UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

 

FORM 8-K

 

 

CURRENT REPORT

Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d)

of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported): July 11, 2013

 

 

COMPASS DIVERSIFIED HOLDINGS

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

 

 

Delaware   001-34927   57-6218917

(State or other jurisdiction

of incorporation)

 

(Commission

File Number)

 

(I.R.S. Employer

Identification No.)

 

 

COMPASS GROUP DIVERSIFIED

HOLDINGS LLC

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

 

 

Delaware   001-34926   20-3812051

(State or other jurisdiction

of incorporation)

 

(Commission

File Number)

 

(I.R.S. Employer

Identification No.)

Sixty One Wilton Road

Second Floor

Westport, CT 06880

(Address of principal executive offices and zip code)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (203) 221-1703

 

 

Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions:

 

¨ Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)

 

¨ Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)

 

¨ Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))

 

¨ Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))

 

 

 


Section 1 Registrant’s Business and Operations

 

Item 1.01 Entry into a Material Definitive Agreement

On July 11, 2013, Compass Group Diversified Holdings LLC and Compass Diversified Holdings (NYSE: CODI) (collectively, the “Company”) announced that Compass Group Management LLC (the “Manager”) entered into an employment agreement with Ryan J. Faulkingham, dated July 11, 2013 and effective as of November 30, 2013 (the “Agreement”), pursuant to which Mr. Faulkingham will serve as the Company’s Chief Financial Officer.

The compensatory arrangement pursuant to the Agreement is set forth in Item 5.02 of this Form 8-K. The description of the Agreement in this Form 8-K is only a summary of its material terms, does not purport to be complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of the Agreement, which is attached hereto to this Form 8-K as Exhibit 10.1 and incorporated herein by reference.

 

Section 5 Corporate Governance and Management

 

Item 5.02 Departure of Directors or Certain Officers; Election of Directors; Appointment of Certain Officers; Compensatory Arrangements of Certain Officers

On July 11, 2013, the Company announced that James J. Bottiglieri, Chief Financial Officer, notified the Company and the Manager of his intention to retire, effective November 30, 2013.

Effective November 30, 2013, the Company will appoint Ryan J. Faulkingham as its Chief Financial Officer to fill the vacancy created by Mr. Bottiglieri’s retirement. Mr. Faulkingham, 36, is currently the Director of Financial Reporting for the Manager, a position he has held for the last 5 years. Mr. Faulkingham has been with the Manager since 2008; prior to joining the Manager, he served as a Vice President at Merrill Lynch & Co.

In connection with his appointment to Chief Financial Officer, Mr. Faulkingham and the Manager entered into the Agreement pursuant to which Mr. Faulkingham will be seconded to the Company to serve as Chief Financial Officer for a one-year term beginning on November 30, 2013, subject to automatic one-year renewals unless either the Manager or Mr. Faulkingham provide ninety days’ prior written notice of either’s intention not to renew the Agreement. The Agreement provides for an annual base salary of $335,000, which will be reviewed annually by the Manager, and an annual bonus based on certain performance objectives, to be paid by March 15 th of the year following the calendar year to which the performance objectives relate. Mr. Faulkingham will also be reimbursed for reasonable travel, meal and lodging expenses that he directly incurs in providing services at the request of the Manager, and will be eligible to participate in all group health, dental and life insurance plans and all retirement plans that in each case are generally made available from time to time to employees of the Manager. Mr. Faulkingham’s annual compensation will be reviewed and approved by the Company’s compensation committee.

In the event that Mr. Faulkingham dies during the term of the Agreement, it will terminate immediately and the Manager will pay to the legal representative of Mr. Faulkingham’s estate all amounts then due under the Agreement. In the event that Mr. Faulkingham becomes disabled during the term of the Agreement and is unable to perform his principal duties, the Manager may, on thirty days’ prior written notice, terminate Mr. Faulkingham’s employment under the Agreement and will pay to Mr. Faulkingham or his legal representative all amounts then due under the Agreement.

Mr. Faulkingham’s employment may be terminated without prior notice pursuant to the Agreement for “proper cause,” and Mr. Faulkingham may likewise terminate his employment for “good reason,” both terms defined within the Agreement. In the event that the Agreement is terminated other than for death, disability or “proper cause,” or terminated by Mr. Faulkingham for “good reason,” Mr. Faulkingham will be entitled to a severance payment of his base salary rate as of the date of the termination, plus an amount equal to his bonus for the immediately preceding year. In the event that Mr. Faulkingham terminates his employment other than for “good reason,” or the Manager terminates his


employment for “proper cause,” all of Mr. Faulkingham’s rights and benefits under the Agreement, accrued or payable, present or future (including all rights and benefits under any fringe benefit plan or agreement ancillary to the Agreement) will be immediately forfeited. In such case, Mr. Faulkingham’s only rights and benefits will be to receive any (i) base salary compensation accrued through the date of termination, (ii) unpaid reimbursable expenses incurred for the benefit of the Manager prior to the date of termination, (iii) vested benefits or amounts under any savings or retirement plans (including excess benefit plans), deferred compensation arrangements or welfare benefit plans and (iv) vested cash and equity amounts with respect to long-term incentive awards and other incentive awards granted to Mr. Faulkingham.

