plan, the Administrator may in its sole discretion (subject to Section 8.1) require or grant (either at the time of the award or thereafter) to the participant the right to elect, pursuant to such rules and subject to such conditions as the Administrator may establish, that the Corporation reduce the number of shares to be delivered by (or otherwise reacquire) the appropriate number of shares, valued in a consistent manner at their fair market value or at the sales price in accordance with authorized procedures for cashless exercises, necessary to satisfy the minimum applicable withholding obligation on exercise, vesting or payment. In no event shall the shares withheld exceed the minimum whole number of shares required for tax withholding under applicable law.

 

  8.6 Effective Date, Termination and Suspension, Amendments .

8.6.1 Effective Date . This Plan is effective as of [                    ] , 2011, the date of its approval by the Board (the “ Effective Date ”). This Plan shall be submitted for and subject to stockholder approval no later than twelve months after the Effective Date. Unless earlier terminated by the Board, this Plan shall terminate at the close of business on the day before the tenth anniversary of the Effective Date. After the termination of this Plan either upon such stated expiration date or its earlier termination by the Board, no additional awards may be granted under this Plan, but previously granted awards (and the authority of the Administrator with respect thereto, including the authority to amend such awards) shall remain outstanding in accordance with their applicable terms and conditions and the terms and conditions of this Plan.

8.6.2 Board Authorization . The Board may, at any time, terminate or, from time to time, amend, modify or suspend this Plan, in whole or in part. No awards may be granted during any period that the Board suspends this Plan.

8.6.3 Stockholder Approval . To the extent then required by applicable law or any applicable listing agency or required under Sections 162 or 424 of the Code to preserve the intended tax consequences of this Plan, or deemed necessary or advisable by the Board, any amendment to this Plan shall be subject to stockholder approval.

8.6.4 Amendments to Awards . Without limiting any other express authority of the Administrator under (but subject to) the express limits of this Plan, the Administrator by agreement or resolution may waive conditions of or limitations on awards to participants that the Administrator in the prior exercise of its discretion has imposed, without the consent of a participant, and (subject to the requirements of Sections 3.2 and 8.6.5) may make other changes to the terms and conditions of awards. Any amendment or other action that would constitute a repricing of an award is subject to the limitations set forth in Section 3.2.

8.6.5 Limitations on Amendments to Plan and Awards . No amendment, suspension or termination of this Plan or amendment of any outstanding award agreement shall, without written consent of the participant, affect in any manner

 

17


materially adverse to the participant any rights or benefits of the participant or obligations of the Corporation under any award granted under this Plan prior to the effective date of such change. Changes, settlements and other actions contemplated by Section 7 shall not be deemed to constitute changes or amendments for purposes of this Section 8.6.

 

  8.7 Privileges of Stock Ownership . Except as otherwise expressly authorized by the Administrator, a participant shall not be entitled to any privilege of stock ownership as to any shares of Common Stock not actually delivered to and held of record by the participant. Except as expressly required by Section 7.1 or otherwise expressly provided by the Administrator, no adjustment will be made for dividends or other rights as a stockholder for which a record date is prior to such date of delivery.

 

  8.8 Governing Law; Construction; Severability .

8.8.1 Choice of Law . This Plan, the awards, all documents evidencing awards and all other related documents shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Delaware.

8.8.2 Severability . If a court of competent jurisdiction holds any provision invalid and unenforceable, the remaining provisions of this Plan shall continue in effect.

8.8.3 Plan Construction .

 

  (a) Rule 16b-3 . It is the intent of the Corporation that the awards and transactions permitted by awards be interpreted in a manner that, in the case of participants who are or may be subject to Section 16 of the Exchange Act, qualify, to the maximum extent compatible with the express terms of the award, for exemption from matching liability under Rule 16b-3 promulgated under the Exchange Act. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Corporation shall have no liability to any participant for Section 16 consequences of awards or events under awards if an award or event does not so qualify.

 

  (b)

Section 162(m) . Awards under Section 5.1.4 to persons described in Section 5.2 that are either granted or become vested, exercisable or payable based on attainment of one or more performance goals related to the Business Criteria, as well as Qualifying Options and Qualifying SARs granted to persons described in Section 5.2, that are approved by a committee composed solely of two or more outside directors (as this requirement is applied under Section 162(m) of the Code) shall be deemed to be intended as performance-based compensation within the meaning of Section 162(m) of the Code unless such committee provides otherwise at the time of grant of the award. It is the further intent of the Corporation that (to the extent the Corporation or one of its Subsidiaries or awards under this Plan may be or become subject

 

18


  to limitations on deductibility under Section 162(m) of the Code) any such awards and any other Performance-Based Awards under Section 5.2 that are granted to or held by a person subject to Section 162(m) will qualify as performance-based compensation or otherwise be exempt from deductibility limitations under Section 162(m).

 

  8.9 Captions . Captions and headings are given to the sections and subsections of this Plan solely as a convenience to facilitate reference. Such headings shall not be deemed in any way material or relevant to the construction or interpretation of this Plan or any provision thereof.

 

  8.10 Stock-Based Awards in Substitution for Stock Options or Awards Granted by Other Corporation . Awards may be granted to Eligible Persons in substitution for or in connection with an assumption of employee stock options, SARs, restricted stock or other stock-based awards granted by other entities to persons who are or who will become Eligible Persons in respect of the Corporation or one of its Subsidiaries, in connection with a distribution, merger or other reorganization by or with the granting entity or an affiliated entity, or the acquisition by the Corporation or one of its Subsidiaries, directly or indirectly, of all or a substantial part of the stock or assets of the employing entity. The awards so granted need not comply with other specific terms of this Plan, provided the awards reflect only adjustments giving effect to the assumption or substitution consistent with the conversion applicable to the Common Stock in the transaction and any change in the issuer of the security. Any shares that are delivered and any awards that are granted by, or become obligations of, the Corporation, as a result of the assumption by the Corporation of, or in substitution for, outstanding awards previously granted by an acquired company (or previously granted by a predecessor employer (or direct or indirect parent thereof) in the case of persons that become employed by the Corporation or one of its Subsidiaries in connection with a business or asset acquisition or similar transaction) shall not be counted against the Share Limit or other limits on the number of shares available for issuance under this Plan.

 

  8.11 Non-Exclusivity of Plan . Nothing in this Plan shall limit or be deemed to limit the authority of the Board or the Administrator to grant awards or authorize any other compensation, with or without reference to the Common Stock, under any other plan or authority.

 

  8.12

No Corporate Action Restriction . The existence of this Plan, the award agreements and the awards granted hereunder shall not limit, affect or restrict in any way the right or power of the Board or the stockholders of the Corporation to make or authorize: (a) any adjustment, recapitalization, reorganization or other change in the capital structure or business of the Corporation or any Subsidiary, (b) any merger, amalgamation, consolidation or change in the ownership of the Corporation or any Subsidiary, (c) any issue of bonds, debentures, capital, preferred or prior preference stock ahead of or affecting the capital stock (or the rights thereof) of the Corporation or any Subsidiary, (d) any dissolution or liquidation of the Corporation or any Subsidiary, (e) any sale or transfer of all or

 

19


  any part of the assets or business of the Corporation or any Subsidiary, or (f) any other corporate act or proceeding by the Corporation or any Subsidiary. No participant, beneficiary or any other person shall have any claim under any award or award agreement against any member of the Board or the Administrator, or the Corporation or any employees, officers or agents of the Corporation or any Subsidiary, as a result of any such action.

 

  8.13 Other Company Benefit and Compensation Programs . Payments and other benefits received by a participant under an award made pursuant to this Plan shall not be deemed a part of a participant’s compensation for purposes of the determination of benefits under any other employee welfare or benefit plans or arrangements, if any, provided by the Corporation or any Subsidiary, except where the Administrator expressly otherwise provides or authorizes in writing. Awards under this Plan may be made in addition to, in combination with, as alternatives to or in payment of grants, awards or commitments under any other plans or arrangements of the Corporation or its Subsidiaries.

 

  8.14 Clawback Policy . The awards granted under this Plan are subject to the terms of the Corporation’s recoupment, clawback or similar policy as it may be in effect from time to time, as well as any similar provisions of applicable law, any of which could in certain circumstances require repayment or forfeiture of awards or any shares of Common Stock or other cash or property received with respect to the awards (including any value received from a disposition of the shares acquired upon payment of the awards).

 

20

Exhibit 10.14

Form of Award Agreement

FRANCESCA’S HOLDINGS CORPORATION

2011 EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN

NONQUALIFIED STOCK OPTION AGREEMENT

THIS NONQUALIFIED STOCK OPTION AGREEMENT (this “ Option Agreement ”) dated                                  by and between Francesca’s Holdings Corporation, a Delaware corporation (the “ Corporation ”), and                                  (the “ Grantee ”) evidences the nonqualified stock option (the “Option” ) granted by the Corporation to the Grantee as to the number of shares of the Corporation’s Common Stock first set forth below.

 

 

Number of Shares of Common Stock: 1

            Award Date:            

Exercise Price per Share: 1

   $          Expiration  Date: 1,2

 

Vesting 1 ,2   The Option shall become vested as to 20% of the total number of shares of Common Stock subject to the Option on each of the first, second, third, fourth and fifth anniversaries of the Award Date.

The Option is granted under the Francesca’s Holdings Corporation 2011 Equity Incentive Plan (the “ Plan ”) and subject to the Terms and Conditions of Nonqualified Stock Option (the “ Terms ”) attached to this Option Agreement (incorporated herein by this reference) and to the Plan. The Option has been granted to the Grantee in addition to, and not in lieu of, any other form of compensation otherwise payable or to be paid to the Grantee. Capitalized terms are defined in the Plan if not defined herein. The parties agree to the terms of the Option set forth herein. The Grantee acknowledges receipt of a copy of the Terms, the Plan and the Prospectus for the Plan.

 

“GRANTEE”

 

 

Signature

 

Print Name

      

FRANCESCA’S HOLDINGS CORPORATION

a Delaware corporation

 

 

       By:   

 

      

 

Print Name:

  

 

      

 

Title:

  

 

 

CONSENT OF SPOUSE

In consideration of the Corporation’s execution of this Option Agreement, the undersigned spouse of the Grantee agrees to be bound by all of the terms and provisions hereof and of the Plan.

 

 

 

 

Signature of Spouse

    

 

Date

 

 

1  

Subject to adjustment under Section 7.1 of the Plan.

2  

Subject to early termination under Section 4 of the Terms and Section 7.2 of the Plan.


TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF NONQUALIFIED STOCK OPTION

 

1. Vesting; Limits on Exercise; Incentive Stock Option Status .

The Option shall vest and become exercisable in percentage installments of the aggregate number of shares subject to the Option as set forth on the cover page of this Option Agreement. The Option may be exercised only to the extent the Option is vested and exercisable.

 

  Ÿ  

Cumulative Exercisability . To the extent that the Option is vested and exercisable, the Grantee has the right to exercise the Option (to the extent not previously exercised), and such right shall continue, until the expiration or earlier termination of the Option.

 

  Ÿ  

No Fractional Shares . Fractional share interests shall be disregarded, but may be cumulated.

 

  Ÿ  

Minimum Exercise . No fewer than 100 shares of Common Stock (subject to adjustment under Section 7.1 of the Plan) may be purchased at any one time, unless the number purchased is the total number at the time exercisable under the Option.

 

  Ÿ  

Nonqualified Stock Option . The Option is a nonqualified stock option and is not, and shall not be, an incentive stock option within the meaning of Section 422 of the Code.

 

2. Continuance of Employment/Service Required; No Employment/Service Commitment .

The vesting schedule applicable to the Option requires continued employment or service through each applicable vesting date as a condition to the vesting of the applicable installment of the Option and the rights and benefits under this Option Agreement. Employment or service for only a portion of the vesting period, even if a substantial portion, will not entitle the Grantee to any proportionate vesting or avoid or mitigate a termination of rights and benefits upon or following a termination of employment or services as provided in Section 4 below or under the Plan.

Nothing contained in this Option Agreement or the Plan constitutes a continued employment or service commitment by the Corporation or any of its Subsidiaries, affects the Grantee’s status, if he or she is an employee, as an employee at will who is subject to termination without cause, confers upon the Grantee any right to remain employed by or in service to the Corporation or any Subsidiary, interferes in any way with the right of the Corporation or any Subsidiary at any time to terminate such employment or service, or affects the right of the Corporation or any Subsidiary to increase or decrease the Grantee’s other compensation.

 

3. Method of Exercise of Option .

The Option shall be exercisable by the delivery to the Secretary of the Corporation (or such other person as the Administrator may require pursuant to such administrative exercise procedures as the Administrator may implement from time to time) of:


  Ÿ  

a written notice stating the number of shares of Common Stock to be purchased pursuant to the Option or by the completion of such other administrative exercise procedures as the Administrator may require from time to time,

 

  Ÿ  

payment in full for the Exercise Price of the shares to be purchased in cash, check or by electronic funds transfer to the Corporation, or (subject to compliance with all applicable laws, rules, regulations and listing requirements and further subject to such rules as the Administrator may adopt as to any non-cash payment) in shares of Common Stock already owned by the Grantee, valued at their fair market value (as determined under the Plan) on the exercise date;

 

  Ÿ  

any written statements or agreements required pursuant to Section 8.1 of the Plan; and

 

  Ÿ  

satisfaction of the tax withholding provisions of Section 8.5 of the Plan.

The Administrator also may, but is not required to, authorize a non-cash payment alternative pursuant to the terms of the Plan.

 

4. Early Termination of Option .

4.1      Expiration Date. Subject to earlier termination as provided below in this Section 4, the Option will terminate on the “Expiration Date” set forth on the cover page of this Option Agreement (the “ Expiration Date ”).

4.2      Possible Termination of Option upon Certain Corporate Events. The Option is subject to termination in connection with certain corporate events as provided in Section 7.2 of the Plan.

4.3      Termination of Option upon a Termination of Grantee’s Employment or Services. Subject to earlier termination on the Expiration Date of the Option or pursuant to Section 4.2 above, if the Grantee ceases to be employed by or ceases to provide services to the Corporation or a Subsidiary, the following rules shall apply (the last day that the Grantee is employed by or provides services to the Corporation or a Subsidiary is referred to as the Grantee’s “ Departure Date ”):

 

  Ÿ  

other than as expressly provided below in this Section 4.3, (a) the Grantee will have until the date that is 3 months after his or her Departure Date to exercise the Option (or portion thereof) to the extent that it was vested on the Departure Date, (b) the Option, to the extent not vested on the Departure Date, shall terminate on the Departure Date, and (c) the Option, to the extent exercisable for the 3-month period following the Departure Date and not exercised during such period, shall terminate at the close of business on the last day of the 3-month period;

 

  Ÿ  

if the termination of the Grantee’s employment or services is the result of the Grantee’s death or Total Disability (as defined below), (a) the Grantee (or his beneficiary or personal representative, as the case may be) will have until the date that is 12 months after the Grantee’s Departure Date to exercise the Option (or


 

portion thereof) to the extent that it was vested on the Departure Date, (b) the Option, to the extent not vested on the Departure Date, shall terminate on the Departure Date, and (c) the Option, to the extent exercisable for the 12-month period following the Departure Date and not exercised during such period, shall terminate at the close of business on the last day of the 12-month period;

 

  Ÿ  

if the Grantee’s employment or services are terminated by the Corporation or a Subsidiary for Cause (as defined below), the Option (whether vested or not) shall terminate on the Departure Date.

For purposes of the Option, “ Total Disability ” means a “permanent and total disability” (within the meaning of Section 22(e)(3) of the Code or as otherwise determined by the Administrator).

For purposes of the Option, “ Cause ” means that the Grantee:

 

  (1) has been negligent in the discharge of his or her duties to the Corporation or any of its Subsidiaries, has refused to perform stated or assigned duties or is incompetent in or (other than by reason of a disability or analogous condition) incapable of performing those duties;

 

  (2) has been dishonest or committed or engaged in an act of theft, embezzlement or fraud, a breach of confidentiality, an unauthorized disclosure or use of inside information, customer lists, trade secrets or other confidential information; has breached a fiduciary duty, or willfully and materially violated any other duty, law, rule, regulation or policy of the Corporation, any of its Subsidiaries or any affiliate of the Corporation or any of its Subsidiaries; or has been convicted of a felony or misdemeanor (other than minor traffic violations or similar offenses);

 

  (3) has materially breached any of the provisions of any agreement with the Corporation, any of its Subsidiaries or any affiliate of the Corporation or any of its Subsidiaries; or

 

  (4) has engaged in unfair competition with, or otherwise acted intentionally in a manner injurious to the reputation, business or assets of, the Corporation, any of its Subsidiaries or any affiliate of the Corporation or any of its Subsidiaries; has improperly induced a vendor or customer to break or terminate any contract with the Corporation, any of its Subsidiaries or any affiliate of the Corporation or any of its Subsidiaries; or has induced a principal for whom the Corporation, any of its Subsidiaries or any affiliate of the Corporation or any of its Subsidiaries acts as agent to terminate such agency relationship.

In all events the Option is subject to earlier termination on the Expiration Date of the Option or as contemplated by Section 4.2. The Administrator shall be the sole judge of whether the Grantee continues to render employment or services for purposes of this Option Agreement.


5. Non-Transferability .

The Option and any other rights of the Grantee under this Option Agreement or the Plan are nontransferable and exercisable only by the Grantee, except as set forth in Section 5.7 of the Plan.

 

6. Notices .

Any notice to be given under the terms of this Option Agreement shall be in writing and addressed to the Corporation at its principal office to the attention of the Secretary, and to the Grantee at the address last reflected on the Corporation’s payroll records, or at such other address as either party may hereafter designate in writing to the other. Any such notice shall be delivered in person or shall be enclosed in a properly sealed envelope addressed as aforesaid, registered or certified, and deposited (postage and registry or certification fee prepaid) in a post office or branch post office regularly maintained by the United States Government. Any such notice shall be given only when received, but if the Grantee is no longer employed by the Corporation or a Subsidiary, shall be deemed to have been duly given five business days after the date mailed in accordance with the foregoing provisions of this Section 6.

 

7. Plan .

The Option and all rights of the Grantee under this Option Agreement are subject to the terms and conditions of the Plan, incorporated herein by this reference. The Grantee agrees to be bound by the terms of the Plan and this Option Agreement (including these Terms). The Grantee acknowledges having read and understanding the Plan, the Prospectus for the Plan, and this Option Agreement. Unless otherwise expressly provided in other sections of this Option Agreement, provisions of the Plan that confer discretionary authority on the Board or the Administrator do not and shall not be deemed to create any rights in the Grantee unless such rights are expressly set forth herein or are otherwise in the sole discretion of the Board or the Administrator so conferred by appropriate action of the Board or the Administrator under the Plan after the date hereof.

 

8. Entire Agreement .

This Option Agreement (including these Terms) and the Plan together constitute the entire agreement and supersede all prior understandings and agreements, written or oral, of the parties hereto with respect to the subject matter hereof. The Plan and this Option Agreement may be amended pursuant to Section 8.6 of the Plan. Such amendment must be in writing and signed by the Corporation. The Corporation may, however, unilaterally waive any provision hereof in writing to the extent such waiver does not adversely affect the interests of the Grantee hereunder, but no such waiver shall operate as or be construed to be a subsequent waiver of the same provision or a waiver of any other provision hereof.

 

9. Governing Law .

This Option Agreement shall be governed by and construed and enforced in accordance with the laws of the State of Delaware without regard to conflict of law principles thereunder.


10. Effect of this Agreement .

Subject to the Corporation’s right to terminate the Option pursuant to Section 7.2 of the Plan, this Option Agreement shall be assumed by, be binding upon and inure to the benefit of any successor or successors to the Corporation.

 

11. Counterparts .

This Option Agreement may be executed simultaneously in any number of counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original but all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument.

 

12. Section Headings .

The section headings of this Option Agreement are for convenience of reference only and shall not be deemed to alter or affect any provision hereof.

 

13. Waiver of Jury Trial .

EACH OF THE PARTIES HERETO IRREVOCABLY WAIVES ALL RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY ACTION, PROCEEDING OR COUNTERCLAIM AGAINST OUT OF OR RELATING TO THE PLAN OR THIS OPTION AGREEMENT (INCLUDING THESE TERMS).

Exhibit 10.15

Form of Award Agreement

FRANCESCA’S HOLDINGS CORPORATION

2011 EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN

RESTRICTED STOCK AWARD AGREEMENT

THIS RESTRICTED STOCK AWARD AGREEMENT (this “ Award Agreement ”) is dated as of [                      , 2011 ] (the “ Award Date ”) by and between Francesca’s Holdings Corporation, a Delaware corporation (the “ Corporation ”), and [                      ] (the “ Participant ”).

W I T N E S S E T H

WHEREAS , pursuant to the Francesca’s Holdings Corporation 2011 Equity Incentive Plan (the “ Plan ”), the Corporation hereby grants to the Participant, effective as of the date hereof, a restricted stock award (the “ Award ”), upon the terms and conditions set forth herein and in the Plan.

NOW THEREFORE , in consideration of services rendered and to be rendered by the Participant, and the mutual promises made herein and the mutual benefits to be derived therefrom, the parties agree as follows:

1.      Defined Terms . Capitalized terms used herein and not otherwise defined herein shall have the meaning assigned to such terms in the Plan.

2.      Grant . Subject to the terms of this Award Agreement, the Corporation hereby grants to the Participant an Award with respect to an aggregate of [              ] restricted shares of Common Stock of the Corporation (the “ Restricted Stock ”).

3.      Vesting . Subject to Section 8 below, the Award shall vest, and restrictions (other than those set forth in Section 8.1 of the Plan) shall lapse, with respect to the total number of shares of Restricted Stock (subject to adjustment under Section 7.1 of the Plan) on the third anniversary of the Award Date. The Board reserves the right to accelerate the vesting of the Restricted Stock in such circumstances as it, in its sole discretion, deems appropriate and any such acceleration shall be effective only when set forth in a written instrument executed by an officer of the Corporation.

4.      Continuance of Employment . The vesting schedule requires continued employment or service through each applicable vesting date as a condition to the vesting of the applicable installment of the Award and the rights and benefits under this Award Agreement. Employment or service for only a portion of the vesting period, even if a substantial portion, will not entitle the Participant to any proportionate vesting or avoid or mitigate a termination of rights and benefits upon or following a termination of employment or services as provided in Section 8 below or under the Plan.

Nothing contained in this Award Agreement or the Plan constitutes an employment or service commitment by the Corporation, affects the Participant’s status as an employee at will who is subject to termination without cause, confers upon the Participant any right to remain employed by or in service to the Corporation or any of its Subsidiaries, interferes in any way with the right of the Corporation or any of its Subsidiaries at any time to terminate such


employment or services, or affects the right of the Corporation or any of its Subsidiaries to increase or decrease the Participant’s other compensation or benefits. Nothing in this paragraph, however, is intended to adversely affect any independent contractual right of the Participant without his or her consent thereto.

5.      Dividend and Voting Rights . After the Award Date, the Participant shall be entitled to cash dividends with respect to the shares of Restricted Stock subject to the Award even though such shares are not vested but shall not be entitled to voting rights with respect to the shares of Restricted Stock, provided that such rights to cash dividends shall terminate immediately as to any shares of Restricted Stock that are forfeited pursuant to Section 8 below.

6.      Restrictions on Transfer . Prior to the time that they have become vested pursuant to Section 3 hereof or Section 7 of the Plan, neither the Restricted Stock, nor any interest therein, amount payable in respect thereof, or Restricted Property (as defined in Section 9 hereof) may be sold, assigned, transferred, pledged or otherwise disposed of, alienated or encumbered, either voluntarily or involuntarily. The transfer restrictions in the preceding sentence shall not apply to (a) transfers to the Corporation, or (b) transfers by will or the laws of descent and distribution.

7.      Stock Certificates .

(a)     Book Entry Form . The Corporation shall issue the shares of Restricted Stock subject to the Award either: (a) in certificate form as provided in Section 7(b) below; or (b) in book entry form, registered in the name of the Participant with notations regarding the applicable restrictions on transfer imposed under this Award Agreement.

(b)     Certificates to be Held by Corporation; Legend . Any certificates representing shares of Restricted Stock that may be delivered to the Participant by the Corporation prior to vesting shall be redelivered to the Corporation to be held by the Corporation until the restrictions on such shares shall have lapsed and the shares shall thereby have become vested or the shares represented thereby have been forfeited hereunder. Such certificates shall bear the following legend and any other legends the Corporation may determine to be necessary or advisable to comply with all applicable laws, rules, and regulations:

“The ownership of this certificate and the shares of stock evidenced hereby and any interest therein are subject to substantial restrictions on transfer under an Agreement entered into between the registered owner and Francesca’s Holdings Corporation. A copy of such Agreement is on file in the office of the Secretary of Francesca’s Holdings Corporation.”

(c)     Delivery of Certificates Upon Vesting . Promptly after the vesting of any shares of Restricted Stock pursuant to Section 3 hereof or Section 7 of the Plan and the satisfaction of any and all related tax withholding obligations pursuant to Section 10, the Corporation shall, as applicable, either remove the notations on any shares of Restricted Stock issued in book entry form which have vested or deliver to the Participant a certificate or certificates evidencing the number of shares of Restricted Stock which have vested (or, in either case, such lesser number of shares as may result after giving effect to Section 10). The Participant (or the beneficiary or personal representative of the Participant in the event of the

 

2


Participant’s death or disability, as the case may be) shall deliver to the Corporation any representations or other documents or assurances as the Corporation or its counsel may determine to be necessary or advisable in order to ensure compliance with all applicable laws, rules, and regulations with respect to the grant of the Award and the delivery of shares of Common Stock in respect thereof. The shares so delivered shall no longer be restricted shares hereunder.

(d)     Stock Power; Power of Attorney . Concurrently with the execution and delivery of this Award Agreement, the Participant shall deliver to the Corporation an executed stock power in the form attached hereto as Exhibit A , in blank, with respect to such shares. The Corporation shall not deliver any share certificates in accordance with this Award Agreement unless and until the Corporation shall have received such stock power executed by the Participant. The Participant, by acceptance of the Award, shall be deemed to appoint, and does so appoint by execution of this Award Agreement, the Corporation and each of its authorized representatives as the Participant’s attorney(s)-in-fact to effect any transfer of unvested forfeited shares (or shares otherwise reacquired by the Corporation hereunder) to the Corporation as may be required pursuant to the Plan or this Award Agreement and to execute such documents as the Corporation or such representatives deem necessary or advisable in connection with any such transfer.

8.      Effect of Termination of Employment or Services . If the Participant ceases to be employed by or ceases to provide services to the Corporation or a Subsidiary (the date of such termination of employment or service is referred to as the Participant’s “ Severance Date ”), the Participant’s shares of Restricted Stock (and related Restricted Property as defined in Section 9 hereof) shall be forfeited to the Corporation to the extent such shares have not become vested pursuant to Section 3 hereof or Section 7 of the Plan upon the Severance Date (regardless of the reason for such termination of employment or service, whether with or without cause, voluntarily or involuntarily, or due to death or disability). Upon the occurrence of any forfeiture of shares of Restricted Stock hereunder, such unvested, forfeited shares and related Restricted Property shall be automatically transferred to the Corporation as of the Severance Date, without any other action by the Participant (or the Participant’s beneficiary or personal representative in the event of the Participant’s death or disability, as applicable). No consideration shall be paid by the Corporation with respect to such transfer. The Corporation may exercise its powers under Section 7(d) hereof and take any other action necessary or advisable to evidence such transfer. The Participant (or the Participant’s beneficiary or personal representative in the event of the Participant’s death or disability, as applicable) shall deliver any additional documents of transfer that the Corporation may request to confirm the transfer of such unvested, forfeited shares and related Restricted Property to the Corporation.

9.      Adjustments Upon Specified Events . Upon the occurrence of certain events relating to the Corporation’s stock contemplated by Section 7.1 of the Plan, the Administrator shall make adjustments in accordance with such section in the number and kind of securities that may become vested under the Award. If any adjustment shall be made under Section 7.1 of the Plan or an event described in Section 7.2 of the Plan shall occur and the shares of Restricted Stock are not fully vested upon such event or prior thereto, the restrictions applicable to such shares of Restricted Stock shall continue in effect with respect to any consideration, property or other securities (the “ Restricted Property ” and, for the purposes of this Award Agreement,

 

3


“Restricted Stock” shall include “Restricted Property”, unless the context otherwise requires) received in respect of such Restricted Stock. Such Restricted Property shall vest at such times and in such proportion as the shares of Restricted Stock to which the Restricted Property is attributable vest, or would have vested pursuant to the terms hereof if such shares of Restricted Stock had remained outstanding. To the extent that the Restricted Property includes any cash (other than regular cash dividends), such cash shall be invested, pursuant to policies established by the Administrator, in interest bearing, FDIC-insured (subject to applicable insurance limits) deposits of a depository institution selected by the Administrator, the earnings on which shall be added to and become a part of the Restricted Property.

10.      Tax Withholding . Subject to Section 8.1 of the Plan, upon any vesting of the Restricted Stock, the Corporation shall automatically withhold and reacquire the appropriate number of whole shares of Restricted Stock, valued at their then fair market value (with the “fair market value” of such shares determined in accordance with the applicable provisions of the Plan), to satisfy any withholding obligations of the Corporation or its Subsidiaries with respect to such vesting at the minimum applicable withholding rates. In the event that the Corporation cannot satisfy such withholding obligations by withholding and reacquiring shares of Restricted Stock, or in the event that the Participant makes or has made an election pursuant to Section 83(b) of the Code or the occurrence of any other withholding event with respect to the Award, the Corporation (or a Subsidiary) shall be entitled to require a cash payment by or on behalf of the Participant and/or to deduct from other compensation payable to the Participant any sums required by federal, state or local tax law to be withheld with respect to such vesting of any Restricted Stock or such Section 83(b) election.

11.      Notices . Any notice to be given under the terms of this Award Agreement shall be in writing and addressed to the Corporation at its principal office to the attention of the Secretary, and to the Participant at the Participant’s last address reflected on the Corporation’s payroll records. Any notice shall be delivered in person or shall be enclosed in a properly sealed envelope, addressed as aforesaid, registered or certified, and deposited (postage and registry or certification fee prepaid) in a post office or branch post office regularly maintained by the United States Government. Any such notice shall be given only when received, but if the Participant is no longer an Eligible Person, shall be deemed to have been duly given five business days after the date mailed in accordance with the foregoing provisions of this Section 11.

12.      Plan . The Award and all rights of the Participant under this Award Agreement are subject to the terms and conditions of the provisions of the Plan, incorporated herein by reference. The Participant agrees to be bound by the terms of the Plan and this Award Agreement. The Participant acknowledges having read and understanding the Plan, the Prospectus for the Plan, and this Award Agreement. Unless otherwise expressly provided in other sections of this Award Agreement, provisions of the Plan that confer discretionary authority on the Board or the Administrator do not (and shall not be deemed to) create any rights in the Participant unless such rights are expressly set forth herein or are otherwise in the sole discretion of the Board or the Administrator so conferred by appropriate action of the Board or the Administrator under the Plan after the date hereof.

13.      Entire Agreement . This Award Agreement and the Plan together constitute the entire agreement and supersede all prior understandings and agreements, written or oral, of the

 

4


parties hereto with respect to the subject matter hereof. The Plan may be amended pursuant to Section 8.6 of the Plan. This Award Agreement may be amended by the Board from time to time. Any such amendment must be in writing and signed by the Corporation. Any such amendment that materially and adversely affects the Participant’s rights under this Award Agreement requires the consent of the Participant in order to be effective with respect to the Award. The Corporation may, however, unilaterally waive any provision hereof in writing to the extent such waiver does not adversely affect the interests of the Participant hereunder, but no such waiver shall operate as or be construed to be a subsequent waiver of the same provision or a waiver of any other provision hereof.

14.      Counterparts . This Award Agreement may be executed simultaneously in any number of counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original but all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument.

15.      Section Headings . The section headings of this Award Agreement are for convenience of reference only and shall not be deemed to alter or affect any provision hereof.

16.      Governing Law . This Award Agreement shall be governed by and construed and enforced in accordance with the laws of the State of Delaware without regard to conflict of law principles thereunder.

17.      Clawback Policy . The Restricted Stock is subject to the terms of the Corporation’s recoupment, clawback or similar policy as it may be in effect from time to time, as well as any similar provisions of applicable law, any of which could in certain circumstances require repayment or forfeiture of the Restricted Stock or other cash or property received with respect to the Restricted Stock (including any value received from a disposition of the Restricted Stock).

18.     Waiver of Jury Trial .

EACH OF THE PARTIES HERETO IRREVOCABLY WAIVES ALL RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY ACTION, PROCEEDING OR COUNTERCLAIM AGAINST OUT OF OR RELATING TO THE PLAN OR THIS RESTRICTED STOCK AWARD AGREEMENT (INCLUDING THESE TERMS).

[Remainder of page intentionally left blank]

 

5


IN WITNESS WHEREOF , the Corporation has caused this Award Agreement to be executed on its behalf by a duly authorized officer and the Participant has hereunto set his or her hand as of the date and year first above written.

FRANCESCA’S HOLDINGS CORPORATION,

a Delaware corporation

By:                                                                                                                                            

Print Name:                                                                                                                          

Its:                                                                                                                                            

 

PARTICIPANT

                                                                                                                                                  

Signature

                                                                                                                                                  

Print Name

 

6


CONSENT OF SPOUSE

In consideration of the execution of the foregoing Restricted Stock Award Agreement by Francesca’s Holdings Corporation, I,                                      , the spouse of the Participant therein named, do hereby join with my spouse in executing the foregoing Restricted Stock Award Agreement and do hereby agree to be bound by all of the terms and provisions thereof and of the Plan.

 

Dated:                                                   , 20         

 

 

 

Signature of Spouse

 

 

Print Name

 

7


EXHIBIT A

STOCK POWER

FOR VALUE RECEIVED and pursuant to that certain Restricted Stock Award Agreement between Francesca’s Holdings Corporation, a Delaware corporation (the “Corporation”), and the individual named below (the “Individual”) dated as of                      , 2011, the Individual, hereby sells, assigns and transfers to the Corporation, an aggregate                              shares of Common Stock of the Corporation, standing in the Individual’s name on the books of the Corporation and represented by stock certificate number(s)                                               to which this instrument is attached, and hereby irrevocably constitutes and appoints                                               as his or her attorney in fact and agent to transfer such shares on the books of the Corporation, with full power of substitution in the premises.

Dated                                      ,             

 

Signature

 

 

Print Name

(Instruction: Please do not fill in any blanks other than the signature line. The purpose of the assignment is to enable the Corporation to exercise its sale/purchase option set forth in the Restricted Stock Award Agreement without requiring additional signatures on the part of the Individual.)

 

8

Exhibit 10.16

Francesca’s Holdings Corporation

EXECUTIVE BONUS PLAN

 

1. Purpose.

The purpose of this Francesca’s Holdings Corporation Executive Bonus Plan (this “ Bonus Plan ”) is to promote the success of Francesca’s Holdings Corporation, a Delaware corporation, (the “ Corporation ”) by (i) compensating and rewarding participating executives (each, a “ Participant ”) with bonuses for the achievement of pre-established performance goals and (ii) motivating such executives by giving them opportunities to receive bonuses directly related to such performance. For Participants who are expected to be impacted by the deductibility limits of Section 162(m) (“ Section 162(m) ”) of the United States Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “ Code ”) (each, a “ Section 162(m) Officer ”), this Bonus Plan is intended to provide bonuses that qualify as performance-based compensation within the meaning of Section 162(m). With respect to Section 162(m) Officers, this Bonus Plan is adopted under Section 5.2 of the Corporation’s 2011 Equity Incentive Plan (the “ Plan ”), and bonuses payable under this Bonus Plan to such Section 162(m) Officers shall be subject to all of the terms and conditions of the Plan applicable to Performance-Based Awards. Capitalized terms are defined in the Plan if not defined herein.

 

2. Administration of the Plan.

 

  2.1 Authority of the Committee . This Bonus Plan shall be administered by the Compensation Committee of the Board (the “Committee”), which shall consist solely of two or more members of the Board who are “outside directors” within the meaning of Section 162(m). Action of the Committee with respect to the administration of this Bonus Plan shall be taken pursuant to a majority vote or by the unanimous written consent of its members. The Committee shall have the authority to construe and interpret this Bonus Plan and any agreements or other document relating to awards under this Bonus Plan (each, an “Award”), and may adopt rules and regulations relating to the administration of this Bonus Plan as specified in the Plan.

 

  2.2 Effect of Determination . Any determinations made by the Committee, including, without limitation, determinations with respect to attainment of Performance Goals and Bonus amount, shall be binding, final and conclusive on each Participant.

 

3. Awards.

 

  3.1 Award Grants . Each Participant will be granted an Award under this Bonus Plan. Each Award granted to a Participant represents the opportunity to receive a payment for the Corporation’s relevant fiscal year (the “ Performance Period ”) determined under the terms and conditions of this Bonus Plan (a “ Bonus ”). The Committee shall establish (i) the target amount of each Participant’s Bonus and (ii) the applicable performance goals for such Performance Period (the “ Performance Goals ”) during the first ninety (90) days of the Performance Period, although the target Bonus amount for Participants selected to participate in this Bonus Plan after this period may be established at a later date.


  3.2 Performance Goals . The actual amount of the Bonus paid to each Participant for the Performance Period will be calculated based on the Participant’s achievement of the Performance Goals established by the Committee pursuant to Section 3.1 above for the applicable Performance Period. In the case of Section 162(m) Officers, such Performance Goals shall be limited to those included in Section 5.2.2 of the Plan.

 

  3.3 Maximum Bonus Amounts . In no case shall the amount of any Bonus paid to a Section 162(m) Officer exceed the applicable limit set forth in Section 5.2.3 of the Plan.

 

  3.4 Determination of Performance . The determination as to whether the Corporation has attained the Performance Goals with respect to the Performance Period shall be made by the Committee acting in good faith.

 

  3.5 Negative Discretion . Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions, the Committee retains discretion to reduce (but not increase) the Bonus otherwise payable to any one or more Section 162(m) Officers pursuant to Section 3.1. The Committee may exercise such discretion on any basis it deems appropriate (including, but not limited to, its assessment of the Corporation’s performance relative to its operating or strategic goals for the Performance Period and/or the Section 162(m) Officer’s individual performance for such period). For purposes of clarity, if the Committee exercises its discretion to reduce the amount of any Bonus payable hereunder, it shall not allocate the amount of such reduction to Bonuses payable to other Section 162(m) Officers.

 

4. Newly Hired Participants . If any Participant is selected to participate in this Bonus Plan after the first quarter of the Performance Period has elapsed, the Committee shall have the discretion to make appropriate pro-rata adjustments to the target amount of the Participant’s Bonus and to any of the other terms and conditions of this Bonus Plan as they relate to such newly hired Participant.

 

5. Committee Determination and Certification . As soon as practicable after the end of the Performance Period, the Committee shall determine whether the Corporation has attained the Performance Goals with respect to the Performance Period. At this time, the Committee shall also determine the amount of each Participant’s Bonus payable pursuant to this Bonus Plan. No Bonus shall be paid to a Section 162(m) Officer unless and until the Committee has certified, by resolution or other appropriate action in writing, (1) that the Performance Goals have been achieved, (2) the amount of the Bonus earned by each Section 162(m) Officer and (3) that any other material terms previously established by the Committee or set forth in this Bonus Plan applicable to the Bonus were in fact satisfied.

 

6. Payment of Bonuses . Any Bonuses shall be paid (subject to tax withholding pursuant to Section 10.6) as soon as practicable following the Committee’s determination of the final Bonus amount (after giving effect to any exercise of its discretion to reduce Bonuses pursuant to Section 3.5) and, for Section 162(m) Officers, certification of the Committee’s findings under Section 5, but in no event later than 74 calendar days following the end of the Performance Period.

 

2


7. Termination of Employment . In the event that a Participant’s employment with the Corporation and its Subsidiaries terminates (regardless of the reason for such termination of employment, whether voluntarily or involuntarily, with or without cause, or due to the Participant’s death or disability) at any time during the Performance Period applicable to an Award, such Award shall immediately terminate upon such termination of employment, and the Participant shall not be entitled to any Bonus payment in respect of such Award, unless otherwise expressly provided under a written contract with the Corporation.

 

8. Adjustments . The Committee shall adjust the performance measures, performance goals, relative weights of the measures, and other provisions of then-outstanding Awards under this Bonus Plan to the extent (if any) it determines that the adjustment is necessary or advisable to preserve the intended incentives and benefits to reflect (1) any material change in corporate capitalization, any material corporate transaction (such as a reorganization, combination, separation, merger, acquisition, or any combination of the foregoing), or any complete or partial liquidation of the Corporation, (2) any change in accounting policies or practices, (3) the effects of any special charges to the Corporation’s earnings, or (4) any other similar special circumstances. Notwithstanding any other provision herein, each Award shall be subject to termination in connection with a Change in Control Event or certain similar reorganization events as provided in Section 7.2 of the Plan.

 

9. Recoupment of Bonus Payments . Any Bonuses becoming payable pursuant to this Bonus Plan shall be subject to the terms of the Corporation’s recoupment, clawback or similar policy as it may be in effect from time to time, as well as any similar provisions of applicable law, any of which could in certain circumstances require repayment or forfeiture of the Bonuses.

 

10. General Provisions.

 

  10.1 Rights of Participants .

 

  (a) No Right to Awards or Continued Employment . Nothing contained in this Bonus Plan (or in any other documents under this Bonus Plan or in any Award) shall confer upon any Participant any right to continue in the employ or other service of the Corporation or one of its Subsidiaries, constitute any contract or agreement of employment or other service or affect an employee’s status as an employee at will, nor shall interfere in any way with the right of the Corporation or one of its Subsidiaries to change a person’s compensation or other benefits, or to terminate his or her employment or other service, with or without cause. Nothing in this Section 10.1(a), however, is intended to adversely affect any express independent right of such person under a separate employment or service contract other than an award agreement.

 

  (b)

Plan Not Funded . Awards payable under this Bonus Plan shall be payable from the general assets of the Corporation, and no special or separate reserve, fund or deposit shall be made to assure payment of such awards. No Participant, beneficiary or other person shall have any right, title or interest in any fund or in any specific asset of the Corporation or one of its Subsidiaries by reason of any award hereunder. Neither the provisions of this Bonus Plan (or of any related

 

3


 

documents), nor the creation or adoption of this Bonus Plan, nor any action taken pursuant to the provisions of this Bonus Plan shall create, or be construed to create, a trust of any kind or a fiduciary relationship between the Corporation or one of its Subsidiaries and any Participant, beneficiary or other person. To the extent that a Participant, beneficiary or other person acquires a right to receive payment pursuant to any Award, such right shall be no greater than the right of any unsecured general creditor of the Corporation.

 

  10.2 Non-Transferability of Benefits and Interests . Except as expressly provided by the Committee in accordance with the provisions of Section 162(m), all Awards are non-transferable, and no benefit payable under this Bonus Plan shall be subject in any manner to sale, transfer, anticipation, alienation, assignment, pledge, encumbrance or charge. This Section 10.2 shall not apply to an assignment of a contingency or payment due (a) after the death of a Participant to the deceased Participant’s legal representative or beneficiary or (b) after the disability of a Participant to the disabled Participant’s personal representative.

 

  10.3 Force and Effect . The various provisions herein are severable in their entirety. Any determination of invalidity or unenforceability of any one provision will have no effect on the continuing force and effect of the remaining provisions.

 

  10.4 Governing Law . This Bonus Plan will be construed under the laws of the State of Delaware.

 

  10.5 Construction .

 

  (a) Section 162(m) . It is the intent of the Corporation that this Bonus Plan, Awards, and Bonuses paid hereunder will qualify as performance-based compensation or will otherwise be exempt from deductibility limitations under Section 162(m). Any provision, application or interpretation of this Bonus Plan inconsistent with this intent to satisfy the standards in Section 162(m) shall be disregarded.

 

  (b) Section 409A . It is intended that Awards granted and Bonuses paid under this Bonus Plan qualify as “short-term deferrals” within the meaning of the guidance provided by the Internal Revenue Service under Section 409A of the Code and this Bonus Plan shall be interpreted consistent with that intent.

 

  10.6 Tax Withholding . Upon the payment of any Bonus, the Corporation shall have the right to deduct the amount of any federal, state or local taxes that the Corporation or any Subsidiary may be required to withhold with respect to such payment.

 

  10.7 Amendments, Suspension or Termination of Plan . The Board or the Committee may at any time terminate, amend, modify or suspend this Bonus Plan, in whole or in part, in each case, without the consent of Participants. Notwithstanding the foregoing, no amendment may be effective without Board and/or stockholder approval if such approval is necessary to comply with the applicable rules of Section 162(m) and no amendment shall be effective that would violate Section 162(m).