The Agreement further prohibits Mr. Faulkingham from, directly or indirectly, competing with, and/or soliciting or contacting any customers, employees or business relations of, the Company for one year after the termination of the Agreement for any reason. Mr. Faulkingham is also subject to certain confidentiality provisions in the Agreement, which apply during and after the term of the Agreement.

The preceding description is only a summary of the Agreement’s material terms, does not purport to be complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of the Agreement, which is attached hereto to this Form 8-K as Exhibit 10.1 and incorporated herein by reference.

As of the date of this Form 8-K, neither Mr. Faulkingham nor any of his immediate family members is a party, either directly or indirectly, to any transaction that would be required to be considered and disclosed as a related party transaction under Regulation S-K.

 

Section 8 Other Events

 

Item 8.01 Other Events

On July 11, 2013, the Company issued a press release announcing Mr. Bottiglieri’s retirement and the appointment of Mr. Faulkingham as his successor. A copy of the press release is attached hereto as Exhibit 99.1 and is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

 

Section 9 Financial Statements and Exhibits

 

Item 9.01 Financial Statements and Exhibits

 

(d) Exhibits.

 

10.1    Employment Agreement, dated July 11, 2013, between the Manager and Ryan J. Faulkingham.
99.1    Press Release dated July 11, 2013.


SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.

 

Date: July 11, 2013     COMPASS DIVERSIFIED HOLDINGS
    By:   /s/ James J. Bottiglieri
      James J. Bottiglieri
      Regular Trustee

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.

 

Date: July 11, 2013    

COMPASS GROUP DIVERSIFIED

HOLDINGS LLC

    By:   /s/ James J. Bottiglieri
      James J. Bottiglieri
      Chief Financial Officer

Exhibit 10.1

EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT

This EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT is made and entered into effective as of November 30, 2013 (the “ Effective Date ”), by and between Ryan Faulkingham (the “ Executive ”) and Compass Group Management, LLC , a Delaware limited liability company (the “ Manager ”).

W I T N E S S E T H :

WHEREAS, the Manager wishes to the employ the Executive, and the Executive wishes to be employed by the Manager;

WHEREAS, the Manager and the Executive wish to set forth in writing the terms and conditions of the Executive’s employment in this Employment Agreement (the “ Agreement ”);

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual promises contained herein, and of other good and sufficient consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the Manager and the Executive, intending to be legally bound hereby, agree as follows:

Article 1. Employment, Responsibilities, and Acceptance .

1.1 Employment . The Manager agrees to employ the Executive, and the Executive agrees to be so employed, on the terms set forth herein.

1.2 Responsibilities . The Executive shall faithfully and diligently perform all such acts and have such titles, duties, powers, and responsibilities as may be prescribed or delegated from time to time by the Manager of the Manager (the “ Managing Member ”). The Executive agrees, during his employment with the Manager, to devote substantially all of the Executive’s attention and time during business hours to the business and affairs of the Manager, except for vacations and approved leaves of absence. The Executive agrees to adhere to all of the Manager’s policies and procedures as they may from time to time be amended. In furtherance of the foregoing, the Executive agrees to be seconded by the Manager to Compass Group Diversified Holdings LLC (“ CODI ”) to act as its Chief Financial Officer (“ CFO ”) for a period of time to be determined by the Managing Member in its sole discretion.

1.3 Acceptance . The Executive hereby accepts such responsibilities and agrees to render his services hereunder fully, faithfully, and to the best of his ability, consistent with the terms of this Agreement. The Executive shall render services exclusively to the Manager during the term of this Agreement, but, except as provided below in Section 4.3 of this Agreement, nothing herein shall be deemed to prohibit the Executive from engaging in civic, academic, professional, trade association, not-for-profit organization, board memberships, or other personal activities which are not competitive or in conflict with the business then being conducted by the Manager or any business which, to the knowledge of the Executive, the Manager is preparing to enter, so long as such activities do not interfere with his day-to-day duties and responsibilities hereunder.

 

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1.4 Location . The Executive’s services under this Agreement shall principally be performed at the Manager’s office at 61 Wilton Road, Second Floor, Westport, Connecticut, 06880, subject to reasonable domestic and overseas travel on behalf of the Manager. The Executive acknowledges and agrees that he may be required to relocate to and provide services at the Manager’s office in Irvine, California, and agrees to do so if requested. In such event, the Manager will reimburse the Executive’s reasonable relocation expenses.

1.5 Transfer to Affiliate . In the event that the Manager transfers the Executive’s employment, and its obligations hereunder, to an Affiliate of the Manager or an entity under the control of the Manager’s equityholders or its management team, the Manager agrees to guarantee all payments owed to the Executive hereunder, and the Executive agrees that all of his obligations and the Manager’s rights hereunder shall accrue to the entity to which employment is transferred. For purposes of this Agreement, “Affiliates” shall mean any entity that is controlled by the Manager, or is under common control with the Manager.

Article 2. Compensation .

2.1 Base Compensation . During the Term (as defined below), the Manager shall pay an amount to the Executive in cash compensation at the aggregate annual base rate of not less than Three Hundred Thirty Five Thousand Dollars ($335,000.00) per calendar year (the “ Base Salary Rate ”), subject to such amounts as may be required to be withheld by law or authorized to be withheld by the Executive, payable semi-monthly or otherwise in accordance with the Manager’s customary payment schedule for executive personnel. Such base compensation shall be reviewed at least annually and may be adjusted as may be determined by the Manager in its sole discretion.

2.2 Vacation and Personal Time . During the Term, the Executive shall be entitled to take not less than four (4) weeks’ vacation per calendar year, which may be taken at any time in accordance with the Manager’s vacation policies as determined by the Manager and so as not to interfere unreasonably with the performance of his duties and responsibilities hereunder. In addition to vacation time, the Executive shall be entitled to take a reasonable amount of personal time in connection with the attendance at conferences, conventions, and business meetings related to the services to be performed by the Executive under this Agreement, provided that such personal time does not interfere with the performance of his duties and responsibilities hereunder. In the event of the termination of this Agreement, the Executive shall be compensated for all accrued and unused vacation, not to exceed four weeks at his Base Salary Rate compensation for the relevant period.

2.3 Proration . For the purposes of Sections 2.1 and 2.2 , any period less than a full calendar year shall be prorated for the portion thereof which shall be applicable.

2.4 Expenses . The Manager shall pay or reimburse the Executive upon the receipt of appropriate documentation, for reasonable travel, meal and lodging expenses that he directly incurs in providing services at the request of the Manager, all subject to the terms and conditions of the then-current the Manager business expense reimbursement policy.

 

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2.5 Annual Bonus . The Executive may be entitled to receive an annual incentive bonus. The award of a bonus as well as the actual bonus amount, if any, payable to the Executive shall be determined by the Manager in its sole discretion, depending upon the Executive’s attainment of individual and the Manager performance objectives. The Executive’s annual bonus, if any, shall be paid no later than March 15 th of the year following the calendar year to which the performance objectives relate.

2.6 Welfare Benefits . During the Term, the Executive and the Executive’s dependents, to the extent they are eligible, shall be eligible to participate in all group health, dental and life insurance plans and all retirement plans that in each case are generally made available from time to time to employees of the Manager. The Executive acknowledges and agrees that the benefits of such plans may vary with duties, salary, and length of employment, and that any questions concerning eligibility, coverage, or duration shall be governed by the terms of the plans or policies. The Executive further acknowledges and agrees that the Manager reserves the right to modify, suspend, or discontinue any benefit plans, policies, and practices at any time without notice to or recourse by the Executive, so long as such action is taken generally with respect to other similarly situated executives employed by the Manager.

Article 3. Term and Termination .

3.1 Term . The term of the Executive’s employment under this Agreement shall begin on the Effective Date and shall continue for one calendar year thereafter, unless sooner terminated as herein provided (the “ Term ”). the Executive’s employment shall be extended automatically for additional successive one (1) year terms unless the Executive notifies the Manager or the Manager notifies the Executive in writing not less than ninety (90) days prior to the end of any term of his or its intention not to extend the Term. For purposes of this Agreement, “ Termination Date ” shall mean the date this Agreement is permissibly terminated by either party.

3.2 Death . Upon the Executive’s death during the Term, this Agreement shall terminate immediately. The Manager shall pay to the legal representative of the Executive’s estate, within thirty (30) days after the Manager is notified of the appointment thereof, all amounts due under Article 2 hereof up to the date of death.

3.3 Inability to Perform Principal Duties . In the event the Executive becomes disabled as defined by Internal Revenue Code Section 409A (“ Section 409A ”) and is unable to perform his principal duties as contemplated by this Agreement, and subject to the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act (or any state law counterpart thereof), if applicable, the Manager may on thirty (30) days’ prior written notice, during which time the Executive fails to resume his duties hereunder, terminate the Executive’s employment under this Agreement, and upon such termination, the Manager shall pay to the Executive or his legal representative, if applicable, all amounts due under Article 2 hereof up to the Termination Date. In the event the Executive at any time prior to the Termination Date disputes any determination by the Manager of his inability to perform his principal duties, the matter shall be resolved by the determination of three physicians qualified to practice medicine in the United States, one to be selected by each of the Manager and the Executive and the third to be selected by the designated physicians. The Executive shall otherwise comply with whatever procedures the Manager may reasonably request set forth in any long-term disability policy of the Manager.