 

4


  10.8 Effective Date . This Bonus Plan is effective as of [            ] , 2011.

 

  10.9 Captions . Captions and headings are given to the sections and subsections of this Bonus Plan solely as a convenience to facilitate reference. Such headings shall not be deemed in any way material or relevant to the construction or interpretation of this Bonus Plan or any provision thereof.

 

  10.10 Non-Exclusivity of Plan . Subject to compliance with Section 162(m), nothing in this Bonus Plan shall limit or be deemed to limit the authority of the Board or the Committee to grant awards or authorize any other compensation under any other plan or authority.

 

5

Exhibit 10.27

AMENDED AND RESTATED

EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT

THIS AMENDED AND RESTATED EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT (as amended, modified, supplemented or restated from time to time, this “ Agreement ”) is made and entered into this 14th day of July 2011, by and among Francesca’s Holdings Corporation, a Delaware corporation (“ Parent ”), Francesca’s Collections, Inc., a Texas corporation (“ Francesca’s ”), and John De Meritt, an individual (the “ Executive ”). Parent and Francesca’s are herein collectively referred to as the “ Company ”.

RECITALS

THE PARTIES ENTER THIS AGREEMENT on the basis of the following facts, understandings and intentions:

A. Parent, CCMP Capital Investors II, L.P., CCMP Capital Investors (Cayman) II, L.P. (CCMP Capital Investors II, L.P., CCMP Capital Investors (Cayman) II, L.P., together the “ Investors ”), the Executive, as Stockholders’ Representative and as a stockholder of Parent, and the other individual stockholders of Parent have entered into that certain Stock Purchase Agreement, dated as of February 26, 2010 (as may be amended, modified, supplemented or restated from time to time, the “ Stock Purchase Agreement ”).

B . The Company desires to provide for the continued services of the Executive upon and following the Closing (as such term is defined in the Stock Purchase Agreement) on the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement and the Executive and the Company desire to supersede the existing employment letter agreement between the Executive and Parent, dated as of April 16, 2007 (as may have been amended, modified, supplemented or restated from time to time, the “ Prior Employment Agreement ”), and the existing Non-Competition and Non-Solicitation Agreement between the Executive and Parent, dated as of April 16, 2007 (as may have been amended, modified, supplemented or restated from time to time, the “ Prior Non-Competition Agreement ”).

C. This Agreement shall be effective immediately following the Closing (the date on which such Closing occurs, the “ Effective Date ”), and, as amended and restated as of the date hereof, shall govern the employment relationship between the Executive and the Company from and after the Effective Date, and, as of the Effective Date, supersedes and negates all previous agreements with respect to such relationship (including, without limitation, the Prior Employment Agreement and the Prior Non-Competition Agreement); provided , that , for purposes of clarity, this Agreement shall not affect the Executive’s obligations in the Stock Purchase Agreement or the Stockholders’ Agreement, by and among Parent, CCMP Capital Investors II, L.P., a Delaware limited partnership, CCMP Capital Investors (Cayman) II, L.P., a Cayman Islands exempted limited partnership, Francesca’s, the Management Stockholders (as defined therein) and any other Persons signatory thereto from time to time, dated as of February 26, 2010 (as amended, modified, supplemented or restated from time to time, the “ Stockholders’ Agreement ”).


D. The Executive desires to continue in the employ of the Company on the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement.

E. This Agreement is a material inducement to the willingness of the parties to enter into the Stock Purchase Agreement and consummate the transactions contemplated thereby.

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the above recitals incorporated herein and the mutual covenants and promises contained herein and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby expressly acknowledged, the parties agree as follows:

 

1. Retention and Duties .

 

1.1 Retention . The Company does hereby hire, engage and employ the Executive for the Period of Employment (as defined in Section 2) on the terms and conditions expressly set forth in this Agreement. The Executive does hereby accept and agree to such hiring, engagement and employment, on the terms and conditions expressly set forth in this Agreement.

 

1.2 Duties . During the Period of Employment, the Executive shall serve both the Parent and Francesca’s as their respective President and Chief Executive Officer and shall have the powers, authorities, and duties of management usually vested in the office of the president and chief executive officer of a corporation of a similar size and nature to the Parent and Francesca’s (together with such additional powers as may be granted to the Executive pursuant to the Stockholders’ Agreement), as applicable, subject to the legal directives of Parent’s Board of Directors (the “ Parent Board ”) in exercising its general oversight function. The Executive shall report to the Parent Board during the Period of Employment.

 

1.3 No Other Employment; Minimum Time Commitment . During the Period of Employment, the Executive shall (i) devote substantially all of the Executive’s business time, energy and skill to the performance of the Executive’s duties for the Company, (ii) perform such duties in a faithful, effective and efficient manner to the best of his abilities, and (iii) hold no other employment. The Executive’s service on the boards of directors (or similar body) of other business entities is subject to the approval of the Parent Board. The Parent Board shall have the right to require the Executive to resign from any board or similar body (including, without limitation, any association, corporate, civic or charitable board or similar body) which he may then serve if the Parent Board reasonably determines that the Executive’s service on such board or body substantially interferes with the effective discharge of the Executive’s duties and responsibilities to the Company or that any business related to such service is then in competition with any business of the Company or any of its Affiliates (as such term is defined in Section 5.5), successors or assigns.

 

1.4

No Breach of Contract . The Executive hereby represents to the Company that: (i) the execution and delivery of this Agreement by the Executive and the Company and the performance by the Executive of the Executive’s duties hereunder do not and shall not

 

2


  constitute a breach of, conflict with, or otherwise contravene or cause a default under, the terms of any other agreement or policy to which the Executive is a party or otherwise bound or any judgment, order or decree to which the Executive is subject; (ii) that the Executive has no information (including, without limitation, confidential information and trade secrets) relating to any other Person (as such term is defined in Section 5.5) which would prevent, or be violated by, the Executive entering into this Agreement or carrying out his duties hereunder; (iii) the Executive is not bound by any employment, consulting, non-compete, confidentiality, trade secret or similar agreement (other than this Agreement, the Prior Employment Agreement and the Prior Non-Competition Agreement) with any other Person; and (iv) the Executive understands the Company will rely upon the accuracy and truth of the representations and warranties of the Executive set forth herein and the Executive consents to such reliance.

 

2.

Period of Employment . The “ Period of Employment ” shall be a period of three (3) years commencing on the Effective Date and ending at the close of business on the third (3 rd ) anniversary of the Effective Date; provided , however , that this Agreement shall be automatically renewed, and the Period of Employment shall be automatically extended for one (1) additional year on each anniversary of the Effective Date (commencing with the third (3 rd ) anniversary of the Effective Date), unless either party gives notice, in writing, at least ninety (90) days prior to such anniversary, that the Period of Employment shall not be extended (or further extended, as the case may be) (any such notice, a “ Nonrenewal Notice ”). The term “Period of Employment” shall include any extension thereof pursuant to the preceding sentence. Provision of a Nonrenewal Notice shall not be a breach of this Agreement and shall not constitute either a termination by the Company without Cause or resignation by the Executive for Good Reason. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Period of Employment is subject to earlier termination as provided in Section 5 of this Agreement.

 

3. Compensation .

 

3.1 Base Salary . The Executive’s base salary (the “ Base Salary ”) shall be paid in accordance with the Company’s regular payroll practices in effect from time to time, but not less frequently than in semi-monthly installments. The Executive’s Base Salary shall be at an annualized rate of Three Hundred Seventy-Five Thousand Dollars ($375,000.00). The Parent Board will review the Executive’s Base Salary at least annually and, after such review, may increase (but not decrease) the Executive’s Base Salary from the level then in effect.

 

3.2 Incentive Bonus . The Executive may be eligible for an annual incentive bonus based on the Company’s annual bonus plan as may exist from time to time. The Executive’s target Incentive Bonus amount for a particular fiscal year of the Company during the Period of Employment shall equal 100% of the Executive’s Base Salary paid by the Company to the Executive for that fiscal year.

 

3.3

Equity Incentive Grant . The Executive received a grant of an option to purchase shares of Parent common stock (the “ Option ”) pursuant to that Nonqualified Stock Option Award Agreement dated as of March 31, 2010 by and between the Executive and the

 

3


  Parent and such Option shall be governed by the terms and conditions in such Nonqualified Stock Option Award Agreement. From time to time, the Parent Board may consider the Executive’s eligibility for and may award the Executive additional equity-based incentive awards, subject to the applicable plan, written award agreement and other documentation that the Parent Board may implement or require.

 

4. Benefits .

 

4.1 Retirement, Welfare and Fringe Benefits . During the Period of Employment, the Executive shall be entitled to participate in all employee pension and welfare benefit plans and programs, and fringe benefit plans and programs, made available by the Company to the Company’s employees generally, in accordance with the eligibility and participation provisions of such plans and as such plans or programs may be in effect from time to time.

 

4.2 Benefits Allowance . For each fiscal year during the Period of Employment, commencing on the date hereof, the Company shall provide the Executive with an allowance of $50,000 to apply towards the purchase of additional benefits at the Executive’s discretion. Such allowance shall be paid in equal quarterly installments (unless a pro-rata payment is to be made) on the closest payroll date on or following January 1, April 1, July 1 and October 1 of each calendar year, provided that the Executive is employed with the Company on such date.

 

4.3 Reimbursement of Business Expenses . The Executive is authorized to incur reasonable expenses in carrying out the Executive’s duties for the Company under this Agreement and shall be entitled to reimbursement for all reasonable business expenses the Executive incurs during the Period of Employment in connection with carrying out the Executive’s duties for the Company, subject to the Company’s expense reimbursement policies and any pre-approval policies in effect from time to time.

 

4.4 Vacation and Other Leave . During the Period of Employment, the Executive’s annual rate of vacation accrual shall be four (4) weeks per year; provided , that, such vacation shall accrue and be subject to the Company’s vacation policies in effect from time to time. Upon any termination of the Executive’s employment during the Period of Employment, the Company shall pay the Executive for all accrued and unused vacation up to the maximum rate of vacation accrual (4 weeks per year) based on his Base Salary immediately prior to such termination. The Executive shall also be entitled to all other holiday and leave pay generally available to other executives of the Company.

 

5. Termination .

 

5.1 Termination by the Company . The Executive’s employment by the Company and the Period of Employment, may be terminated by the Company: (i) immediately upon notice, with Cause (as defined in Section 5.5), or (ii) with no less than thirty (30) days’ advance notice to the Executive, without Cause, or (iii) in the event of the Executive’s Disability (as defined in Section 5.5). The Executive’s employment by the Company, and the Period of Employment, shall automatically terminate upon the Executive’s death.

 

4


5.2 Termination by the Executive . The Executive’s employment by the Company, and the Period of Employment, may be terminated by the Executive: (i) for Good Reason (as defined in Section 5.5), or (ii) for any reason with no less than thirty (30) days’ advance written notice to the Company.

 

5.3 Benefits upon Termination . If the Executive’s employment by the Company is terminated during the Period of Employment for any reason by the Company or by the Executive, or upon or following the expiration of the Period of Employment (in any case, the date that the Executive’s employment by the Company terminates is referred to as the “ Severance Date ”), the Company shall have no further obligation to make or provide to the Executive, and the Executive shall have no further right to receive or obtain from the Company, any payments or benefits except as follows:

 

  (a) The Company shall pay the Executive (or, in the event of his death, the Executive’s estate) any Accrued Obligations (as such term is defined in Section 5.5);

 

  (b) If, during the Period of Employment, the Executive’s employment with the Company terminates as a result of a termination by the Company without Cause or a resignation by the Executive with Good Reason (as such term is defined in Section 5.5), the Executive shall be entitled to the following benefits:

 

  (i)

The Company shall pay the Executive (in addition to the Accrued Obligations), subject to tax withholding and other authorized deductions, an amount equal to two times his Base Salary at the annualized rate in effect on the Severance Date. Such amount is referred to hereinafter as the “ Severance Benefit .” Subject to Section 5.8(a), the Company shall pay the Severance Benefit to the Executive in substantially equal installments in accordance with the Company’s standard payroll practices over a period of twenty-four (24) consecutive months, with the first installment payable in the month following the month in which the Executive’s Separation from Service (as such term is defined in Section 5.5) occurs. (For purposes of clarity, each such installment shall equal the applicable fraction of the aggregate Severance Benefit. For example, if such installments were to be made on a monthly basis, each installment would equal one-twenty-fourth (1/24 th ) of the Severance Benefit.)

 

  (ii)

The Company will pay or reimburse the Executive for his premiums charged to continue medical coverage pursuant to the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (“ COBRA ”), at the same or reasonably equivalent medical coverage for the Executive (and, if applicable, the Executive’s eligible dependents) as in effect immediately prior to the Severance Date, to the extent that the Executive elects such continued coverage; provided , that, the Company’s obligation to make any payment or reimbursement pursuant to this clause (ii) shall, subject to Section 5.8(a), commence with continuation coverage for the month following the month in which the Executive’s Separation from Service

 

5


  occurs and shall cease with continuation coverage in the twenty-fourth month following the month in which the Executive’s Separation from Service occurs (or, if earlier, shall cease upon the first to occur of the Executive’s death, the date the Executive becomes eligible for coverage under the health plan of a future employer, or the date the Company ceases to offer group medical coverage to its active executive employees or the Company is otherwise under no obligation to offer COBRA continuation coverage to the Executive). To the extent that the Executive elects COBRA coverage, he shall notify the Company in writing of such election prior to such coverage taking effect and complete any other continuation coverage enrollment procedures the Company may then have in place.

 

  (c) Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this Section 5.3, if the Executive breaches his obligations under Section 6 of this Agreement at any time, from and after the date of such breach and not in any way in limitation of any right or remedy otherwise available to the Company, the Executive will no longer be entitled to, and the Company will no longer be obligated to pay, any remaining unpaid portion of the Severance Benefit or to any continued Company-paid or reimbursed coverage pursuant to Section 5.3(b)(ii). In such event, the first installment of the Severance Benefit contemplated by Section 5.3(b)(i) shall, in and of itself, constitute good and sufficient consideration for the Executive’s release contemplated by Section 5.4(a).

 

  (d) The foregoing provisions of this Section 5.3 shall not affect: (i) the Executive’s receipt of benefits otherwise due terminated employees under group insurance coverage consistent with the terms of the applicable Company welfare benefit plan; (ii) the Executive’s rights under COBRA to continue participation in medical, dental, hospitalization and life insurance coverage; or (iii) the Executive’s receipt of benefits otherwise due in accordance with the terms of the Company’s 401(k) plan (if any).

 

5.4 Release; Exclusive Remedy .

 

  (a)

This Section 5.4 shall apply notwithstanding anything else contained in this Agreement or any stock option or other equity-based award agreement to the contrary. As a condition precedent to any Company obligation to the Executive pursuant to Section 5.3(b) or any other obligation to accelerate vesting of any equity-based award in connection with the termination of the Executive’s employment, the Executive shall, upon or promptly following (and in all events, within twenty-one (21) days of, unless a longer period of time is required by applicable law) his last day of employment with the Company, provide the Company with a valid, executed general release agreement in a form acceptable to the Company, and such release agreement shall have not been revoked by the Executive pursuant to any revocation rights afforded by applicable law. The Executive agrees to resign, on the Severance Date, as an officer and director of the Company and any Affiliate of Parent or Francesca, as applicable, and as a fiduciary of any benefit plan of the Company or any Affiliate of Parent or

 

6


  Francesca, as applicable, and to promptly execute and provide to the Company any further documentation, as requested by the Company, to confirm such resignation.

 

  (b) The Executive agrees that the payments and benefits contemplated by Section 5.3 (and any applicable acceleration of vesting of an equity-based award in accordance with the terms of such award in connection with the termination of the Executive’s employment) shall constitute the exclusive and sole remedy for any termination of his employment and the Executive covenants not to assert or pursue any other remedies, at law or in equity, with respect to any termination of employment. The Company and the Executive acknowledge and agree that there is no duty of the Executive to mitigate damages under this Agreement. All amounts paid to the Executive pursuant to Section 5.3 shall be paid without regard to whether the Executive has taken or takes actions to mitigate damages.

 

5.5 Certain Defined Terms .

 

  (a) As used herein, “ Accrued Obligations ” means:

 

  (i) any Base Salary that had accrued but had not been paid (including accrued and unpaid vacation time) on or before the Severance Date;

 

  (ii) any accrued and unused vacation that had had not been paid, up to a maximum of 4 weeks; and

 

  (iii) any reimbursement due to the Executive pursuant to Section 4.3 for expenses incurred by the Executive on or before the Severance Date.

 

  (b) As used herein, “ Affiliate ” shall refer to any Person that directly or indirectly through one or more intermediaries, controls, or is controlled by, or is under common control with either Parent or Francesca’s. As used in this definition, the term “control,” including the correlative terms “controlling,” “controlled by” and “under common control with,” means the possession, directly or indirectly, of the power to direct or cause the direction of management or policies (whether through ownership of securities or any partnership or other ownership interest, by contract or otherwise) of a Person. For the avoidance of doubt, Bear Growth Capital Partners, L.P. (“ BGCP ”) shall not be deemed to be an Affiliate of either of the Investors, and neither Investor shall be deemed to be an Affiliate of BGCP.

 

  (c) As used herein, “ Cause ” shall mean, as reasonably determined by the Parent Board (excluding the Executive, if he is then a member of the Parent Board) based on the information then known to it, that one or more of the following has occurred:

 

  (i) the Executive has committed a felony (under the laws of the United States or any relevant state, or a similar crime or offense under the applicable laws of any relevant foreign jurisdiction);

 

7


  (ii) the Executive has engaged in acts of fraud, dishonesty or other acts of material willful misconduct in the course of his duties hereunder;

 

  (iii) the Executive willfully fails to perform or uphold his duties under this Agreement and/or willfully fails to comply with reasonable directives of the Parent Board, in either case after there has been delivered to the Executive a written demand for performance from the Company which describes the basis for the Company’s belief that the Executive has violated his obligations to the Company or has failed to comply with any such directives, as applicable; or

 

  (iv) any breach by the Executive of any provision of Section 6, or any material breach by the Executive of this Agreement or any other contract he is a party to with the Company.

 

  (d) As used herein, “ Disability ” shall mean a physical or mental impairment which renders the Executive unable to perform the essential functions of his employment with the Company, even with reasonable accommodation that does not impose an undue hardship on the Company, for more than 180 days in any 12-month period, unless a longer period is required by federal or state law, in which case that longer period would apply.

 

  (e) As used herein, “ Good Reason ” shall mean a resignation by the Executive after the occurrence (without the Executive’s consent) of any one or more of the following conditions:

 

  (i) a material diminution in the Executive’s rate of Base Salary;

 

  (ii) a material diminution in the Executive’s authority, duties, or responsibilities;

 

  (iii) a material change in the geographic location of the Executive’s principal office with the Company (for this purpose, in no event shall a relocation of such office to a new location that is not more than fifty (50) miles from the current location of the Company’s executive offices constitute a “material change”); or

 

  (iv) a material breach by the Company of this Agreement;

provided , however , that any such condition or conditions, as applicable, shall not constitute grounds for a Good Reason unless both (x) the Executive provides written notice to the Company of the condition claimed to constitute grounds for a Good Reason within sixty (60) days of the initial existence of such condition(s) (such notice to be delivered in accordance with Section 18), and (y) the Company fails to remedy such condition(s) within thirty (30) days of receiving such written notice thereof; and provided , further , that in all events the termination of the Executive’s employment with the Company shall not constitute a Good Reason unless such termination occurs not more

 

8


than one hundred and twenty (120) days following the initial existence of the condition claimed to constitute grounds for a Good Reason.

 

  (f) As used herein, the term “ Person ” shall be construed broadly and shall include, without limitation, an individual, a partnership, a limited liability company, a corporation, an association, a joint stock company, a trust, a joint venture, an unincorporated organization and a governmental entity or any department, agency or political subdivision thereof.

 

  (g) As used herein, a “ Separation from Service ” occurs when the Executive dies, retires, or otherwise has a termination of employment with the Company that constitutes a “separation from service” within the meaning of Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-1(h)(1), without regard to the optional alternative definitions available thereunder.

 

5.6 Notice of Termination . Any termination of the Executive’s employment under this Agreement shall be communicated by written notice of termination from the terminating party to the other party. This notice of termination must be delivered in accordance with Section 18 and must indicate the specific provision(s) of this Agreement relied upon in effecting the termination.

 

5.7 Limitation on Benefits .

 

  (a) Notwithstanding anything contained in this Agreement to the contrary, to the extent that any payment, benefit or distribution of any type to or for the benefit of the Executive by the Company or any of its Affiliates, whether paid or payable, provided or to be provided, or distributed or distributable pursuant to the terms of this Agreement or otherwise (including, without limitation, any accelerated vesting of stock options or other equity-based awards) (collectively, the “ Total Payments ”) would be subject to the excise tax imposed under Section 4999 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “ Code ”), then the Total Payments shall be reduced (but not below zero) so that the maximum amount of the Total Payments (after reduction) shall be one dollar ($1.00) less than the amount which would cause the Total Payments to be subject to the excise tax imposed by Section 4999 of the Code. Unless the Executive shall have given prior written notice to the Company to effectuate a reduction in the Total Payments if such a reduction is required, any such notice consistent with the requirements of Section 409A of the Code to avoid the imputation of any tax, penalty or interest thereunder, the Company shall reduce or eliminate the Total Payments by first reducing or eliminating any cash severance benefits (with the payments to be made furthest in the future being reduced first), then by reducing or eliminating any accelerated vesting of stock options or similar awards, then by reducing or eliminating any accelerated vesting of restricted stock or similar awards, then by reducing or eliminating any other remaining Total Payments. The preceding provisions of this Section 5.7(a) shall take precedence over the provisions of any other plan, arrangement or agreement governing the Executive’s rights and entitlements to any benefits or compensation.