 

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3.4 Proper Cause . The Manager may terminate the Executive’s employment under this Agreement for “proper cause,” without prior notice (except as otherwise specified in Sections 3.4(a) and 3.4(d) , each requiring prior notice in accordance with Section 6.1 of this Agreement (“ Notice ”)). As used in this Agreement, “proper cause” shall be:

(a) any breach by the Executive of any material provision of this Agreement which breach is not remedied within thirty (30) days after receiving Notice of such breach specifically citing this Section 3.4(a) , provided, however, that the Manager may terminate this Agreement immediately, without providing a cure period, in the event that the Executive breaches any provision of Article 4 ;

(b) an act of dishonesty by the Executive if such act has a material adverse impact on the financial interests or business reputation of CODI, the Manager or its Affiliates;

(c) gross negligence or willful misconduct in the performance of the Executive’s duties hereunder if such negligence or misconduct has a material impact on the financial interest or business reputation of CODI, the Manager or its Affiliates;

(d) breach of the Executive’s duty of loyalty or other fiduciary duties to CODI, the Manager or its Affiliates;

(e) willful failure of the Executive to follow the reasonable directives of the Managing Member or the Board of Directors of CODI pertaining to legal compliance or audits of CODI, the Manager or its Affiliates within ten (10) days of receiving Notice of any such failure to follow such directives;

(f) the Executive’s conviction of, or plea of nolo contendere to, a crime which the Manager reasonably determines materially and adversely affects the reputation of CODI, the Manager or any of its Affiliates or the Executive’s ability to perform the services required hereunder;

(g) a willful or reckless violation of a material regulatory requirement, or of any material written policy or procedure applicable to CODI, the Manager or its Affiliates, that has a material adverse impact on the financial interests or business reputation of CODI, the Manager or its Affiliates; or

(h) commission of an act of fraud, embezzlement, or misappropriation by the Executive with respect to his relations with CODI, the Manager or any of their respective employees, customers, agents, or representatives.

3.5 Good Reason . The Executive may terminate his employment under this Agreement for “good reason.” As used in this Agreement, “good reason” shall be:

(a) a breach by the Manager of any of the material provisions of this Agreement, which breach is not remedied within 30 days after receiving written notice of the

 

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nature of such breach specifically citing this Section 3.5(a) , which notice shall be provided to Managing Member and the Manager no later than 90 days after the initial existence of such act or omission alleged to cause the breach of a material provision of this Agreement;

(b) a material diminution in the Executive’s duties, authority, and responsibilities other than changes (i) to which the Executive has consented (which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld), or (ii) that have been eliminated or cured within sixty (60) days of receipt by the Manager of written notice of the nature of such change, which notice shall be provided to the Manager no later than ninety (90) days after the initial existence of such act or omission imposing the alleged material change to the Executive’s duties; or

(c) the relocation without the Executive’s consent of the Executive’s principal place of employment more than sixty (60) miles from the Manager’s Westport, Connecticut or Irvine, California locations.

3.6 Severance . If the Executive’s employment under this Agreement is terminated (i) by the Manager other than for death or disability under Section 3.2 or Section 3.3 hereof or “proper cause” under Section 3.4 hereof or (ii) by the Executive for “good reason” under Section 3.5 hereof, the Manager shall pay the Executive all amounts to which he may be entitled pursuant to Article 2 hereof up to the Termination Date. Conditioned upon the Executive’s execution (and if applicable non-revocation) of a full waiver and release of all claims against the Manager and its Affiliates and their respective officers, directors, shareholders, employees and agents containing standard terms for such an agreement (the “ Legal Release ”), the Manager shall, within forty-five (45) days after the Termination Date (provided such termination constitutes a separation from service for purposes of Section 409A), pay the Executive, in a lump sum less legally required withholdings, an amount equal to the “Severance Amount”, which for purposes of this Agreement shall mean an amount equal to the Executive’s Base Salary Rate as of the Termination Date plus the discretionary bonus, if any, paid to the Executive for the immediately preceding year. The Manager shall provide the Legal Release to the Executive for his signature within twenty (20) days of his Termination Date, and the Executive shall deliver to the Manager the fully executed Legal Release no later than twenty-one (21) days of his receipt of the Legal Release. The Executive shall not be entitled to any other payments or benefits of any kind except as expressly specified in this Agreement.

3.7 Voluntary Termination and Termination for Proper Cause . If (i) the Executive voluntarily terminates his employment under this Agreement during the Term other than for “good reason” under Section 3.5 hereof or (ii) the Manager, with or without prior notice, terminates the Executive’s employment under this Agreement for “proper cause” under Section 3.4 hereof, and provided such termination constitutes a separation from service for purposes of Section 409A, all of the Executive’s rights and benefits, accrued or payable, present or future, under this Agreement including all rights and benefits under any fringe benefit plan or agreement ancillary to this Agreement, shall be immediately forfeited by the Executive. In such event, the Executive’s only rights and benefits shall be to receive (i) base salary compensation accrued through the Termination Date, (ii) unpaid reimbursable expenses incurred for the benefit of the Manager prior to the Termination Date, (iii) vested benefits or amounts under any savings or retirement plans (including excess benefit plans), deferred compensation arrangements or welfare benefit plans, and (iv) vested cash and equity amounts with respect to long-term incentive awards and other incentive awards granted to the Executive.

 

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3.8 Executive’s Further Obligations on Termination . The Manager’s obligation to make the payments provided for in this Agreement and otherwise to perform its obligations hereunder shall be subject to offset for any lawful indebtedness owed by the Executive to the Manager. Upon termination of the Executive’s employment, irrespective of the circumstances, the Executive shall in any event continue to be bound by the applicable provisions of Article 4 hereof.

3.9 Compliance with Section 409A.

(a) Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, if at the time of the Executive’s termination of employment with the Manager and its Affiliates the Executive is a “specified employee” as defined in Section 409A, and the deferral of the commencement of any payments or benefits otherwise payable hereunder as a result of such termination of employment is necessary in order to avoid the additional tax under Section 409A, then the Manager will defer the payment or the commencement of the payment of any such payments or benefits hereunder (without any reduction in such payments or benefits ultimately paid or provided to the Executive) until the date that is six months and one business day following the Executive’s Termination Date (or the earliest date as is permitted under Section 409A). Any monthly payment amounts deferred pursuant to this Section will be accumulated and paid to the Executive (without interest) six months and one business day after his termination of employment in a lump sum and the balance of payments due the Executive will be paid monthly or as otherwise provided herein.

(b) It is intended that the Agreement comply with Section 409A, and the Agreement shall be interpreted, administered and operated accordingly. Nothing herein shall be construed as an entitlement to or guarantee of any particular tax treatment to the Executive. To the extent that any provision in this Agreement is ambiguous as to its compliance with Section 409A, the provision shall be interpreted in a manner so that no payment due to the Executive shall be deemed an “additional tax” within the meaning of Section 409A(a)(1)(B) of the Code. For purposes of Section 409A, each payment made under this Agreement shall be treated as a separate payment. In no event may the Executive, directly or indirectly, designate the calendar year of any payment. The Executive and the Manager agree that this Agreement may be amended, by mutual agreement, without any further consideration to the Executive, to the extent needed to avoid penalties under Section 409A.

Article 4. Confidential Information; Non-Competition .

4.1 Confidential Information . The Executive acknowledges that as a result of the Executive’s employment with the Manager, the Executive will use, acquire, and/or add to confidential information of a special and unique nature and value, including without limitation, all non-public information concerning the business and affairs of CODI, the Manager and its Affiliates (such as historical financial statements, financial projections and budgets, historical and projected sales, capital spending budgets and plans, the names and backgrounds on key personnel, personnel training and techniques and materials), systems, procedures, policies, trade

 

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secrets, lists of clients and accounts, compensation formulas and amounts, strategies, and other confidential business information and trade secrets of CODI, the Manager and its Affiliates (“ Confidential Information ”). Confidential Information shall not include any information that is or becomes of general knowledge or use other than information that becomes of general knowledge or use because of the Executive’s breach of this Agreement. As a material inducement to the Manager to enter into this Agreement, the Executive agrees to treat as secret all such Confidential Information and not to, directly or indirectly, use, disseminate, divulge, copy, or disclose, for any purpose whatsoever, any Confidential Information, during or after the term of this Agreement, except as may be required to fulfill the Executive’s duties hereunder or as required by a court or other tribunal of competent jurisdiction, or by law; provided, however, that the Executive shall give reasonable written notice to the Manager in advance of being required to disclose Confidential Information, and shall cooperate with the Manager, upon request, to seek appropriate relief to prevent disclosure.

4.2 Return of Confidential Information and Other Company Property . The Executive agrees that all Confidential Information shall remain the property of CODI, the Manager and its Affiliates. Upon termination of employment, whether such termination was initiated by the Executive or the Manager or any of its Affiliates, or at any time the Manager and its Affiliates may request, the Executive shall immediately return to the Manager and its Affiliates (and shall not retain any copies of) all documents, records, notebooks, computer disks, tapes and similar repositories or documents containing Confidential Information, whether prepared by the Executive or any other person, as well as all other items of CODI’s, the Manager’s or its Affiliates’ property in the Executive’s possession, such as mobile or wireless telephones, computers, Personal Digital Assistants, facsimile machines, tape recorders, and automobiles.

4.3 Non-Competition and Non-Solicitation . During the Term and for one year after the termination of this Agreement for any reason, the Executive shall not:

(a) carry on in the United States of America, or, if a court of competent jurisdiction determines that the United State of America is overbroad, then in any U.S. state in which CODI or the Manager is doing business as of the Termination Date, directly or indirectly either for himself or as a member of any partnership, or as a stockholder, director, officer, agent or employee of another person, firm or corporation, or otherwise, any business that competes with the business being carried on by CODI or the Manager (or their respective successors or permitted assigns) as of the Termination Date; provided however that this Section shall not be violated if the Manager acknowledges in writing that such business does not so compete; or

(b) directly or indirectly, (i) induce or attempt to induce any employee of the Manager or its Affiliates to leave its employ, or in any way interfere with the relationship between the Manager or its Affiliates and any employee; or (ii) hire or attempt to hire any person who is or was, during the three months prior to the Termination Date employed by the Manager or any of its Affiliates; or (iii) induce or attempt to induce any customer, client, or other business relation with CODI, the Manager or its Affiliates, in either case, as applicable, to cease doing business with CODI, the Manager or its Affiliates or reduce the amount of business done with CODI, the Manager or its Affiliates, or in any way interfere or attempt to interfere with the relationship between any such customer, client, or business relation and CODI, the Manager or its Affiliates, as the case may be (including, without limitation, making any negative or disparaging statements about CODI, the Manager, its Affiliates and/or their current or former employees).