 

9


  (b) Any determination that Total Payments to the Executive must be reduced or eliminated in accordance with Section 5.7(a) and the assumptions to be utilized in arriving at such determination, shall be made by the Parent Board in the exercise of its reasonable, good faith discretion based upon the advice of such professional advisors it may deem appropriate in the circumstances. As a result of the uncertainty in the application of Section 4999 of the Code at the time of the initial determination by the Parent Board hereunder, it is possible that Total Payments to the Executive which will not have been made by the Company should have been made (“ Underpayment ”). If an Underpayment has occurred, the amount of any such Underpayment shall be promptly paid by the Company to or for the benefit of the Executive together with interest on such amount (at the same rate as is applied to determine the present value of payments under Section 280G of the Code or any successor thereto). In the event that any Total Payment made to the Executive shall be determined to otherwise result in the imposition of any tax under Section 4999 of the Code and a reduction in Total Payments is required pursuant to Section 5.7(a), then the Executive shall promptly repay to the Company the amount of any such overpayment together with interest on such amount (at the same rate as is applied to determine the present value of payments under Section 280G of the Code or any successor thereto), from the date the reimbursable payment was received by the Executive to the date the same is repaid to the Company.

 

5.8 Section 409A .

 

  (a) If the Executive is a “specified employee” within the meaning of Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-1(i) as of the date of the Executive’s Separation from Service, the Executive shall not be entitled to any payment or benefit pursuant to Section 5.3(b) until the earlier of (i) the date which is six (6) months after his or her Separation from Service for any reason other than death, or (ii) the date of the Executive’s death. The provisions of this paragraph shall only apply if, and to the extent, required to avoid the imputation of any tax, penalty or interest pursuant to Section 409A of the Code. Any amounts otherwise payable to the Executive upon or in the six (6) month period following the Executive’s Separation from Service that are not so paid by reason of this Section 5.8(a) shall be paid (without interest) as soon as practicable (and in all events within twenty (20) days) after the date that is six (6) months after the Executive’s Separation from Service (or, if earlier, as soon as practicable, and in all events within thirty (30) days, after the date of the Executive’s death).

 

  (b)

To the extent that any reimbursements pursuant to Section 4.3 or any benefits pursuant to Section 5.3(b)(ii) are taxable to the Executive, any reimbursement payment due to the Executive pursuant to any such provision shall be paid to the Executive on or before the last day of the Executive’s taxable year following the taxable year in which the related expense was incurred. The Executive agrees to provide prompt notice to the Company of any such expenses (and any other documentation that the Company may reasonably require to substantiate such expenses) in order to facilitate the Company’s timely reimbursement of the same.

 

10


  The reimbursements pursuant to Section 4.3 and the benefits pursuant to Section 5.3(b)(ii) are not subject to liquidation or exchange for another benefit and the amount of such benefits that the Executive receives in one taxable year shall not affect the amount of such reimbursements or benefits that the Executive receives in any other taxable year.

 

  (c) It is intended that any amounts payable under this Agreement and the Company’s and the Executive’s exercise of authority or discretion hereunder shall comply with and avoid the imputation of any tax, penalty or interest under Section 409A of the Code. This Agreement shall be construed and interpreted consistent with that intent.

 

6. Protective Covenants .

 

6.1 Confidential Information; Inventions .

 

  (a) The Executive acknowledges and agrees that, in the course of his past employment with the Company and its Affiliates, he was provided, and became familiar, with the Trade Secrets and Confidential Information (as defined below) belonging to the Company and its Affiliates because he had contractually agreed, inter alia , not to disclose such information, and not to engage in certain post-employment competitive and solicitation activities; and that the Company and its Affiliates would not have provided him access to such information but for his non-disclosure, non-competition and non-solicitation agreements; which agreements are hereby superseded by this Agreement. The Executive further acknowledges and agrees that the Company and its Affiliates shall provide to him, and he shall become familiar with, additional Trade Secrets and Confidential Information belonging to the Company and its Affiliates only if he contractually agrees, pursuant to this Agreement, not to disclose any Trade Secrets and Confidential Information of the Company and its Affiliates, and not to engage in certain post-employment competitive and solicitation activities (as described below); and that the Company and its Affiliates would not provide him access to such information but for his non-disclosure, non-competition and non-solicitation agreements set forth in this Agreement.

 

  (b)

The Executive shall not disclose or use at any time, either during the Period of Employment or thereafter, any Trade Secrets and Confidential Information (as defined below) of which the Executive is or becomes aware, whether or not such information is developed by him, except to the extent that such disclosure or use is directly related to and required by the Executive’s performance in good faith of duties for the Company. The Executive will take all appropriate steps to safeguard Trade Secrets and Confidential Information in his possession and to protect it against disclosure, misuse, espionage, loss and theft. The Executive shall deliver to the Company at the termination of the Period of Employment, or at any time the Company may request, all memoranda, notes, plans, records, reports, computer tapes and software and other documents and data (and copies thereof) relating to the Trade Secrets and Confidential Information or the Work

 

11


  Product (as hereinafter defined) of the business of the Company or any of its Affiliates which the Executive may then possess or have under his control. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Executive may truthfully respond to a lawful and valid subpoena or other legal process, but shall give the Company the earliest possible notice thereof, shall, as much in advance of the return date as possible, make available to the Company and its counsel the documents and other information sought, and shall assist the Company and such counsel in resisting or otherwise responding to such process.

 

  (c) As used in this Agreement, the term “ Trade Secrets and Confidential Information ” means information that is not generally known to the public and that is used, developed or obtained by the Company in connection with its business, including, but not limited to, information, observations and data obtained by the Executive while employed by the Company or any predecessors thereof (including those obtained prior to the Effective Date) concerning (i) the business or affairs of the Company (or such predecessors), (ii) products or services, (iii) fees, costs and pricing structures, (iv) designs, (v) analyses, (vi) drawings, photographs and reports, (vii) computer software, including operating systems, applications and program listings, (viii) flow charts, manuals and documentation, (ix) data bases, (x) accounting and business methods, (xi) inventions, devices, new developments, methods and processes, whether patentable or unpatentable and whether or not reduced to practice, (xii) customers and clients and customer or client lists, (xiii) other copyrightable works, (xiv) all production methods, processes, technology and trade secrets, and (xv) all similar and related information in whatever form. Trade Secrets and Confidential Information will not include any information that has been published (other than a disclosure by the Executive in breach of this Agreement) in a form generally available to the public prior to the date the Executive proposes to disclose or use such information. Trade Secrets and Confidential Information will not be deemed to have been published merely because individual portions of the information have been separately published, but only if all material features comprising such information have been published in combination.

 

  (d)

As used in this Agreement, the term “ Work Product ” means all inventions, innovations, improvements, technical information, systems, software developments, methods, designs, analyses, drawings, reports, service marks, trademarks, trade names, logos and all similar or related information (whether patentable or unpatentable, copyrightable, registerable as a trademark, reduced to writing, or otherwise) which relates to the Company’s or any of its Affiliates’ actual or anticipated business, research and development or existing or future products or services and which are conceived, developed or made by the Executive (whether or not during usual business hours, whether or not by the use of the facilities of the Company or any of its Affiliates, and whether or not alone or in conjunction with any other person) while employed by the Company (including those conceived, developed or made prior to the Effective Date) together with all patent applications, letters patent, trademark, trade name and service mark applications or registrations, copyrights and reissues thereof that

 

12


  may be granted for or upon any of the foregoing. All Work Product that the Executive may have discovered, invented or originated during his employment by the Company or any of its Affiliates prior to the Effective Date, that he may discover, invent or originate during the Period of Employment or at any time in the period of twelve months after the Severance Date, shall be the exclusive property of the Company and its Affiliates, as applicable, and Executive hereby assigns all of Executive’s right, title and interest in and to such Work Product to the Company or its applicable Affiliate, including all intellectual property rights therein. Executive shall promptly disclose all Work Product to the Company, shall execute at the request of the Company any assignments or other documents the Company may deem necessary to protect or perfect its (or any of its Affiliates’, as applicable) rights therein, and shall assist the Company, at the Company’s expense, in obtaining, defending and enforcing the Company’s (or any of its Affiliates’, as applicable) rights therein. The Executive hereby appoints the Company as his attorney-in-fact to execute on his behalf any assignments or other documents deemed necessary by the Company to protect or perfect the Company, the Company’s (and any of its Affiliates’, as applicable) rights to any Work Product.

 

6.2

Restriction on Competition . The Executive affirmatively represents, acknowledges and agrees that (a) the value of the consideration received directly or indirectly by him pursuant to the Stock Purchase Agreement is substantial and that preservation of the goodwill associated with the Company is a part of the consideration which the Investors are receiving in the Stock Purchase Agreement and (b) if the Executive were to become employed by, or substantially involved in, the business of a competitor of the Company or any of its Affiliates during the Restricted Period, it would be impossible for the Executive not to disclose, rely on, or use the Company’s and its Affiliates’ Trade Secrets and Confidential Information. Thus, the Executive further affirmatively represents, acknowledges and agrees that to protect, and avoid the inevitable disclosure and/or use of, the Company’s and its Affiliates’ Trade Secrets and Confidential Information, and to protect the Company’s and its Affiliates’ legitimate business interests, relationships and goodwill, during the Period of Employment and during the Restricted Period, the Executive should not be permitted, will not, and should be enjoined (if necessary) from directly or indirectly through any other Person engage in, enter the employ of, render any services to, have any ownership interest in, nor participate in the financing, operation, management or control of, any Competing Business (as defined below). For purposes of this Agreement, the phrase “directly or indirectly through any other Person engage in” shall include, without limitation, any direct or indirect ownership or profit participation interest in such enterprise, whether as an owner, stockholder, member, partner, joint venturer or otherwise, and shall include any direct or indirect participation in such enterprise as an employee, consultant, director, officer, licensor of technology or otherwise. For purposes of this Agreement, “ Competing Business ” means a Person anywhere in the continental United States and Canada (the “ Restricted Area ”) that at any time during the Period of Employment, or any and time during the Restricted Period engages in the business of operating retail stores for the sale of women’s apparel, jewelry, accessories, gifts, greeting cards, picture frames and related items. The parties hereto agree that the Company intends to engage in business throughout the Restricted Area,

 

13


  even if it does not currently do so, and therefore its scope is reasonable. For purposes of this Agreement, the “ Restricted Period ” shall refer to (i) the twenty-four month period after the Severance Date if the severance event is as a result of the Executive’s termination of employment by the Company without Cause or his resignation for Good Reason, and (ii) the twelve month period after the Severance Date, if the severance event is as a result of any other reason (other than a termination of employment by the Company without Cause or a resignation for Good Reason). Nothing herein shall prohibit the Executive from being a passive owner of not more than 2% of the outstanding stock of any class of a corporation which is publicly traded, so long as the Executive has no active participation in the business of such corporation.

 

6.3 Non-Solicitation of Employees and Consultants . For the same reasons described in Section 6.2 above, the Executive further affirmatively represents, acknowledges and agrees that to protect, and avoid the inevitable disclosure and/or use of, the Company’s and its Affiliates’ Trade Secrets and Confidential Information, and to protect the Company’s and its Affiliates’ legitimate business interests, relationships and goodwill, during the Period of Employment and during the Restricted Period, the Executive should not be permitted, will not, and should be enjoined (if necessary) from being able to directly or indirectly through any other Person: (i) induce or attempt to induce any employee or independent contractor of the Company or any Affiliate of the Company to leave the employ or service, as applicable, of the Company or such Affiliate, or in any way interfere with the relationship between the Company or any such Affiliate, on the one hand, and any employee or independent contractor thereof, on the other hand, or (ii) hire any person who was an employee of the Company or any Affiliate of the Company until twelve months after such individual’s employment relationship with the Company or such Affiliate has been terminated.

 

6.4 Non-Solicitation of Customers . For the same reasons described in Section 6.2 above, the Executive further affirmatively represents, acknowledges and agrees that to protect, and avoid the inevitable disclosure and/or use of, the Company’s and its Affiliates’ Trade Secrets and Confidential Information, and to protect the Company’s and its Affiliates’ legitimate business interests, relationships and goodwill, during the Period of Employment and during the Restricted Period, the Executive should not be permitted, will not, and should be enjoined (if necessary) from being able to directly or indirectly through any other Person: (i) influence or attempt to influence customers, vendors, suppliers, licensors, lessors, joint venturers, associates, consultants, agents, or partners of the Company or any Affiliate of the Company to divert their business away from the Company or such Affiliate; and (ii) interfere with, disrupt or attempt to disrupt the business relationships, contractual or otherwise, between the Company or any Affiliate of the Company, on the one hand, and any of its or their customers, suppliers, vendors, lessors, licensors, joint venturers, associates, officers, employees, consultants, managers, partners, members or investors, on the other hand.

 

6.5

Understanding of Covenants . The Executive affirmatively represents, acknowledges and agrees that the foregoing covenants set forth in this Section 6 (together, the “ Restrictive Covenants ”) are: (i) reasonable in all respects, including in temporal and geographical scope; (ii) necessary to protect the Company’s legitimate business interests,

 

14


  including its and its Affiliates’ Trade Secrets and Confidential Information, good will, contractual and business relationships, investment in its workforce, and customer relations; and (iii) narrowly tailored, based upon input from all parties, to protect the Company’s legitimate business interests without unduly circumscribing Executive’s rights and interests. The Executive further affirmatively represents, acknowledges and agrees that he would not reap the benefits of the Stock Purchase Agreement but for the Executive’s entering into this Agreement. Finally, the Executive and the Company intend that Restrictive Covenants shall be deemed to be a series of separate covenants, one for each county or province of each and every state or jurisdiction within the Restricted Area and one for each month of the Restricted Period.

Without limiting the generality of the Executive’s agreement in the preceding paragraph, the Executive (i) represents that he is familiar with and has carefully considered the Restrictive Covenants, (ii) represents that he is fully aware of his obligations hereunder, (iii) agrees to the reasonableness of the length of time, scope and geographic coverage, as applicable, of the Restrictive Covenants, (iv) agrees that the Company and its Affiliates currently conducts business throughout the Restricted Area, and (v) agrees that the Restrictive Covenants will continue in effect for the applicable periods set forth above in this Section 6 regardless of whether the Executive is then entitled to receive severance pay or benefits from the Company. The Executive understands that the Restrictive Covenants may limit his ability to earn a livelihood in a business similar to the business of the Company and any of its Affiliates, but he nevertheless believes that he has received and will receive sufficient consideration and other benefits as an employee of the Company and as otherwise provided hereunder or as described in the recitals hereto to clearly justify such restrictions which, in any event (given his education, skills and ability), the Executive does not believe would prevent him from otherwise earning a living. The Executive agrees that the Restrictive Covenants do not confer a benefit upon the Company disproportionate to the detriment of the Executive.

 

6.6

Enforcement . The Executive agrees that the Executive’s services are unique and that he has access to Trade Secrets and Confidential Information and Work Product. Accordingly, without limiting the generality of Section 17, the Executive agrees that a breach by the Executive of any of the covenants in this Section 6 would cause immediate and irreparable harm to the Company that would be difficult or impossible to measure, and that damages to the Company for any such injury would therefore be an inadequate remedy for any such breach. Therefore, the Executive agrees that in the event of any breach or threatened breach of any provision of this Section 6, the Company shall be entitled, in addition to and without limitation upon all other remedies the Company may have under this Agreement, at law or otherwise, to obtain specific performance, injunctive relief and/or other appropriate relief (without posting any bond or deposit) in order to enforce or prevent any violations of the provisions of this Section 6, or require the Executive to account for and pay over to the Company all compensation, profits, moneys, accruals, increments or other benefits derived from or received as a result of any transactions constituting a breach of this Section 6, if and when final judgment of a court of competent jurisdiction is so entered against the Executive. The Executive further agrees that the applicable period of time any Restrictive Covenant is in effect following the Severance Date, as determined pursuant to the foregoing provisions of this Section 6,

 

15


  such period of time shall be extended by the same amount of time that Executive is in breach of any Restrictive Covenant.

 

7. Withholding Taxes . Notwithstanding anything else herein to the contrary, the Company may withhold (or cause there to be withheld, as the case may be) from any amounts otherwise due or payable under or pursuant to this Agreement such federal, state and local income, employment, or other taxes as may be required to be withheld pursuant to any applicable law or regulation.

 

8. Successors and Assigns .

 

  (a) This Agreement is personal to the Executive and without the prior written consent of the Company shall not be assignable by the Executive otherwise than by will or the laws of descent and distribution. This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be enforceable by the Executive’s legal representatives.

 

  (b) This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be binding upon the Company and its successors and assigns. Without limiting the generality of the preceding sentence, the Company will require any successor (whether direct or indirect, by purchase, merger, consolidation or otherwise) to all or substantially all of the business and/or assets of the Company to assume expressly 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 had taken place. As used in this Agreement, “Company” shall mean the Company as hereinbefore defined and any successor or assignee, as applicable, which assumes and agrees to perform this Agreement by operation of law or otherwise.

 

9. Number and Gender; Examples . Where the context requires, the singular shall include the plural, the plural shall include the singular, and any gender shall include all other genders. Where specific language is used to clarify by example a general statement contained herein, such specific language shall not be deemed to modify, limit or restrict in any manner the construction of the general statement to which it relates.

 

10. Section Headings . The section headings of, and titles of paragraphs and subparagraphs contained in, this Agreement are for the purpose of convenience only, and they neither form a part of this Agreement nor are they to be used in the construction or interpretation thereof.

 

11.

Governing Law . THIS AGREEMENT WILL BE GOVERNED BY AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF TEXAS, WITHOUT GIVING EFFECT TO ANY CHOICE OF LAW OR CONFLICTING PROVISION OR RULE (WHETHER OF THE STATE OF TEXAS OR ANY OTHER JURISDICTION) THAT WOULD CAUSE THE LAWS OF ANY JURISDICTION OTHER THAN THE STATE OF TEXAS TO BE APPLIED. IN FURTHERANCE OF THE FOREGOING, THE INTERNAL LAW OF THE STATE OF TEXAS WILL CONTROL THE INTERPRETATION AND CONSTRUCTION OF THIS AGREEMENT, EVEN IF UNDER SUCH JURISDICTION’S CHOICE OF LAW OR

 

16


  CONFLICT OF LAW ANALYSIS, THE SUBSTANTIVE LAW OF SOME OTHER JURISDICTION WOULD ORDINARILY APPLY.

 

12. Severability . It is the desire and intent of the parties hereto that the provisions of this Agreement be enforced to the fullest extent permissible under the laws and public policies applied in each jurisdiction in which enforcement is sought. Accordingly, if any particular provision of this Agreement shall be adjudicated by a court of competent jurisdiction to be invalid, prohibited or unenforceable under any present or future law, and if the rights and obligations of any party under this Agreement will not be materially and adversely affected thereby, such provision, as to such jurisdiction, shall be ineffective, without invalidating the remaining provisions of this Agreement or affecting the validity or enforceability of such provision in any other jurisdiction, and to this end the provisions of this Agreement are declared to be severable; furthermore, in lieu of such invalid or unenforceable provision there will be added automatically as a part of this Agreement, a legal, valid and enforceable provision as similar in terms to such invalid or unenforceable provision as may be possible. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if such provision could be more narrowly drawn (as to geographic scope, period of duration or otherwise) so as not to be invalid, prohibited or unenforceable in such jurisdiction, it shall, as to such jurisdiction, be so narrowly drawn, without invalidating the remaining provisions of this Agreement or affecting the validity or enforceability of such provision in any other jurisdiction.

 

13. Entire Agreement . This Agreement, the Stock Purchase Agreement and the Stockholders’ Agreement embody the entire agreement of the parties hereto respecting the matters within its scope. This Agreement, the Stock Purchase Agreement and the Stockholders’ Agreement supersede all prior and contemporaneous agreements of the parties hereto that directly or indirectly bears upon the subject matter hereof. The parties hereto acknowledge and agree that (i) this Agreement, the Stock Purchase Agreement and the Stockholders’ Agreement include provisions related to the same or similar rights and obligations of the parties hereto and thereto, as applicable, including with respect to non-competition, non-solicitation and confidentiality restrictions, among others, and (ii) all such provisions, whether contained in this Agreement, the Stock Purchase Agreement or the Stockholders’ Agreement are intended by the Parties hereto and thereto, as applicable, to co-exist with and apply in addition to, and not in lieu or modification of, any provisions contained in any other agreement. Any prior negotiations, correspondence, agreements, proposals or understandings relating to the subject matter hereof shall be deemed to have been merged into this Agreement, and to the extent inconsistent herewith, such negotiations, correspondence, agreements, proposals, or understandings shall be deemed to be of no force or effect. There are no representations, warranties, or agreements, whether express or implied, or oral or written, with respect to the subject matter hereof, except as expressly set forth herein. For purposes of clarity, (i) the Prior Employment Agreement and the Prior Non-Competition Agreement are each superseded in their entirety and are of no further force or effect after the Effective Time and (ii) the Employment Agreement dated February 26, 2010 is amended and restated as of the date hereof.

 

17


14. Modifications . This Agreement may not be amended, modified or changed (in whole or in part), except by a formal, definitive written agreement expressly referring to this Agreement, which agreement is executed by both of the parties hereto.

 

15. Waiver . Neither the failure nor any delay on the part of a party to exercise any right, remedy, power or privilege under this Agreement shall operate as a waiver thereof, nor shall any single or partial exercise of any right, remedy, power or privilege preclude any other or further exercise of the same or of any right, remedy, power or privilege, nor shall any waiver of any right, remedy, power or privilege with respect to any occurrence be construed as a waiver of such right, remedy, power or privilege with respect to any other occurrence. No waiver shall be effective unless it is in writing and is signed by the party asserted to have granted such waiver.

 

16. Waiver of Jury Trial . EACH OF THE PARTIES HERETO HEREBY IRREVOCABLY WAIVES ALL RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY ACTION, PROCEEDING OR COUNTERCLAIM ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT.

 

17. Remedies . Each of the parties to this Agreement and any such person or entity granted rights hereunder whether or not such person or entity is a signatory hereto shall be entitled to enforce its rights under this Agreement specifically to recover damages and costs for any breach of any provision of this Agreement and to exercise all other rights existing in its favor. The parties hereto agree and acknowledge that money damages may not be an adequate remedy for any breach of the provisions of this Agreement and that each party may in its sole discretion apply to any court of law or equity of competent jurisdiction for specific performance, injunctive relief and/or other appropriate equitable relief (without posting any bond or deposit) in order to enforce or prevent any violations of the provisions of this Agreement. Each party shall be responsible for paying its own attorneys’ fees, costs and other expenses pertaining to any such legal proceeding and enforcement regardless of whether an award or finding or any judgment or verdict thereon is entered against either party.