 

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4.4 No Conflicts . The Executive hereby represents and warrants to the Manager that he is not bound by any agreement which conflicts with or prevents the full performance of his duties and obligations to CODI and the Manager during or after the term of this Agreement. The Executive shall not improperly use or disclose any proprietary information or trade secrets of any person or entity with whom he has an agreement or to whom he owes a duty to keep such information in confidence.

4.5 Enforcement . If the Executive commits a breach, or threatens to commit a breach, of any of the provisions of Sections 4.1, 4.2 or 4.3 hereof, the Manager shall have the right and remedy:

(a) to have the provisions of this Agreement specifically enforced by any court having jurisdiction (without posting a bond or other security), it being acknowledged and agreed by the Executive that the services being rendered hereunder to the Manager are of a special, unique and extraordinary character and that any such breach will cause irreparable injury to the Manager and that money damages will not provide an adequate remedy to the Manager; and

(b) to require the Executive to account for and pay over to the Manager all material compensation, profits, moneys, accruals, increments or other benefits derived or received by the Executive as the result of any transactions constituting a breach of any of the provisions of Sections 4.1, 4.2 or 4.3 hereof, and the Executive hereby agrees to account for and pay over such benefits to the Manager.

Each of the rights and remedies enumerated in this Section 4.5 shall be independent of the other, and shall be severally enforceable, and such rights and remedies shall be in addition to, and not in lieu of, any other rights and remedies available to the Manager under law or equity.

4.6 Assignment of Intellectual Property Rights . The Executive hereby irrevocably assigns, transfers and conveys, or shall cause to be assigned, transferred and conveyed to the Manager, any and all interest of the Executive in all Intellectual Property created in the course of his employment and used in connection with the business of the Manager, to the extent not previously assigned, transferred or conveyed. For purposes of this Agreement, Intellectual Property shall include (i) all inventions (whether patentable or unpatentable and whether or not reduced to practice), all improvements thereto, and all patents, patent applications, and patent disclosures, together with all reissuances, continuations, continuations-in-part, revisions, extensions and reexaminations thereof, (ii) all copyrightable works, all copyrights, and all applications, registrations, and renewals in connection therewith, and (iii) all trade secrets and confidential information. Subject to the provisions of the last sentence hereof, any Intellectual Property relating to the business of the Manager that is developed by the Executive during the Term shall remain the property of the Manager. The Executive shall fully cooperate with the Manager to take any and all actions necessary to give effect to the provisions of this Section 4.6 , including without limitation the execution of documents and the filing of applications. If the

 

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Manager is unable, after reasonable effort, to secure such cooperation needed to apply for or prosecute any patent, copyright, or other right or protection relating to Intellectual Property, the Executive hereby designates and appoints the Manager and its duly authorized officers and agents as the Executive’s agent and attorney-in-fact, to act for and on the Executive’s behalf to execute, verify and file any such applications and to do all other lawfully permitted acts to further the prosecution and issuance of patents, copyrights and other rights and protection thereon with the same legal force and effect as if executed by him. Such appointment shall be irrevocable and coupled with an interest.

4.7 Revision . If any provision of Sections 4.1, 4.2 , or 4.3 hereof is held to be unenforceable because of, as applicable, its scope, duration or area, the parties agree that the maximum duration or scope or area reasonable under such circumstances shall be substituted for the stated duration or scope or area, and that the court shall revise the restriction contained herein to cover the maximum duration, scope, and/or area permitted by law. The parties specifically acknowledge and agree that a court of competent jurisdiction may revise the provisions of Sections 4.1, 4.2 , or 4.3 pursuant to Connecticut’s “blue pencil” doctrine.

Article 5. Jurisdiction . The parties hereby irrevocably submit to the jurisdiction of the courts of the State of Connecticut with respect to the interpretation and enforcement of the provisions of this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby. Each of the parties hereby waives any right to assert and agrees not to assert as a defense in any action, suit, or proceeding for the interpretation or enforcement of this Agreement that it is not subject to such action, suit, or proceeding, that such action, suit, or proceeding may not be brought or is not maintainable in said courts, that the venue thereof may not be appropriate or that this Agreement may not be enforced in or by such courts. Each of the parties hereby consents to and grants any such court jurisdiction over the person of such party and over the subject matter of such action, suit or proceeding and hereby irrevocably agrees that all claims with respect to such action, suit or proceeding shall be heard and determined in such court; provided that nothing herein shall preclude either party from bringing an action, suit or proceeding in any other court for the purpose of (i) enforcing the provisions of this Article 5 or (ii) enforcing a judgment previously entered by the Connecticut courts in respect of any such claim.