 

18. Notices . Any notice provided for in this Agreement must be in writing and must be either personally delivered, transmitted via telecopier, mailed by first class mail (postage prepaid and return receipt requested) or sent by reputable overnight courier service (charges prepaid) to the recipient at the address below indicated or at such other address or to the attention of such other person as the recipient party has specified by prior written notice to the sending party. Notices will be deemed to have been given hereunder and received when delivered personally, when received if transmitted via telecopier, five days after deposit in the U.S. mail and one day after deposit with a reputable overnight courier service.

if to the Company:

Francesca’s Holdings Corporation

3480 W. 12th Street

 

18


Houston, TX 77008

Attention: General Counsel

Telephone: (713) 864-1358

Facsimile: (713) 426-2751

and, with a copy (which shall not constitute notice) to:

Locke Lord Bissell & Liddell LLP

2200 Ross Avenue, Suite 2200

Dallas, TX 75201

Attention: Donald A. Hammett, Jr., Esq.

Telephone: (214) 740-8582

Facsimile: (214) 740-8800

and, with a copy (which shall not constitute notice) to:

Times Square Tower

7 Times Square

New York, NY 10036

Attention: Harvey M. Eisenberg, Esq.

Telephone: (212) 326-2000

Facsimile: (212) 326-2061

if to the Executive, to the address most recently on file in the

payroll records of the Company.

 

19. Counterparts . This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original as against any party whose signature appears thereon, and all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument. This Agreement shall become binding when one or more counterparts hereof, individually or taken together, shall bear the signatures of all of the parties reflected hereon as the signatories. Photographic copies of such signed counterparts may be used in lieu of the originals for any purpose.

 

20. Legal Counsel; Mutual Drafting . Each party recognizes that this is a legally binding contract and acknowledges and agrees that they have had the opportunity to consult with legal counsel of their choice. Executive acknowledges that O’Melveny & Myers LLP is counsel to the Company and does not represent (and has not provided any advice or counsel to) Executive. Each party has cooperated in the drafting, negotiation and preparation of this Agreement. Hence, in any construction to be made of this Agreement, the same shall not be construed against either party on the basis of that party being the drafter of such language. The Executive agrees and acknowledges that he has read and understands this Agreement, is entering into it freely and voluntarily, and has been advised to seek counsel prior to entering into this Agreement and has had ample opportunity to do so.

[The remainder of this page has intentionally been left blank.]

 

19


IN WITNESS WHEREOF , Parent, Francesca’s and the Executive have executed this Agreement as of the date first written above.

 

“PARENT”

FRANCESCA’S HOLDINGS CORPORATION,

a Delaware corporation

By:  

/s/ Greg Brenneman

Name:   Greg Brenneman
Title:   Chairman of the Board
“FRANCESCA’S”

FRANCESCA’S COLLECTIONS, INC.,

a Texas corporation

By:  

/s/ Kal Malik

Name:   Kal Malik
Title:  

 

“EXECUTIVE”

/s/ John De Meritt

JOHN DE MERITT

 

20

Exhibit 10.28

AMENDMENT TO

EMPLOYMENT LETTER AGREEMENT

This AMENDMENT TO EMPLOYMENT LETTER AGREEMENT (this “ Amendment ”) is made as of this 14 th day of July, 2011.

WHEREAS, Francesca’s Holdings Corporation, a Delaware corporation (the “ Company ”), and Gene Morphis (the “ Executive ”) are parties to that certain letter agreement made and entered into as of September 9, 2010 (the “ Employment Letter Agreement ”); and

WHEREAS, the Company and the Executive desire to amend the Employment Letter Agreement as follows.

NOW, THEREFORE, for good and valuable consideration, the receipt of which is hereby acknowledged, the Company and Executive agree that the Employment Letter Agreement is amended as follows effective immediately:

1. Paragraph 1 (Nature of Agreement and Relationship) of the Employment Letter Agreement is hereby amended by adding the following sentence to the end of such paragraph:

“The Severance Payment shall be paid within sixty (60) days of your last day of employment. As a condition precedent to any Company obligation to provide the Severance Payment or any other obligation to accelerate vesting of any equity-based award in connection with the termination of your employment, you shall, upon or promptly following (and in all events, within twenty-one (21) days of, unless a longer period of time is required by applicable law) your last day of employment with the Company, provide the Company with a valid, executed general release agreement in a form acceptable to the Company, and such release agreement shall have not been revoked by you pursuant to any revocation rights afforded by applicable law.”

2. Paragraph 2 (Salary, Bonus and Other Compensation) of the Employment Letter Agreement is hereby amended by and replaced with the following:

“For the period beginning on the date hereof and continuing until the earlier of (i) termination of your employment with the Company or (ii) 36 months beginning October 18, 2010 (the “ Employment Period ”), your base salary will be $325,000 per annum (the “ Base Salary ”). During the period beginning on the date hereof and ending December 31, 2010, the Base Salary will be pro rated on an annualized basis. You will be paid by the Company or its subsidiaries in regular installments in accordance with the Company’s or such subsidiary’s general payroll policies and practices. During the Employment Period, you will be entitled to receive an annual bonus payment of up to 60% of your annual Base Salary beginning in fiscal year 2011 (which begins February 1, 2011) based on the achievement of goals and objectives established prior to the review period and established by the Company’s Chief Executive Officer (the “ CEO ”). Any bonus payments shall be made in cash at the same time annual bonuses are paid to the Company’s employees generally; provided , that, you must be employed by the Company at the time the Company pays its annual bonuses generally with


respect to any such fiscal year in order to be eligible for an annual bonus (and, if you are not so employed at such time, in no event shall you have been considered to have “earned” any such annual bonus). For each fiscal year during your employment pursuant to this letter, commencing on the date hereof, the Company shall provide you with an allowance of $20,000 (less applicable taxes and other withholdings) to apply towards the purchase of additional benefits at the your discretion. Such allowance shall be paid in equal quarterly installments (unless a pro-rata payment is to be made) on the closest payroll date on or following January 1, April 1, July 1 and October 1 of each calendar year, provided that you are employed with the Company on such date.”

3. Except as expressly modified herein, the Employment Letter Agreement shall remain in full force and effect in accordance with its original terms as amended by this Amendment.

4. Nothing contained in this Amendment constitutes a continued employment or service commitment by the Company, confers on Executive any right to remain employed by or in service to the Company, or affects the right of the Company or Executive to terminate Executive’s employment with the Company at any time, in each case subject to the Employment Letter Agreement (as amended by this Amendment).

5. This Amendment, together with the Employment Letter Agreement, constitutes the entire agreement of the parties and supersedes all prior written or oral and all contemporaneous oral agreements, understandings, and negotiations between the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof or of the Employment Letter Agreement. This Amendment, together with the Employment Letter Agreement, is intended by the parties as the final expression of their agreement with respect to such terms as are included in this Amendment or the Employment Letter Agreement and may not be contradicted by evidence of any prior or contemporaneous agreement. The parties further intend that this Amendment, together with the Employment Letter Agreement, constitutes the complete and exclusive statement of its and their terms and that no extrinsic evidence may be introduced in any judicial proceeding involving this Agreement or the Employment Letter Agreement.

6. This Amendment may be executed in one or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, but all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have caused this Amendment to be duly executed and delivered on the day and year first above written.

 

FRANCESCA’S HOLDINGS CORPORATION
By:  

/s/ John De Meritt

Its:  
“EXECUTIVE”

 

2


/s/ Gene Morphis

Gene Morphis

 

3

Exhibit 10.29

FRANCESCA’S COLLECTIONS, INC.

July 14, 2011

 

  Re: Employment Letter Agreement

Dear Theresa:

Subject to the terms and conditions of this letter agreement (this “ Agreement ”), Francesca’s Collections, Inc., a Texas corporation (the “ Company ”), desires to provide for your continued employment on the terms and conditions of this Agreement. This Agreement is effective as of the date set forth above (the “ Effective Date ”).

1. Employment; Compensation and Benefits .

(a) Position and Duties . You shall serve as the Company’s Executive Vice President, Chief Operating Officer, reporting to the Company’s Chief Executive Officer. During your period of employment with the Company, you agree to (i) devote substantially all of your business time, energy and skill to the performance of your duties for the Company, (ii) perform such duties in a faithful, effective and efficient manner and (iii) hold no other employment.

(b) Nature of Agreement . This Agreement does not represent an employment contract for any specified term, and subject to Section 2 below, either party to this Agreement may terminate your employment at any time for any lawful reason subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement.

(c) Base Salary . Your base salary (the “ Base Salary ”) shall be at an annualized rate of Two Hundred and Fifty Thousand Dollars ($250,000.00) and shall be paid in accordance with the Company’s regular payroll practices in effect from time to time.

(d) Annual Bonus . You may be eligible for an annual incentive bonus based on the Company’s annual bonus plan that may exist from time to time. Your target annual incentive bonus amount for a particular fiscal year of the Company shall equal 40% of the your Base Salary for that fiscal year.

(e) Retirement, Welfare and Fringe Benefits . You shall be entitled to participate in all employee savings and welfare benefit plans and programs, and fringe benefit plans and programs, made available by the Company to the Company’s employees generally, in accordance with the eligibility and participation provisions of such plans and as such plans or programs may be in effect from time to time.

(f) Benefits Allowance . For each fiscal year during the Period of Employment, commencing on the date hereof, the Company shall provide you with an allowance of $20,000.00 to apply towards the purchase of additional benefits at your discretion. Such allowance shall be paid in equal quarterly installments (unless a pro-rata payment is to be made) on the closest payroll date on or following January 1, April 1, July 1 and October 1 of each calendar year, provided that you are employed with the Company on such date.

2. Termination and Severance .

(a) Termination . Your employment by the Company may be terminated by the Company: (i) immediately upon notice, with Cause (as defined below), or (ii) with no less than thirty (30) days’ advance written notice to you, without Cause, or (iii) immediately in the event of your Disability (as defined below) or your death. In the event that you are provided with notice of termination without Cause pursuant to clause (ii) above, the Company will have the option to place you on administrative leave during the notice period. You may terminate your employment by the Company for any reason with no less than thirty (30) days’ advance


written notice to the Company. Any termination of your employment (by you or by the Company) must be communicated by written notice from the terminating party to the other party. Such notice of termination must be hand delivered (if to the Company, to the Company’s chief executive officer) and must indicate the specific provision(s) of this Agreement relied upon in effecting the termination. The date your employment by the Company terminates is referred to herein as your “ Severance Date .”

(b) Benefits upon Termination . Regardless of the reason for the termination of your employment with the Company, in connection with such termination the Company will pay you (on or within 30 days following your Severance Date) your accrued and unused vacation (if any) and you will be entitled to any benefits that are due to you under the Company’s 401(k) plan in accordance with the terms of that plan. If you hold any stock options or other equity or equity-based awards granted by the Company, the terms and conditions applicable to those awards will control as to the consequences of a termination of your employment on those awards. In addition to the foregoing, if your employment with the Company terminates as a result of a termination by the Company of your employment without Cause (as defined below) you will (subject to the other conditions set forth in Section 2(c) below) be entitled to the following benefits: the Company will pay you, subject to tax withholding and other authorized deductions, an aggregate amount equal to one times your Base Salary as in effect on the Severance Date (the “ Severance Benefit ”). Subject to Section 5, the Company will pay this benefit to you in substantially equal installments (each in the applicable fraction of the aggregate benefit) in accordance with the Company’s standard payroll practices over a period of twelve months, with the first installment payable in the month following the month in which your Separation from Service (as such term is defined below) occurs.

(c) Conditions for Receipt of Severance Benefit . Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, if the Severance Benefit is otherwise due to you and, at any time, you breach any obligation under Section 6 of this Agreement, from and after the date of such breach and not in any way in limitation of any right or remedy otherwise available to the Company, you will no longer be entitled to, and the Company will no longer be obligated to pay, any remaining unpaid portion of the Severance Benefit. In addition, in order to receive any Severance Benefit, you must, upon or promptly following (and in all events, within twenty-one (21) days of, unless a longer period of time is required by applicable law) your Severance Date, provide the Company with a separation agreement which shall contain a valid, executed general release agreement in a form acceptable to the Company, and such release shall have not been revoked. You agree and acknowledge that such separation agreement may contain additional restrictive covenants, including, without limitation, non-solicitation covenants and non-disparagement covenants.

(d) Exclusive Remedy . You agree that should your employment by the Company terminate for any reason, the payments and benefits contemplated by this Agreement with respect to the circumstances of such termination shall constitute the exclusive and sole remedy for any such termination of your employment and you agree not to assert or pursue any other remedies, at law or in equity, with respect to any termination of employment. You agree that, in the event of a termination of your employment, you are not and will not be entitled to severance benefits under any other agreement, plan, program, or policy of the Company.

3. Certain Defined Terms . As used in this Agreement, the following terms shall be defined as follows:

(a) “ Cause ” shall mean that one or more of the following has occurred: (i) you have committed a felony (under the laws of the United States or any relevant state, or a similar crime or offense under the applicable laws of any relevant foreign jurisdiction); (ii) you have engaged in acts of fraud, dishonesty or other acts of material misconduct in the course of your duties; (iii) your abuse of narcotics or alcohol that has or may reasonably harm the Company; (iv) any violation by you of the Company’s written policies; (v) your failure to perform or uphold your duties and/or you fail to comply with reasonable directives of the Company’s chief executive officer or Board of Directors, as applicable; or (vi) any breach by you of any provision of Section 6, or any material breach by you of this Agreement or any other contract you are a party to with the Company.

 

2


(b) “ Disability ” shall mean a physical or mental impairment which renders you unable to perform the essential functions of your employment with the Company, even with reasonable accommodation that does not impose an undue hardship on the Company, for more than 180 days in any 12-month period, unless a longer period is required by federal or state law, in which case that longer period would apply.

(c) “ Separation from Service ” occurs when you die, retire, or otherwise have a termination of employment with the Company that constitutes a “separation from service” within the meaning of Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-1(h)(1), without regard to the optional alternative definitions available thereunder.

4. Limitation on Benefits . Notwithstanding anything contained in this Agreement to the contrary, to the extent that any payment, benefit or distribution of any type to you or for your benefit by the Company or any of its affiliates, whether paid or payable, provided or to be provided, or distributed or distributable pursuant to the terms of this Agreement or otherwise (collectively, the “ Total Payments ”) would be subject to the excise tax imposed under Section 4999 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “ Code ”), then the Total Payments shall be reduced (but not below zero) so that the maximum amount of the Total Payments (after reduction) shall be one dollar ($1.00) less than the amount which would cause the Total Payments to be subject to the excise tax imposed by Section 4999 of the Code. Unless you shall have given prior written notice to the Company to effectuate a reduction in the Total Payments if such a reduction is required, any such notice consistent with the requirements of Section 409A of the Code to avoid the imputation of any tax, penalty or interest thereunder, the Company shall reduce or eliminate the Total Payments by first reducing or eliminating any cash severance benefits (with the payments to be made furthest in the future being reduced first), then by reducing or eliminating any accelerated vesting of stock options or similar awards, then by reducing or eliminating any accelerated vesting of restricted stock or similar awards, then by reducing or eliminating any other remaining Total Payments. The preceding provisions of this Section 4 shall take precedence over the provisions of any other plan, arrangement or agreement governing your rights and entitlements to any benefits or compensation.

5. Section 409A . It is intended that any amounts payable under this Agreement and the Company’s and your exercise of authority or discretion hereunder shall comply with and avoid the imputation of any tax, penalty or interest under Section 409A of the Code. This Agreement shall be construed and interpreted consistent with that intent. If you are a “specified employee” within the meaning of Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-1(i) as of the date of your Separation from Service and you are entitled to the Severance Benefit, you shall not be entitled to any payment or benefit pursuant to Section 2(b) until the earlier of (i) the date which is six (6) months after your Separation from Service for any reason other than your death, or (ii) the date of your death. The provisions of the preceding sentence shall only apply if, and to the extent, required to avoid the imputation of any tax, penalty or interest pursuant to Section 409A of the Code. Any amounts otherwise payable to you upon or in the six (6) month period following your Separation from Service that are not so paid by reason of such 6-month delay provision shall be paid (without interest) as soon as practicable (and in all events within thirty (30) days) after the date that is six (6) months after your Separation from Service (or, if earlier, as soon as practicable, and in all events within thirty (30) days, after the date of your death).

6. Protective Covenants .

(a) Confidential Information .

(i) You shall not disclose or use at any time, either during the Period of Employment or thereafter, any Trade Secrets and Confidential Information (as defined below) of which you become aware, whether or not such information is developed by you, except to the extent that such disclosure or use is directly related to and required by your performance in good faith of duties for the Company. You will take all appropriate steps to safeguard Trade Secrets and Confidential Information in your possession and to protect it against disclosure, misuse, espionage, loss and theft. You shall deliver to the Company at the termination of your employment, or at any time the Company may request, all

 

3


memoranda, notes, plans, records, reports, computer tapes and software and other documents and data (and copies thereof) relating to the Trade Secrets and Confidential Information or the Work Product (as hereinafter defined) of the business of the Company or any of its affiliates which you may then possess or have under your control. Notwithstanding the foregoing, you may truthfully respond to a lawful and valid subpoena or other legal process, but shall give the Company the earliest possible notice thereof.

(ii) For purposes of this Agreement, “ Trade Secrets and Confidential Information ” means information that is not generally known to the public and that is used, developed or obtained by the Company in connection with its business, including, but not limited to, information, observations and data obtained by you while employed by the Company or any predecessors thereof concerning (i) the business or affairs of the Company (or such predecessors), (ii) products or services, (iii) fees, costs and pricing structures, (iv) designs, (v) analyses, (vi) drawings, photographs and reports, (vii) computer software, including operating systems, applications and program listings, (viii) flow charts, manuals and documentation, (ix) data bases, (x) accounting and business methods, (xi) inventions, devices, new developments, methods and processes, whether patentable or unpatentable and whether or not reduced to practice, (xii) customers and clients and customer or client lists, (xiii) other copyrightable works, (xiv) all production methods, processes, technology and trade secrets, and (xv) all similar and related information in whatever form. Trade Secrets and Confidential Information will not include any information that has been published (other than a disclosure by you in breach of this Agreement) in a form generally available to the public prior to the date you propose to disclose or use such information. Trade Secrets and Confidential Information will not be deemed to have been published merely because individual portions of the information have been separately published, but only if all material features comprising such information have been published in combination.

(iii) For purposes of this Agreement, “ Work Product ” means all inventions, innovations, improvements, technical information, systems, software developments, methods, designs, analyses, drawings, reports, service marks, trademarks, trade names, logos and all similar or related information (whether patentable or unpatentable, copyrightable, registerable as a trademark, reduced to writing, or otherwise) which relates to the Company’s or any of its affiliates’ actual or anticipated business, research and development or existing or future products or services and which are conceived, developed or made by you (whether or not during usual business hours, whether or not by the use of the facilities of the Company or any of its affiliates, and whether or not alone or in conjunction with any other person) while employed by the Company (including those conceived, developed or made prior to the Effective Date) together with all patent applications, letters patent, trademark, trade name and service mark applications or registrations, copyrights and reissues thereof that may be granted for or upon any of the foregoing. All Work Product that you may have discovered, invented or originated during your employment by the Company or any of its affiliates prior to the date hereof, that you may discover, invent or originate during your employment or at any time following the termination of your employment with the Company, shall be the exclusive property of the Company and its affiliates, as applicable, and you hereby assign all of your right, title and interest in and to such Work Product to the Company or its applicable affiliate, including all intellectual property rights therein. You shall promptly disclose all Work Product to the Company, shall execute at the request of the Company any assignments or other documents the Company may deem necessary to protect or perfect its (or any of its affiliates’, as applicable) rights therein, and shall assist the Company, at the Company’s expense, in obtaining, defending and enforcing the Company’s (or any of its affiliates’, as applicable) rights therein. You hereby appoint the Company as your attorney-in-fact to execute on your behalf any assignments or other documents deemed necessary by the Company to protect or perfect the Company, the Company’s (and any of its affiliates’, as applicable) rights to any Work Product.

(b) Restriction on Competition . During your employment with the Company and [ twelve (12) ] months following the termination of your employment with the Company (regardless of the reason for such

 

4


termination and regardless of whether or not you are entitled to the Severance Benefit) (the “ Restricted Period ”), you shall not directly or indirectly, individually or on behalf of any other person or entity, manage, participate in, work for, consult with, render services for, or take an interest in (as an owner, stockholder, partner or lender) any Competitor. For purposes of this Agreement, “ Competitor ” means a Person anywhere in the world (the “ Restricted Area ”) that at any time during the period of time during which you are employed by the Company, or any time during the Restricted Period engages in the business of operating retail stores for the sale of women’s apparel, jewelry, accessories, gifts, greeting cards, picture frames and related items or any other business that the Company is engaged in, or reasonably anticipates becoming engaged in. The parties hereto agree that the Company intends to engage in business throughout the Restricted Area, even if it does not currently do so, and therefore its scope is reasonable. Nothing herein shall prohibit you from being a passive owner of not more than 2% of the outstanding stock of any class of a corporation which is publicly traded, so long as you have no active participation in the business of such corporation. The term “ Person ” as used in this Agreement shall be construed broadly and shall include, without limitation, an individual, a partnership, a limited liability company, a corporation, an association, a joint stock company, a trust, a joint venture, an unincorporated organization and a governmental entity or any department, agency or political subdivision thereof.

(c) Non-Solicitation of Employees and Consultants . During your employment with the Company and during the Restricted Period, you will not, and should be enjoined (if necessary) from being able to directly or indirectly through any other Person: (i) induce or attempt to induce any employee or independent contractor of the Company or any affiliate of the Company to leave the employ or service, as applicable, of the Company or such affiliate, or in any way interfere with the relationship between the Company or any such affiliate, on the one hand, and any employee or independent contractor thereof, on the other hand, or (ii) hire any person who was an employee of the Company or any affiliate of the Company until twelve (12) months after such individual’s employment relationship with the Company or such affiliate has been terminated.

(d) Non-Solicitation of Customers . During your employment with the Company and during the Restricted Period, you will not, and should be enjoined (if necessary) from being able to directly or indirectly through any other Person: (i) influence or attempt to influence customers, vendors, suppliers, licensors, lessors, joint venturers, associates, consultants, agents, or partners of the Company or any affiliate of the Company to divert their business away from the Company or such affiliate; and (ii) interfere with, disrupt or attempt to disrupt the business relationships, contractual or otherwise, between the Company or any affiliate of the Company, on the one hand, and any of its or their customers, suppliers, vendors, lessors, licensors, joint venturers, associates, officers, employees, consultants, managers, partners, members or investors, on the other hand.

(e) Understanding of Covenants . You acknowledge and agree that the Company would not have entered into this Agreement, providing for severance protections to you on the terms and conditions set forth herein, but for your agreements herein. You agree that the foregoing covenants set forth in this Section 6 (the “ Restrictive Covenants ”) are reasonable, including in temporal and geographical scope, and in all other respects, and necessary to protect the Company’s and its affiliates’ Trade Secrets and Confidential Information, good will, stable workforce, and customer relations. The parties hereto intend that Restrictive Covenants shall be deemed to be a series of separate covenants, one for each county or province of each and every state or jurisdiction within the Restricted Area and one for each month of the Restricted Period. You understand that the Restrictive Covenants may limit your ability to earn a livelihood in a business similar to the business of the Company and any of its affiliates, but you nevertheless believe that you have received and will receive sufficient consideration and other benefits as an employee of the Company and as otherwise provided hereunder or as described in the recitals hereto to clearly justify such restrictions which, in any event (given your education, skills and ability), you do not believe would prevent you from otherwise earning a living. You agree that the Restrictive Covenants do not confer a benefit upon the Company disproportionate to your detriment.

 

5


(f) Enforcement . You agree that a breach by you of any of the covenants in this Section 6 would cause immediate and irreparable harm to the Company that would be difficult or impossible to measure, and that damages to the Company for any such injury would therefore be an inadequate remedy for any such breach. Therefore, you agree that in the event of any breach or threatened breach of any provision of this Section 6, the Company shall be entitled, in addition to and without limitation upon all other remedies the Company may have under this Agreement, at law or otherwise, to obtain specific performance, injunctive relief and/or other appropriate relief (without posting any bond or deposit) in order to enforce or prevent any violations of the provisions of this Section 6, or require you to account for and pay over to the Company all compensation, profits, moneys, accruals, increments or other benefits derived from or received as a result of any transactions constituting a breach of this Section 6, if and when final judgment of a court of competent jurisdiction is so entered against you.

7. Withholding Taxes . Notwithstanding anything else herein to the contrary, the Company may withhold (or cause there to be withheld, as the case may be) from any amounts otherwise due or payable under or pursuant to this Agreement such federal, state and local income, employment, or other taxes as may be required to be withheld pursuant to any applicable law or regulation.

8. Successors and Assigns . This Agreement is personal to you and without the prior written consent of the Company shall not be assignable by you otherwise than by will or the laws of descent and distribution. This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be enforceable by your legal representatives. This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be binding upon the Company and its successors and assigns.

9. Governing Law . THIS AGREEMENT WILL BE GOVERNED BY AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF TEXAS, WITHOUT GIVING EFFECT TO ANY CHOICE OF LAW OR CONFLICTING PROVISION OR RULE (WHETHER OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK OR ANY OTHER JURISDICTION) THAT WOULD CAUSE THE LAWS OF ANY JURISDICTION OTHER THAN THE STATE OF TEXAS TO BE APPLIED.

10. Severability . If any provision of this Agreement is found by any court of competent jurisdiction to be invalid or unenforceable for any reason, such finding shall not affect, impair or invalidate the remainder of this Agreement. If any aspect of any restriction herein is too broad or restrictive to permit enforcement to its fullest extent, you and the Company agree that any court of competent jurisdiction shall modify such restriction to the minimum extent necessary to make it enforceable and then enforce the provision as modified.

11. Entire Agreement, Amendment and Waiver . This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between you and the Company with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersedes any and all prior or contemporaneous oral or written communications respecting such subject matter. This Agreement shall not be modified, amended or in any way altered except by written instrument signed by you and the Company’s chief executive officer (or, in the case you are the Company’s chief executive officer, by another officer of the Company.) A waiver by either party hereto of any rights or remedies hereunder on any occasion shall not be a bar to the exercise of the same right or remedy on any subsequent occasion or of any other right or remedy at any time.

12. Waiver of Jury Trial . EACH OF THE PARTIES HERETO HEREBY IRREVOCABLY WAIVES ALL RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY ACTION, PROCEEDING OR COUNTERCLAIM ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT.

13. Remedies . Each of the parties to this Agreement and any such person or entity granted rights hereunder whether or not such person or entity is a signatory hereto shall be entitled to enforce its rights under this Agreement specifically to recover damages and costs for any breach of any provision of this Agreement and to exercise all other rights existing in its favor. The parties hereto agree and acknowledge that money damages may not be an adequate remedy for any breach of the provisions of this Agreement and that each party may in its sole discretion apply to any court of law or equity of competent jurisdiction for specific performance, injunctive

 

6


relief and/or other appropriate equitable relief (without posting any bond or deposit) in order to enforce or prevent any violations of the provisions of this Agreement. Each party shall be responsible for paying its own attorneys’ fees, costs and other expenses pertaining to any such legal proceeding and enforcement regardless of whether an award or finding or any judgment or verdict thereon is entered against either party.

14. Counterparts . This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original as against any party whose signature appears thereon, and all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument.

 

7


IN WITNESS WHEREOF , you and the Company have executed this Agreement as of July 14, 2011.

 

Francesca’s Collections, Inc.

a Texas corporation

By:  

/s/ John De Meritt

Name:  

 

Title:  

 

AGREED BY:

/s/ Theresa Backes

THERESA BACKES

Exhibit 10.30

AMENDED AND RESTATED

EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT

THIS AMENDED AND RESTATED EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT (as amended, modified, supplemented or restated from time to time, this “ Agreement ”) is made and entered into this 14th day of July, 2011, by and among Francesca’s Holdings Corporation, a Delaware corporation (“ Parent ”), Francesca’s Collections, Inc., a Texas corporation (“ Francesca’s ”), and Kyong Yi Gill, an individual (the “ Executive ”). Parent and Francesca’s are herein collectively referred to as the “ Company ”.

RECITALS

THE PARTIES ENTER THIS AGREEMENT on the basis of the following facts, understandings and intentions:

A. Parent, CCMP Capital Investors II, L.P., CCMP Capital Investors (Cayman) II, L.P. (CCMP Capital Investors II, L.P., CCMP Capital Investors (Cayman) II, L.P., together the “ Investors ”), the Executive, as Stockholders’ Representative and as a stockholder of Parent, and the other individual stockholders of Parent have entered into that certain Stock Purchase Agreement, dated as of February 26, 2010 (as may be amended, modified, supplemented or restated from time to time, the “ Stock Purchase Agreement ”).

B . The Company desires to provide for the continued services of the Executive upon and following the Closing (as such term is defined in the Stock Purchase Agreement) on the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement and the Executive and the Company desire to supersede the existing employment letter agreement between the Executive and Parent, dated as of April 16, 2007 (as may have been amended, modified, supplemented or restated from time to time, the “ Prior Employment Agreement ”), and the existing Non-Competition and Non-Solicitation Agreement between the Executive and Parent, dated as of April 16, 2007 (as may have been amended, modified, supplemented or restated from time to time, the “ Prior Non-Competition Agreement ”).

C. This Agreement shall be effective immediately following the Closing (the date on which such Closing occurs, the “ Effective Date ”), and, as amended and restated as of the date hereof, shall govern the employment relationship between the Executive and the Company from and after the Effective Date, and, as of the Effective Date, supersedes and negates all previous agreements with respect to such relationship (including, without limitation, the Prior Employment Agreement and the Prior Non-Competition Agreement); provided , that , for purposes of clarity, this Agreement shall not affect the Executive’s obligations in the Stock Purchase Agreement or the Stockholders’ Agreement, by and among Parent, CCMP Capital Investors II, L.P., a Delaware limited partnership, CCMP Capital Investors (Cayman) II, L.P., a Cayman Islands exempted limited partnership, Francesca’s, the Management Stockholders (as defined therein) and any other Persons signatory thereto from time to time, dated as of February 26, 2010 (as amended, modified, supplemented or restated from time to time, the “ Stockholders’ Agreement ”).


D. The Executive desires to continue in the employ of the Company on the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement.

E. This Agreement is a material inducement to the willingness of the parties to enter into the Stock Purchase Agreement and consummate the transactions contemplated thereby.

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the above recitals incorporated herein and the mutual covenants and promises contained herein and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby expressly acknowledged, the parties agree as follows:

 

1. Retention and Duties .

 

1.1 Retention . The Company does hereby hire, engage and employ the Executive for the Period of Employment (as defined in Section 2) on the terms and conditions expressly set forth in this Agreement. The Executive does hereby accept and agree to such hiring, engagement and employment, on the terms and conditions expressly set forth in this Agreement.

 

1.2 Duties . During the Period of Employment beginning on the date hereof, the Executive shall serve Francesca’s as its Vice Chairman and shall have the powers, authorities, and duties of management usually vested in such position of a corporation of a similar size and nature Francesca’s, as applicable, subject to the legal directives of Francesca’s CEO and Parent’s Board of Directors (the “ Parent Board ”) in exercising its general oversight function. The Executive shall report to Francesca’s CEO during the Period of Employment.

 

1.3 No Other Employment; Minimum Time Commitment . During the Period of Employment, the Executive shall (i) devote substantially all of the Executive’s business time, energy and skill to the performance of the Executive’s duties for the Company, (ii) perform such duties in a faithful, effective and efficient manner to the best of her abilities, and (iii) hold no other employment. The Executive’s service on the boards of directors (or similar body) of other business entities is subject to the approval of the Parent Board. The Parent Board shall have the right to require the Executive to resign from any board or similar body (including, without limitation, any association, corporate, civic or charitable board or similar body) which he may then serve if the Parent Board reasonably determines that the Executive’s service on such board or body substantially interferes with the effective discharge of the Executive’s duties and responsibilities to the Company or that any business related to such service is then in competition with any business of the Company or any of its Affiliates (as such term is defined in Section 5.5), successors or assigns.

 

1.4

No Breach of Contract . The Executive hereby represents to the Company that: (i) the execution and delivery of this Agreement by the Executive and the Company and the performance by the Executive of the Executive’s duties hereunder do not and shall not constitute a breach of, conflict with, or otherwise contravene or cause a default under, the terms of any other agreement or policy to which the Executive is a party or otherwise

 

2


  bound or any judgment, order or decree to which the Executive is subject; (ii) that the Executive has no information (including, without limitation, confidential information and trade secrets) relating to any other Person (as such term is defined in Section 5.5) which would prevent, or be violated by, the Executive entering into this Agreement or carrying out her duties hereunder; (iii) the Executive is not bound by any employment, consulting, non-compete, confidentiality, trade secret or similar agreement (other than this Agreement, the Prior Employment Agreement and the Prior Non-Competition Agreement) with any other Person; and (iv) the Executive understands the Company will rely upon the accuracy and truth of the representations and warranties of the Executive set forth herein and the Executive consents to such reliance.

 

2.

Period of Employment . The “ Period of Employment ” shall be a period of two (2) years commencing on the Effective Date and ending at the close of business on the second (2 nd ) anniversary of the Effective Date. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Period of Employment is subject to earlier termination as provided in Section 5 of this Agreement.

 

3. Compensation .

 

3.1 Base Salary . The Executive’s base salary (the “ Base Salary ”) shall be paid in accordance with the Company’s regular payroll practices in effect from time to time, but not less frequently than in semi-monthly installments. The Executive’s Base Salary shall be at an annualized rate of Two Hundred Seventy-Five Thousand Dollars ($295,000.00). The Parent Board will review the Executive’s Base Salary at least annually and, after such review, may increase (but not decrease) the Executive’s Base Salary from the level then in effect.

 

3.2 Incentive Bonus . The Executive may be eligible for an annual incentive bonus based on the Company’s annual bonus plan as may exist from time to time. The Executive’s target Incentive Bonus amount for a particular fiscal year of the Company during the Period of Employment shall equal 75% of the Executive’s Base Salary paid by the Company to the Executive for that fiscal year.

 

3.3 Equity Incentive Grant . From time to time, the Parent Board may consider the Executive’s eligibility for and may award the Executive equity-based incentive awards, subject to the applicable plan, written award agreement and other documentation that the Parent Board may implement or require.

 

4. Benefits .

 

4.1 Retirement, Welfare and Fringe Benefits . During the Period of Employment, the Executive shall be entitled to participate in all employee pension and welfare benefit plans and programs, and fringe benefit plans and programs, made available by the Company to the Company’s employees generally, in accordance with the eligibility and participation provisions of such plans and as such plans or programs may be in effect from time to time.

 

4.2

Benefits Allowance . For each fiscal year during the Period of Employment, commencing on the date hereof, the Company shall provide the Executive with an

 

3


  allowance of $20,000 to apply towards the purchase of additional benefits at the Executive’s discretion. Such allowance shall be paid in equal quarterly installments (unless a pro-rata payment is to be made) on the closest payroll date on or following January 1, April 1, July 1 and October 1 of each calendar year, provided that the Executive is employed with the Company on such date.

 

4.3 Reimbursement of Business Expenses . The Executive is authorized to incur reasonable expenses in carrying out the Executive’s duties for the Company under this Agreement and shall be entitled to reimbursement for all reasonable business expenses the Executive incurs during the Period of Employment in connection with carrying out the Executive’s duties for the Company, subject to the Company’s expense reimbursement policies and any pre-approval policies in effect from time to time.

 

4.4 Vacation and Other Leave . During the Period of Employment, the Executive’s annual rate of vacation accrual shall be four (4) weeks per year; provided , that, such vacation shall accrue and be subject to the Company’s vacation policies in effect from time to time. Upon any termination of the Executive’s employment during the Period of Employment, the Company shall pay the Executive for all accrued and unused vacation up to the maximum rate of vacation accrual (4 weeks per year) based on her Base Salary immediately prior to such termination. The Executive shall also be entitled to all other holiday and leave pay generally available to other executives of the Company.

 

5. Termination .

 

5.1 Termination by the Company . The Executive’s employment by the Company and the Period of Employment, may be terminated by the Company: (i) immediately upon notice, with Cause (as defined in Section 5.5), or (ii) with no less than thirty (30) days’ advance notice to the Executive, without Cause, or (iii) in the event of the Executive’s Disability (as defined in Section 5.5). The Executive’s employment by the Company, and the Period of Employment, shall automatically terminate upon the Executive’s death.

 

5.2 Termination by the Executive . The Executive’s employment by the Company, and the Period of Employment, may be terminated by the Executive: (i) for Good Reason (as defined in Section 5.5), or (ii) for any reason with no less than thirty (30) days’ advance written notice to the Company.

 

5.3 Benefits upon Termination . If the Executive’s employment by the Company is terminated during the Period of Employment for any reason by the Company or by the Executive, or upon or following the expiration of the Period of Employment (in any case, the date that the Executive’s employment by the Company terminates is referred to as the “ Severance Date ”), the Company shall have no further obligation to make or provide to the Executive, and the Executive shall have no further right to receive or obtain from the Company, any payments or benefits except as follows:

 

  (a) The Company shall pay the Executive (or, in the event of her death, the Executive’s estate) any Accrued Obligations (as such term is defined in Section 5.5);

 

4


  (b) If, during the Period of Employment, the Executive’s employment with the Company terminates as a result of a termination by the Company without Cause or a resignation by the Executive with Good Reason (as such term is defined in Section 5.5), the Executive shall be entitled to the following benefits:

 

  (i)

The Company shall pay the Executive (in addition to the Accrued Obligations), subject to tax withholding and other authorized deductions, an amount equal to two times her Base Salary at the annualized rate in effect on the Severance Date. Such amount is referred to hereinafter as the “ Severance Benefit .” Subject to Section 5.8(a), the Company shall pay the Severance Benefit to the Executive in substantially equal installments in accordance with the Company’s standard payroll practices over a period of twenty-four (24) consecutive months, with the first installment payable in the month following the month in which the Executive’s Separation from Service (as such term is defined in Section 5.5) occurs. (For purposes of clarity, each such installment shall equal the applicable fraction of the aggregate Severance Benefit. For example, if such installments were to be made on a monthly basis, each installment would equal one-twenty-fourth (1/24 th ) of the Severance Benefit.)

 

  (ii) The Company will pay or reimburse the Executive for her premiums charged to continue medical coverage pursuant to the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (“ COBRA ”), at the same or reasonably equivalent medical coverage for the Executive (and, if applicable, the Executive’s eligible dependents) as in effect immediately prior to the Severance Date, to the extent that the Executive elects such continued coverage; provided , that, the Company’s obligation to make any payment or reimbursement pursuant to this clause (iii) shall, subject to Section 5.8(a), commence with continuation coverage for the month following the month in which the Executive’s Separation from Service occurs and shall cease with continuation coverage in the twenty-fourth month following the month in which the Executive’s Separation from Service occurs (or, if earlier, shall cease upon the first to occur of the Executive’s death, the date the Executive becomes eligible for coverage under the health plan of a future employer, or the date the Company ceases to offer group medical coverage to its active executive employees or the Company is otherwise under no obligation to offer COBRA continuation coverage to the Executive). To the extent that the Executive elects COBRA coverage, he shall notify the Company in writing of such election prior to such coverage taking effect and complete any other continuation coverage enrollment procedures the Company may then have in place.

 

  (c)

Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this Section 5.3, if the Executive breaches her obligations under Section 6 of this Agreement at any time, from and after the date of such breach and not in any way in limitation of any right or remedy otherwise available to the Company, the Executive will no longer be entitled to, and the Company will no longer be obligated to pay, any remaining

 

5


  unpaid portion of the Severance Benefit or to any continued Company-paid or reimbursed coverage pursuant to Section 5.3(b)(ii). In such event, the first installment of the Severance Benefit contemplated by Section 5.3(b)(i) shall, in and of itself, constitute good and sufficient consideration for the Executive’s release contemplated by Section 5.4(a).

 

  (d) The foregoing provisions of this Section 5.3 shall not affect: (i) the Executive’s receipt of benefits otherwise due terminated employees under group insurance coverage consistent with the terms of the applicable Company welfare benefit plan; (ii) the Executive’s rights under COBRA to continue participation in medical, dental, hospitalization and life insurance coverage; or (iii) the Executive’s receipt of benefits otherwise due in accordance with the terms of the Company’s 401(k) plan (if any).

 

5.4 Release; Exclusive Remedy .

 

  (a) This Section 5.4 shall apply notwithstanding anything else contained in this Agreement or any stock option or other equity-based award agreement to the contrary, if any. As a condition precedent to any Company obligation to the Executive pursuant to Section 5.3(b) or any other obligation to accelerate vesting of any equity-based award, if any, in connection with the termination of the Executive’s employment, the Executive shall, upon or promptly following (and in all events, within twenty-one (21) days of, unless a longer period of time is required by applicable law) her last day of employment with the Company, provide the Company with a valid, executed general release agreement in a form acceptable to the Company, and such release agreement shall have not been revoked by the Executive pursuant to any revocation rights afforded by applicable law. The Executive agrees to resign, on the Severance Date, as an officer and director of the Company and any Affiliate of Parent or Francesca, as applicable, and as a fiduciary of any benefit plan of the Company or any Affiliate of Parent or Francesca, as applicable, and to promptly execute and provide to the Company any further documentation, as requested by the Company, to confirm such resignation.

 

  (b) The Executive agrees that the payments and benefits contemplated by Section 5.3 (and any applicable acceleration of vesting of an equity-based award, if any, in accordance with the terms of such award in connection with the termination of the Executive’s employment) shall constitute the exclusive and sole remedy for any termination of her employment and the Executive covenants not to assert or pursue any other remedies, at law or in equity, with respect to any termination of employment. The Company and the Executive acknowledge and agree that there is no duty of the Executive to mitigate damages under this Agreement. All amounts paid to the Executive pursuant to Section 5.3 shall be paid without regard to whether the Executive has taken or takes actions to mitigate damages.

 

5.5 Certain Defined Terms .

 

6


  (a) As used herein, “ Accrued Obligations ” means:

 

  (i) any Base Salary that had accrued but had not been paid (including accrued and unpaid vacation time) on or before the Severance Date;

 

  (ii) any accrued and unused vacation that had had not been paid, up to a maximum of 4 weeks; and

 

  (iii) any reimbursement due to the Executive pursuant to Section 4.3 for expenses incurred by the Executive on or before the Severance Date.

 

  (b) As used herein, “ Affiliate ” shall refer to any Person that directly or indirectly through one or more intermediaries, controls, or is controlled by, or is under common control with either Parent or Francesca’s. As used in this definition, the term “control,” including the correlative terms “controlling,” “controlled by” and “under common control with,” means the possession, directly or indirectly, of the power to direct or cause the direction of management or policies (whether through ownership of securities or any partnership or other ownership interest, by contract or otherwise) of a Person. For the avoidance of doubt, Bear Growth Capital Partners, L.P. (“ BGCP ”) shall not be deemed to be an Affiliate of either of the Investors, and neither Investor shall be deemed to be an Affiliate of BGCP.

 

  (c) As used herein, “ Cause ” shall mean, as reasonably determined by the Parent Board (excluding the Executive, if he is then a member of the Parent Board) based on the information then known to it, that one or more of the following has occurred:

 

  (i) the Executive has committed a felony (under the laws of the United States or any relevant state, or a similar crime or offense under the applicable laws of any relevant foreign jurisdiction);

 

  (ii) the Executive has engaged in acts of fraud, dishonesty or other acts of material willful misconduct in the course of her duties hereunder;

 

  (iii) the Executive willfully fails to perform or uphold her duties under this Agreement and/or willfully fails to comply with reasonable directives of the Parent Board, in either case after there has been delivered to the Executive a written demand for performance from the Company which describes the basis for the Company’s belief that the Executive has violated her obligations to the Company or has failed to comply with any such directives, as applicable; or

 

  (iv) any breach by the Executive of any provision of Section 6, or any material breach by the Executive of this Agreement or any other contract he is a party to with the Company.

 

  (d)

As used herein, “ Disability ” shall mean a physical or mental impairment which renders the Executive unable to perform the essential functions of her

 

7


  employment with the Company, even with reasonable accommodation that does not impose an undue hardship on the Company, for more than 180 days in any 12-month period, unless a longer period is required by federal or state law, in which case that longer period would apply.

 

  (e) As used herein, “ Good Reason ” shall mean a resignation by the Executive after the occurrence (without the Executive’s consent) of any one or more of the following conditions:

 

  (i) a material diminution in the Executive’s rate of Base Salary;

 

  (ii) a material diminution in the Executive’s authority, duties, or responsibilities;

 

  (iii) a material change in the geographic location of the Executive’s principal office with the Company (for this purpose, in no event shall a relocation of such office to a new location that is not more than fifty (50) miles from the current location of the Company’s executive offices constitute a “material change”); or

 

  (iv) a material breach by the Company of this Agreement;

provided , however , that any such condition or conditions, as applicable, shall not constitute grounds for a Good Reason unless both (x) the Executive provides written notice to the Company of the condition claimed to constitute grounds for a Good Reason within sixty (60) days of the initial existence of such condition(s) (such notice to be delivered in accordance with Section 18), and (y) the Company fails to remedy such condition(s) within thirty (30) days of receiving such written notice thereof; and provided , further , that in all events the termination of the Executive’s employment with the Company shall not constitute a Good Reason unless such termination occurs not more than one hundred and twenty (120) days following the initial existence of the condition claimed to constitute grounds for a Good Reason.