Article 6. Miscellaneous Provisions .

6.1 Notices . All notices provided for in this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be delivered personally to the party to receive the same, given by electronic means, or when mailed first class postage prepaid, by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, addressed to the party to receive the same as set forth below, or such other address as the party to receive the same may have specified by written notice given in the manner provided for in this Section 6.1. All notices shall be deemed to have been given as of the date of personal delivery, transmittal or mailing thereof.

 

  (a) If to the Executive, to:

Ryan Faulkingham

61 Wilton Road, Second Floor

Westport, CT 06880

 

9


  (b) If to the Manager, to:

Compass Group Management LLC

2010 Main Street, Suite 1020

Irvine, California 92614

Attn: Elias Sabo, Managing Member

with a copy to:

Squire Sanders (US) LLP

Suite 2900

221 E. Fourth Street

Cincinnati, Ohio 5202

Attn: Stephen C. Mahon

6.2 Entire Agreement . This Agreement sets forth the entire agreement of the parties relating to the terms of the Executive’s employment by the Manager and continuing obligations to the Manager upon separation of employment from the Manager, and is intended to supersede all prior negotiations, understandings, and agreements concerning such subject matter. No provision of this Agreement may be waived or changed except by a writing signed by the party against whom such waiver or change is sought to be enforced. Except as to those provisions where notice is required to be given within a specified period of time after the occurrence of the event, the failure of any party to require performance of any provision hereof shall in no manner affect the right at a later time to enforce such provision.

6.3 Applicable Law . All questions with respect to the construction of this Agreement, and the rights and obligations of the parties hereunder, shall be determined in accordance with the laws of the State of Connecticut, without giving effect to conflicts of law principles thereof. If any provision of this Agreement or the application thereof to any party or circumstance is, for any reason and to any extent, deemed invalid or unenforceable, the remainder of this Agreement and the application of that provision to either party or circumstance shall not be affected but rather shall be enforced to the extent permitted by law. This Agreement shall be construed without regard to any presumption or other rule requiring construction against the party causing this Agreement to be drafted.

6.4 Dispute . In any action relating to or arising from this Agreement, or involving its application, the parties shall each bear their own respective expenses incurred in connection with the action, including court costs and reasonable attorneys’ fees.

6.5 Headings . The Article and Subject headings are inserted only as a matter of convenience and for reference and in no way define, limit or describe the scope or intent of any provision of this Agreement.

 

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6.6 Assignment . The Manager shall have the right to assign this Agreement, and/or its rights and/or obligations hereunder, to a third party. The Manager shall give reasonable written notice to the Executive prior to the effective date of any such assignment. Neither this Agreement nor any of the rights or obligations hereunder shall be assignable by the Executive.

6.7 Provisions Severable . The provisions of this Agreement are independent of and severable from each other, and no provision shall be affected or rendered invalid or unenforceable by virtue of the fact that for any reason any other or others of them may be invalid or unenforceable in whole or in part. If any provision of this Agreement is, for any reason, held to be invalid or unenforceable, the other provisions of this Agreement will remain enforceable and the invalid or unenforceable provision will be deemed modified so that it is valid and enforceable to the maximum extent permitted by law.

6.8 Waiver . Neither any failure nor any delay on the part of either party hereto 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 other 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.

6.9 Survival . The provisions in this Agreement that contemplate obligations on the Executive’s part after his employment with the Manager ends, for whatever reason, shall survive the cessation of his employment.

(Signature Page follows)

 

11


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Agreement as of the date first above written.

 

Executive:

/s/ Ryan Faulkingham

Ryan Faulkingham
Compass Group Management LLC, a Delaware limited liability company
By :  

/s Elias Sabo

Name:   Elias Sabo
  Its: Manager

 

12

Exhibit 99.1

 

LOGO

 

Compass Diversified Holdings

James J. Bottiglieri

Chief Financial Officer

203.221.1703

jim@compassequity.com

  

Investor Relations and Media Contacts:

The IGB Group

Leon Berman / Michael Cimini

212.477.8438 / 212.477.8261

lberman@igbir.com / mcimini@igbir.com

Compass Diversified Holdings Announces Promotion of

Ryan J. Faulkingham to Chief Financial Officer

James J. Bottiglieri to Retire as of November 30, 2013

Westport, Conn., July 11, 2013 – Compass Diversified Holdings (NYSE: CODI) (“CODI” or the “Company”), an owner of leading middle market businesses, announced today that Ryan J. Faulkingham, CPA, Director of Financial Reporting, has been promoted to Chief Financial Officer (CFO) effective November 30, 2013. He will succeed James J. Bottiglieri, who will retire as of the same date. Mr. Bottiglieri has served as CFO since CODI’s inception in 2005 and will remain a member of the Company’s Board of Directors.