 

  (f) As used herein, the term “ Person ” shall be construed broadly and shall include, without limitation, an individual, a partnership, a limited liability company, a corporation, an association, a joint stock company, a trust, a joint venture, an unincorporated organization and a governmental entity or any department, agency or political subdivision thereof.

 

  (g) As used herein, a “ Separation from Service ” occurs when the Executive dies, retires, or otherwise has a termination of employment with the Company that constitutes a “separation from service” within the meaning of Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-1(h)(1), without regard to the optional alternative definitions available thereunder.

 

5.6

Notice of Termination . Any termination of the Executive’s employment under this Agreement shall be communicated by written notice of termination from the terminating party to the other party. This notice of termination must be delivered in accordance with

 

8


  Section 18 and must indicate the specific provision(s) of this Agreement relied upon in effecting the termination.

 

5.7 Limitation on Benefits .

 

  (a) Notwithstanding anything contained in this Agreement to the contrary, to the extent that any payment, benefit or distribution of any type to or for the benefit of the Executive by the Company or any of its Affiliates, whether paid or payable, provided or to be provided, or distributed or distributable pursuant to the terms of this Agreement or otherwise (including, without limitation, any accelerated vesting of stock options or other equity-based awards, if any) (collectively, the “ Total Payments ”) would be subject to the excise tax imposed under Section 4999 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “ Code ”), then the Total Payments shall be reduced (but not below zero) so that the maximum amount of the Total Payments (after reduction) shall be one dollar ($1.00) less than the amount which would cause the Total Payments to be subject to the excise tax imposed by Section 4999 of the Code. Unless the Executive shall have given prior written notice to the Company to effectuate a reduction in the Total Payments if such a reduction is required, any such notice consistent with the requirements of Section 409A of the Code to avoid the imputation of any tax, penalty or interest thereunder, the Company shall reduce or eliminate the Total Payments by first reducing or eliminating any cash severance benefits (with the payments to be made furthest in the future being reduced first), then by reducing or eliminating any accelerated vesting of stock options or similar awards, if any, then by reducing or eliminating any accelerated vesting of restricted stock or similar awards, if any, then by reducing or eliminating any other remaining Total Payments. The preceding provisions of this Section 5.7(a) shall take precedence over the provisions of any other plan, arrangement or agreement governing the Executive’s rights and entitlements to any benefits or compensation.

 

  (b)

Any determination that Total Payments to the Executive must be reduced or eliminated in accordance with Section 5.7(a) and the assumptions to be utilized in arriving at such determination, shall be made by the Parent Board in the exercise of its reasonable, good faith discretion based upon the advice of such professional advisors it may deem appropriate in the circumstances. As a result of the uncertainty in the application of Section 4999 of the Code at the time of the initial determination by the Parent Board hereunder, it is possible that Total Payments to the Executive which will not have been made by the Company should have been made (“ Underpayment ”). If an Underpayment has occurred, the amount of any such Underpayment shall be promptly paid by the Company to or for the benefit of the Executive together with interest on such amount (at the same rate as is applied to determine the present value of payments under Section 280G of the Code or any successor thereto). In the event that any Total Payment made to the Executive shall be determined to otherwise result in the imposition of any tax under Section 4999 of the Code and a reduction in Total Payments is required pursuant to Section 5.7(a), then the Executive shall promptly repay to the Company the amount of any such overpayment together with interest on such

 

9


  amount (at the same rate as is applied to determine the present value of payments under Section 280G of the Code or any successor thereto), from the date the reimbursable payment was received by the Executive to the date the same is repaid to the Company.

 

5.8 Section 409A .

 

  (a) If the Executive is a “specified employee” within the meaning of Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-1(i) as of the date of the Executive’s Separation from Service, the Executive shall not be entitled to any payment or benefit pursuant to Section 5.3(b) until the earlier of (i) the date which is six (6) months after her or her Separation from Service for any reason other than death, or (ii) the date of the Executive’s death. The provisions of this paragraph shall only apply if, and to the extent, required to avoid the imputation of any tax, penalty or interest pursuant to Section 409A of the Code. Any amounts otherwise payable to the Executive upon or in the six (6) month period following the Executive’s Separation from Service that are not so paid by reason of this Section 5.8(a) shall be paid (without interest) as soon as practicable (and in all events within twenty (20) days) after the date that is six (6) months after the Executive’s Separation from Service (or, if earlier, as soon as practicable, and in all events within thirty (30) days, after the date of the Executive’s death).

 

  (b) To the extent that any reimbursements pursuant to Section 4.3 or any benefits pursuant to Section 5.3(b)(ii) are taxable to the Executive, any reimbursement payment due to the Executive pursuant to any such provision shall be paid to the Executive on or before the last day of the Executive’s taxable year following the taxable year in which the related expense was incurred. The Executive agrees to provide prompt notice to the Company of any such expenses (and any other documentation that the Company may reasonably require to substantiate such expenses) in order to facilitate the Company’s timely reimbursement of the same. The reimbursements pursuant to Section 4.3 and the benefits pursuant to Section 5.3(b)(ii) are not subject to liquidation or exchange for another benefit and the amount of such benefits that the Executive receives in one taxable year shall not affect the amount of such reimbursements or benefits that the Executive receives in any other taxable year.

 

  (c) It is intended that any amounts payable under this Agreement and the Company’s and the Executive’s exercise of authority or discretion hereunder shall comply with and avoid the imputation of any tax, penalty or interest under Section 409A of the Code. This Agreement shall be construed and interpreted consistent with that intent.

 

6. Protective Covenants .

 

6.1 Confidential Information; Inventions .

 

10


  (a) The Executive acknowledges and agrees that, in the course of her past employment with the Company and its Affiliates, she was provided, and became familiar, with the Trade Secrets and Confidential Information (as defined below) belonging to the Company and its Affiliates because she had contractually agreed, inter alia , not to disclose such information, and not to engage in certain post-employment competitive and solicitation activities; and that the Company and its Affiliates would not have provided her access to such information but for her non-disclosure, non-competition and non-solicitation agreements; which agreements are hereby superseded by this Agreement. The Executive further acknowledges and agrees that the Company and its Affiliates shall provide to her, and she shall become familiar with, additional Trade Secrets and Confidential Information belonging to the Company and its Affiliates only if she contractually agrees, pursuant to this Agreement, not to disclose any Trade Secrets and Confidential Information of the Company and its Affiliates, and not to engage in certain post-employment competitive and solicitation activities (as described below); and that the Company and its Affiliates would not provide her access to such information but for her non-disclosure, non-competition and non-solicitation agreements set forth in this Agreement.

 

  (b) The Executive shall not disclose or use at any time, either during the Period of Employment or thereafter, any Trade Secrets and Confidential Information (as defined below) of which the Executive is or becomes aware, whether or not such information is developed by her, except to the extent that such disclosure or use is directly related to and required by the Executive’s performance in good faith of duties for the Company. The Executive will take all appropriate steps to safeguard Trade Secrets and Confidential Information in her possession and to protect it against disclosure, misuse, espionage, loss and theft. The Executive shall deliver to the Company at the termination of the Period of Employment, or at any time the Company may request, all memoranda, notes, plans, records, reports, computer tapes and software and other documents and data (and copies thereof) relating to the Trade Secrets and Confidential Information or the Work Product (as hereinafter defined) of the business of the Company or any of its Affiliates which the Executive may then possess or have under her control. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Executive may truthfully respond to a lawful and valid subpoena or other legal process, but shall give the Company the earliest possible notice thereof, shall, as much in advance of the return date as possible, make available to the Company and its counsel the documents and other information sought, and shall assist the Company and such counsel in resisting or otherwise responding to such process.

 

  (c)

As used in this Agreement, the term “ Trade Secrets and Confidential Information ” means information that is not generally known to the public and that is used, developed or obtained by the Company in connection with its business, including, but not limited to, information, observations and data obtained by the Executive while employed by the Company or any predecessors thereof (including those obtained prior to the Effective Date) concerning (i) the business or affairs of the Company (or such predecessors), (ii) products or services, (iii) fees, costs and

 

11


  pricing structures, (iv) designs, (v) analyses, (vi) drawings, photographs and reports, (vii) computer software, including operating systems, applications and program listings, (viii) flow charts, manuals and documentation, (ix) data bases, (x) accounting and business methods, (xi) inventions, devices, new developments, methods and processes, whether patentable or unpatentable and whether or not reduced to practice, (xii) customers and clients and customer or client lists, (xiii) other copyrightable works, (xiv) all production methods, processes, technology and trade secrets, and (xv) all similar and related information in whatever form. Trade Secrets and Confidential Information will not include any information that has been published (other than a disclosure by the Executive in breach of this Agreement) in a form generally available to the public prior to the date the Executive proposes to disclose or use such information. Trade Secrets and Confidential Information will not be deemed to have been published merely because individual portions of the information have been separately published, but only if all material features comprising such information have been published in combination.

 

  (d)

As used in this Agreement, the term “ Work Product ” means all inventions, innovations, improvements, technical information, systems, software developments, methods, designs, analyses, drawings, reports, service marks, trademarks, trade names, logos and all similar or related information (whether patentable or unpatentable, copyrightable, registerable as a trademark, reduced to writing, or otherwise) which relates to the Company’s or any of its Affiliates’ actual or anticipated business, research and development or existing or future products or services and which are conceived, developed or made by the Executive (whether or not during usual business hours, whether or not by the use of the facilities of the Company or any of its Affiliates, and whether or not alone or in conjunction with any other person) while employed by the Company (including those conceived, developed or made prior to the Effective Date) together with all patent applications, letters patent, trademark, trade name and service mark applications or registrations, copyrights and reissues thereof that may be granted for or upon any of the foregoing. All Work Product that the Executive may have discovered, invented or originated during her employment by the Company or any of its Affiliates prior to the Effective Date, that she may discover, invent or originate during the Period of Employment or at any time in the period of twelve months after the Severance Date, shall be the exclusive property of the Company and its Affiliates, as applicable, and Executive hereby assigns all of Executive’s right, title and interest in and to such Work Product to the Company or its applicable Affiliate, including all intellectual property rights therein. Executive shall promptly disclose all Work Product to the Company, shall execute at the request of the Company any assignments or other documents the Company may deem necessary to protect or perfect its (or any of its Affiliates’, as applicable) rights therein, and shall assist the Company, at the Company’s expense, in obtaining, defending and enforcing the Company’s (or any of its Affiliates’, as applicable) rights therein. The Executive hereby appoints the Company as her attorney-in-fact to execute on her behalf any assignments or other documents deemed necessary by the Company to protect or perfect the

 

12


  Company, the Company’s (and any of its Affiliates’, as applicable) rights to any Work Product.

 

6.2 Restriction on Competition . The Executive affirmatively represents, acknowledges and agrees that (a) the value of the consideration received directly or indirectly by her pursuant to the Stock Purchase Agreement is substantial and that preservation of the goodwill associated with the Company is a part of the consideration which the Investors are receiving in the Stock Purchase Agreement and (b) if the Executive were to become employed by, or substantially involved in, the business of a competitor of the Company or any of its Affiliates during the Restricted Period, it would be impossible for the Executive not to disclose, rely on, or use the Company’s and its Affiliates’ Trade Secrets and Confidential Information. Thus, the Executive further affirmatively represents, acknowledges and agrees that to protect, and avoid the inevitable disclosure and/or use of, the Company’s and its Affiliates’ Trade Secrets and Confidential Information, and to protect the Company’s and its Affiliates’ legitimate business interests, relationships and goodwill, during the Period of Employment and during the Restricted Period, the Executive should not be permitted, will not, and should be enjoined (if necessary) from directly or indirectly through any other Person engage in, enter the employ of, render any services to, have any ownership interest in, nor participate in the financing, operation, management or control of, any Competing Business (as defined below). For purposes of this Agreement, the phrase “directly or indirectly through any other Person engage in” shall include, without limitation, any direct or indirect ownership or profit participation interest in such enterprise, whether as an owner, stockholder, member, partner, joint venturer or otherwise, and shall include any direct or indirect participation in such enterprise as an employee, consultant, director, officer, licensor of technology or otherwise. For purposes of this Agreement, “ Competing Business ” means a Person anywhere in the continental United States and Canada (the “ Restricted Area ”) that at any time during the Period of Employment, or any and time during the Restricted Period engages in the business of operating retail stores for the sale of women’s apparel, jewelry, accessories, gifts, greeting cards, picture frames and related items. The parties hereto agree that the Company intends to engage in business throughout the Restricted Area, even if it does not currently do so, and therefore its scope is reasonable. For purposes of this Agreement, the “ Restricted Period ” shall refer to (i) the twenty-four month period after the Severance Date if the severance event is as a result of the Executive’s termination of employment by the Company without Cause or her resignation for Good Reason, and (ii) the twelve month period after the Severance Date, if the severance event is as a result of any other reason (other than a termination of employment by the Company without Cause or a resignation for Good Reason). Nothing herein shall prohibit the Executive from being a passive owner of not more than 2% of the outstanding stock of any class of a corporation which is publicly traded, so long as the Executive has no active participation in the business of such corporation.

 

6.3

Non-Solicitation of Employees and Consultants . For the same reasons described in Section 6.2 above, the Executive further affirmatively represents, acknowledges and agrees that to protect, and avoid the inevitable disclosure and/or use of, the Company’s and its Affiliates’ Trade Secrets and Confidential Information, and to protect the Company’s and its Affiliates’ legitimate business interests, relationships and goodwill,

 

13


  during the Period of Employment and during the Restricted Period, the Executive should not be permitted, will not, and should be enjoined (if necessary) from being able to directly or indirectly through any other Person: (i) induce or attempt to induce any employee or independent contractor of the Company or any Affiliate of the Company to leave the employ or service, as applicable, of the Company or such Affiliate, or in any way interfere with the relationship between the Company or any such Affiliate, on the one hand, and any employee or independent contractor thereof, on the other hand, or (ii) hire any person who was an employee of the Company or any Affiliate of the Company until twelve months after such individual’s employment relationship with the Company or such Affiliate has been terminated.

 

6.4 Non-Solicitation of Customers . For the same reasons described in Section 6.2 above, the Executive further affirmatively represents, acknowledges and agrees that to protect, and avoid the inevitable disclosure and/or use of, the Company’s and its Affiliates’ Trade Secrets and Confidential Information, and to protect the Company’s and its Affiliates’ legitimate business interests, relationships and goodwill, during the Period of Employment and during the Restricted Period, the Executive should not be permitted, will not, and should be enjoined (if necessary) from being able to directly or indirectly through any other Person: (i) influence or attempt to influence customers, vendors, suppliers, licensors, lessors, joint venturers, associates, consultants, agents, or partners of the Company or any Affiliate of the Company to divert their business away from the Company or such Affiliate; and (ii) interfere with, disrupt or attempt to disrupt the business relationships, contractual or otherwise, between the Company or any Affiliate of the Company, on the one hand, and any of its or their customers, suppliers, vendors, lessors, licensors, joint venturers, associates, officers, employees, consultants, managers, partners, members or investors, on the other hand.

 

6.5 Understanding of Covenants . The Executive affirmatively represents, acknowledges and agrees that the foregoing covenants set forth in this Section 6 (together, the “ Restrictive Covenants ”) are: (i) reasonable in all respects, including in temporal and geographical scope; (ii) necessary to protect the Company’s legitimate business interests, including its and its Affiliates’ Trade Secrets and Confidential Information, good will, contractual and business relationships, investment in its workforce, and customer relations; and (iii) narrowly tailored, based upon input from all parties, to protect the Company’s legitimate business interests without unduly circumscribing Executive’s rights and interests. The Executive further affirmatively represents, acknowledges and agrees that she would not reap the benefits of the Stock Purchase Agreement but for the Executive’s entering into this Agreement. Finally, the Executive and the Company intend that Restrictive Covenants shall be deemed to be a series of separate covenants, one for each county or province of each and every state or jurisdiction within the Restricted Area and one for each month of the Restricted Period.

Without limiting the generality of the Executive’s agreement in the preceding paragraph, the Executive (i) represents that she is familiar with and has carefully considered the Restrictive Covenants, (ii) represents that he is fully aware of her obligations hereunder, (iii) agrees to the reasonableness of the length of time, scope and geographic coverage, as applicable, of the Restrictive Covenants, (iv) agrees that the Company and its Affiliates

 

14


currently conducts business throughout the Restricted Area, and (v) agrees that the Restrictive Covenants will continue in effect for the applicable periods set forth above in this Section 6 regardless of whether the Executive is then entitled to receive severance pay or benefits from the Company. The Executive understands that the Restrictive Covenants may limit her ability to earn a livelihood in a business similar to the business of the Company and any of its Affiliates, but she nevertheless believes that she has received and will receive sufficient consideration and other benefits as an employee of the Company and as otherwise provided hereunder or as described in the recitals hereto to clearly justify such restrictions which, in any event (given her education, skills and ability), the Executive does not believe would prevent her from otherwise earning a living. The Executive agrees that the Restrictive Covenants do not confer a benefit upon the Company disproportionate to the detriment of the Executive.

 

6.6 Enforcement . The Executive agrees that the Executive’s services are unique and that she has access to Trade Secrets and Confidential Information and Work Product. Accordingly, without limiting the generality of Section 17, the Executive agrees that a breach by the Executive of any of the covenants in this Section 6 would cause immediate and irreparable harm to the Company that would be difficult or impossible to measure, and that damages to the Company for any such injury would therefore be an inadequate remedy for any such breach. Therefore, the Executive agrees that in the event of any breach or threatened breach of any provision of this Section 6, the Company shall be entitled, in addition to and without limitation upon all other remedies the Company may have under this Agreement, at law or otherwise, to obtain specific performance, injunctive relief and/or other appropriate relief (without posting any bond or deposit) in order to enforce or prevent any violations of the provisions of this Section 6, or require the Executive to account for and pay over to the Company all compensation, profits, moneys, accruals, increments or other benefits derived from or received as a result of any transactions constituting a breach of this Section 6, if and when final judgment of a court of competent jurisdiction is so entered against the Executive. The Executive further agrees that the applicable period of time any Restrictive Covenant is in effect following the Severance Date, as determined pursuant to the foregoing provisions of this Section 6, such period of time shall be extended by the same amount of time that Executive is in breach of any Restrictive Covenant.

 

7. Withholding Taxes . Notwithstanding anything else herein to the contrary, the Company may withhold (or cause there to be withheld, as the case may be) from any amounts otherwise due or payable under or pursuant to this Agreement such federal, state and local income, employment, or other taxes as may be required to be withheld pursuant to any applicable law or regulation.

 

8. Successors and Assigns .

 

  (a) This Agreement is personal to the Executive and without the prior written consent of the Company shall not be assignable by the Executive otherwise than by will or the laws of descent and distribution. This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be enforceable by the Executive’s legal representatives.

 

15


  (b) This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be binding upon the Company and its successors and assigns. Without limiting the generality of the preceding sentence, the Company will require any successor (whether direct or indirect, by purchase, merger, consolidation or otherwise) to all or substantially all of the business and/or assets of the Company to assume expressly 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 had taken place. As used in this Agreement, “Company” shall mean the Company as hereinbefore defined and any successor or assignee, as applicable, which assumes and agrees to perform this Agreement by operation of law or otherwise.

 

9. Number and Gender; Examples . Where the context requires, the singular shall include the plural, the plural shall include the singular, and any gender shall include all other genders. Where specific language is used to clarify by example a general statement contained herein, such specific language shall not be deemed to modify, limit or restrict in any manner the construction of the general statement to which it relates.

 

10. Section Headings . The section headings of, and titles of paragraphs and subparagraphs contained in, this Agreement are for the purpose of convenience only, and they neither form a part of this Agreement nor are they to be used in the construction or interpretation thereof.

 

11. Governing Law . THIS AGREEMENT WILL BE GOVERNED BY AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF TEXAS, WITHOUT GIVING EFFECT TO ANY CHOICE OF LAW OR CONFLICTING PROVISION OR RULE (WHETHER OF THE STATE OF TEXAS OR ANY OTHER JURISDICTION) THAT WOULD CAUSE THE LAWS OF ANY JURISDICTION OTHER THAN THE STATE OF TEXAS TO BE APPLIED. IN FURTHERANCE OF THE FOREGOING, THE INTERNAL LAW OF THE STATE OF TEXAS WILL CONTROL THE INTERPRETATION AND CONSTRUCTION OF THIS AGREEMENT, EVEN IF UNDER SUCH JURISDICTION’S CHOICE OF LAW OR CONFLICT OF LAW ANALYSIS, THE SUBSTANTIVE LAW OF SOME OTHER JURISDICTION WOULD ORDINARILY APPLY.

 

12.

Severability . It is the desire and intent of the parties hereto that the provisions of this Agreement be enforced to the fullest extent permissible under the laws and public policies applied in each jurisdiction in which enforcement is sought. Accordingly, if any particular provision of this Agreement shall be adjudicated by a court of competent jurisdiction to be invalid, prohibited or unenforceable under any present or future law, and if the rights and obligations of any party under this Agreement will not be materially and adversely affected thereby, such provision, as to such jurisdiction, shall be ineffective, without invalidating the remaining provisions of this Agreement or affecting the validity or enforceability of such provision in any other jurisdiction, and to this end the provisions of this Agreement are declared to be severable; furthermore, in lieu of such invalid or unenforceable provision there will be added automatically as a part of this Agreement, a legal, valid and enforceable provision as similar in terms to such invalid or unenforceable provision as may be possible. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if such

 

16


  provision could be more narrowly drawn (as to geographic scope, period of duration or otherwise) so as not to be invalid, prohibited or unenforceable in such jurisdiction, it shall, as to such jurisdiction, be so narrowly drawn, without invalidating the remaining provisions of this Agreement or affecting the validity or enforceability of such provision in any other jurisdiction.