Alan Offenberg, CODI’s Chief Executive Officer, commented, “Jim has played an integral role in the growth of our Company during his tenure as CFO and we are grateful for his significant contributions. Under his leadership, CODI has built and maintained a highly effective and transparent finance operation, a core differentiator for our Company. Our strong financial infrastructure will continue to serve CODI well in the years ahead and we are pleased Jim will remain as CFO through November to ensure a smooth transition and maintain his directorship on CODI’s Board. We wish him all the best in his upcoming retirement.”

“At CODI, we pride ourselves on the depth of our accomplished team and I am delighted Ryan Faulkingham has been promoted to CFO,” added Mr. Offenberg. “Ryan’s promotion is well deserved based on the strong skillset and high degree of integrity he has demonstrated since joining CODI five years ago. His deep knowledge of our Company as well as our subsidiary businesses, combined with his dedication and natural leadership, provide an ideal fit to succeed Jim as we continue to leverage our balance sheet strength and execute our growth strategy.”

Mr. Faulkingham, 36, has approximately 15 years of experience in finance and auditing, and is a Certified Public Accountant. In his new capacity as CFO, he will report to Mr. Offenberg and oversee corporate financial reporting, general accounting, financial strategy, budgeting and forecasting, risk management, and more. Prior to joining CODI in 2008, Mr. Faulkingham served as


a Vice President at Merrill Lynch & Co., where he prepared regulatory filings, performed technical accounting research and implemented policies to ensure compliance with internal control standards. From 2003 to 2006, he was Manager, Accounting and External Reporting at WebMD Health Corp., serving as a key contributor to the company’s 2005 initial public offering and lead finance member for numerous mergers and acquisitions. Mr. Faulkingham began his career in public accounting at Arthur Anderson and later at KPMG. He received a BS in Accounting from Lehigh University and an MBA from Fordham University.

Mr. Faulkingham stated, “I am proud and honored to be appointed as CODI’s CFO. The Company’s diverse mix of leading middle market businesses and strong future prospects provide an exciting opportunity. I look forward to working closely with Alan and the Board, and preserving the Company’s financial stewardship while investing in high-return organic growth initiatives and pursuing accretive acquisitions for the benefit of our owners.”

“It has been a pleasure serving as the Company’s CFO over the past eight years and I would like to thank the entire CODI family for providing a highly rewarding experience, both personally and professionally,” said Mr. Bottiglieri. “The Company has built an impressive track record delivering strong returns on behalf of its owners by maintaining a disciplined approach to acquiring niche market leaders, and remains well positioned for future success. Ryan is an excellent choice to lead CODI’s finance department and I look forward to supporting him throughout this transition period.”

About Compass Diversified Holdings (“CODI”)

CODI owns and manages a diverse family of established North American middle market businesses. Each of its eight current subsidiaries is a leader in their niche market.

CODI maintains controlling ownership interests in each of its subsidiaries in order to maximize its ability to impact long term cash flow generation and value. The Company provides both debt and equity capital for its subsidiaries, contributing to their financial and operating flexibility. CODI utilizes the cash flows generated by its subsidiaries to invest in the long-term growth of the Company and to make cash distributions to its owners.

Our subsidiaries are engaged in the following lines of business:

 

   

The manufacture of quick-turn, prototype and production rigid printed circuit boards ( Advanced Circuits , www.advancedcircuits.com );

 

   

The design and manufacture of promotionally priced upholstered furniture ( American Furniture Manufacturing , www.americanfurn.net );

 

   

The design and manufacture of medical therapeutic support surfaces and other wound treatment devices ( Anodyne Medical Device , also doing business and known as Tridien Medical , www.tridien.com );

 

   

The manufacture of engineered magnetic solutions for a wide range of specialty applications and end-markets ( Arnold Magnetic Technologies , www.arnoldmagnetics.com );


   

The design and manufacture of personal hydration products for outdoor, recreation and military use ( CamelBak Products , www.camelbak.com );

 

   

The design and marketing of wearable baby carriers, strollers and related products ( ERGObaby , www.ergobaby.com );

 

   

The design, manufacture and marketing of premium suspension products for mountain bikes and powered off-road vehicles ( FOX , www.ridefox.com );

 

   

The design and manufacture of premium home and gun safes ( Liberty Safe , www.libertysafe.com ).

To find out more about Compass Diversified Holdings, please visit www.compassdiversifiedholdings.com .

This press release may contain certain forward-looking statements, including statements with regard to the future performance of the Company. Words such as “believes,” “expects,” “projects,” and “future” or similar expressions, are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are subject to the inherent uncertainties in predicting future results and conditions. Certain factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected in these forward-looking statements, and some of these factors are enumerated in the risk factor discussion in the Form 10-K filed by CODI with the Securities and Exchange Commission for the year ended December 31, 2012 and other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. CODI undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

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