 

13. Entire Agreement . This Agreement, the Stock Purchase Agreement and the Stockholders’ Agreement embody the entire agreement of the parties hereto respecting the matters within its scope. This Agreement, the Stock Purchase Agreement and the Stockholders’ Agreement supersede all prior and contemporaneous agreements of the parties hereto that directly or indirectly bears upon the subject matter hereof. The parties hereto acknowledge and agree that (i) this Agreement, the Stock Purchase Agreement and the Stockholders’ Agreement include provisions related to the same or similar rights and obligations of the parties hereto and thereto, as applicable, including with respect to non-competition, non-solicitation and confidentiality restrictions, among others, and (ii) all such provisions, whether contained in this Agreement, the Stock Purchase Agreement or the Stockholders’ Agreement are intended by the Parties hereto and thereto, as applicable, to co-exist with and apply in addition to, and not in lieu or modification of, any provisions contained in any other agreement. Any prior negotiations, correspondence, agreements, proposals or understandings relating to the subject matter hereof shall be deemed to have been merged into this Agreement, and to the extent inconsistent herewith, such negotiations, correspondence, agreements, proposals, or understandings shall be deemed to be of no force or effect. There are no representations, warranties, or agreements, whether express or implied, or oral or written, with respect to the subject matter hereof, except as expressly set forth herein. For purposes of clarity, (i) the Prior Employment Agreement and the Prior Non-Competition Agreement are each superseded in their entirety and are of no further force or effect after the Effective Time and (ii) the Employment Agreement dated February 26, 2010 is amended and restated as of the date hereof.

 

14. Modifications . This Agreement may not be amended, modified or changed (in whole or in part), except by a formal, definitive written agreement expressly referring to this Agreement, which agreement is executed by both of the parties hereto.

 

15. Waiver . Neither the failure nor any delay on the part of a party to exercise any right, remedy, power or privilege under this Agreement shall operate as a waiver thereof, nor shall any single or partial exercise of any right, remedy, power or privilege preclude any other or further exercise of the same or of any right, remedy, power or privilege, nor shall any waiver of any right, remedy, power or privilege with respect to any occurrence be construed as a waiver of such right, remedy, power or privilege with respect to any other occurrence. No waiver shall be effective unless it is in writing and is signed by the party asserted to have granted such waiver.

 

16. Waiver of Jury Trial . EACH OF THE PARTIES HERETO HEREBY IRREVOCABLY WAIVES ALL RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY ACTION, PROCEEDING OR COUNTERCLAIM ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT.

 

17


17. Remedies . Each of the parties to this Agreement and any such person or entity granted rights hereunder whether or not such person or entity is a signatory hereto shall be entitled to enforce its rights under this Agreement specifically to recover damages and costs for any breach of any provision of this Agreement and to exercise all other rights existing in its favor. The parties hereto agree and acknowledge that money damages may not be an adequate remedy for any breach of the provisions of this Agreement and that each party may in its sole discretion apply to any court of law or equity of competent jurisdiction for specific performance, injunctive relief and/or other appropriate equitable relief (without posting any bond or deposit) in order to enforce or prevent any violations of the provisions of this Agreement. Each party shall be responsible for paying its own attorneys’ fees, costs and other expenses pertaining to any such legal proceeding and enforcement regardless of whether an award or finding or any judgment or verdict thereon is entered against either party.

 

18. Notices . Any notice provided for in this Agreement must be in writing and must be either personally delivered, transmitted via telecopier, mailed by first class mail (postage prepaid and return receipt requested) or sent by reputable overnight courier service (charges prepaid) to the recipient at the address below indicated or at such other address or to the attention of such other person as the recipient party has specified by prior written notice to the sending party. Notices will be deemed to have been given hereunder and received when delivered personally, when received if transmitted via telecopier, five days after deposit in the U.S. mail and one day after deposit with a reputable overnight courier service.

if to the Company:

Francesca’s Holdings Corporation

3480 W. 12th Street

Houston, TX 77008

Attention: General Counsel

Telephone: (713) 864-1358

Facsimile: (713) 426-2751

and, with a copy (which shall not constitute notice) to:

Locke Lord Bissell & Liddell LLP

2200 Ross Avenue, Suite 2200

Dallas, TX 75201

Attention: Donald A. Hammett, Jr., Esq.

Telephone: (214) 740-8582

Facsimile: (214) 740-8800

and, with a copy (which shall not constitute notice) to:

Times Square Tower

7 Times Square

New York, NY 10036

 

18


Attention: Harvey M. Eisenberg, Esq.

Telephone: (212) 326-2000

Facsimile: (212) 326-2061

if to the Executive, to the address most recently on file in the payroll records of the Company.

 

19. Counterparts . This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original as against any party whose signature appears thereon, and all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument. This Agreement shall become binding when one or more counterparts hereof, individually or taken together, shall bear the signatures of all of the parties reflected hereon as the signatories. Photographic copies of such signed counterparts may be used in lieu of the originals for any purpose.

 

20. Legal Counsel; Mutual Drafting . Each party recognizes that this is a legally binding contract and acknowledges and agrees that they have had the opportunity to consult with legal counsel of their choice. Executive acknowledges that O’Melveny & Myers LLP is counsel to the Company and does not represent (and has not provided any advice or counsel to) Executive. Each party has cooperated in the drafting, negotiation and preparation of this Agreement. Hence, in any construction to be made of this Agreement, the same shall not be construed against either party on the basis of that party being the drafter of such language. The Executive agrees and acknowledges that he has read and understands this Agreement, is entering into it freely and voluntarily, and has been advised to seek counsel prior to entering into this Agreement and has had ample opportunity to do so.

[The remainder of this page has intentionally been left blank.]

 

19


IN WITNESS WHEREOF , Parent, Francesca’s and the Executive have executed this Agreement as of the date first written above.

 

“PARENT”

FRANCESCA’S HOLDINGS CORPORATION,

a Delaware corporation

By:  

/s/ Greg Brenneman

Name:   Greg Brenneman
Title:   Chairman of the Board
“FRANCESCA’S”

FRANCESCA’S COLLECTIONS, INC.,

a Texas corporation

By:  

/s/ John De Meritt

Name:   John De Meritt
Title:   Chief Executive Officer
“EXECUTIVE”

/s/ Kyong Yi Gill

KYONG YI GILL

 

20

Exhibit 10.31

FRANCESCA’S COLLECTIONS, INC.

July 14, 2011

Re: Employment Letter Agreement

Dear Kal:

Subject to the terms and conditions of this letter agreement (this “ Agreement ”), Francesca’s Collections, Inc., a Texas corporation (the “ Company ”), desires to provide for your continued employment on the terms and conditions of this Agreement. This Agreement is effective as of the date set forth above (the “ Effective Date ”).

1. Employment; Compensation and Benefits .

(a) Position and Duties . During the Period of Employment (as defined below), you shall serve as the Company’s Executive Vice President, General Counsel, reporting to the Company’s Chief Executive Officer. During the Period of Employment, you agree to (i) devote substantially all of your business time, energy and skill to the performance of your duties for the Company, (ii) perform such duties in a faithful, effective and efficient manner and (iii) hold no other employment.

(b) Period of Employment . The “ Period of Employment ” shall be a period of three (3) years commencing on the Effective Date and ending at the close of business on the third (3 rd ) anniversary of the Effective Date. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Period of Employment is subject to earlier termination as provided in Section 2(a) of this Agreement.

(c) Base Salary . Your base salary (the “ Base Salary ”) shall be at an annualized rate of two-hundred and twenty-five thousand Dollars ($225,000) and shall be paid in accordance with the Company’s regular payroll practices in effect from time to time.

(d) Annual Bonus . You may be eligible for an annual incentive bonus based on the Company’s annual bonus plan that may exist from time to time. Your target annual incentive bonus amount for a particular fiscal year of the Company during the Period of Employment shall equal 40% of the your Base Salary for that fiscal year.

(e) Retirement, Welfare and Fringe Benefits . During the Period of Employment, you shall be entitled to participate in all employee savings and welfare benefit plans and programs, and fringe benefit plans and programs, made available by the Company to the Company’s employees generally, in accordance with the eligibility and participation provisions of such plans and as such plans or programs may be in effect from time to time.

(f) Benefits Allowance . For each fiscal year during the Period of Employment, commencing on the date hereof, the Company shall provide you with an allowance of $20,000.00 to apply towards the purchase of additional benefits at your discretion. Such allowance shall be paid in equal quarterly installments (unless a pro-rata payment is to be made) on the closest payroll date on or following January 1, April 1, July 1 and October 1 of each calendar year, provided that you are employed with the Company on such date.

2. Termination and Severance .

(a) Termination . Your employment by the Company may be terminated by the Company: (i) immediately upon notice, with Cause (as defined below), or (ii) with no less than thirty (30) days’ advance written notice to you, without Cause, or (iii) immediately in the event of your Disability (as defined below) or


your death. In the event that you are provided with notice of termination without Cause pursuant to clause (ii) above, the Company will have the option to place you on administrative leave during the notice period. You may terminate your employment by the Company for any reason with no less than thirty (30) days’ advance written notice to the Company. Any termination of your employment (by you or by the Company) must be communicated by written notice from the terminating party to the other party. Such notice of termination must be hand delivered (if to the Company, to the Company’s chief executive officer) and must indicate the specific provision(s) of this Agreement relied upon in effecting the termination. The date your employment by the Company terminates is referred to herein as your “ Severance Date .”

(b) Benefits upon Termination . Regardless of the reason for the termination of your employment with the Company, in connection with such termination the Company will pay you (on or within 30 days following your Severance Date) your accrued and unused vacation (if any) and you will be entitled to any benefits that are due to you under the Company’s 401(k) plan in accordance with the terms of that plan. If you hold any stock options or other equity or equity-based awards granted by the Company, the terms and conditions applicable to those awards will control as to the consequences of a termination of your employment on those awards. In addition to the foregoing, if your employment with the Company terminates as a result of a termination by the Company of your employment without Cause (as defined below) you will (subject to the other conditions set forth in Section 2(c) below) be entitled to the following benefits: if such termination without Cause occurs prior to September 26, 2013, the Company will pay you, subject to tax withholding and other authorized deductions, an aggregate amount equal to one times your Base Salary as in effect on the Severance Date (the “ Severance Benefit ”). Subject to Section 5, the Company will pay this benefit to you in substantially equal installments (each in the applicable fraction of the aggregate benefit) in accordance with the Company’s standard payroll practices over a period of twelve months, with the first installment payable in the month following the month in which your Separation from Service (as such term is defined below) occurs.

(c) Conditions for Receipt of Severance Benefit . Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, if the Severance Benefit is otherwise due to you and, at any time, you breach any obligation under Section 6 of this Agreement, from and after the date of such breach and not in any way in limitation of any right or remedy otherwise available to the Company, you will no longer be entitled to, and the Company will no longer be obligated to pay, any remaining unpaid portion of the Severance Benefit. In addition, in order to receive any Severance Benefit, you must, upon or promptly following (and in all events, within twenty-one (21) days of, unless a longer period of time is required by applicable law) your Severance Date, provide the Company with a separation agreement which shall contain a valid, executed general release agreement in a form acceptable to the Company, and such release shall have not been revoked. You agree and acknowledge that such separation agreement may contain additional restrictive covenants, including, without limitation, non-solicitation covenants and non-disparagement covenants.

(d) Exclusive Remedy . You agree that should your employment by the Company terminate for any reason, the payments and benefits contemplated by this Agreement with respect to the circumstances of such termination shall constitute the exclusive and sole remedy for any such termination of your employment and you agree not to assert or pursue any other remedies, at law or in equity, with respect to any termination of employment. You agree that, in the event of a termination of your employment, you are not and will not be entitled to severance benefits under any other agreement, plan, program, or policy of the Company.

3. Certain Defined Terms . As used in this Agreement, the following terms shall be defined as follows:

(a) “ Cause ” shall mean that one or more of the following has occurred: (i) you have committed a felony (under the laws of the United States or any relevant state, or a similar crime or offense under the applicable laws of any relevant foreign jurisdiction); (ii) you have engaged in acts of fraud, dishonesty or other acts of material misconduct in the course of your duties; (iii) your abuse of narcotics or alcohol that has or may reasonably harm the Company; (iv) any violation by you of the Company’s written policies; (v) your failure to perform or uphold your duties and/or you fail to comply with reasonable directives of the Company’s chief

 

2


executive officer or Board of Directors, as applicable; or (vi) any breach by you of any provision of Section 6, or any material breach by you of this Agreement or any other contract you are a party to with the Company.

(b) “ Disability ” shall mean a physical or mental impairment which renders you unable to perform the essential functions of your employment with the Company, even with reasonable accommodation that does not impose an undue hardship on the Company, for more than 180 days in any 12-month period, unless a longer period is required by federal or state law, in which case that longer period would apply.

(c) “ Separation from Service ” occurs when you die, retire, or otherwise have a termination of employment with the Company that constitutes a “separation from service” within the meaning of Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-1(h)(1), without regard to the optional alternative definitions available thereunder.

4. Limitation on Benefits . Notwithstanding anything contained in this Agreement to the contrary, to the extent that any payment, benefit or distribution of any type to you or for your benefit by the Company or any of its affiliates, whether paid or payable, provided or to be provided, or distributed or distributable pursuant to the terms of this Agreement or otherwise (collectively, the “ Total Payments ”) would be subject to the excise tax imposed under Section 4999 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “ Code ”), then the Total Payments shall be reduced (but not below zero) so that the maximum amount of the Total Payments (after reduction) shall be one dollar ($1.00) less than the amount which would cause the Total Payments to be subject to the excise tax imposed by Section 4999 of the Code. Unless you shall have given prior written notice to the Company to effectuate a reduction in the Total Payments if such a reduction is required, any such notice consistent with the requirements of Section 409A of the Code to avoid the imputation of any tax, penalty or interest thereunder, the Company shall reduce or eliminate the Total Payments by first reducing or eliminating any cash severance benefits (with the payments to be made furthest in the future being reduced first), then by reducing or eliminating any accelerated vesting of stock options or similar awards, then by reducing or eliminating any accelerated vesting of restricted stock or similar awards, then by reducing or eliminating any other remaining Total Payments. The preceding provisions of this Section 4 shall take precedence over the provisions of any other plan, arrangement or agreement governing your rights and entitlements to any benefits or compensation.

5. Section 409A . It is intended that any amounts payable under this Agreement and the Company’s and your exercise of authority or discretion hereunder shall comply with and avoid the imputation of any tax, penalty or interest under Section 409A of the Code. This Agreement shall be construed and interpreted consistent with that intent. If you are a “specified employee” within the meaning of Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-1(i) as of the date of your Separation from Service and you are entitled to the Severance Benefit, you shall not be entitled to any payment or benefit pursuant to Section 2(b) until the earlier of (i) the date which is six (6) months after your Separation from Service for any reason other than your death, or (ii) the date of your death. The provisions of the preceding sentence shall only apply if, and to the extent, required to avoid the imputation of any tax, penalty or interest pursuant to Section 409A of the Code. Any amounts otherwise payable to you upon or in the six (6) month period following your Separation from Service that are not so paid by reason of such 6-month delay provision shall be paid (without interest) as soon as practicable (and in all events within thirty (30) days) after the date that is six (6) months after your Separation from Service (or, if earlier, as soon as practicable, and in all events within thirty (30) days, after the date of your death).

6. Non-Competition .

(a) Restriction on Competition . During your employment with the Company and twelve (12) months following the termination of your employment with the Company (regardless of the reason for such termination and regardless of whether or not you are entitled to the Severance Benefit) (the “ Restricted Period ”), you shall not directly or indirectly, individually or on behalf of any other person or entity, manage, participate in, work for, consult with, render services for, or take an interest in (as an owner, stockholder, partner or lender) any Competitor. For purposes of this Agreement, “ Competitor ” means a Person anywhere in

 

3


the world (the “ Restricted Area ”) that at any time during the period of time during which you are employed by the Company, or any time during the Restricted Period engages in the business of operating retail stores for the sale of women’s apparel, jewelry, accessories, gifts, greeting cards, picture frames and related items or any other business that the Company is engaged in, or reasonably anticipates becoming engaged in. The parties hereto agree that the Company intends to engage in business throughout the Restricted Area, even if it does not currently do so, and therefore its scope is reasonable. Nothing herein shall prohibit you from being a passive owner of not more than 2% of the outstanding stock of any class of a corporation which is publicly traded, so long as you have no active participation in the business of such corporation. The term “ Person ” as used in this Agreement shall be construed broadly and shall include, without limitation, an individual, a partnership, a limited liability company, a corporation, an association, a joint stock company, a trust, a joint venture, an unincorporated organization and a governmental entity or any department, agency or political subdivision thereof.

(b) Understanding of Covenants . You acknowledge and agree that the Company would not have entered into this Agreement, providing for severance protections to you on the terms and conditions set forth herein, but for your agreements herein. You agree that during the course of your employment you were provided with and will be provided with and you became familiar with the trade secrets and confidential information of the Company and you agree that the foregoing covenant set forth in this Section 6 (the “ Restrictive Covenant ”) is reasonable, including in temporal and geographical scope, and in all other respects, and necessary to protect the Company’s and its affiliates’ trade secrets and other confidential and proprietary information, good will, stable workforce, and customer relations. The parties hereto intend that Restrictive Covenant shall be deemed to be a series of separate covenants, one for each county or province of each and every state or jurisdiction within the Restricted Area and one for each month of the Restricted Period. You understand that the Restrictive Covenant may limit your ability to earn a livelihood in a business similar to the business of the Company and any of its affiliates, but you nevertheless believe that you have received and will receive sufficient consideration and other benefits as an employee of the Company and as otherwise provided hereunder to clearly justify such restrictions which, in any event (given your education, skills and ability), you do not believe would prevent you from otherwise earning a living. You agree that the Restrictive Covenant does not confer a benefit upon the Company disproportionate to your detriment.

(c) Enforcement . You agree that a breach by you of any of the covenants in this Section 6 and Section 11 would cause immediate and irreparable harm to the Company that would be difficult or impossible to measure, and that damages to the Company for any such injury would therefore be an inadequate remedy for any such breach. Therefore, you agree that in the event of any breach or threatened breach of any provision of this Section 6 or Section 11, the Company shall be entitled, in addition to and without limitation upon all other remedies the Company may have under this Agreement, at law or otherwise, to obtain specific performance, injunctive relief and/or other appropriate relief (without posting any bond or deposit) in order to enforce or prevent any violations of the provisions of this Section 6 or Section 11, or require you to account for and pay over to the Company all compensation, profits, moneys, accruals, increments or other benefits derived from or received as a result of any transactions constituting a breach of this Section 6 or Section 11, if and when final judgment of a court of competent jurisdiction is so entered against you.

7. Withholding Taxes . Notwithstanding anything else herein to the contrary, the Company may withhold (or cause there to be withheld, as the case may be) from any amounts otherwise due or payable under or pursuant to this Agreement such federal, state and local income, employment, or other taxes as may be required to be withheld pursuant to any applicable law or regulation.

8. Successors and Assigns . This Agreement is personal to you and without the prior written consent of the Company shall not be assignable by you otherwise than by will or the laws of descent and distribution. This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be enforceable by your legal representatives. This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be binding upon the Company and its successors and assigns.

 

4


9. Governing Law . THIS AGREEMENT WILL BE GOVERNED BY AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF TEXAS, WITHOUT GIVING EFFECT TO ANY CHOICE OF LAW OR CONFLICTING PROVISION OR RULE (WHETHER OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK OR ANY OTHER JURISDICTION) THAT WOULD CAUSE THE LAWS OF ANY JURISDICTION OTHER THAN THE STATE OF TEXAS TO BE APPLIED.

10. Severability . If any provision of this Agreement is found by any court of competent jurisdiction to be invalid or unenforceable for any reason, such finding shall not affect, impair or invalidate the remainder of this Agreement. If any aspect of any restriction herein is too broad or restrictive to permit enforcement to its fullest extent, you and the Company agree that any court of competent jurisdiction shall modify such restriction to the minimum extent necessary to make it enforceable and then enforce the provision as modified.

11. Survival . Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, (a) Section 6 of that certain Letter Agreement by and between you and Francesca’s Holdings Corporation (“ Parent ”) dated as of September 25, 2008 (the “ Prior Letter Agreement ”) and (b) Sections 2 and 5 of that certain Agreement and First Amendment to Employment Letter Agreement (the “ Prior Letter Agreement Amendment ”) shall continue in full force and effect as if set forth herein and you agree that such provisions shall continue to apply to your employment by the Company as set forth in this Agreement by this reference.

12. Entire Agreement, Amendment and Waiver . This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between you and the Company with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersedes any and all prior or contemporaneous oral or written communications respecting such subject matter, including, without limitation, the Prior Letter Agreement and the Prior Letter Agreement Amendment, except as expressly provided in Section 11 of this Agreement. This Agreement shall not be modified, amended or in any way altered except by written instrument signed by you and the Company’s chief executive officer (or, in the case you are the Company’s chief executive officer, by another officer of the Company.) A waiver by either party hereto of any rights or remedies hereunder on any occasion shall not be a bar to the exercise of the same right or remedy on any subsequent occasion or of any other right or remedy at any time.

13. Waiver of Jury Trial . EACH OF THE PARTIES HERETO HEREBY IRREVOCABLY WAIVES ALL RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY ACTION, PROCEEDING OR COUNTERCLAIM ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT.

14. Remedies . Each of the parties to this Agreement and any such person or entity granted rights hereunder whether or not such person or entity is a signatory hereto shall be entitled to enforce its rights under this Agreement specifically to recover damages and costs for any breach of any provision of this Agreement and to exercise all other rights existing in its favor. The parties hereto agree and acknowledge that money damages may not be an adequate remedy for any breach of the provisions of this Agreement and that each party may in its sole discretion apply to any court of law or equity of competent jurisdiction for specific performance, injunctive relief and/or other appropriate equitable relief (without posting any bond or deposit) in order to enforce or prevent any violations of the provisions of this Agreement. Each party shall be responsible for paying its own attorneys’ fees, costs and other expenses pertaining to any such legal proceeding and enforcement regardless of whether an award or finding or any judgment or verdict thereon is entered against either party.

15. Counterparts . This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original as against any party whose signature appears thereon, and all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument.

 

5


IN WITNESS WHEREOF , you, the Company and Parent (only for purposes of Section 11 hereof) have executed this Agreement as of July 14, 2011.

 

Francesca’s Collections, Inc.
a Texas corporation
By:   

/s/ John De Meritt

Name:   
Title:   

Francesca’s Holdings Corporation,

a Delaware corporation

By:   

/s/ John De Meritt

Name:   
Title:   
AGREED BY:

/s/ Kal Malik